June 2018 echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO JUNE 2018

Music Scene ‘Nearby South by’ Hays County hosts plenty of local talent

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © February 2018.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Contributing Writers Moses Leos III Exsar Arguello Katerina Barton David White

Contributing Photographers Moses Leos III David White Distribution David White Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Teresa Starr Office Manager Wendie Hyer

EDITOR’S NOTE

‘Nearby South by’ ... It’s a thing A

wise woman once said that music makes the people come together.

From the smallest child to the grumpiest of old timers, the minute a catchy beat floats through the air, the indelible need to shake your groove thing persists.

Ah yes, Madonna was on point when her hit song smashed the airwaves in 2000, speaking to how music can be the greatest unifier.

Oddly enough, one might be able to tie Madge’s 18-year-old song right here in Hays County. After all, with all of the differences of opinion we might foster, nothing brings us all together like the beat of a drum or a strum of a guitar on a warm summer night.

That’s why this month, we at the Hays County Echo are proud to focus on music in Hays County and all it

has to offer.

Our first few stops take us across the county, where reporter Katerina Barton explores a thriving live music scene in the area.

For some residents, teaching music is equally as gratifying as performing it on stage.

Reporter Carlie Porterfield sheds light on several music studios and the impact learning music has on the human psyche.

Of course, delving into music also means taking a look at the next up-and-coming acts. Reporter Exsar Arguello chats with a Dripping Springs-area garage band which hopes to one day make it big.

For some, the allure of an old-fashioned dance hall strikes their fancy. Arguello also sits down with the owners of the Mercer Street Dance Hall in Dripping Springs, who plan to resurrect the venue after its closure.

Our final act takes us to Buda, where an area resident fulfilled his dream of working in the music industry by ensuring touring musicians are ready for their shows.

Reading this issue could drive some to cry for an encore. That’s why we at the Hays County Echo encourage our readers in “nearby South by” to go out there and find a live music act.

After all, music does in fact make the world go around.

Thanks for reading and rock on, Moses Leos III, Editor

IN THIS ISSUE...

Music Venues ‘Nearby South By’.......................................4 Hill Country venues offer old-Austin ambiance An Answer to the Music Calling........................................6 Educators hand down legacy of music Hays Grad is Man Behind the Scenes...............................8 Local musician turns music promoter Sneaky Peaches Rock the Springs.................................10

For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

See the Hays County Echo online for free at www.HaysFreePress.com

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June 2018

High school trio developing their sound around town Dance Hall Tradition..........................................................11 Mercer Street owners to keep old feel in new locale Central Texas Events Calendar........................................12 Hays County Echo Service Directory..............................14

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Music venues ‘nearby South by’

win Dickie Lee Er

Tavern on Main

photos by Kate Barton

A

BY KATERINA BARTON

ustin became known as the live music capital of the world because of its trendy music scene and artists of all kinds playing at every dive bar and venue they could find.

My dad went to the University of Texas at Austin, and he told me many times about the music he would go listen to at a hole-in-the-wall bar, ironically called Hole in the Wall. Today, Hole in the Wall has become less of a dive bar and one of many unofficial South by Southwest venues.

With Austin’s population growing so

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June 2018

much, the music scene has grown along with it, making the Texas capital flourish as a hotbed for artists, music and events.

But with that growth, some locals feel like the city has lost some of its “old Austin” charm of the dark dive bars and the tunes of small-time bands. If you find yourself missing the classic juke

joints of Austin, maybe its time to drive on down south to Hays County.

In Buda, Julie Renfro, owner of Tavern on Main on Main Street, believes her beer garden has the “old Austin vibe.”

She tries to capture that mystique with the atmosphere of her outdoor venue, which features lights, and an intimate stage scene.

Renfro opened the Tavern June 15, 2012 after the city allowed alcohol sales in bars. She opened it first with the business plan of a community restaurant and bar and, slowly, it transformed into a live music venue.

