Behind The Scenes – Schroeder Dance Hall Photo Shoot

Last week, we loaded generators, props and some of the crew from Tierra Studios + the amazing photographer, Micahl Wyckoff for Bryan’s photo shoot at the 2nd oldest dance hall in Texas - Schroeder Dance Hall.

Special thanks to the Schroeder Dance Hall owner, Sharon, for being such a great hostess.  Her burgers were the best I’ve had in a long time.

Also, special thanks to JR for taking time out of his day to bring his vintage 1950 Chevy Pickup for the shoot.  And, thank you Elaine for providing the extra vintage luggage.

Guitar Lesson “One Night Rodeo”

Bryan Harkness teaches you how to play the guitar part of his song “One Night Rodeo”. You may download the guitar tab by clicking “Get It Now” below.

Album Title Naming Contest

This contest is now complete.  We will name the winner(s) on Friday, February 26, 2010.  Thanks to all who participated!  All participants will be rewarded.

Welcome to the Bryan Harkness album title naming contest!  We’ve been going back and forth on what Bryan’s upcoming album should be named, so we thought we would open the naming process to you, his fans.  The album is being mastered as we speak, and we’re soon to have the cover artwork ready.  Here’s how the contest works:

1.  Listen to the album preview below

2.  Submit your choice for Bryan’s album title in the comments field

3.  Your album title does not have to be a song name from the album

4.  Those who submit a title name will get to purchase Bryan’s album before the release date, at a reduced price

5.  Those who submit a title name that we choose for the actual album title will get to purchase a signed copy of the album, before the release date, compliments of Tierra Studios

Give a listen, and submit your choice for the debut album title from Lufkin’s Bryan Harkness!

Roots that run deep

By Angela Grant
Tierra Studios

Bryan Harkness’ roots in Texas run really deep.

His family first came to Texas in the 1830s, when Spain still controlled the territory. They had front-row seats on history when war forced Spain to give up Texas to Mexico. At least 30 of Bryan’s ancestors settled in East Texas, specifically the Nacogdoches area, and most worked as farmers. But they didn’t hesitate to take up arms in their local militias when the need arose. They fought in battles that helped win Texas’ independence.

The Battle of San Jacinto

They were among the few citizens of the Republic of Texas, until 1845 when they became United States citizens because Texas joined the union.

I know all this because Bryan’s mom, Pat Harkness, has done extensive genealogical research into their family. She’s traced her clan all the way back to England’s American colonies in the 1600s! The  family mainly immigrated from England, Ireland and Scotland, and many of them originally settled in Virginia. About 20 of Bryan’s ancestors fought in the American Revolution for the country’s independence.

Then in the 1860s, some of his family members fought in the Civil War for the confederates.

Because of Bryan’s ancestors, he is qualified to join some interesting historical organizations:

• The Sons of the American Revolution
• The Sons of the Republic of Texas
• United Sons of Confederate Soldiers Association

I’m not sure if Bryan will go that far, but I will say this: He seems very proud of his American and Texan heritage.

Photo shoot last week

Photographer Kevin Geil shoots pictures of me while Aaron Morris of Tierra Studios holds a reflector. The photos came out looking pretty good. Check back soon to see them.

Check back soon

My site is brand spankin’ new! That means it’ll be changing constantly over the coming weeks. That means you’ll have to bookmark it and come check every day to see what I’m up to.

Seriously though, I’ll be posting photos, videos, gig information, and blog posts. Check back soon.

Tamales and great music

Ihave a gig with Phil Parr  in Diboll, Texas at the Tamale Festival.

When: March 28 & 29
Where: Diboll, TX
What: According to the city, “Our festival is the perfect event for a family outing. Come out and enjoy Tamales, contests and much much more!”

View Larger Map

Join me for music to kick off Houston rodeo

I’m helping kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in style! I’ll be playing at a great pre-rodeo party and cook-off with my friend Jay Todd. We’ll both be singing and playing guitar. Hope you can make it!

Here are the details:

When: Feb. 27 and 28 from about 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Reliant Astrodome parking lot
What: Good food, great music

Listen to “We Don’t have to Walk Alone”

I’m proud to announce that my song “We Don’t Have to Walk Alone” is being played on KJ 103.3 in Lufkin, TX. The song is about a couple that sticks together through hard times. Although things have been rocky in the past, there’s still time to work together to sort things out.

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Photos of me

Check out some quick snapshots of me.