Tag Archives: Ray Wylie Hubbard

Joshua Wallace’s Top 50 Albums of 2020

By Joshua Wallace

By all measures, 2020 was an insane year, however it was an amazing year for country music releases.  I could have made a Top 100 list this year, but I stuck with tradition and did a Top 50.  With that in mind, some of your favorites might be left off here.  Don’t fret, they’re still good albums, it’s just that there were a ton of good releases this year.  It seemed like every band was releasing their best work even when they weren’t able to fully tour on it.  I could make a case for every record in my Top 10 to be my album of the year, however I went with American Aquarium’s Lamentations.  Lamentations was my most anticipated album going into 2020 and it’s still my favorite album here in December.  It’s no secret that American Aquarium is one of my favorite bands and when they release an album this good, it’s going to be hard to top.  I’ll give my thoughts on each of the Top 20 and provide links to listen to the rest of the list.  I encourage you to check out every record on this list as you might just find something new and that is my biggest goal in doing all of this.

 

**ALBUM OF THE YEAR** 01.  American Aquarium – Lamentations  **ALBUM OF THE YEAR**

When American Aquarium announced late 2019 that they were going into the studio with Shooter Jennings producing, I knew this album would be something special.  I just didn’t know how special it would turn out to be.  Songs like “The Long Haul”, “Starts With You”, “A Better South” and even the tear jerker “Six Years Come September” helped define my 2020.  It is worth noting here that their last album which was 2018’s Things Change was my favorite record of that year too.  I can only imagine that the next album they release will either top or come close to the top of this list in that year.  This band is very consistent in that they keep getting better with every release.  I can’t wait to hear what is next.

 

  1. Chris Stapleton – Starting Over

Chris Stapleton has quite possibly the best voice in modern country music.  This album further solidifies that with performances like “Cold”, “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice”, “Watch You Burn” and more.  This whole record is great top to bottom and it came very close to being my number one album of the year.  It features Stapleton’s signature mix of rock, blues and country anchored by his amazing guitar playing throughout.  This record features guests like former Heartbreaker Mike Campbell and the amazing pedal steel player Paul Franklin.  I highly recommend giving this album a good listen as Chris Stapleton is 4 records in and only shows signs of getting better.

 

  1. Charley Crockett – Welcome To Hard Times

There was a period this year where this album was slated as my #1 record of 2020.  It’s that good.  Charley Crockett put out the best record of his career with Welcome To Hard Times and it hit all the right buttons with the psychedelic bend to it’s sound and a neo-western theme.  The title track is one of my favorite jams of the year and I still love that piano riff that opens it.  Check out “Welcome To Hard Times”, “Run Horse Run” and “The Man That Time Forgot”.

 

  1. Muscadine Bloodline – Burn It At Both Ends

I have been a fan of Muscadine Bloodline since “WD40” was making the rounds as a single a few years ago.  This highly anticipated debut full length album delivers on all of the promise the band showed early on and then some.  As for their sound, they kind of straddle the line of being polished for country radio and rough around the edges for the independent country crowd.  It also helps to feature the likes of BJ Barham, Brent Cobb and Adam Hood on your debut record to give you a bit of a boost.  Check out “Ain’t Just A Van”, “Good Chunk Of Change”, “After Midnight” and “Drunk Tattoo” for a few choice cuts from this one.

 

  1. Mike and The Moonpies – Touch Of You : The Lost Songs Of Gary Stewart

Mike and The Moonpies have released another great album with this collection of lost Gary Stewart songs.  While you won’t get a cover of “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinking Doubles)” on this set, you will get some awesome Gary Stewart tunes that have never been recorded before.  You can hear Gary Stewart’s influence on Mike and The Moonpies music and when you do, you will know that they were the perfect band for a project such as this. The band worked closely with Stewart’s daughter, Shannon Stewart, and his best friend Tommy Schwartz to compile the tracks for this project. The finished product is a great Moonpies album that slides in at number five in our countdown.

