Hello, My name is Alard van Poppelen  and rhythm guitar player in Tea for Texas.

In 1977 I started making music. From one day to another I had a bass guitar in my hands and had to learn to play it myself, because I could not read music (and still not). For five years I played with my brothers in a family band. A wonderful time with lots of fun but then I wanted something different and had the ability to join 'The Nightspenders'.  A very famous band in the "Indo-circuit" at that time.

 I could start there as a rhythm guitar player.  A new challenge. The transition from bass to rhythm guitar gave me some new impulses. Over 15 years I have stood with this band on the Dutch stages. When this cooperation has come to an end, I went looking for something new. In order to maintain the routine I went  into the trio 'Expression' to play again with a new challenge, playing lead  guitar. Unfortunately this project was short lived, so I had to look back on a different band. It was a top 40 band in making the “X-tra party band”. A band in which I have acted over 3 years as bass / lead guitarist. A great time with lots and lots of fun.

Originally, I grew up in lots of music styles like Rock and Roll, Dutch music, Indonesian music  but also Country Music. The sounds of Jim Reeves, Merle Haggard, George Jones and many other Country celebrities have always stayed with me. Reason for me to look for a country band. Another dimension, with a new challenge. Eventually, I played as a solo guitarist with the country band "Montana Blaze “.  Four years I started gushing in this band until their came an end to cooperation. Not long after my departure, I was approached by Trespass to play a few gigs as rhythm guitarist in their band and one week later, I was on stage with Trespass in Germany. A great experience to make music  with  these musicians. Many gigs followed later at various locations in the country and beyond borders. In November 2007 it was decided that Trespass will be dissolved. Too bad, but it is no different.

After a short three months of rest I came in contact with the old singer from Montana Blaze. He had started a new band called "Meat and Potato Band". A nice and cozy club of people who  have a warm heart to old- and new  fashioned  music . But where many bands have to deal with is not the difficulty  to form a band but to keep a band. Playing with other bands or busy with work / private is a point at its toll. Similarly to the Meat and Potato Band, which in December 2008 the plug was pulled out.

In the meantime I took my rest and have been busy too. Spoke with many top musicians from the circuit, auditioned ... .... which eventually resulted in the birth of a new band: Tea for Texas. A band with guys who love to make music and the wind is blowing on it  ... ... ... and even more than that. How that sounds ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. you will soon see for yourself.  We are here for you all.

What the future brings ... but follow the media and you'll see where Tea for Texas stands for:

 More Than Country