“It really, honestly, sort of came to me

and I had a crush on the whole music scene so it was such an amazing treat to have all of these delightful, fun, smart entertaining people around me and then to find out they were musicians that wanted to play here. That’s how it all started,” Renfro said.

Renfro tries to have three to four musicians a week and tends to book music that lands in the range of Americana folksy, country, rock. She especially loves singer-songwriters; she wants an original sound if possible.

Renfro also enjoys hosting what she calls “Nearby South by” for the past four years. She hosts the event the week of

Hays City Store

Oscar W. Hou chins III and B ill Black

“Beautiful nights, shimmering lights, big oak trees. It just speaks to me of Texas Hill Country and music, and to me, they go hand in hand.”

–Tamra Tindol, co-owner of Hays City Store

South by Southwest (SXSW) for people who do not want to brave the Austin crowds.

“The reputation is that Austin is a complete madhouse that week, so many people don’t want to go in at all – musicians and guests alike – I try to run music that week,” Renfro said. “You don’t need a wristband and the parking is free, that’s what I always tell everybody.”

Recently, the Dickie Lee Erwin Band, a group that plays folksy, rock and funk music, filled the summer night air with the strains of their tunes. Whether it was the music or the atmosphere of

the band, there was a definite sense of nostalgia, Erwin said.

“This feels so much like the spots in old Austin and how it used to be around there,” Dickie Lee Erwin said. “You’ve got your outdoor venue, the lights, the vibe, it’s not pretentious, and that’s what I love about it.”

Renfro says the best compliment that she has ever received is that her place reminded someone of the old Liberty Lunch in Austin.

Just across the hills and slightly deeper into the Hill Country sits the Hays City Store, which also holds a similar outdoor live music scene.

When the weather permits, the Hays City Store will have music up from five to six times per week.

Tamra Tindol, co-owner of the Hays City Store, said she and her husband, co-owner Travis Tindol, find many of their music acts out of Wimberley and Austin.

One such act was Oscar W. Houchins III and his bandmate, Bill Black, who live in Kyle and Austin respectively.

The duo played for the first time at the Hays City Store on a busy Thursday night. The bandmates and friends were each part of a band called The Clique, at separate times, which was inducted

into the Gulf Coast’s Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

“We have a lot of deep roots in the Texas music scene and a lot of our guests have been around Austin or the Wimberley scene their entire lives, so they get really excited when they get to hear local music,” Tindol said.

For Tindol, the atmosphere of the Texas Hill Country and live music are synonymous.

“Beautiful nights, shimmering lights, big oak trees. It just speaks to me of Texas Hill Country and music, and to me, they go hand in hand,” Tamra Tindol said.

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An answer to the music calling T

BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD

he path toward a career in music education was an unconventional one for area resident Anita Williams.

As a 13-year-old junior high student, Williams began to teach piano to her peers in order to save money to attend a Baylor University music camp.

After attending the camp for two summers, Williams decided in high school a career in music was her calling.

“I just remember looking around and thinking, ‘Gosh, all of my best friends are in this choir and what we can do together is so awesome,’” she said. “If there had been a spotlight shining down from heaven, it was there, standing in choir. That was it.”

After working as a music teacher for decades, Williams now teaches piano at Curious Chords, where she has worked since shortly after she moved to Hays County in 2013.

Working with students to help them learn to play music gives them a sense of pride, and a way to express emotions in ways that cannot be put into words, Williams said.

“Music is the bridge, the bridge to people, and to getting to know yourself and your soul and your emotions,” she said.

Jenny Sandoval, co-owner at Curious Chords, began teaching music lessons in high school. She went on to work at public schools and private studios.

Sandoval eventually went on to start Curious Chords, in order to have more flexibility to balance responsibilities at work and home The studio has students from three years old, all the way up to a man who is 80, she said. Music lessons help them both, Sandoval said. Special-needs children can also benefit from learning to play an instrument.

