Lone Star Live Online

Keeping you in tune 

Pam Minick 

Red Dirt Texas Girl 

Concert for Cleburne 

Vol 1 | No 1 | July 2013 

UnionHill 

1

Letter from the Publisher 

A lot of work and effort go into making a magazine 

work. At first glance, it may appear that everything 

just fell into place. The truth is, the work can 

sometimes be relentless and seem as if the deadline is 

too much to accomplish. However, with the group assembled 

to bring you this and future issues, there really 

is nothing that can’t be accomplished. From a pair of 

music enthusiasts, that live and die by the sound of six 

strings, to a young upstart and the publisher as well, 

music is in our blood to say the least. But it doesn’t stop there. As you will see in 

our travel section, the writer truly is a craftsman of his passion, and the people 

behind the scenes are as vested in the culture and lifestyle that we represent, as 

much as anyone. That’s what we hope to bring to you, a vision of what we see, 

and live daily, just as you do. A magazine about Texas, for Texans. Not just 

some snapshot of what life is like here, but the details. The details that bring our 

world to life, and a glimpse into what fuels the fire for so many others out there 

not only dreaming big, but those that choose to follow those dreams, no matter 

where the road might take them. 

A special thank you goes out to those who helped craft this from a dream 

to a reality. Thank you Karan, Wendi, Shasta, Tiffany, Jordan, Nick and Randy. 

Also a big thank you to our sponsors and most importantly, you, the fan. 

Without your interest, and your support, dreams like these never see the light. 

Adios, 

Aaron Lee Bentley 

Managing Editor 

“If a writer stops observing he is finished. Experience is communicated by small 

details intimately observed.” -Earnest Hemmingway 

Group 360/Lone Star Live has a mission to support Texas music, it’s fans, and the venues. Group 360/Lone Star Live is 

not liable for inaccuracies, erraneous information or typographical errors contained in this publication either by advertisers 

or those using this publication for free publicity. Group 360/Lone Star Live (940) 389-0508 Burleson, TX 

2 www.LoneStarLive.net 

Staff 

Publisher - Owner 

Karan Thomas-Jackson 

Managing Editor 

Aaron Lee Bentley 

Contributing Writers 

Tiffany Aldridge - Elliott 

Randy Otts 

Jordan Gordon 

Mere Dith 

Advertising Sales/ 

Public Relations 

Karan Thomas Jackson 

Wendi Coffey 

Art Design 

Shasta Tiwater 

Nick Dingman 

Cover Photo 

Aaron Lee Bentley

www.LoneStarLive.net 3

By Aaron Lee Bentley 

On The Right Track 

Far beyond the glitz and glam of the Nashville lights, 

the primetime awards shows, the sold-out arenas, and 

100-person entourage lies a very different side to the 

music industry. The before. The myth of the overnight success 

really is just that, a myth. For most people on the outside 

looking in, the life of a musician is a glamorous, carefree life 

style, where the money is always flowing as well as the drinks 

and good times. The truth is, in the beginning, it is more than 

a struggle, it is almost always a heartbreak. The gig’s are scarce, 

and the pay for those are even more rare. The road is long, but 

for those with talent and the drive to achieve their dreams, it can 

prove to be a fruitful journey. 

For the members of Union Hill, this isn’t their first rodeo. 

Individually, each member has traveled that road before, 

but this trip, they just might have the right path set. 

So how do you standout in an area that is so rich in musicians, 

and can be considered the melting-pot of Texas Music? 

Well, it is a muddy answer, with no clear conclusion, but individual 

stylings certainly play a part in it. “What sets us apart? 

Three drummers and a Chicago jazz/funk bass player, oh, and 

in-your-face three part harmonies. This defines our sound as a 

very rhythmic band with melodies carried out by not one, but 

three voices. This is never what I had dreamed I would be able 

to be a part of because such things are very hard to find. But 

we found it, and we continue to find things that we can do as a 

band. It’ll only get better.” While Ricky’s response may not be 

typical of the standard act on the scene, it certainly works for 

them. A first glance, Union Hill may appear to be the atypical 

bar band, but they are certainly far from that. They truly are 

more. James added, “Union Hill is a collaboration of experience, 

passion, and drive. Southern Rock with a twist of harmonies 

and energy.” While each of their ideas of the band hold water, 

the true test certainly is seeing a live performance. At this point 

you may find yourself asking, who is Union Hill? Well, they can 

honestly be described as the best band you’ve never experienced. 


