Toadies and Sparta

Jim Ward, born in El Paso, is known for his versatile music career, blending heavy rock with melancholic solo work. Notable for his band Sparta, he collaborated with bassist Matt Miller and others for "Trust The River", showcasing his natural unity of influences.

Toadies, from Fort Worth, Texas, gained fame in the '90s alternative rock scene with their grunge hit "Possum Kingdom." Known for their Pixies-influenced style, their 1995 album *Rubberneck* went platinum. Despite label conflicts delaying subsequent releases, they reunited in 2008, producing albums like *Play. Rock. Music.* and the semi-acoustic *Heretics*. They collaborated with producers Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf and even featured Elliott Smith. The band hosts the annual Dia de los Toadies festival and have shared stages with acts like Bush and RHCP.