Let's Rodeo Austin!

PHOTO: Hatbender.com

Every year around this time the Rodeo is everywhere. Billboards promote a certain alcoholic beverage as a sign that it's rodeo time and radio personalities name all the mainstream country favorites that are to be performing at the rodeo. It is enough to get anyone excited, and many hope to score tickets to see one of their favorites, like Keith Urban or Sugarland perform.

There are others, however who also enjoy the sound of Texas country, and the Austin rodeo provides just the place for them.

Don't know what Texas country is?

Texas country is a sub genre of country that is not mainstream, and the singers though not all the time, are from Texas. Texas country also uses more traditional sounds, and perform live in multiple places such as dance-halls, events, bars, etc.

Don't know where to find Texas country at a mainstream event like the Austin rodeo?

There is a section of the Austin rodeo called Rockin' A Outdoor Stage, where performances highlight some of Texas' most popular bands. These events take place in the Rockin' A Ranch which is located by the North Fairgrounds Entrance next to Ol' McDonalds Farm. This year the event will be taking place from March 11 to March 26.

Performers this year include Cody Riley Band, Backseat Molly, Kyle Bennett Band and my personal favorite Kyle Park, just to name a few.

PHOTO: austinpost.org

Another area rodeo goers can get their Texas country fix along with some two steppin' is at Bullet Proof. Bullet Proof is held in a private area on the fairgrounds, and tickets are on the expensive side costing form $100 to $5,000. Bullet Proof opens on the last two days of the rodeo, March 25 and March 26, and serves as a kind of 'goin' out with a bang' type place. This year the performers at Bullet Proof include Mark Winston Kirk, Steven Franks and SUEDE.