No strangers to the heartache of short success, Union 

Hill found out just how hard it was to get work in the beginning. 

Shows were scarce, and venues found it hard to book an act that 

had little to no following and still in its infancy. With an area 

that can find any number of top level acts playing on any give 

night at over two dozen respected venues, it can be a daunting 

task. There is an over-saturation of talent these days, and while 

many will say that’s a good thing, for the up-and-coming artist, 

it can prove to be an immovable barrier. So how did they break 

the wall down? Simple. Playing any and every opportunity they 

could be heard. From open mic nights, to benefits, to someone’s 

back porch, they played. And still yet, fans weren’t knocking 

down any doors, and venues were still amiss. But, that’s the way 

it goes, slow. Small steps in this industry prove to be giant leaps, 

while big steps sometimes mean a move backwards. So where 

was the balance? All in due time. “The journey is exciting because 

we are four guys with the same plan, drive, and determination 

to make music our career. What scares me is the difficulty 

of the industry I’ve battled my whole life.” As James said, it is a 

battle, a battle that Union Hill certainly isn’t backing down from.

Through infectious three-part harmonies, a very strong, 

pocket driven sound, original, relatable, and intelligent songwriting, 

Union Hill is making a case as to why they might just 

be your next favorite act. As the fans came, so did the gigs. 

Which lead to a decision. A decision to take the live show into 

the studio. Like many struggling acts and artists, Union Hill 

turned to the web-based Kickstarter to fund the project, and 

venture into the world of high-level production and recording. 

With the help of the dedicated fan base, the band reached their 

goal, and reached out to Bart Rose at the award winning Fort 

Worth Sound to record and produce their project. The sessions 

were tough, with long nights and many changes and different 

arrangements, but they stuck it out and finished as a band. “A 

band fails together, learns together, and succeeds together. Simple.” 

James’ definition seemingly fits Union Hill to a T. They are 

banded together. So where was the album? That was the next 

hurdle. They had run out of money, plain and simple. Gear 

was breaking down, and things seemed bleak. Then, an offer 

to play at Capitol Bar as an opener for The Ranch music series 

happened. Also, a sponsorship from a local hardware retailer 

happened, then, A chance to play The Ranch’s Rockin’ the River 

happened. Small steps to bigger success. With the Album set to 

release later this year, many fans are eagerly awaiting with childlike 

anticipation. 

So what’s next for Union Hill? For a band that never 

takes themselves too serious, but puts the music and the band 

first, the sky really is the limit. With a youthful approach to 

performing and a what you see is what you get mentality, Union 

Hill possess every quality for success. To make it in today’s 

music business you have to possess certain qualities. Among 

these are thick-skin, a hunger deep inside, flexibility, true talent, 

and a willingness to not take no for an answer. The road ahead 

is long, with many speed bumps, twists and turns, and potholes, 

but if you possess these qualities, you just might have a fighting 

chance to be the next act to hear your song on the airwaves. 

This is Union Hill’s quest, and some might say, they are already 

on the right track. 

Contact Information 

(817) 301- 7825 Info@UnionHillBand.com 

www.UnionHillBand.com 

July 2013 September 2013 

13-Back Forty Smoke House 

27-Wild Country 

August 2013 

2- Railhead Smokehouse 

23- The Wild Rooster 

1- Million Barrel Musem 

14- Railhead Smokehouse 

October 2013 

12- Wild Country 



Come Together....Right Now! 

When I first got the call last November to help organize a 

benefit for a coworker diagnosed with terminal cancer, I did not 

hesitate to jump on-board. After that call, I was filled with feelings 

of anxiety and emotions that are hard to cope with all at once. I 

knew I wanted to do everything I could to help, but I really didn’t 

know where to begin. Having been involved with Justin Frazell, and 

seeing first hand how successful all the hard work and planning can 

be for a benefit, I wanted the same results for this family. Pickin’ for 

Preemies had a well known name, and I knew we couldn’t reach that 

level, but we certainly could attempt to follow suit. So I, along with 

several others, took the formula, and ran with it. With only three 

weeks to plan, set up, and execute, it truly was a miracle. The fruits of 

our efforts paid off, and were a true testament to what the power of 

a group of individuals could achieve with a common goal in mind. 

