TEXAS PLAYBOYS TO REOPEN BARNHILL CENTER, MAY 28TH
The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre (TBC) in Brenham will reopen with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys at 7pm on Friday, May 28th.
Jason Roberts, a two-time Grammy winner, was hand-picked by the Bob Wills’ estate to lead the large Texas Playboys band. His vocals, instrumentals and stage presence closely represent performances by the legendary Bob Wills.
For most of his life, Roberts has delighted audiences with his vocals and fiddle magic. Coming from a performing family, his childhood was spent in Texas honky-tonks. He was acclaimed as a child prodigy by the age of twelve when he fronted a family band.
By the time he was 15, Roberts had played with many greats including Johnny Gimble, Leon Rausch, Asleep At The Wheel, and members of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys.
The legendary Johnny Gimble took notice of Roberts and became his mentor. Jason has said, “Every good lick I know, I stole from Johnny Gimble!”
When Roberts was 16, Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel came knocking. Since Roberts was not old enough to get into many venues the Wheel played, they waited until Roberts’ 18th birthday to start their 20-year run together.
While he was with the Wheel, Roberts performed and recorded with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Gimble, Leon Rausch, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, and many other greats.
He paused work with the band briefly in 2006 to play with Van Morrison for a 14-show nationwide tour.
In 2007, Roberts had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part in the “Last of the Breed” tour with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and the Wheel.
Two years later, Austin City Limits featured a new show, “Willie and the Wheel” to kick off the show’s 35th Anniversary. The album of the same name earned a Grammy nomination for Roberts.
He portrayed Bob Wills in the musical theatre production “A Ride With Bob.” Produced by Ray Benson of Asleep At The Wheel, the show toured the country for eight years.
After the tour ended, The Bob Wills Estate recruited Roberts to permanently lead the Texas Playboys band. He became known as “the new Bob Wills.”
Two Grammy Awards and four Hall of Fame inductions later, Roberts tours the world with the Texas Playboys, delighting old fans and making new ones,
From the White House to The David Letterman Show and the Kennedy Center, Roberts has helped keep the spirit of Western Swing alive across generations.
For show details, tickets, volunteer and sponsor opportunities: www.theBarnhillCenter.com/events
Tickets and Season Tickets can also be purchased by calling or visiting TBC Box Office in the Visitor Center, 111 W Main Street in Brenham. 979-337-7240.
(COURTESY: Sharon Brass)