Ice Bats Announce Concert Series
Published on September 30, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
Promising their fans "Hockey, Music and Mayhem," the Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced a schedule of post-game concerts at the Travis County Expo Center for the coming season. The nine-date "Budweiser True Music Concert Series" will begin with two performances during the team's opening weekend.
The series promises something for everyone, with country acts Rick Trevino and Kevin Fowler, local rock band "Pushmonkey," and Latin-based rockers "Vallejo" and "Del Castillo" among the performers already scheduled to appear. Other performers are yet to be scheduled or announced. All shows will be included with the price of a ticket to the preceding game.
The Ice Bats are seeking to expand on the success of their three-concert series last season, capped by a performance from "Los Lonely Boys," which drew a franchise-record 8,316 fans to the team's final home game last February.
"We're very fortunate to be playing in the âLive Music Capital of the World,'" said Ice Bats President Jeff Buch. "We wanted to take advantage of that connection. What could be better than the marriage of hockey and live music? Our existing fans get to see a concert after the game at no additional charge, and the range of performers we've booked will draw new fans to the game of ice hockey. We think it represents the best entertainment value in town."
Kicking off the concert series, Warner Brothers recording artist Rick Trevino will appear after the Ice Bats' Opening Night game on Friday, October 22nd. Born in Houston but raised in the Austin area, Trevino gained prominence in 1994 with his self-titled debut album, including the hits "She Can't Say I Didn't Cry" and "Doctor Time." Refocusing the direction of his music in the late 90's, Trevino was a contributor on the critically acclaimed "Los Super Seven" project, winning a Grammy in 1999 for "Best Mexican Music Performance." Trevino's latest release, "In My Dreams," is his first album under the Warner Brothers label.
The series continues the following evening, Saturday, October 23rd, with five-man local rock band "Pushmonkey." Having performed live at "Ozzfest" and "Woodstock '99," the hard-charging Austin-based group just released their independently produced "Year of the Monkey."
On November 13th, "Vallejo" returns to the stage at the Expo Center. The Austin-based band combines rock with a subtle Latin influence, and has toured with "Matchbox 20," "Fuel" and "Stone Temple Pilots." While producing several other local acts on their own record label, VMG Records, "Vallejo" is maintaining an ambitious tour schedule in support of "The Fans Only Trilogy," a series of three albums released within the past year. The albums combine a mix of studio and live tracks compiled over the group's ten years of recording.
December 3rd, straight-ahead country singer Kevin Fowler will appear. Raised in Amarillo, Fowler calls Austin home, and the city has shown its appreciation. With songs like "Beer, Bait and Ammo" and "Lord Loves the Drinking Man," (both recently re-recorded by country star Mark Chesnutt), Fowler swept the 2002-03 Austin Music Awards with eight honors, including "Album" and "Musician of the Year." The first act signed by country star Clint Black's new Nashville label, Equity Records, Fowler in August released "Loose, Loud and Crazy," his first national release. Fowler is currently touring the Southwest, and will open for Tracy Byrd in November before making his Expo Center appearance.
One of the area's hottest acts, "Del Castillo" will perform after the game on January 8th. The Brownsville-based band burst onto the Austin music scene in 2001, fusing flamenco and rock with fiery guitar work and a heavy Latin influence. Winning six Austin Music Awards at the 2003 ceremony, the group was named "Band of the Year," and tied for "Album of the Year" honors. Since the release of their second CD, entitled "Vida," the band has played live performances at Eric Clapton's "Crossroads Guitar Festival" in Dallas, and at the Los Angeles movie premiere of "Kill Bill, Volume II," teaming with maverick director and pal Robert Rodriguez.
"There are so many great acts attracted to the Austin area," Buch said, "and we look forward to announcing additional concerts as they're scheduled."
Between the concert series, eight previously announced double-headers with the UT Hockey Team and an aggressive schedule of promotions and giveaways, this Ice Bats season promises more entertainment value than ever.
The Ice Bats are preparing for their upcoming training camp, with the first on-ice practice sessions to take place Monday, October 11th at Chaparral Ice Center. The Ice Bats will host a preseason exhibition game against the Southeast Division rival Corpus Christi Rayz, beginning at 7:35pm on Friday, October 15th at the Travis County Expo Center. The game is open to the public for general admission seating, with a requested donation to Ice Bats Children's Charities and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Every fan in attendance that donates at least $5 will also receive a ticket to a future Ice Bats regular season home game.
The Ice Bats then open their ninth season of play at the Travis County Expo Center with three home games October 22nd through the 24th, against Southeast Division rivals Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley and Laredo.
Season tickets and corporate partnerships are currently available for the upcoming season. Once again, free Belfry Club membership is included with all full-season packages, and free parking with all full-season and 16-game ticket plans.
Fans may call the Ice Bats ticket office at (512) 927-PUCK, or log onto the team's website at www.icebats.com for more information.
"Budweiser True Music Concert Series" - 2004-2005 Austin Ice Bats (Dates and performers subject to change without notice.)
Fri., Oct. 22nd: Rick Trevino
Sat., Oct. 23rd: Pushmonkey
Sat., Nov. 13th: Vallejo
Fri., Dec. 3rd: Kevin Fowler
Sat., Dec. 11th: TBA in Nov.
Sat., Jan. 8th: Del Castillo
Sat., Jan. 22nd: TBD
Fri., Feb. 4th: TBD
Sat., Feb. 26th: TBD
Central Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2004
- Rayz sign final veteran - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Ice Bats Announce Concert Series - Austin Ice Bats
- Kings to sell tickets on Monday - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Bucks Bring Back Simoes - Laredo Bucks
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