Radney Foster
As one half of the duo Foster and Lloyd during the 80’s, "Crazy Over You," went straight to number one, making Radney Foster part of the first duo in history to top the charts with their debut single. He embarked on a lush solo career penning hits like "Nobody Wins," "Just Call Me Lonesome," and "I’m In." His success freed him to return to his roots, which was exemplified in his live acoustic album, Are You Ready For The Big Show, which featured the hit "Texas In 1880." Touring in support of his latest release, Another Way To Go, Radney Foster is a proven songwriting force to reckon with, as well as a sought after producer on efforts that include Randy Rogers Band’s latest release, Rollercoaster.

Ray Wylie Hubbard
One of the most highly regarded songwriters to hail from Texas, Ray Wylie Hubbard has more than paid his dues on his path to the top. With a career that spans 4 decades, Hubbard was instrumental in the 70’s “outlaw” movement that propelled Willie, Waylon, and Luckenbach to worldwide fame. A prolific string of releases over the past 2 decades have secured his spot among the highest ranks of roots music, earning him a number of industry awards and accolades. Highly respected and admired by burgeoning acts, Hubbard has co-written tunes with Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed, Slaid Cleaves, Bonnie Bishop, and many more.

Kent Finlay
Kent Finlay opened the doors of Cheatham Street Warehouse in1974 and has since developed a launch pad for artists including George Strait and Terri Hendrix, not to mention the steady stream of established acts that grace its historic stage. During the last three decades, Finlay has earned an esteemed track record for developing and promoting new musical talent, giving the then “newcomer” talents like Randy Rogers (and thousands of other artists at Cheatham’s renowned Wednesday songwriter night) a place to grow and be nurtured in front of appreciative audiences.

Gary Nicholson
Originally from Garland, Texas, Gary Nicholson made the move to Los Angeles and began his recording career with two albums of his own songs. His band included current Warner Bros. Record's president Jim Ed Norman on piano, who would later invite him to Nashville to write songs for his publishing company. In 1983, Gary signed a publishing deal with Sony/Tree, where he was a staff writer for fifteen years. His songs have appeared in movies such as "Urban Cowboy," "Major League," "City of Hope," "Message in a Bottle," "Happy Texas," "Sylvester," "Where the Heart Is," and "Serving Sara." He has earned twenty-six ASCAP awards as writer and publisher, and has taught songwriting workshops for ASCAP and Berklee School of Music.

Full Throttle
Based in San Antonio, Full Throttle may be newcomers, but with a 2 time all state drummer and prodigious guitar and bass backing, this up and coming trio shows no lack of musicianship. With staple influences of country, blues and rock, the groupís sound is refreshingly blended with Texas undertones. Full Throttleís self-titled debut was released in 2004, and they are revving it up for their brand new release, Drive, expected in April. With an increasingly busy touring schedule, Full Throttle is the new buzzmaker on the scene, poised and ready to kickstart into high gear.

Sidehill Gougers
Mixing excellent songwriting with amazing instrumental ability, the Sidehill Gougers are making music the way the old folks used to do- on their porches and in their parlors back before the days of cable TV. The Sidehill Gougers are trademarked by the quintessential country voice of Jamie Griffin and the songwriting of Shane Walker - a winner at the 2002 Kerrville Folk Festival. With three-part harmony backed by bass, guitar and mandolin, the music these kids make is as refreshing as it is familiar. The band's debut CD, Runaway Scrape, established the Sidehill Gougers as one of the most talented upcoming groups on the horizon.


Townes Van Zandt, "Be Here To Love Me" -a film by Margaret Brown
As a musician, Townes Van Zandt was legendary recording dozens of albums over a career spanning more than 30 years. Although he never had a hit, his works have been covered with great success by Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris and have inspired artists from Bob Dylan to Norah Jones. As a man, a husband, and a father his life was as tragic and as beautiful as the songs he wrote. Townes was an enigma to his family, pinned between a deep longing for home and the nomadic lifestyle that was necessary for his livelihood. Director Margaret Brown's BE HERE TO LOVE ME is an artful, expertly directed portrait of both of these sides of Van Zandt and ultimately serves as an insightful look at the sacrifices, challenges, and consequences faced in pursuit of a dream. Haunting and lyrical, BE HERE TO LOVE ME combines emotional interviews with friends and family with never seen footage of Townes Van Zandt, from rare performance and interview footage to intimate portraits shot in Van Zandt’s own home throughout the years. It also includes appearances by many famous musicians, including Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earle, and Emmylou Harris.            

(credit myspace.com/townesvanzandt)
For further information about Townes Van Zandt, Be Here To Love Me, visit www.townesthemovie.com