 

  1. Sturgill Simpson – Cuttin’ Grass – Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions) & Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 2 (The Cowboy Arms Sessions)

   

I told you this was an insane year.  We got not one, but two great Sturgill Simpson albums this year.  I’m lumping them together here because they’re essentially one long piece split into two.  Sturgill promised fans that if they hit a certain goal on a charity drive he was doing that he would cut 2 albums this year.  He came through with two sets of bluegrass versions of practically every song in his solo catalog.  The only things missing are the covers from each album and “It Ain’t All Flowers”.  He also threw in some Sunday Valley tunes and a new song he wrote with the late Merle Haggard titled “Hobo Cartoon”.  I highly recommend giving these records a spin as a lot of these aren’t just re-recordings in a different genre.  There are some new arrangements of old favorites here that I think anyone would enjoy.

 

  1. Ward Davis – Black Cats And Crows

Ward Davis has finally given us the follow up to 15 Years In A 10 Year Town and it was well worth the wait.  This is a darker collection of songs with lots of heavy guitars setting the mood throughout.  There are a couple of murder ballads on this record that I highly recommend.  We also get Ward Davis’s version of Colorado a couple of years after Cody Jinks released his version on the album Lifers.  Give this album a listen and you won’t be disappointed.

 

  1. Colter Wall – Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

Colter Wall is finally giving us a full band western swing record and I am here for this.  From amazing covers like “Big Iron” to originals like “Henry and Sam”, this record is all killer from top to bottom.  This record puts Colter Wall up there with some of the premier western acts going today.  Check it out.


 

  1. Ashley McBryde – Never Will

Ashley McBryde is back with her second major label album and another major hit with “One Night Standards”.  This album is full of great songs and I highly recommend the murder ballad “Martha Divine”.  Throw in some traditional country cuts like “First Thing I Reach For”, “Sparrow” and “Velvet Red” and you have one amazing album.  I can’t wait to hear what is coming next.


 

  1. Zach Bryan – Quiet, Heavy Dreams EP

I initially had Zach Bryan’s Elizabeth record in this spot, but this EP is Zach Bryan’s first professionally recorded music and I had to include it here.  With songs like “Birmingham”, “Crooked Teeth” and “November Air”, Zach Bryan is certainly going to be around for a long time.  I hope to be able to see him live sometime in the near future, and with albums like this, I have no doubt he’ll be able to tour widely once it is safe to do so again.


 

  1. Joshua Ray Walker – Glad You Made It

Joshua Ray Walker’s sophomore record Glad You Made it improves on the working formula he created with 2019’s Wish You Were Here.  Songs like “Voices” show off his incredible vocal range while deeper tracks like “D.B. Cooper” show a bit of experimentation with the soundscape Joshua Ray Walker is using on this record.  Give it a listen and see why it’s in at number 11 on this list.


 

  1. Hailey Whitters – The Dream

Hailey Whitters album The Dream took a bit to grow on me, honestly.  But it grew on me and I came to really enjoy a few tracks from this record.  Check out “Janice At The Hotel Bar”, “Loose Strings”, her version of Stapleton’s “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice” and her version of “Happy People” which was also recorded by co-writer Lori McKenna on her 2018 album The Tree.  This record is a fun album that deserves to be heard by more people.  I hope I get the chance to see her live very soon.


 

  1. Brent Cobb – Keep ‘Em On They Toes

Brent Cobb has released another great album in Keep ‘Em On They Toes.  I really love the title track and it quickly became one of my feel good favorites of 2020.  Other highlights include the timely “The World Is Ending”, “Soapbox w/ Nikki Lane” and “Good Times and Good Love”.  This album is a nice change in pace back to the slower country and folk songs of 2016’s Shine On Rainy Day.


 

  1. Kyle Nix – Lightning On The Mountain & Other Short Stories

While this year was rough for fans of Turnpike Troubadours, we got a bit of a reprieve in the form of a Kyle Nix solo album.  I had a feeling this one would be special from the moment it was announced and I was right.  Some favorites include “Graves”, “Shelby 65”, “If Ruby Ain’t Happy” and “Lightning On The Mountain”.  This album is highlighted by some great fiddle playing and good songwriting.  I really hope Kyle Nix gets to tour on this one soon as I would love to see these songs live.


