Wimberley Valley Art League 2007 Artists' Studio Tour

The Wimberley Valley Art League (WVAL) is offering its annual artists’ studio tour this fall on September 21st and 22nd. This year visitors can view a wide variety of art ranging from painting, photography, fiber arts, glass sculpture, jewelry, & music. Six local artists representing these creative endeavors will be featured, making this showing an unusual cross section of artistic activity in this area.

Residents & tourists will have the opportunity of visiting workplaces not normally open to the public. Studios of the following artists will be shown: Sandra Doak & Sue Ellen Stavrand, fiber arts; Lilli Pell, paintings; Bob Cook, paintings & photography; Zanna James, jewelry; Bill Meek, glass sculpture; & Dodee & Billy Crockett, music production. Profiles & photos of the artists and their studios will be featured in area newspapers as the tour dates approach. Several artists have websites where further information is available.

Tickets benefit the WVAL, a non-profit organization, & its art education projects. For this special fund-raising event, tickets will be priced the same as last years: $12 for adults and $6 for students. Purchases of artworks may be available at various studios & a percentage of the sale will also benefit WVAL projects. Tickets will be available mid-August at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. A “photo loop” orienting this year’s tour with photographs of the artists & their studios can be seen at the Visitor’s Center sometime in early September.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see what makes Wimberley an artist colony truly unique to the Texas Hill County!

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center at 512-847-2201.

From Granbury Live to Fredericksburg

Rockbox Theater, located at 109 N. Llano just one block off Main Street, is the only professionally cast live-music show in the Texas Hill Country that guarantees family-friendly entertainment.


The indoor theater opened June 2007 and features a resident cast of professional entertainers who performed together for seven years at Granbury Live, a live-music theater on the square in Granbury, before moving to Fredericksburg.


On stage together in Granbury from December 1999 - April 2007 for over 1500 concerts where sold-out houses were the norm, this ensemble amassed a wide repertoire of songs and comedy that entertains, uplifts, and inspires.


"We are blessed to be in our new theater in Fredericksburg and 'funtabulous' entertainment is what you will discover every weekend at Rockbox," said Creative Director Russ Hearn. "At the core, we are a professional variety live-music show that guarantees family-friendly entertainment. The foundation of our playlist will come from ‘the golden era of rock n roll’; but, there will always be plenty of variety as well, taken from ‘the great American pop song catalogue’, often referred to as the ‘standards’. At times, we’ll also pay tribute to great Texas musicians (from Stevie Ray Vaughn and ZZ Top to Bob Wills and Buddy Holly) and to the distinctive cultural music of Texas, including roots and folk music, country, Texas swing, blues, and the ethnic music of our Texas history, including, of course, the German musical heritage found in Fredericksburg.


Rockbox provides a stage for professional entertainers who are willing to put their talents on display and give the glory to God. "Our goal is to attract and keep great talent who bring authenticity and energy to the performance," continues Hearn. The 390-seat indoor theater features state-of-the-art light design by Texas Scenic out of San Antonio and audio design by Big Ear Sound from Acton, Texas. For tickets and info, call (830)997-ROCK(7625) or toll-free (866)349-6688.

On the Road - August 2007

by Kathleen Hudson

The news that Terry Penney, his wife Sarah, and his friend Eddie Andrada were killed in a car wreck returning from a music gig in Ulvalde not only saddened me, but also provoked a long walk down memory lane. Loss does that.

Terry was one of the first musicians I met upon moving to Kerrville in 1984. I was coming to town with a new Ph.D, a new divorce, and a new job - development director for Rod Kennedy’s Kerrville Music Foundation. Within a year I moved into part-time then full-time work at Schreiner University. That’s another story. I fell in love with the music Terry played immediately. I had always loved strong guitar work and blues was my doorway into the music world. Terry rocked when he played blues. I began managing a trio he called The Franklin Brothers. Why? Well, I had no experience in music except to experience my own passionate love of music as a fan. I wanted to help out these people I had already grown to love. I discovered that my primary role in life is to share what I love with others. That’s the driving force behind all my projects, both musically and academically (I have been teaching English for 40 years now!).

I walked the streets of Austin, promo kit in hand. I called club managers. I looked for venues and gigs for The Franklin Brother, three white boys playing the blues. And rocking James Harris played bass (and he now teaches with me at Schreiner University Art Department), and a fellow named Mike played drums. They switched drummers from time to time. Terry said, “I want a drummer that can blow my skirt up!” I figured out that he wanted to feel that drummer behind him!

Terry also had a day job. He worked on hair, and I spent years under the razor with him, as I said, “I want rock and roll hair.” We always had fun; we shared several lives together. I showcased his band (now with Ronnie Leatherman) at a Schreiner University freshman orientation at Mo Ranch one year. The students were impressed with his guitar leads. Many of us danced on the concrete pavilion.

