Mark Chesnutt two-steps to Wink's

When Mark Chesnutt visited Wink's Saloon, Grill, and Roping Arena during Charro Days in February, he took a look at the dance floor, the Texas and United States flags flanking the stage, and the mechanical bull covered in cowhide.

In the Olmito bar, Chesnutt says he saw the old-time honky-tonks of his first years crooning on the road.

On Friday, the country music sensation will make his way back to the southmost point in his home state to sing for his favorite kind of audience: Texans.

"Texas is like it's own country," Chesnutt said. "The crowds here are always the best. People like to get rowdy and loud - it's the kind of atmosphere I grew up in."

The bar's owner, Jorge "Wink" Garza, is a longtime fan of Chesnutt. Ever since he heard Chesnutt's "Too Cold At Home," in 1990, Garza says he was hooked.

At Sombrero Fest, Garza escorted the band via limousine to his bar for a steak dinner.

"They were all down to earth people," Garza said. "It's hard to find people who are famous artists that are still down to earth."

Chesnutt loved the bar, and agreed to come back for this Friday's concert. Garza has been preparing for months for the biggest act his one-year-old establishment has seen.

"One of the nicest things about being in this business," Chesnutt said, "is making new friends."

Tickets are $100. For more information, call Wink's at (956) 399-WINK.