Vol2 No3 Summer 2015 - Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

Transcription

Publisher/Designer: Karyn Lyn
Publisher/Editor: Greg Forest
Design & Layout: Lonesome Dove Design Studio
Columnists & Contributing Writers: Karyn Lyn, Greg Forest,
Kathleen Hudson, Joe Herring, Phil Houseal, Jil Utterback,
Gary Lockte, Claire Duboise, Mary Schenk, Genie Strickland,
Betty Sharp, Homer Stevens, Colleen Brooks, Carlotta
Schmittgen & Jack Armstrong.
Proof Readers: Claire Debois, Jil Utterback, Scotty Kaufman
Web & Application Programming: musicoffice.com
Sales: Adrian Woodard, Karyn Lyn, Greg Forest, Tony Griffith
Heart Beat Welcomes Colleen Brooks
Heart Beat is moving east into the Wimberley, New Braunfels
and Gruene area and helping us keep abreast of the events in
the region is Colleen Brooks who will be covering the best of
what these communities have to offer.
Page 11
Reviews and More Reviews
Heart Beat is catching up this issue on our CD and concert
reviews. From the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the 13th Floor
Elevators to the highlights of the Old Settler’s Festival, we have
been on the road and in the crowd to share the best.
Starting on Page 66
Sports from the Woman’s Point of View
Sports is not just a “guy” thing by any means. Carlotta
Schmittgen, syndicated radio personality and columnist, is
down in the pits at NASCAR and on a full court press of Texas
NBA basketball - just your average gal who lives and breathes
sports 24/7. Welcome back to the Hill Country pages Carlotta!
Page 52
The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country is published quarterly by Heart Beat Publishing PO Box
1204, Bandera, Texas 78003. Opinions expressed in articles may not be those of the publisher and editor of the The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country, its advertisers, writers or contributors. All content is copyrighted by The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country and may not be reprinted without
the express written consent of the publisher. The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country is not liable for
editorial content, typographical errors and any statements or claims by advertisers or columnists.
Subscriptions are $20 per year payable to The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country at the above
address. Editorial and advertising submissions must be received by the 10th of the month before publication. All ad dimensions, prices and specifications may be found at our website, texasheartbeat.com.
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Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country SUMMER 2015
Featured Poet
Walt Perryman - Poet Laureate of Luckenbach
Everybody is Somebody in Luckenbach so the saying goes
and Walt Perryman has become a fixture under the shade
tree sharing his poems.
Page 56
Joe Herring
The Original Long Haul Texas Truckers
The Kerrville Folk Festival has it’s history and Kerrville’s
favorite historian, Joe Herring, has been on the beat since
1972. Over the years Rod Kennedy built his legacy to
songwriters and Joe was there to capture it all.
Page 13
Phil Houseal
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Whiskey making is an art requiring just the right ingredients
and distilled with loving care. Now Texas can boast it’s own
whiskey that can stand up to anything from Tennessee.
Page 18
Featured Artist
Aurora Joleen Franklin
From Africa to Argentina, Europe to Mexico, Joleen
Franklin has gained an encyclopedic tool kit she uses to
create beautiful and compelling art and jewelry. Aurora
Joleen is a master in a wide variety of art medias - painting,
jewelry design and even “grafitti” street art creations. She
shares her art and story with us this month as our Featured
Artist.
Page 64
Kathleen Hudson
Women in Texas Music - Ruthie Foster
Ruthie Foster has the wind to her back and has transformed
from a regional folk fav into an national phenomenon with
three Grammy nominations to her credit. Ruthie’s great skill
set of an awesome voice, stage presence and song writing
skills are taking her over the top. Its about time!
Page 7
texasheartbeat.com
Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country
5
Western Textures provides 187 fabrics, cowhide on furniture (they can
use your brand), cedar decorative decor, wildlife mounts, tile and
wood flooring, livestock art, ranch rugs, jewelry, and LOTS more!
MOST PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED OR BUILT IN TEXAS!
We are proud to be part of beautiful New Braunfels,
Texas located at 332 Landa Street, just down Landa Drive
From the famous Wurstfest Grounds!
We can be reached at 830-302-8875
or on the web at www.westerntexturesinc.com
Once in a Blue Moon is owned by Native Texan, Susan Heflin, who has been in
retail all her life and has brought something truly Fun, Funky, and Feminine to
New Braunfels. Susan finely selects gently-worn consignment items and infuses
them with her and her daughter Candice's’own shabby-romantic clothing creations.
Among these finds, are vintage-to-new boots, “Home of the Texas Flag” shorts,
and a personal favorite of her gathered collections are the one of a kind
L ederhosen’s and Dirndl Dresses. The spirit of New Braunfels comes alive
during their Wurstfest celebration in the Fall, rich in German culture and
Texas fun, and Once in a Blue Moon will prepare you for that perfect polka!
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The Oldest Hardware Store in Texas!
Henne Hardware
A Tradition Since 1857
texasheartbeat.com
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10
W
hen traveling through Texas
Hill Country, there is certainly no shortage of
places to explore and things to do. Often, the
rides through this beautiful landscape are just
as memorable as the destinations themselves!
These three towns each offer something
different. Rest assured there’s something to be
explored and experienced for everyone!
Gruene was once an old cotton town
until it suffered the hardships of its cotton gin
burning down, the boll weevil blight, and The
Great Depression. It’s buildings were shuttered
for decades until an architectural student
discovered them in 1974. Realizing their
historical significance, he started the chain of
events that led to this quaint little town being
added to the National Register of Historic
Places, which began its resurgence. Gruene is
home to Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall.
Gruene Hall is still going strong
with plenty of live music, their packed photo
wall showcasing legends that have performed
there such as Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, and
George Strait. The Gristmill now occupies the
old cotton gin building, and offers spectacular
dining views. There are several other fabulous
restaurants, quaint shops, a general store with
ice cream and an old fashioned soda fountain,
and the Grapevine a wine tasting room.
Gruene also offers river activities for the family
to enjoy, in addition to monthly market days.
There is also plenty for visitors of
all ages in New Braunfels. With a population
of over 63,000 New Braunfels is home to
beautiful Landa park, a children’s museum,
the Snake Farm Park, Texas Ski Ranch, and the
texasheartbeat.com
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. New Braunfels
offers abundant water sports & tubing down
the Comal and the Guadalupe.
Perhaps its most popular
attraction among children is its waterpark,
Schlitterbahn. Schlitterbahn is 65 acres of
water park paradise with waterslides and
chutes, a wave pool and water coasters. For
the more serene, downtown New Braunfels
offers plenty of antiquing, small museums,
German fare and shopping. Natural Bridge
Caverns, located just outside of New
Braunfels, is a comfortable 70 degrees yearround and is a great way to cool off on a hot
Texas day.
Stepping into Wimberley is like
stepping back in time. Beautiful hills, lush
greenery, charming shops, and eateries are
plentiful in this small town. Wimberley is
home to Blue Hole, a popular swimming
hole with towering century-old cypress trees.
Visitors can also swim at Jacob’s Well, and at
dusk visit Wimberley’s own walk-in movie
theater, the Corral. Those more vertically
inspired can climb Mount Baldy or Prayer
Mountain, as it’s also called. It’s 218 steps
will reward you with a breathtaking view of
this charming town and the surrounding
Hill Country. Cypress Creek and the Blanco
River converge in Wimberley, so it’s a great
place to spend an idyllic day relaxing in the
water. Once you dry off head on over to
Wimberley Valley Winery to enjoy a glass of
wine.
So many places, so little time.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you - one will definitely capture a special place in your heart!
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www.emilyann.org 512-847-6969
With the upcoming 43rd anniversary of the Kerrville Folk Festival, I thought
I’d dig through my files for a bit of its history:
Rod Kennedy, who died about a
year ago, gave me a remarkable document
years ago: a program from the first Texas
State Arts & Crafts Fair, of which the first
Kerrville Folk Festival was a part.
It is remarkable for many reasons:
its words, pictures and design evoke a spirit that thrived in this place that summer of
1972.
From the welcoming letters printed in the
front of the book from Governor Preston
Smith, Schreiner Junior College and Preparatory School President Sam Junkin, and the
first Executive Director of the Arts & Crafts
Fair, Phil Davis (of the Texas Tourist Development Agency), all the way to the list of exhibitors (including my dad and an old platen
printing press) – you can tell that Kerrville
was on the ball, making a difference for itself
in the state.
The Fair was held for 6 days, starting on a
Tuesday and running through Saturday, on
the campus of Schreiner Institute. Admission was $1.00 for adults and 50 cents for
children. Parking was free.
Rod Kennedy produced the first
Kerrville Folk Festival June 1, 2, and 3
(Thursday through Saturday) at the Kerrville Municipal Auditorium, with a $2.50 per
person admission. Other things were going
on during the same time: Schreiner Institute offered a production of “You’re a Good
Man, Charlie Brown,” and the Hill Country
Arts Foundation had a Neil Simon comedy,
“Come Blow Your Horn.”
The program is filled with ads for
the expected restaurants and hotels – but also
packed with ads for real estate. I’m thinking
more than a few people, once exposed to
Kerr County in such a positive way, loaded up
the truckster and moved here.
I was 10 years old during that first fair
and festival, but I remember it clearly. During
the day I helped Mom and Dad at the tent where
the old iron beast printing press was on display
(and running, printing maps of the fair).
I remember it was blazing hot. Blazing. Lady Bird Johnson attended that first fair. I
gave her a map.
I also remember attending the first
Kerrville Folk Festival, crowded into the Kerrville Municipal Auditorium, listening to performers like Peter Yarrow, Allen Damron, Kenneth Threadgill and Carolyn Hester. I’m afraid
I didn’t make it through the entire show, falling
fast asleep after a long day at the fair.
I’m proud of the Kerrville community for producing such dual (and diverse) shows for the
world. And though I miss the Texas State Arts
and Crafts Fair, I am certainly proud of its surviving twin, the Kerrville Folk Festival. I know
Rod Kennedy would be proud of it as well.
You can find more by Joe Herring Jr. at
joeherringjr.com
Joe Herring has a reputation as, “Kerrville’s Historian.” Joe has been collecting historical anecdotes
and images for years and has been sharing them
with the Hill Country community. If you want to
see the evolution of Kerrville and the surrounding
area as a rail head for sheep and cattle ranching
to the modern town it is today, Joe is your go-to
man. Join us each issue as Joe brings Texas history
to Heart Beat’s pages.
joeherringjr.blogspot.com
texasheartbeat.com
13
The Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk tour last
November, featuring the 2014 Award Winners Frank Martin Gilligain (Dickinson, TX),
Matt Nakoa (Brooklyn, NY), The Lovebirds
(San Diego, CA), C. Daniel Boling (Albuquerque, NM), Caroline Spence (Nashville, TN),
Connor Garvey (Portland, ME), was a huge
success. We had a broadcast from Blue Rock
Studio to allow folks from around the country
to see this great group of songwriters in a special concert. As always the tour culminated on
the Friday night of Fischer Fest, which features
all past New Folk award winners. This ‘tour’
will be featured at this year’s Festival on the
Kennedy Theater Mainstage on Saturday June
6th for an In the Round concert.
GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE 2015
FINALISTS that were chosen and appeared at
this year’s Festival in order of appearance were:
The six 2015 Grassy Hill Kerrville
New Folk Award Winners appear on our website at http://www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk.htm
We are heading into our final weekend with
DAVID CROSBY on Saturday night, June 6.
