Pioneer Museum becomes a "Texas Dance Hall"

The Pioneer Museum celebrates Texas Dance Hall music, with two swinging examples of hot two-stepping acts, for the next Roots Music in the Texas Hill Country concert, coming Saturday, June 28 on Main Street in Fredericksburg.

This is the 7th season of the successful Roots Music series, a set of live, open-air concerts featuring emerging and established artists in an informal, family setting.

Texas Dance Hall night featuring...

Dale Watson, one of the last authentic country music voices

Jesse Dayton, playing his brand of "turbo country"

Gates open at 5 p.m., with the concert from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10, with tickets sold at the gate. Visitors can receive a $2 discount by printing out the web page at www.pioneermuseum.com. Students age 17 and younger are free.

The Pioneer Museum is located at 309 West Main Street in Fredericksburg. Guests can bring lawn chairs or use folding chairs that are provided.

Catered meal for purchase from 5:30 until it is gone. Guests can also enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

Upcoming 2008 concerts are July 26, Newgrass & Mountain featuring the South Austin Jug Band; August 16, Western Swing featuring Billy Mata; and September 27, Celtic & New World with the Blaggards.

Proceeds support the mission of the Gillespie County Historical Society. More information is available by calling 830-997-2835.

Cypress Celebration - Arts & Crafts, Chili, Auctions, more...

At this year's Cypress Celebration, there will be no shortage of fun for Dad on Father's Day Weekend. The Sabinal Volunteer Fire Department plans to entertain the whole family, especially Dads, on Saturday, June 21, 2008 as early as 8:00 AM.

Whether you've got old treasures to sell or just want to browse through someone else's, come on out on June 21st for our Miscellaneous Auction during the Cypress Celebration. We are allowing anyone, public or private entity, to list their items for auction with 20% of all proceeds benefiting the Sabinal Volunteer Fire Department. Come browse through the collection all morning because the bidding starts promptly at 1 PM. While you're bidding, grab a plate of our famous homemade BBQ Brisket, potato salad and beans for only $6.

While Dads are bidding their hard-earned money away, the rest of the family can take part in the Arts & Crafts fair, the Kids Combat Challenge, Little Mr. & Mrs. Pageant, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Car Bashing, Chili Cook-Off, and Horseshoe Pitching.

All proceeds benefit the Sabinal Volunteer Fire Department. Sponsorships are still being accepted and vendor spaces are still available. If you would like to participate or just need more information, you can contact the Sabinal Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. Box 145, Sabinal, Texas 78881 or telephone them at (830) 988-3001. You can also contact Event Coordinator, Audrey Jones at 830-261-0638 or e-mail her at audrey@devoted2you.com.

6th Annual Great Castell Kayak Race - Paddle on to "LiveStrong"

Texas's Only Charity Kayak Race! The Sixth Annual Great Castell Kayak Race, is scheduled the first weekend in June, Saturday, June 7th, on the Llano River, between Mason and Fredericksburg. The race begins at the Hwy 87 silver suspension bridge that is familiar to many Texans as they cross the Llano River entering or leaving the Texas Hill Country. Music, barbecue and camping will be provided at the finish line, 12 miles downstream, in tiny Castell.

This year the race is in memory of Judith Curtis, who succumbed to cancer in 2007. Judith's two surviving sisters have teamed up to raise funds for cancer awareness through the auspices of the Lance Armstrong Foundation with this grassroots event they started in 2003.

Although Judith was taken by melanoma cancer, she inspired all around her and is responsible for bringing cancer needs to the forefront of cancer awareness in Mason Texas, where she resided. Her sisters have continued the cause in her absence. Janice Ramahlo of Atlanta, Ga. has always been a supporter of the race, she works for the Jeff Foxworthy family who have also contributed each year. After experiencing the trauma of dealing with survival issues, treatment issues and the emotional impact on family and friends she and Race Director Jeri Alice Arsenault, are working hard this year to reach out to help others in honor of their sister's race to survive.

