Brian Kalinec is a Houston-based singer-songwriter. A native of Beaumont, Texas, he started playing guitar at the age of ten. While in high school and college, he actively performed at various clubs and restaurants in the Beaumont and Houston area. In January of 1976, Brian was a featured performer at the 75th anniversary of the discovery of Spindletop in Beaumont.

Songwriting has always been a passionate drive in Brian's musical life. Brian performed a song he wrote for his daughter Kerri titled "Challenged Child" at the 1980 National Convention of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, at the Houston School for Deaf Children's Charity Gala, and in several television appearances.

From 1995 to 1998, Brian co-produced the annual "Sonny Throckmorton Songwriter's Festival" sponsored by the Houston-Fort Bend Songwriters Association. He is an active member and past president of the organization.

In 1997, Brian started performing again on a regular basis.   In 2001, Melinda Mones recorded her debut CD, which contained 3 of Brian's songs.  Brian and Jeff Chambers began playing together as an acoustic duo in 2002 and appear regularly in venues throughout Southeast Texas. In addition to his shows with Jeff, he also performs with Carolyn Wallace.

Brian has been invited to perform at many notable venues including Anderson Fair, Ovations, and JP Hops House in Houston, the Bugle Boy in LaGrange and the Logon Café in Beaumont.  He has also appeared at numerous festivals, house concerts, and coffeehouses.

In 2007, Brian won first place in the 1st Annual Texas Songwriter’s Serenade songwriting contest at Fiddler’s Frolics in Hallettsville, TX. His music has also been featured on ABC News’ World News Now.   In demand as well as a guitarist, Brian was nominated in the category of “Musician of the Year” for the 2008 Texas Music Awards.  Also in 2008, Brian was selected as one of three  finalists in the Rose Garden Songwriting Contest in Massachusetts, as a regional finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Competition, and as a finalist in the Susanne Millsaps Songwriting Competition at the Founders Title Folk and Bluegrass Festival held at Snowbird Resort in Utah.   Additionally in 2008, Brian won Second Place in the Woody Guthrie Song Contest with his song “The Fence” .

He released his debut CD, Last Man Standing, in 2007. He is a member of NSAI, ASCAP, NARAS, the Houston Songwriters Association (HSA) and the Houston Association of Acoustic Musicians (HAAM).

Here are some reviews and remarks about Brian’s songwriting and performance:

“Incredibly intelligent songwriting along with a mellow voice and excellent guitar playing
make Brian a wonder to listen to…”
-Joanne Sprott, host, Harmony Coffeehouse

“Last Man Standing” is a coffee-house kind of thinker from Beaumont native Brian Kalinec…he’s Houston-based now, with this new CD reflecting thoughts on good, honest men, love and tough relationships…
-Darragh Doiron, Port Arthur News

“Brian’s songs and arrangements are real gems…every one of them.”
- Ken Gaines, host, Songwriter’s Night at Anderson Fair

Management: Charlie Stewart, Handshake Management  Email:  HandShakeMgt@aol.com
 Phone: (512) 731-3543

For more information, visit: www.briankalinec.com and www.myspace.com/briankalinec