As most of you are aware, there are benefits seemingly every 

weekend throughout our state, many of which are anchored by musical 

sets involving any number of Texas and Red Dirt artists. Now, 

many will say that it is just a way for these musicians to get noticed 

by the public, but at closer examination, it becomes apparently clear 

that it goes much deeper than that. The true nature of people wanting 

to strive to help our fellow man, along with the joy and unity 

that can be brought upon through music simply makes it a perfect 

union. evening after Puttin’ for Preemies this past April as we discussed 

his and Justin’s involvement in so many facets of charity work, 

and I feel that it probably sums up most people’s feeling about charity 

work in our music scene. We are all family. Not just musicians, 

or industry types, and not just Texans, but humankind as a whole. 

Many of the artists who play these benefits, no matter 

what the cause, do so because of personal experiences. “I think 

the majority of it comes from all of going through hard times and 

experiences ourselves. It’s easy to help people because you understand 

what they are going through. It’s easy to be involved with 

something that means a lot to you. That’s the case with Justin and 

me, we’ve always chosen charities that are close to home, whether 

it’s children or expectant mothers, or whatever it may be, we’ve 

always chosen a cause that means a lot to us, so it is easy to give 

back. You understand what the people are going through, or what 

they are about to go through, and you just want to try and make 

a difference, and make it easier on everybody. I think it is human 

nature for the most part.” Those were the words Wade Bowen 

shared with me the were the words Wade Bowen shared with me 

the evening after Puttin’ for Preemies this past April as we discussed 

his and Justin’s involvement in so many facets of charity 

work, and I feel that it probably sums up most people’s feeling 

about charity work in our music scene. We are all family. Not just 

musicians, or industry types, and not just Texans, but humankind 

as a whole. 

Sometimes, benefits are organized for more that just a 

person, a family, or a small group of individuals. Sometimes, it 

for is an entire community. That’s the case with the upcoming July 

12th event to be held at Cleburne’s Byron “Buddy” Stewart park. 

Cleburne native, and chart-topping Texas Music artist Randy 

Rogers spearheaded a movement to help aide those affected by 

the May 15th outbreak of tornado activity that damaged so many 

homes in Cleburne and Johnson county. Joining Randy will be fellow 

Cleburne natives Amos Moses Band, Steve Helms Band, and 

Sonny Burgess. Money raised at the benefit will go to a relief fund 

established by the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce. While this is 

being billed as the biggest concert in Cleburne’s history, it’s results 

may prove to go beyond simply a benchmark, but to help rebuild 

many lives affected by such tragedy. 


presents 

ONCERT 

for 

LEBURNE 

Friday, July 12, 2013 - Byron Stewart Park 

Gates Open at 5PM—Concert at 7 PM 

Full band shows by the Amos Moses Band, Sonny Burgess, 

the Steve Helms Band and Randy Rogers Band 

Tickets at www.concertforcleburne.com 

or the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce 

For more information, call 817.645.2455 

All proceeds from this event go directly to the Cleburne Area Relief Fund.


For most acts on the scene, playing 

Billy Bob’s main stage is a mark that 

you have arrived. It is a rite of passage 

of sorts. Many top-rated performers 

have graced the stage in the past and 

several of the next top acts are playing 

there on any given Friday and Saturday 

night. For the general public, it 

is an icon. From locals, to people on 

the other side of the globe, Billy Bob’s 

Texas is where you go to get your 

first glimpse of the western and Texas 

cowboy lifestyle. For the past 24 years, 

the driving force behind the marketing 

and success, has been Pam Minick. 

Getting her start in broadcasting with TNN and ESPN earlier 

in her career, Pam Minick has been no stranger to the ins and 

outs of the music and performance business. Once I sat down with 

Pam, I instantly had a feeling of the familiar, as if we had known 

each other all along. A great person with a great personality, I 

quickly learned with Pam, what you see really is what you get. 

