{Cypress,TX} – January 23, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce Third Floor Strings has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Ceremony Music!
The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Third Floor Strings was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.
Third Floor Strings is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.
“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Third Floor Strings for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”
We are happy to announce that Third Floor Strings is one of the very best Ceremony Musicians within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today.
To learn more about the Bride’s Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation’s leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.
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Engineer Billy Hillman at HillTrax Recording Studio
Exceptional service (including help from experienced professional musicians with arrangement and writing input as well as professional advice on recording and mastering techniques from the Chief Engineer throughout the whole project) and customer satisfaction rank on the same level as affordability. The friendly people at HillTrax understand the needs of today’s musicians and their low overhead approach is geared towards an unparalleled return on your investment. They are able to help you through the whole process including writing, arranging, recording, mixing, mastering and reproduction of your finished project.
HillTrax Studio has recorded, mixed, mastered and released several projects (i.e. Bri Bagwell, Shane Barnhill, Neil Austin Imber, Micah Sims, etc.) and is looking forward to partnering with you on your next artistic endeavor. No matter how big or small your project, you can rest assured that you will get the ‘preferred’ treatment at HillTrax Studio.
Click here for more detailed information (incl. studio gear list).
Sweetgrass Talent is very excited to announce that Texas Country singer and real-life cowboy Todd Fritsch is scheduled to team up with Houston singer Dixie Trahan and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra to perform the “Saddle Up” Concert at the magnificent Stafford Centre in Stafford, TX.
Saddle Up Concert Poster
Story courtesy of Nancy Mills of The Mills Agency:
What’s a cowboy concert without a real-life, genuine cowboy? The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra has thought of everything.
Although he won’t ride in on his horse, Todd Fritsch, a cattle-ranching cowboy and chart-topping country music singer-songwriter will perform at the Orchestra’s February 21 “Saddle Up” cowboy concert scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. Also taking the stage is fellow Nashville recording artist Dixie Trahan.
Fritsch took his “Texas Talkin’” single to the top of the HotDisc charts in 2008 after finishing #1 on the same chart in 2007 with his fan favorite ballad “First Date For The Last Time.” Both songs are on his “Sawdust” CD. A popular performer at The Hideout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, Fritsch has opened for notables like Lee Ann Womack, Joe Nichols, Marty Stuart and Ronnie Milsap. He has also performed at the CMA Music Festival.
Although Fritsch is a relative newcomer to the country music scene, he’s an old hand when it comes to being a cowboy. Born and raised on his family’s ranch in Willow Springs, Texas, this down-to-earth, self-labeled “country-to-the-bone” cowboy is as comfortable riding and roping as he is in delivering his strong baritonelyrics under the big lights.
“I don’t ever want to leave ranchin’ behind,” says Fritsch. “It’s who I am; it’s what keeps me real and in touch. But I want the music, too. I’ve made some real good friends in Nashville who believe in me and the music that I make….five years from now I want to be playin’ in front of 50,000 people and be #1 on Billboard’s Country Chart.”
This marks the second time that Todd Fritsch and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra have teamed up for an event and everybody involved seems very exciting about the upcoming re-union. Todd and his band will perform some of his fan favorites and a brand new song that will more than likely become his first single release of his upcoming new album.
“Returning to work with my friends of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra is a real treat; we’ve had so much fun the first time around that I immediately jumped at the opportunity to do this again. Playing again at the Stafford Centre is also exciting as we had opened for Ronnie Milsap in 2007 at this outstanding venue. It just sounds so good ….” says Todd. “It will be the perfect kick-off for our Houston Rodeo season this year.”
Dixie Trahan (www.dixietrahan.com) has been singing for as long as she can remember. Growing up as a “preacher’s kid,” she was surrounded by talented musicians both inside and outside her family. When her dad decided to evangelize through music, she spent a year performing in Branson, Missouri with her family. At age 17, Trahan went solo and has traveled from Texas to Canada sharing her music with fans.
“Country music has just always been a constant for me,” says Trahan. “Something about a great country song…you just can’t help but sing along! ….This will be an awesome event ….. I have been to multiple events of the FBSO in the past and always wanted to work with them, now I get a chance to do just that and I am also looking forward to working with Todd…”, says Dixie during a recent interview.
In 2006, Trahan 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, Trahan has been carving out her own niche in the Texas music scene. She was one of six finalists in the 2009 Houston Press Music Awards “Country” category.
The backup band for both artists will be made up of professional musicians Billy Hillman (guitar), Joe DeLeon (drums & percussion), Kenneth Trahan (acoustic guitar, piano & harmony vocals) and Robert DiBlanco (electric bass, upright bass & harmony vocals). Sound Engineer Tim Weaver will ensure high fidelity sound quality throughout the performance.
