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2008 2007 2006 2005

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News from 2008

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BIG CHANGES FOR THE BUGLE BOY!

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

In an effort to continue growing and maintaining The Bugle Boy, we have organized the Bugle Boy Foundation. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit and was established to assist with raising funds in support of the "best little listening room in Texas". Check out the Bugle Boy Foundation webpage to learn more about the foundation and to make your tax deductible donation today. No dollar amount is too small to donate.

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Drew Nelson doing his part...

Singer/Songwriter Drew Nelson caught having a fine beverage wrapped in a Bugle Boy koozie.Thanks for the free promo Drew!

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SHHHHH and SHHHHH again.

ummmm. Interesting that I just found out that someone whom was recently told that her talking would not be tolerated during a performance, emailed another patron and said that they would not visit The Bugle Boy again because they were not allowed to talk during the performance. So I say again, The Bugle Boy is a listening room. That is what we do here. We simply listen. If you are unable to perk your little ears and respect the performers then please find another venue or better yet read this article by Michael Corcoran.

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Bugle Boy Song Cameo

This is too cool folks. The Bugle Boy has a cameo in Vicky Emerson's new song, "Long Ride"Watch Vicky perform, "Long Ride" on Austin Fox 7. Just click on the below window.

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Bugle Boy Fan in Alcatraz

Judith Chedville demanded that her photo from inside her cell in Alcatraz prison be sent to us. She says that only the thought of getting back to The Bugle Boy keeps her sane.

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Bugle Boy makes Austin Chronicle "Day Trips"

Day Trips

PHOTO & ARTICLE BY GERALD E. MCCLEOD

The Bugle Boy in La Grange doesn't need beer specials to attract a crowd. Instead, concerts in the former Army barracks focus on the connection between the musician and the audience. It's like sitting in a living room with an artist singing just for you.

Continue reading this article...

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Bugle Boy at the 2008 Fayette County Fair

On Saturday, August 30th, 2008, The Bugle Boy participated in the 30th anniversary of the Fayette County Fair. A Fun Time was had by all at the Fair. Thank you foot soldiers for your support!Foot Soldiers are: Bertha Cabello, David Vogel, Wayne & Leslie Penello, June & Warren Park, Lee Mobley, Mac & Janet McCracken, Woody Russell and wife Jean with their daughter Lilly, Clare Gromoll, Christina Yanatorno, Pete Sengler & Charlotte Mckee.Charlie Ripper rode with Lane in the solar Truck. See more photos at:http://thebugleboy.com/parade08.htm

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Bugle Boy VIPs in Sicily!

Wayne & Leslie Penello

These were taken in Taormina, Sicily with Mt. Etna in the background!!! This volcano had been "quiet" since 2002 and while we were there on our honeymoon in May 2008it started erupting again!!!We were proud to be in our Bugle Boy shirts!!!Leslie and Wayne

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Solar Truck lands on Planet Green

Hi folks,

Just wanted to let you know that Trevor Reichman's article regarding the Bugle Boy's Solar Truck made front page of Planet Green today August 21st, 2008. You can read the article at: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/lane-gosnay-solar-car.html or visit Planet Green's home pageat http://www.planetgreen.com/

Trevor Reichman is not only a freelance writer for Planet Green but he is also a singer songwriter.He is currently building a geodesic music studio in the Texas desert near Big Bend National Park. You can learn more about Trevor at http://www.treemusic.org/

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Caji & Salome' Concert Photos

A great time was shared by all on August 9th with Brazilian acoustic group Caji & Salome'

Thanks to Alicia Butler for taking photos of the show and sharing them with us.

See photos

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Solar Truck featured in Texas Music Extra

Visit page 2 in Texas Music Extra to read about The Bugle Boy Solar Truck.

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Solar Truck arrives at The Bugle Boy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CREATING A SCENE WITH THE "GO GREEN DREAM"

For those of us intent on recycling those old newspapers and cans, Lane Gosnay of The Bugle Boy (a music venue that presents touring musicians in a living room type setting) in La Grange, Texas has taken the green concept and turned it into a challenge for everyone with one of the first solar-powered trucks in Texas. States Gosnay, "After seeing a documentary on Who Killed the Electric Car, I searched the internet to create a change for myself and act on the go green idea by investing in the SUNN electricvehicle.

