July 10th, 2012 
This past Friday kicked off the first Music Under the Stars of Summer 2012, the ninth season of the summer concert series. Kelly Willis, an Austin-based singer songwriter, was the headliner.
Crowd enjoying the performance (Photo Credit: Leslie Silver)
Kelly’s music is a hybrid of country and rock and the audience really enjoyed her soulful sound. Ruby Jane, of The Ruby Jane Show, opened the evening. The Dallas-born 17-year old singer played her unique mix of country, jazz, bluegrass and blues.
The audience all brought lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the performance from, and it was a great place for families of all ages as the age range really ran the gamut at the concert. BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs and nachos are available for purchase (cash only, but there is an ATM guests can use in the museum) but the majority of the patrons seated around me brought their own food and drinks.
Lammes candies and Honest Tea were passing out complimentary candy and fruit juices respectively. The museum is open and complimentary throughout the concert so it’s a great time to get in some culture in between sets or after the show.
This year’s concert series ties in with the Texas Music Roadtrip exhibit at the museum. All of this years lineup at the concerts features nationally known Texas artists.
Concert goers (Photo Credit: Leslie Silver)
WHEN: Every Friday night in July from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Lone Star Plaza in front of The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Parking is complimentary during the shows in the museum parking lot
UPCOMING SHOWS:
July 13th – Junior Brown with Warren Hood and the Goods July 20th – Little Joe y la Familia with Conjuntazzo
July 27th – The Gourds with Redd Volkaert Trio
