2023 Thurs. Oct. 12th
7pm Don't be late But bee quiet!
21st Annual Buddy Holly ACL Kickoff
Dear Friends -
It’s that time of the year again - please join us in raising awareness of the work of The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation in building Buddy’s legacy through promoting musical education for young people and the work of the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association recognizing Texan songwriter’s contribution to our national arts culture while also promoting musical education through its sibling non-profit Texas Songwriter U program, as well as raising funds for these worthy 501(c)(3) charities at our Annual Buddy Holly ACL Festival Kickoff Party.
Please sign in when you arrive.
7:00 PM - Bruce Smith
No performer has graced the Safe House stage for more ferocious performances than Bruce Smith because he wails at a fever pitch, brings it all down to a whisper and rocks all the spaces in between, always maintaining intensity and integrity. The Austin Chronicle writes, "Austin's Bruce Smith Band impresses, ...his songs bring together a wide-screen view that defies his youth." Bryan Beck of KGSR Austin says Bruce Smith is a "great singer/songwriter" and Austin agent extraordinaire David Cotton observes that "Bruce Smith is the fastest rising star at the Saxon Pub since Los Lonely Boys.” His last album, “1000 Horses,” was released to excellent reviews, and his monumental “59 Stratocaster” - a Buddy Holly tribute tune - is destined for some film scores. https://brucesmithband.com/
8:30 PM - Ruby Dice
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ruby Dice has been steadily gaining attention for her genre-blending electrifying sound incorporating elements of soul, blues, and pop into her music. Ruby Dice’s music is a fusion of soulful melodies and rock‘n’ roll energy, creating a captivating and dynamic musical experience for listeners. With each release, she showcases her versatility as an artist and her ability to seamlessly blend genres, resulting in a fresh and invigorating sound that sets her apart in the music industry. www.rubydice.com
9:30 PM - Shaws of Awe
Hailing from the Texas Hill Country, Shaws Of Awe encompass many genres into a unique fusion of Funk, Soul, And Blues that will be sure to leave you “Singin' and a Groovin' All Night Long”! From an amazing cover of Bobby Womack's "Up on 110th Street" to rocking Grateful Dead covers to their very original songwriting, the Shaws of Awe featuring Foundation friend and killer guitarist Johnny Storbeck continue to impress. https://shawsofawe.com/
10:20 PM - Sisi Berry
The music scene at Texas A&M changed as Sisi Berry introduced a soulful, bluesy style of music to mesmerize audiences. Sisi left A&M for Europe, learned the Wine Biz and busked like Foundation Ambassador Ed Sheeran, then returned to ATX to make her way in music. As she says "I love the spirit of RnR. I love the guts it takes to sweat your ass of while belting and I love how it makes people move. More than anything, I think, I love that. You can see them feel it. And that changes the whole show. Been playing in this city, working in this city, and calling it home for many years now. Getting the opportunity to play the ACL festival as an Austin musician gives me insane pride and the deepest gratitude.” SIsi brings more energy than a dozen other musicians to her amazing music, and she will bring it on the 12th! https://voyagehouston.com/interview/meet-torino-black-sisi-berry-saul-arteta/
Best,
Stephen & Becky Easley
Maria Elena Holly
Peter Bradley, Sr.
David Hirshland
Rick French
Laurent Hubert
Phil Sandhaus
The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation (www.tbhef.org)
Joe Ables
Jason Guest
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association
Texas Songwriter U (www.texasheritagesongwriters.com/)
Rick French
Patrick Shanahan
French/West/Vaughan & Prix Productions (fwv-us.com)
Stephen Easley
Richard Perna
Lars Halvor Jensen
TOG Music Publishing/SR&RS/DeeKay Music (www.deekaymusic.com)
Becky Easley
Courtney Kamlet
Stephen Easley
AllMojo Management (www.allmojomgt.com)
Thank you to our collaborators, check out their sites:
WATCH PAST EVENTS hosted by Firecrest