What started 13 years ago as a small gathering of fiddle and western swing fans at the home of Mitz and Nan Ray has grown into one of the premier events for "Texasborn" music in the country.

The Texas Western Swing Heritage Association of Belton will host the 13th annual Texas Western Swing Showcase on March 21 at Belton's Bell County Expo Center.

The showcase is the main event for the Texas Western Swing Heritage Association, which brings together musical talent for both listening and dancing.

Doors will open at the Expo Center's assembly hall at 11 a.m., and music will start at noon and continue through 5 p.m.

Dinner, by advance reservation only, will be served at 5:30 p.m. A dance will be from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tables may be reserved.

Featured musicians include twotime World Champion Fiddler Randy Elmore; Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year Dave Alexander; two-time Grammy Award winning musicians Bobby Flores and Ricky Turpin; Texas State Fiddle Champion Wes Westmoreland; and Robert Weeks.

Admission for the afternoon is $15. Dinner tickets are $8.50 and must be purchased by March 16. Dance admission is $15.

Contact the Bell County Expo office at (254) 939-8390 for advance tickets and group tables.

Visit www.texaswesternswing- .com for more information.