The Buddy Holly Center and Gary Nix and West! Texas Continue Summer Showcase 2026
The Buddy Holly Center’s annual Summer Showcase Concert Series continues its season on Thursday, June 18 with Gary Nix and West! Texas!
Gary Nix is a man whose life plays out like the classic country songs he performs. Born in the small, tight-knit community of Bay, Arkansas, Gary’s musical journey began in the church pews and award-winning high school bands of his youth. After serving his country in the USAF during the Vietnam War, he traded his uniform for a guitar, honing his craft at the School of the Ozarks and lighting up the stage in the early 80s Branson music scene alongside legends like Merle Haggard and Narvel Felts.
Since moving to Lubbock, Texas, in 1984, Gary has become a staple of the West Texas music landscape. As the frontman of his premier band, West! Texas, he has spent over 30 years sharing stages with icons like Waylon Jennings and Gene Watson. A multi-award winner—including the 2020 CMA of Texas Troubadour Award—Gary continues to evolve, recently releasing soulful new singles like “Where the Blacktop Ends,” recorded at Houston’s famed Wire Road Studio. Whether he’s behind a piano or fronting a five-piece band, Gary Nix remains a true independent artist dedicated to the heart of country music.
Growing up in Slaton, TX, Lonnie Kuss was introduced to music and the guitar at a young age. His father, a long-time performing musician, taught Lonnie his first guitar chords. During Jr. High and High School, Lonnie played in several different local bands. Upon entering Texas Tech University, Lonnie was accepted into the Tech marching band. Lonnie kept up his musical chops playing in local jams throughout his coaching and teaching career. He began playing with the classic rock band, “The Classics” in the ’90’s. Lonnie and Brian started playing together in 1995 and joined up with Gary in 1997.
Brian Ashburn began playing drums in his Jr. High years and by the time he reached high school in Plains, TX, was featured drummer and percussionist in the high school band. After a multi-year hiatus from playing and a move to Slaton, TX, he began playing in local jams. This led to his filling in playing drums with several local bands. A chance encounter with Lonnie Kuss in 1995 led to them playing together in “The Classics” band . In 1997 they joined forces with Gary Nix leading to the formation of the “Gary Nix & West!Texas ” band.
Concerts are every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Meadows Courtyard, May 21 – August 13. Guests are welcome to bring outside food. However, outside beverages are not permitted after 5:00pm. Chairs, picnic blankets, and like items will NOT be permitted inside the gates.
Admission is FREE! Enjoy a cash bar! Seating for this event is available on a first come, first serve basis.
In addition to viewing the concerts, guests are encouraged to walk the Buddy Holly exhibitions and the Fine Arts Gallery during Summer Showcase hours with FREE admission.
The Summer Showcase Concert Series is funded through sponsorships and donations. We appreciate the support of our 2026 sponsors: H-E-B, Grand Central Station Antiques, Leprino Foods Company, TTU School of Music, FOX34 KJTV, KLBK/KAMC/Everything Lubbock, M&M Service Center, School of Rock, South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc., Fast Signs, Lubbock National Bank, Tarpley Music, Stephen Joseph, Don and Beverly McBeath, and Oceans Massage Spa and School. The concert series is presented in collaboration with Civic Lubbock, Inc., and the City of Lubbock.
Community support helps us keep the Summer Showcase Concert Series free to the public.
If you would like to become a sponsor or make a contribution, please contact Mariah Deleon at [email protected], or call 806-775-3566.
Follow us @buddyhollycenter for artist spotlights, behind the scenes content, and more! Share your own coverage using #summershowcase2026.
For more information, please visit our website at buddyhollycenter.org or call 806-775-3560.
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