(Same night as the 2014 New Folk mentioned
above)
EMMYLOU HARRIS & RODNEY
CROWELL and TOM RUSH made the first
two14weekends
of the
very
and
Heart Beat
of Festival
the Texas
Hillspecial
Country
were well received. The 44th Annual Kerrville
Folk Festival received underwriting support for
the addition of these artists and more for this
year’s lineup!
The full lineup for the third weekend is available on the website and as always
we have Crafts Booths and Food Booths, yoga,
canoe trips, bike rides, Shabbat and Folk Song
Services, Ballad Tree open mic opportunities,
song critique sessions with Steve Gillette every day and of course music happening in the
campgrounds around the campfires just about
24 hours a day.
Our tuition based schools and workshops for HARMONICA AND UKULELE still
have spaces for you to sign up! http://www.kerrville-music.com/workshops.htm
A full schedule and information about
the schools and workshops, camping and everything else we know you need to know is on our
website. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org
You can talk to real people at 830/2573600. Thanks for reading about the Kerrville
Folk Festival in the Heart Beat of the Texas Hill
Country!
SUMMER 2015
texasheartbeat.com
15
EMMYLOU HARRIS & RODNEY
CROWELL and TOM RUSH made the first
two weekends of the Festival very special and
were well received. The 44th Annual Kerrville
Folk Festival received underwriting support
for the addition of these artists and more for
this year’s lineup!
The Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk
tour last November, featuring the 2014 Award
Winners Frank Martin Gilligain (Dickinson,
TX), Matt Nakoa (Brooklyn, NY), The Lovebirds (San Diego, CA), C. Daniel Boling (Albuquerque, NM), Caroline Spence (Nashville,
TN), Connor Garvey (Portland, ME), was a
huge success. We had a broadcast from Blue
Rock Studio to allow folks from around the
country to see this great group of songwriters
in a special concert.
As always the tour culminated on
the Friday night of Fischer Fest, which features
all past New Folk award winners. This ‘tour’
will be featured at this year’s Festival on the
Kennedy Theater Mainstage on Saturday June
6th for an In the Round concert.
GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE 2015
FINALISTS that were chosen and appeared at
this year’s Festival in order of appearance were:
The six 2015 Grassy Hill Kerrville
New Folk Award Winners appear on our website at http://www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk.htm
We are heading into our final weekend with DAVID CROSBY on Saturday night,
June 6. (Same night as the 2014 New Folk
mentioned above)
The full lineup for the third weekend is available on the website and as always
we have Crafts Booths and Food Booths, yoga,
canoe trips, bike rides, Shabbat and Folk Song
Services, Ballad Tree open mic opportunities,
song critique sessions with Steve Gillette every day and of course music happening in the
campgrounds around the campfires just about
24 hours a day.
Our tuition based schools and workshops for HARMONICA AND UKULELE still
have spaces for you to sign up! http://www.
kerrville-music.com/workshops.htm
A full schedule and information
about the schools and workshops, camping
and everything else we know you need to
know is on our website. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org
You can talk to real people at
830/257-3600. Thanks for reading about the
Kerrville Folk Festival in the Heart Beat of the
Texas Hill Country!
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733 HILL COUNTRY DRIVE
KERRVILLE, TX 78028
WWW.GAZELLEPC.COM
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GAZELLEPC
We are in the Winwood shopping center
next to China Town
Garrison Brothers:
Real Texas Bourbon
employees take the product “from corn to
cork.” Visitors can see the process on the distillery’s daily tours. Who can resist a trip that
starts with a wagon ride and ends with a shot
of bourbon?
The Texas Hill Country is known To be called “whiskey” a liquor has
for satisfying many tastes–for wine, fine art, to be made from grain. At Garrison Brothers,
gourmet food, original music, and unexpected they use organic red winter wheat, corn, and
scenery. Add to that list Real Texas Bourbon. rye, ground fresh daily. Bourbon has the highest standards of all distilled spirits. It can’t be
called “bourbon” unless it follows the ABCs:
A is for America.
Bourbon has to be American
made, as voted by Congress in 1964.
Garrison Brothers Distillery is located at the town whose name is a greeting–Hye–
between Stonewall and Johnson City just off
the 290 wine trail.
Dan Garrison started Texas’ first “legal” whiskey distillery in 2008. Making bourbon is a pretty simple process. After all, people
have been doing it for centuries. But he wanted Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon
Whiskey to be “the best bourbon ever made.”
To do that he decided to make it by
hand. Well, 18 hands. Currently nine full time
18
B is for Barrels.
The bourbon must age in barrels crafted
of new wood, white oak from Missouri,
dried for two years, made into barrels,
then charred inside for exactly 53 seconds.
C is for Corn.
No matter what types of grain are used, at
least 51% must be corn.
There is another important letter–G for Genuine. Bourbon must be
100% whiskey. That means no flavorings
or additives. They can’t even add color.
The coloring comes from being inside the
barrel for six years.
Garrison Brothers recipe calls for
74% corn–higher than the 70% used by most
bourbons. The rest is soft red winter wheat and
malted barley.
That becomes the mash. This is the
point where distillers extract the starches from
the grain and convert them into sugar. The
grain and yeast go into two 500-gallon cookers, where it is mixed with 300 gallons of good
Hill Country limestone infused well water, and
heated to the ideal temperature for the yeast
to work. Yeast, you may remember from 8th
grade chemistry class, converts the sugar into
two by-products: alcohol–good, and carbon
dioxide–bad.
The brew cooks for about eight
hours, then ferments for five days. From here
1) Nosing
Do NOT shove your nose inside the
it is piped into the huge copper kettles for
distilling. Anyone who has watched reruns of
glass as with wine, unless you want to
singe your sinuses. You kind of have to
M*A*S*H knows how this works. The mixture is heated to the temperature that alcohol
sneak up on the side of the glass, then
evaporates (lower than water). The steam is
take in a breath through your mouth.
collected and passed through copper tubes
where it is chilled by a water bath and con2) Opening up your palate
Do NOT sip yet. Instead, place a tiny
verted back into liquid. And out comes a fiery
drop on the middle of the tongue and,
liquid that is no longer mash yet not quite
bourbon. They call it “white dog” because it
like at the rodeo, let it ride for 8 seconds.
After the “burn” goes away, you can taste
has both a bark and a bite. It is so fierce they
the flavors.
dole out samples in thimble size cups, and
that is ample.
3) Drink it
This stuff is about 70% alcohol and
tastes like it. The white dog is mixed with
NOW you can sip that bourbon. And sip
it straight, please. Maybe a little ice, but
rainwater to cut it to 94 proof, then put in
no soda water, juice, or other adulterabarrels. The barrel will impart its color and
flavors to the final product.
tion.
After six years comes the magic day
So... is Garrision Brothers the best
that bourbon lovers across the state eagerly await–bottling time.
bourbon ever made?
Better take another sip.
Phil Houseal is a writer and owner of Full
House PR. www.fullhouseproductions.net
Contact him at phil@fullhouseproductions.net
(830) 249-2739
Fine Art, Jewelry & Watches
Gold & Silver Coins
Arts & Collectibles
Eager volunteers come into help
out, filling bottles, pigtailing with a deerskin
lace, dipping in wax, stamping with a Lone
Star, and hand signing every bottle.
It’s a party with lots of “quality control.”
The tour ends with a lesson on the
proper way to drink such a fine product as
Garrison Brothers Bourbon. It is a three-step
process:
texasheartbeat.com
215 West Bandera Road
Boerne, TX 78006
19
New Braunfels Coffee House, New Braunfels, Tx
New Braunfels Coffee is a one of a kind establishment that serves
coffee, sandwiches, dessert and smiles. They are the finest provider
of cappuccino, latttes, expresso's, mochas, frappe, sandwiches, salads
and a wide assortment of bakery delights. They serve only premium
products with top quality service. Be sure and check out their
“The Vine” Juice Bar. They have scheduled events and promote
several artists in the surrounding areas, and also provides catering.
489 Main Plaza New Braunfels, Texas 78130 (830) 643-0098
Backyard Bisso, Pipe Creek, Tx
The Backyard Bistro and Chef Aaron's "Farm to Table Fare" proudly
serves their dishes using only the finest fresh ingredients available,
including organic eggs from their own chickens and herbs from their
very own garden, picked daily for your culinary delight. Available for
parties, catering & wine tastings. Live Music Friday & Saturdays.
167 Panther Ridge, Pipe Creek, Texas 78063, Hwy 16 South
(Behind Country Accents Antiques) (830) 535-4094 www.backyardbistrobandera.com
Bricks River Cafe, Bandera, Tx
Located on the beautiful Medina River, our full service
restaurant features Appetizers, Sandwiches, Soups, Burgers &
Steaks. In addition are Brick's Specialties - a collection of
delicious entrees featuring chicken,seafood and pasta dishes
you won't want to miss. Our Catering service is also available
for special events & weddings. 830-796-9900
www.bricksrivercafe.com 1205 Main St., Bandera, TX 78003
www
Sids Main SSeet BBQ, Bandera, Tx
Voted Best BBQ in Bandera for the last 5 years! Sid’s location is an
old service station offering a relaxed atmosphere with picnic tables
outside. All the meat is smoked and cooked with oak and hickory
and all the sides are made from scratch! They also have a successful
catering business with a catering trailer ready for your large events.
830-796-4227 702 Main St. Bandera, TX www.sidsmainstreetbbq.com
Lunch on Fridays and Saturdays includes cheeseburgers, and their
famous Cabrito Burger. Dinners on Friday and Saturday night
feature steaks, catfish, ancho chile honey basted quail and specials
such as grilled pork tenderloin with a sweet-tart Vietnamese dipping
sauce or grilled Tuna with roasted Jalapeno Mayonnaise.
830-562-3727 11804 FM 470 (junction of FM 470 and FM 462)
Busbees Bar-B-Que, Bandera, Tx
Since 1979 Busbee’s has catered to Governers and Senators, but
especially catering to you and your family. Featuring slow-cooked
brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken. Busbee’s is the only BBQ
restaurant in Texas featured on the History Channel. Hours:
Sun. Mon. Wed. & Thurs.10:30am-8pm, Fri. & Sat. 10:30am-9pm
319 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003 (830) 796-3153
China Bowl, Bandera, Tx
Authentic Chinese Cusinine at its finest! China Bowl has been a
hometown favorite for many years serving traditional entrees along
with the “Chef’s Specialties.” All the entrées are dashed with just
the right amount of spices to satisfy your tastebuds. They have great
lunch prices and the dinner servings are double in portion. The
staff is always friendly and willing to accommodate you. A must visit
when in the area. 1206 Pecan St Bandera, Texas 78003 (830) 796-8494
The Patio café was listed among the Top 40 best Small Town Restaurants
in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine. Try their Spicy Pepper Jack
Burgers or homemade Chicken Salad. Choose from one of their award
winning desserts: apple pie, apple cake, cookies, strudel, turnovers,
muffins & famous Apple Ice Cream. 830-589-2202
14024 State Hwy 16 North Medina, TX 78055, www.lovecreekorchards.com
Camp Verde General Stte, Camp Verde Tx
For more than 150 years, Camp Verde General Store has occupied this little
piece of Texas. Give yourself a moment to indulge in the rich history of this
timeless gem. Come have a one-of-a-kind sandwich from their enticing lunch
menu and try their wide variety of savory jams, jellies and sauces.
