Rodeo roundup
Rodeo Austin announces legendary lineup: Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, AlabamaShakes
Rodeo Austin returns from March 8 – March 23, bringing an assortment of traditional entertainment to the fairgrounds, from the livestock show to bucking broncos. But along with the traditional western fun comes a full lineup of music programming, ranging from headlining performances at each rodeo to more intimate performances each day in the 100X Club and the Rockin’ A outdoor stage.
And, as Austinites have come to expect, this year's lineup, announced by Rodeo Austin today, brings a host of “genre-blending, award-winning” artists. Whether you’re a honky-tonk angel or lost in the indie scene, these artists will not disappoint. Here are our top picks for 2013 Rodeo Austin music lineup.
Merle Haggard
Country legend Merle Haggard will take the Rodeo Austin stage on Sunday, March 17. His Bakersfield-born sound, blending brash outlaw sensibilities with pure country hooks, has been a mainstay in country music since the 1960s.
Listen for: “Mama Tried,” “Pancho and Lefty,” “Sing Me Back Home”
Alabama Shakes
Since SXSW 2012, Alabama Shakes has been on a wild ride, becoming one of the most authentic new sounds in music. The group of four, led by Brittany Howard, will play on Wednesday, March 13. This is a steal for Rodeo Austin, and one we bet will be a quick sell-out.
Listen for: “Hold On,” “You Ain’t Alone”
Charlie Daniels Band
Perhaps most widely known in pop culture for the could-be-gimmicky fiddle anthem “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Charlie Daniels has been a rebel-rousing crooner for decades. His stage show, which will hit Austin on Sunday, March 10, is energetic and nothing short of a true country experience.
Listen for: “Long Haired Country Boy," "Uneasy Rider," "Texas"
Eli Young Band
Eli Young Band has witnessed a bit of a cross-over sensation in the past year, breaking out of the confines of the “Red Dirt” scene and gaining national recognition on mainstream radio. The Texas-based country band, who just played a sold-out show at Emo’s East to close 2012, returns to Rodeo Austin on Monday, March 11.
Listen for: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Small Town Kid,” “Guinevere”
Three Dog Night
A nice balance to the country-centric lineup is classic rock legend Three Dog Night. The quintessential American band of the early 70s, Three Dog Night takes to the stage on Tuesday, March 19, bringing a hint of nostalgia and a return to the light-hearted, easy side of rock.
Listen for: “Joy to the World,” “Try A Little Tenderness”
The full 2013 Rodeo Austin music lineup is as follows:
- Saturday, March 9, 2013: Josh Abbott Band
- Sunday, March 10, 2013: Charlie Daniels Band
- Monday, March 11, 2013: Eli Young Band
- Tuesday, March 12, 2013: Sara Evans
- Wednesday, March 13, 2013: Alabama Shakes
- Thursday, March 14, 2013: Megan & Liz
- Friday, March 15, 2013: Easton Corbin
- Saturday, March 16, 2013: Kip Moore
- Sunday, March 17, 2013: Merle Haggard
- Monday, March 18, 2013: Restless Heart
- Tuesday, March 19, 2013: Three Dog Night
- Wednesday, March 20, 2013: Josh Turner
- Thursday, March 21, 2013: Kevin Fowler
- Friday, March 22, 2013: Kyle Park, Cody Johnson
- Saturday, March 23, 2013: Gary Allan
Tickets for Rodeo Austin are on sale now.