4th of July extravaganza set for 11th Street

By Judith Pannebaker

One of the best red, white and “Yankee Doodle Blue” July 4 celebrations takes place in Bandera this Saturday.

In conjunction with Gunslinger, 1107 Cypress Street, the 11th Street Cowboy Bar will present its third annual Fourth of July picnic and dance at 307 11th Street.

According to Cowboy Bar owner James McGroarty, non-stop music will begin at 5 pm and won’t end until 1 am. Zach Edwards and his band step on the outdoor state at 9 pm.

Specializing in county, Southern rock and two-steppin’ tunes, Edwards and his band “… don’t do candy-ass country,” according to his website.

Musicans include Edwards, guitar and lead vocals; Forrest Johnson, bass; Sparky “SparkNut” Enterprises, drums; and Ian Willmore, lead guitar.

A native of Big Lake, Edwards grew up listening to George Strait, Waylon Jennings and AC/DC - and sneaking into country bars at age 16.

Traveling down a somewhat straighter path by age 11, he signed up for band class and learned to read music and play the trumpet. While in high school, Edwards competed at the state level, captivating audiences with his impressive solos.

However, after picking up a guitar as a sophomore in college in 1994, Edwards realized music would be his career. By 2001, he was writing original lyrics and composing original music.

His hard-driving and edgy sound combined different styles of country and rock, evident on his “Cowboy Crew” CD.

“This whole experience has been a lot of work, but an absolute blast,” Edwards said.

On Saturday, July 4, a $10 admission per person covers “all you can eat” hotdogs and hamburgers - with all the trimmin’s, ice cold watermelon and two bands.

McGroarty and Melissa and Jim Benge, owners of Gunslinger, have even arranged for a festive watermelon seed spittin’ contest. So, everyone’s advised to practice up and git on down to the “biggest little bar in Texas” for tons of fun this Independence Day.

Additionally, to keep up with the good times on 11th Street, check out www.11th­StreetCow­boyBar.com or myspace/11th­StreetCow­boyBar.