On June 14, 2025, the Parker County Pickers invite music lovers, families, and friends to the Brews and Blues Festival at Parker County Brewing Company (210 Willow Bend Dr, Willow Park, TX 76008). From 5 p.m. onward, the festival will showcase beloved blues acts including James Hinkle, Biscuit Miller and Friends, and headliner Chris Cain — all in a free, outdoor setting that celebrates creativity, connection, and community.
The Parker County Pickers were born from a simple but powerful idea: music brings people together, and after COVID, Parker County needed a little more of that. “We saw two things happening at the same time,” says co-founder Joe Lilly. “Musicians were hungry for connection and a place to play, and local music fans were eager to support live music again but didn’t always know where to find it.”
What started as a casual group of friends picking guitars on patios quickly grew into something bigger — “a welcoming, come-as-you-are music community built on fellowship, fun, and a shared love of song.” Today, with over 3,000 members and live events happening nearly every day, the Pickers have given Parker County’s musicians, fans, and venues something invaluable: a home.
The Brews and Blues Festival reflects that ethos of connection. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with James Hinkle, followed by Biscuit Miller and Friends, and concludes with Chris Cain’s headlining set at 8 p.m. His renowned blues artistry and soulful guitar work have earned him accolades across the country. Cain’s press kit can be found at www.chriscainmusic.com/Cain_presskit.html.
This year’s festival is presented in partnership with the Lilly Youth and Arts Foundation, an organization founded by Joseph and Kim Lilly in 2024 to tackle two major challenges: the lack of fine arts access for children, and the uphill battle independent musicians face in being heard. “Too many children today grow up without access to quality fine arts education,” the Lillys note. “Whether due to budget cuts, lack of resources, or geographic barriers, countless students are missing the chance to discover creativity, confidence, and self-expression through music, art, and performance.”
At the same time, they saw that “even the most talented artists often lack the tools, support, and visibility needed to build sustainable careers in music.” That’s why the Foundation focuses on “building bridges between creativity and opportunity—from school music rooms to community stages.” Whether it’s helping a child find their voice through painting or giving a local musician their first audience, the mission is clear: “to uplift, empower, and create a lasting impact through the arts.”
The Brews and Blues Festival is a living embodiment of this mission. It’s a space where “musicians can find their people, fans find their music, and venues find their crowd.” The event is free, family-friendly, and open to anyone who believes in the power of music to bring people together.
Festival Details:
Parker County Brewing Company
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Music begins at 5 p.m. | Chris Cain headlines at 8 p.m.
www.youthandarts.org/events
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