‘Legends & Puppies Tour 2008’ Visits Salado Silver Spur Theatre on May 3

Music Legends Kinky Friedman, Steven Fromholz Play for Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch

SALADO, TEXAS (March 25, 2008) – The super-successful “Legends & Puppies Tour of 2008,” with former gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman and 2007 Texas Poet Laureate Steven Fromholz, is on the road again and set for the Salado Silver Spur Theatre (108 Royal St.) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3.

Kinky and Steven will regale their guests with their signature brands of songs and stories to benefit the “Kinkster’s” favorite cause, the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in Medina, TX. The 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization rescues abandoned and/or abused dogs, nurtures them and places them with loving families. (http://www.utopiarescue.com/  )

“Nearly every previous stop on the tour so far has been sold out, with several second shows added in the hottest markets,” said Grainger Esch, co-founder of the Spur Theatre, a five-year-old, 156-seat entertainment venue just off IH 35 in Salado.  

“Every show includes a live auction with a guitar signed by longtime Utopia Ranch supporter Willie Nelson, a ‘Big Dog,’ himself in the musical world,” Esch added. “Other terrific items from Kinky's private memorabilia collection also will be available.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen for this memorable musical event benefitting such a long-established, charitable operation.  How thrilled?  We are shortening the revival of our popular and zany ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),’ April 4-May 2, by one day to accommodate this super evening of entertainment.

“Tickets are $50 a person, and we are already getting inquiries and reservations (saladosilverspur@earthlink.net or 254-947-3456.) We think the audience will be in for more than a few surprises, along with great music and an expected dash of political humor,” Esch noted.

Separate cigar events are also scheduled for many of the tour cities. Information for these can be found at  www.kinkyfriedman.com and www.kinkyfriedmancigars.com.

Steven Fromholz, named Texas Poet Laureate in April 2007, is a unique Texan. His songs have been recorded by Hoyt Axton, John Denver, Lyle Lovett, Michael Martin Murphy, Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker and dozens of others outstanding artists. Four years after suffering a near-fatal stroke, critics say he's singing and playing better than ever.

Fromholz also recently wrote and published a book, 'Texas Trilogy' (Esteban Publishing). He describes his music as "free-form, country-folk rock, science fiction, gospel gum, bluegrass opera, cowjazz music."  Steven Fromholz is once again a huge presence on stage.

The Kinkster, who continues to mull over his future in politics, was recently the featured speaker for the ‘Pen Warmed up in Hell Lecture Series’ at the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT, an honor reserved for those who best represent the legacy of Mark Twain’s work as a social critic. (No surprise there.)

Political future or not, Kinky, also a mystery writer, will be making weekly appearances with Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly right up to the election, debating this year's political hot topics.

“Also no surprise is Kinky’s commitment to all the lost puppies of the world. And Steven Fromholz will be there to help,” Esch emphasized. “In the end, Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch will save more puppies, and Central Texans can be a significant part of that rescue effort. Yea Legends! Yea puppies!”

About the Spur Theatre: The Spur Theatre, which received the “2007 Business of the Year” award from the Salado Chamber of Commerce in January, was developed in the renovated and historic Guest and Sanford Granary. The Spur strives to revive a bygone era of family entertainment, offering a trademark blend of live vaudeville acts, live music, plays and classic cinema. Weddings, reunions, business conferences, concerts, field trips, dances, even customized private shows are also held at the venue, with catering available from the renowned Stagecoach Inn a block away and other area restaurants.

THE DATES: (Prices and outlets for tickets vary from city to city.)

April 25, The Big Easy http://www.thebigeasynightclub.com, 8 p.m., 2411 Mechanic St., Galveston, 409-762-7900

May 2, The Auslander http://www.theauslander.com, 7:30 p.m., 323 Main St., Fredericksburg, 830-997-7714

May 3, Silver Spur Theatre http://www.saladosilverspur.com 7:30 p.m., 108 Royal St., Salado, 254-947-3456

May 4, Uptown Marble Theater http://www.uptownmarble.com 4 p.m., 218 Main St., Marble Falls, 830-693-9996

Press & Tour Contact:  Cleve Hattersley, 512-873-8925, cleveandmary@austin.rr.com

Utopia Rescue Ranch Contact:  Nancy Simon, 830-589-7544 rtranch@indian-creek.net  

Grainger Esch, Executive Dir., Salado Silver Spur Theatre, 254- 947-3456; Grainger@SaladoSilverSpur.com

Ben Milligan, House Manager, Group Sales Bookings, 254-368-5032/698-1761; benmilligan@bearcaveproductions.com

Preston F. Kirk, APR, Kirk Public Relations, Spicewood, TX, 830-693-4447; kirk@tstar.net