When news of her forthcoming retirement from Billy 

Bob’s came up, I took some time to find out how the journey 

came about, where it started, and what stops she made while 

along the way. “I flew in from Idaho one day and Billy picked me 

up from the airport, he said, ‘you know about television, you can 

do the marketing’. That was at the beginning of 1989, and I’ve 

been here ever since. 24 years. I don’t think it was meant to be a 

full-time job, but it is.” With her solid background in broadcasting, 

it seemed a perfect fit, and for the past 24 years, it certainly 

has been. But, Pam was quick to point out to me that she wasn’t 

retiring from life, just the day to day operations of the club. “We’re 

still owners, so we still have our hand in the pie. We’ll, through 

the board of directors, be able to guide some of 

the decision making. We’ll never be too far away 

from the process. I produce two T.V. shows as 

well, so its not like I’m gonna be sitting at home. 

I just won’t be making that drive up 35.” 

A true fan of people, and champion of 

the music, Pam is never in short supply of great 

stories and remarkable encounters. But I had to 

Living A Legacy 

www.LoneStarLive.net 

know, so I asked her, if she ever gets star-struck anymore. “Yeah, 

Kid Rock. Don’t ask me why. With the country artists, I know 

them all. Even with Garth, I can sit and visit with him and Trisha 

just like we’re visiting now. But when I’m around Kid Rock, I get a 

little star-struck. I guess it’s the bad-boy image, and it has nothing 

to do with being a star.” While this came as quite the surprise to 

me, I realized it really shouldn’t have. Being as in tune and embedded 

in the music landscape as Pam has been over the years, It really 

is no surprise that particular bonds had been formed between 

her and so many of the top acts we all look at from the other side 

of a stage. 

Wanting to know the inside track on what has made Billy Bob’s 

such a virtual icon for so many, I asked Pam what she thought 

the key to the club’s success was. “A couple of things. Consistency-we’ve 

tried to remain consistent not only in keeping our prices 

low enough that you can come back, but feeling safe. In 32 years 

we’ve never had any type of issues, and that’s almost unheard of in 

a bar. Knowing that no matter what night of operation you come 

here, you’re gonna hear songs that are familiar to you. We allow 

our house bands to play originals, but we insist they know cover 

tunes. So if you’re coming from Michigan and you expect to hear 

George Strait, you’re gonna hear George Strait. Location. The Ft. 

Worth Stockyards is what people expect to see when they come 

to Texas. They don’t have it in Dallas, they don’t have it in Austin, 

they don’t have it in Houston. When you take the six-million visitors 

a year that come to Ft. Worth each year, and they experience 

the Stockyards, and Billy Bob’s is part of that country experience, 

our location is a key factor. The real bull riding too. Authenticity is 

the key word.” And Pam was exactly right. For years Billy Bob’s has 

remained as the genuine article, and much like the world’s largest 

honky-tonk, Pam too is the genuine article. While the bar may 

remain for many, many years to come, Pam’s energy, enthusiasm, 

and feel-good spirt will be missed. 

For Pam, it really isn’t about days ahead of sleeping-in 

and doing crossword puzzles, it’s about the 

next chapter in life. Time to let go of the reins, 

and saddle up on a new adventure. Wherever this 

new road leads, one thing is certain, she will continue 

to leave behind a great legacy, and boots 

that may never be filled. 

9

What is Red Dirt 

& 

What is Texas Music? 

By Tiffany Aldridge Elliott 

I have come to realize in the last year, many people have 

a misconception of what Red Dirt/Texas Music actually is. Some 

think that it is just what Texans and Oklahomans call country 

music and that there isn’t a difference between the music of Garth 

Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw versus that 

of Casey Donahue, Wade Bowen, Randy Rodgers or Jason Boland. 

The reason could be, that it’s due to the Radio Stations 

that claim to play “Red Dirt or Texas music”. In fact the only thing 

“Texas” about “those” radio stations is that they MAY have a Texas 

address and the only Red Dirt songs they play are at the festivals 

they put on. Heck, they don’t even put it on the air. 

Red Dirt/Texas Artists live their lives here in our backyard 

and have normal traditional lives…well as close as possible. They 

strive to remain close to family and friends, and stay true to their 

roots. They desire to write, record and perform music the way 

they envision it. Some are signed with small independent labels 

and others produce, promote and distribute their music themselves. 

