Interview with Pauline Reese in Copperas Cove, TX, 2010

© 2010 / Bruno Michel; Fotos Bruno Michel

Yes, they’re still around, the enthusiasts who put together a first edition of a festival these days.

This happened just four miles away from our front door in the Ogletree Gap Park of the City of Copperas Cove. The C.H.A.M.P.S. organization and the Chamber of Commerce joined forces with the local big valley agency to put this event together. This first did not lack well known artists of the Texas Music Community. There were Award Winners and Nominees well known in the business. However, it may have lacked some audience though.

The promotion for the event was hard to find. I've spoken to several people in our area after the show and all of them were like:

"Oh, really. If we had known that there was such a thing going on we would have been there". Only because we’re members of the Chamber of Commerce we knew what was going on. Nine different acts were hitting the stage as of 9am for the next twelve hours. Great Texas Music from Acoustic to Rock and, of course, Country.

A chance for me to interview the recent winner of Female Entertainer of the Year, Pauline Reese (see separate interview). We also wanted to listen to some of the local talents.

And then there was the name of Stephanie Urbina Jones on the lineup, a power lady of whom we only heard the last few songs when we were recently in Luckenbach. So here was the opportunity to enjoy a full concert with her.

Finally, Pat Waters, the traditionalist from North Texas hit the stage as the headliner. His show lasted almost two hours and was proof for all to see that Texas Musicians do care a lot for their audience and interact in all possible ways with them. In a few weeks I will also interview Pat to see, where he thinks his career will lead him in the future.

The festival is planned to be extended to two or three days in the coming year. Complete with Cook-Off, Classic Cars and Bikes and much more. Let’s hope that the promoters are successful in transferring their plans into reality. The location is offering all amenities needed for a successful festival. See you in 2011.