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

Hector Aguero, Jr., Music Director - Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra

Auditions for the 2009-2010 Season are scheduled for August 22, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment time, please send an e-mail to Griff Miller II, the Director of Auditions, at audition@fbso.org or call 281-276-9642.

Immediate openings for non-paid vacant positions include:

* All String Sections (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass)
* Principal Harp

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening at the First United Methodist Church , 3900 Lexington Boulevard , Missouri City , unless otherwise noted. Regular concert season performances are held at the Stafford Performing Arts Centre, with additional performances at Sugar Land Town Square and First United Methodist Church – Missouri City .

To learn more about the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra or to schedule an audition at any other time, please send an e-mail to the Director of Auditions at audition@fbso.org or call 281-276-9642.

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.

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, “Variations on a Southern Gospel Tune” by Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd, Composer-in-Residence, and more!

Pianist Stephen W. Jones will be the soloist for “Rhapsody in Blue”. Mr. Jones has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and has been on nationally broadcast radio and television programs including KUHF and KUHT. Although he recently completed his final season as the principle pianist for the Moores Opera Center, he will be performing in Mozart’s “Lucia Silla” and “Grapes of Wrath” with them this season.

In addition to great music, there will be an auction including several items, such as Héctor Agüero, Jr.’s baton and the opportunity to conduct the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 2009-2010 season opener; the chance to sit with Mayor Leonard Scarcella of Stafford in his box for a concert; a Carlos Lee signed and game used jersey and bat; and more! For a complete listing of auction items, visit fbsoauction.blogspot.com.

Ticket prices range from $5 – $25 and may be purchased on the Symphony website at http://www.fbso.org/ or at the Stafford Centre box office on the day of the performance. The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford.

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.”

Escape with the Orchestra as they take you on a musical journey to the beautiful city of Vienna. This program of waltzes, polkas, and Austrian songs is sure to have you feeling carefree in no time at all!

The program will include the Tritsch Tratsch Polka and The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss, Jr., and the Radetzky March by Johann Strauss, Sr. Also featured is Laura Agüero, soprano, singing selections from Des Knaben Wunderhorn and Songs to Poems by Rueckert by Gustav Mahler.

Also featured will be the winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association/Houston Young Artist Concert Concerto Competition. Jesse Lozano, Senior Division Winner, will be the soloist for the first movement of Piano Concerto in G Major by Maurice Ravel, while Winston Wu, Junior Division Winner, will be the soloist for the first movement of Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The concert is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at the corner of FM 1092 and Lexington Boulevard in Missouri City. Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors/students; and children 12 and under are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.fbso.org or call (281) 276-9642.

Biographies of Soloists:

Laura Agüero is an emerging young soprano from Texas.

Laura Agüero is an emerging young soprano from Texas. She received her Master’s degree in vocal performance from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She has performed the role of Norina with the Pine Mountain Music Festival in a production of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. Mrs. Agüero has also been featured as Marenka in The Bartered Bride, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, First Lady in Die Zauberflöte, and Miss Titmouse in Too Many Sopranos. She has performed with the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre as Annina in La Traviata.

In addition to her work on the operatic stage, Mrs. Agüero is an active recitalist. She has participated in several recitals throughout the northern United States. Her other oratorio and symphonic engagements have included Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate, Brahms’ Neue Liebeslieder, Bach’s St. John Passion, and as a soloist with the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale and the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra.

Young musician Jesse Lozano will take the stage with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra later this month.

Jesse Lozano has been studying piano since 2nd grade. For eight years he studied with Sandy Toews, and for the last two years he has studied with Dr. Dariusz Pawlas in the Rice University Preparatory Program. Jesse is in the 11th grade at Cypress Springs High School. He plays trombone and is drum major, but his favorite instrument is the piano because, as Jesse says, on the piano he can play a whole symphony with his hands.

Jesse is also a composer. He composed his first piece in 5th grade, and since has won many state and national competitions for his original compositions. One of his first full-length piano pieces, “Circus Rag,” composed at the age of 12, was published when he was just 13 years old.

This past summer, Jesse was one of 10 young composers selected from over 50 countries to be admitted to Interlochen Arts Camp in northern Michigan. He recently decided to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy for his final year of high school, after which he hopes to study piano and musical composition at a music conservatory.

Winston Wu will be a featured performer with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra later this month.

Winston Wu is a 15-year-old sophomore at Friendswood High School. He started playing piano at the age of five, and he is currently studying with Mr. William Chaisson. Winston has won numerous awards at piano competitions in the Houston area. Last year, he won in the Junior Division of the Clear Lake Symphony concerto competition and had the opportunity to perform Lizst’s Totentanz with the Clear Lake Symphony. He enjoys piano composition and teaching piano to younger children. Winston is also a percussionist in the Friendswood High School Wind Ensemble, where he plays the marimba.

In school, he likes computer science and computer applications. He has won several awards at computer competitions at the local and state level, and is a member of the school’s UIL Computer Applications team. He enjoys spelling and won the school spelling bee twice. As a member of the UIL Spelling team, he has won awards at local invitationals. He enjoys Latin, and is an active member of the Latin Club. In addition to his other achievements, Winston is a member of the National Honor Society.

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Cypress based SWEETGRASS TALENT GROUP launched the beta version of their new website today. The official launch date for the site is set for April 1st, 2009.

With a growing talent roster and a growing clientele, Sweetgrass Talent decided to update their web presence in order to fulfill their current and future needs. The website work was accomplished with the help of Houston based companies RoBiCom and Sounds of Texas, the latter being responsible for most of the programming work and RoBiCom providing the hosting solution.

Dixie Trahan will be performing LIVE with the Armadillo Playboys at Ropers in Sealy this Friday night, March 6, 2009. The show starts at 9 PM.

The set list will include a variety of songs from artists such as George Strait, Kevin Fowler, The Judds, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Marty Stuart, Vince Gill, and more.

This first-class combination of talent is one you won’t want to miss!