 

  1. The Panhandlers – The Panhandlers

When I first heard about this super group of Texas Country talents, I knew we had something special coming.  All four of these men are great with their own bands, but together they are a force to be reckoned with.  “West Texas In My Eye” and “This Is My Life” are two highlights on this one for me.  Give this one a listen if you haven’t, you won’t be disappointed.


 

  1. Parker McCollum – Hollywood Gold EP

Parker McCollum had a strong 2020 with some great single releases leading up to this EP.  “Pretty Heart” actually got a lot of radio play and I really dig “Like A Cowboy”.  I knew Parker McCollum was one to watch after 2017’s strong Probably Wrong LP.  This EP is so good and it solidifies my opinion that he is destined for bigger things.  Be on the lookout for his next full length as I belive that one will go places.


 

  1. Josh Abbott Band – The Highway Kind

I have been a fan of Josh Abbott Band since 2012’s Small Town Family Dream album and it has been a fun ride watching this band grow.  They get better with every release and The Highway Kind is no different.  Highlights include the title track, “Settle Me Down”, “24-7-365” and “Real Damn Good”.  Give it a listen.


 

  1. Aubrie Sellers – Far From Home

While I wasn’t as much of a fan of Aubrie Sellers’s 2016 record New City Blues, this album blew me away.  I dig the mixing of grungy garage rock and country music and it works here.  Check out favorites like “Glad”, “Troublemaker”, “My Love Will Not Change w/ Steve Earle” and the title track.


 

  1. Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen – Hold My Beer, Vol. 2

With Hold My Beer, Vol. 2, Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen have put together two amazing country duo albums.  This record is full of solid country gold.  I love the comedy of “Rodeo Clown” and we finally get a title track for this collection with “Hold My Beer”.  Also check out “Mi Amigo” with Asleep At The Wheel and “Speak To Me Jukebox” for more highlights.

 

  1. David Adam Byrnes – Neon Town

This record from David Adam Byrnes was one of those unexpected gems that you hear about and when you finally get around to listening to, it blows you away.  Neon Town is just good Texas country and I can’t wait yi hear what is next.


 

  1. Corb Lund – Agricultural Tragic

 


 

  1. Waylon Payne – Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me

 


 

  1. Bella White – Just Like Leaving

 


 

  1. Jaime Wyatt – Neon Cross

 


 

  1. Scott H. Biram – Fever Dreams

 


 

  1. Jessi Alexander – Decatur County Red

 


 

  1. Brennen Leigh – Prairie Love Letter

 


 

  1. Lori McKenna – The Balladeer


 

  1. The Wilder Blue – Hill Country


 

  1. Tennessee Jet – The Country


 

  1. Elizabeth Cook – The Aftermath


 

  1. Margo Price – That’s How Rumors Get Started

 

  1. Ray Wylie Hubbard – Co-Starring


 

  1. Dalton Domino – Feverdreamer


 

  1. Zephania Ohora – Listening to the Music


 

  1. Marcus King – El Dorado


 

  1. Sunny Sweeney – Recorded Live at the Machine Shop Recording Studio


 

  1. Brandy Clark – Your Life Is A Record


 

  1. Chase Crawford – The Neon Lights Go On Forever EP


 

  1. Arlo McKinley – Die Midwestern


 

  1. Jesse Daniel – Rollin’ On


 

  1. Rachel Brooke – The Loneliness In Me


 

  1. Caleb Caudle – Better Hurry Up


 

  1. Kyle Keller – All It Does Is Rain


 

  1. Lilly Hiatt – Walking Proof


 

  1. John Baumann – Country Shade


 

  1. Daniel Donato – A Young Man’s Country


 

  1. S.G. Goodman – Old Time Feeling


 

  1. Kody West – Overgrown


 

  1. Katie Pruitt – Expectations


 

The Grand Ole Opry is FINALLY Listening To Us!

Ashley McBryde

The time is coming folks when the Opry FINALLY “Gets It”. I knew this was going to culminate one day! I’m not sure if it’s the new manager that is a TRUE lover of real music or that they are looking for a more diverse crowd? This article here has been culminating in my brain for the last year now, because our music…our beloved “underground” music is FINALLY taking shape up top with mainstream music.

