CTI fest announces lineup

Gene Watson, Eddy Raven to bring the country oldies to Gonzales

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The official musical lineup for October's Come and Take It celebration has been released, and like the past few years, the focus is heavily centered on legacy country acts and a few local favorites.

The annual festival begins on Friday, Oct. 5 with DJ Richter in the opening slot followed by Different Beast, a “grooves-based roots-rock” band from Houston. The night is headlined by Shenandoah, who got their start in 1984 in Muscle Shoals, Ala. They have recorded nine studio albums — two which have been certified gold by the Recording Industry of America — with hits like “The Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South,” and “Next to You, Next to Me.” The band hasn't released new material in 20 years, but has plans for a new full-length album this year.

Saturday's lineup begins at 2 p.m. with Los Gavilanes followed by George Ara Dancers. Austin honky-tonk favorite Weldon Henson is booked, along with Ricky Naranjo y los Gamblers. Two legacy acts round out the night in Eddy Raven and Gene Watson.

Raven is a Lafayette, Louisiana native who began his career in 1962. His hits include “She's Playing Hard to Forget,” “She's Gonna Win Your Heart,” “I'm Gonna Get You” and “Joe Knows How to Live.” Texas native Watson — who has logged 56 years in the music business — has such favorites at “Farewell Party,” “Fourteen Carat Mind,” and “Love in the Hot Afternoon.” He was inducted in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002.

Sunday concludes the festival with traditional favorites the Shiner Hobo Band. Amongst the music will be the usual fare of family activities, games, performers, car show, and chicken flying contest.

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