Western Swing Festival

October 24–25, 2025

western swing Explained

A dancehall favorite, Western swing is a jazz-inspired genre that often features woodwinds and stringed instruments, improvisation and a magnetic rhythm that seems to draw you onto the dance floor to take a spin. Inspired by the Big Band sound, it quickly gained a foothold throughout Texas and Oklahoma before spreading throughout the Southwest, popularized by musicians like Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Johnnie Lee Wills, Leon McAuliffe and, of course, Red Steagall.

The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering’s Western Swing Festival takes place in Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall for 2025. Enjoy great music as you dance the night away to their toe-tapping beats! 

Red's Music Career

For more than 50 years, Red Steagall has shared his personal brand of Western swing music with the world. Red grew up on Western swing and likes to say he was 25 years old before he found out there was anything in the world other than mesquite trees, buffalo grass, barb wire and Bob Wills. He is a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, among others. More than 200 of his compositions have been recorded, either by Red or other artists. Red’s distinct vocals, style and passion for the Western lifestyle continue to inspire.

Attend the Festival

The Festival LineUp

REd Steagall & The Boys in the Bunkhouse

Red Steagall is best known for his Texas Swing music, including songs like “Here We Go Again,” “Party Dolls and Wine,” “Freckles Brown” and “Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music.” He’s recorded more than 20 albums, with 26 singles that have charted nationally. Red and The Boys in the Bunkhouse perform across the U.S.

Jake Hooker & The Outsiders

Raised against the soundtrack of traditional country music, Jake began playing the bass at age 7 and was performing with his own band at 14. He leads The Outsiders, taking on vocals and playing the upright bass. One of the most sought-after dance hall bands, Jake Hooker & The Outsiders have performed worldwide. In 2024, Jake was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Jason Roberts

Grammy Award-winning fiddle player Jason Roberts brings a lifetime of Western Swing inspiration to his performances. He’s the front man of the Jason Roberts Band and the Bob Wills Texas Playboys, and spent 20 years with the world-famous band Asleep at the Wheel. Having spent his childhood among legends in Texas honky-tonks, Jason soaked up the very best of Western Swing and brings his own signature style to this traditional American genre.