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Princeton resident welcomes music lovers for concerts in her own backyard
Kelsey Kruzich / Staff Photo – Fulfilling a desire to create a “home” for local musicians and their fans, Rhonda and her husband Rodney Smith transformed their backyard into an outdoor concert venue.
By Katie Oliver, Special to the McKinney Courier-Gazette
Nestled in the pecan trees of Princeton lies a unique music spot called Backyard Brickworks. The outdoor venue promises to be a haven for local rock and Americana acts, with a down home twist around the fire pit.
Property owner Rhonda Quintero is currently busy getting ready for her next shindig this Saturday that will feature Dallas-based group Somebody's Darling.
This is a house party, but forget your college party keg stands. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and a bottle of wine, because Backyard Brickworks is all about peace, relaxation and above all - the music.
"That's why we call it Backyard Brickworks, because we hang out in the back yard all the time and it was a brick factory," Quintero said.
The place has always been "the hang out," however. On one such afternoon, McKinney musician and family friend Zane Williams shared with Quintero his desire to have a place to perform that would allow people to have an up-close-and-personal experience with a musician. He described an environment where audience members could ask questions and be more intimate with the performer.
Quintero was inspired.
"One thing led to another and we were like, 'let's give people a unique place to play,'" said the California native.
Inspiration led to action, and Zane performed at the first concert this past June.
Performances at Backyard Brickworks also give artists the opportunity to genuinely engage with the crowd, Quintero said. Musicians stop and tell a story or pause to admit, "I need to start that line over." When compared to other music scenes it's quite different, she said.
"It's not like a bar, there aren't people talking over the band or people screaming at each other to get a beer or orders, everyone is quiet," Quintero said. "It's serene and peaceful."
With a clear heart and passion for local businesses and bands, Quintero and her family strives to find new artists and strengthen existing relationships. They often volunteer and work at concerts thrown by radio stations such as 95.3 KHYI. The family also uses the opportunity to network, promote their venue and book bands.
"KHYI, 95.3 the Range is a huge part of local music and how we really got into it," she said.
Saturday's headliner released its newest album, "Jank City Shakedown," in September and were also recently nominated for the Best Country Act. Lead singer Amber Farris was also nominated for Best Female Singer at the 2012 Dallas Observer Music Awards.
Backyard Brickworks is located at 1908 FM 1377 in Princeton. Saturday's show begins at 8 p.m. A ticket donation of $15 or more is suggested which go to the band. For information visit backyardbrickworks.com.
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