Published: September 11, 2008 11:32 am            

Zane Lewis headlining Bois d'Arc Bash

Texas country artist Zane Lewis will be the headline act Saturday night at this year’s Bois d’Arc Bash, which runs Sept. 26-28.

Lewis will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, followed by the Exit 110 Band at 10 p.m.

One listen to Zane Lewis’ sophomore release, “Zane Lewis,” which hit stores in March, leaves no doubt that he is exactly where he is meant to be. A sixth-generation Texan born in the West Texas town of Lubbock and raised in Round Rock, Lewis has a pure country voice as big as the Lone Star State and a stage show that gives new meaning to the term “wild west.”

“When I’m on stage, I’m an in-your-face guy and I’m all about getting the crowd jacked up and enjoying themselves,” Lewis said with an easy laugh.

As a kid growing up, Lewis credits listening to Willie, Waylon and The Eagles in his early years. But like any American kid, he also encountered his share of rock ‘n’ roll. And anyone who sees him perform live should know that he counts Van Halen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels, U2 and Elvis among his influences

Lewis’ debut album, “This Town” (2003), delivered three Texas Music chart hits with the title track, “I Hate to See Her Go” and “Beer Drinkin’ Women.” That success has kept him on the road steadily, headlining his own shows and opening for artists like Dwight Yoakam, Chris Cagle, Steve Holy and Deryl Dodd.

The Bash will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with the Commerce Leadership Institute Barbecue Dinner on the square. The Texas A&M University-Commerce steel drum band Panimation will start the entertainment on stage at the same time. They will be followed by The Messengers gospel group at 6:30 p.m., the rock ‘n’ roll of Dr. Doctor at 8:15 p.m. and Ryan Beaver’s brand of rock and country at 10 p.m.

There will be entertainment on the downtown stage throughout the day on Saturday, as well as the Bois d’Arc Bash Parade through downtown Commerce at 10 a.m. Saturday.

        

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