The Return of Western Swing: How a Documentary Brought California and Texas Together
Reviving the Heart of Western Swing in Sacramento and Beyond
Sometimes, a single message can change everything. For me, it was a Facebook message that started an unexpected journey — one that connected me to Mike Markwardt, a filmmaker from Fort Worth, Texas, and a driving force in the Western Swing world. I never imagined that he’d not only reply but agree to screen his documentary, The Birth & History of Western Swing, at our festival in Sacramento.
That message wasn’t just about coordinating an event. It was about bringing a piece of history back to life. It was about uniting two states, two cultures, and generations of fans in celebration of a genre that has shaped so much of my life.
A Small but Mighty Organization With a Big Legacy
Since 1981, the Western Swing Society of Sacramento has been keeping this music alive. Quietly, persistently, through monthly dances, a Hall of Fame that has inducted legends like Merle Haggard and Gene Autry, and a community of musicians and dancers who refuse to let this genre fade into history.
It hasn’t always been easy. Western Swing isn’t exactly front and center in the modern music scene, and for years, our organization operated in the background — keeping the flame alive for those who knew where to look. But Western Swing is too important, too alive, too addictive to be relegated to the shadows.
We’ve been working to pull this music — and our organization — out of obscurity. Slowly but surely, people are starting to remember.
The Night Sacramento Remembered
Our “well-loved” dance hall has seen decades of music, laughter, and history, but that Friday night of our October Hall of Fame and Festival, it became something else entirely. Jeff Hess, who had worked with me on my At Sundown video series, transformed the space into a theater. Aaron Smith, a talented drummer in my band, traded his sticks for miles of cables to perfect the sound system.
When the lights dimmed, and the opening scenes of The Birth & History of Western Swing played, the room changed. Faces in the audience lit up — not with the glow of the screen, but with recognition. Nostalgia. Connection.
In attendance was Scott Thomas Anderson, journalist and editor of News and Review. His presence reminded me of how important it is to tell these stories — to show the world that this music and its history still matter.
Sacramento has its own claim to Western Swing’s legacy. Just ask any local about Wills Point or the Detour Inn, places where the music once thrived. This documentary wasn’t just about Texas; it was about us. About the threads of history that stretch from Fort Worth to Sacramento, weaving the two cultures together through song.
Carrying the Torch
For me, this night wasn’t just about celebrating Western Swing. It was about seeing how this music still brings people together. Watching the audience’s reaction to the documentary, I thought of my own connection to this music — how it’s shaped me as a musician, a mother, and a member of this community.
Western Swing has never been just music to me. It’s stories. It’s history. It’s the sound of resilience and joy, of people dancing their way through good times and hard times.
Why Western Swing Matters
California can be polarizing, but its cultural history is undeniable. Western Swing is part of that legacy — a genre that pulls from jazz, blues, and country and reminds us of a time when music brought people together.
For more than 40 years, the Western Swing Society has been the quiet steward of this tradition. But we’re not just here to preserve history; we’re here to make sure it keeps moving forward. Events like this are proof that Western Swing still has the power to resonate — to matter.
Looking Ahead: Mike Markwardt’s 2025 Return
Mike isn’t wasting any time coming back to California. In 2025, he’ll embark on a three-date tour, including stops in Bakersfield with The Soda Crackers, Sonoma with Kevin Russell and the Familiar Strangers (where I’ll join them on stage), and St. Helena with Tommy Thompson from the Church of Western Swing.
For me, these events are more than gigs — they’re part of a mission. They’re about sharing this music with people who may not know it yet and continuing to build the bridge between Texas and California.
The Heart of Western Swing
Western Swing isn’t just history — it’s a living, breathing force that connects us to something bigger. It’s the sound of resilience, joy, and culture, pulling threads from Texas to California and beyond.
The music, the stories, and the people who make it matter are worth discovering and celebrating. Learn more about the journey, explore my music, and see what’s next at www.maemccoymusic.com.
Mike Markwardt :https://birthplaceofwesternswing.com/board.html
“The Birth and History of Western Swing “ in Northern California:
https://www.cameocinema.com/movie/the-birth-and-history-of-western-swing
