Cactus Country
Cactus Country has been performing in South Texas and the Hill Country for over 20 years. They perform at many festivals, conventions, private parties, and trail rides. They have been featured with many Nashville stars including Rick Trevino, Gary Allan, Chris LeDoux, Clint Black, Johnny Lee, Moe Bandy, Doug Supernaw, and even the Dixie Chicks before they became famous! They have also performed with Tejano stars Roberto Pulido, Emilio Navaira, and Patsy Torres, as well as Grammy award winner David Lee Garza. The band has performed on the Main Stage of the State Fair of Texas and traveled internationally, playing in Costa Rica, Central America. They are regular performers at the annual San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo, as well as the Fiesta Oyster Bake.
Original members Brenda Dlugosh (vocals, keyboards) and Tony Franckowiak (pedal steel, backup vocals, lead guitar) are a wife/husband combo. Drummer Ralph Guzman is a veteran musician/songwriter who just released his own CD. Joining them is Chilton Vance, an experienced vocalist who shows his instrumental versatility by playing lead guitar, fiddle, and accordion. Bassist John Raygosa provides a strong foundation to the rhythm section.
With strong male and female lead vocalists and three backup singers, the band can perform a variety of music including the latest C&W hits, traditional country, Tejano, oldies, and rock-n-roll. This diversity surprises many and allows Cactus Country to please a wide range of audiences.