I’m not really sure if the Opry “watches” what the Ryman does, but if Mr. Cody Jinks, Mr. Tyler Childers and Miss Margo Price are any indicators, then I’d say YES THEY DO. Because all of those three have recently SOLD OUT THE RYMAN, and some of them in record time.

You have had several Country Legends like Vince Gill and Reba McEntire previously state that they wished the bro country shit would come ti a close and that the rap country would follow out the door. Well, it pretty much has and many of the prominent figures of the 1990’s have resurfaced and are making quality NEW music, but the problem is that people over 50 that enjoyed it in the 90’s aren’t buying it.

Let me tell you WHO IS. This new demographic of 20-40 year old music fans that grew up listening to the Outlaw Era music FROM the 50 and up people who won’t spend money on music. Pop Country is specifically targeted to women ages 14-25 and soccer moms up to 35 ( there ARE some exceptions to those that like the music that isn’t Pop Country), but now many of those females are coming over to the other side of the Country fence.

Now, mind you that the Opry WILL ALWAYS pander to ALL GENRES of Country and by all means that is GREAT. Because you get a 4 hour show for a GREAT PRICE, and you get a little bit of everything for everyone. But these younger people that are digging up the real Country are becoming very erudite about it. Whether it be word of mouth on social media, or rabbit hole time on Youtube or Spotify, they ARE finding it.

The Opry is picking up on this, and cashing in on it all by offering us all we want. And I’m hoping that very soon they start functioning as the Grand institution they once were. In the past, as far as members go they made some pretty mundane choices, and many of those fools won’t honor what it means to BE A MEMBER.

But then as of January of 2019, things began to change and now I’m seeing a positive, new echelon of shows and invitations of guests. Is this a result of the new manager? In my opinion I’d say YES IT IS. I think being a woman she is making better choices of some of the artists out there busting their backsides to gain the attention in the mainstream world…and it’s becoming easier every day.

From Cody Jinks Instagram account.

On August 28th Underground Country Music sensation Mr. Cody Jinks made his Opry debut with 3 songs, to where after the first song he paused and said “I’m not going to lie to y’all, I’m pretty scared right now”. He played three songs, and right now along with Whiskey Myers and Mr. Chris Knight they are PISSING ALL OVER CORPORATE NASHVILLE ( hell some of them are based out of New York and California). It’s TRUE that these “DIY” artists are doing it THEIR WAY and mainstream radio is losing, and so are the artists that mainstream radio pushes down our throat on a daily basis. Radio used to be a very viable way of gathering an audience, but it’s not anymore and I couldn’t be happier.

One of the most prominent artists in this formula that has set many standards as an independent female artist is my friend Miss Sunny Sweeney. Her music is just a soulful and beautiful as she is, and she embellishes Country Music with her songs in a fashion only she ever could.

NOBODY deserves to be an Opry member more than her right now, having over 50 appearances under her belt, she has identified as one of the “Grand ladies of the Opry” like Miss Jan Howard and Jeannie Seeley are now. I mean don’t you all agree that ladies like her and Miss Kelsey Waldon would be sufficient additions of a new group of younger ladies that would carry on that tradition left behind by Miss Jean Shepherd BUT STILL allow and even proliferate those still alive like Miss Jan Howard?

I want EVERY ONE OF YOU To contact the Opry in any way you can and tell them that we MUST make Miss Sunny Sweeney a member!  And you can damn sure bet I’ll be there in attendance to cover that news when it does happen!

A few years back Miss Kelsey Waldon made her debut on the Opry and I recently had the opportunity to catch her set at Kickin It on The Creek in Irvine Kentucky, which I’m still writing about now. She recently released a new album on Mr. John Prine’s label Oh Boy Records, and will grace many a TOP 50 lists of 2019.

In my opinion she would equally be a good candidate for future performances on the Opry, along with the Pistol Annies, and SO MANY other younger female artists that are out right now, and outperforming the males in my opinion. I recently started writing my Americanafest articles and BY ALL MEANS I enjoyed the gals more than the guys there, I don’t know maybe it’s just what I LIKE more, and I’m not meaning this in a physical manner, their songs just speak to me MORE as a person.

Childers Opry

Mr. Tyler Childers has played the Opry twice now, since his rise to fame in the underground music realm but it has gotten so large and amassed so much notoriety, one simply cannot argue with his success. The sales and attendance of the Opry when this man takes the stage means that he deserves to play on a regular basis.

