Heart Beat Summer 2015 by Greg Forest

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.

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

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!

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

The Oldest Hardware Store in Texas!

Henne Hardware A Tradition Since 1857

texasheartbeat.com

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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! Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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 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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CATION BY OUR LO Y OR STOP DA TO AM TE GAZELLE CALL THE

830-792-2121 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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

texasheartbeat.com

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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 . . .

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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!

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

texasheartbeat.com

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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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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! Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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!

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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. Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re firing up for our 2015 Summer projects. Visit the web site for more information.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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

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Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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

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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

Compiled by Jack Armstrong

Criderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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.

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Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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 Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

texasheartbeat.com

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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 lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

JOE KING at the LAZY DAYS CANTEEN

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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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.

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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.

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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. 72 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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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. Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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!

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Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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 78 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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

Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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.

80 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

SUMMER 2015

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