The Thieves took it!

Central Texas Speedway (http://centexspeedway.com) is just south of Austin, Texas on IH35. Located in Kyle, Texas, the CTS offers NASCAR style racing on the weekends and (during the summer) is the home of the KOKE FM  Free Texas Concert Series (http://kokefm.com/concerts/koke-fm-free-texas-concer-series/).

I have been to the CTS previously for another performance (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2011/10/kyle-fair-and-music-festival-happened.html) and was wildly surprised to see the difference from back then to now! The stage is huge and located just outside of the racetrack. Bleacher style seating to onside, a large building housing the bar, 2 beach style volleyball sand courts, and a very large general admission style seating area in front of the stage. It was really well laid out, plenty of bathrooms and a very friendly staff at the gate and on the grounds.

This particular evening featured Brandon Rhyder with Thieving Birds opening. Here is another situation where those who arrived in time to see Brandon missed out on what I believe was THE performance of the night!

Thieving Birds (http://thievingbirdsmusic.com) put on an absolutely a phenomenal performance. What a great band! This country/roots rock band is stunning, with lead vocals that cut right through the audience and a lead guitar and rhythm section that definitely sealed the deal. It was a crime to see Thieving Birds for free! These guys are from Ft Worth, and lucky are the people there that hopefully have an opportunity to see Thieving Birds often. I have learned to stay away from what or who I think any band sounds like, but what I will say is that I was riveted by their performance, vocals, lyrics, and that bluesy, country/roots rock sound. Congratulations to you if you make it to a performance of theirs. Do it on purpose, DO NOT stumble upon them as I did, and enjoy the sounds!




















-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----

Brandon Rhyder (http://www.brandonrhyder.com) headlined the night and you knew this is who the crowd came to see. From seemingly nowhere, the crowd just pushed forward to the stage, making it impressive for a free show down in Kyle, Texas. Although I wasn't familiar with Brandon Rhyder's music, it sure didn't matter based on the good time the crowd was having. With Brandon's gravely smooth voice slinging out the country tunes, it was a great evening from some good, Brandon Rhyder country music,


























Laters