country twang

Massive American and Spanish flags framed Austin band Asleep at the Wheel as they opened the Davis Cup‘s draw ceremony and belted “Happy Trails” with a country twang Thursday.

This year is the first time Austin hosts the 111-year-old tournament.

Ticket sale revenue from the draw ceremony, which sold out in less than two weeks, went to relief efforts for tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo.

Singer-songwriter Elaine Greer’s light, airy voice, winsome melodies and slight country twang has earned her serious critical praise in Houston: She was nominated in 2009 for Best Female Vocalist for the Houston Press Music Awards.

Greer, now based in Austin, has also opened for The Fiery Furnaces, Tilly and the Wall and Tim Barry. Her first EP, Making Plans and Going Places, featuring a cleaner mix of her breathy vocals was released in 2009.

There once was a time when melding punk rock with country twang was hardly revelatory, and on any given night at Beerland you can see the leftovers of the flash-in-the-pan alt-country genre.

But it’s hard to deny how fun country-punk is compared to the stuffy Nashville pop that wins Grammys in droves.

Memphis’s Lucero understands the simple joy in flaunting genre conventions.

“American Idol” season four winner Carrie Underwood will bring her country twang to the Frank Erwin Center for the second time on May 12, as one of 45 shows promoting this year’s “Play On.”

Craig Moran and Sons of Sylvia will open.

Tickets will go on-sale from Texas Box Office at 10 a.m.

Friday Dec. 18.