The Music City Texas Theater

The first time I heard Jackson Browne’s voice was along the back roads of East Texas. My sister Liz was determined to expose her younger siblings to a variety of music. I immediately became enchanted by his distinct voice and beautiful lyrics. His style of writing left ample room for different interpretations. While driving under those tall pine trees, I became a life long fan of Jackson Browne.

My friend, Cheryl Manker, whom I have known since elementary school reached out to me to let me know that Jackson Browne would be performing at the Music City Texas Theatre in Linden, Texas. She had recently become a patron in support of this East Texas venue. I can’t think of a better cheerleader for this almost ten year old non-profit organization. Not only is she a music lover but an avid historian of all types of music and songwriting.  At the urging of another person from our hometown, Ken Chinn, she went to the T-Bone Walker Blues Festival. Over the course of the weekend, Cheryl decided that she would lend her support to the Music City Texas Theater.

The town of Linden, Texas has a long and storied history of music.  Scott Joplin, T-Bone Walker and Don Henley are just some of the most recognizable names to have called Linden home. The city is small in size, at around 2000 people but big on musical history and even bigger on its scenic surroundings. It is known as the “Gateway to the Lakes and Piney Woods.”

I spent many summers listening to music as I traveled the roads around Lake of the Pines and Caddo Lake. I remember many instances at these lakes, especially Caddo Lake, that would just take my breath away. There has been much written and photographed regarding the huge cypress trees draping with Spanish moss. It is just one of those places that you must see for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

(Picture of Caddo Lake from the Texas Parks and Wildlife website)

 

 

I couldn’t think of a better reason to visit this part of East Texas again;seeing Jackson Browne in concert after so many years would be such a treat. The Music City Texas Theater is in an intimate setting with only around 450 seats. I ended up having trouble traveling seven hours one way on a weeknight, so it wasn’t possible for me to go. I had to settle for seeing some of the pictures that my friends had taken of their night at the sold out Jackson Browne concert at the MCT.

 

 

 

 

(Jackson Browne with my friend Cheryl)

 

 

They not only had seats close to the stage, they were allowed to meet Jackson Browne in person.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He even signed guitars that would later be auctioned off to benefit the theater. All my friends agreed that this was an experience that they would never forget.

 

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The MCT has even more of these events scheduled in the upcoming year in celebration of their tenth anniversary.

I don’t think my friend Regina has stopped smiling after meeting one of her all time favorite singer/songwriters in person.

 

 

 

 

(the pictures were provided by my friends who took them with their cellphones)

 

And neither has Rhonda, Rosie or  Angie.

They all share a love of good music in an intimate setting with major headlining acts.

The fact that it is located so close to their hometown is even more enticing.

They can visit family and take in a concert. If they wanted to make it a weekend event, they can spend the night in one of the many bed and breakfast locations in nearby Jefferson.

 

 

I am going to sign up for the Music City Texas Theater’s newsletter so I can plan ahead next time.

Maybe I can hug Jackson Browne too…..or Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen,Marty Stuart or even Don Henley himself!

For more information about the Music City Texas Theatre and to make a contribution, please visit MUSICCITYTX .

You can find out more about the different things to do in and around Linden by clicking on LINDEN.

I can’t wait to visit it while I’m home for the holidays.

After all, there’s no place like home.

Stay Sassy Y’all.