It makes a great enhancement to The Bugle Boy environment." Maintenance is a dream--consisting of checking the batteries, then the tires, and chain, like a bike. The creation of builder Art Haines of Maine, this green gem is the third he's produced and is street legal, goes 28 mph easily and has a range of 30 miles. What makes this electricvehicle unique is the large diameter wheels resulting in lowest rolling resistance, high use of free solar energy, low weight, and efficient power transmission to the wheels.

What's next for Lane? "I'd like to eventually power The Bugle Boy with an alternative energy source, but for now I am enjoying getting around at no cost and being a part of something world changing. I'd like to see everyone take a hard look at what they are doing to preserve the natural resources we have and I challenge our community to be inventive and become part of the preservation solution. The internet is a vast source of amazing information. A simple search of "solar trucks", "electric vehicles", "no gas", “water conversion kits” or "magnet motors" will bring up several links to people manufacturing alternative energy solutions out of their own garages. Folks are taking out the engines in their cars and trucks and replacing them with electric motors. Others have invented working magnet motors or are converting existing gasoline engines to run with water increasing fuel efficiency by 40% or more. These are exciting times because information is viral over the internet and people can share the things that they are inventing. Real change will be driven by the people. I am launching a web page called www.nogasneeded.comwhere I will list links to some of the informative and interesting things that I have found online.”

The Bugle Boy was recently named the "Best Little Listening Room in Texas" by Texas Music Magazine. For more information, pictures and videosof the Lane's new SUNN Electric solar pick up truck, go to www.nogasneeded.com

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Shelley King - Official State Musician

On Wednesday April 16th I attended a celebration for Shelley King, our first woman to be appointed Official Texas State Musician. Celebrations took place at the Gibson Guitar Center in Austin. The Gougers performed and other friends of The Bugle Boy in attendance were Carolyn Wonderland, Chip Dolan & Susan Gibson. See all of the pictures at our dear friend RR Rodriguez's Photo Album.

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Colin Brooks Dresses Best

Colin Brooks ofThe Band of Heathens out and about in his Bugle Boy T.

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SUE FOLEY'S GUITAR WOMEN

Well R.R. Rodriguez has done it again. Check out his photos of Sue Foley's Guitar Women show at The Bugle Boy on March 20, 2008.

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CAROLYN WONDERLAND PHOTOS

Hey Folks,Check out these great photos of Carolyn Wonderland's Bugle Boy show on February 23rd, 2008 by RR Rodriguez.

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News from 2007

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RUTHIE FOSTER PLAYS THE BUGLE BOY

On December 7th, 2007 Ruthie Foster performed at The Bugle Boy and RR Rodriquez took some great photos.  Please visit RR's photo gallery and have a look.

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A FREE GIFT FROM ERIKA LUCKETT

The ambassador of Kindness, Erika Luckett sent this song to me and I
asked her if I could share it with my email list. Of course she
obliged and she was very grateful to be able to do so.

So here's a gift for you. The song is called "Peace," a seasonal
song that's good twelve months out of the year.

Just click on the below link:
http://www.erikaluckett.com/music/PEACE*.mp3

May Peace and Gratitude always be your companion.

Sincerely,

Lane

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Bugle Boy VIPs in Eygpt

In November 2007, Bugle Boy VIPs David & Vickie Vogel visited Eygpt while supporting their Bugle Boy T-shirts and holding La Grange's Fayette County Record.

Thanks for taking us Worldwide David & Vickie.

Send us your photo with your travelling Bugle Boy t-shirt and we will add you to The Bugle Boy News.

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THE BUGLE BOY TO BEGIN HOSTING SUNDAY PERFORMANCE SHOWCASES

The Bugle Boy will begin hosting SUNDAY PERFORMANCE SHOWCASES beginning in January 2008 for performing songwriters. National and statewide acts perform 2 songs each, with 3 finalists returning for a third song at the end of the afternoon for a chance to win a cash prize and a spot in our bi-annual BEST OF SHOWCASE CONCERT and for a GRAND PRIZE performance at THE BUGLE BOY’S  ANNIVERSARY SHOW in January of each year.   Performance showcases are sure to be well attended and are being hosted by Bugle Boy owner, Lane Gosnay.  This is a great opportunity for up and coming talent to hone their skills and for listeners to see and meet tomorrow's headliners. We are now taking sign ups for January 6th & 20th & February 3rd & 17th performances.
For more information on playing at one of our Performance Showcases, please visit our  SHOWCASE SUNDAY link.

