Robert Earl Keen at Festival Hill

Robert Earl Keen is a Texas music legend whose storytelling has shaped Americana for over four decades. With hits like "The Road Goes on Forever," he earned a place in the Texas Heritage Songwriter Hall of Fame and influenced countless artists. Known for his dynamic live shows and acclaimed albums, Keen has headlined major festivals and won the American Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. Though he retired from touring in 2022, his creative spirit lives on with new projects like his latest release, Western Chill, and continued concert dates including the upcoming benefit concert at the Round Top Festival Institute. REK will hit the stage at the classical music venue at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025 along with his five-piece band, all seasoned musicians, each with their own noted history in the industry. "These guys have toured with legends like Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett, racked up GRAMMY nominations, and helped define Americana," stated Mr. Keen. After 25 years together he still feels strongly about their incredible talent and passion they bring to every performance. "Our latest release, Western Chill, captures the heart of Texas roots music, pushing boundaries while staying true to my signature storytelling," said Keen. " It’s a testament to the collective talent of a band that knows exactly how to deliver." A Houston native, REK spent a good part of his youth on a ranch that wrapped along Cummins Creek on the border of Colorado and Fayette County. His first album titled No Kinda Dancer and title song are based on Saturday nights of circling the dance floor at the Cat Spring Agricultural Society Hall. A proud Aggie, he received the Texas A&M Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. An award that has been given to 281 of Texas A&M's 488,500 former students since 1962. This honor recognizes those Aggies who have achieved excellence in their chosen professions and made meaningful contributions to Texas A&M University and their local communities. Keen started to make a name for himself winning the Kerrville Folk Festival's prestigious New Folk Songwriting Competition in 1983. Kerrville is the home of The Hill Country Youth Orchestra, a free orchestra for students which Keen has supported with a benefit concert annually. His efforts have raised more than $1,000,000 in support of music education. The concert at Festival Hill is a fine example of that giving back to a community that Robert Keen is known for. The proceeds from this benefit concert will go towards the annual scholarships to the over 80 student musicians who audition to attend the Institute's Summer Music Festival.