Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the internationally acclaimed Hot Club of Cowtown is an acoustic trio with jaw-dropping virtuosity. Each member sings and also plays an instrument. Their show is a lively hand-clapping, toe-tapping experience.
The magic lies in their unique style that seamlessly integrates Western Swing, Country, Folk and hot Gypsy Jazz. Their repertoire includes songs by Bob Wills, Jimmie Rodgers, Django Reinhardt, Marty Robbins, and various other Country and Texas Swing artists.
The trio has been inducted into three Halls of Fame. They won numerous additional awards from musical associations that rank Western Swing artists. (See the partial list below.)
Hot Club of Cowtown has extensively toured worldwide, on its own and with artists including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Gatemouth Brown, the Avett Brothers, Dan Hicks, Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, the Squirrell Nut Zippers and the Mavericks.
Elana James’s soaring fiddle evokes the sounds of legendary Johnny Gimble, and her smooth vocals bring a fresh twist to the familiar songs. She is the focal point of the band, both musically and visually.
Whit Smith's masterclass vocals and guitar work are amazing. Jake Erwin, on his upright bass fiddle, plays the role of both bassist and drummer with his percussive slapping and snapping of the strings.
Hot Club of Cowtown formed in 1996 after singer/guitarist Whit Smith responded to an advertisement placed by singer and fiddler Elana James. The pair moved to Austin in 1998 and began playing with a variety of bass players before solidifying the lineup with bassist Jake Erwin in 2000.
What people are saying . . .
The Hot Club of Cowtown is pretty much the perfect country trio at the very top of their game. –The Belfast Telegraph
Down-home melodies and exuberant improvisation! – The London Times
The trio is armed with an arsenal full of technique and joy. Above all else, the music is for dancing and an old-fashioned good time. – New York Times
Hot Club has always woven a combination of seemingly disparate styles together for its own magical effect, setting up camp at that crossroads where country meets jazz and chases the blues away. – The Independent
The three excellent players of this band could be doing anything, but they have chosen to honor the greats of jazz and swing with their sound. – American Songwriter
Awards and Honors
· International Western Music Association Hall of Fame (Inducted November 2025)
· Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Artist Wilderness Connection Residency (Elana James), Great Bear Wilderness, Montana (2025)
· Sacramento Western Swing Society Hall of Fame (Elana James) (Inducted in 2019
· Ameripolitan Music Awards, winner, Western Swing Group of the Year (2015
· Ameripolitan Music Awards, winner, (Elana James) Western Swing Female of the Year (2015
· Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame (Inducted in 2004)
· Western Music Association’s Crescendo Award (2002)
· True West Magazine’s Best of the West Awards, Best Music Group Best Music Group (2012)
· Village Voice’s Pazz & Jop Poll (2012)
· Ameripolitan Music Awards, nominated, Western Swing Group of the Year (2014)
· Ameripolitan Music Awards, (Elana James) nominated, Western Swing Female of the Year (2014)
· Roots Music Reports names “What Makes Bob Holler” a worldwide Top 20 Roots Country Album (2011)
Built-in 1925, in the grand architectural style of Beaux-Arts Classical Revival, the Simon Theatre provided a splendid setting for many theatrical performances, film screenings and ballroom dances. The James Simon family commissioned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, whose career included designing a number of prominent Houston buildings as well as the San Jacinto Monument, to design the theatre for the community of Brenham. Today, after a meticulous million-plus dollar renovation, the glamour and grand style lives on for future generations in the newly named Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.
