LUFKIN CVB ANNOUNCING CHANGES TO SUMMER FEST TEXAS
“Live From Lufkin” gives local bands a shot at the big stage

After two successful Summer Fest Texas music festivals, the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau is shaking things up with some big changes. This year's event, scheduled Saturday, May 18, is moving to the streets of downtown Lufkin, and the "Live From Lufkin" battle of the bands is giving East Texas musicians a chance to play on the big stage and win big money.

"We're very excited about bringing some of the best in East Texas music and barbecue to downtown Lufkin," said Tara Watson-Watkins, executive director of the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau. "More and more, downtown is becoming a hub of activity, and moving Summer Fest Texas seemed like a natural fit. It's going to be rocking!"

The headline act, Son of a Sailor, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will perform from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Prior to that, the "Live From Lufkin" battle of the bands will showcase some of the most popular East Texas musicians. During the day, concert attendees will use their smartphones to participate in on-site voting to determine the overall winner. The winning band will be announced at 7 p.m. The winning band will perform a victory set from 7:15 to 8 p.m. and receive $1,000.

Bands that are interested in performing at Summer Fest Texas can find registration information at easttexassummerfest.com. Submissions and completed registration forms, agreement/parental consent forms, and any additional materials, including photos, logos and/or press kits, must be submitted by April 21, 2013, either online at easttexassummerfest.com, by fax at (936) 634-8726, or by mail to the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1615 S. Chestnut, Lufkin, Texas, 75901.

After submissions are reviewed, video clips will be posted on the Summer Fest Texas website and Facebook pages. Public voting will be held via Facebook April 23-30, 2013, and the eight bands that tally the most votes will perform live at Summer Fest Texas on May 18, 2013. The top eight bands will be announced on May 3, 2013.

The music isn't the only attraction at Summer Fest Texas. The Brookshire Brothers Backyard Barbecue Cook-Off will give East Texas barbecue fiends a chance to show their stuff, and food vendors will be on site to give hungry fans plenty of mouth-watering options. Barbecue cook-off teams can find entry forms at www.easttexassummerfest.com/BBQTeams.

Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lufkin Brookshire Brothers stores and online at www.easttexassummerfest.com. Summer Fest Texas is sponsored by Brookshire Brothers, KICKS 105.1, KFOX 95.5, Newstalk 860, Classic Rock Q 107.7, My 94.7FM, Y100, Super Mix KSML 101.9 , Hot 96.3, R&K Distributors, The Lufkin Daily News. Whataburger, Lamar Outdoor, Lufkin Printing and Lufkin Coca-Cola.

For more information call Tara Watson-Watkins at the Lufkin CVB at 936-633-0349.