“As you’re progressing through life, your brain processes things differently,” she said. “Music is beneficial for the brain in every stage of development.”

Many of the local musicians perform when they’re not teaching.

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June 2018

Anita Williams and McKenna Wimberley, a fourth-grade student at Negley Elementary, warm up during a piano lesson. (photos by Carlie Porterfield)

“I just remember looking around and thinking, ‘Gosh, all of my best friends are in this choir and what we can do together is so awesome. If there had been a spotlight shining down from heaven, it was there, standing in choir. That was it.”

–Anita Williams, music teacher

Williams and Sandoval both perform with local churches, while Jonathan Jamison, owner of Allegro School of Music in Buda, performs gigs on weekends with multiple groups. Jamison is a member of The Derailers, a group that has toured around the world and performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry. He is also part of an organ trio called The Basil Trio.

Jamison said he uses his experience on stage to help students. “(Performing and teaching music) are different. But they are different things that related together. I use my knowl-

edge of each to benefit the other,” Jamison said. “At Allegro School of Music, we can teach a person a more classical style and we can teach them to be a working performer, to go off and be in a band, based on the goal of the student.”

Whatever a person’s goals, he thinks anyone can benefit from learning about music.

“Musical education is important for everybody, because music is such a present part of everyone’s life,” Jamison said. “It’s a way to deepen a person’s enjoyment of the music that surrounds us all of the time.”

Jenny Sandoval began giving music lessons in high school, going on to work in public schools and private studios after that. She now co-owns Curious Chords music school.

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Hays grad is man behind the scenes A

BY MOSES LEOS III

fter being part of a garage band in his high school and college years, Buda native Jon Johnson always dreamt of a career within the music industry.

Never did Johnson realize, however, a path into the business could be found away from the spotlight.

By utilizing his communication skills and business savvy, Johnson earned his way to becoming a successful tour manager who assists country artist Sam Riggs. And while the job has its stresses, what it offers Johnson is a chance to live out his dream. “(Music) is kind of something that’s always been part of my life,” Johnson said. “My parents really support it.”

Johnson’s path toward tour management began during his years in college.

At that time Johnson’s music group that he had been part of during high school disbanded.

While he wanted to stay in the music business, Johnson realized his on-stage talents weren’t successful enough to keep going.

“I realized I wasn’t talented enough to continue playing professionaly,” Johnson said. “But I’ve always been good at business and talking to people, so I tried doing that.”

Soon, Johnson began asking people if they needed assistance running soundboards or selling merchandise. At first, he offered his services for free, as it was a fun venture for Johnson.

Over time, and as he began to develop his marketing and sound technician skills, Johnson began to earn paid gigs.

Helping Johnson along the way were a handful of friends and mentors who guided him. His background in music also played a vital role in his success.

His friends also helped to turn him to the world of tour management, and all of its inner workings.

Johnson made the choice when he was 18 that he wanted to be the person in charge, the one who facilitates the behind-the-scenes work before musicians even hit the stage.

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June 2018

sy of (photos courte

Jon Johnson)

“When you see a band, you never notice the sound guy or merchandise guy. At least I didn’t until I was in the business. I realized they were necessary parts.”

–Jon Johnson, man behind the scenes

Kevin B.

Now in his mid-20s, Johnson is the person who works out all the details, making sure that his client gets what is needed long before the concert begins.

“I wanted to be the guy in charge. I wanted to take a job in touring,” Johnson said. “I’m not going to be just a sound guy. I wanted to do everything.”

Johnson quickly discovered that the job of a tour manager means wearing a variety of hats. One of the major aspects of the business is planning and communicating with venues to ensure they’re ready for the band to perform.

A tour manager also must occasionally play the role of a sound technician, merchandise salesman, secretary and contract negotiator. The tour manager is essentially the “face of the band” and works weeks in advance to make sure things go as smoothly as possible for their clients, Johnson said.