SHOWCASE SUNDAYS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
1^ST & 3^RD Sundays of each month
with Jam Session or a scheduled concert to follow.  
1:30-5:00  /  12 performers
Doors open at  Noon
Performers check in by: 1pm
Close: 8pm

Cover for both performers & audience: $5

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Bugle Boy Makes Splash in the Austin Stateman

The Bugle Boy is for music lovers who want to hear the music, not the crowd

By Michael Corcoran
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, August 10, 2007

LA GRANGE — The sign out front of the Bugle Boy, a former World War II barracks turned singer-songwriter haven, reads "Loose Lips Sink Ships." What that wartime saying means at the 80-capacity "listening room" is that if you talk during a song, you'll be shushed, and if the chatter continues, you'll be asked to leave. Undivided attention is such a priority here that if someone buys chips, owner Lane Gosnay pours them into a bowl, lest a rustling bag disturb the concentration of those lost in song.  

read more......   or    Watch the Audio Slideshow  by Ricardo Brazziell

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EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT US!

The Bugle Boy is featured in Texas Music magazine this month.
Desribed as "The Best Little Listening Room in Texas" and complete
with quotes from Eliza Gilkyson, Terri Hendrix and Ruthie Foster.

"Every once in a while, you cross paths with a venue that just works,
for some unknown reason.  The audience, the space, the resonance of
the room, the intention of the promoter- It's  hard to name it, and
it has nothing to do with its size or the money you make there, but
some rooms have it, and some rooms don't.  The Bugle Boy has got it.
Whatever 'it' is."- Eliza Gilkyson

Go buy your copy today!   www.txmusic.com  search for issue # 30

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Highlights from Our Second Anniversary Celebration

We celebrated our 2 year anniversary the weekend of Jan. 27th and 28th and it was a blast!
The party got started on Friday with the amazing Donnie Blanz. For those of you new to our little slice of heaven, Donnie was one of (if not THE) first artists to grace our little stage. Week after week Donnie played and the audience grew and word got out that something wonderful was happening in that old barracks building.
So it was only appropriate to start out the celebration with Mr. Blanz. And he did not disappoint. Donnie's songs filled the hall, his soothing barritone put smiles on all. In between songs, he gave us the inside scoop on his latest project, the soon to released film "Shroud." Donnie plays a major role as the sheriff "Sloan." Unfortunately, "Sloan" meets an untimely end.....something about a hatchet to the head. Ow! We will post details about the release as they become available. Big thanks to Donnie and his wife Jaimie for all of their support over the last two years.
Saturday we had the absolutely wonderful duo from Kentucky "Wishing Chair." Kiya and Miriam played their beautiful music to a full house. The audience was singing along, dancing (I saw quite a bit of arm flailing!) and definitely having a wonderful time. At the break, everyone enjoyed food that was generously provided by Rosalee and Karl Scott, and served on fabulous platters on loan from our wild, redheaded, second in line to the throne, Pat Settle. It was a great evening and all are looking forward to many more successful years of live, independent music here in LaGrange.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the celebration. We can't do it without ya'll! If you are reading this and haven't made it out to a show yet..........what are you waiting for????

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News from 2006

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First CD Review by Duggan Flanakin

You can read Duggan Flanakin's full review at http://www.myspace.com/flanfire or just scroll down. Duggan Flanakin is a music lover, journalist, and veteran of the Sixties who is also a visionary for human freedom in the developing world. Native Texan (and proud of it!), longtime resident of our nation's capital.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Live at the Bugle Boy -- WOW WOW WOW

Live at the Bugle Boy -- WOW!

Lane Gosnay is beaming all over at the release of "Live at the Bugle Boy, Volume 1" - which you can buy at Waterloo or online for about $15 -- or better yet, just drive on down to LaGrange for one of the weekend shows at this magical listening room that once was a World War II barracks and thus has wood floors, a great grand piano, lots of good coffee and beer and wine, and no talking during performances at all.

This 17-song collection -- which includes many songs never before recorded -- is a potpourri of great acoustic music from Austin's best and some of the nation's most interesting touring pros -- and there is even a little Aussie music thrown in for good measure.

