‘Texas Me’ An exhibit of Classic Music Posters from Austin, Texas as collected by Tony Davidson

Cactus Music and the Record Ranch presents “Texas Me” – An exhibit of Classic Music Posters from Austin, Texas as collected by Tony Davidson opening  July 23rd at The Record Ranch Gallery, located inside Cactus Music. The exhibit coincides with an author event / book signing for Homegrown – Austin Music Posters 1967-1982.

An extensive archive of posters from the 1970s and 1980s as collected by long-time Cactus customer and friend, Tony Davidson, feature the graphic design of many of the period’s celebrated poster artists such as Kerry Awn, Ken Featherston, Jim Franklin, Danny Garrett, Guy Juke, Micael Priest and others.

Originally created to promote performances at legendary venues such as Antone’s, Soap Creek Saloon, The Ritz Theater, Armadillo World Headquarters, Raul’s, Austin Opry House and others. These items document Austin’s Cosmic Cowboy movement, the Blues resurgence of the era and the rise of Austin as the “Live Music Capitol of the World.”

Many of the images were included in the book, Homegrown- Austin Music Posters 1967-1982 which was edited by Alan Schaefer and published by the University of Texas Press.  Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Mr. Schaefer during the event.

Transport yourself to a legendary time in Texas Music.  The exhibit features hundreds of hard to find and rarely seen show posters from the 1970’s and 1980’s.

All pieces are presented in remarkable condition for view and for sale.

Images depict performances by Texas legends such as Willie Nelson, Doug Sahm, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Asleep at the Wheel.  The greatest names in blues such as B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Muddy Waters and Freddie King are included as well as artists of the Zydeco, Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz genres.

Artists who were fixtures on the on the Austin scene, but never broke through to the National arena are well represented.  Concert-goers of the era will recognize names such as The Electromagnets, Greezy Wheels, Freda and the Firedogs, The Uranium Savages and other local artists.  Every major venue of the era is represented and an almost complete set of Soap Creek Saloon calendar posters are available. While many pieces are on exhibit, many, many more are prepared for sale.

“Tony Davidson, was a long-time customer and dear friend of our store.  He was a lovely guy and I was always delighted to see him come through the doors.  He and I had a great affection for much of the same music and bonded over R&B, Blues, Gospel and, of course, Doug Sahm.  It is fitting that the title of one of Doug’s finest compositions serves as namesake of the exhibit. A devotee of record stores everywhere, he always took the time to thank me and my staff for what we do.  Tony and I had discussions and made rudimentary plans for an exhibit of his poster collection, but we did not have the opportunity to do so before he unexpectedly passed in December of 2015.  We are grateful to Tony’s family for allowing us to present this collection to the public and I know that he would be delighted that these coveted items will find their way onto the walls of fellow music fans where they will be cherished for years to come.  I am pleased to present this “archive” as a remembrance of one of my favorite people that I had the opportunity to get to know at Cactus.    – Quinn Bishop, Cactus and Record Ranch owner.

A reception with the Editor of Homegrown, which is open to the public, will be held from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 23rd.   The exhibition is free and runs through September 2016.