Very few have any kind of financial support other than 

what they make on the road between shows, merchandise, CD 

sales etc. They live paycheck-to-paycheck, gig-to-gig and town-totown. 

They struggle just like the rest of us do with our daily lives. 

Payin’ bills and livin’ to write about it. Their goal isn’t to be the 

next big star and for many, their first and only true love is to write, 

play and sing. These musicians are what I call true artists. 

The Nashville country musicians you hear on the “Country 

top 40 chart” today may be there only because they have the 

look, or charisma to be in front of a camera, and while they MAY 

be able to carry a tune, there are some that I know for a fact can’t 

even play a chord on a guitar, much less write their own song. 

They rely on the big corporate labels, sponsors, & corporate staff 

writers to tell them what to sing and how to sing it, along with 

producers and radio promoters to determine what the next big 

hit is gonna’ be… not the fans. They wanna’ tell you what to like, 

where as the Red Dirt/Texas scene is more fan and artist driven. 


The artists write what they feel and live. 

“We The People” decide if we like it or not. 

There is also the confusion of the definition of “RedDirt 

Music” verses “Texas Music”. Some think it has to do with where 

the artist is from or resides, and yes, the original musicians who 

dubbed the term “Red Dirt” were from Stillwater, Oklahoma 

But geographically this has nothing to do with the sound itself. 

Red Dirt has a more Southern rock and grit feel such that 

of Stoney Larue, Cody Canada, Whiskey Myers or Joey Green. 

Some would want to include in this the outlaw sound for example 

Jackson Taylor, Cody Johnson and Chad Sullins 

“Texas” music has more of the traditional country rhythm 

such as Dale Watson, Walt Wilkins, Jamie Richards, Eleven 

Hundred Springs or Tommy Alverson. Then you have the more 

folk sounding artist that also fall into the genre: Dirty River Boys, 

Midnight River Choir, William Clark Green & Larry Joe Taylor. 

Anymore the differences are hard to distinguish with 

music that is more Americana, Blues, Indy, Rock, Tejano and yes, 

if I must say it, Pop & Rap music. Each of those sounds finding its 

way to this music scene. Some jut wanna call it a phase or only has 

a regional fan basin, but the facts show that the rest of the country, 

as well as Europe & the world are starting to embrace its rapid rule 

breaking, out of the ordinary, and even throw-back melodies. 

The RD/TX term is no more than just an expression anymore 

in an effort to describe a music scene that honestly has no 

definition. That’s why it has such success. So many people from 

all backgrounds love the music… from the old school rockers 

and heavy metal hippies, to the tweens, teens and college kids to 

adults…single, married or divorced. 

Just like the dirt on the banks between the 2 states turn the 

river red; The Texas & Red Dirt sounds channel the energy from 

its music, embracing the differences from each other’s soul.