We've got Carolyn Wonderland on slide guitar (well, maybe a dobro) with "Misunderstood" -- plus Carolyn backs up Shelley King on her "Stormin ' in the South." We've got Patrice Pike doing the very jazzy "Mystery Girl," which includes a lot of scat singing. The CD closes out with Ruthie Foster doing Sister Rosetta Tharp's "Up Above My Head (I Hear Music in the Air)," and THAT cut follows the fabulous Dana Cooper with his own "Great Day in the Mornin'." So you end up in church.

Central Texas acoustic groups The Hudsons and the Sidehill Gougers BOTH lend unrecorded tunes -- "Wrong Direction," which features Phoebe Hunt's fiddle and Hudson Mueller (or is it Brian Hudson) on vocals, and "Everybody Knows," with the awesome Jamie Wilson taking the lead vocal. Then there's the cowboy poet Donnie Blanz (who has written songs for Chris Ledoux and other country stars), with "Old Stuff"; jazz-influenced Woody Russell, with "We May Never Know" from his Indie Record of the Year nominated "Salt"; and world-class harmonica player (and guitarist and singer) Jimi Lee with the bluesy "Ease Your Mind."

Traveling musicians performing here include Sloan Wainwright (Loudon's sister) doing Jimmy Cliff's "Sitting Here in Limbo,"; New York City's Amy Speace with her "Just to Get By,"; fellow New Yorker Natalia Zukerman playing bottleneck slide on "Fool's Gold" (she's the daughter of two classical musicians); the amazing Erica Luckett (who was born in Mexico and raised in Venezuela and Brazil but began her musical career in France) with "Besame" from her 2001 release, My Little Crime,"; and California based Taiwanese-American pianist-songwriter Vienna Teng, with "Soon Love Soon."

A special treat here is A. J. Croce's "Hung Up on You," which can also be found on his brand-new CD, "Adrian James Croce." The son of the late Jim Croce, A. J. lost his eyesight and later regained partial vision, and then lost his voice and had to learn how to sing all over again. Finally, from Australia comes The Bluehouse -- an (almost) all-female folk group who played the Bugle Boy back in June -- with "Crying (like you are)."

Not only are there great songs from a very diverse group of acoustic artists from all over the place, the songs flow well as they are placed on the recording. Just do me a favor -- if you go to the club to buy your copy, let Lane know you read about the music -- and the Bugle Boy itself -- right here. [And, yes, LaGrange does have some B&B's for those who want to sleep over.]

You can post your comment at Duggan's myspace page at:
http://www.myspace.com/flanfire

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"Live At The Bugle Boy, Volume I"

The Bugle Boy's "Live At The Bugle Boy, Volume I" compilation CD was officially released in November 2006. All tracks on the album were recorded live at The Bugle Boy; styles include Blues, Folk, Western, Country, Jazz, Easy Listening & AAA. Featured artist are include: Erika Luckett, Woody Russell, Ruthie Foster, Patrice Pike, A.J. Croce, The Hudsons, Donnie Blanz, Jimi Lee, Amy Speace, Vienna Teng, Sidehill Gougers, Shelley King, Natalia Zukerman, Dana Cooper, Carolyn Wonderland, The Bluehouse & Sloan Wainwright. Radio programers interested in a copy for airplay may send an email to lane_@thebugleboy.com (remove_ to send email) to request a CD. Lane Gosnay The Bugle Boy/ Owner

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Round Top Register Article

Check out the great article that Chris Travis of the Round Top Register wrote about The Bugle Boy.

http://www.thebugleboy.org/rtregister.htm

 Thank you Chris!

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PRESS

We are happy to let you know that Chris Travis of the Round Top Register wrote a great article on The Bugle Boy. Pick up a copy of the RT summer issue and read all about us.

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Internet Radio Show

JUNE RADIO SHOW

Tune into our June Radio Show and hear our June Lineup & an interview with JEAN SYNODINOS giving us a Sneak Preview of her new CD, " Breathe ".

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The Bugle Boy Internet Radio Program

The Bugle Boy is now offering a monthly internet radio program hosted by Pete Sengler. Our first show is up on our website featuring our April performers and a special interview with Danny Santos. Go Listen. It is really cool!
Just visit thebugleboy.com and click on "Who's Playing".
You will see our radio link there.

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For those of you just learning about The Bugle Boy, The Bugle Boy is a "Listening Room" and offers a wide variety of musical experiences that include blues, rock, country, jazz, swing and everything in between. The focus is on original, independant singer/songwriters; an amazingly talented group that write and perform music on their own terms.

