I created this site in early 2004 as a way to help spread the word about Texas music and musicians, and also to give myself an outlet for creative writing. Over these last five years, I've greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about exciting artists, make new friends, and of course listen to lots of great music.

When I started, I felt like a lone online voice striving for a largely objective look into Texas music. Since then, I've been joined by many who do the job better than I possibly could — The 9513, Lone Star Music Magazine, and KUT's David Brown foremost among them, and each with a broader reach than I ever imagined.

So I am putting This Is Texas Music on hiatus. I've stepped away from the site for a couple months now and have enjoyed the break. I may return at some later date, but chances are this hiatus will be permanent.

Thank you to all the fans and readers out there who have sent so many emails and posted so many links over the years. Thanks also to the artists who have shared their music and their stories with me, as well as the publicists who helped bring us together. And to all of you, thank you for letting me share in your passion for music.

Feel free to continue emailing your questions, thoughts, and recommendations. I'd also like to invite you to befriend me on Facebook so we can share in one another's ongoing life stories.

Goodbye for now,
Patrick

This weekend marks the 13th annual Texas Book Festival — a two-day celebration of reading, writing, and culture that takes place in and around the state capitol building. All events are free and open to the public.

Here's a quick rundown of music-related events during this year's festival:

Saturday panels

12:30–1:30
Tune In: Clear Channel
Andy Langer leads a dialogue on San Antonio's radio/media behemoth Clear Channel Communications. The panel features Alec Foege, author of Right of the Dial: The Rise of Clear Channel and the Fall of Commercial Radio.

1:00–1:45
Punk Rock Etiquette
Full-time cartoonist, part-time musician, and native Texan Travis Nichols presents a light-hearted look at the ins and outs of the music business.

3:30–4:30
Let's Get Back to Our Roots (Music)
Richard Holland moderates a discussion about the resurgence of roots music in American culture. Among the panelists is music critic Amanda Petrusich, author of the recently released It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music.

Saturday performances in the Music Tent

10:00–11:00
Austin Community Steelband

11:00–12:00
Bucolics Anonymous

12:00–1:00
Shelley King, the official Texas State Musician for 2008

1:00–2:00
Los Texmaniacs

2:00–3:00
Texas Swing Kings

3:00–4:00
Jesse Sublett with Jon Dee Graham

4:00–5:00
Terri Hendrix

Saturday performances in the Children's Entertainment Tent

11:00–12:00
Island Rhythms Hula Company

1:00–2:00
Joe McDermott

2:00–3:00
Mr. Johnny and Sharon

3:00–4:00
Rochelle Rabouin

4:00–5:00
McCallum High School Steel Drum Band

Sunday panels

11:00–11:45
Shine On: 100 Years of Shiner Beer
Though not about music per se, Shiner Bock is omnipresent on the state's music scene. Mike Renfro introduces his new book chronicling Spoetzl Breweries' first century in business.

1:30–2:15
Willie Nelson: The Biography
Journalist Joe Nick Patoski discusses his critically acclaimed book about the Red Headed Stranger's long and winding career.

Sunday activity in the Children's Demonstration & Activity Tent

1:00–1:30
Let's Make Music
Kids can make their own instruments and join in a jam session with Christopher S. Jennings, author and illustrator of Animal Band.

Sunday performances in the Music Tent

12:15–1:30
Rockin' Gospel Project

1:30–3:00
W.C. Clark

3:00–4:00
Jitterbug Vipers

4:00–5:00
Redd Volkaert and Cindy Cashdollar

Sunday performances in the Children's Entertainment Tent

12:00–1:00
Chaski

1:00–2:00
Super Pal Universe

2:00–3:00
Sara Hickman

3:00–4:00
Kim Lehman

See the official schedule for the full list of panels and performances.

An article in this month's Spin magazine criticizes the inaugural All Points West festival, held August 8–10 in New Jersey, for failing to draw upon local or even regional talent. No one can say that about ACL Fest. At least 40 of this year's 130ish performers had Texas connections. I couldn't see them all, but I tried to take in as many as I could.

Who impressed me the most?

• Dan Dyer, whose soulful voice resonated even better live than it does on his brilliant self-titled album.
• Ageless, timeless wonder Rodney Crowell. No bass, no drums, no problem.
• The new-to-me Black & White Years, who grabbed hold of my eyes and ears when I'd planned to focus elsewhere.
• Festival veterans the Old 97's, whom I'd never seen in concert. I only wish I could have stayed for the full set.
• The immensely talented and entertaining Bavu Blakes, with help from full band the Extra Plairs. They started with Living Colours' "Cult of Personality" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and never slowed down.
• Nakia & His Southern Cousins, who filled the WaMu tent with the unstoppable combination of music and love.

There are some shows I wish I'd seen but didn't. Alejandro Escovedo. Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. Flyleaf. Erykah Badu. Roky Erickson. I think it's impossible to leave any festival without at least a few regrets.

I also managed to spend some time backstage with a few artists gracious enough to withstand the heat and dust a little longer. My profile of Ray Benson is up today on The 9513. I'll have new features on the Eli Young Band and Nakia ready soon, plus a pre-ACL Fest interview with Randy Rogers.

Like many of this year's attendees, I'm still removing dust from unwelcome places and trying to soothe a scratchy throat. But, as usual, ACL Fest was worth it.

 
Elizabeth Wills opened the final day from the BMI stage.

 
A.A. Bondy's witty stage banter rivaled his brilliant solo performance for entertainment value.

 
The Belleville Outfit drew a sizable mid-day audience to the BMI stage.

 
Rob Teter and Marshall Hood, from the Belleville Outfit.

 
Nakia & His Southern Cousins got the WaMu crowd moving.

 
Nakia shines in the spotlight.

 
It's always fun to watch keyboardist Derek Morris really get into the music.

 
The Black and White Years rock the hometown crowd.

 
Scott Butler, lead vocalist and guitarist of the Black and White Years.

 
Zac Hartwell, age 14, leads Austin rock band We Go to 11.

 
We Go to 11 bassist Jake Hartwell, age 16, and drummer Sled Allen, age 13.

 
The Old 97's played classics like "Victoria" and "Stoned" as well as songs from this year's Blame It on Gravity.

 
Murry Hammond and Philip Peeples form the Old 97's plaid-clad rhythm section.

 
Rhett Miller, charismatic front-man of the Old 97's.

 
Brad Skistimas brought along a full band, but closed the Five Times August set with the solo acoustic "Audience of Zero."

 
Austin's own Bavu Blakes is a man of many disguises.

 
Despite the mid-afternoon heat, Bavu Blakes & the Extra Plairs had energy to spare.

 
Americana chart-toppers the Band of Heathens packed the BMI stage.