The Llano Country Opry will be celebrating its 24th Anniversary and hosting Tommy Hooker and The National Swing Band of Texas in a special two hour performance at the Lantex Theater on Saturday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at <www. heartotexascountry.com>.
The National Swing Band of Texas is comprised of 19 talented musicians performing Country, Western Swing and Big Band music like you have never heard before. Imagine Bob Wills, Frank Sinatra, Patty Page, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, Rosemary Clooney and Ray Price all rolled into one performance. The National Swing Band of Texas does just that. From the striking sound of the Trumpets, Trombones and Saxophones, the driving rhythm section to the haunting sound of the fiddle and steel guitar. This band delivers a well-orchestrated class act. They have performed with everyone from Ray Price, Gene Watson, The Four Tops, The Texas Play Boys, Gary Stewart, Johnny Bush, Frank Mantooth, The Temptations and many, many more.
Among the musicians in the National Swing Band of Texas are Bill Price, Tommy Hooker, Donna Palousek, Steve Story and Steve Palousek.
Tommy Hooker leads the band with his stunning vocals. His voice is genuine and unmistakable. Tommy had the prestigious honor of winning the Academy of Western Artists western swing song of the year, “Texas In My Soul” from the album “Texas In My Soul.” In 2016 he won the Pure Country album of the year award for “It Should Be Easier now.” In 2013 he had the honor of performing at the esteemed International Country Music Festival in Calthness, Scotland. You may watch him on TV now as an artist on TruCountry.
Tommy performs regularly with the National Swing Band of Texas. He can also be found on Sunday evenings at the legendary Stagecoach Ballroom in Fort Worth and performing with his son Jake Hooker in the Jake Hooker Band around the Southwest.
Steel Guitarist Steve Palousek is a true world class player. Steve has received numerous awards through his career. To name a few: Steel Association Rising Star of the year, Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame Honorable Mention at age 25. In March 2013 Steve was inducted into the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.
Steve is also a very accomplished Recording engineer and producer. He was voted Best Studio Engineer and Best Instrumentalist by the Music Association of Central Texas receiving the Groovy Award for each category.
Steve Story is our multitalented, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and fiddle player. He has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Awards, Red Steagall’s Somewhere West of Wall Street, RFD-TV, TNN’s Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, TNN’s New Country, and the National Final Rodeo with Red Steagall. Additionally, he has toured and performed western swing and country music with artist such as: Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys, Ricky Van Shelton, Steve Wariner, the late Leon Rausch, Ray Price, and Tom T. Hall.
In addition to his services as the Director of Strings and Jazz Band at Fort Worth Christian School he also records, produces, and performs with Steve Story Music. Steve Story personifies the term Class Act.
Nineteen musicians on stage and an unforgettable performance at the Llano Country Opry on Saturday, May 13. Tickets at <www. heartoftexascountry.com>.