As he moved through various music transformations, he seemed to always come back to his first love, blues. Oh, he played country and Christian music, writing songs in many genres. He and Sarah sang and performed together, and a new CD is in the works. He had joined the Texas Heritage Music Foundation and was part of our roster of musicians to send into schools. The entire music community misses Terry and Sarah.

I'm in Ft. Worth this month staying with my dad. My mother had her pacemaker replaced at age 83 and is working on some rehabilitation I am taking a walk down memory lane as I listen to the family stories in the family home. All four of my siblings are close by. Memory is a wonderful part of being human. We share our memories by sharing out stories and songs. The mission statement of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation, an organization I started 20 years ago, out of this same commitment and vision. Funny how time weaves our stories together and patterns start showing up.

Rod Kennedy is now producing a music series in Plano, Texas. The August 9th concert is an evening with Jimmy LaFave and Gary P. Nunn. Now that’s a pair to draw to. (Thank Guy Clark for all of you who recognize the allusion.) Jimmy played at my 60th birthday, thanks to sister Carolyn Pillow and Rod Kennedy. Gary P. Nunn is an advisory director of the THMF. I plan on attending this concert if I’m still in the metroplex area. And I might be.

Dalis Allen has put together an exciting lineup for the annual Kerrville Wine and Music Festival. Check out their website for details around this Labor Day Party weekend. She is weaving together the music of local performers with touring performers Glad to see Jay Boy Adams on the bill again. And we will be rocking to a close the first night with a Tex/Mex rocking blues band. Los TexManiacs. Then Guy Forsythe and his eclectic brilliant performance of music ends the second night. And the entire event ends with Jay Boy Adams. Important to stay until the fat lady sings, so to speak.

Put these September dates on your calendar for THMF: September 5, Wednesday, is the first coffeehouse at Schreiner University featuring Rodney Hayden and a birthday tribute to The Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. He built his dream home at 617 West Main in Kerrville and lived here from 1929-1931, crucial recording years for him as well. His birthday is September 8. The THMF annual Living History Event is Friday, September 28. With over 50 performers on the Schreiner University campus, this event showcases another way of learning using stories and songs. We are also working with the Texas Folklore Society on a panel from 4-6 p.m., and we’ll have an evening of the music of the West with Duke Davis. Wow, what a day!
October 5 is the second coffeehouse and the booksigning for my second book, an oral history of the women in Texas music. See kathleenhudson.net for a photo of the book! It’s a gorgeous production of the University of Texas Press, and it’s for sale online now. I have invited Rosie Flores, a woman in the book, to be our featured artist for the month. Other women in the book include Terri Hendrix, Pauline Reese, Bobbie Nelson, Emily Robison, Ruthie Foster, Cyd Cassone, Barb Donavon, Wanda King, Marcia Ball, Sara Hickman, Karen Abrahams and many more! I had a great time collecting their stories. Each story served as an inspiration to my own life. And my book is dedicated to my mother and all the women in my life. I have one daughter and four granddaughters! Jessica, age 15, spent her 9th grade year living with me. What a joy, what an experience, what a learning opportunity for me.

Yes, the Texas Hill Country is rich with stories and songs, opportunities for musicians and songwriters, open mikes and new venues. Bandera is hopping with opportunity as is Fredericksburg. Two strong radio stations, both online, KFAN and KRVL, capture the history in the making. Down the road and ils sont partis. KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University

Best of the Best in Bandera -

The votes are in and readers of the Bandera Bulletin have spoken.

The Old Texas Square and its businesses: Texaritas, Texas Deli Company and Tequila Ritas, have swept the awards for great food and great customer service. Among the #1’s given are:

• Best looking business
• Best image business
• Best All Around Food
• Best Steak
• Best Mexican Food
• Best BBQ
• Best Pizza
• Best Salads
• Best Margaritas
• Best Sandwich
• Best French Fries
• Best Hotel
• Best restaurant service
• Friendliest service
• Best Boss
• Best Server
• Best Hamburger
• Best Chicken

If you aren’t a customer yet, give these folks a try and see why they are the Best of the Best in Bandera County.

www.texassquare.com

Old Texas Square 830-796-4100
Texaritas 830-796-9400
Texas Deli Co. 830-796-9779
Tequila Ritas 830-796-4100

Come to Canyon Lake & the Guadalupe River for Outdoor Adventures and Summer Fun

Canyon Lake & The Guadalupe River Area, Texas – July 20, 2007

The sun is out, the lake is cool, the river is inviting, and the golf courses are green. It’s summertime and Comal County continues to offer its residents and visitors exciting outdoor adventures.

For water sports enthusiasts, kayaking, boating, rafting and tubing adventures are available on Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River Area. And, visitors to Canyon Lake beaches can play in the parks, bask in the sun, or fish on miles of Canyon Lake. On the Guadalupe, you can fly fish for trout, ride tubes down the rapids, or just relax and enjoy nature at its finest.

