Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce the expansion of our roster with the addition of Frances Jurek, trumpeter. Frances’ crystal clear sound and attention to detail marks each of her performances, whether as a soloist, in a small ensemble, or in an orchestra. Frances has many years of performance experience, and has both her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Masters Degree in Music. She has studied trumpet with John Harbaugh, Rachel Epley, and Dr. Karl Sievers, among others.

Besides her classical work, Frances also enjoys jazz, having performed around the United States at the University of North Texas Jazz Festival, Wichita Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, and the Festival of the States in Washington, D.C. In addition, Frances performed with the Borealis Brass in Rome, Italy, as part of the Fondazione Adkins Chiti: Donne in Musica. She has achieved success as a private instructor, master class clinician, and performer. In addition to her solo and small ensemble work, Frances is a member of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra. She performs regularly in and around the Greater Houston area.

For a special touch at your next event, why not call on Frances and her trumpet? You’ll be glad you did!

Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce the expansion of our roster with the addition of Cooper Wade, country singer and songwriter. Cooper’s ability to interact with a crowd is a testament to his years of performing in both the classical and popular worlds.

Cooper went to college on a percussion scholarship, earning a Bachelor’s Degree of Music in Percussion with a minor in Piano and Voice. He loves being on stage and is not afraid to incorporate a variety of instruments into his show. His most recent addition is a studio size marimba, which he introduced during a performance of Jimmy Buffet’s smash hit “Margaritaville” at Mo’s Place in Katy, Texas.

Cooper’s shows are high energy and encapsulate music from the more traditional side of country to the Texas music scene to his original compositions. His first-rate band, Unclaimed Freight, is made up of musicians who are capable of playing anything he throws at them, including the occasional rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to the delight of his youngest audience members.

The news just keeps getting sweeter for country singer/songwriter Dixie Trahan. One of six finalists who recently made the ballot for the annual Houston Press Music Awards in the “Country” category, she is living the dream that began when she was a child.

Growing up surrounded by top-notch musicians, Dixie and her family traveled around the United States and Canada, sharing their music with fans from coast to coast. They had a show in Branson, Missouri for a year, and Dixie was featured on several record albums, becoming a seasoned music industry veteran by the age of twenty.

In 2006, Dixie traveled to Nashville to record her self-titled debut album – a charming, yet polished collection of songs that showcase her vocal prowess. Most often compared vocally to Alison Krauss, Dixie has been carving out her own niche in the Texas music scene. She has been interviewed most recently for the Houston Chronicle and OnlyKaty. Besides her amazing voice, Dixie’s friendly, girl-next-door personality captivates everyone she meets.

When asked what her future holds, Dixie replies: “I’d love to have a mega-hit someday, who wouldn’t? But as long as I’m able to do what I love and love what I do, I’m a happy girl!”

To hear samples of Dixie’s music, please click here.

To book Dixie, please visit our contact us page.

To vote for Dixie in the Houston Press Music Awards, please click here.

Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce that Danielle Reich, jazz singer extraordinaire, has joined our family of fine artists. Danielle’s sultry voice is a welcome addition to the Sweetgrass family, extending our roster into the fascinating world of jazz.

Danielle has a degree in classical vocal performance from the University of Florida. This training shows in her performance technique – her phrasing, intonation, and enunciation are impeccable. She has worked with some of the finest jazz musicians in Houston, honing and perfecting her skills as she goes along. She is frequently described as having the “authentic sound of a 1930s and 40s era singer.”

Her songs include favorites made famous by Leonard Cohen (such as “Hallelujah” featuring Danielle with Erin Wright, guitar and Thomas Helton, bass), Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, and other American popular artists. She also loves French music and has incorporated songs by Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf to her set lists, in addition to a smattering of Spanish and Italian songs.

Danielle appears regularly at venues such as the King Biscuit Patio Cafe, Vintropolis Wine Bar, The Tasting Room Uptown Park, and Ouisie’s Table. Her group performs at other venues as well, including community events such as the First Saturday Arts Market. She was one of several Houston musicians featured on the Deborah Duncan show in August of 2008.

To read more about Danielle, please visit her artist page.

Now is your chance to find out! Héctor Agüero, Jr., Music Director for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, has agreed to let one of his conducting batons go to the highest bidder at the group’s upcoming concert and fundraising event on June 7, 2009 at the Stafford Centre. Mayor Leonard Scarcella of Stafford will be the celebrity guest auctioneer.

In addition to taking home the prized baton, the winner will receive a conducting mentoring lesson from Maestro Agüero. This lesson will help prepare the fledgling conductor for their debut as they conduct the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 2009-2010 Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra season opening concert.