There are times when the job can be stressful. Johnson said he must work months in advance to ensure venues are ready to host an act before they hit the stage.

Johnson also works to ensure contracts between the venue and the band are followed as much as possible. Terms within a contract can include anything from the amount paid to the musicians and the band, to any hospitality or technical riders, or stipulations, asked for by the acts.

That process can vary depending on where Johnson’s act is performing, and whether or not the location caters to music, or is a bar and venue.

“Sometimes, we can allow them (venues) to not provide a hospitality rider,” Johnson said. “But the technical rider has to be provided 100 percent. Because we can’t use any sound system. It won’t always work.”

The tour schedule itself can also be a tricky situation to navigate as well.

Johnson said his current client tours Thursday through Saturday and can go anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 miles each weekend. Sixty to 70 percent of Johnson’s touring experience happens in Texas, but there are times when the band goes to the west or east coast.

Such a schedule means staying on time as much as possible, and that’s something Johnson works to impart on his clients. That includes use of a phone app that keeps band members on the same page.

“We try to keep the schedules the same every day so the band knows what’s going on,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he credits his family and girlfriend for supporting his career.

While it’s not for everyone, the chance to watch acts in venues such as the House of Blues in Chicago or at festivals with 50,000 to 60,000 people is life for Johnson.

“When I was young, I didn’t realize this job existed. You see a band and think, ‘holy smokes, that’s awesome,’” Johnson said. “When you see a band, you never notice the sound guy or merchandize guy, at least I didn’t until I was in the business. I realized they were necessary parts.”

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Jonah

Noah

Elijah

Sneaky Peaches rock the Springs

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

As they start setting up their gear for rehearsal, Dripping Springs residents Noah and Elijah Cedana and Jonah Brown begin warming up in their own meticulous fashion.

Elijah stretches his hands and plays some drum fills to warm up, while Noah sings a few notes and plays a riff on his bass guitar. All the while, Jonah carefully tunes his guitar, working his pedals to ensure he gets the best tone from his instrument in a calculated manner.

Once they’re ready, the trio plays a few tunes to iron out the hiccups before packing up to eventually repeat the process again.

Such is the life for the trio of lifelong friends, who are embarking on a musical journey in an ever-changing world with their band, Sneaky Peaches and Fuzz.

The group, all Dripping Springs High students, are the newest trio to hit the music scene of Dripping Springs with an alternative rock-focused sound, offering variety to a musically-centered city.

But the band’s beginnings, which stemmed from musical interest at a young age, eventually brought the trio to form their own project.

Noah and Elijah, along with Jonah began playing music together at a young age, sharing guitar riffs and talking about their musical taste along the way. Noah

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June 2018

Sneaky Peaches and the Fuzz is a trio of Dripping Springs High students performing alternative rock music locally.

and Jonah went separate ways, joining pains in a world where music is predomtheir own musical projects before cominantly being produced without instruing together to form the new band. ments.

“Country music is huge in Dripping “There is a challenge with finding peoSprings, and I wanted to bring someple to actually form and play together thing new,” Noah said. “We pick songs in a band,” Jonah said. “People just that best fit in and around my vocal don’t play instruments range and compile a set of music we love like they to play.” used Although the band currently plays to cover songs of popular alternative tracks, the trio plans to write original music in the anynear future, an more. endeavor JoBass and “There is a challenge nah has bedrummers are gun and will hard to come with finding people to continue as by, and actually form and play the band sometimes grows. you have to together in a band. People The inimake sacrijust don’t play instruments tial success fices in a band of Sneaky to fill in where the like they used to Peaches and band needs you.” anymore. the Fuzz did Noah said young people not come withwho are interested in music out its growing tend to view it as a hobby rath–Jonah Brown

er than an immediate passion, which makes it difficult to find potential recruits. As the current singer and bass player, Noah has the interest to switch to guitar while maintaining his vocal needs.

