| Acclaimed Texas music artists Charlie Robison and Kevin Fowler are gearing up to bring Texas-sized performances to US troops serving in Iraq and Kuwait through their first Armed Forces Entertainment tour March 18-27.
“I consider it a great honor to have been asked to play for our military men and women who are serving in Kuwait and Iraq,” said Robison. “I am looking forward to this opportunity to say thanks for all they are doing.”
Added Kevin Fowler, “When the call came, I didn’t hesitate. We have some fans from the Army Ist Calvary out of Fort Hood who have been asking us when were coming over to play. Now I can finally say, ‘we’re comin’.’ I hope that what we will give the troops is a little taste of home and that they realize we are behind them 100 percent.”
Charlie Robison kicks off their tour in the US at the 2007 SXSW Music Festival in Austin at the Armed Forces Entertainment artist showcase at Jovita’s March 16. Armed Forces Entertainment is a trade show and venue sponsor at SXSW, one of the largest music conferences in the world. By participating in the conference, Armed Forces Entertainment hopes to recruit talented musicians to perform for the troops serving overseas.
“For Charlie and Kevin to support our troops by bringing their music to those fighting on the front lines, and then to showcase their support with us at SXSW, it means a lot,” said Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment Lt. Col. Tamara Moes. “Our job is to keep morale high for our troops serving overseas. When entertainers like Kevin and Charlie volunteer to perform, they help us fulfill a huge part of our mission. We are grateful for their talent and support.”
Born in Houston, and raised on his family’s ranch in Bandera, Texas, Robison absorbed the music he heard at local honky tonks. After discovering the thriving Austin music scene, Robison began writing his own material at the age of 15. He made his solo debut in 1995 with the album Bandera. Two years later Columbia Records recruited Robison and released Life of the Party in 1998.
He and his brother Bruce, along with fellow Texan Jack Ingram, released Unleashed Live in 2000; Step Right Up followed in 2001. His latest record, Good Times, was released by Dual Tone Records in 2004. He has performed with some of the most acclaimed Texas and country artists, including Willie Nelson, Alejandro Escovedo, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and George Strait. On his return from the Middle East, Robison hits the studios to record his sixth album, which is slated to hit stores in September.
Hailing from Amarillo, Fowler was fed a steady diet of Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and all the outlaws of country music. Since the release of his debut album, Beer, Bait, & Ammo, Kevin has seen his fan-base grow in epic proportions, and has sold over 200,000 albums. “What I Wouldn’t Give for Your Love,” Fowler’s most recent single, has garnered major airplay. It was released to his fans as a free download, resulting in over 150,000 downloads. Fowler’s fourth album is slated for mid-summer release.
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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.
Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
For more information on Charlie Robison visit www.charlierobison.com. For more information on Kevin Fowler visit www.kevinfowler.com. Both artists are represented by 823 Management, Inc. located in Kerrville, Texas.
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