Both artist’s current CD’s will be available for purchase during intermission and during Meet’n'Greet in the lobby after the concert.
In addition to songs by Fritsch and Trahan, FBSO’s February 21 “Saddle Up” cowboy concert features fun TV and movie songs that evoke the old West and give a nod to the cowboy culture. Tickets are $5 to $25 each and children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Rd in Stafford.
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When: February 21, 2010 at 02:00pm
Where: Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd, Stafford TX
Tickets are $5 to $25 each and children 12 and under are free
For more information, please visit:
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra – Web, Facebook
Todd Fritsch – Web, Facebook, MySpace
Dixie Trahan – Web, Facebook, MySpace
Once again, Todd Fritsch and his band will be performing at the beautiful and historic Sengelmann Hall in Schulenburg, Texas on Wednesday, October 25, 2009.
Besides a great selection of Todd’s past hits and cover songs, they will also be doing Todd’s brand new songs, an exciting selection of music recently recorded by Todd in Nashville. “Calls I Haven’t Made” and “In A Song” are ballads, “Love Never Goes Out Of Style” is a honky-tonk tune, and “My Kinda Crowd” is an up-tempo barn burner. (Make sure you vote for your favorite by clicking here!)
Get your Thanksgiving holiday started out right with a great night of dancing and music at Sengelmann Hall! Tickets are $10 and are available ahead of time by visiting the Sengelmann Hall website.
Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Time: 9:00pm – 10:45pm
Location: Sengelmann Hall
Address: 531 North Main Street, Schulenburg, TX
To book Todd for your own special event, just contact us. We’ll be happy to provide you with more information.
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.
Houston born singer/songwriter Clay Farmer is no stranger to awards and accolades. He has been the recipient of the “ULTIMATE COUNTRY ACT” award of the Houston Press in 2006 and 2007. Releasing two studio albums (“Clay Farmer” and “Another Day”) and two live albums (“Live at the Armadillo Palace” Part 1 and 2) on his own Hobo Soul label have made him a force on the Houston music scene. Clay was also chosen to be one of the featured performers in a TV ad for the 100th birthday celebration of Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham TX. His music is a pleasing mix of Americana and traditional Country music influences and his sophisticated writing abilities have caught the ears of the music critics all over Texas.
Performing with a stellar band behind his very entertaining stage presence makes a Clay Farmer concert an event everybody will enjoy.
Clay has recently relocated to Colorado to explore additional avenues, but reassures everybody that he will still be back in Texas for some shows.
Photo Credit: Melissa Webb
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”
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!
Dixie Trahan will be performing this Sunday, April 5 from 11:00 a.m. until noon at the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. Known for her powerful vocals, this charming Southern songstress puts on an exciting performance that you won’t want to miss! Besides material from her self-titled debut album (listen to samples here), Dixie pays tribute to some of the greatest women of country music including Patsy Cline
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival kicks off on Saturday, April 4 with a Floating Art Parade, showcasing artwork created by local businesses and organizations. For more information, visit www.woodlandsartsfestival.com .
Dixie Trahan packs a powerful punch with her amazing voice
Need a break from your everyday routine? If you’re looking for a great atmosphere, tasty food, and a top notch singer, look no further. Dixie Trahan will be appearing at Pappasito’s Cantina at 10409 I-10 W. at Sam Houston Tollway this Thursday, March 26 from 4:30 – 7:00 P.M. Backing Dixie will be her incredible band, made up of veteran musicians including Skeeter Trahan and Robert DiBlanco.
Dixie’s set list will include such popular songs as Jolene, Atlanta, Seven Year Ache, and Bubbly, as well as selections from her self-titled debut album like I Would Have Missed You, Miss Me, and Too Far Gone.
Come on out to Pappasito’s and enjoy the show – you won’t be disappointed!
Todd Fritsch and his band Stampede playing the Hideout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2008.
Todd has reportedly recorded 5 brand new songs with his new production team in Nashville, Tennessee and is ready to present the fresh material to his fans. “I am very excited about this next chapter in my career,” said Fritsch in a recent interview, “my new production team has introduced me to new songs and songwriters and I am very proud to be a part of this team. I can’t wait for the fans to hear the new stuff.”
Now’s your chance to hear his new stuff… bring your friends and check out Todd and his band at the Hideout after ZZ Top this Sunday, March 22. It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
Photo taken from the loft during a wedding at Ashton Gardens in Houston.
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.
Le Jardin provides a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding.
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.
Houston's premier groove team - The White Lion Rhythm Section
The White Lion Rhythm Section is based out of Houston, Texas and has established itself as one of the premier rhythm sections for live shows and recording sessions.
