BRADY, Texas — The 32nd Annual Heart of Texas Country Music Festival in Brady is kicking off the event a little different than most after death of friend of the festival and Texas country music legend Johnny Bush in November.
The first night of the event, March 19, will be a tribute to the late artist. The headliner will be a group of former members of Bush's Band, including former front man and bass player Justin Trevino.
"It's bitter sweet because I wish Johnny was here. It's bitter sweet. We just lost John back in November and this was going to be their date. It was going to be Johnny Bush and the Bandeloros. We basically kept the same band, which is the most recent incarnation of The Bandeloros, not counting myself. I'm going to resume my old position as bass player. There's going to be a few other singers also, but we're all going to be playing Johnny Bush music on Friday night," Trevino said.
The music festival will run from March 19-27 in Brady. All dances are BYOB. The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum offers concessions at each event.
Concho Valley Transit will provide free shuttle service throughout Brady for all functions through the week.
Schedule of events:
Friday, March 19
Brady Civic Center
8 p.m. - Johnny Bush Tribute Band with Justin Trevino, Dallas Wayne, Rance Norton, Tony Booth, featuring former members of Johnny Bush's Bandelero Band.
Saturday, March 20
Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
10 a.m. - Tommy Horton
Brady Civic Center
2 p.m. - Heart of Texas Concert featuring Moe Bandy, Darrell McCall, Tony Booth, Heather Myles, Mary Lou Turner, Mona McCall, Rance Norton, Landon Dodd, Myra Rolen, Kaye Tolson and Frankie Miller
8 p.m. - Heart of Texas Dance featuring Moe Bandy, Darrell McCall, Tony Booth, Heather Myles, Mary Lou Turner, Mona McCall, Rance Norton, Landon Dodd, Myra Rolen, Kaye Tolson and Frankie Miller
Sunday, March 21
Heart of Texas Event Center
3 p.m. - Norma Jean's Cowboy Church Show with Special Guests Mary Lou Turner, Kaye Tolson and Tommy Horton
Monday, March 22
Heart of Texas Event Center
7 p.m. - Kelly Spinks and Miles of Texas
Tuesday, March 23
Heart of Texas Event Center
7 p.m. - The Justin Trevino Band
Wednesday, March 24
Heart of Texas Events Center
Noon - Heart of Texas Steel Guitar Show
Brady Civic Center
7 p.m. - Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys with Jeff Woolsey and the Dance Hall Kings
Thursday, March 25
Brady Civic Center
Noon - Heart of Texas Jam featuring The Kenastons
8 p.m. - Jake Hooker & the Outsiders and Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday, March 26
Brady Civic Center
9 a.m. - Darrell McCall & Friends Golf Tournament
8 p.m. - T.G. Sheppard and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Band with Tony Booth
Saturday, March 27
Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
10 a.m. - Tommy Horton
11:30 a.m. - Jeannie C. Riley Meet & Greet
Brady Civic Center
2 p.m. - Heart of Texas Concert featuring Johnny Rodriguez, Darrell McCall, Tony Booth, Amber Digby, Heather Myles, Landon Dodd, Tayla Lynn, Dottsy, Chuck Hancock
8 p.m. - Heart of Texas Dance featuring Johnny Rodriguez, Darrell McCall, Tony Booth, Amber Digby, Heather Myles, Landon Dodd, Tayla Lynn, Dottsy, Chuck Hancock
For more information or ticket prices, visit the Heart of Texas Country Music Association website at www.hillbillyhits.com.