New and Permanent Music Fest Location Looking to Boost Abilene Economy
By: Marlisa Goldsmith
Updated: January 31, 2013
From Joe Allen's Lytle Bend Ranch, to Abilene Speedway, the annual Outlaws and legends music festival has been on the move.
"It's very difficult going to temporary locations year after year," says Mark Powell, Backporch Productions president.
Now, that story will be no more. This is the first year the music festival will be held at the new and, most importantly, permanent location.
Back Porch of Texas, located just off of Interstate-20 and Highway 277, the venue will be very accessible to big country residents and visitors,which is all part of Mark Powell's plan of attracting more tourism to the Abilene area
"It's got kind of the old dude ranch appeal and we kind of like that," Powell continues.
Powell took me on a brief tour of the venue. Emphasis on brief, because there are a couple things he wants to keep secret.
Driving through the gates, you can tell this location has a lot of character and a bit of rustic appeal.
"It's a completely different environment than the last couple years," Powell explains.
Walking up to the second floor of the pavillion, there is a great view of the landscape.
Powell explains, "this will be the general crowd out this way and then a line of vendors that go out about 350 feet."
All that is left to do is add a few finishing touches, and the final product will be revealed in less than two months.
"It's very difficult going to temporary locations year after year," says Mark Powell, Backporch Productions president.
Now, that story will be no more. This is the first year the music festival will be held at the new and, most importantly, permanent location.
Back Porch of Texas, located just off of Interstate-20 and Highway 277, the venue will be very accessible to big country residents and visitors,which is all part of Mark Powell's plan of attracting more tourism to the Abilene area
"It's got kind of the old dude ranch appeal and we kind of like that," Powell continues.
Powell took me on a brief tour of the venue. Emphasis on brief, because there are a couple things he wants to keep secret.
Driving through the gates, you can tell this location has a lot of character and a bit of rustic appeal.
"It's a completely different environment than the last couple years," Powell explains.
Walking up to the second floor of the pavillion, there is a great view of the landscape.
Powell explains, "this will be the general crowd out this way and then a line of vendors that go out about 350 feet."
All that is left to do is add a few finishing touches, and the final product will be revealed in less than two months.