Restaurant hours: Mon-Sun 11am - 3pm www.campverdegeneralstore.com
285 Camp Verde Road East Camp Verde, Texas 78010
Tucan Jims, Centerpoint, Tx
Toucan Jim's is an island experience in the Texas Hill Country! Enter their
stress-free zone and spend an hour or a day enjoying the palapas, plants,
music, food and fun! It's always 5 o'clock at Toucan's. One of their island
entrees to try are the popular fish tacos! 5814 TX-27, Center Point, TX
(830) 634-2640 www.toucanjims.com
1011 Bisso, Kerrville, Tx
Built right on the banks of the Guadalupe River, 1011 Bistro offers
the most spectacular view in Kerrville. You will find something in
their menu for a special occasion or family gathering, or just kick
back with a bottle of wine on their open terrace. Their menu
features some French & American specialties, as well as some
Italian classics, with a touch of Texas! (830) 895-1169
1011 Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX www.1011bistro.com
Guadalupe River Club, Kerrville, Tx
The GRC's owners Gary & Terry McCormick make it a point to travel
to the coast to pick up the freshest and best seafood they can nd.
It is the only place in Kerrville that has ocean-fresh oysters and they
have great shrimp with a secret recipe tarter sauce! With massive
decks over-looking the river, this is a favorite for viewing sunsets,
and on weekends they feature live entertainment.
1483 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX , (830) 896-3354.
Elaine’s Table, Hunt, Tx
Nestled on the shores of the South Fork of the Guadalupe river is a
favorite stopping place for fine dining while traveling the Hill
Country. The house favorite that brings folks from miles around is
Bruce's Tortilla Crusted Rainbow Trout. They also feature steaks,
chicken and a daily special. 1621 Hwy 39, Hunt, TX,
(830) 238-4484. elainestable.com.
Waring General Stte, Waring, Tx
Although Waring is a bit off the beaten path, this one-block town
has some great dining and entertainment. Wednesday nights
features the original Steak Nite with live music and also offers great
burgers and other Texas favorites. The Store is run by Jason
Strange, son of Don Strange, caterer to the stars so you know
you are getting the best the Hill Country has to offer in food preperation and hospitality.
544 Waring-Welfare Rd, Waring,TX (830) 995-4377. www.waringgeneralstore.com
Alamo Springs Cafe,
edericksburg, Tx
Alamo Springs Cafe was immortalized on the cover of
Texas Monthly awhile back with a shot of their monster burger.
The Cafe, which is right next to the famous bat tunnel, is famous
for its burgers and other Texas comfort food. It is outside
Fredricksburg and a bit off the beaten path but well worth the drive.
Seasonal live music on weekends. 107 Alamo Rd, Fredericksburg, TX
(830) 990-8004 Visit them on Facebook!
If you would like to be included in our Menu Board,
“Where to Eat in the Hill Country” section,
please contact Karyn @ (210) 316-2986
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texasheartbeat.com
25
Is it summer already? We are past
Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer.
Summer means many things and in the west,
summer means rodeos are gearing up.
Rodeos attract tourists to Bandera
and surrounding environs from all over the
world and they all want to see “real cowboys”.
Some years ago, American Cowboy Magazine
decided there should be a specific holiday
honoring cowboys and The National Day of
The American Cowboy (NDoAC) was born.
Celebrated in cities and towns from Texas to
Arizona to California and beyond, always the
fourth Saturday in July and ratified annually
by the United States Congress, the NDoAC
has captured the hearts of big and little kids
and the spirit of the American cowboy hero. But . . .
Real cowboys. What the heck does
that mean?
I wrote a very little book - a booklet
really, called The Real Deal – Or Real Cowboys Write Poetry. I continue expanding it and
hope someday it grows up into a “real” book.
The Real Deal strives to answer the question,
“What is a ‘real’ cowboy?” through cowboy poetry, history and even cooking – on a campfire,
of course. Some of it’s tongue-in-cheek, some
of it’s serious, but it covers what most people
look for – the outfit, a horse, somebody who
rides big, ornery critters coming out of a rodeo
chute. In fact, for most folks it’s all a matter of
hats, boots and spurs. If you wear at least two
of the three, you’re likely to get asked, “Are you a real cowboy?”
Better have an answer ready. Or a
horse nearby.
Here in Bandera, the official Cowboy Capital (so saith the State of Texas), The
Frontier Times Museum (www.frontiertimesmuseum.org) presents the NDoAC
every year with activities, culminating in a
Ranch Rodeo at Bandera’s historic Mansfield
26
Park. Ranch Rodeo events show off real skills
needed on ranches like herding and sorting,
doctoring, bronc riding and races – competitions cowboys of old devised for fun on
the ranch and range when the work day was
done.
Cowboy poetry, which combined
elements of Irish folk music, English madrigals, and a form of song black cowboys
brought with them from the plantations after
the Civil War, called “hollerin’” is real, too.
Storytelling and poetry have defined cowboys
from the get-go and most have at least one
good story and one good poem in their hip
pocket. It’s somewhere near the tin of snuff.
Yes, there are real cowboys, but
they don’t look or sound much like Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood or Robert
Duvall. Texas unashamedly created a mythic
American Texas cowboy hero to help lift itself
out of the Great Depression. Ask Larry McMurtry why he wrote Lonesome Dove. It was
to attempt to kill off the myth of the cowboy,
which McMurtry sees as a downright lie.
It didn’t work.
Hollywood announces the death of
the western again and again.
Western films still show up like
clockwork every few years.
Whether the “real cowboy” is a
myth or a fact, or a combination of the two,
the American cowboy hero refuses to die.
Chris LeDoux sang “You Just Can’t See Him
From The Road” and George Strait sang “This
Is Where The Cowboy Rides Away” but the
truth is, the image of the American cowboy
will be around as long as we need heroes. It’s
up to them to live up to that lofty perch and
take the slings and arrows that inevitably go
along with being an heroic figure.
continued on page 80 . . .
KERRVILLE AREA LIVE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
YOUR SUMMER DESTINATION FOR
MUSIC, FUN AND RECREATION.
Our 2015 SUMMER EVENT LINE UP
June 13th
July 18th
Singer/Songwriter
Top Ten Guitarist
Reggae on the Guadalupe
Monti Montgomery
Opening with James Keith
Sponsored by
Featuring Our All Time Favorite
WAZZOBIA / Galaxy Reggae Band
$20 Advance - $25 Door
WINDOW WORLD
www.windowworldtx.com
$25 Advance - $30 Door
August 15th
3rd Annual Roddy Tree Ranch
Ken Stoeple Ford
On The River
OPEN CAR SHOW
To book your
private partywedding-family
reunion-weekend
get -a -away at
Roddy Tree Ranch,
call 830-367-2871
11:30 till Midnight
“LIVE MUSIC” all day
Award Ceremonies
Spirited Libations
Plenty to Eat
FREE to the PUBLIC
For Advance Tickets/Reservations or More Info
Visit www.roddytreee.com or call 830-309-9868
KERRVILLE TICKET OUTLET
facebook.com/roddytreeranch
Roddy Tree Ranch is Located One Mile From the Dam Store On HWY 39 Toward Hunt
DEEP IN THE HEART OF BANDERA
F
inally, the Texas Hill country
has received the heavy rains we have been
praying for and just in time to fill up the
Medina River for Riverfest!
Bandera has many monthly
events that you may want to check out. Of
Course the first Tuesday of each month we
get a kick start with the Cowboy Capital
Opry. Got to go, at least once. We have
Bingo at several locations in the County.
On the first Friday night of each month
is a great Classic Car Show that gathers
at Fat Boyz Sandwich Shop or you can
eat your fill of fried fish at the Knights of
Columbus Fish Fry at St. Joseph’s Hall. For
specific times and locations go to www.
banderacowboycapital.com and click on
Events.
Every Saturday, for great family
entertainment, visit the Cowboys on Main
program hosted by the Bandera Business
Association featuring chuck wagons,
horses, strolling singers and the gunfights
28
presented by the Bandera Cattle Company. In
the evening you can sign up for the Flying L
Chuck Wagon Dinner. Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30
PM Bar-B-Q, Wagon Rides, Roping Lessons,
Hat and Pistol Branding, Archery, Old Tyme
Photos, Cowboy Stage Show, Gunslingers,
Line Dancing. Entertainment & Dinner from
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. 566 Flying L Dr. Bandera,
TX 78003 800-292-5134 .
On the first Saturday of each month
you can purchase some great books at the
Bandera Library starting at 10 am and visit
the downtown Market Days sponsored by
the Bandera Business Association and on the
second Saturday you can join in some fun
music at the Frontier Times Museum’s Cowboy
Camp at 1 pm to 5pm. Cost is free. Enjoy
traditional cowboy music. You are welcome to
bring your guitar and join in the song circle.
Bring your own refreshments and chair.
Bandera is the Cowboy Capital of
the World so of course we have rodeos quite
often. We have a couple of Buckle Series
you can catch on Friday or Saturday nights
depending on which end of the County you’re
visiting. Starting Friday June 6th and every
Friday through the summer, you can catch the
BR Lightning Ranch Cowboy Capital Series
Rodeo Time: 8:00 PM Cost: $7.00, free for kids
5 and under. This weekly rodeo features bull
riding, steer riding, team roping, barrel racing,
mutton busting, and more.
If you are in Bandera you can catch
the Cross P Rodeo Buckle Series starting June
6th and every Saturday during the summer.
Time: 8:00 PM Cost: $10 Adults, Children
5 and under FREE Come watch the hill
country’s area cowboys and cowgirls compete
in bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, tiedown roping, break-away roping and mutton
bustin, followed by a good old country dance
at the pavilion. Mansfield Park 2886 Hwy 16 N
Bandera, TX 78003 830-221-6511
Starting on Saturday June 13th and
every Saturday night through August, catch
the buckle series at Twin Elm Guest Ranch
Summer Buckle Series Time: Rodeo begins
8:00pm Cost: $7.00 a person (kids 5 & under
are free) with bull riding, steer riding, barrel
racing, Team Roping and mutton bustin’. To
participate, sign up at the arena. Bring your
chairs, sit in the bleachers or back in your
truck and tailgate. Coolers with refreshments/
adult beverages welcomed just no glass bottles
or purchase a snack and cold soda from the
concession stand. 810 FM 470 Bandera, TX
78003 830-535-4096
June 19th – the 21st Equestrian
Trail Ride Association is hosting a weekend
of riding, camping and cooking at Chapa’s
Group Area. A benefit silent auction and a
star party are additional fun activities for
Saturday evening 10600 Bandera Creek Rd.
Bandera, TX 78003 830-796-4413 -Time: 2PM
Cost: Adults $6; Children 12 and under free
or annual pass All to benefit the Hill country
State Natural Area.
If you have never visited Bandera
City Park choose June 27th and help us
kick off summer at Bandera Riverfest! – The
Ultimate Riverside Picnic! You will make this
a summer ritual! Arts & Crafts, an Open Car
show, a sanctioned Lone Star BBQ Cook-off,
Bandera Idol competition, kayak races, river
rodeo, watermelon eating contest, hotdog
eating contest, The Anything That Floats
Regatta, giant slip n slide and well, summer
was never so much fun in just one day! Check
it out at www.BanderaRiverfest.com.