The connection with Lance Armstrong began in Fredericksburg,Texas where Judith was treated by the same oncologist as Armstrong. From that very moment she felt hope and wanted to meet Lance- he was a hero to her. Many outstanding people came into her life because she showed champion-like courage and determination despite her prognosis. She was employed at Mason's popular Santos Taqueria (www.santostaqueria.com) where she constantly amazed everyone with her smile and charm, becoming part of their extended family. So many other people in Mason, Fredericksburg and at MD Anderson, where she received advanced treatment, enjoyed her wry humor and bright smile.

As fate would have it, a member of Lance's team lives in Castell, where Judith's sister, Jeri Alice, started the event in 2003. One thing led to another and now, GCKR is a certified grassroots fundraiser for LAF. This gives the race a solid outlet for the fundraising that is part of every year's event. This new partnership is perfect for the event as it is national in scope, thus bringing tourism to the Hill Country region, and even better, LAF provides local community support in the form of community grants and direct support to cancer survivors and their families regardless of location.

The race has a new "put in" point this year courtesy of the Llano River RV Park at the 87 river bridge over the Llano. Breakfast tacos and coffee for the racers will be available at the starting point, as well as clean restrooms, camping and a place for your RV! Please call 866-640-9696 for reservations to camp or park at the Park or visit their web site at www.llanoriverrvpark.com

While paddling or floating the 12 miles downstream to Castell, participants are encouraged to gather trash for the Llano River Cleanup for Lance. There is a prize for the most trash gathered. Particpates can register at the "put in" point starting at 8AM the day of the race or online at the race web site, www.castelltexas.com. Call early to reserve your spot! Early registration of $35 guarantees the 2008 race t-shirt, provided by Guaran-Tees, race fee, free camping at the finish line at RiverSounds in Castell and bottled water, provided by the race's newest sponsor, RVOS Insurance of Temple Texas. Shuttles will also be provided free of charge.

At the finish line a traditional live Texas music serenade and street dance are sponsored this year by the Dallas Songwriters Group, the Austin Songwriters Group, and Texas Songwriters in the Round. There is no cover charge for the street dance, thanks to the generosity of the musicians who are donating their time and talent to support LAF.

Llano's historic Badu House www.baduhouse.com hosts this year's pre-race dinner and auction in the posh pioneer ambiance of their banquet hall on Friday, June 6th, the night before the race. Race organizers are currently accepting donations and auction items. The dinner starts at 6:30 and will include Texas wines and hill country cuisine. Among the auction items are Mason's Sandstone Cellars award winning wines www.sandstonecellarswinery.com ,and various Bed & Breakfast stays and dinners from several area restaurants. 100% of auction proceeds go directly to LAF. The auction is for all landlubbers (and paddlers too)! Visit www.hill-country-visitor.com online for lodging options.

Hill Country Radio stations KBAY (www.radiohillcountry.com), KFAN (www.texasrebelradio.com) , and KRVL (www.krvl.com) will provide updates on the events and music lineup on their websites, as well as on air. Additionally, Kerrville's KRVL-FM will broadcast live from the shoreline as the winners come ashore. BBQ will be provided by Miller's Meats of Mason.

Hill Country Chambers, banks, newspapers, magazines, restaurants and other area businesses are helping bring the event to fruition with donations of auction items, services, and various levels of sponsorship. Potential sponsors interested in supporting this worthy cause still have a chance to get their logos on the posters, t-shirts and press releases that go out around the state in April, May and early June, by contacting Ms. Arsenault at (512) 247-4596.

Remember this is a family event and any non-motorized floating devices are allowed, including kayaks, canoes, rafts and tubes. Although no pets are allowed at the finish line. GCKR is a member of the Llano and Mason Chamber of Commerce as well as a member of Texas Canoe Racing Association.

More info:
512-217-4596

www.castelltexas.com

www.livestrong.org

www.baduhouse.com

www.rvos.com

Johnson City Texas, Wildflower Days: Spirit of the Hill Country

Wildflowers! Farmer's market – all sorts of interesting booths and lavender too! Workshops with photographers, master gardeners, rainwater experts! Home and garden tour! Arts and crafts! Food! Live music! Family fun! That’s part of the array of activities for WILD FLOWER DAYS in downtown Johnson City, Texas, April 19 & 20, 2008 from 9 AM – 5 PM.

