Marshall, Texas – This Thursday marks the start of the 13th Annual Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards Festival, bringing an unprecedented international flavor to East Texas country music. The four‑day event will be held at the Memorial City Hall Performance Center and features 22 performers representing 16 different nations.
Global Artists Take the Stage
Among the lineup is Norwegian singer‑songwriter Hildi Borge, who will perform three original songs and a rendition of Patsy Cline’s classic “Crazy.” Borge shared that the opportunity is especially meaningful after the loss of her mother two years ago, recalling her mother’s encouragement to keep singing.
“My mom passed away two years ago, and she said, ‘You never have to stop singing. You can’t stop singing,’” Borge said. “So to do this, you have to travel and sing.”
Local Organizers Highlight Cultural Exchange
East Texas Performing Arts producer Preston Taylor explained that the festival is the result of year‑round planning aimed at forging connections between audiences and performers from diverse cultural backgrounds. “We work on this all year,” Taylor said. “People don’t get excited until they get here and sit in a seat and start to get to know these people.”
Taylor noted that while the music retains a Texas‑style foundation, each act adds its own twist—whether through accent, timing, or a distinctive guitar riff—creating a fresh take on the genre.
Economic Boost for Marshall
Beyond the music, the festival is expected to generate a noticeable economic impact for the city. Attendees are traveling from as far as Alabama, Georgia, California, and at least six other nations to support their favorite artists. Local businesses anticipate increased patronage from out‑of‑town visitors throughout the weekend.
Community and Family Appeal
The festival’s focus on cultural exchange and family‑friendly entertainment aligns with Marshall’s tradition of community gatherings. Organizers emphasized that the event is not a cash‑prize competition; instead, performers vie for internationally recognized titles and industry prestige, underscoring the artistic value of the experience.
For many artists, including Borge, the festival offers a chance to explore Texas hospitality and meet fellow musicians and fans. “Just to see the world, to see Texas, to meet all these incredible people and good‑hearted people,” Borge said, expressing gratitude for the warm reception.
Details for Attendees
The Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards Festival runs Thursday through Sunday at the Memorial City Hall Performance Center. Show schedules, ticket information, and additional details are available on the festival’s website at texassounds.org.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
