SALUTE TO TEXAS MUSIC

When people hear the phrase “Texas music,” they think of country/western. But the musical heritage of the Lone Star State extends far beyond Willie Nelson. Texas musicians have made major contributions to rock ’n’ roll, blues, folk, gospel and big-band jazz. To celebrate the variety and abundance of musical talent in Texas-today and in the past-Gov. Mark White has designated June as Texas Music Month.

In 1983, Mayor Starke Taylor declared June Texas Music Month in Dallas, although the declaration was not statewide. This year, the month-long festival sponsored by the Texas Music Association (TMA) will kick off with a ceremony at the historic Ambassador Park Hotel at 1312 S. Ervay, which the governor is expected to attend. The ceremony will be followed by a concert in Old City Park across the street from the hotel. Smokey Montgomery and the Light Crust Doughboys will perform.

Other proposed events include a street dance on Lower Greenville Avenue, noontime concerts at the Dallas Public Library, a sunset folk music concert and picnic at the NorthPark Presbyterian Church (9009 N. Central Ex-pwy.) and a blues jam session featuring Bugs Henderson.

Phil York, an avid Texas music fan and a TMA member, will host a 24-hour Texas Music Marathon June 23 on KNON (92.9FM).

That same day, the Dallas Communication Complex, with assistance from TMA, will present a music video seminar in Las Colinas. Professionals from across the country, including the programming director and vice president of Music Television (MTV) and independent video producer Michael Nesbith are expected to attend.