LOCAL ARTIST/POET REMEMBERS BROWN SUGAR BAND

  

This Saturday’s Hot Nights, Cool Tunes concert will celebrate an important milestone for the featured Brown Sugar Band and Lloyd Mays, a native Brenham artist and poet. Mays’ original oil painting and poem, about the Brown Sugar Band, are part of the collection of works in his new book, I Came From Hog Branch.

“The book is full of my memories, growing up in Brenham during the 1900’s,” said Mays. “When I was a young man, the Brown Sugar Band was a predominant part of the area’s night life, and I traveled the region to enjoy their concerts. They were hugely popular then, and they still are! I was happy to learn that they are coming to Brenham to play at Hot Nights, Cool Tunes.”

Brenham artist/poet Lloyd Mays below in center. Back left to right, the Brown Sugar Band: James "Junior" Mosley, Sandra Lee, Jacques Webster, Tasha Johnson Bailey and Robert Wortham. Photo by Pat Vykoukal

“Lloyd Mays’ paintings are on exhibit at The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre,” said Crystal Locke, community services specialist with the City of Brenham. “When we booked the Brown Sugar Band for Saturday night, we didn’t realize that they are part of Lloyd’s collection.

“Lloyd’s new book brings a bonus to those who attend Saturday’s concert,” continued Locke. “While enjoying great music, the audience can hear stories about how all this happened, and we’ll have Lloyd’s books onsite for those who want to purchase one.”

John Hasskarl, executive VP of Brenham National Bank, published I Came From Hog Branch.  “This is a delightful collection of art and poetry that charms people of all ages, from all walks of life. Lloyd’s work reminds us to focus on what’s really important in life.”

I Came From Hog Branch books are available for sale at the Visitor Center on Main Street and at Book Nook on Alamo Street.

Original oil painting by Lloyd Mays.

“Some of my favorite songs from the Brown Sugar Band are Proud Mary, What's Going On, Dock of the Bay and Mustang Sally,” said Mays. “Although most people think of this band for old-school R&B, their repertoire also includes Neo Soul, Pop and Country.”

The Brown Sugar Band was formed in 1975 by Lorraine Autry Brown, and its leadership later passed to her daughter and founding member, Sandra Lee of Sealy. Today, Lee still leads the band with her keyboard and vocals.

James "Junior" Mosley, of Hempstead, is also an original band member, known for his guitar and vocals. Tasha Johnson Bailey, lead vocalist and percussionist, lives in New Braunfels. The band also includes Robert Wortham from Bryan on guitar and vocals, and Jacques Webster from Houston on drums.

The Brown Sugar Band’s long career has included concerts at regional festivals, military bases, private parties, weddings, fraternities, sororities, other social clubs, trail rides and more. They have opened for Texas artists Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Bobby Blue Bland and Confunkshun.

For more information: www.downtownbrenham.com and www.brownsugarband.net.

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