Tritt Plays Texas Music Theater

By Nick McCown

SAN MARCOS, Texas- Texas Music Theater welcomed prolific country music singer Travis Tritt on Friday. The Georgia native has put out 10 albums since 1989, with seven of them certified as platinum, and has also received two Grammy Awards.

Tritt's performance highlighted a long line of prestigious country musicians. In its two years of existence, the venue has hosted performers like Robert Earl Keen, Roger Creager and Josh Abbot. Oklahoma native Jason Boland and Shooter Jennings, son of country music legend Waylon Jennings, played a show just the night before.

It is no secret that Texas Music Theater loves its country music, as do many San Marcos locals and college students. Richard Heuser, a junior at Texas State and long-time Tritt fan who had never been to Texas Music Theater before, was there enjoying the show.

"My dad listened to a lot of Travis Tritt. I just grew up listening to him," Heuser said. "Travis Tritt played a brilliant show."

Past a crowded floor of cowboy hats and two-steppers, Heuser was posted in the front row yelling for every new song.

"I prefer country music," Heuser said. "When I think of Texas Music Theater, I think of country or 'Texas music'."

While country music is often heard streaming out of Texas Music Theater, the venue is conscious of the college demographic and often hosts other genres. Rock band Blue October played the venue just two weeks before.

"Typically, for big shows, we do have country music artists," said Texas Music Theater employee Quado Chukwujinan. "However, we do like to switch up genres. There is a diverse crowd that we cater to."

The night following Tritt's performance would host Beat King, a hip-hop artist from Houston. Also, Texas Music Theater has started presenting a College Night every Thursday with DJ's playing a mix of country and dance.

Country music fan Heuser said, "They should reach out to different crowds. They can maybe have certain days for different genres."

While Texas Music Theater has its roots in the culture and musical heritage of the lone star state, it puts forth effort to satisfy the diverse rhythmic needs of the town it plays for. It will undoubtedly continue to stratify in this aspect, keeping it one of San Marcos' premiere music venues.