It seems like Blanco is the place to be this year for Summer time events. Playing off the success of other local events like the Blanco Classic Car Show, Blanco Lavender Festival and the Real Ale Ride, along with Real Ale Brewing Company’s 16th Anniversary party held last weekend, the Blanco Band Boosters are busy preparing for the 2nd Annual Bands for Band Music Festival, to be held this Saturday at Yett Park.

The festival, which was born last year amidst a climate of state and federal budget cuts for education and the arts, is a fundraiser for the Blanco Band programs. The initial goal of last year’s festival was to raise enough money to buy new marching uniforms for the award winning Panther Band. The proceeds from the festival, along with generous private donations, and aid from the Blanco Independent School District, helped organizers to successfully reach their goal. This year proceeds will go towards replacing aging concert uniforms, replenishing scholarship funds, and other needs such as providing transportation to special events the band participates in.

Festival organizers are pleased to announce the return of Edie Brickell and New Bohemians as this year’s headlining act. The band, which formed after attendance at the famed Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, hails from Dallas, Texas, and sprung forth from the “Deep Ellum” music scene in the late 1980’s. They are best known for their hit song “What I Am” from the platinum selling album “Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars”. This rare and hopefully annual appearance of the band in Blanco came about after members were approached by their fellow band mate and Blanco Assistant Band Director, Brandon Aly. Ms Brickell, who is a former Texas native, but now resides in Connecticut, says of last year’s performance “I had so much fun; I can’t wait to be there again!” The folks are hot and bothered, and the weather is warm and friendly... uh, reverse that and yeah. I am so happy to go see that sweet community of lovely Texans again. And of course it’s always a treat to play with New Bohemians: good tines guaranteed.”

Two stages will be utilized at the event, providing non stop music throughout the day. The complete line up for the festival’s main stage includes a wide variety of acts from the country sounds of Cameran Nelson and Guardrail Damage Ahead, to the Cajun and Zydeco styling of local favorites Zydeco Blanco. “Texas blues guitar legend” Bobby Mack, who is a Blanco resident will be offering up a full helping of his traditional Texas blues sounds as well. Rounding out the bill will be two Dallas based groups Fever in the Funkhouse, and the Hunter Hendrickson Band.

Festival goers will also be treated to a variety of yummy main course foods from vendors including Hill Country Barbecue, Philly Cheese Steaks, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. And of course, no festival would be complete without a Funnel Cake, or some Hawaiian Shaved Ice. This year’s event will also see the addition of craft booths from local artist.

Doors open at 12:00 pm and the event will conclude at midnight. Tickets prices are $15.00. The show is open to all ages. Ages 5 and under admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online at www.prekindle.com.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit sites.google.com/site/bandsforbandmusicfestival. Contact: Brandon Aly by phone at 512-797-9759 or by e-mail at drumaly@moment.net.