Black Creek Rising:

A toe-tapping good time

WARREN – Black Creek Ranch in Warren hosted their inaugural music festival, Saturday, July 6.

Black Creek Rising: A Grassroots Music Fest attracted top-notch entertainment, vendors, and sponsors galore. Melody and Steve Daigle, with help from a multitude of friends put this event together in record time.

The event garnered top-notch sponsors including Tyler County Hospital, Texas Farm Bureau, Amy Bythewood Legal Services, Ariel Digital, Streamline Production Services, Read Logging, Riley Funeral Home, Angela Marie Photography, the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce and Giglio Distributing.

Several vendors were on hand including: Hog Heaven BBQ, That Food Truck, Country to Classy Boutique, Republican Women of Tyler County, Xa Flora Designs, Dana Martin Insurance, VFW Post 2033, Rustic Tumbleweed Homestyle Food Truck, Angela Marie Face and Body Painting , H2EAUX AIR, Valentine Family Lemonade, Bobby’s Smokehouse, Crane’s Farm, Sweet Treats by JodieTreats by Jodie, and Honey Hollow Custom Designs, Blingz for Divaz Paparazzi Jewelry, and the Sweet Life Bakery.

Sal Baldovinos, who served as emcee for the day’s activities, got the ball rolling by offering up a prayer, followed by a stirring rendition of the national anthem by Colmesneil ISD Elementary Principal Shelby Tillery.

VFW Post 2033 Commander Mike King gave a moving speech about what they do for our veterans, and introduced the first music act, Army Veteran Troy Seale from Hudson. Next up was Spurger native Tyler Dozier, accompanied by Jace Nunnelly. The two, who are frequent performers at festivals, and in bars and clubs throughout the region, performed in a song-swap style set.

The Miller Highlights, a family trio from Nacogdoches were up next. Paige Price took the stage at 3:15, offering up soulful tunes and powerhouse vocals.

Local musicians Chris Edwards and Chance Sims participated in a song swap, followed by the debut performance of Warren’s own Micheal Seago. With his strong voice and playing a vintage Gibson guitar that once belonged to his great-grandfather, Seago was accompanied through most of his performance by Sims on guitar. Also appearing with Seago was his own “June Carter,” mom Kim, and they performed “Jackson,” karaoke style.

The last performers of the evening were the full bands Tommy Simpson and the Loaded Dice, and No Chaser. Both bands served up tuneful southern rock songs with a country influence. Simpson’s set mixed covers of songs by bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd with several original tunes like “Rusty’s Pool Hall” and “Hippie Hiatus.”

No Chaser, fronted by singer/songwriter Josh Mullin, mixed ‘90s alternative rock anthems like “Cumbersome” with classics like Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

There was a spectacular fireworks display in the pasture prior to No Chaser’s performance.

There was royalty in attendance, as four beautiful young ladies from the Miss Woodville pageant, looking every inch a queen, were accompanied by organizer Kamryn Grammer.

Sal Baldovinos offered these words of praise when it was all said and done: “Thank You to all involved, sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, friends, and family who made this event possible”. Tommy Simpson added, “ outstanding venue and people. Thank You so much for having us out”.

Melody Daigle had the final say on the days events: “ we’re so greatful to the sponsors, vendors, performers, helpers, and YOU all who showed up for a great time. The rain stayed away all day and we couldn’t be more thankful for that. If you missed our inaugural music fest, plan on being here for Veterans Day in November”.