DANVILLE — Little Texas will take the stage at the 2011 Danville-Howard Turkey Festival on Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m.
The band started in Nashville, Tenn., by a handful of guys in their early 20s who were willing to do just about anything to bring their brand of rockin’ country to the forefront of the music industry. Before hitting the big time, the band crisscrossed America for three long years, playing every bar and honky-tonk from Myrtle Beach, S.C., to Los Angeles, Calif., all the while writing songs that were destined to change the sound of modern country and perfecting a stage show that has been critically acclaimed worldwide.
Known as “the hardest-working band in country music,” it was not uncommon for the band to play more than 300 shows a year without a bus, without a driver, without tour support from a label. They simply made it on their own and that seasoning is evident even today.
Their first radio release, “Some Guys Have All The Love,” became a top 10 hit, as did their next single, “First Time For Everything.” After the album “First Time For Everything” was released, five singles reached the top of the charts. The second album, “Big Time,” truly was the big time for Little Texas. The sophomore release, which has sold more than three million copies to date, spawned three No. 1 singles — “What Might Have Been,” “God Blessed Texas” and “My Love” — and captured the group’s first CMT Award, a Billboard award, a Radio & Records award and a Grammy nod.
After the self-titled Little Texas album was released, the players needed a break following years of performing a relentless concert schedule. Thus, at the end of that year, each member went his separate way, opting to spend time with family and friends and work on individual projects.
Today, though, Little Texas is back. The multi-platinum band’s four original members — Duane Propes (bassist-vocalist), Porter Howell (lead vocals and lead guitar), Dwayne O’Brien (vocals and rhythm guitars) and Del Gray (drums) — have rebuilt the franchise with a completely new sound. With two recent albums under their collective musical belt, they couldn’t be happier to be back on tour and bringing fans what they do best.
In summer 2007, Little Texas returned to the airwaves, country charts and music video playlists with an album titled “Missing Years.” The band broke the rules yet again, choosing to unleash two new albums within the same month, including the band’s LIVE album, “The Very Best of Little Texas: Live & Loud,” released on May 15, 2007.
This is a free concert. Reserved seating for the Little Texas performance is also available. The reserved area is preferred, up close seating, available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a cost per seat. Tickets are available at the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 107 S. Main St., Mount Vernon, by phone at 392-6102. Advanced purchase is required for reserved seating.
Highlights of this year’s festival will include performances by a wide variety of musicians and performers including Little Texas, Mad Gathering, and Kevin Oliver — A Tribute to Johnny Cash. The festival also features rides, food, crafts, games, the Little Miss/Mr. Turkey Contest, a 5K Turkey Trot, car and truck show, traditional and Amish auctions and the Turkey Festival Parade.
The 2011 Turkey Festival runs June 16 through 18. For additional information, call 392-6102 or e-mail scrow@VisitKnoxOhio.org.
Additional information on the festival can be found on the web at TurkeyFestival.info.