Enjoy the Hill Country wildflowers and fresh air and make the most of a tremendous opportunity to increase your gardening savvy by visiting with the local Master Gardeners and rainwater collection experts. A local lavender grower will also discuss the popular hill country plant.

A tour of historic and interesting homes and gardens ranks high on the to-do list:

The Barnwell House, located on the courthouse square, is a two-story Texas Victorian built in 1913 using East Texas longleaf-pine. It has been basically restored and updated. The historic structure was built by Dr. James Barnwell and served as his family’s home and Blanco County’s first hospital. There’s more to learn on the tour.

Across the courthouse square, enjoy tea cakes and tea on the patio and in the garden of The Pearl Hotel, a delightful structure completed in 1883, having 10 rooms serving those early travelers coming to the county seat. Learn of its other stories on the tour.

Within strolling distance is the Johnson Settlement Log Cabin built in the late 1850s by Samuel Ealy Johnson Sr. (President Johnson’s grandfather) and his brother Tom. The fields near the cabin have an abundant variety of grasses, enjoyed by occasional flocks of turkeys and chickens. This history-packed structure is located in the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

Chantilly Lace and Country Inn and Lavender Farm is welcoming the tour. It’s a charming bed and breakfast resting on 6 acres with beautiful oak trees, butterfly gardens and large field of lavender. A must see.

The Stribling House, a 1914 era structure, was built by Emory Stribling, an early Blanco County settler and rancher. The home was built during the short period of time between the Victorian and Craftsman styles and therefore incorporates both styles as seen in the gingerbread cut-outs in each gable and the interior woodwork. Inside, enjoy the unique aspects of this home. Step back in time!

A wildflower photography workshop will be available with a local professional photographer. Not to be missed.

A Farmer’s Market and food booths with all sorts of homegrown/homemade goodies will be easily accessed. More on that next week! Arts and Crafts booths and live music too!

Enjoy Johnson City’s excellent art galleries and great shops and restaurants around town. Sponsored by the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce: 830-868-7684

Frio Country/House Pasture Restaurant

The House Pasture Cattle Company is a part of Frio Country Resort offering cabins and lodges on the Frio River and at The Club at ConCan with 18 hole championship golf course, pro-shop, full-service salon, and grille.

House Pasture Cattle Company will open weekends in April & May with a limited menu.

Celebrate the 1st Anniversary of The Club at Concan May 2nd through May 4th. There will be three days of special events, special guests and honors.

House Pasture Restaurant revs up its summer season starting May 10th with Mark W. Kirk. Other entertainment this summer includes:

May 24th Gary P Nunn
May 25th Emory Quinn's CD Release Party
May 31st Luke Olson
June 7th Johnny Bush
June 14th Brandon Rhyder/Captain Legendary
June 21st Honeybrowne
June 28th Emory Quinn/Reckless Kelly
Celebrate July 4th with Casey Donahue on Friday night and Cory Morrow on Saturday night, the 5th.
July 12th Highspeed Hayride/Bellamy Brothers
July 19th John Conlee
July 26th Key West
August 2nd Zona Jones
August 9th Owen Temple
August 30th Gary P Nunn
Sept. 20th Rotel & the Hot Tomatoes

For more information, visit www.housepasture.com or call 888-926-6226.

Bluebonnet Blues & Fine Arts Festival

For three days at the end of March, Marble Falls will be jumping with a variety of blues artists you’re unlikely to find at most — if any — other blues festivals.

The third annual event will feature music at six venues over a three-day span, from headliners such as W.C. Clark, Anson Funderburgh, Whitey Johnson, Ruben Ramos and Zac Harmon on the festival’s main stage to Joe Ely and Joel Guzman in the more intimate setting of a 250-seat nightclub. Throughout the weekend, there will be blues being played up and down a two-block stretch of historic downtown Marble Falls.