“You play music for the love of music, and sometimes you have to play to the band’s needs,” Noah said. “It’s getting harder and harder to find people, but I would rather play music and enjoy it than not play at all.”

Future plans for the band include playing more live shows in and around the Dripping Springs area, with hopes to leave their mark in the Hill Country.

Regardless of the band’s long-term success, a profession in music is on the radar for the trio.

Elijah said he has hopes to be a studio drummer one day, playing for a variety of bands to fine tune his skills and gain respect in the music industry.

“I want to be hired one day,” he said.

“When you’re in one band it’s easy to get bored just playing the same material, but a studio drummer plays different music all the time. My goal is to play every style I can.”

Mercer Street aims to keep dance hall tradition alive “We accomplished this goal at the last hall and we are looking to have the same traditional look with the new location while adding some improvements along the way. We can be proud of providing that historical dance hall feel, but we need to keep that momentum going.”

–Chris Harkness, promotions manager for Mercer Street photo by Ashley Sava

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

W

hile it may have closed its doors for good last month, owners of the Mercer Street Dance Hall are preparing for a comeback in the near future.

A new facility, located on a parcel of land between Dripping Springs and Wimberley on Ranch Road 12, will run under the same brand, name, image and love for music.

“The new location will be versatile and will make better use of the overall space,” said Nick Dotin, co-owner of the Mercer Street Dance Hall. “We will still host the same type of music people know us by and we will keep that level of talent.”

But the Mercer Street Dance Hall, which was in operation for five years, was a newcomer in the world of dance

halls, a long stemming Hill Country tradition that has its roots with German settlers in the mid-1800s.

Chris Harkness, promotions manager for Mercer Street, said the challenge was to have the aesthetic of other dance halls in the area which have been in operation for over 100 years, an attempt to integrate with the history of the Hill Country.

“We accomplished this goal at the last hall and we are looking to have the same traditional look with the new location while adding some improvements along the way,” Harkness said. “We can be proud of providing that historical dance hall feel, but we need to keep that momentum going.”

The technology revolution of the last decade has indirectly affected people’s entertainment practices, something Dotin said is always the challenge of

opening a dance hall.

With services like HBO, Netflix, music streaming services and the internet, entertainment funds can typically be spent in the comfort of one’s home.

Keeping the dance hall tradition is not only an important one for Harkness and Dotin, but one vital to physical communication and enjoyment.

“The dance hall business is a struggle,” Dotin said. “You can never leave your house and be entertained for hours. That is why the quality of music has to be there. You’re competing against all types of businesses all the time.”

Despite profit margins being thin within the first five years of business, Dotin said the labor of love and opportunity to give back to the community is enough to keep the dance hall alive.

The new building will feature a cen-

tered stage and a roughly 1,500-squarefoot dance floor and improved acoustics, with the Mercer Street feel that the community has enjoyed for years.

Dotin said he is hopeful the new building will be open by December, or a little before if the process runs smoothly.

“We’ve had tremendous support from our community, which has been incredible to see,” Dotin said. “People come to Mercer and feel safe. It’s an environment where you can enjoy great music, a drink, but ultimately, feel safe with a community you know and supports what you do. We will continue that reputation.”

The Mercer Street Dance Hall gofundme page has raised over $13,000 in a month, an effort by the Dripping Springs community to keep the tradition alive.

page 11

Central Texas Events Calendar June 2 Buda Market in the Park

Market in the Park will be held the first Saturday of the month through September, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Buda’s historical downtown greenbelt.

Vendors will be local chamber members, farmers, artisans, antique dealers, and musicians.

June 7-10 Republic of Texas Biker Rally

The ROT Rally is held at the Travis County Expo Center, and is widely known for its downtown Austin bike parade, which closes off more than 50 city blocks and ends on Congress Avenue in front of the Texas State Capitol. Visit rotrally.com for more information.

June, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Buda Gearheads

Join local car enthusiasts every Saturday evening (weather permitting) from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Gearheads’ new location – Home Depot in Kyle. Congregate and enjoy bench racing and hot rod fellowship with other car guys and gals.

June, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters

June 7-10 ATX Television Festival

ATX Television Festival is a fourday event in downtown Austin that celebrates the television medium: looking back at its history, where it is now, and where it is headed. The festival consists of panels, screenings, and events where attendees and leaders in the TV industry talk, watch, and experience television together as one community. Visit atxfestival.com for more information.

Experience the excitement of the Wild West with the award-winning Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters, re-creating shootouts and daily life of the Old West. Shows are at high noon and 2 p.m. at the Bandera Visitors Center.For more information, visit banderacowboycapital.com.

June 3, 10, 17, 24 Buda Farmers Market

Shop for fresh baked goods, organic produce and so much more at the weekly farmers market now located at Buda Mill and Grain retail area, 308 S. Main Street.

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June 2018

June 8-10 Blanco Lavender Festival

The entire town of Blanco will be bathed in lavender during the 14th annual event. The Lavender Market, on the grounds of the historic Blanco County Courthouse, will offer lavender goods from some of the finest artists and craftspeople from across the state. A speakers pavilion runs throughout the festival with topics ranging from how to grow lavender in your home garden to the

importance of bees. Live music all three days under the shade of the oak trees in Blanco’s Bindseil Park will keep things festive. Fine craft beers, regional wineries and Texas-made specialty packaged foods complete the festival offerings. Tour the lavender farms and learn about this unique and historic plant. Admission is free. For more information, visit blancolavenderfest.com.

June 9 Second Saturday Gallery Trail

The art galleries in and around the Wimberley Square invite you to come early and stay late for wine, light bites, and an art-filled evening. At various locations in Wimberley. For more information, visit gallerytrail.com

June 8 San Marcos Wine & Art Walk

A three-day experience in local fare, wine, and the best art in the region.

Wine walkers can enjoy wine Friday night, Saturday ind downtown San Marcos, with Art Squared showcasing the best of local art. The annual Heritage Home Tour on Saturday and Sunday will feature unique history and character of San Marcos. Kid’s crafts, live art demos, and entertainment will round out the weekend. For more information, visit smtxwinewalk.com

June 9 Texas Water Safari

Billed as the “World’s Toughest Boat Race,” the Texas Water Safari is a 260-mile long canoe and kayak race from Spring Lake in San Marcos to the city of Seadrift on the Texas coastline.

Come cheer the teams on at various riverside parks. At the Meadows Center in San Marcos.

June 9 Bubblepalooza

A free annual celebration of open play, everyone is invited to spend time on the Long Center’s City Terrace in Austin and expansive lawns enjoying live music, trailer food, and of course, tons of bubbles. For more information, visit the longcenter.org.

June 10 Sunday Matinee with 3 Chord Rodeo

Traditional country sounds and great dancing music. Sunday afternoon dancing and you can still get home in time for supper! $5 at the door. Mercer Street Dancehall in Dripping Springs. Visit mercerstreetdancehall.com for more information.

June 23 Tomato Round-Up: Home-Grown Tomato Contest

The seventh annual event is open to farmers and backyard gardeners.

Tomato tastings and competitions will include garden-fresh, vineripened tomatoes – from the smallest, sweetest cherries to the largest, juiciest slicers and the richest, most flavorful heirlooms. Food and drink vendors will sell tomato-themed

treats. Kid-friendly activities add to the fun, while attendees can learn from Hays County master gardeners about growing the perfect tomato as well as listen to Hill Country-inspired music.

Veterans Memorial Park, Dripping Springs. For more information, visit cityofdrippingsprings.com/page/ fm.tomato

June 23 Hill Country Food Truck Festival

At the fifth annual event, enjoy regional food trucks, Texas Hill Country wine, Texas craft beers, and live Americana music at Luckenbach, Fredericksburg, Texas. For more information, visit luckenbachtexas.com

June 30 Johnson City Art Walk

All galleries open tor visitation and enjoyment from 4 to 8 p.m. Adult beverages and snacks provided.

