Poodie's Party honors Locke's memory, raises money for local organizations

Central Texas residents know when they speak about country music legend Willie Nelson, the name of James Randall “Poodie” Locke is sure to follow.

Locke was the longtime road manager for Nelson and was one of a very short list of people entrusted with taking care of Nelson's Martin guitar, lovingly called “Trigger.”

Poodie Locke also started Poodie's Roadhouse in Spicewood, which has been a venue for some of country music's greatest stars to play, including Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, Toby Keith, Kevin Fowler, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Gary P. Nunn, just to name a few.

Sadly, Poodie Locke passed away on May 9, 2009, but his legacy is remembered with the annual Poodie's Party “No Bad Days” Golf Tournament and Music Festival, which is held every year around his birthday.

This year, the third annual Poodie's Party will be held this Saturday, Oct. 1, at Willie Nelson's Cut-N-Putt Pedernales Golf Club, 807 Paisley Drive, Spicewood. The event will raise funds to benefit Helping Hand Crisis Ministry of Spicewood and local first responders in Spicewood and Pedernales.

Those who knew Locke best knew there were three things he loved most – golf, live music and helping others. Poodie's Party gives an opportunity for those who loved Poodie to combine those three things to best honor his memory.

Saturday's event begins with a four-man scramble, nine-hole tournament. There will be two rounds of tournament play. The first flight of 11 teams will check in at 8 a.m. (which includes free breakfast) and will have a 9 a.m. tee time. The second flight of 11 teams checks in at noon (and will be treated to a free lunch) before teeing off at 1 p.m. Both rounds will have a shotgun start.

A special “Poodie” trophy will be given to the teams which finish first, second and third. Trophies will also be given for longest drive and closest to the pin.

The cost to play is $75 per player ($300 per team) and includes a swag bag willed with an official “No Bad Days” cap, an event T-shirt, sponsor koozies and other goodies. The tournament is BYOB as no alcohol will be sold on premises.

Live music at the festival kicks off at noon with admission of $20 per person (children under 13 admitted free). The event is sponsored by the Troubadillos. The following is the performance schedule for Saturday:
* Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Paul Logan

* 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.: Andrea Marie

* 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.: Peterson Brothers

* 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Bad Rodeo.

3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Extreme Heat

4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Troubadillos, Bobby Boyd and Jimmy Lee Jones.

5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Lucas Johnson Band with Ru Coleman.

About Poodie Locke

Locke, who was born Oct. 3, 1948, in Waco, gained fame early on after once being voted “Prettiest Baby in Waco.” A former North Texas State University student and soldier in the U.S. Army 101^st Airborne Division, Locke got his start in the music industry in 1973 while working for B.W. Stevenson, known for his hit song “My Maria.”

In November 1975, Willie Nelson hired Poodie Locke as an equipment set-up and load-out man and after several years working as a roadie, Nelson promoted him to stage manager. His association with Nelson would last nearly 34 years as Locke earned the title “King of the Roadies” and was famous for coining the phrase “No Bad Days.”

Locke founded Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse in Spicewood to give local artists a place to showcase their talents while also bringing in big-name musicians. On May 9, 2009, Poodie Locke passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60. His funeral in Waco was standing-room-only.

For more information about Poodie's Party, see www.poodiesparty.com or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/poodiesparty/. You can also contact BB Morse at: poodiespartyinfo@gmail.com or call (512) 264-1489.