The 29th annual Texas Music Revolution (TMR) festival successfully concluded on Saturday, June 7, 2025, following two days filled with the authentic sounds of Texas country, Americana, and roots music. Held on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, 2025, the event transformed the historic ambiance of Downtown McKinney Square in McKinney, TX, into a vibrant musical landscape. Hosted, as is tradition, by KHYI 95.3 The Range, the festival upheld its reputation as a nationally recognized platform dedicated to showcasing the rich talent within these genres. This year’s iteration, marking a significant milestone in its nearly three-decade history, presented an extensive lineup across three meticulously programmed stages, offering attendees a deep dive into the heart of American roots music.
Celebrating Roots and Americana in McKinney
For twenty-nine years, the Texas Music Revolution has stood as a cornerstone event for the Texas music community and a significant fixture in the national Americana festival circuit. Its consistent return to Historic Downtown McKinney Square underscores the symbiotic relationship between the festival and its host city, leveraging the unique charm of the square to create an intimate yet expansive festival experience. The event’s longevity is a testament to the enduring power of the music it celebrates and the dedicated audience it attracts.
KHYI 95.3 The Range, a radio station deeply embedded in the fabric of Texas music, serves as the committed host, curating a lineup that consistently balances established legends with burgeoning artists. This curatorial approach, focused specifically on Texas country, Americana, and roots music, is what distinguishes TMR and contributes significantly to its national recognition. The arrangement of three stages – the Burress Injury Law Main Stage, the Bathtubs.com Stage, and the Texas Homegrown Music Stage – ensured that throughout the weekend, music filled the air, providing continuous performances and ample opportunity for discovery for the thousands of attendees.
Friday, June 6: Kickoff to the Revolution
The festival commenced on Friday, June 6, with a lineup designed to immediately engage attendees with a blend of renowned and rising acts. The Burress Injury Law Main Stage featured performances that underscored the diversity within the Americana spectrum. Dawes, a band celebrated for their sophisticated lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship, headlined the evening. They were joined by Silverada, formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies, who brought their distinctive brand of country and Western swing. The stage also hosted the powerful vocals and songwriting of Taylor Hunnicutt, the energetic and genre-bending sounds of Austin’s Sour Bridges, and the compelling narrative-driven songs of Isaac Hoskins. These artists collectively delivered a strong opening statement for the weekend.
Beyond the main stage, the Bathtubs.com Stage offered a dynamic slate of performances, featuring artists who are making significant waves within the Texas music scene. The Friday lineup included Christian Hayes, the celebrated Texas country artist Bri Bagwell, whose engaging performances are a festival highlight, John Hollier, and Austin Akins. Their sets provided a slightly more intimate setting for fans to connect with the music.
Meanwhile, the Texas Homegrown Music Stage dedicated its Friday programming to artists deeply rooted in the state’s rich musical soil. Performances included the soulful and powerful Maylee Thomas Band, led by its acclaimed vocalist, the insightful and respected songwriter Courtney Patton, the accomplished multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Kelley Mickwee, and the distinctive voice of Corina Grove. The curation across all three stages on Friday, June 6, offered a comprehensive and engaging start to the 29th Texas Music Revolution, showcasing the breadth of talent within the festival’s core genres.
Saturday, June 7: Closing Out the Weekend
The final day, Saturday, June 7, sustained the high energy and musical quality of the festival. The Burress Injury Law Main Stage continued to be a focal point, hosting several of the most anticipated acts. The evening culminated with a performance by Flatland Cavalry, the celebrated Texas country band whose blend of thoughtful lyrics and infectious melodies resonates deeply with audiences. They were preceded by The Wilder Blue, known for their harmonious blend of various roots influences. The legendary Texas artist Jamie Richards, a stalwart of the scene, also performed, bringing decades of experience to the stage.
Adding further depth to the main stage lineup were Lola Kirke, whose genre-crossing artistry provided a unique perspective, the critically acclaimed songwriter John Baumann, known for his keen observations and witty lyrics, and emerging talent Cole Phillips. This lineup ensured that the main stage offered a rich and varied musical experience throughout Saturday.
The Bathtubs.com Stage on Saturday presented another strong collection of artists contributing to the festival’s diverse soundscape. The lineup featured performances from Liam St. John, the rapidly rising country artist Payton Howie, Blaine Bailey, the iconic San Antonio band Two Tons of Steel known for their electrifying blend of country and punk, Parker Twomey, and the compelling sounds of Blackbird Sing.
Concluding the festival’s performances, the Texas Homegrown Music Stage on Saturday featured artists whose work is central to the state’s musical identity. The lineup included the dynamic Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, known for their powerful blend of rock, blues, and soul. They were joined by the traditional yet fresh sound of the West Texas Exiles, the heartfelt artistry of Angel White, the collaborative husband-and-wife duo The Imaginaries, and the folk-infused harmonies of Crow & Gazelle. The collective performances on Saturday, June 7, provided a fitting and memorable conclusion to the 29th Texas Music Revolution.
A Landmark Event for Texas Music
The 29th annual Texas Music Revolution in Historic Downtown McKinney Square successfully reaffirmed its position as a vital cultural event and a premier showcase for Texas country, Americana, and roots music. Its national recognition is well-earned, stemming from its consistent delivery of high-quality music, its dedication to the genre’s authenticity, and the unique atmosphere of its historic setting.
The partnership with KHYI 95.3 The Range is instrumental to the festival’s success, providing the necessary curatorial expertise and community connection. The presence of three stages – the Burress Injury Law Main Stage, the Bathtubs.com Stage, and the Texas Homegrown Music Stage – allowed the festival to host an impressive volume and variety of artists, catering to a wide range of tastes within the broader roots music umbrella. From headliners like Dawes and Flatland Cavalry to the numerous talented individuals and groups on the secondary stages, the festival presented a comprehensive overview of the contemporary scene.
The vibrant energy felt throughout McKinney Square from Friday, June 6, through Saturday, June 7, 2025, underscored the deep passion of the festival’s audience and the artists who performed. The event not only provided exceptional entertainment but also served as a significant cultural and economic driver for the city of McKinney, TX. The 29th Texas Music Revolution was a resounding success, celebrating the rich legacy and dynamic future of Texas music and setting a high standard for years to come. The full roster of artists, including Silverada, Taylor Hunnicutt, Sour Bridges, Isaac Hoskins, Christian Hayes, Bri Bagwell, John Hollier, Austin Akins, Maylee Thomas Band, Courtney Patton, Kelley Mickwee, Corina Grove on Friday, and The Wilder Blue, Jamie Richards, Lola Kirke, John Baumann, Cole Phillips, Liam St. John, Payton Howie, Blaine Bailey, Two Tons of Steel, Parker Twomey, Blackbird Sing, Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, West Texas Exiles, Angel White, The Imaginaries, and Crow & Gazelle on Saturday, represented the breadth of talent that defines this enduring musical movement. The successful execution of such a large-scale event in the heart of a historic downtown highlights the dedication of the organizers and the support of the community.