I’m not trying to say that all of these artists deserve to walk in the door and become members in ANY fashion people. In now way do I sit here and write this and boast that they should be inducted without a plethora of performances under their belt on the stage…I’m just saying that the Opry has the right idea.

Joe Diffie, Clint Black, John Anderson, Terri Clark, man there are SO MANY great artists out there that play the Opry frequently, and are a hell of a lot better choices than the crap emanating from the FM radio speakers now. There have been a few recent good choices for good members with such names as miss Crystal Gayle and Mr. Luke Combs.

I’ll be completely honest here folks, I don’t like the music that Mr. Luke Combs does at all. It just doesn’t speak to me in any fashion, but I’ll be honest it’s probably some of the best mainstream music out there. In a nutshell, this man’s  music could easily lead others to more underground music.

 

Music festivals 2018: Larry Joe Taylor Festival

Larry Joe Taylor Festival or LJT is one of the state of Texas’ most revered and beloved festivals within the Red Dirt community and the state of Texas. It’s been a staple feature of my festival series for some time now, with more focus on this scene as my website grows into what I’m doing for the community all over America.

I cover 175 festivals yearly and on the right hand side there is my guide you can hit the names and it will take you to their links for the festivals, I update them when the festival happens or just I put up the advance article for them. This is one of my first years writing an info article about this festival for them. This article will have my usual information about them (as you know I cover 175 yearly festivals), including maps, videos and ticket links.
This festival is one of the larger ones I cover with many options available please click HERE for ticket information.




Texas Music Festival Camping Information

~ HOW DO I GET A CAMPSITE ~
CLICK MAP TO ENL ARGE

-PLEASE READ-
Anyone trying to upgrade or acquire more sites to a previous reservation must call our office at (254) 968-8505 or (254) 968-6204 to make reservations.Online purchases – Once the order has been placed our office staff will assign you a campsite based on the criteria you provided in the purchased. The campsite assigned will be the best site available at the time of your purchase. You will receive an email within 24 hours with the assigned site.*All Camping Reservations Are Final And Non-Refundable*
All Camping decals purchases after April 2nd will be held at Will Call at the camping gate under the original purchasers name.

CAMPING PRICES
*Only one vehicle allowed per campsite*
Type of Campsite Advance Price Gate Upgrade
Price
Electric and Water
(3 night minimum)
Section D
sites are 28′ x 35′		 50 AMP $65.00
30 AMP $58.00
per day		 50 AMP $70.00
30 AMP $63.00
per day
Electric and Water
30 AMP (3 night minimum)
Section E
sites are 25′ x 35′		 $52.00
per day		 $57.00
per day
Preferred Camping
(3 night minimum)
Non-electric & Non-water
Preferred Section A, B, C, F
sites are 30′ x 32′
Shiner Group
sites are 25′ x 35′		 $35.00
per day		 $40.00
per day
Reserved Camping
(2 night minimum)
Non-electric & Non-water
Reserved Section A, F, G, H
sites are 30′ x 32′		 $29.00
per day
purchase		 $35.00
per day
Keystone Non-Reserved
(1st come, 1st serve upon arrival)
(2 night minimum)
sites are limited to 30′ x 32′		 $25.00
per day
purchase		 $30.00
per day
More Information Here! $318.00
up to
$727.00
purchase
General Open Camping Reservations
Sign Up for Email Updates

Sign up for Camping and Ticket Updates.


General open camping reservations begin February 5, 2018 @ 10:00 am Central Time

If you DID NOT HAVE a campsite last year, you may reserve site(s) during this period.
Sites not re-reserved will be available at 10:00 am on February 5th, 2018.

Also advance purchase of unmarked, primitive campsites will be available on January 15th, 2018. These sites are not marked and will be available on a first come first serve basis upon arrival.

By reserving these sites you will be guaranteed a camping spot at the festival.