JOEY GREEN 

LOW 5 

TWO TONS OF STEEL 

UNRAVELED 

CD Review 

WILLIAM CLARK GREEN 

ROSE QUEEN 

JOHNNY COOPER 

RED SESSIONS 

ZANE WILLIAMS 

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS 


Thirsty Armadillo 

12 

July 13 

Jim Bowies Full Band 

Music Scene Live 

July 16 

Open Mic with Andy Pate 

Ryan Tharp Trio 

July 19 

Thirsty Throwdown Semi Finals 

July 20 


July 23 


July 26 

Whiskey Folk Ramblers 

July 27 


July 30 


Aug 2 

Thirsty Throwdown Finals 

Aug 3 

Kolton Moore and the Clever 

Few 


Aug 6 


Ryan Tharp Trio 

Grandview,TX 

July 13- Clay Thrash 

July 27- Brady Hulsey Band 

Spice Rack Grill 

July 11 

Hula 

July 12 

Brad Kelly and Luke Holman 

July 13 

Whitney Raquel 

July 17 

Matt Kimbro 

July 20 

Joe Hagin 

July 24 

Matt Wayne 

July 26 

Brandon Steadman 

July 27 

Whiskey River Ramblers 

* Every Sunday Recording 

Kick Off Party 

July 14, 2013 

Red Hot Cars 

& Guitars 

Daltons Corner 

Benefiting Spirit of a Hero 

See you 


CONCERT FOR

around Town 

CLEBURNE 

July 12, 2013 

RANDY ROGERS 

BAND 


August 4, 2013 

Honky Tonkin 

for Hope 

FILTHY McNastys 

Caddo Street 

Grill 

July 12 

Jacob Deal 

July 13 

Amos Moses 

July 19 

Brady Hulsey 

July 20 

Martindale 

July 27 

Jimmy Jones 

Friday Night Fish Fry 

July 12- Joe Kind Band 

July 19th- Aaron Sandoval Band 

July 26- Ciao Bella Band 

Sautday Night BBQ 

July 13- Black Sheep Boys 

July 20- Jimmy Jones Band 

July 27- Stephen Pride Band 

White Elephant 

Saloon 

July 13 

STEVE CARRASCO 

BRAD HINES 

July 14 

MICHAEL COTE 

JD MONSON 

July 18 

RYAN READY 

July 19 

DARRYL LEE RUSH 

July 20 

BODIE POWELL 

GARY KYLE 

July 21 

SONGWRITER’S IN THE 

ROUND 

DON MCRAY 

July 25 

JAMES HINKLE 

July 26 

GREG REICHEL 

July 27 

STEVE CARRASCO 

PHIL PRITCHETT 

July 28 

BODIE POWELL 

13

He is lively, fun, energetic, and interactive with the crowd. If you 

are looking for someone with these talents, Tyler Jackson is the 

guy! Jackson, also known by his stage name “T the N.A.P,” means 

“Tyler the New Age Pharaoh” when asked how did he come up 

with such a creative name his response was, “I have a real big 

interest in ancient times and mans past, it’s what I like to study.” 

Along with his intellect Tyler is an up and coming artist filled 

with potential to achieve more than his wildest dreams. Make 

sure you keep this talented rap artist the 

top of your watch list. This young man 

hails from Fort Worth, Texas with a West 

Coast style of rap. Growing up he was 

surrounded by musical talent. With his 

mother singing and grandfather playing 

the guitar, singing, and also operating 

sound and video for some of the top 

names in the musical industry, his talent was destined to be 

passed down to him. He’s been writing for about five years and 

began rapping a year ago.To ensure that his talent does not go to 

waste he practices a few times a week. When asked what would 

be the best advice given to him on his career he replied his mother 

told him, “Don’t give up on your dreams.” Tyler would like to 

send out a special thanks to his mother, Aunt Michelle, and Kyle. 

Jarod Kintz once said, “Dreams, they are who I am when I’m too 

tired to be me.” Consider yourself day dreaming because once 

you listen to his hooks and verses you are an official fan of “T the 

N.A.P” -By Jordan Gordon 


About six years ago, our great state of Texas 

was blessed with another gifted spirit from 

Hamilton, Ohio. He is talented, charming, 

handsome, and driven. What more could 

you ask for from the up and coming hip 

hop artist Justin Cummings? Known by his 

stage name “JCee” he has gained the title as a respected artist by 

his peers, family, friends, and fans. This aspiring young artist fell 

in love with hip hop at the age of five. During his freshman year of 

high school he began to consider a serious career in the music 

industry. Two years ago while going to the studio for recording 

time on a demo track, Justin was offered a contract with Sanction 

Records which also produces music for other big names in the 

music industry. Keeping an open mind to other genres of music is 

what this artist does and it has paid off. Recently, Justin performed 

in the 97.9 Dub Car Show and received publicity, and recognition 

from radio show host Sinbad. When asking Justin, “If you were 

to give anyone advice or following in your footsteps what would 

it be?” He gladly responded, “I have a tattoo on my side by Ralph 

Waldo Emerson that says, ‘Every artist was first an amateur.’”Being 

the artist he is now, he still believes that practice makes perfect. 

Before Justin hits the stage, he goes over lines a few times for 

confirmation. “If you write what’s on your mind then it just comes 

easy,” says Cummings. To see for yourself what Justin is capable of 

you can purchase his songs on iTunes, Amazon, and Zune. Most 

importantly, Justin would like to give thanks to God for what he 

calls his, “God given talent.” Expect to see more from this prodigy 

in the near future.