Drummer Joe DeLeon and bassist Robert DiBlanco make up this “grooving” rhythm section team that looks back on numerous years of experience in the studios and stages around the world. Artists like Doug Supernaw, Todd Fritsch, Jarrod Birmingham, Clay Farmer, Zona Jones, Johnny Bush, The Tearjerkers, Dixie Trahan, Cooper Wade, Celeste Terrell, Patrick Murphy, John Slaughter, Neil Austin Imber and many more have used the services of the White Lion Rhythm Section in the past and present because of their expertise and talent.
The White Lion Rhythm Section currently works with Sweetgrass Talent artists Todd Fritsch, Dixie Trahan, the Armadillo Playboys and Celeste Terrell.
Click here to visit the White Lion Rhythm Section on MySpace!
April 3, 2008, 9:38AM
Dixie Trahan
In The Land of Dixie
By JOEY GUERRA, Copyright Houston Chronicle 2008
Dixie Trahan smiles when she remembers her little-girl dreams of being a grown-up star.
“I used to stand up on the side of the bathtub, in front of the mirror, with my dad’s hairbrush for a microphone and just sing for hours,” she says.
Sweet dreams that, for most kids, dissolve when reality sets in a few years later. But Trahan held onto that optimism — and channeled it into her self-titled debut disc, an alternately sweet, slick and kicky set of country tunes.
The highlight is her delicate, soulful voice, which has rightfully earned comparisons to Alison Krauss but also boasts shades of Pam Tillis.
“Country music has just always been a constant for me, whether it’s a love song or a hell-raisin’ song,” Trahan says. “It fits just about any mood. It just lets you express so much emotion.”
Trahan says her record has been a “long-time coming.” That’s an understatement, to say the (very, very) least.
Her father was a pastor and eventually took the family on the road for full-time music evangelism. That meant constant moving and, at times, mobile living between gigs. Trahan was born in Kansas, moved to Texas two weeks later and was living in Canada within a few years.
“My parents were always singing. They would sing with other couples, the old church quartets, and stuff like that,” she says.
“I grew up playing in the church while they were practicing. I remember rolling under the pews. Anything you could do to pass the time.”
A formal family band inevitably developed. They toured churches, recorded albums and spent a summer doing a show in Branson, MO.
“There was no, ’I don’t feel good today. I’m not singing.’ We did the job,” she says.
Trahan toured with her family until she was 17 years old, prime time to perhaps embark on a solo career. But, as the title to one of her songs goes, life had other plans.
She met and married her husband, Skeeter, and the pair settled in Houston and had three kids — now ages 10, 13 and 16 (and all musical).
About three years ago, Trahan decided to give music another go, on her terms. She recorded her self-titled effort in Nashville, a collection of “positive,” hopeful tunes highlighted by the autobiographical Back To Me and You, which she co-wrote with her husband.
“I realize I really am a baby duck at all this,” Trahan says. “My experience in the industry, in the Texas market — I’m just starting with all that. But I can’t imagine anything better at this point.”
She found a “kindred spirit” in Bruce Wiggins of local country act Drywater, who was looking to add a female vocalist into the mix. Trahan has been gigging with the group for about two months. Wiggins also is helping manage her career.
“It was the first time Dixie had been to a bar in her entire life,” Wiggins says of that first show.
“She came onstage for the first time with us — no rehearsal or anything — and we played two songs that just went without a hitch.”
That’s a far cry from gospel quartets and church revivals. But for Trahan, it’s all part of the same journey.
“Whether I’m playing in a bar, playing in a church or singing in the elevator on my way to the office in the morning, for me, it’s all an expression of who I am,” she says.
“The reality is that I am right where I am supposed to be.”
Click here to listen to the Jerry Mac interview with Todd Fritsch from January of 2008.
Radio Stations can download the interview right here.
Anyone can listen to the show here but only Radio/Media can download the interview.
Steve Martin of Backstage Country interviews Todd Fritsch about the new single and anything new.
Click here to listen to the interview!
RODEO’N
RodeoHouston is coming up and our friend Todd Fritsch will be there! Todd and his band return to the Rodeo grounds for “pre-rodeo” events, including four private-party shows and a performance from the Main Stage at the legendary Rodeo Houston BBQ Cook-Off. Todd will be a celebrity judge during the Cook-Off and “wrap” the Rodeo on March 22 as the final act of this year’s Hideout.
Written by Katie Key for Key Notes, February 10th 2009, www.texasmusicchart.com/Pages/Keynote.htm
Guitars, Spare Ribs & Honky Tonk Music – Todd Fritsch Performs Before, During & After This Year’s Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Click ‘Read More …’ to read the complete Press Release.