In just one short year, The Bugle Boy has managed to secure itself a national reputation of being one of the best "Listening Rooms" in the country and often gets compared to Nashville's famous Blue Bird Cafe. The Bugle Boy has hosted a wide variety of great Independent talent in this short year including: : Grammy nominated and Texas Music Hall of Fame artist Eliza Gilkyson, AWA Will Rogers Award recepient Donnie Blanz, "Austin City Limits" star Ruthie Foster, "Just Plain Folks" Female Artist of the year 2004 Erika Luckett, NYC's Carnegie Hall
performers Sloan Wainwright and Phillipe Bertaud and Austin legend Toni Price just to name a few.

You mignt be asking yourself, exactly what is a "Listening Room"? A "Listening Room" is just that. A space where you go to listen. A trip to The Bugle Boy is like going to a movie. Talking is not permitted during performances. A "Listening Room" environment creates the best and most intimate experience that an artist can share with his/her audience.

Our shows are all about the music. The result is a concert experience that is personal and extrememly comfortable for both the audience and the performer. Performers often share personal stories about themselves or even take questions from the audience. This unusual setting is one of the reasons that Bugle Boy shows often sell out weeks in advance.

The Bugle Boy debuted in January of 2005 and the word quickly spread. Devoted locals raved to their urban friends and soon the house was packed with a mix of people from Austin, Houston, San Antonio....all across the state. We have had people come to shows from as far away as Florida, Chicago, Minnesota....they are looking for a different kind of concert experience and we can provide that. In addition to wonderful music, the Bugle Boy offers coffee drinks, fine wines and beer, and is ALWAYS a non-smoking establishment.

Because The Bugle Boy is housed in a WW I I Army Barrack, we decided to name it from the Andrews Sisters' 1940's hit "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. The barrack originated from the WW I I Camp Swift Infantry Base in Bastrop, Texas. In 1948 the La Grange Sons of Hermann purchased the building from the U.S. Armyand had it relocated to La Grange where they conducted their meetings until 2004.

Today the Bugle Boy is solely owned by Lane Gosnay and she operates the intimate concert hall with a small group of volunteers. Many of The Bugle Boys past performances can be heard by visiting their podcast link at thebugleboy.com

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News from 2005

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The Bugle Boy was mentioned in an article printed in the October/September issue of the Texas Historical Commission's magazine, "The Medallion". This was a special issue focusing on WW II. The article is titled, " Valuable Lessons from WW II - Recycle Buildings, Conserve Materials".

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Bugle Boy Press Release:

It would be easy for the traveler to discount each small town he passes through as he hurries from city to city, but occasionally, it´s worth slowing down to the speed limit and looking around. La Grange, Texas is a small town worth slowing down for. In fact, one would be better for actually stopping. La Grange has possessed a mythical fascination since Marvin Zindler came to town and exposed the local whorehouse, The Chicken Ranch. The little south central Texas town has nicely transcended the stuff of bawdy folklore and actually become something of a real weekend destination for many urban Texans.

La Grange is the county seat to Fayette County, and this rural county is home to one of the largest Antique fairs in the nation, Festival Institute, Shakespeare at Winedale, and the Painted Churches. All of these attractions have had their moment in the national spotlight as various journalists explain to the public all of the very good reasons to visit these attractions. However, the city of La Grange isn´t home to any of these Texas treasures, but that doesn´t mean there aren´t a few good reasons to come to the center of Fayette County and spend a day or two.

One of the town´s best kept secrets is a little coffee house just north of downtown. Proprietors, Christy Claxton and Lane Gosnay, decided to take a chance and bring some urban neighborhood charm to the country, and they opened The Bugle Boy. Housed in a WWII army barrack that was sold off to the Sons of Hermann in 1948, then purchased by Claxton and Gosnay in late 2004 and restored to a 1940´s USO feel, The Bugle Boy offers the weekend traveler many good reasons to come to La Grange. To begin with, it hosts some of the best independent musical acts in the world. Jazz, folk, swing, and world music fill the little music hall every weekend. Locals, weekenders and tourists sit in a comfortable "living room" setting and quietly listen to the music. The room is small enough to carry on a conversation with those on stage; and it happens often. That´s because The Bugle Boy is something of a "club house" for an unusual clan of local folks who congregate there and give the space a life beyond the average small Texas town. Reason number two. Lean on the coffee bar with this local group and become a part of their daily discussions, laughter and gossip. They´ll readily welcome anyone who doesn´t choose a "latte to go."