Nugent Avenue and Main Street in Johnson City. For more information, visit lbjcountry.com

4 FREE Bottles and First Month Cooler Rental FREE! • 5 & 3 Gal. Bottles • Coolers • .5 Liter Bottles • R/O Filtration • Private Label Available

• Drinking • Spring Water • Purified Water • Hot & Cold • Room Temp & Cold

Every Drop of Hill Country Springs water comes from a protected Spring Source, NOT filtered municipal Water!

CALL NOW FOR YOUR HOME AND OFFICE DELIVERY NEEDS

(Present this ad to your routeman for special.)

866-691-2369

Family Owned and Operated.

Friendly Hometown Service, Serving Texans!

FARMERS®

PrePlanning • aftercare Program cremation • traditional ServiceS

Texas Lehigh Sudoku Solution, from page 7

Debbie Thames Insurance Agency AUTO • HOME • LIFE BOAT • HEALTH 251 N. FM 1626 #2C • Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing • 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 in Plum Creek

512-268-8200 H www.HarrellFuneralHomes.com page 13

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING A&E Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC

Free furnace special, $500 off complete system or 15% off any repair by mentioning you saw us here.

512-312-9535 www.ae4cool.com

NEMEC Heating and Air

Proudly serving Central Texas.

Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH–35, 262–1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292–1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512–894–3888

Buda Automotive

You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair.

601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

Central Garage, LLC

Complete Auto Repair, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

20 Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs 512-894-4114 or 512-858-4252

COMPUTER SERVICE Hays Technical Services

Want help selecting the best value? Office systems not maintained? Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

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June 2018

DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking

Loam, topsoil, sand, gravel, roadbase, asphalt millings, granite, compost mix. Tractor work available. Specializing in country driveways.

512-858-7952. robinnds@aol. com, www.rick-rob.com

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall

Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlord–tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation. 130 Hall Professional Center , Kyle, TX. 512–268–6425

FENCING HTC Fence & More

Wood fences built right. Repairs, gates, post replacements, fully insured. Mowing $45 for standard yard (mow, edge & cleanup). Free estimates, veteran owned.

830-556-7445

PAINTING Texas Star Painting

Interior and exterior painting. Siding & rotten wood replacement. Sheet rock repairs. Wallpaper removal & wall texture. Pressure washing.

Insured & References available, 512-699-0441.

LANDSCAPING Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies

We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway.

Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam.

12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.

Who Does Your Lawn

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-7882180 or email apa6207@ sbcglobal.net Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010.

Taking care of all lawn needs so you can play. Mowing, trimming, edging, debris removal, flower bed maintenance

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company

Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512–312–0710

Johnson Plumbing

Residential and commercial repair.

John Johnson, 512-690-3298 JohnsonPlumbingServices.com MPL#40749

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service

Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994. 512–326–4695. www.gspoolspa.com

High Tide Pool Service

Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & cleans pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering. Free estimates, call Keith Miller at 512 965-3465.

REMODELING Tri–County Construction

Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512–282–6224

Wild West Remodeling

No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512–402–4704

ROOFING Area Roofing Company

Serving Hays County. Residential & Commercial. Free estimates.

Insurance claims welcome. Ron Johnson, owner. 512–312–5050

SEPTIC SERVICES All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC

Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more.

Commercial and residential. www. allsepticcheck.com, 512–282–3889.

Sellman Enterprises, Inc.

Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512–312–0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

SHOE REPAIR Austin Shoe Hospital

Quality boot & shoe repair as well as purse and luggage repair.

Ten locations in Central Texas including: Ben White & Manchaca, 512-440-8788; Hwy 290 & Nutty Brown Rd., 512-827-3398; and Hwy 290 in Oak Hill, 512-2886386.

SIGNS & BANNERS Sky High Quality Signs, Inc.

