Longview Native Performs Hometown Concert
The 2026 Great Texas Balloon Race takes place June 12-14 at the Longview Convention Complex and features a hometown return by Sunny Sweeney headlining on Saturday June 13. The event includes dozens of hot air balloons and a drone show along with live music and other activities.
Marshall native Wes Jeans, a blues-rock guitarist and vocalist, will headline Friday, June 12. Opening acts are L.A. Roxx on June 12 and Roses & Weeds on June 13.
“We are proud to continue bringing high quality musical entertainment to Longview as part of the Great Texas Balloon Race. With a mixture of Country, blues-rock, and a great stage band, this year’s entertainment lineup is intended to appeal to a wide audience, and we look forward to showcasing these talented performers,” said Gai Bennett, chair of this year’s event.
Sweeney is a Country music performer who’s had songs climb the charts in her almost 20-year musical career, including Top 10 hit “From a Table Away” in 2011. In addition to releasing five critically acclaimed albums since her 2006 debut, “Heartbreaker’s Hall of Fame,” she has become a song curator and advocate for other artists as the host of her SiriusXM shows “The Sunny Side of Life” on Outlaw Country and “Sunny Side Up” on Willie’s Roadhouse.
Sweeney and her longtime guitarist, Harley Husbands, produced her newest album, “Rhinestone Requiem,” and are working as producers on additional projects. Recorded at Tommy Detamore’s Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas, “Rhinestone Requiem” is a snapshot of an artist who knows who she is and what she loves.
Jeans is a Texas blues-rock guitarist and vocalist who was voted East Texas Blues Artist of the Year several times. His singles and EPs, such as “Save Me” and “One Day at a Time,” have garnered critical acclaim.
L.A. Roxx is a Louisiana-based rock and roll tribute band. With blazing dual solos, incredible riffs, thunderous drums and authentic vocals, L.A. Roxx will take audiences back to their favorite rock show. They perform tributes of such hits as “Living On a Prayer,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Here I Go Again,” and many more fan favorites.
Roses & Weeds is a Country music group based in Paris, Texas. Comprised of Caleb Moses and Tarren Keelie, Roses & Weeds blends Moses’ soulful vocal style with Keelie’s classic country twang. Along with their drummer, they formed Roses & Weeds and describe their sound as being built on contrast and harmony.
Gates open at 5 p.m. or the festival, which includes (weather permitting) special shape balloon inflations, RE/MAX skydiving team, vendors, KidsLand, tethered balloon rides, Bill Bussey Balloon Glows and more in addition to the live music and drone shows. Opening acts take the stage at 7:30 p.m. with headliners scheduled to perform at 9:45 p.m. Tickets to the festival are $20 for Friday night, $25 for Saturday night, or $40 for a weekend pass. Tickets are on sale now, exclusively at GTBR.net.