 RESERVE YOUR CAMPSITE FOR 6 DAYS!
 6-Day Ticket holders WITH 6-Day Camping will have the ability to upgrade their
camping to 7-Days at the gate to come in early on Sunday, April 22nd (gates open at 12:00 noon)
NOTE: To reserve a 4, 5 or 6-Day campsite you must purchase a 4, 5 or 6-day ticket.
*Only one vehicle allowed per campsite*
 *All Camping Reservations Are Final And Non-Refundable*
Every campsite must be kept clean – any campsite found to be left unclean will result in a $30 charge applied to the purchaser’s credit card. It is the original purchasers responsibility to make sure campsites have been picked up and cleaned upon leaving the festival grounds. No household furniture or large items may be left behind. Please have all trash bagged and ready for pick up upon leaving the festival grounds.
There will be a FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE to and from the festival Wednesday through Sunday (donations accepted). Call Donnie Hill at (254) 300-7558 to schedule a ride.
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friday: Will start picking up at 12:00 pm and run around the clock thru 6:00 am Sunday morning.
You can call the day you need the ride but it helps if you call 24 hours in advance. You can bring your coolers on the van but NO open containers allowed.
~NEW~ All drop-offs and pick-ups will now be in the parking lot.
(a much closer walk to and from the stage)
Provided by Jesus Crew Ministry, BSM and Anytime Fitness
Need to Rent an RV?
 

3500 S Central Expy
McKinney, TX 75070
Local: (972) 562-1900
Reservations: (800) 367-6507
Fax: (972) 562-3990

CLICK HERE to view
El Monte RV pricing & packages!

CLICK HERE to view
El Monte RV Campsites!

  

5100 Airport Freeway
Ft. Worth, TX 76117
Phone: (817) 834-7141
Other Campsite Information
Dogs allowed on leash in campground, however NO DOGS ALLOWED in concert areas
Water & Electric Sites
These sites each have water and a 30 amp electrical plug (please make sure you have the appropriate adapter for a 30 amp receptacle) All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 days.
Shiner Group
These sites are a little larger than our normal sites and are located in “Shiner” Section on the map and are easy access to both the Bud Light Stage and the Allsups Stage. These sites will be sold in groups of 7,6,5,3,2 and a few singles will also be available. These sites have been carved out of a wooded area located next to section D & E. These sites have plenty of shade and are in a low traffic part of the ranch campground. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 days.
Preferred Camping Section A, B, C & F
These sites are located at the front of section F on the camping map. Section A rows A thru H, Section B, Section C & Section F sites 11-19 will be within 200 yards of the West Stage and adjacent to the parking area and The Tuesday night Campground Stage. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 days.
Reserved Non-Electric
These sites are marked sites in Section A rows I thru CC & all Tree Line sites, F sites 1-10, G, & H. By reserving these sites you will be guaranteed a marked off campsite in the section you choose. Sites are 32′ X 30′ in dimension. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 2 days.
Keystone Non-Reserved
By reserving a Keystone non-reserved campsite you will be guaranteed a campsite, however these sites are not marked off and the location of your campsite will be on a first come, first serve basis when you arrive. These sites will be located in the Keystone non-reserved camping area only. Please limit these sites to a 30′ X 30′ dimension. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 2 days.
Vehicles
Only one motorized vehicle is allowed per campsite. All other vehicles must park in the designated parking area. Vehicles without a camping decal will not be allowed to enter the campground at any time. Please make sure all camping supplies are in the vehicle that has a camping decal. Motor homes will be allowed to have one additional vehicle, however, the additional vehicle must be attached or directly behind the motor home upon arrival.
Camping Decals
Camping decals will be mailed for each campsite purchased in advance. These decals should be place on the vehicle that will be parked at the campsite. The first set of camping decals will be mailed out at the end of March.
More Information
SHOWERS
We have built a permanent 22 stall shower house to provide the needs of festival-goers. There will be eleven men’s and eleven women’s showers each having a handicap accessible stall available on the camping grounds.