The group includes people as diverse as an 80 year old WWII army vet, a local history professor, a few restaurant proprietors, the local woman who came home from the city and bought the bowling alley, local teenagers, a smattering of doctors, accountants and a rancher or two. Education and experience among this group ranges from "still in high school" to Ph.D.

This atmosphere creates the sort of musical energy that would be the envy of Austin, Houston and Dallas; if they only knew the place existed.

Before The Bugle Boy, Claxton and Gosnay started a musical phenomenon with Bear Creek Concerts. This series came to a climax with the release of a benefit album, "Peace from the Porch, Vol. 1." The CD was a compilation of music from past performers at Bear Creek, and the proceeds went to The American Cancer Society. It was titled, "Peace from the Porch" because the stage at Bear Creek was the front porch of Claxton and Gosnay´s ranch house. The audience sat in the hayfield, under the stars and watched national talent perform from the porch. Every concert ended with Claxton wishing everyone, "peace from the porch."

"As the concert series grew into it´s own community of musicians and fans, we decided to give something back to Fayette County, and produce a CD. It´s really unexpected that the project would get the attention that it has," says Claxton.

That attention is an invitation from the Houston International Festival to produce two "Peace from the Porch" stages at the 2005 event. At the same time that "peace" was gearing up for a trip to Houston, the project was awarded, "Musical Event of the Year" at the 2005 Texas Music Awards. The sudden attention and growth meant that it was time for the music to move from the porch to a more public venue in town.

"Insurance. Plain and simple. We couldn´t insure a house concert that had grown to size that Bear Creek Concerts had grown, so we bought a building and created The Bugle Boy," Claxton continues.

Now every weekend the citizens and guests of La Grange are treated to world-class talent in the comfortable setting of a traditional coffee house that sits in the unlikely country setting of Fayette County.

"We host the best of the unknown and an occasional ´known´ act. We´ve proven that talent can be nameless to the public, but that the public can trust us to give them an experience they won´t forget," adds Gosnay. "People from the city don´t expect to come to a little town and find a coffee house, for one, but they certainly don´t expect to find one that can integrate the urban neighborhood feel with the country neighborly feel that our place has. And the musicians absolutely love this place."

The Bugle Boy gives road weary players a friendly warm place to rest and perform. They may find themselves with an impromptu invitation to breakfast at a local fan´s home, or wrapped in a conversation with Charlie Ripper, who is the local WWII vet that has his daily coffee at the bar, or helping pull espresso shots before their gig. Most want to spend the night at the Bear Creek ranch house so that they can enjoy a bath under the stars in one of two cowboy bathtubs that sit in the hayfield. Any musician who has bathed like this probably has taken a picture of himself in the tub, too. That´s because no one in New York is going to believe it.

Then the emails start coming into The Bugle Boy. Artists from as far away as Ireland, Australia, or Italy solicit for a gig at this country secret.
Weekend get-a-ways to La Grange are planned around the music, not the city. People decide to come see a concert at The Bugle Boy, then they worry about which bed and breakfast to get a reservation to.

"It´s totally backwards. And that´s because people need an experience. State parks, old houses and wildflower tours are losing steam because many people don´t feel that the experience is meaningful. Tourism statistics show that concerts, plays and special events are on the rise because these things are designed to be meaningful. The Bugle Boy has been well thought out in that category. Everything from the 1940s USO feel of the space to the 103 year old Chickering baby grand piano on the stage to the musicians who play it have been carefully planned to create a meaningful experience for everyone in the building," explains Claxton.
"Nobody walks away from here disappointed. Musician or audience or coffee drinker."

Claxton has made a conscious effort to make it known to the established house concert and club scene that she is different. She wants to showcase the next generation of great musicians and events. Her vision has proven to be true and successful. The audience and musicians who know her and Gosnay are fiercely loyal and dedicated, and the passion comes through as people experience The Bugle Boy for the first time.

"We are the rest of the story," she states.

