Serenade Range in Whitehouse opened their spring concert season on Friday, March 13th, with a free concert by the local, talented band, René and the Strays. They are an East Texas band that plays a fusion of genres such as the blues, country, rock, and pop. They played a variety of Texas country/Americana style songs ranging from oldies to today’s hits.
Some of lead vocalist Rylee René’s early musical influencers include Nora Jones, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Adelle, and the Dixie Chicks. This was evident in the variety of songs and styles that the band performed.
Rylee René, said she came up with the name of the band with the help of a co-worker. She said, “We all came together like strays. It was a domino effect…one person knew someone and so on.” They have been playing together for about a year and two months.
Other band members include Eric Ibarra on pedal steel. Keith Williams kept the rhythm thumping on electric bass. Eric “Chewy” Taylor was on drums. Rylee René is originally from Louisiana but moved to Texas. All the band members are from the Tyler area.
René and the Strays have three original songs. Rufus, a song about Where’s Rufus Sports Bar in Tyler, was released along with a music video. Somewhere in East Texas is not out yet, but will be soon. Blue Neon Christmas is another original song.
They opened the show with Angel from Montgomery (Bonnie Raitt version) and followed it with Can’t You See by the Marshall Tucker Band. Fan favorites such as Sittin on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding, Tequila Does by Miranda Lambert, and Valerie by Amy Winehouse were hits with the crowd. The band paid homage to Rylee René’s Louisiana roots with Hurricane by Levon Helm. Billy Jean, Suds in the Bucket, and Hit the Road Jack showcased the band’s versatility. Ella Langley’s Be Her was a crowd pleaser. The band were fans of Ella. Hotel California had people singing along with the band. They closed out the show with Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan.
Rylee René said they are just getting started and she can’t wait to see what this next year will bring for the band. In the past year, they have played regional venues as well as some places in Louisiana.
Sarah Bowhay from Troup and her niece, Lauren Brooks, came to the concert with their families. Bowhay said, “The vibe and the people are incredible at Serenade Range.” “The owners are so nice and welcoming. They go above and beyond to make everyone comfortable.” It was a very family-friendly atmosphere.
For more information or to book the band, check out their website https://www.reneandthestrays.com.