By Meredith 

Overall rating: ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ 

Price: $-$$$ 

When approaching Fresco’s Cocina Mexicana, 

I thought for a moment I might be at any of a 

dozen upscale Mexican cuisine restaurants in 

the Metroplex, each famous in their own right 

— butthe experience transcended my expectations 

by a mile. The restaurant is located in Old Town Burleson, 

and is easy to find being right in the middle of it all.The hostess 

greeted us pleasantly and showed us to our table, while our 

server quickly made his way to get our drink order. While this 

is a restaurant, the server emphasized the alcoholic beverage 

choices and seemed almost a bit let down we wanted iced tea. I 

must point out the service we encountered was top-notch at the 

eatery, but was a little on the “edgy” side. 

By that, I mean ease at which the wisecracks came, and right 

way, was a bit unexpected. I will caution you to be aware this 

may happen, but will hasten to add, do not let this keep you 

from trying Fresco’s — if you do you will be missing an experience. 

The decor of the Cocina can best be described as upscale 

restauranté Mexican chic. By that I mean it is obvious you are 

eating in a Mexican restaurant, but much of the decor could 

be found in any other eatery catering to the same clientele. The 

modern light fixture compliment the space well, as do the colors 

chosen. Seating placement is well thought out and seems to fl ow 

throughout the space making each table feel separate yet part of 

the group. Wall decorations promote everything from area high 

schools to a more traditional Mexican feel. 

Separately many of these items may not belong together, but 

then brought to this place, it works perfectly. The designer must 

be almost as much of a genius as the chef who creates the dishes 

for patrons to dine upon.We started our meal with warm tortilla 

chips with freshly made Salsa Fresco — a medium spicy sauce of 

mesquite grilled tomatoes and jalapenos mixed with fresh garlic 

and onions had me wanting more the moment it got to my taste 

buds.Although it is not listed as a menu choice, the plate featured 

easily enough for two. It combined chicken and steak fajitas 

with bacon-wrapped and mesquite-grilled “Acapulco” shrimp 

stuffed with white cheese and a jalapeno slice and a rack of ribs 

and came with rice, refritos beans and all of theusual fajita sides 

of lettuce, sour cream and tortillas.products in them. 

For you vegetarians, the refritos are made with 

all-vegetable oil have no meat The large platter 

was served with a side dish of the barbecue sauce 

used to bathe the rack of ribs and a delicate white 

wine garlic butter sauce for the shrimp, called a 

mantequilla sauce. 

The sauce for the shrimp was outstanding, as was 

the barbecue sauce. While the barbecue 

sauce was sweet, it also has a mild kick to it you 

might not expect, so if you do not handle spicy 

well, you may want to back off of it a bit. 

That being said, if you do not like spicy food, I must ask why 

you would be sitting in a Mexican restaurant of this quality. But, 

the owners of Fresco’s must have known you’d be joining your 

friends and they have special dishes available for you which 

don’t have a lot of kick, but offer a tremendous amount of flavor. 

The plethora of tastes waiting to springboard onto your taste 

buds are a pool you will want to swim in again and again. Everything 

on the platter was prepared to perfection. 

The strips of steak and chicken almost fell apart and easily found 

themselves wrapped in the freshly made tortillas along with a 

little salsa, grilled onions and peppers and some of the sides for 

a hearty fajita wrap. 

The ribs were grilled to perfection and literally fell off the bone 

when picked up from the platter. 

The Acapulco shrimp in the mantequilla sauce were to die for. 

I can’t wait to return and try the Acapulco Shrimp Brochette to 

savor the flavor of this palate pleaser. 

After we had our fill from the overstuffed platter, we decided to 

take the server’s recommendation 

and try the sopapillas. He stated the sopapillas were the best in 

Texas, and after trying them, I can’t say I can argue with him. 

The sopapillas came five in the order, each a medium sized triangle, 

on a large plate covered in a honey butter sauce and sprinkled 

with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Each took a couple of 

bites to finish, but I’m not sure my teeth ever made contact with 

the delightful deserts as each time the fork entered my mouth 

with a portion of the doughy desert, it seemed to melt away. 

Fresco’s Cocina Mexicana is easily one of the best stops for Mexican 

food not only in the Metroplex, but anywhere in the state. 

And, when the state is Texas, and we’re talking about a Mexican 

restaurant — that’s saying something. 

