Waco-native Wade Bowen plays a lot of Texas country festivals, but for his own fest, he has always done things differently. For its 20th edition, the Bowen MusicFest has announced not only a new location, but an intriguing, eclectic lineup that's anything but a typical fest featuring the usual suspects of the Texas country and red dirt music scenes.
For those of us living in D-FW, June 3 will be a fine day to make the 90-minute trip south.
Lone Star radio titans Aaron Watson and Josh Abbott will be on hand, so the day isn't void of Texas talent. But from there, things take a refreshingly unpredictable turn. Arkansas-native Joe Nichols brings his 14 Top Ten Country hits, including the modern classic from 2002 "Brokenheartsville" to the festival, along with one of the hottest country acts in the world these days: Midland.
The Instagram-ready trio has racked up award nominations and radio hits over the past year, as they've also sparked debate, especially here in Texas, about what image and so-called "authenticity" play in today's radio landscape. What shouldn't be up for debate, however, is that a tune such as the band's first chart-topper "Drinkin' Problem" is a certified FM gold country jam.
Oh, and masters of '80s rock radio, REO Speedwagon are headlining the whole shebang. How's that for a country curveball? Classic cuts including "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling" have been ubiquitous for decades and are the kinds of songs you can pump your fists and holler to, or hold that special someone close to. Either work.
As always, the proceeds will benefit the Bowen Family Foundation, which steers its funds towards a number of worthy causes in the Waco area for families and children. And for the first time, the festival will be held at Baylor University's Touchdown Alley, which is the site of Baylor's former football stadium next to McLane Stadium.
Tickets are $25 and go on sale on Monday, March 19. See bowenfamilyfoundation.org for information.
