The Highland Lakes live music scene is growing across a number of genres, including hip-hop and rap acts such as Lil Ren, who performed at Johnson Park in Marble Falls. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
The Highland Lakes live music scene is growing in more ways than one. “Everything has multiplied,” said Damon Beierle of Double Eagle Entertainment, “the number of bands, the number of genres, the number of nights and venues you can find music.”
Double Eagle books musical acts for events across the Highland Lakes.
Some of the music venues are clubs and bars; others are out-of-the-way dance halls. Still, from country to classical and homegrown to big touring acts, live music in the Highland Lakes is plentiful.
You can’t talk about local live music without mentioning Poodie’s Roadhouse, 22308 Texas 71 West in Spicewood. The website claims there are “No Bad Days!” at Poodie’s — because it offers live music every day. This is a true roadhouse: good music, good beer, good food, and good friends.
It was founded by Randal “Poodie” Locke, longtime stage manager and good friend of country legend Willie Nelson. Locke passed away in 2009, but the music plays on.
In Marble Falls, the night club Brass Hall, 909 Third St., hosts a variety of musical acts throughout the year, including country, hip-hop, and heavy metal tribute bands.
In Burnet, Bill’s Burgers at 306 W. Polk St. and Trailblazer Grille at 216 S. Main St., both on the courthouse square, also have live music on the menu.
Singer-songwriter John Arthur Martinez is a regular at Trailblazer Grille when he’s not touring the world. The veteran musician has 14 albums and a multitude of awards and honors, including a second-place finish on the USA Network’s singing competition show “Nashville Star.” He finished just ahead of then-unknown country crooner Miranda Lambert.
Martinez, who calls Marble Falls home, has witnessed the change in the Highland Lakes music scene firsthand.
“For performers, there’s a lot more places now,” he said.
And that doesn’t just mean night clubs and dance halls. Martinez and other musical acts often entertain smaller crowds in more intimate settings such as wineries and vineyards.
Beierle noted that many area vineyards serve great live music with their wine offerings in a more relaxed, casual setting. “There is something for just about everyone if they can find the right night and the right venue,” Beierle said.
In Kingsland, Wakepoint on Lake LBJ, 14757 RR 1431 West, takes advantage of what the Highland Lakes is most famous for: the water. You can enjoy live music most weekends overlooking the lake. Just around the bend is another place offering food, music, and a view: Boat Town Burger Bar, 151 Melodie Lane.
The Highland Lakes is also home to annual festivals, events, and rodeos at which live music features prominently. The Burnet Concert Series starting in the summer brings in well-known Red Dirt favorites and a mix of other genres. The Llano Crawfish Open in April hosts big and small country acts along with Zydeco bands. Marble Falls MayFest features Tejano, conjunto, and more.
Check out 101HighlandLakes.com/highland-lakes-events for more live music offerings. Be sure to subscribe to The 101 newsletter so you don’t miss a thing.
daniel@thepicayune.com
