Members of the band Smoke and Mirrors take the open stage at Rolling Oaks Sports Bar and Grill. Photo by Beverly Simas

Despite the occasional out-of-tune string, the talent is loud and clear. Introducing: Outlaw Open Stage - Texas Music Tuesdays at the Rolling Oaks Sports Bar and Grill.

According to general manager Philip Delgado, it is open stage “done right.” Delgado looked at open stage events in the area and made useful improvements.

For example, there will be a featured, well-known artist playing sets at the event. According to Delgado, at other music venues the featured artist plays and then leaves. The audience doesn’t tend to stay around to see the open stage artists. However, at the Outlaw Open Stage, the artist will play three sets throughout the evening: a first set at 8 p.m., a second at 9 p.m. and a final set at 10 p.m.

The stage at Rolling Oaks is literally “open” to the Texas sky and fans can relax on the newly expanded deck. In addition, the house will provide microphones, drums and an acoustic bass. The event is all acoustic; individual amplifiers and electric guitars are not allowed.

The open stage provides all Texas music artists the opportunity to step up and play. “(It is) a spot where local musicians, including accomplished musicians, can hang out on a Tuesday night and visit with peers and fans,” Delgado said.

And fans are pleased with what they see. “It is our first time here. We specifically wanted to see Brian Keane, (the featured artist) but we like all of the artists,” Phillip and Theresa Morris agreed.

Rolling Oaks Sports Bar is not alone in its pride for this new endeavor. Radio station 92.5, “The Outlaw,” sponsoers the weekly event. Radio announcer and representative Hank T. Moon is on hand each week to kick off the night’s festivities. “I hope our radio station inspires the musicians to come out because 92.5, ‘The Outlaw,’ is looking for the next Randy Rogers,” Moon said,

Sign-up for talent starts at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and the music starts at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The Grill offers $3 hamburgers and $2 beer specials each open stage night.