112 S. Main St., Burleson | 817-426-9990 


16 www.LoneStarLive.net

35 million beers • 17 million visitors • 46,000 bucking bulls • 10,600 fun-filled nights 

7,800 stars on stage • 53 Willie Nelson concerts • 11 Country Music Club of the Year awards 

1 World’s largest Honky tonk 

UpCoMiNg ShoWS 

july 

12 Tate Stevens 

13 Cory Morrow 

19 Corey Smith 

20 Aaron Watson 

26 Kevin Fowler 

27 Turnpike Troubadours 

27 Jackson Taylor (in the 81 Club) 

august 

2 Charlie Robison 

3 Wade Bowen 

9 Chris Knight 

10 Sara Evans 

16 Texaco Country Showdown 

17 Dwight Yoakam 

23 Whiskey Myers 

24 Ted Nugent 

30 Kyle Park 

31 Terri Clark 

september 

13 Hayes Carll 

14 Jason Boland 

20 Corey Smith 

21 Lee Brice 

27 Sean Mcconnell 

Remember the stars 

and stories from 

the past 30 years in 

Billy Bob’s 

30th anniversary book 

“A Texas Legend” 

30 Stars/30 Stories 

“Live at Billy Bob’s” 

Special Double CD 

LoCateD iN the hiStoriC Fort Worth StoCkYarDS 

817-624-7117 www.LoneStarLive.net www.billybobstexas.com 17



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Howdy Friends! 

I have been traveling the Caribbean and Mexico for well over 20 years and one of 

my favorite spots is the Riviera Maya.The Riviera Maya extends along the Caribbean 

coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos, just south of 

Cancun to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Once home to small fishing villages, 

the Riviera Maya coastline has since been developed into a modern tourist corridor 

offering the very best of high-end luxury resorts, fine dining, nightlife, spa 

retreats, shopping, and golf in Mexico. An ideal vacation destination, the Riviera 

Maya is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in all of Mexico 

with expansive stretches of powdery white sand lapped by the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Riviera Maya is one 

of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving, fly, reef and deep sea fishing and snorkeling. An expansive coral reef system extending 

just off the coast is home to a dizzying array of marine life. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the Riviera Maya are not limited to 

the ocean. You can also go snorkeling and cave diving in the many cenotes, underground sink holes, that are unique to the Yucatan 

Peninsula. On of my favorite resort companies is Karisma they have three brands El Dorado, adults only, Azul, family friendly and 

Generations, all suite resorts catering to large and multi generational families. The Karisma brands all feature their signature “Gourmet 

Inclusive” concept. What is “Gourmet Inclusive” Well, it starts the moment you are greeted with a smile, a refreshing towel and a 

welcome cocktail. The décor and overall atmosphere of the resorts provide for a relaxed yet upscale environment with lush landscaping, 

beaches lined with beach beds and multiple pools with swim-up bars. You will be pampered with Gourmet services and amenities 

such as beach butlers, concierge, turn-down, 24-hour room service, premium beverages and Gourmet cuisine. The latter, which 

is the foundation for Gourmet Inclusive, has been lauded “Superb,” “Best in class,” “Decadent” and “Outstanding.” it simply means 

creating delicious meals in pleasant environments by their star chefs. Here, you will be indulged with Gourmet hospitality every moment 

of your stay. You can even try out the Riviera Maya, an El Dorado Resort and have amazing Texas music to boot because Texas 

music is featured 3 times per year at the El Dorado Royale with Steve Helms, Tommy Alverson, Jamie Richards and Mark Powell for 

Guitars & Swim-up Bars Summer Getaway in July and again in February for the Super Bowl Getaway. This year 

there will also be an Enhanced Escape brought to by Real Life Real Music’s host Kyle & Tara Hutton featuring 

Walt and Tina Wilkins for a couples escape. You can get more info on the Riviera Maya, Karisma Resorts , Guitars 

& Swim-up Bars and the Enhanced Escape at www.2getawaytravel.com 

Randy Otts 

Vacation Consultant 

2 Getaway Travel 


The Texas Music Chart 

See the top 50 each week at www.TexasMusicChart.com 

“Copyright (or ©) 2013, the Texas Music Chart. Used with permission from Best In Texas Music Marketing LLC, Houston, TX”

Lone Star Live Online

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