Bandera gets Patriotic with a special
concert Friday July 3rd at the Western Heritage
Cowboy Church in Pipe Creek. From Sea to
Shining Sea: Proud Songs of America begins
at 6:30 PM Cost: $12.00 Enjoy an evening of
the proud music of America and the stories
behind the music with Bandera’s own Almost
texasheartbeat.com
Patsy Cline Band. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Advance tickets available for $10.00 at Shoe
Biz in Bandera or at the Western Heritage
Cowboy Church. Sponsored by the Bandera
Community Foundation. Western Heritage
Cowboy Church on Hwy 1283
On the Fourth of July run to the
City Park in Bandera for the Annual Pet
Parade Sponsored by Cowboy Capital Pet
Assistance League. Registration at 9:00 AM,
Judging at 10:00 AM, Parade at 10:30 AM.
Enter anything you can lead, ride or carry!
If you don’t have a pet - get creative - make
up or dress like your ideal pet. Contest
entry fee $2.00. Categories are Star Spangled
Honors (Most Patriotic Costume), Best of
the West (Cowboy/Western Costume), Look
Alike Award (Pet and Owner Resemblance),
Most Talented, Most Original, and Favorite
Storybook Character. Judges Pick for Best of
Show & Most Creative. City Park Bandera,
TX –
Later in the month, join the
Frontier Times Museum as they celebrate
The National Day of the American Cowboy.
Texas Hero’s Hall of Fame induction on
Friday July 24th at 6pm at the Museum. Then
hold on to your hats for the National Day
of The American Cowboy Ranch Rodeo at
Mansfield Park Saturday July 25th. Check out
all the detail at www.FrontierTimesMuseum.
org.
Of course you can still catch the
rodeos every Friday and Saturday nights in
and around Bandera. The area dance halls are
always jumping during the summer.
Whew! You can’t be bored in
Bandera! Be sure to visit our music venues
too! For more information, dates, times, exact
locations, visit www.banderacowboycapital.
com and click on events. You never know, we
may even add a few by the time you check it
out! Yee-haw, Y’all!
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texasheartbeat.com
31
34
WARING
GENERAL STORE
SteakNite Every Wednesday
with Live Music!
11th
JASON BOLAND
JUNE 3RD
ual
Ann
Blanco Lavender Festival
June 12 - 14, 2015
Visit Beautiful Blanco
The Heart of the Hill Country
Lavender Market on the Square
Lavender Farm Tours
Local Beer & Wine
Live Music
Texas Specialty Packaged Foods
Saturday: 9 AM—6PM
A FAMILY FRIENDLY VENUE
IN THE HEART OF THE HILL COUNTRY
Sunday: 10AM—4PM
Downtown Waring Texas • 544 Waring-Welfare Rd
Friday: Noon—6PM
Visit our web-site for
Schedules and Directions
www.blancolavenderfest.com
Or give us a call!
texasheartbeat.com
830-833-5101
(830) 995-4377
GREAT FOOD • GREAT MUSIC • GREAT PEOPLE
35
There’s a vibrant theater community in the
Texas Hill Country — and the spring-summer
season is full of great shows. Following is a lineup:
The Fredericksburg Theater Company, renowned for its quality productions in its
250-seat Steve W. Shepherd Theater. The theater
is at 1668 Highway 87 S, 1.5 miles south of Main
Street in Fredericksburg.
June 19-July 5 - “Evita”
This musical, which features music by Andrew
Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, follows
the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón,
the second wife of of Argentine President Juan
Perón and served as the First Lady of Argentina
from 1946 until her death in 1952.
Aug. 14-23 - “Greater Tuna”
An hysterical comedic play by Jaston
Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard about the
cast of characters who live in the fictional town
of Tuna, Texas, the “third-smallest” town in the
state.
Tickets for the shows are $29 for
adults and $12 for ages 18 and younger.
36
For more information, to purchase
tickets and directions to the theater, visit
http://fredericksburgtheater.org or call 830997-3588
The Point Theatre has a great lineup for the 2015-16 season, including a perennial favorite, “South Pacific.” The theater is
located on the grounds of the Hill Country
Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road, in
Ingram. Following is the schedule:
June 5-20 - “South Pacific”
Set in an island paradise during World War
II, two parallel love stories are threatened by
prejudice and war.
Performances are at 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Sunday, June 7.
July 10-25 - “James and the Giant Peach”
The musical adaptation brings
Roald Dahl’s children’s story to a brightly colored life.
Performances are at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday and Sunday, July 12
Aug. 7-15 - “The Addams Family Musical”
Aug. 21-Sept. 6 “The Octette Bridge Club”
The macabre Addams family is put to the test
when outsiders come to dinner, hurling Gomez,
Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester,
Grandmama and Lurch headlong into a night
that will change the ghoulish family forever.
The photographer from the local
newspaper is here, and the eight Sisters who
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday gather every other Friday for an evening of
and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
Bridge and gossip look forward to their appearance in the Rotogravure of 1934. As they
Playhouse 2000’s season is filled with play their contracts, the ladies expound on
crowd-pleasing favorites, including Gilbert and a wide variety of topics, and when we meet
Sullivan’s classic “The Pirates of Penzance.” Fol- them again ten years later, very little has
lowing is its spring-summer lineup:
changed - though everything is different.
July 10-25 - “The Pirates of Penzance”
Single ticket prices for Playhouse 2000 events
run $20 and $25. For more information, visit
www.Playhouse2000.com or call 830-8969393.
Boerne Community Theatre at 907 E Blanco
Rd in Boerne (Phone:(830) 249-9166)
Frederic is finally coming of age, and
the band of Pirates that raised him is putting the
final touches on his apprenticeship. Though he
longs for the attentions of a fair young maiden, he
is “The Slave of Duty;” must he choose the pirating life and leave all else behind? In an updated,
fun-filled version of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan
favorite you’ll find the answer to that and many
other questions, such as “precisely what is meant
by commissariat?” Sure to be the summer’s big
hit - you won’t want to miss it!
texasheartbeat.com
texasheartbeat.com
July 17 - August 1
The Complete Works of Shakespeare
(abridged)
Can three guys really cover thirty-seven Shakespeare plays in less than two
hours? This fast-firing comedy does just that
as it parodies all of the Shakespeare plays with
only three performers in two acts.
HeartBeat
Beatofofthe
theTexas
TexasHill
HillCountry
Country
Heart
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37
Extremes…and a Return to Common Sense
“There is…one quality which
perhaps, strictly speaking, is as much
intellectual as moral, but which is often
wholly lacking in men of high intellectual
ability, and without which real character
cannot exist—namely, the fundamental gift
of commonsense.” Teddy Roosevelt, the
Outlook, November 8, 1913
I’m all for saving the spotted owl
and Austin’s golden-cheeked warbler. I love
whales, salamanders and snail darters, shoot,
all God’s creatures. But where do we draw the
line between wildlife and human life, when
there is a conflict between the two? Is there a
middle ground?
Don’t we deserve a right to make
a living, raise a family, do with our land as
we please? Can we protect the critters—and
humans, too? For starters how about a return
to common sense?
“The deer have overrun my
place,” the Kansan complained. “Before,”
he continued, “we could use depredation
tags—or landowner tags—to cull some of the
deer that have been devouring our corn and
maize and eating up profits. But no more! The
wildlife folks have done away with the tags,
and there’s an overpopulation of deer on my
ranch and surrounding ranches.”
Even worse, my friend went on to
say, “When we were able to destroy nuisance
animals, and we tried to put the meat to
good use—like feeding the hungry—we
were told we could not. The venison didn’t
have the USDA stamp.” So what happened
to destroyed “surplus” deer? They wound up
being dumped in ditches. What a waste of our
precious resources.
A number of states have “feed the
hungry” programs for hunters that provide
much-needed meat for families down on
their luck. The State of Texas has a program
I’ve used, and many of my friends as well, that
allowed us to leave deer we shot with meat
processors all across the state. It’s handy, it’s
texasheartbeat.com
quick, and deer venison is put to good use. It is
handled and processed properly, distributed to
local families in need. Might states like Kansas
adopt such a program? Should the Kansas
rancher have been allowed to cull nuisance
animals—and feed the hungry?
One need not look far to find glaring
examples of a pronounced lack of common
sense in America. In Austin, for example,
deer have become virtually domesticated
and threaten to overrun and overwhelm that
city’s residents. I know. I had them all over
my deck at night, clomping around noisily,
eating up my veggies and flowers. And sadly,
every day I’d see them on the road dead, hit by
motorists or worse, crippled. Austin residents
love to have deer in their neighborhoods, but
they’re conflicted about what to do about
overpopulated deer herds.
Some of us bow hunters suggested
that local officials use responsible, ethical
hunters to cull deer and feed the hungry. You’d
have thought we suggested they burn Bambi at
the stake. The outcry from citizens could have
been heard all the way to Wichita! Kill Bambi?
Perish the thought!
Austin’s solution for thinning deer
is birth control. Hey, why not? The plan was
as follows: introduce birth control pills to
the water supply so Bambi and friends could
practice safe sex. I’d still be laughing if the idea
weren’t so ridiculous.
Here in Bandera I’ve heard
landowners complain that local law prevents
them from hunting on their own place if said
property is smaller than a prescribed number
of acres.
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary,
Tenth Edition, defines common sense as, “the
unreflective opinions of ordinary people” or
“sound and prudent but often unsophisticated
judgment.” Well, there you have it. Guess those
of us demanding a return to common sense
must lack sophistication. In a nutshell, we are
merely “ordinary people.” I admit it; guilty as
charged!
39
Country Accents (830) 535-4979
Backyard Bistro (830) 535-4094
Security Wright (210) 863-8797
8312 State Highway 16 South (Between Bandera & Pipe Creek TX)
Your One-Stop Destination for Quality Antiques,
Bistro, Cabins for Rent, and Shopping!
42
W
Celebrate the National Day
of the American Cowboy!
hat better way to celebrate the
cowboy but in Bandera, Texas, the official
Cowboy Capital of the World. Sponsored
by the Frontier Times Museum, this annual
event truly captures the cowboy way of life
and has grown into a weekend long party
that would make any cowboy or cowgirl
whoop with pride. The National Day of
the American Cowboy began in 2005 when
then president, George W. Bush signed a
resolution setting aside the fourth Saturday
of July as a day to celebrate the history and
spirit of the American Cowboy. This year’s
celebration will be held on July 24th and
25th.
In honor of this day, the museum
established the Texas Heroes Hall of Honor to
recognize great Texans who help keep Texas
the great state that it is. Kicking the weekend
off will be this year’s Induction Ceremony
honoring the 2015 Texas Heroes Hall of
Honor Inductees – Dude Ranch empresario,
Clay Conoly, chuck wagon extraordinaire
Kelly Scott, and long-time Texas Highways
photographer, J. Griffis Smith. After the
ceremony, enjoy listening to the music of
the Drugstore Cowboys and step into the
museum to take in the exhibit featuring
the three Inductees. Dinner plates will be
available the night of the event for $20. The
museum is located at 510 13th Street.
The fun continues on Saturday
at Bandera’s historic Mansfield Park rodeo
arena with the Frontier Times Ranch Rodeo.
Cheer on your favorite South Texas ranch
team as they compete for the championship
and a place in the finals at the San Antonio
Stock Show & Rodeo in roping, herding,
bronc bustin’ and other events featuring real
ranch skills. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the
rodeo grand entry begins at 8:00 pm.