Besides the conductor’s baton, there will be many other silent auction items including the chance to sit with Mayor Leonard Scarcella of Stafford in his box for a concert; a signed and game used jersey and bat from Carlos Lee of the Houston Astros; a guided bay and gulf fishing trip for four; and much more! For a complete listing of auction items, visit fbsoauction.blogspot.com

After the frenzy of bidding, sit back and enjoy the music of this country as Maestro Agüero and the Orchestra bring you works from some of the greatest American composers. Featured works will include “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “Simple Gifts” from “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland, “First Essay for Orchestra” by Samuel Barber, and “Variations on a Southern Gospel Tune” by Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd.

Ticket prices range from $5 – $25 and may be purchased on the Symphony website or at the Stafford Centre box office on the day of the performance. The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. For more information, visit www.fbso.org or call 281.276.9642.

Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce that singer/songwriter Celeste Terrell has joined our family of fine artists. Celeste brings a special blend of soul, country, and rhythm & blues to our line-up.

Celeste is one of Houston’s premiere performing singer-songwriters. She combines a variety of material from her debut album “Live Your Dreams” with a wide selection of cover songs to create a highly captivating live show. She performs both acoustically and with a full band, depending on the venue and the occasion.

Celeste has played at such venues as: Bojangle’s Blues Bar in Seabrook, TX; Claudio’s Italian Restaurant and Piano Bar Kemah, TX; Sansone’s Houston, TX; JP Hops House Houston, TX; The Elegant Hogg Houston, TX; Mojo Risin’ Coffee House Houston, TX; The Last Concert Cafe Houston, TX; West Alabama Ice House Houston, TX and Blanco’s Houston, TX.

For a sampling of Celeste’s music, please visit her website at www.CelesteTerrell.com. We’re sure you’ll agree that this wonderful lady is one talented singer-songwriter!

Planning a wedding can be very stressful and time-consuming. However, the attention to detail and countless hours of planning will ensure a bright beginning to a lifetime of beautiful memories as you start your new life together as a married couple.

Your special day is one of the most important events of your lifetime, so finding the perfect music to suit your wedding is a top priority. Besides the dress, food, and décor, the music you and your partner choose will help to create an atmosphere that is uniquely yours. There is no better way to express how you truly feel about each other than through the musical ambience you will create for this momentous occasion.

Many couples choose a string trio or string quartet to add a sense of elegance or to make their wedding extra special with a live musical performance. Whether walking down the aisle to the traditional strains of Pachelbel’s Canon or the regal rhythm of the Bridal Chorus or more modern selections such as Can’t Help Falling in Love or God Bless the Broken Road, the warm tones of a string ensemble are timeless and always get rave reviews from brides, grooms and guests alike.

Third Floor Strings is based in Houston, Texas and generally performs as a string trio or string quartet, although other combinations are available, depending on your needs. They are a highly experienced group of musicians that provides quality live music and expert advice. Combined with their reputation for excellent customer service and affordable pricing, Third Floor Strings is definitely worth a call from you or your wedding planner.

Third Floor Strings frequently perform in Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Spring, Cypress, Galveston and surrounding communities. Recent and upcoming wedding and reception sites include Ashton Gardens in Houston, San Luis Resort in Galveston, Le Jardin Events in Houston, Rockefeller Hall in Houston, Rainbow Lodge in Houston, Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Galveston, Stafford Centre in Stafford, Westlake Club in Houston, and Shoalwater Royale Lodge in Tiki Island.

For more information or to book Third Floor Strings, please contact Sweetgrass Talent. It is our extreme pleasure to recommend this excellent ensemble to entertain you and your guests as you celebrate the beginning of a lifetime of memories together.

Todd Fritsch is set to co-headline the upcoming Band For Brothers & Sisters concert on May 23rd 2009 at the Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo Grounds in Pasadena, TX. The concert will feature Randy Rogers Band,Roger Creager, Cowboy Troy, Stephen Cochran, Todd Phelps, Don Preach, JR Martinez (from “All My Children”). All funds raised will go 100% towards building new homes for severely injured service members returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Apart from the great music there will also be an area with fun activities for the kids, so come on out and enjoy the day while supporting a great cause!

Click poster for ticket information!

Todd Fritsch recently did an interview to help promote the book “Horse Country: A Celebration of Country Music and the Love of Horses” by Lisa Wysocky (a book which he’s in). Todd answered questions posed by listeners and talked about his experience as a singing cowboy, including his performance with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.

To hear the interview, please visit this link: Todd Fritsch Podcast.