Summer 2025: A Western Swing Artist's Biggest Season Yet

By Meghan “Mae” McCoy – Western Swing Artist & Vice President, Western Swing Society | July 2025

This summer’s shaping up to be one of the biggest in my Western Swing life, even if you haven’t seen me around much. Between my son’s 8th grade graduation, my daughter’s Filipino cultural dancing, and keeping a band upright in this economy, I’ve been stretched thin in the best and wildest ways.

Life’s been full. Rich. A little chaotic. I haven’t made it to many of the monthly Western Swing dances lately, but I’ve been working—quietly, steadily, and always in motion.

Honky Tonk Royalty Poolside : Dale Watson & Celine Lee

“Dale Watson is an award-winning hardest working real country musician and producer who has been creating music and performing live for over 40 years. He has shared the stage with such icons as Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, just to name a few.”

Photo and Quote Courtesy of DaleWatson.com

In July, I’ll be opening for Dale Watson at Moe’s Alley. A Texas legend who needs no introduction. Sharing a stage with someone like Dale is a full-circle moment and a deep reminder of why I keep doing this. That same month, Mae McCoy and Her Neon Stars will play the California State Fair in Sacramento—one of the biggest stages we’ve hit to date. It’s an honor to carry the Western Swing sound into spaces like this, where new ears and old souls meet.

In August, my dear friend Don Caldwell from Keepin’ It Country is flying me out to Illinois to open for the legendary Tony Booth—Mr. Keys in the Mailbox himself. I don’t take it lightly. This is Western Swing history, and I’m humbled to be part of it.

There is only one Tony Booth

Photo Courtesy of : Tony Booth Classic Country(Facebook)

Back here in California, we’re still out there—playing the dance halls and gala stages, where the floors creak and the crowd smiles when the fiddle kicks in.

I was originally set to dance with my daughter in the Filipino Cultural Showcase at the State Fair. But since we’re playing there just days later, I chose to emcee the event instead. Two stages, two different ways to represent. Seemed like the smart play.

Come December, we’ll be hosting A Nashville Christmas in Rancho Cordova, featuring one of Nashville’s most charming Western Swing bands, The Farmer & Adele. I’m proud to say Mae McCoy and Her Neon Stars will be backing them on their Northern California tour dates.

Yip!

“Farmer” Keenan & Grace from Nashville’s the Farmer & Adele

Photo Courtesy of : https://www.everybodylovesthefarmerandadele.com/

Western Swing is alive, well, and growing, and there’s room for all of us who find home in it. Every time we gather, whether to dance, play, or simply listen, we help continue a tradition rooted in joy, resilience, and culture.

I carry this torch thanks to artists like Bob Wills, Cindy Walker, Milton Brown, Adolph Hofner, and Leon Rausch. They shaped the sound long before it ever hit a state fair stage or Spotify playlist. This music wasn’t built overnight. It was carried, refined, and passed on.

Croonin’ Western Swing Style - Billy Mata

Photo Courtesy of billymataentertainer.com

I’m equally inspired by those keeping it going today—Billy Mata, Carolyn Martin, Poi Rogers, The Lucky Stars, and my band crush for life, The Familiar Strangers. Every time I plug in a mic, I remember I’m part of something bigger. That keeps me grounded,and grateful.

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