You may not know quite what to make of the three guys in black cowboy hats at first — but don't let initial impressions get too concrete. The Texas Tenors are a musical trio, all with very different backgrounds, who blend everything from southern country and gospel to Broadway and Italian, in a truly unique sound.

Marcus Collins, J.C. Fisher and John Hagen take their music seriously, but never themselves. Weaving effortlessly from John Denver to Puccini to West Side Story, the trio takes their audience on a musical ride from West Virginia to Italy to New York City, pausing between genres long enough only to tell stories and smile for pictures. These three Texas boys made quite an impression on America’s Got Talent, and now bring their blend of classical, country and pop to the Austin Symphony stage.

Collins was born in a small town and began to sing at the age of four. He first learned how to sing by emulating his favorite artists such as George Michael and Rascal Flatts before training classically in college.

Along with his musical career, Collins has also worked extensively as an actor. Fisher has traveled to more than 65 countries over the past 15 years, entertaining audiences. He got his start singing in church and eventually discovered a deeper love for music in college, performing opera and classical roles. Hagen made his Lincoln Center debut in Mascagni’s Gulglielmo Ratcliff, and created three tenor roles in the world premier of The Lost Dauphane on PBS. Hagen's favorite Broadway roles include Billy Bigelow in Carousel and Che in Evita.

In 2009, the three friends were struggling to pay their bills, and today they are singing to sold-out venues across the world. It was their appearance on America’s Got Talent that catapulted their career. The Texas Tenors have now played everywhere from Las Vegas to Scotland. They knew they were successful in accomplishing their musical mission when one die-hard country music fan told them, "I never thought I liked opera until I heard you sing."

The Texas Tenors will perform on June 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center, as the closing concert of the Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops concert series. These evenings of music are sponsored by The Four Seasons Residences Austin with special Centennial Guest Artist sponsorship by Emerson Process Management.

"Austin Symphony pops concerts are always fun," says Elaine Barber, harpist for the Austin Symphony. "We have table seating so the audience can eat & drink while they're enjoying the music. The artists always tell stories and put on a show — it's a really festive atmosphere." Barber adds that The Texas Tenors have perhaps the most varied program she's ever seen for one of these concerts. "There's some opera, some musical theater, Sinatra songs, cowboy songs, all in one night. It's fun to see them weave all that into a show."

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Tickets for The Texas Tenors can be purchased online at www.austinsymphony.org, where you will also discover seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. Patrons have a choice of two seating areas: Table Seating for $45 or Theater Seating for $30. You can also purchase tickets at the Symphony Box Office, 11^th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-MAESTRO (toll-free).