Tickets for the Saturday events
are available at the gate or beforehand
at the Frontier Times Museum, 510
Street, Bandera, Texas or on-line at www.
frontiertimesmuseum.org - $10 adults, $5
texasheartbeat.com
for 5-12 year olds, under 5 free. For more
information, visit the museum’s website or
call (830) 796-3864.
Clay Conoly is a fourth
generation owner of
the famed Dixie Dude
Ranch. The ranch was
founded in 1901 and,
under the direction of
Clay’s
grandmother,
began accepting guests
in 1937. Today, the ranch remains a
working ranch while hosting guests from
all over the world.
Travel on Bandera’s
Main
Street
on
Saturday and you’re
likely to run into Kelly
Scott cooking at his
chuck wagon. He is
frequently contacted
to drive a stagecoach
or supply animals
and equipment for
Western productions
and has been used to add an authentic
Texas touch to commercials and movies.
After three decades of shooting
photographs for
Texas Highways
magazine, J. Griffis Smith’s passion
for capturing the
people and places
of Texas has made
him one of the Lone Star State’s premier
photographers. His iconic images are featured in his book, On the Road with Texas Highways: A Tribute to True Texas. A
book signing with Griff is scheduled for
3:00 pm, July 24th at the museum.
43
Jakes Bar & Grill, Pipe Creek, Tx
Jake’s is all about Burgers, Beer and our Backyard!!
They have BIKE NIGHTS every Thursday from 7pm-10pm
offering drink specials and live music! The “Little Shack” cafe
is open daily offering burgers, tacos, hot wings, specials and more!
RV spaces are also available. www.jakespipecreek.com
12246 State Hwy 16 Pipe Creek, TX
C&D POWER SPORTS, Bandera, TX
They proudly supply motorcycle parts, riding gear and apparel to
Bandera's biker community and riders throughout the Hill Country.
Their inventory is always growing and they can order just about
anything domestic and metric. Veteran owned and operated, they take
pride in customer service and look forward to serving your needs.
830-328-5030, 714 Main St.
11th street cowboy bar, Bandera, TX
The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is a world-famous destination for all
brands of folks, from cowboys to cowgirls, bikers to business folk.
They come for the good brew, top-tier live Country, Swing, and
Southern Rock music. Come park your Harley or ride up on your
horse at the Biggest Little Bar in Texas.
307 11th Street Bandera, TX 11thstreetcowboybar.com
Frio canyon motorcycle stop, leakey, TX
The Twisted Sisters have become three of the most popular
roads in the State of Texas. The Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop
is just the place to begin (or end) your ride. We’ve got plenty
of great gear to choose from with new “Three Twisted Sisters”
merchandise every season. Enjoy one of the best damn burgers
you’ll ever have at the Bent Rim Grill. 657 West RR 337
Leakey, Texas 78873830 - 232 - 6629
Lonestar motorcycle museum, vanderpool, Tx
The LONE STAR MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM is located
in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with beautiful
motorcycling routes all around. They display a wonderful
collection of machines from around the world dating from
the 1910's to modern. 36517 Hwy 187, Vanderpool Texas
(830) 966-6103 www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com
I like maps. Paper maps that unfold
into flimsy 4” X 8” segments with small print.
For decades, women traveling with men used
these maps as weapons of irritation. “How far
to Dry Gulch,” he’d ask. “Oh, about an inch and
a half,” she’d say. “Can’t you fold that back up
right,” he’d ask. “I’m trying,” she’d say, hiding a
grin while mashing the once sleek creased map
into a bulky mess, the new map smell eradicated completely. Not that I was ever personally
guilty of such evil. I wonder if there is an app
for annoyance. I guess there is but it probably
isn’t as much fun.
Don’t get me wrong. Talking gadgets that bring you in out of the cold and herd
you homeward when you’re lost are great. Ask
“directions to Dry Gulch??” and up pops the
route, mileage and a dozen fast food franchise
locations in case you need them. We’re far
from spirally bound Triple AAA triptiks that
flip page by page, route highlighted in yellow.
(If under 45, ignore prior sentence).
But I still like paper maps. I regret
that in a fit of worry over becoming a hoarder
surrounded by piles of newspapers, books, old
LPs, and general debris that I threw away a 30
year old bound book of Texas county maps.
That was stupid, I know. It was falling apart but
now I realize I could have laminated the pages
for placemats. (OK, I may have read that on
Pinterest).
I wish I could compare those old
county maps to ones I’ve picked up in Visitor
Centers, especially those with a particular focus like Texas Wine Trails or Gillespie County
Country Schools Driving Trail. They provide
a schematic of back roads that might otherwise
be missed. I’ve seen some wonderful scenery
by not using technology. Reading a paper map
spread out on your knees somehow seems
more adventurous. You might notice a place
you wouldn’t have thought to ask about.
You can get stuck in a rut using only
technology. That’s because asking a particular
46
question yields only a particular answer.
The purpose of search engines is to narrow your search. Printed material provides
information at a glance about things you
might not have considered. People are also
a great information source.
I drove with friends through the
LBJ Ranch in May but we didn’t google
Johnson City, having planned our afternoon elsewhere via computer. Serendipity
intervened, we took a side street and spotted the Lady Bird Café. Next door was an
architectural treat, the Hill Country Science Mill center for learning and creative
thinking, which is a whole other story. We
would never have thought to google “science” in planning our trip.
We had a good time talking to
employees at the Lady Bird Café. After
learning that I wanted a Hill Country wine
for my critter sitter, a young man made
several suggestions. Turns out his family
owns Taste Wine & Art, a few blocks away
and near Texcetera, a new art gallery whose
motto is “Good Texas Goods.” We spent
the afternoon on one Johnson City block
not visible from highway 290. We never
thought about our abandoned plans. Fascinated with a gorgeous horse head sculpture created from old tools and gun parts,
I wondered what the artist would do with
old paper maps. I should have saved them.
SCHWEIKI INSERT
texasheartbeat.com
47
48
For years it has been my opinion and observation that the Hackberry is the sorriest,
biggest weed in existence. They have taken the
wide reaching shallow root system adaptation
that characterizes cedar, cypress, Live oak, and
many of our native Hill Country trees to a new
level. My garden used to grow short on the
East and West, and obviously normally productive and tall in the middle with the rows
running East to West. This being because there
were several very tall Hackberry trees on the
East and West ends.
Not only did their height shade the
ends, but the roots extended out nearly 70
feet from the base of the trees robbing water
and nutrients from the first plants in the vegetable rows. My wife can testify first hand as
to the size of the shallow roots after tripping
over one of them and incurring a rather large
dental bill. This incident prompted the cutting
down of all of those trees on the East, and the
next growing season the effect on the garden
production was immediately obvious. All of
the small garden plants are now only on the
West. We’ll get our chain saws going again this
spring. Like any other weed, Hackberries tend
to come up everywhere they are not wanted.
Viewing these experiences and observations, you can imagine my thinking when one
of the presenters at my Master Naturalists class
named the Hackberry as her favorite tree. This
lady included in her resume botanist, author,
and college professor. Her subject was entitled
Ethnobotany, which by web definition is “the
study of the relationships that exist between
people and plants.” Only in the world of collegiate academia could such a definition be
conjured and elevated to significance. As the
professor continued on, it turned out that her
topic was oriented to informing us about edible plants. The Hackberry is considered to be a
“very important wildlife plant, particularly for
birds because the fruit matures in late fall and
is very high in lipids (fats). Leaves are browsed
by deer and also provide larval food for buttexasheartbeat.com
terflies. Part of the lesson also indicated that if
you were ever in dire need of food, the berries
might be considered a food source. After contemplating these facts, I remembered that my
father who sometimes trapped raccoons, ringtails, and even foxes would often set his traps
at the base of Hackberry trees because he knew
that the varmints came there to eat the berries,
and baiting was not necessary. This was at a
time some years back when pelts could be sold
for a profit.
It seems to be a recurring fact in these stories
that before declaring anything positively good
or bad, all the conditions need to be considered and investigated. In the garden Hackberry
trees are a humongous weed. (Weeds are defined as any plant out of place). They should not
be planted closer than fifty feet from a house
because the roots will actually extend out and
become large enough to damage the foundation. Since they grow very rapidly, the limbs
frequently become weak may split and damage
structures underneath.
In spite of the mentioned drawbacks, they
can be an attractive source of shade and grow
much faster than many of our other primary
shade trees. In a native plant mix such as many
of our pastures their value to wildlife should not
be denied.
Here on the Farm there are a number of
Hackberry trees that are important sources of
shade for several of our RV sites. Even in these
instances the above ground roots are a nuisance
when mowing.
49
We’re firing up for our 2015
Summer projects.
Visit the web site for more
information.
50
On the water at
Canyon Lake Marina
HEART BEAT OF THE WEB - OUR NEW APP
Heart Beat has an app for your Android phones, tablets and other devices.
Download it free from our web site home page at texasheartbeat.com
texasheartbeat.com
51
Sports from the Women’s POV
A
s I write this column, I am
recovering from a night of four hours of
sleep. Why, you may ask? I stayed up
until midnight-thirty watching the LA
Clippers at the Houston Rockets for game
six. Now if you are a fan of basketball and
also watched that game, you will remember that at the end of the third quarter
the Houston Rockets were behind 92-79.
Most “normal” people would have just
turned off the TV and waited until in the
morning to hear or read about the results
--- especially if they had to work early the
next morning.
There is a type that is not the
“norm” who is a sports devotee such as
me. I have superstitions like wearing the
same “lucky” attire down to underwear.
It is not usual to start yanking off clothes
midgame and substituting with might
have been the “lucky” color or item. During a Super Bowl, my team
was losing until I discovered after going
through my checklist that I had the wrong
hair holder on my pony tail. I know, it
sounds certifiable, but the team made a
turnaround and eventually won. There
are also the rituals of “if I don’t get the
dishwasher unloaded before a series of
commercials ends” or “if my contact lens
doesn’t get unstuck by the third try;” my
favorite driver won’t get a top five in a
race.
How many wives would stay
planted at a TV to watch the Super Bowl
on their honeymoon instead basking on
the sands of the Waikiki? I also found
myself setting my alarm for 3:25AM to
watch the Medal run of the 4-Man Bobsled in the 2014 Olympics.
YES, I stayed up until the wee
hours of the morning to watch the fourth
quarter of game six of the LA Clippers
and Houston Rockets game as the fat lady
was obviously tuning up. I even found
myself having doubts there was any way
they could muster a comeback.
Then it happened!! The comeback of the year! I did not miss witnessing the Rockets unbelievable run of forty-nine points to LA’s eighteen in the last
fourteen and a half minutes!! Sure I could
have watched on the morning news four
hours later, but there’s something about
the instant euphoria of the win and then
the adrenalin that doesn’t allow one to fall
asleep. Was it worth it? Sure!
Could I have watched it on a
replay four hours later? Sure! Would I
in the future? Nah…. That’s not part of
being a sports aficionado --- it’s just not
allowed!
Follow Carlotta on the web at
lottasports.com
On the air at rioandreyes.com
52
texasheartbeat.com
53
Stonewall Peach JAMboree and Rodeo
Fredericksburg
June 19 - 20 All Day, Stonewall, Texas
stonewalltexas.com
Kerrville Folk Festival
June 1 - 7
Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy.