Her "story" includes "yet to be known in Texas" acts such as Erika Luckett of San Francisco (a major influence in world pop music and quickly finding her place on many top 100 lists), Mary Gauthier (Best About-To-Hit Country Star) Wishing Chair of Kentucky, Donnie Blanz who is a Nashville escapee, Eddie Hobizal and his jazz quartet, Jean Synodinos, Back at the Ranch, Patrice Pike, Trish Murphy, Australian Rocker Martine Locke, Ireland´s Gerry O´Bierne, Queen Esther of Harlem, and France´s Philipe Bertaud, and even the legendary Eric Taylor. None of the story ever disappoints, and they always make sure your trip to La Grange is an unforgettable experience.

For more information about The Bugle Boy, log onto thebugleboy.com. or call us at: 979-968-9944

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Peace From the Porch Invited to the Houston International Festival

After 5 years of celebrating independent music off of the front porch of a farmhouse in Fayette County, Texas, the founders of Bear Creek Concerts have been invited to present their brand of a Texas house concert series at The Houston International Festival. In 2004, Bear Creek Concert hosts, Christy Claxton and Lane Gosnay, produced a benefit CD for the American Cancer Society. It was a compilation of artists who had performed at Bear Creek. In September of the same year, they presented a festival like concert that featured all of the artists on the CD, which was called "Peace from the Porch, Vol. 1." An amazing night of music ensued as a group of relative "unknowns" in the singer/songwriter world wowed a hayfield full of people. It was magical. International Festival Executive Director, Jim Austin, was in the audience and recognized the powerful impact this band of unsung heroes would have on the Texas music world and invited them all to the festival.

As The Houston International Festival celebrates the singer/songwriter with powerhouse stages like The Kerrville Folk Festival, "Peace from the Porch" will move it´s country charm to town and present one of the finest line-ups of unknowns any festival has ever hosted. In keeping with the porch setting of Bear Creek, "Peace from the Porch" artists will perform off of the front porch of two historical homes in Heritage Park. Sixteen acts will play over two weekends, and the music will stretch well beyond the traditional singer/songwriter folk movement. The audience will hear jazz, pop, blues, Western, Western Swing, folk, Latin and a little bit of rock ´n roll.

Claxton explains, "The contemporary singer/songwriter really doesn´t sound much like the Dylans and Joni Mitchells of yesterday. Of course this new breed of artist is highly influenced by the masters of the 60´s and 70´s, but they are much more internationally influenced and they aren´t afraid to lean on their own personal heritage. It always excites me when these young guns have the guts to stretch out and push the limits of acoustic folk music. They believe in rhythm and experimentation with their instruments and voices, and they do it boldly and very, very well. From the American West to the jungles of the Amazon, I´d say Bear Creek Concerts´ ´Peace from the Porch´ concept is exactly perfect for an international festival."

Claxton continues to say, "The concept of peace is often considered divisive and controversial in this day and age. It suggests hippies and irresponsible days of drugs and free love, but that is so wrong. Peace is an inner space that seeks comfort, happiness and community beyond our differences. When we produced ´Peace from the Porch, Vol 1,´ we had a broader sense of peace in mind. We focused on the peace of a pain free, cancer free world where all walks of life could rally for a common cause, the elimination of cancer."

Co-producer, Gosnay adds, "When people come to Bear Creek Concerts and sit in that hayfield under a big Texas sky, they don´t show their colors. Democrats, Republicans, Christians, Buddhists and everything else eat, converse and listen to great music as one community. When we fire up our stages in Houston, we really hope the magic of Fayette County jumps out at the world."

The "Peace from the Porch" stages will run from noon until 7:00pm, in Heritage Park, on both Saturdays and Sundays of the festival.

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Bear Creek Concert Founders Honored at Texas Music Awards
(Peace From the Porch event awarded musical event of the year)

Bear Creek Concert founders, Christy Claxton and Lane Gosnay, were honored by the Academy of Texas Music on Sunday, February 20, for their "Peace from the Porch, Vol. 1" CD and concert that benefited the American Cancer Society´s Relay for Life Event. The Academy recognized them for outstanding achievement in Texas Music by producing what was considered the top concert event of 2004, and for dedicating their efforts and resources to raising money for the American Cancer Society. In August of 2004, Bear Creek Concerts released "Peace From the Porch, Vol 1", a compilation CD featuring many of the musicians who have performed at Bear Creek Concerts over the last 4 years. Each of the musicians donated songs to the project, which was produced by Christy Claxton. In September, Bear Creek sponsored a concert that featured most of the artists on the CD. By the end of the night, Bear Creek Concerts had become the top corporate sponsor for the Fayette County Relay for Life, which raised more that $85,000.00 overall.