5-Day Shower Pass 4-Day Shower Pass 3-Day Shower Pass Single Shower Pass
$20.00 $17.00 $13.00 $5.00

Shower House Hours:
Open: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closed for cleaning: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Open: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

There are ample porta-jons around the stage area as well as in the camping areas, however, if you would like to reserve a private porta-jon for your campsite please call (254) 968-2191.
Your camping decals will be sent to you in the mail along with your campsite numbers at the end of March.
Place this decal on the upper left windshield of your primary vehicle used for camping before you enter the festival grounds in April.
*Only one vehicle allowed per campsite*
 *All Camping Reservations Are Final And Non-Refundable*
Parking Decal Price & Gate Hours
Parking decals will grant your vehicle admission into the PARKING LOT, these decals WILL NOT give you any kind of of vehicle admission into the CAMPGROUND. These decals should be placed on the vehicle that will be parked in the parking lot. Parking decals are not transferable from one vehicle to another.
After you purchase your parking, You will receive an email within 24 hours with your parking barcode attached as a *pdf file for each decal. You must print and use these files to exchange for a decal to gain parking admission into the festival.
Parking Days Valid For Gate Hours Advance Price
+ Tax		 Gate Price
*Tax Included
6-day parking Monday – April 23rd
Tuesday – April 24th
Wednesday – April 25th
Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Monday – April 23rd
12:00 noon – 10:00 pm		 $25.00
(must have a 6-day ticket)
purchase		 $28.00*
(must have a 6-day ticket)
5-day parking Tuesday – April 24th
Wednesday – April 25th
Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Tuesday – April 24th
12:00 noon – 11:00 pm		 $23.00
(must have a 5-day ticket)
purchase		 $26.00*
(must have a 5-day ticket)
4-day parking Wednesday – April 25th
Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Wednesday – April 25th
9:00 am – 12:00 midnight		 $21.00
purchase		 $24.00*
3-day parking Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Thursday – April 26th
9:00 am – 12:00 midnight		 $18.00
purchase		 $20.00*
2-day parking Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Friday – April 27th
10:00 am – 12:00 midnight		 $13.00
purchase		 $15.00*
1-day parking Saturday – April 28th Saturday – April 28th
10:00 am – 11:00 pm		 $7.00
purchase		 $9.00*
ALL PARKING DECALS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE, NO ADMITTANCE AFTER MIDNIGHT
*Tax Included
Absolutely NO GLASS bottles or containers allowed at Melody Mountain Ranch
Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions
© 1989-2018 Larry Joe Taylor

More information

 

 
LJT UPDATE
It’s almost time for LJT’s 30th Annual Texas Music Festival!  The gates open at noon on Sunday April 22.  T-Birds Garage Pub opens at 2pm . Justin Frazell’s Texas Red Dirt Roads will broadcast live beginning at 3pm. Larry Joe, Deryl Dodd, Mike Ryan and some surprise guests will be performing.  Folks who can only attend this show can park their cars at the front gate and ride a shuttle to and from T-Birds.
Plenty of tickets/camping will be available at the gate. Tickets are also available locally at Signs and Designs and Barefoot Athletics.   For those of you who prefer to stay in local motels we’ve called the following motels and found out they still have rooms available for some or all days of the fest….
La Quinta Inn & Suites (254) 918-2444
Holiday Inn Express (254) 965-8899
Rodeway Inn (254) 965-7162
Super 8 (254) 965-0888
America’s Best Value Inn (254) 968-211Royal Inn (254) 965-3807
Knights Inn (254) 968-5003
Caravan Interstate Inn (254) 965-5043
As always, there will be free rides sponsored by the Jesus Crew Ministry, BSM and Anytime Fitness.  Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 1am. On Friday they will run around the clock beginning at noon thru 6am Sunday morning.  Please call in advance to schedule a ride (254) 300-7558.
In addition Stephenville has a new taxi service, Taxiville.  There number is (254) 434-8998.
We are very excited about #30 and hope to see you there! More details about discounted advance tickets, buying tickets/camping online here.

Folks here is some more quick information here.

 

Ticket update:
  • Last Call to Purchase Discounted Advance e-tickets!  Buy online thru Monday April 23 or call the office at 254-968-8505
  • Tickets available online all thru the festival at gate prices
  • Purchase locally from:
    Barefoot Athletics or Signs & Designs
  • Plenty of tickets available at the gate!
Camping Update:
  • Unlimited non-reserved camping available at the gate


Primitive Camping May be purchased online here.  Reserved sites can be purchased by calling the office at (254) 968-8505 thru Monday April 23.