Visit the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country Association. Located in the in the beautiful Canyon Lake area, the MUSEUM has displays on: Native American Artifacts, Early Pioneers including Farm Machinery, the Canyon Dam History, Fossils, Gift Shop, open air picnic area, and the Heritage Garden Trail of native Texas plants.

DINOSAUR TRACKS are at the same site. The most prolific site in Texas, in terms of numbers. These tracks were made during the deposition of the upper part of the Glen Rose Formation roughly 100 million years ago. Visit www.heritage-museum.info

For golf lovers, the Canyon Lake Area’s great golf courses are green and ready to be enjoyed. They offer players of all levels great golfing experiences among rolling green hills in the Texas Hill Country.

Campers and hikers/bikers will find an abundance of outdoor options in the Canyon Lake & Guadalupe River Area. If big adventure is on your agenda, travelers have their choice of scenic hiking/biking trails, horse back riding, primitive RV campsites, and abundant wildlife viewing to enjoy. We want you to know that we have all the accommodations you need, from budget-priced to luxurious.

We are extremely pleased to welcome visitors to our area and are sure you will leave with pleasant vacation memories, and a smile. From sunrise to sunset, we offer everything from romantic getaways to fun-in-the-sun activities on our beautiful lake and river.

For information on all there is to see, do, and experience in Canyon Lake & the Guadalupe River Area visit www.canyonlakechamber.com or call 1-800-528-2104 for your free copy of the Visitor Guide and Accommodations plus an official map of the area.

On the Road - July 2007

by Kathleen Hudson

The Monterey Bay Blues Festival, held the 4^th weekend in June each year, always has a Texas connection. I attend a conference for writing teachers in Monterey, and this festival is part of the package! This year Shemekia Copeland, daughter of The Texas Twister, Johnny Copeland, rocked the house again. And 2007 is the 20^th anniversary of the Monterey Pop Festival. Yes, the music of Janis Joplin is another Texas connection for this California venue. Young Shemekia, already a veteran on this stage, delivered her sassy and strong message to other women of the world. And she is an important chapter in my upcoming book with UT Press, Women in Texas Music: Stories and Songs.

The Monterey Bay Blues Festival is well-organized with three stages presenting music, arts and crafts booths from Africa, food booths from many other cultures including that plate of crawfish I ate celebrating the Louisiana connection. I had lunch visiting with Little Jimmy Reed, discovering that he was named after Jimmy Reed, a bluesman I first heard in Ft. Worth, Texas, my first year in college, 1963! Little Jimmy showed me how to eat ALL parts of a crawfish as we talked about his name. “I was called this when folks first heard me, saying I sounded like Jimmy Reed,” he explained.

Color abounded at this California event, with tie-dye being one of the choices. Women styled out in big straw hats and colorful sarongs. All in all, this is a most beautiful event. And the weather cooperated this year. After an inspiring Young Rhetorician’s Conference where we explored innovate ways of teaching and learning, some of us attended this festival as our grand finale. I came home with new ideas for my life both in and out of the classroom. Yes, the Texas Heritage Music Foundation was also enriched by the experience, as we celebrate our 20^th anniversary in 2007.

In June I also enjoyed some heartfelt music and stunning performances at the Kerrville Folk Festival, including a session on songwriting with Patrice Pike. After meeting this award-winning rocker, after hearing her presentation at the songwriting school at the KFF, I know that soon I will be sporting more personal decoration. Not only did I love her music, but her presentation was personal and authentic. Hey, I can still teach with colorful decoration covering my arm, right? Check her out.

Other experiences in June included an evening at River Hills Country Club with Harry the The Hightones celebrating Daily Intentions, a book by Ann Blakely Rice. This autograph party was more than a booksigning. Tim Summerlin, president of Schreiner University, gave an introductory talk, speaking of Brownie, Ann’s father who attended Schreiner Institute years ago. Ann had donated some of the proceeds of the sale of this book to Schreiner, and she told the story of writing the book.

“I decided to write one entry each day for a year, meditating on my own intentions. What resulted is the book you are holding,” she began. I love reading this book of inspirational meditations and reflections knowing how she wrote it. I also love knowing that she and Townes Van Zandt are related. Another Townes story!

