For Immediate Release
May 31, 1999

contact: Art Greenhaw (972) 285-5441

COUNTRY AND MUSIC LEGENDS THE LIGHT CRUST DOUGHBOYS AND JAMES BLACKWOOD PLAY MESQUITE AT RODEO CITY MUSIC HALL

On the heels of the critical and popular success of their GRAMMY and DOVE-Nominated collaborations together, "Mr.. Gospel Music" James Blackwood and "The Original Texas Swing Band" The Light Crust Doughboys will team-up for a historic concert, Friday, July 9, at the new Rodeo City Music Hall in downtown Mesquite, Texas. Inaugurating the theatre's "Sizzlin' Summer Singin' On The Square" celebrity concert series, the show will feature the country string band swing of The Light Crust Doughboys, gospel music showcasing the majestic voice of James Blackwood, and country gospel classics featuring James and The Light Crust Doughboys performing together.

James Blackwood, the only living original member of the original Blackwood brothers Quartet, has been repeatedly called in industry publications "the greatest singer to ever sing in a gospel quartet" and "perhaps the most noted gospel singer who has ever lived." He was the first southern gospel artist to be signed to a major international record label (RCA Victor) as the leader of The Blackwoods, and he is the recipient of 9 Grammy Awards and 30 Grammy Nominations including his 1998 and 1999 Nominations for projects with The Light Crust Doughboys.

The Light Crust Doughboys, the world's longest-lived country band, are credited with the origination of the western swing style of music. They are The State of Texas' Official Music Ambassadors, the first inductees in the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame, and maintain an active recording and performing schedule as one of the world's most popular historical bands. A recent critical review stated: "The Light Crust Doughboys are to western swing what Bill Monroe is to bluegrass."

The GOSPEL VOICE magazine says, "Teaming Blackwood with The Light Crust Doughboys is a stroke of genius". The newest Blackwood-Doughboys CD "Red River Valley Memories: The Texas Swing Sessions Vol 2" will be released just-in-time for their Mesquite concert at Rodeo City Music Hall, Friday, July 9, at 8:00 P.M.

Alan Dryman's Rodeo City Music Hall regularly features Branson-style family entertainment and is located 1 mile east of 635-LBJ Freeway at the Military Parkway exit. For ticket information and reservations, call (972) 289-8400.