A beautifully shot preview of a full-length documentary exploring ranchers, conservationists, and local communities working to preserve the grasslands of the Southern High Plains across Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

Q: What are some key industries in the South Plains region?

A: Key industries in the South Plains region include agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing, and education. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, is a significant contributor to the economy in this region.

Local Events

Here are the upcoming events in Lubbock, TX, scheduled between June 17 and July 14, 2025​

• Event Title: CritterFest
• Date & Time: Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22, 2025
• Venue/Location: Science Spectrum Museum & Omni Theater, 2579 S Loop 289 #250, Lubbock, TX
• Description: A family-friendly festival featuring exotic animals, live entertainment, and educational exhibits.
• URL: https://www.lubbockchamber.com/events/details/critterfest-12896

• Event Title: Summer Showcase 2025 – Mariachi Mi Tierra
• Date & Time: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Venue/Location: Meadows Courtyard, Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX
• Description: A free concert featuring Mariachi Mi Tierra as part of the city’s summer music series.
• URL: https://mylubbock.us/events/1746825755-summer-showcase-2025

• Event Title: Make Music Day
• Date & Time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Venue/Location: South Plains Mall food court, 6002 Slide Rd, Lubbock, TX
• Description: Join a free music celebration open to all musicians and music lovers—bring your instrument for a community jam session.
• URL: https://www.southplainsmall.com/Events/Details/577924

• Event Title: Cotton Fest 2025
• Date & Time: Thursday, June 26 – Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Venue/Location: Cook’s Garage, Lubbock, TX
• Description: A high-energy celebration of music and cotton culture featuring live performances across multiple stages and local food vendors.
• URL: https://visitlubbock.org/events/?imgoing-event=cotton-fest-2025-67842927decaf675384695a1

Please verify event details and availability by visiting the provided URLs, as schedules may change.

South Plains Hustle

Lubbock Business Owners

Listen to our South Plains Hustle podcast, your resource for mastering digital marketing across Lubbock, TX!  

Join host Troy Walker, an advocate for helping local brick-and-mortar businesses grow and succeed.  This show delivers hands-on strategies and inventive tips to help you reach new customers and skyrocket your sales. 

Enjoy a mix of lighthearted energy and expert insights, making even the most complex marketing ideas easy to understand. With a balance of fun and professionalism, we make marketing simple and engaging.

Tune in for true success stories, insightful conversations and expert tips, all focused on building a thriving small business scene in Lubbock.  Together, let’s bring a fresh, innovative approach to local marketing!

South Plains Hustle on Apple Podcasts 

South Plains Hustle on Spotify 

Quote Of The Week

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Interesting Facts

• The South Plains region is known for having some of the best cotton-growing conditions in the United States.

• Lubbock, the largest city in the South Plains, is home to Texas Tech University and the National Ranching Heritage Center. 

• The region is also known for its unique geological feature, the Caprock Escarpment, which separates the High Plains from the lower plains to the east.

Featured Restaurant

J&M BBQ

Overview:

J&M BBQ is one of Lubbock’s go-to spots for authentic Texas-style barbecue. With a reputation built on signature slow-smoked meats, from brisket to sausage, this family-friendly joint exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that keeps customers coming back. t

Cuisine and Menu Highlights:

• Brisket Plate: Perfectly smoked and juicy—often a customer favorite. “Great food and sides!” says Christian T. 
• Sausage & Sausage Plate: Flavorful options that pair beautifully with their sides.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Ribs, Burgers, Tacos: A full array of smoked meats and BBQ classics.
• Homemade Sides: Includes everything from green beans to creamy slaw. Colton C says, “Great place to eat some wonderful BBQ.” 

Ambiance and Décor:

The setting is casual and relaxed, ideal for family dinners or laid-back outings. With simple furnishings and a focus on great food, J&M BBQ lets the smoking do the talking. Whether inside or outdoors, it’s a friendly, no-fuss atmosphere that suits all ages.

Location and Contact Information:

• Address: 3605 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410

• Phone: (806) 796-1164

• Website: jandmbbq.com

Operating Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Special Events and Promotions:

While there's no set trivia or live events listed, J&M BBQ does offer catering and food truck options, making it a go-to for private events—or anytime you’re craving smoked meat at home.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials:

“Great food and sides! I wish I could bring those green beans back to Alabama with me!!” – Christian T.

“Love this place! The ribs are so good.” – Neteja L. bighamsbbq.com

Why Visit?

If you're craving authentic Texas BBQ in a friendly, down-home Texas atmosphere—with real operating hours and a legit phone line—J&M BBQ is a hearty, reliable choice. Good meats, solid sides, and a feeling like you're dining in someone’s backyard.

Tip of The Week

Check out the dynamic arts scene in Lubbock, from local galleries and art events to the vibrant street art throughout the city.

It's a great way to support local artists and add some creative flair to your day.

Joke Of The Week

Why did the Tech student bring a ladder to the Texas Tech football game?

Because he heard the players were prone to turnovers!

🎸 Featured Band: Cooder Graw

🎤 Introduction

A staple of Texas roots rock with deep Lubbock connections, Cooder Graw has long blended heartfelt storytelling, hard-driving country, and alt-rock energy. Known for their powerful live performances and lyrically rich songs, they remain one of the region's most recognizable “loud country” acts, carrying the spirit of West Texas into every show.​

🎶 Band Details

• Matt Martindale – Lead vocals

• Kelly Turner – Guitar

• Brian Guthrie – Guitar

• Dene Lyda – Bass

• Jimmy Boegle – Drums

Formed in the late 1990s, the band mixes traditional country, southern rock, and alternative sounds, creating a gritty style they describe as “loud country.”

🛤️ Origin Story

Originally named "Coup de Grâce," they rebranded as Cooder Graw in 1998 to avoid a naming conflict. With deep ties to both Amarillo and Lubbock, the group quickly found fans across the Texas Panhandle. Their 1999 debut, Home at the Golden Light, launched them into the state's alt-country spotlight, followed by wide touring, including opening for Willie Nelson and Alabama.

🎧 Current Projects

Though the band originally disbanded in 2006, they reunited in 2012 and have since performed regularly at Texas festivals. They’ve built a lasting legacy, with “Llano Estacado” even featured in a popular Dodge commercial, cementing their cultural stamp on Lone Star State media.

🍻 Personal Touch

Guitarist Kelly Turner once managed a manufacturing plant in Slaton, Texas—even as the band toured. That “office-to-stage” balance remains a defining tale: Cooder Graw members literally left their day jobs to pursue their passion. They prove it’s never too late to chase a dream—proving that any day, even a Texas Tuesday, can turn into “loud country night.”

🔗 How to Get More

• 🌐 Visit their official site: coodergraw.com

• 🎵 Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. (search “Cooder Graw”)

• 📅 Catch them at Texas festivals and reunion shows—dates listed on their website

🪕 Cooder Graw shines as a roots-rich, red-dirt veteran band that bridges Lubbock's musical traditions with the roar of rock and soul.

Check out the beautiful sunsets at Buffalo Springs Lake for a peaceful way to end your day.