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

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.

Dixie TrahanThe 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.

Danielle Reich during a jazz performance in HoustonSweetgrass 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.

Photo taken from the loft during a wedding at Ashton Gardens in Houston.

Photo taken from the loft during a wedding at Ashton Gardens in Houston.

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.

Le Jardin provides a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding.

Le Jardin provides a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding.

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.

Houston's premier groove team - The White Lion Rhythm Section

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!

03/05/2009 – CYPRESS, TX
The Sweetgrass Talent Group is getting ready to launch their newly re-designed website on April 1st 2009.
Sweetgrass Talent Group will be presenting their complete Artist roster in a new format which will feature Songs, Videos and other media for users to enjoy. The talent agency has increased the number of Artists they represent as well as the number of agents working on their behalf. Their commitment to working on the best solution for their clients has been a consistent priority of the company.