Dallas, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Texas Headhunters, featuring musicians Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Dayton, will perform at The Kessler in Dallas with their new album launch. The concert is scheduled for October 19 at 8 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier. Tickets range from $38 to $77 and are available online. The new album, recorded live at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio, reflects classic Texas blues influences, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Antone’s.
Dallas — The Texas Headhunters, a trio composed of Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Dayton, will perform at The Kessler in Dallas on October 19 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.. The performance coincides with the release of the group’s new album on Blue Élan Records. Tickets are available in a price range of $38 to $77 and can be purchased online at the stated ticketing site.
Key concert details
The concert at The Kessler is scheduled for the evening of October 19. The event features the three-piece collaboration billed as the Texas Headhunters, presenting material from their recently released album. Ticket pricing spans multiple tiers to accommodate different seating and access options. Venue doors will open one hour before the scheduled show time.
Album and recording context
The new album was recorded live over a concentrated five-day session at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio. The tracking approach emphasized live performance in the studio, a method intended to reflect the recording practices of the artists’ musical predecessors and the raw, energetic feel associated with classic Texas blues recordings. Members of the trio have described the sessions as marking the start of a new chapter for the collaboration.
Band composition and musical roles
The Texas Headhunters bring together musicians with distinct stylistic contributions: Ian Moore adds elements described as psychedelic fire, Johnny Moeller supplies a deep-pocket rhythmic and lead foundation, and Jesse Dayton contributes storytelling rooted in outlaw-country sensibilities. Their combined style has been characterized as more than typical jam-band fare, reflecting longstanding personal and musical connections among the members and a shared respect for Texas blues traditions.
Influences and legacy
The group’s musical roots are closely tied to the Austin blues scene and venues that helped define it. Influences cited in connection with the trio include the sound and regional legacy of bands such as the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Tailgators, the LeRoi Brothers, and artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan. The work of Austin’s historic clubs and scenes has been an influential part of the members’ development.
Connection to Antone’s and Clifford Antone
The release of the album aligns with the 50th anniversary of Antone’s, the Austin venue that played a significant role in the careers of many Texas blues artists. Clifford Antone is regarded by the band as a formative figure whose mentorship and recognition of each musician’s potential helped shape their paths. The idea for the Texas Headhunters emerged from conversations about Clifford Antone’s lasting musical influence and the scene he helped cultivate.
Geography and ongoing collaboration
Although the trio’s members are not all currently based in Austin, their working relationship remains active. Ian Moore is based in the Pacific Northwest, Johnny Moeller resides in New Orleans, and Jesse Dayton maintains strong ties to the Texas music community. Despite geographic separation, the recording process and subsequent touring plans have reinforced the collaborative bond among the members.
Additional logistical and musical notes
The album’s live-tracking approach was intentionally chosen to capture the immediacy and interplay of the band members, mirroring the live energy associated with their influences and the venues that shaped them. The combination of psychedelic elements, tight rhythmic play, and narrative songwriting represents the trio’s effort to fuse individual strengths into a cohesive musical statement.
FAQ
- When and where is the concert?
- The concert will be at The Kessler in Dallas on October 19 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
- Who are the Texas Headhunters?
- The Texas Headhunters are a trio featuring Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Dayton, combining elements of Texas blues, psychedelic guitar work, deep-pocket rhythms, and outlaw-country storytelling.
- How much do tickets cost and where can they be purchased?
- Tickets range from $38 to $77 and can be purchased through the event’s ticketing page: https://www.prekindle.com/event/88458-texas-head-hunters-dallas
- What is notable about the new album?
- The album was recorded live over five days at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio, tracked in a manner intended to capture the immediacy of live performance and to reflect the recording traditions of the artists’ influences. It was released on Blue Élan Records and coincides with Antone’s 50th anniversary.
- What are the band members’ musical roles?
- Ian Moore contributes psychedelic-influenced guitar work, Johnny Moeller provides rhythmic and lead guitar foundations, and Jesse Dayton adds narrative, outlaw-tinged songwriting and performance elements.
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Event | The Texas Headhunters live at The Kessler, Dallas |
Date & Time | October 19, 8 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m. |
Ticket Price | $38–$77 |
Album Label | Blue Élan Records |
Recording Location | Pedernales Studio (Willie Nelson’s), tracked live over five days |
Musical Influences | Austin blues scene, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tailgators, LeRoi Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan |
Notable Context | Album release coincides with Antone’s 50th anniversary; Clifford Antone cited as an influential mentor |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Focus Daily News: Texas Headhunters in Dallas Concert
- NBC DFW: ICE Expects to Hire 1000 Applicants at North Texas Event
- CBS News: Dallas Police Use Cowboy Hats to Attract Recruits
- Wikipedia: Texas Blues
- Google Search: Texas Headhunters Album Release

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