SAN ANGELO, TX – Music fans in West Texas are in for a treat this Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Arc Light inside the Clarion Hotel, 441 Rio Concho Dr., as acclaimed songwriters Matt Hillyer and Zac Wilkerson team up for an acoustic song swap. The event, kicking off at 9 p.m. with doors opening at 8 p.m., promises an evening of heartfelt stories, soulful tunes, and stripped-down performances from two stalwarts of the Texas music scene.
The show is part of a joint tour where the duo alternates songs and shares anecdotes, creating a conversational atmosphere that's perfect for venues like the Arc Light.
Tickets are available through StubWire, and early arrival is recommended given the buzz surrounding their collaborations.
Matt Hillyer: From Honky-Tonk Roots to Solo Stardom
Dallas-based Matt Hillyer has been a fixture in Texas country for over two decades. Best known as the frontman of the legendary Texas Country Music band Eleven Hundred Springs, which he led for 23 years, Hillyer toured globally and released more than a dozen albums before the group disbanded. His style blends outlaw country with rockabilly flair, also evident in his side project, the Matt the Cat Trio.
Dallas-based Matt Hillyer
Transitioning to a solo career, Hillyer debuted with "If These Old Bones Could Talk" (Spotify link) in 2014, followed by "Glorieta" (Spotify link) in 2023 and his latest, "Bright Skyline" (Spotify link), released in June 2024. His songwriting draws from classic influences like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, delivering lyrics that resonate with themes of love, loss, and life on the road. Fans can expect Hillyer to showcase tracks from his solo work alongside Eleven Hundred Springs favorites during the song swap.
Zac Wilkerson: Soulful Sounds from the Panhandle
Hailing from Amarillo, Zac Wilkerson brings a unique fusion of soul, rock, and country to the stage. His career took off after winning Lubbock's Blue Light Live Singer-Songwriter contest in 2011, leading to his self-titled debut album in 2014 (Spotify link). Wilkerson's discography includes "Dustbowl Soul" (2016 and Spotify link) and "Evergreen" (2020 and Spotify link), albums that highlight his powerful vocals and guitar-driven sound infused with blues, folk, and gospel elements.
Zac Wilkerson brings a unique fusion of soul, rock, and country to the stage.
Described as a "soul rocker from the country," Wilkerson's music coalesces poignant lyrics with raw energy, earning him a dedicated following in the Texas Panhandle and beyond. His previous performance at the Arc Light earlier this year was hailed as one of the venue's standout shows, setting high expectations for this joint appearance.
What to Expect at the Show
This acoustic song swap format allows Hillyer and Wilkerson to trade tunes and tales, offering an intimate glimpse into their creative processes. With both artists boasting rich catalogs, the setlist could span heartfelt ballads, upbeat honky-tonk numbers, and soulful rockers. Their chemistry, built from shared Texas roots and mutual respect, promises a dynamic evening—think spontaneous harmonies and behind-the-scenes stories that make each performance unique.
The tour has already hit spots like New Braunfels and Austin, with dates extending into November, including a stop at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton. For San Angelo audiences, this is a chance to catch two songwriting powerhouses in a cozy setting without the big city crowds. Don't miss it—grab your tickets and prepare for a night of authentic Texas music. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available on Stubwire.
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