I had the opportunity to sit down with Marsha Milam, Ranch Bash festival producer and ask a few questions about Ranch Bash, 95.9 The Ranch’s signature event in Fort Worth.
In her RV set on the festival grounds at Panther Island Pavilion, Marsha Milam is surrounded by paperwork, lists, and office supplies. Her faithful pup Wookie is by her side and looks on as she goes over band contracts and logistical details for the biggest one-day festival of the year in Fort Worth. She took a few moments to chat about the origins of Ranch Bash, and how the Fort Worth music scene has changed over the years that she’s been producing the festival.
How did you first get involved in Ranch Bash?
Well, I first got involved in Ranch Bash because I know Gerry (Ranch Radio Group GM) and he and the program director wanted to do something on their anniversary. They wanted to host an outdoor festival and were looking for someone to produce it. We named it, Ranch Bash, and we did it.
Why is Fort Worth the city that was chosen to host Ranch Bash, with all the other options in the Ranch listening area?
Fort Worth is working on its reputation as a music town, but it is a Texas Country Music city. I mean, the fans here love this music. For example, they are buying tickets in the rain. It’s happened before up here. When I look at our ticket sales, and I see the Ranch Fans buying tickets in the rain, I just think, God I love these people. Like Austin is a hard-core music town, and Fort Worth I think is a hard-core Texas Country Music town.
How have you seen the Fort Worth Music scene evolve over the years?
There are bands that are not country that are doing well, like I love Quaker City Night Hawks. Then of course you have Josh Weathers, Josh does great and he’s not a Texas Country act. Of course, the shining example is Leon Bridges who’s about the coolest thing going right now. I think that Fort Worth should be a market that is broader than just one genre, because of Fort Worth’s history. It is steeped in diversity. Example, Ornette Coleman, he is one of the founders of free jazz. He was an extremely progressive jazz musician and extremely well respected. Then you have Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, that was Western swing. Also, T Bone Burnett is from here. T Bone Burnett is one of the most astute producers in music that there is, his work is incredible.
What is the one thing that people that have never been to Ranch Bash should know about the event?
I would tell you to be prepared to have a really good time, and I would tell you to wear closed toed shoes.
What do the artists say about playing Ranch Bash?
It’s a highlight for so many of the Artists to play Ranch Bash. We’ve been doing this 15 years. It’s really a Radio endorsed and embraced show. Not only does it have all the firepower of the Radio Station behind it, if a Radio station picks you to play an annual concert then that is a real feather in their cap!
Anything else you would like to say about Ranch Bash?
Just buy your ticket and come on out! Ranch Bash really is my favorite week of the year.
Ranch Bash 2018 is presented by Bud Light and benefits Hear Fort Worth. Advance tickets are on sale through Midnight Friday, October 19th. Day of show tickets available at the gate. Visit RanchBash.com for details and ticket info.