About the Band
Little Texas rose out of Nashville’s thriving early-90s country scene and built a reputation as one of the genre’s most technically polished and hook-savvy groups of the decade. With founding members Porter Howell (lead guitar, vocals), Del Gray (drums), Dwayne O’Brien (rhythm guitar, vocals), and Duane Propes (bass guitar, vocals), they stormed the charts with thirteen Top 40 singles between 1991 and 1995. Their debut single “Some Guys Have All the Love” cracked the Top 10, while later tracks like “God Blessed Texas” and the Billboard #1 “My Love” became anthems across country radio and Texas dancehalls alike.
Their second album, Big Time (1993), went double platinum and solidified their crossover appeal—balancing southern rock swagger with rich vocal harmonies and heartland balladry. Even as lineup changes followed in the late ’90s, Little Texas remained active on the road and on the air. Today, the re-formed four-piece lineup—still led by Howell, Gray, O’Brien, and Propes—tours constantly and continues to record new music, including Missing Years (2007) and Young for a Long Time (2015). In 2022, they celebrated the 30th anniversary of their debut album, and their fan base only continues to grow.
Music & Live Show Style
Expect an all-killer-no-filler showcase of 90s country gold, performed by the guys who wrote the blueprint. Their live shows center on tight four-part harmonies, arena-worthy guitar work, and storytelling lyrics delivered with conviction. Signature songs like “Kick a Little,” “What Might Have Been,” and “Amy’s Back in Austin” tap into themes of love, heartache, and small-town pride—all wrapped in stadium-sized arrangements that energize crowds of all ages.
With Porter Howell now fronting the band, vocals remain pitch-perfect while the musicianship has only deepened after decades on tour. Every show includes crowd shout-outs, jokes about the early days on the road, and a heartfelt nod to their Texas roots. And of course, they close with the one-two punch of “God Blessed Texas” and “My Love”—guaranteed to bring the crowd to its feet.
Plan Your Visit
- Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot. Little Texas hits the Main Stage at 7:00 PM, right before Tracy Byrd and Los Grandes Del Norte.
- Main Stage Location: Northeast side of Independence Square, in the parking lot at St. George and St. Joseph Streets.
- Bring lawn chairs or blankets if you want a place to sit—though you won’t sit long once the music starts.
- Food & beverage vendors will be open late on St. Paul Street and around the square.
- Beer Tent nearby for 21+ refreshments (ID required; tokens available at the Ticket Booth).
- Parking Reminder: Downtown streets are closed for the celebration—use designated festival lots or nearby neighborhood street parking.
- Shade & Cooling: Port o Cool fans available near the Food Court and Beer Tent.