Kerrville, Texas
The final week of the festival featuring a
great lineup of artists featuring David Crosby from Crosby, Sills and Nash. The tradition “Heal in the Wisdom” closing night is Bandera Riverfest
June 7th. Visit kerrville-music.com for fes- June 27, 2015 All Day
tival passes and one day tickets.
1102 Maple St. Bandera City Park
Bandera, Texas
A day to get your feet wet with a River
Parade, Arts and Crafts, music and more.
Annual Masonic Open Car Show
Saturday June 6 All Day
809 South Adams Street
Fredericksburg, Texas
Classic car show featuring some of the best
classic, custom and hot rod cars in Texas.
Car entries begin at 7am at the Marktplatz
and all proceeds go the the Masonic Lodge
charities.
fredericksburgmasons.com
(830) 997-5984
54
There are 4th of July celebrations in
just about every community in the Hill
Country. Gear yourself up for music,
fireworks, parades and American pride
on our nation’s birthday.
Compiled by Jack Armstrong
Crider’s Rodeo & Dancehall
July 3rd - Cody Johnson
2310 Hwy 39 Hunt Texas | (830) 238-4441
cridersrodeoanddance.com
July 4th Celebration - Whiskey Myers
House Pasture Concerts
2 North River Road, Concan, Texas
(830) 232-6580 | housepasture.com
Luckenbach Texas - July 4th Celebration
Cody Jinks, Tom McElvain & Dirty Pesos
412 Luckenbach Town Loop
Fredericksburg, Texas | (830) 997-3224
luckenbachtexas.com
A full day of music at Hill Country
Ground Zero - Luckenbach, where everybody is always somebody.
texasheartbeat.com
National Day of the American Cowboy
Saturday July 25, 2015 - Bandera, Texas
1 - 10pm Mansfield Park
The Cowboy Capitol of the World pulls
out all the stops on this celebration that is
totally Texan. A full day of celebrating the
heritage of the Old West including gunfights and cowboys & Indians galoore!
Marble Falls Open Pro Rodeo Lake LBJ
July 17 - 18 All Day
100 Rodeo Dr. Marble Falls, Texas
(512) 755-5773 | marblefallsrodeo.org
LakeFest Drag Boat Race | Lake LBJ
August 7 - 9 All Day
Lakeside Park & Johnson Park
(830) 693-2815 | marblefallslakefest.com
55
Walt Perryman - Poet Laureate of Luckenbach
Cancer Survivors
When I was first diagnosed, my first
thought was, I’m going to die.
So, I wrote this for you cancer
survivors, I think you will identify.
Sometimes with God and modern
medicine, we live another day.
That’s when you appreciate life in a
more honest and positive way.
Once you have cancer, you look at life
different than before,
And, you appreciate the little things in
life a whole lot more.
Everyone knows that someday they
will die, this is very true,
But, sometimes being a cancer
survivor can be a benefit to you.
Sunsets and sunrises are more
magnificent than any you’ve seen.
And you appreciate every hour and
minute that comes in between.
Yes, modern medicine has a come real
long way.
I thank God and modern medicine for
each and every day.
Grandmothers House
When I drive by where my
Grandmother’s house used to be,
All of those childhood memories are
brought back to me.
I remember every tree, the chicken
coup and the cow pen.
It is so easy to remember those good
old days back then.
I remember how Grandmother was
always singing a gospel song.
And all of the things she did to teach
me right from wrong.
But now, you cannot tell if her house
was ever here or not,
Because where her house once stood is
just an empty lot.
There will come a day and it may be
near,
When no one will know, her house was
ever here.
We die three times. Death
and then you are buried, that is two,
The third is when no one is left to
remember you.
Grandmother and her house have been
gone a long time you see,
But so far
they have not made it to number three.
texasheartbeat.com
57
I
can’t even mention Ruthie Foster
without fans speaking up with accolades about
her voice, her performance and her songs.
I have a long history of listening to Ruthie, which includes a Willie Nelson picnic at
Luckenbach, the Kerrville Folk Festival many
times, Schreiner University for the Literacy
and Learning concert produced by the Texas
Heritage Music Foundation, the Texas Music
Coffeehouse on campus, The Texas Book Fair,
and best of all...in my English classroom!! Yes,
she has always been generous, and before a
coffeehouse performance she visited my classroom, telling her story. Cyd Cassone was playing percussion with her at the time so we heard
stories from both women. My interview with
Ruthie for my second book. Women in Texas
Music: Stories and Songs, was so long (like the
Terri Hendrix interview), that I had to cut out
lots of our conversation.
courtesy of ruthiefoster.com
Here’s what I remember. The women in the church in East Texas, tapping those
shoes and wearing those big hats in church,
her experience singing in the Navy, her roots
in small town Texas, and her experience traveling the world. And her smile! When she
smiles, and she usually does, Ruthie shines her
inner light out on all around her. Yes, the voice
embraces us, but the smile invites us to join in
the beauty of the moment.
Ruthie’s new album, “Promise of a
Brand New Day,” is her third Grammy nomination in a row, says her website. My experience with Ruthie is tied up in my love for the
Kerrville Folk Festival as well. And my love
for Rod Kennedy, the founder. How he loved
Ruthie! Well, he loved many of the performers
on that stage, but seems to be some kind of
special love showered on a few.
You can read the bio, the press, the
reviews on her web. I can tell you what it was
like to showcase her at a luncheon one June
in Monterey, California. The Young Rhetorician’s Conference in June is a gathering of
teachers young in heart and spirit, “willing to
dance.” I was given the honor of choosing the
luncheon speaker.
Once we had Thom Steinbeck as
I had met him at a Willie Nelson concert.
Ruthie was playing that Monterey stage
where Jimi Hendrix burned his guitar, and
I asked her to come early and talk to this
group of writing teachers. We heard a few
songs with stories of the writing. All were
inspired. Now the Monterey Blues Festival is
no more. A tragic loss to budgets I suppose.
And over 100 California teachers have heard
the stories of Ruthie Foster.
Yes, we know she plays to thousands at festival and moves hearts with her
voice. But the intimacy of a classroom, a coffeehouse, a conference give her the chance
to really share herself. And she does! I just
attended two Bob Dylan concerts, one in
Austin and one in San Antonio. Bob did not
choose to share himself even though the set
was dark and intimate. As were the songs
this time. The difference? I think Ruthie has
the courage to share herself. It takes that to
reveal rather than conceal. And I am a huge
Bob fan as many of you know. Takes all kinds
for sure.
Ruthie will take the stage again
on Sunday night, June 7, the final night of
the Kerrville Folk Festival. Right before
the Chubby Knuckle Band and finale. Her
voice will ring through the hills, and her energy will awaken the spirit in all. The ghost
of Rod Kennedy will be sitting in his usual
spot, grinning. I can see that now. “Death
comes knocking,” “Got to put on my travelin’
continued on page 80 . . .
LIVE MUSIC VENUES
IN THE HILL COUNTRY
KERRVILLE
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 22- June 2
3876 Medina Highway, Kerrville, TX
(830) 257-3600
Texas Heritage Music Foundation
2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, Texas
(830) 792-1945
Cafe on the Ridge
13439 S Ranch Road 783, Kerrville, TX
(830) 896-0420
Azul
202 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, TX
(830) 896-9338
Callioux Theater
910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX
(830) 896-9393
Nautilus Beach Bar
2126 Sidney Baker Street, Kerrville, TX
Phone:(830) 895-2920
Headwaters Saloon
Hwy 783 Harper, TX
(830) 864-4055
1011 Bistro
1011 Bistro, 1011 Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX
(830) 895-1169
BANDERA
11th Street Cowboy Bar
307 11th St, Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-4849
Longhorn Saloon
1307 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-3600
Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar
308 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-8826
Flying L Ranch
Saturdays - Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show
PO Box 1959, Bandera, TX
BOERNE/BLANCO
Ol Watering Hole
1109 Broadway, Kerrville, TX
(830) 257-4653
Soda Pops
103 North Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 331-8799
Guadalupe River Club
1483 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX
(830) 896-3354
Cave Without A Name
Frequent Concerts in the Cave
325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX
(830) 537-4212
Inn of the Hills
1001 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX
(830) 895-5000
Blanco Riverside Bar
18 Main Street, Blanco, TX 78606, USA
(830) 833-0208
COMFORT/WARING
INGRAM / HUNT
Cocky Rooster
7 US Highway 87, Comfort, TX
(830) 995-5109
Crider’s Dancehall
2310 hwy 39 Hunt TX
(830) 238-4441
Waring General Store
Live Music ednesdays
544 Waring Welfare Rd, Waring, TX
(830) 995-4377
Roddy Tree Ranch
820 Texas 39 Ingram, TX
830-367-2871
Tucan Jim’s
5814 Texas 27, Center Point, TX
(830) 634-2640
FREDERICKSBURG
The Hunt Store
1634 Highway 39, Hunt, TX
(830) 238-4410
NEW BRAUNFELS
GRUENE
Luckenbach
412 Luckenbach Town Loop
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
(830) 997-3224
Gruene Hall
1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX
(830) 606-1281
Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse
305 W Main St, Fredericksberg, TX
(830) 992-3288
River Road Icehouse
1791 Hueco Springs Loop, New Braunfels, TX
(830) 626-1335
Hondo’s on Main
312 W. Main St. Fredericksburg, TX
(830)-997-1633
CONCAN/UVALDE
The Rockbox
109 N Llano St, Fredericksburg, TX
(830) 997-7625
Silver Creek
310 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX
(830) 990-4949
El Milagro Twenty Twelve
249 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX
Phone:(830) 307-3051
Auslander Restaurant
323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX
(830) 997-7714
House Pasture Cattle Co
2 River Rd, Concan, TX 78838
(830) 232-6580
Lone Star Saloon
2429 Milam St, Uvalde, TX 78801
(830) 591-9191
Country Wedding Photography
karyn lyn 210.316.2986
62
texasheartbeat.com
63
FEATURED ARTIST
Aurora Joleen
A
urora Joleen (a.k.a. Joleen Franklin) is on a life long
walk-about which has taken her across the globe on her
journey into art in both graphic art and jewelry design. Spending most of her life in Kerrville she set out
at 18 to travel in search of art forms that underlined the
cultural differences between different people.
In each region visited, she would study the tools
and techniques of the local masters. After 18 months
in Africa and a long period of study in Mexico, Joleen
focused her talents on Latin tribal cultural art.
Influenced by such diverse artists as
Leonardo Da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, jeweler
William Spratling and street artists
Banksky and Shepherd Fairey, Joleen has
found a deep well of inspiration in her
life’s journey and is still always studying.
Her motto and advice to young
artists? Keep an open mind, heart and eye.
Never give up and although it will require a
strong mind and will, follow your path where
it leads. There you will find happiness in your
art and that is really what it’s all about.
I was asked by a friend the other
day what I thought of the 13th Floor Elevator
reunion at Psychfest May 10th in Austin and I
replied, “There just aren’t words.” My publisher
reminded me that there had better be at least
500. No problem.
would be hard to replicate but getting Tommy
Hall, the visionary lyricist and electric jug
player of the band, previously reluctant to do
such a show, made the journey by train from
San Francisco. A documentary of his life and
work was filmed en route.
LEVITATION had to struggle
uphill against our Texas weather with record
rainfalls in Austin causing them to have to
make major modifications to the festival site,
including moving entire stages overnight.