Townes showed up in another experience I had. Sam Baker’s new cd, “Pretty World,” arrived in the THMF mail, and as I listened to the first song, I heard a line repeated with each verse: “He sings waiting around to die.” Now that is one of my favorite Townes’ songs. Got my attention. I knew Sam had played at Rob Booth’s house concert with Walt Wilkins, and I knew he played the last night of the folk festival. I missed both events. The PR sheet that came with the cd told me many interesting things. things listeners might like to know. Sam experienced a tragedy in Peru years ago when a train he was riding was blown up by terrorists. He spent the next decade recovering. He’s well-read, sometimes quoting authors I love like Tolstoy. That caught my attention. And I love the rough-hewn edge to his songs, the comparison to Dylan, the people he worked with (Lloyd Maines, Gurf Morlix, Joel Guzman, Fats Kaplan, Walt Wilkins…to name a few), and the Zen-like quality of the package itself. A white frame with a small gray-toned photo in the middle showing a bare landscape, the corner of a house, and a large pot on a wooden table.

The THMF also received the latest Todd Fritsch cd, “Sawdust,” a collection of songs that include both modern and classic (“Little Joe The Wrangler). Fritsch has been compared to George Strait in his presentation, but he does most of his own writing, adding a depth to each performance. I talked with Todd during the 2005 KFAN Windows on Texas event in January. He’s the real deal. Check him out at www.toddfritsch.com

I attended the funeral of Bobby Rector, logo designer for the THMF and dear friend of the entire music community in Kerrville. We were honored that the family chose the THMF Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund to be the recipient of donations in the name of Bobby. We will be honoring him at the 2007 Living History Day, September 28, on the Schreiner University campus. Bobby and Wayne were dear friends, shared a huge heart for others and for Texas music.

The new 20^th anniversary logo for the THMF was designed by Clint Storey, a member of David Smith’s graphic design class at Schreiner University. Go to www.texasheritagemusic.org for a look at all the designs submitted. A big thanks to David and his class. 20^th anniversary brochures and posters will be around town soon. We have 50 commemorative posters for sale as support for the scholarship fund. And our logo is on the website.

Bert Winston, local aficionado of western swing and music history, donated a collection of Tommy Morrell and the Time Warp Tophands cd’s to the THMF office. We also lost Tommy this spring, and his music lives on because of the careful attention of Bert Winston! See www.westernswing.net for details. I am listening to “Relaxin’,” Volume XV-How The West Was Swung. Makes me want to dance, for sure. And relax.

I received news of Steadyboy Records, the creating of Texas Hall of Famer, Freddie Steady Krc. This fellow has been around the world with his music, and his latest release, “The Freddie-Steady 5 Tex-Pop,” is rock and roll, Freddie style, a British beat with a Texas feel. Steadyboy Records also released a Vince Bell cd, “Vince Bell, Recado.” Here’s what he said, “You hold my message in your hand. I wrote “Gypsy” in Nashville as a going away present to Townes Van Zandt, and I have included one of his finest songs here, “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold.” I met Peter Hurd in the watercolor that is the cover art. This work was given to Sarah’s father, Jerome Greene, before I was born. With the lyrics of Townes, the painting of Poeter, and ten of my best, you hold the thread between we three.” Ah, Townes again.

And I remember “Sorrow and Solitude, these are the precious things,” as some guiding Van Zandt lyrics for me. The University of North Texas Press is releasing an indepth book on the life of Townes Van Zandt written by Robert hardy. I have the joy of being a reader on the manuscript at this time. It is a page-turner filled with details and documentation.

Wish I were at the Woody Guthrie Festival in Oklahoma July 11-15, but I’m heading back to Mexico for a few weeks of wandering. Good for the Townes Van Zandt spirit that I carry around. THMF is in good hands with a team working on the Living History Day, The Bard Project, The Rockabilly Radio Series, the Coffeehouse Series and a night of cowboy music on September 28 with Duke Davis. Dinner by Buzzie’s. Yes, we still need volunteers and sponsors. Yes, all local musicians are invited to participate in this community event where stories and songs become another way of learning. Happy Trails. KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University

Herb Appeal

Walk through the manicured gardens of the Fredericksburg Herb Farm and you’re surrounded by dozens of kinds of basil from Lime to Thai, Cinnamon to African Blue. As butterflies float by, you pass tufts of thyme and waterfalls of rosemary, not to mention a riot of nasturtiums and other edible flowers. There are more than 100 varieties of eye-popping roses, grown without pesticides so the petals can be folded into cakes, ice cream and a host of other desserts.

Bill Varney moved here in 1985 with plans for a small herb farm, but his vision and personality have fueled the business beyond his dreams. This farm is not just a fresh herb stand along the road; it now boasts a gourmet restaurant, a day spa, a small B&B and an extensive web business, selling infused vinegars and oils, teas, and mustards, as well as lotions, soaps, room fresheners and about everything else you can make from herbs and edible flowers.

Varney’s quick to recognize the secret of his farming success. “I’m right here all the time, working the place,” he says.

With degrees in business and horticulture, he tends the gardens every day, still makes his unusual herb ice creams by hand, and loves to serve guacamole in nasturtium leaves—a small dollop in a peppery leaf, rolled closed like a cigar. Big perfection in small things.