The lineup includes traditional Texas and Mississippi blues, Tejano blues and Cajun blues. A Pianorama featuring four master keyboardists will light up the beautifully restored Uptown Marble Theater Friday night. On Saturday, the theater will host a continuous all-day showing of a 30-minute cut of the film, “Antone’s: Home of the Blues” that tells the story in words and music of the legendary Austin blues club and its late founder and patron of the blues, Clifford Antone.

In fact, Antone was part of the first Bluebonnet Blues & Fine Arts Festival, helping Hugh “Blowgum” Vaughn, his wife Cindy, and Russell Buster, book acts and even give a talk on the History of the Blues. As part of the Friday night event in the Uptown Marble Theater, folklorist Dr. Barry Lee Pearson will host a Musicians Workshop on the History of the Blues. “He’ll be up there with a bunch of blues musicians, and what they’ll do is have a conversation in words and music,” said Vaughn. Pearson is the author of Jook Right On: Blues Stories and Blues Storytellers.

“This is different than most festivals,” said Vaughn. “I can’t think of any that has the variety that we offer.” And the number of venues on stages and in small clubs is reminiscent of SXSW, albeit on a much more intimate scale. “I’m drawing together the variety of blues from every walk of life,” he said. “There are different nationalities and different types of music, but there is blues in every kind of life.”

Marble Falls is located in the heart of the Highland Lakes area about 45 miles northwest of Austin and 85 north of San Antonio. The Marble Falls Historic Main Street Association sponsors the Bluebonnet Blues & Fine Arts Festival and a portion of the proceeds go to the Highland Lakes Service League, which supports local non-profits, charities and social services. In addition to the three days of music, the festival hosts a “Paint the Town” event, which invites juried artists to a plein air painting contest. There will be activities for children and plenty of food choices, including crawfish, fajitas, red beans, and more.

Tickets for the festival, and a complete music lineup, are available online at http://www.bluebonnetblues.com. For more information call 800-864-5175.

Johnson City Wildflower Days Celebration

Johnson City, Texas, Wildflower Days: The Spirit of the Hill Country

Johnson City invites you to enjoy the springtime ambiance and wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country by joining our annual Wildflower celebration.

Wildflower Days springs into action Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, from 9am to 5pm.

This Wildflower Days celebration is one of the most natural wonders in the Texas Hill Country with Johnson City, Texas, right in the middle of all of the beauty! Each year, the Texas Hill Country is flooded with nature enthusiasts looking for the best wildflower sightings, photo opportunities and local Hill Country activities.

This year’s event is particularly important as we remember Lady Bird Johnson and her passion for wildflowers, join with the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park to honor our 36th President, in his centennial birthday celebration, and participate in Blanco County’s year-long Sesquicentennial.

Our Wildflower Days venue includes:

· A Farmer’s Market with food, plant and product vendors, historic & interesting homes and gardens tours, wildflower tour maps, live music, arts and crafts, t-shirts and special photography workshops.

· Homes and gardens on the tour (10am to 2pm) include the Barnwell House, The Fawcett House, The Pearl Hotel, The Settlement Log Cabin and the Chantilly Lace Country Inn.

· Listen to a variety of live music during our two day event.

· We’re in lavender country, so expect also to see lavender.

· Bring your camera and consider taking a wildflower photography workshop with some of our local experts.

· Check out our 19^th century classic Texas court house square. Bring a blanket and enjoy the court house lawn.

· Discover the great shops and historical sites around town.

· We are a growing Texas art center and we have excellent art galleries that will have a focus on wildflowers.

Take in the LBJ National Park: In Johnson City, see the LBJ Boyhood Home, visit the Johnson family pioneer home in the Settlement, and enjoy a wonderful time at the LBJ Visitors Center where the history of LBJ is presented in artifacts, movies, tours and more. The LBJ Ranch and Texas White House are only 14 miles west of our Visitors Center in Johnson City.

Come relax among the gorgeous wild flowers, fresh air and welcoming folk. There will be fun activities for the whole family, all in a relaxing Hill Country setting. Not to be missed!

Johnson City is located at the intersection of Hwy 281 and 290, west of Austin, north of San Antonio and Blanco, south of Marble Falls, and east of Fredericksburg. For more information, contact the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce at 830-868-7684.