With a forecast of a 90% chance of heavy
thunder storms I packed rain ponchos but
not a drop fell on the day of the reunion.
Roky Erickson & The Elevators
After a 45-year hiatus, one of the
most legendary and influential bands of the
rock-n-roll world was going to take the stage
again with all the surviving original members
of the band on stage.
The current resurrection of the band
is due to a number of causes. The entire catalog
of the band’s record label, International Artists,
was acquired recently and all the old master
tapes were lovingly restored and released
on both CD and in limited edition vinyl box
sets. Also a new generation of musicians were
discovering the Elevator’s magic and the band’s
expanded fan demographic dropped about 40
years in age almost overnight.
The producers of LEVITATION (the
theme of this year’s Psychfest) performed a
booking miracle that many had tried in past to
accomplish - getting the whole band together.
Previous reunion attempts had come up short
in gathering all of the surviving members.
The
band’s
guitarist,
Stacy
Sutherland died in the 1980’s and his work
66
Concert Producers/Promoters Left to Right
Alex Maas, Briana Purser, James Oswald, bassist Ronnie
Leatherman, Rob Fitzpatrick, Christian Bland
Getting in and out of the festival
was quick and easy and all the staff at the
festival knew their job and did it well. As
an example the wait for a bathroom was
about two minutes. Would be gate crashers
were sorely disappointed by the sharp-eyed
professional security.
The Elevators went on not long
after sundown and the electricity of the
crowd’s vibe was tangible. When the lights
came up, 9,000 plus fans erupted into a great
cheer as the band fired up a perenial fave,
“She Lives. (In a Time of Her Own)”
The band was cooking. All the
surving members, Roky Erickson, Tommy
Hall, Ronnie Leatherman and John Ike
Walton were onstage with a bit of help from
their friends - Fred Mitchem and Eli Southard
on guitars and Jeger Erickson, Roky’s son
helping out with vocals and harmonica.
were both appropriate and well-played.
One of the things lended to the
authenticity of the performance was the
producers of LEVITATION provided a back
line of vintage amplifiers (heaven knows where
they found them) from the 60s era. Another
musical equalizer was the fact that all the
bands shared the same back line making for a
great 60s sound and quick band change outs.
Band lyricist & electric jug player
Tommy Hall
The band played all the perenial
favorites, “Slip Inside This House,” “(I’ve Got)
Levitation,” and one of my personal favorites
that is always on my set list too - “Splash 1.”
9,000+ Pychfest Fans
One of my concerns before the
concert was how the unique style of departed
guitarist Stacy Sutherland was going to be
duplicated. Stacy was one of a kind an had a
special blues-roots style of pschedelic guitar.
My worries were unfounded. Fred Mitchem
held down the groove with Stacy’s signature
licks and the solo work by Eli Southard
caputured the essence of Stacy’s magic and
when Eli would go off the farm a bit his solos
texasheartbeat.com
Guitarist Fred Mitchum & Bassist Ronnie Leatherman
The band closed the set with the
frantic “Roller Coaster,” before returning for
an encore of their biggest hit, “You’re Gonna
Miss Me.” It certainly warmed my heart to
see the new, younger fans heaping the longoverdue praise to this iconic band.
Hats off to LEVITATION’s producers - they accomplished nothing less than a
miracle. There are rumors in the wind of another show in Los Angeles this summer.
adfaAfter almost a half century absent from the stage,
The 13th Floor Elevators take a bow.
67
QUICK REVIEWS
“Rockin’ Land”
JO HELL
Independent Release
Produced by Dave Dickenson & Jo Hell
Review by Greg Forest
French-Canadian guitar refugee from Montreal Jo Hell
brings some butt-kickin’ bad ass blues to his most recent
release, “Rocking Land.” Arriving in Austin in 2006, Joe
took to the blues scene like a duck to water and was playing
all the notable clubs including the legendary Antone’s. A
compelling performer and red hot handed bluesman, Jo
has made a name for himself across Texas and the region. I caught up with him at the Cocky
Rooster in Comfort last month and he brought down the house playing a mix of originals and
evergreen blues covers. He is an artist that stands out in both the studio and on stage.
My favorite tunes on this all-original CD are “Walking the Blues,” and the title song, a
fast tempo Stevie Ray-esque song “Rockin’ Land” and all the songs are stand outs.
Jo started his musical career at age 12 and was playing gigs at age 16 and his youth
masks the skills of an older master bluesman. Jo is on the web at www.johellband.com and has
an active Facebook page so link up, like and friend him. Coming up this summer for the band is
a tour across the Gulf Coast June 19- 28 through Texas, Mississippi & Alabama.
“Rucca”
JOE KING CARRASCO & EL MOLINA
Anaconda Records
Produced by Joe King Carrasco & Matt Smith
Review by Greg Forest
There is something about a Vox/Farfisa organ that
brings back visions of the original TexMex sounds of
great artists like the Sir Doug Quintet and, of course, Joe
“King” Carrasco. As this CD includes original members
of the Quintet, it is not surprising. Joe is carrying the
torch for the genre with flare and fun. A Joe King
concert is something you can define in just a few words, “dance-able and fun.” I challenge
you to put “Rucca” on your stereo and not have a physcial reacton of some kind. “Rucca
will transport you to one of Joe’s party party weekends.
The studio band members read like a who’s who of legendary Texas performers
including Augie Meyers, Ernie Durawa, Speedy Sparks, John X Reed, Joe Morales, Jerry
Quintero and Marcello Guana.
Coming up this summer for JKC are appearances June 5th & 7th at the Kerrville Folk
Festival in Kerrville, June 27th at The Back Porch Bar in Port Aransas, July 11th at Strange Brew
in Austin and August 22th the Viva Terlingua Fest in Terlingua. So get out to the beach party
with Joe this summer.
68
JOE KING at the LAZY DAYS CANTEEN
W
hen was the last time you
saw a good live show in the Hill Country?
Was it in a bar? Was the food good?
Was your MOJO workin’? For me, JOE
KING CARRASCO at the LAZY DAYS
CANTEEN gets the gold star. JOE KING
has been a legendary live music experience
for decades and he’s still got it.
He can shred a guitar
from stage and you might want to clear
a spot on your table for any unexpected
rock star behavior. I mean, this guy will
be up on your table waving that Fender
around like he’s trying to flag down a
rescue plane without missing a beat.
The venue is, in my opinion, THE
best live music venue in the Kerrville/
Hunt/Ingram area by far. The quality of
entertainment AND atmosphere are like
no other. The Canteen is actually a semioutdoor venue located about a mile past
The Dam Store at the Roddy Tree Ranch
Resort where you can rent cabins on the
Guadalupe River.
They do have a beer and wine
license, but you can bring your own spirits
for mixed beverages, in fact, I had my first
cold can of LUCKENBACH beer there. texasheartbeat.com
A concert review by VIKKI VINYL
They bring in caterers to do
the food, and for this particular show,
the cuisine was brought in by Conchita’s
on main. Let me tell you, the chicken
avocado eggrolls were foodgasmic! Joe
King rocked the house with his Tex Mex
Rock-n-Roll laced with Reggae and Cha
Cha Cha that kept the dancefloor full all
night long.
Look for his new CD to hit the
streets this summer and keep an eye
on the line up at Roddy Tree for more
fantastic live shows like this one.
It’s gonna be an awesome
season for live music at the Lazy Days
Canteen this year. See you there.
69
Festival
Friday Evening: This being my second year to attend, I was told that the rain and
madness of mud was to be prepared for this
April event; dedicated attendees were well prepared...I was kind of...leaning more towards
the weather being wrong, as they usually are.
They weren’t.
The heaven-sent buckets of rain and
muddy terrain didn’t stop this Festival from
reaching full capacity; I did consciously bring
two pairs of cowgirl boots, including my favorite pretty ones that I only wear on special
occasions...not in the mud. I rolled in Friday
evening, a tad late because of the storms...if
you are not familiar with the campgrounds,
plan your daylight accordingly.
Jerry McFaddin of the Mavericks
Pet-peeve: setting camp in the dark.
Off and away I go with my Texas Heartbeat VIP
backstage pass, in my favorite Lucchese alligator boots caked in mud, gracefully stomping
on the perfectly mud dappled red carpet to
watch The Mavericks! Even though they are
not a “Texas born” band, they just fit well here.
I don’t care if you are a stick in the mud with
no lick of rhythm, I believe it would be impossible to be immobile to their signature beat.
Raul Malo of the Mavericks
The Mavericks are just a solid talented group of cool cats who shelve themselves in many genres and eras. Just because
the Fest closes at Midnight, doesn’t mean it
is over--who likes to come see such talented
musicians that the Old Settlers gather? Other talented musicians of course, and as we
all know, most musicians have a night owl
hootin’ in their ears. From 18 years old to
80, huddles of instruments gather, from new
friends to old; it’s just part of the fun Festival
experience.
Saturday morning: After my princess spit bath and yummy vendor massive
meat-with-collard greens breakfast sandwich, I ventured over to the Children’s Talent
show. Amazing to watch young artists like a
7 yr old grasping a Gibson, softly resting on
her blue-jean overalls, singing with a voice
like Alison Krauss. After that uplifting and
youthful boost, I ventured to the vendors,
which consisted of artisans of all nature.
70 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country SUMMER 2015
Festivities
by Karyn Lyn
Rising Appalachia
Wicked What-Nots was officially chosen to
be my main souvenir selection...they took
their jar full of copper pennies, creativity and
eclectic photo art and handcrafted earrings,
bracelets, and pendants. Check them out
online!
Onward to the music! My first
band of the day to interview, Rising Appalachia, I chose specifically not just because I
am fond of female musicians, but because I
wasn’t familiar with them and their Appalachian essence they interested me as in why
they were at this Texas Festival for the first
year and how they fit into this festival. Their
music was hauntingly beautiful, almost as if
I was standing amongst their glorious Appalachian Mountains. Tribal, eerie, moving,
and inspirational vibes from the Appalachians. “Having toured over 14,000 miles
across the United States and graced many
stages around the world, Rising Appalachia’s vision and sound is quickly proving
to be contagious to everyone it touches.”
During my time with Leah and Chloe, these
two humbly spoke with accented kindness:
They encourage musicians to “slow down
and be gentle.” Influences such as: World
Music, Old Time Appalachian, Scotch-Irish,
South African, and Louisiana-style, have
all touched their souls. They released their
new album, “Wider Circles” at the Festival.
For more of Rising Appalachia, visit them at
www.risingappalachia.com.
texasheartbeat.com
Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis
Another highlight of the trip was
soaking in music from Texas Hill Country’s own
Bruce Robison and his beautiful bride, Kelly
Willis. Because Bruce is a local Bandera graduate and has played The Cabaret, Arkey Blues Silver Dollar, Gruene Hall and Luckenbach, just to
name a few...also you can’t miss him because he’s
9ft Texas Tall yet as sweet as Texas Tea. Not only
has Bruce been recognized for his well-known
songwriting that George Strait, Tim McGraw,
Dixie Chicks and many others have recorded,
but his soft melodic voice harmonized with Kelly’s is truly mellow to move to. Bruce’s songs aren’t just songs, you don’t just listen to the music,
you hear it.
The words are clear and tell a story.
Bruce speaks of being “inspired by and values
the ones who celebrate song writing, such as
Don Williams, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson--believe in yourself, don’t be in it for the
money, or you’ll be disappointed; do it for the
love of music; it takes effort, time, and luck.”
