On July 27th,2024 Innovative Accordion Music Productions (IAMP) presented The Western Swing Jamboree concert at the Brauntex Theatre in downtown New Braunfels, Texas, with accordionist Lori Beth Brooke and The Derrieres ( Roger and Leo Eilts) and Cameron Bradfute, cowboy poet sharing stories and original music about the pioneering spirit of those who settled the West. Families brought their children dressed in western outfits complete with cowboy hats and boots. Each attendee received a bandana in honor of The National Day of the Cowboy and celebrated with a great evening of music, comedy and family fun. Visitors came from across Texas and Mexico. The audience celebrated with resounding YEEHAW, waving their bandanas throughout the show!

This was the first collaboration for Lori Brooke from Austin, Texas and the Eilts brothers from Kansas City, who are an outstanding back-up group, hence their name, The Derrieres. With Brooke on accordion and The Derrieres combining their vocal harmonies with their talent on upright bass, guitar and fiddle, a fabulous new sound was created with Lori Brooke known as the Female Yodeler of the Year and Academy of Western Artists Female Western Performer Awardee. This unique collaboration will undoubtedly be repeated in the future. The reviews from the show are still arriving, with many stating it was one of the best shows they had ever seen, giving special recognition to these talented musicians, their performance and professionalism.

Brooke included many original songs from her latest CD, “The Light of the Moon”, including “Texas Star”, “Bride of the Brazos”, “Guys love Chicks that Yodel”, “Light of the Moon” and others. Lori’s music tells a story about the pioneering spirit of women and their contributions to settling the West, in a both humorous and poignant presentation. Also included were special performances by The Derrieres including “Home on the Range” in both English and Italian, as they are scheduled for a performance gig in Italy in August! The Derrieres perform regularly with the award-winning 3 Trails West also producing a weekly program on the Internet Radio entitled “The American Road Show” where they explore the many facets of American music.

Many thanks go Lori Brooke, Roger & Leo Eilts, Cameron Bradfute and to the Brauntex Theatre and their Staff for creating a memorable experience for all. In addition, IAMP thanks The City off New Braunfels Arts & Heritage Commission for partial funding for this project.