For 14 years now, KHYI-95.3 FM The Range has hosted a yearly celebration known as the Texas Music Revolution. And, this year, as has been the case for the last 12 years, the party will be held at the legendary Southfork Ranch. Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect to the independently owned country and Americana station's showcase is that the crowd will be on hand to whoop and holler for a collection of local and regional acts alike—instead of the Clear Channel-fueled one-hit wonders that typically pollute radio-sponsored festival stages.
Dallas area country heroes such as Somebody's Darling, Merrol Ray and John David Kent are featured on the all-day bill. Also starring are some favorites that have found the metroplex to be rather welcoming: The greasy roadhouse rock of Brandon Jenkins will stand shoulder to shoulder with the poetic styling of arguably this state's most respected songwriter, Walt Wilkins.
The sets that will likely produce the shortest beer lines of the day, however, will be those of the Band of Heathens and Hayes Carll. Both acts started by playing on the smallest of stages in the Lone Star State and have become marquee names throughout the country's Americana circuit, thanks to each of their last two stellar releases.
Oh, by the way, the enigmatic and fantastically bearded Leon Russell from Oklahoma is closing out the festival. See? Even the headliner of this revolution is from this neck of the woods.
—Kelly Dearmore