I do not think I saw one face that
didn’t smile, not one person that wasn’t just
plain happy to be there...and that’s the true feel
of Festivals like this.
71
CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE
T
by Greg Forest
customers.
hey say you can’t fight city hall but
When weighing a move to a
recently it seems that you can add another
credit union, there are some compelling
entity that is immune to any consumer
reasons that make it worthwhile and a
backlash - big banks.
few drawbacks:
The gorilla banks that were
deemed, “too big to fail” during the
2008 meltdown are now bigger and still
leveraging your savings and mortgages
with toxic derivatives that make their
2008 stature look like
98-pound
weaklings.
The saddest part is that
recently Congress, through buy-partisan
legislation, put the U.S. taxpayer on the
hook again for any future meltdowns. Wall
Street banks are flying over treacherous
territory with a multi-trillion dollar net
below them that we have woven.
What can a consumer do to
protect their assets and savings? An
Protecting Your Money
idea that is coming of age is keeping
Credit unions, while not under the
your money in your community instead
umbrella of the F.D.I.C., have their own
of sending it off to the Wall Street crap
safety net in the form of the National
shoot.
Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) which
Credit unions are stepping up to
insures accounts up to $250,000 in a
the plate to allow us to have more control
program similar to the FDIC. In 2008
in how our checking, savings and other
when the T.A.R.P. injected over $700
monetary products are handled.
billion in banking relief, the credit
The biggest difference between a
unions (the vast majority wholesale
bank and a credit union is that banks are
credit unions that don’t handle retail
owned by investors that are looking for
accounts), also victimized by submassive short term profits while credit
prime mortgages and mortgage backed
unions are owned by members who are
securities in their portfolios, required
more interested in long-term stability.
only $20 billion to shore up accounts.
The move from banks to credit
Only one of these entities was based in
unions began slowly but is gaining
Texas. During the banking crisis only
momentum especially in the last year
33 retail credit unions failed as opposed
when 2 million new customers walked in
to 297 banks and savings and loan
their doors and the assets now held by
institutions. Bottom line: credit unions
credit unions passed $1 trillion dollars
have greater solvency and fail at a much
with credit unions serving 90 million
lower rate than banks.
Customer Service
In polls of customer satisfaction, credit
unions win hands down. Being tied to the
community and owned by members, it
would be hard to imagine otherwise.
Checking Account Fees
70% of credit unions feature nofee checking accounts while only 39%
of banks do. With the monthly account
fees being charged by banks averaging
$12.26 in 2014 (almost $150 annually),
those credit unions that do charge
monthly account fees charge much less.
There are also limits on many of the free
checking accounts offered by banks such
as minimum balances and the number
of transactions you must post in a billing
cycle.
Lower Mortgage & Loan Rates
Most credit unions are offering
mortgages at a point or two lower than
the big banks and even better rates on car
loans and credit cards.
Accessibility, Products and Options
There are a large number of
products and conveniences that banks
offer and where credit unions are moving
to catch up with emerging technology.
Overall online banking services offer more
options and products than a credit union
and there are no large ATM networks although many credit unions offer limited
member rebates for members using outtexasheartbeat.com
of-network ATMS. With hundreds and
sometimes thousands of in-network
ATMs available, the banks have a clear
advantage in this regard. Also credit
unions are only available to individuals
so you will have to take your business
account to a bank.
The big national banks also have
hundreds, if not thousands, of brick an
mortar outlets - in all major cities and
sometimes even overseas.
Talking to Sandy Lumbley,
CEO and president of the Hill Country
Federal Credit Union, she had this to say
about the solvency of local Hill Country
credit unions, “I know of no Hill Country
credit union that took a bailout. I know
of no Hill Country credit union that has
ever failed.”
When it comes to capital
reserves she commented, “Our credit
union is making sure that we focus on our
Capital position. Capital is your savings
of all of the money you have earned
through the years. When bad times come
your Capital is your safety net. Loan
losses can take away from your Capital.
You make sure that your underwriting
is strong but yet you can still serve your
membership. “
When asked about the growth
recently of her credit union, it seems to
be following the national trend, “Our
growth has been amazing. We have an
average growth rate of 20% a year.”
There appears to be reasons to
use both credit unions and banks but, at
least for me personally, I feel a bit better
about my money management when
I do my best to keep my small nest egg
in my local community rather than Wall
Street. I ask myself, “What has a megacorp big bank ever done for me?” The
answer seems to be an increase in fees for
everything that banks used to deliver as
part of a basic personal bank account.
73
Thus far, 2015 has been a time of good
rains in South and Central Texas. At the ranch,
my pastures look better and greener than they
have in several years. Median temperatures
have been mild and generally pleasant.
Of course, if you are like me, the
abundant rainfall has also caused intense weed
growth…..I see more weeds than I remember
seeing in a long time! Tall, plump, and gangly
weeds have sprung up everywhere.
In your yard, the best weed control
is accomplished by way of your lawnmower.
Providing you regularly mow the weeds prior
to flower set, you can do an excellent job of
controlling weeds. Because you are mowing
prior to the weeds going to bloom then to
seed, you are also minimizing next year’s weed
proliferation. The weed-mulch created by your
lawn mower will feed your lawn.
Weeds in gardens and flower beds
are a different story and require an entirely
different strategy. While picking and pulling is
effective, due to the sheer abundance of weed
growth, you will need to consider other weed
control alternatives.
The alternative of choice is spraying.
But the big questions is, “What works effectively
to kill the weeds?” But more important, “What
works to effectively but safely kill those pesky
weeds?”
By reading my previous articles,
you know that I avoid chemical fertilizers and
herbicides. I will not use petro-chemical based
products on my soils. But, I must admit that I
am tempted to temporarily use some of these
poisons just because the weeds are so horrific!
Fortunately I do have a weed-killing
remedy that works well, is safe for people, pets,
and livestock, and is very economical. To
kill weeds effectively just follow this method
described below.
In a pump sprayer, combine the
following ingredients and stir well:
*1 gallon of 10% White Pickling Vinegar (
found at any good grocery store )
1 cup of Epsom Salts
1 oz. of Orange Oil or di-limonene
1 tsp of liquid dish soap
1 tbl of Molasses ( optional )
Very important! Do not dilute with water
*20% Agricultural Vinegar may be used in
lieu of the pickling vinegar, and it will kill the
vegetation faster than the 10%, but costs at
least four times as much.
To apply, simply spray the vegetation
you wish to eliminate. Spraying should be
done in the morning sun. You may need to
repeat the process 1 or 2 additional times to
eradicate undesirable vegetation.
Be careful what you spray because
this mixture is indiscriminate. Whatever
green and leafy plants you spray will yellow
and die.
However, there is a reprieve for
woody plants and tree trunks as this vinegar
mixture does not negatively affect these plants
in the least.
A side note……..there are no
harmful residues or harmful side- effects to
your soils. In fact, the vinegar nourishes the
soil as does the orange oil. The molasses is
nutrient dense and acts to gently re-mineralize
the soil. Also, the orange oil acts to repel bugs!
texasheartbeat.com
75
2310 Hwy 39 Hunt Texas • Phone: (830 238-4441
SUMMER 2015
S
ince 1925 the Crider family has welcomed thousands of people each
summer to the weekly rodeo & dance. On the shores of the Guadalupe River, you
can dance, dine and rodeo at one of Texas’ most beloved outdoor venues. Bootscootin’ fun in a family friendly environment has made Crider’s one of the most
popular live music and rodeo venues in the Hill Country. The rodeo starts at 8pm
and features a variety of categories and there is also Mutton Bustin’ and a Calf
Scramble for the Kids. Crider’s features some of the best in Texas country music
starting at 9pm.
CATFISH FRIDAY NIGHTS!
Enjoy catfish with all the fixin’s.
3 Plate Sizes for the Whole Family
Family Friendly - Kids with Toys Welcome
BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine)
Serving at 6pm
FRIDAY JULY 3RD!
SPECIAL JULY 4TH WEEKEND DANCE
Proud to be an American?
Show your colors and come on out to celebrate
the Red, White and Blue with this special
Friday Night Dance.
featuring
CODY JOHNSON
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
JUNE 6TH
JACK
NELSON
JUNE 13TH
JOHN
SLAUGHTER
JUNE 20TH
CAMERON
NELSON
JUNE 27TH
MATT
CALDWELL
JULY 4TH
JON
BEAUMONT
JULY 11TH
CACTUS
COUNTRY
JULY 18TH
NICK
LAWRENCE
JULY 25TH
CHRIS
SALINAS
AUGUST 1ST
AUGUST 8TH
AUGUST 15TH
AUGUST 22ND
JON C. WAY
BRET
MULLINS
AUGUST 29TH
JOSH
WARD
AARON
EINHOUSE
ZANE
WILLIAMS
SEPT 5TH
NICK
LAWRENCE
OUT ON THE
HEART BEAT
EMMYLOU HARRIS & RODNEY CROWELL @ Y.O. LOBBY
BRUCE ROBISON & KELLY WILLIS @ OLD SETTLERS
MIKE KASBERG TRIO @ AZUL LOUNGE
13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS REUNION @ PSYCHFEST
THE ELEVATORS ON STAGE
SEAN LENNON
PARDO & REED @ WARING GENERAL STORE
W.C. CLARK @ THE RODDY TREE RANCH
We have posted a commemorative photo book of the 13th Floor Elevators Reunion
on our web site and Facebook page for free download. Enjoy.
texasheartbeat.com
79
Ruthie Foster from page 7 . . .
shoes,” “Got a hole in my pocket” are some
words that come easily to my lips these day.
Her rendition of the Terri Hendrix song is
always mentioned by Terri when Terri plays
the song.
Terri and Lloyd will return for the
third year as special guest of the Texas Heritage Music Day, Friday, September 25. Terri will be on campus all day, pay tribute to
Jimmie Rodgers, and be featured at 7:30 p.m.
in the Cailloux Student Center with Lloyd
Maines. And I know we will hear her song
with her shout out to Ruthie Foster. Seems I
discovered them both in my life at the same
time. Soul sisters in a way. Toyota of Boerne
presents Terri and Lloyd so the concert is by
donation only. Put that on your calendar!
And head out to the Kerrville Folk Festival
this year. Dalis Allen, the producer and great
compadre of founder Rod Kennedy, brings
a woman’s wisdom and beauty to the event.
See you there. Ils sont partis. KH
Like us on Facebook, join our organization at Texasheritagemusic.org and
consider volunteering. kat@texasheritagemusic.org
texasheritagemusic.org
Allyce from page 27 . . .
So the next time you ask the question, “Are
you a real cowboy?” to the guy in the hat
and boots and spurs, do it with respect. You
might want to check whether there’s a horse
anywhere nearby and whether he’s got his
spurs on the right feet – or not. “All hat and
no cattle” cowboys are real, too, or as The
Kingston Trio sang, “I can see by your outfit that you are a cowboy./You can see by my
outfit I’m a cowboy too/You can see by our
outfits that we are both cowboys./Get yourself an outfit, and be a cowboy too.”
It’s about respect. It’s about heroes.
Yes, ma’am.
It’s Gonna Be One Hot Summer!
June
July
August
realalebrewing.com
4th of July

Vol2 No3 Summer 2015 - Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

Transcription

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