Musicians and judges involved in Wk 1, Rd. 1 of the Texas Music Showdown.

It’s been going on for several years, this Texas Music Showdown at the White Elephant Saloon in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and this year, in fact Wednesday (Feb. 12), it kicked the new year’s contest off in  style befitting the grandeur of the stately historic saloon.

It was Buffalo Ruckus, The Cody Joe Hodges Band, and The LDJ Band who took the stage, one at a time of course, by storm. They each were given one full song as a sound check, then three original songs and one cover as part of their competition.

When the LDJ Band went through its soundcheck song, they set the stage with high energy, professionalism in delivery, and personal charm that both of the following bands were challenged to meet. And Buffalo Ruckus and the Cody Joe Hodges band members each met the challenge, in strong force.

Judges were Brett Dillon, KHYI personality and coordinator for the White Elephant Saloon; Darryl Lee Rush, singer/songwriter; and Frank Jackson, Smith Music Group. They had a hard decision to make, but announced at the end they determined that it would be Buffalo Ruckus moving on into Round Two.

There are a total of 12 bands in Round One, and next week (Feb. 19) the bands are The Twisted Pistols, Random Rhodes, and Keeper of the Plains. Week 3 consists of Cole Allen, Koe Wetzel & The Konvicts, and Travis Bolt & Co. vying for the trailer-full of prizes; and Week 4 brings Kyle Stallings Band, Big Joe Walker, and the Molotov Dogs together at the White Elephant.

Round Two consists of two weeks, two bands each week; and two of those will compete for the grand prize. We’ll keep you posted.

For Cody Joe Hodges Band pix, click here

For Buffalo Ruckus Band pix, click here

For the LDJ Band pix, click here

For a few other pix, click here