Banners, vinyl decals, vehicle wraps, realty signs, trade show signs, window graphics. 15% off first time customers. 512-504-3283.

TREE SERVICES Lees Trees

Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for June. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net

WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade

Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more.

Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation. Call 512-847-8970, www.madeintheshadeofwimberley. com

Be the hero of your grill this summer PINEAPPLE PORK KEBABS Recipe courtesy of pitmaster Sterling Ball Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 3-4

FAMILY FEATURES Nothing brings people together like a barbecue. There seems to be something about being outdoors and the sizzle of fresh food on the grill that makes you want to gather with family and friends.

This summer, you can be the hero of your grill with a few simple tips and tricks: • A great meal starts with great meat.

Make sure to use versatile, high-quality and tender cuts of fresh pork ribs, chops and tenderloins.

• Cut down on time, not flavor. Look for pre-seasoned meats such as pork chops, or slice, dice or cube larger cuts like boneless loin to shorten cook time and increase flavor.

• Grill like a pro. Use direct heat for burgers and chops, and indirect heat for larger cuts like ribs.

Find more summer grilling tips and pitmaster-perfected recipes at SmithfieldGetGrilling.com.

ST. LOUIS STYLE PORK SPARE RIBS WITH COFFEE COCOA DRY RUB Recipe courtesy of pitmaster Chris Lilly Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 3 1/2 hours Servings: 4-6 7 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 4 teaspoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground coffee 2 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder 2 teaspoons black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 3/4 teaspoon ancho chile pepper 1/8 teaspoon coriander 1/8 teaspoon turmeric 2 racks Smithfield St. Louis Style Pork Spareribs, membrane removed

Build charcoal fire for indirect cooking by situating coals on one side of grill, leaving other side empty. Heat grill to 250 F. To make dry rub: In small bowl, combine salt, brown sugar, chili powder, coffee, cocoa, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ancho chile pepper, coriander and turmeric.

Generously apply dry rub onto front and back of pork ribs. Gently pat to ensure rub adheres.

Put ribs meat-side up over indirect heat, away from coals, close lid and cook until ribs are tender, about 3 1/2 hours.

Remove ribs from grill and let rest, uncovered, 5 minutes. Slice ribs between bones and serve.

1/2 boneless fresh pork loin 1 sweet onion, cut into 1-1 1/2inch square pieces 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-1 1/2inch square pieces 2 cups pineapple chunks 3-4 tablespoons barbecue rub 2 1/2 cups teriyaki marinade 3-4 flexible skewers Heat grill or smoker to 250 F. Cut pork loin into 2-inch cubes.

Season pork loin, sweet onion, red bell pepper and pineapple chunks with rub.

Thread pork loin, onion, pepper and pineapple on skewer; repeat until length of skewer is almost full. Repeat with additional skewers.

Put assembled kebabs in large re-sealable bag and add teriyaki marinade. Carefully remove air from marinade bag and refrigerate 20 minutes.

Remove kebabs from marinade bag and place on grill over indirect heat; cook 12-14 minutes, remove and set aside.

Increase grill temperature to 400 F. Sear kebabs at high heat, until caramelized. Using meat thermometer, check pork loin cubes for doneness; remove from heat once pork reaches internal temperature of 145 F.

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Well-Check Exams Walk in well-check exams, June & July Extended hours July & August See schedules at ARCcheckup.com Book online at ARCbooknow.com

Book Online Today! ARCbooknow.com 183

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34203 4 967

FM 967, Ste B-100 Buda, TX 78610

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512-295-1608

Wiley Way

Clinic Hours M–F: 7:30am–5:00pm

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AUSTIN

June 2018

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ARC Kyle Plum Creek 4100 Everett St, Ste 400 Kyle, TX 78640

Everett

Buda Sportsplex Dr

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Kohlers Crossing

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Clinic Hours M–F: 7:30am–9:00pm Sat & Sun: 8:00am–5:00pm