The Wallace Theater will host an afternoon of live music and emerging talent featuring eight rising singersongwriters when the CMA of Texas Young Artist Showcase comes to Levelland on June 28.
Sponsored by KSSL Radio and the CMA of Texas, the event will feature performances by CMA of Texas Artists Jason Nutt and Gary Nix, who will open and close the program, along with a lineup of emerging Texas singer-songwriters from across the state. Hosted by CMA of Texas Director Mary Minter and KSSL Radio Owner and General Manager Cathy Jewell, the showcase will give audiences an opportunity to experience original music while helping young performers develop their craft.
“We are thrilled to welcome the CMA of Texas Showcase and this outstanding group of new artists to the Wallace Theater,” said Alycyn Keeling, executive director of the Wallace Theater. “The Wallace exists to connect our community with meaningful arts experiences, and this event gives local audiences a chance to discover new talent and enjoy performances from accomplished CMA of Texas Artists.” “It is a supreme privilege to show off eight select singersongwriters at The Wallace on Sunday, June 28,” added Mary Minter, Executive Director, CMA of Texas. “Please, join us to celebrate each of these artists/ musicians’ performances, as they become the newest members of the CMA of Texas! This one-of-a-kind SHOWCASE is totally entertaining, filled with authentic talent, encouragement, and opportunity. Thank you!”
Designed as a celebration of Texas songwriting and musicianship rather than a competition, the afternoon event allows the audience to score performances and provide valuable feedback to participating artists. Featured CMA of Texas Artists include Jason Nutt, Floydada and Gary Nix, Lubbock.
Showcase performers include Brent Cox, Lubbock; Keith Paschal, Paducah; John Swat, Katy; Leon Carrasco, Midland; Katy Mihm, Texas Panhandle; Alejandro Martinez, Levelland/South Plains College; Clifton Castle, Del Rio; and Carson Clay, Granbury.
Nutt, award-winning singer-songwriter and rancher, founded the band Highway 70 while attending Lubbock Christian University. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with many of Texas country music’s most recognized performers, including Pat Green, Aaron Watson, Whiskey Myers, and Cory Morrow. His song “Purple Banners” helped earn him the 2022 CMA of Texas Song of the Year award.
Originally from Bay, Arkansas, Nix studied music at the School of the Ozarks before performing throughout Branson, Missouri, where he worked alongside artists including Merle Haggard, The Kendalls, and Narvel Felts. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Nix relocated to Lubbock in 1984 and has spent more than four decades performing with his band, West Texas. During the showcase, he will perform two newly recorded original songs, “Where the Blacktop Ends” and “I Will Write a Song for You.”
Doors will open at 2:15 p.m. and the performance starts at 3 p.m. at The Wallace Theater. Tickets are $25.13, including service fees, and are available at the door or for advance purchase at www.wallacetheater.com/ upcoming-events.