For 28 years Winter Texans have filled Our Savior Lutheran Church in McAllen to join them in worshipping the Lord by singing polka melodies of familiar hymns. Previous events have included “Beer Barrel Polka” played to the words of the hymn “Come Let Us Worship,” and “The Happy Wanderer” to the hymn “He Lives.”
While the Lone Star Jubilee shows are certainly filled with inspiration, fun and laughter, they also perform for a purpose. They have a ministry to support that keeps them doing what they love – entertaining, inspiring, and giving.
Sam Ray, who first started performing at Dallas Christian College with the Master’s Four in 1971 moved to Branson in 1983 and changed their name to the Texans. They are now a full-time trio comprised of Sam, wife Brenda, and son Curtis. They began their full-time traveling ministry in 1999, performing more than 300 concerts a year. They have shared their stage with speakers like TD Jakes, Charles Stanely, Jerry Falwell, Tim Lahaye, and many more.
If you don’t already know, Men of A-Chord and the Sweet Adeline’s have now become one and perform as Men and Women of A-Chord. The group performs in the Winter Texan parks from January through March.
The group still performs Barbershop Harmony, but now you have a wider range of voices to listen to. Something you might not know about the group, with funds collected from their shows, anything over their expenses, goes to music scholarships to high school seniors in the Valley.
Leslie Blasing, a Valley favorite, will be performing at a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser in Alice on Monday, January 13. The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. with Leslie performing at 7 p.m.
Leslie Blasing’s songs span seven decades of country, classic rock, 50’s and 60’s. South Padre Island has been her home for 25 years where she has won multiple awards throughout the Rio Grande Valley and was honored as the first “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner in 2018 by the Valley Star Awards.
Original members of Burlap to Cashmere, Johnny Phillips, and Steven Delopoulos, will be performing their brand-new show The Sounds of Silence Tribute at Christian Fellowship Church, 901 N. Loop 499, Harlingen, on Thursday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit the association’s website at www.HarlingenConcert.com or call (956) 392-9757.
Read more: Sounds of Silence Tribute to perform in Harlingen
Just about every park has something special for New Year’s Eve. Many have special entertainment lined up with a dinner. So many of these parks sell out of tickets weeks before New Year’s Eve. So if you didn’t get a ticket in time and are still looking for things to do, there are a few cities having some celebrations you can join in on.
As always, South Padre Island puts on good fireworks show. New Year’s Eve is just a little different, with a bigger show to celebrate the ringing of a new year. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. There are celebrations throughout the island at several locations too.
Quinta Mazatlán is excited to welcome Odyssey Jazz Quartet and RGV Jazz Collective for a live jazz performance followed by a Jam Session, Thursday, December 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the North Lawn at Quinta Mazatlán. Join us for live music, food, a native plant sale and nature activities for a family friendly atmosphere. If you’re a musician, bring your instrument to join the band during the Open Jam Session.
