Brian Burns, Saturday April 11th

Brian Burns has, for many years, been regarded as one of Texas’ top performing songwriters, his work having been covered by a number of legendary artists. But over the past few years, Brian has emerged as one of his state's most powerful and engaging performers. His songs explore both the poignant and the humorous sides of humanity, drawing out the things we’ve all felt and wish we could have said. The warmth, wit, and eclecticism of his performances captivate audiences night after night.

Brian grew up in Central Texas listening to the western ballads of Marty Robbins and the “progressive country” music of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Early on, he developed an appreciation for musical depth, along with a knack for “the story”. As his passion for music grew, he began to explore a variety of styles ranging from pop to reggae. At age 16, Brian hit the road on a musical journey that would eventually find him sharing stages with some of America’s top performers.

Brian’s Texas roots remained an integral force in his life and work. After his first million-or-so miles of rough road and half-a-lifetime of impressive musical accomplishments - yet not much to show for it, Brian planted those roots firmly back in Lone Star soil. “Music’s not a choice I made, I believe the choice made me,” declared Brian in the title cut of his debut solo album, “Highways, Heartaches, and Honky-Tonks”, a 1997 work which summarized his musical mission up to that point. His second album, 1999’s “Angels & Outlaws”, produced the venomous, yet humorous Texan anthem, “Welcome To Texas (Now Don’t Forget To Go Back Home)” which dominated FM heavy rotation lists in the nation’s largest country music markets for many months. But “Angels & Outlaws” also met critical acclaim and enlightened a discriminating listening audience to a more intellectual and introspective side of Brian Burns.

Brian's 2001 release, "The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians", presented an epic collection of classic, contemporary, and original ballads based on the history, folklore, and culture of Texas. "The Eagle & The Snake" was heralded by reviewers as a masterpiece shortly after its release, and went on to become an established Texas classic. The album’s first single, “I’ve Been Everywhere (In Texas)” spread like wildfire throughout Texas and achieved unprecedented success, charting nationally for five weeks on R&R (Radio & Records). The single, "Evangelina" remains in the Top 10 of the Texas Music Chart.

Nothing ignites a young mind's historical interest more effectively (and infectiously) than songs and stories that bring past events stirringly back to life. Over the summer of 2003 Brian adapted "The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians" into an educational program for 4th and 7th-grade students of Texas history. This program has become the state's premier educational presentation for K-12 Social Studies curriculum enhancement, taking Brian's musical and storytelling talents into elementary and intermediate schools throughout Texas.

Brian's latest album release, "Border Radio", introduces a collection of 12 new Brian Burns compositions and 5 exciting new cover songs. Border Radio was recorded between December 2004 and July 2006. Even though all recording was done in a stationary setting, virtually all of the production decisions were made where Brian listens to music the most – out on the highway.

More and more people are discovering Brian Burns, “The Last True Texas Troubador", an artist who, for many years, was considered one of Texas’ best-kept secrets. The Terry Awards, a long-standing institution recognizing excellence and accomplishment in Texas music, has presented Brian its “Top Solo Artist” award. Rockzilla.net, a popular online electronic community dedicated to Texas Music, voted Brian “Texas Artist of The Year” for two consecutive years. Brian performs an average of 300 shows a year including solo performances and songwriter shows with some of the country's top performing singer/songwriters.