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.

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!”

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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.

See me tonight at Crown Colony

When: Feb. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 PM

Where: Crown Colony Country Club, Lufkin, TX

What: I’ll be performing covers and original songs with local group Write Around Texas. I’ll sing, “We Don’t Have to Walk Alone,” which has been playing on the radio lately.