"This was an effort to do a more well-rounded event," said Richard Paul Thomas, Salado musician on the planning committee that selected the Salado Founder's Day Festival entertainers. "You can't get too much more Texan than Gary P. Nunn."
Nunn performs at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wildfire Ranch. Admission to the show is $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Several more bands will perform bluegrass to 1920s-inspired tunes at free shows throughout the weekend.
Wild Horses
This Central Texas band has enjoyed national and international airplay, having songs recorded by artists like George Jones. The six-member group recently released, "Unbroken." Wild Horses opens for Gary P. Nunn at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wildfire Ranch.
Sam Dowdy
A plumber from Taylor, Dowdy grew up playing drums at church but later discovered his love for acoustic guitar. The singer-songwriter plays around Central Texas and recently finished his first album. He performs 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Adelea's on Main.
The Studebakers
Jill Montgomery started The Studebakers in 1993, aiming to revisit the harmonizing music of the 1920s, '30s and '40s with instruments like the fiddle, bass and jazz guitar. The group performs 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday on Rosanky's Deck on Salado Creek.
The Wimberly Bunch
As the name suggests, this jam-band comes from the area of Wimberly, Austin and the Canyon Lake. The almost all-female group plays bluegrass tunes with three-part harmonies. The Wimberly Bunch performs 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Salado Chamber and Tourism Office on Main Street.
The Blue River Band
The three-member group combines blues, bluegrass, classic country, gospel and oldies music to create an eclectic and nostalgic sound. The band performs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Adelea's on Main.
Danny Britt
Kentucky-born musician Danny Britt made his way to Texas in 1980, playing bluegrass and classic country. He toured with Jerry Jeff Walker as his road manager, and Britt started playing regular shows in Austin. The acoustic guitarist also has his own recording company, Red Dawg Music. Britt performs 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rosanky Deck on Salado Creek.
Richard Paul Thomas
Salado resident and singer-songwriter has been performing original work and country favorites for more than 40 years. The guitarist plays 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday on the Rosanky Deck on Salado Creek.
Schedule
Friday
4 p.m.: Cattle drive down Main Street
7:30 p.m.: Wildfire Showcase Ranch Rodeo at Wildfire Ranch arena, 101 FM 2268
Saturday
8 a.m.: Walking tour meets at Central Texas Area Museum, 423 S. Main St.
10 a.m.: Main Street parade
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: History of Salado lecture at the Civic Center, 601 N. Main St.
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Re-enactment along Salado Creek
1 p.m.: Wildfire Showcase Ranch Rodeo at Wildfire Ranch Arena
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Robertson Plantation Home Tour, 646 S. Robertson Road
6:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Wild Horses and Gary P. Nunn concert at Wildfire Ranch arena
SUNday
8 a.m.: Walking tour meets at CTAM
10 a.m.: Cowboy church on Salado Creek
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Historic Robertson Plantation Home Tour
11 to 4 p.m.: Heritage Crafters
2 p.m.: Institute for the Humanities lecture, Civic Center
