The history of a people is best illuminated through its music.

Nothing ignites a student's historical interest more effectively (and infectiously) than songs and stories that bring the past stirringly back to life. Multiple award-winning Texas song stylist and balladeer Brian Burns presents Once Upon A Time In Texas, a live musical presentation for students of Texas History.

"I've never seen our students so attentive at an assembly, and they continue to rave about your presentation.  It has given them a new lease on their Texas history curriculum.  Thanks!"

"My son, Travis, and oldest daughter, Jessica, really were excited about your performance and asked to hear several of the songs on your CD, as well as asking questions about the events they depict.  Thank you once again for taking the time to perform for our children and pass on the pride you have for our state."

Brian Burns is one of Texas' premier singer/songwriters. His masterful weaving of Texas music and Texas history has earned him awards such as Texas Artist Of The Year, Texas Solo Artist Of The Year, and Record Of The Year. His critically acclaimed CD, The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians, has been hailed nationally as a musical and historical masterpiece. The album's most successful single, I've Been Everywhere (In Texas) has topped radio playlists and music charts (including a five-week entry on Radio & Records, the industry's major reporting music chart).

Brian's acoustic solo performance brings the warmth and wit of his singing and storytelling talents together with his amazing guitar work to provide a show that captivates audiences, young and old alike, from Luckenbach to the Llano Estacado. His music brings dramatically back to life the history, the culture, and the folklore of our great Lone Star State.

Texas educators have long recognized the effectiveness of music upon their teaching objectives. Brian Burns' Once Upon A Time In Texas represents a unique opportunity to augment and enrich your school's Texas history curriculum - combining original and traditional songs into a presentation that is sure to entertain and educate, to stir young hearts and minds, and to help instill a long-term appreciation for the richness and importance of our state's illustrious history.

2005 Don Foshee Memorial Grant Recipients For Excellence In Education
Teela Watson, Cheryl McDonald, and Brian Burns

A Musical Presentation For Students Of Texas History

Once Upon A Time In Texas is a live (approximately 40-minute) performance featuring songs and stories that range from familiar topics such as The Texas Revolution to lesser-known but highly fascinating events such as The Crash At Crush (an 1896 train wreck staged by the Katy Railroad near Waco, Texas) and Indianola, once a great Texas port city until it was destroyed not once, but twice, by hurricanes.

At the end of the performance, Brian presents an engaging question-and-answer session where he allows the students to ask him questions about the songs and stories, his music and travels, and anything else pertaining to the presentation.

Once Upon A Time In Texas is an effective way to reward students for achievements, celebrate historical dates such as Texas Independence Day, prepare and motivate students who will be studying Texas History, or provide an exciting and unique assembly for career day.  Brian is also, upon request, able to incorporate a strong anti-drug message into the conclusion of his  presentation.

Brian has performed at over 800 elementary and intermediate schools throughout Texas, many of which have committed to bringing this presentation back year after year.