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Pocket full of dough: The Light Crust Doughboys embrace the area for musical growth
Photo courtesy of J. Griffis Smith, Texas Highways Magazine - Carrying on a musical tradition for more than eight decades, the Light Crust Doughboys, from left to right, consist of Maurice Anderson, Jim Baker, Teresa Anderson, Dion Pride, Art Greenhaw, Lyles West and Kevin Bailey. The group - which hails from Sunnyvale - will offer two performances this year at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Dallas.
By Zach Markovic, zmarkovic@starlocalnews.com
In a world of instant communication and constantly changing public opinion, nothing stays constant in the entertainment business.
That is, unless you are the Light Crust Doughboys.
The musical group that has been playing music in Texas since 1931 and is currently headed up by band leader Art Greenhaw also gets to showcase newest member of the traveling band Dion Pride.
"We are pulling together two of the greatest names in American and country music," Greenhaw said. "We have not played to an empty seat with him around."
The Light Crust Doughboys have frequented the Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Dallas for the last 19 years, with their next shows scheduled for Feb 5 and April 16. This is a show that Greenhaw said they look forward to every year now, as they want it to become a part of residents' holiday traditions. With its intimate setting, the small theater it is the ultimate Doughboy experience, as audience members get an up-close look at the multi-faceted work of the band.
"We are the official musical ambassadors of the state of Texas," Greenhaw said. "We cover Texas style music, roots music, Americana and country music. We are just seeped in the heritage of Texas."
Each band member knows how to play multiple instruments and sing, as well as how to bring their 81-year-old heritage to musical life before audiences. Greenhaw said they would enjoy a setting like the Pocket Sandwich Theatre in the Sunnyvale area so they can play closer to home.
"We would love to have a venue like the Pocket Sandwich Theatre in our area," he said. "But we have not seen that. That is something we are lacking here. More entrepreneurs need to come and help us in Sunnyvale."
Calling themselves the longest-running band in the world, the group's roots run pretty deep in Sunnyvale. Greenhaw said he has pictures of the Light Crust Dough boys playing at Kearny Store. Being a native to the area, he wants to see the city grow their entertainment venues so high quality entertainment will always be on hand for residents.
Greenhaw, who began his musical calling at age 3, is a master of several instruments with a vocal range that is the envy of his peers; Greenhaw started working professionally with the band in 1983. By 1993, he had become the youngest official member and co-bandleader of The Light Crust Doughboys. Upon the death of the greatest four-string banjo player in history, Smokey Montgomery, Greenhaw became the bandleader. In 2003, he produced and won the Grammy Award for "Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year."
"What inspired me so much were the professional musicians - Peter, Paul and Mary, the Beatles and Elvis Presley," Greenhaw said. "If I had not been taught in concert I would not be doing this today. If I preach anything, it is for a community to have the very best in professional entertain venues."
Terry Reid, chairman for the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, said Greenhaw's experience have been vital in supporting many of the events they use to grow support for development in Sunnyvale.
"Art was key to putting on these festivals," Reid said. "He really helped us through the technical side of it all."
As the first town drivers see as they come into Dallas, Greenhaw hopes Sunnyvale eventually capitalizes on its position to offer important entertainment and retail events to the area. Those are some of the Doughboys favorite venues, playing to small-town America.
"[His favorite experience is] When we are able to take our music into every community no matter how small," he said. "That is what America is all about; it is the small communities and main streets."
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