The Academy chose to recognize Claxton and Gosnay´s concert series when the 2004 nomination process began for recognizing the best musicians in Texas. Academy founder, Lucky Boyd, said, "When nominations started coming in, ´Peace from the Porch´ received nominations in every category, and became the most nominated album in the Academy´s history. The CD itself didn´t get enough nominations in any one category to win a standard award, but it was clear to the voting board that this was a special project that deserved recognition. I was asked to participate in the ´Peace from the Porch´ project, so I was there to see what an amazing concert Christy and Lane put together, and it was absolutely the most professional, well done event in 2004. They definitely know how to bring in the cream of the crop in Texas music and present those artists the way they deserve to be showcased."

Many of the artists who are featured on "Peace from the Porch," were nominated for awards at Sunday´s show. Jean Synodinos (who is scheduled to perform at The Bugle Boy on Saturday, April 2) was nominated for female vocalist of the year, Back at the Ranch (a Western Swing Trio who recently performed in La Grange) were nominated for vocal group of the year, and Ken Gaines was nominated for singer/songwriter of the year. Synodinos, who is a new member of the Texas Academy, said, "I know I wouldn´t have gotten the nomination if it wasn´t for ´Peace from the Porch.´ The CD had such a great impact, and it not only benefited a great cause, but it showcased the featured artists in a topnotch manner. I´m so honored to be a part of this project."

Synodinos is a cancer survivor, and was the first artist to sign up for the project. Claxton says, "Jean is a power hitter in independent singer/songwriter circles. She´s won or been nominated for just about every songwriting award on the folk music circuit. I´m proud to call her and every other artist on the CD my friend. These are tremendous people who have a passion for what they do, and a deep appreciation for the fans who support them. I got so excited, at the show, watching the ´Peace´ artists, who were nominated get up on the stage and blow everyone away."

Claxton´s Bear Creek Ensemble was also asked to make a surprise appearance at The Texas Music Awards. They performed the first track on "Peace from the Porch," which is an uplifting song written by Claxton´s longtime friend and songwriting collaborator, Stacy Lieder. The song which is titled "Affirmation," became the theme song of the 2004 Relay for Life, in La Grange, and it´s uplifting message had the awards crowd cheering wildly. Claxton and Lieder were joined on stage by Houston legend Brett Needham. Needham has been Claxton´s collaborator and sideman for many years.

The day was peppered with sadness because nominees were informed that Mytexasmusic.com cofounder, Jinelle Gibson Boyd´s, father had died two days before from lung cancer, and award recipient Maestro, of the funk band Skunkweed, was unable to accept his award because he was in Florida with his father who was sick with cancer. Attendees also learned that one of their music peers, folk songstress, Rachel Bissex, has died the night before after a long battle with breast cancer. When Claxton and Gosnay were given their award, Claxton told the audience, "Everyone in this room has been affected by cancer. This is why we gave our music to this project, and I thank every musician who participated. Peace means many things, and in this case it is the peace of being free from pain and suffering. I dedicate this award to Maestro´s family, Lucky and Jinelle and John Gibson and one of the great songwriting talents of our time, Rachel Bissex, who died last night from breast cancer. It´s why we relay, it´s why we play, and we´ll keep on doing it. Peace from the porch."

The award will be on display at Claxton and Gosnay´s new business, The Bugle Boy, and patrons of the new coffee house will be treated to performances by many of the "Peace from the Porch" performers, including the Bear Creek Ensemble, in the next few months.

Bear Creek Concerts begins its fifth season on March 19, and the concerts will be moved into town (La Grange, Texas), to The Bugle Boy. "Peace from the Porch, Vol 1" is available at The Bugle Boy, Bistro 108, and online at mytexasmusic.com. A portion of the proceeds go to Relay for Life sponsorships. The CD features The Bear Creek Ensemble, Erika Luckett (to perform Bear Creek Concerts on March 19), Ken Gaines, Jean Synodinos, Back at the Ranch, Lucky Boyd, Rene Lawrence, and Donnie Blanz. For more information, audio and video of the 2005 Texas Music Awards, log onto mytexasmusic.com.

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