THE ROUGHSTOCK
MUSIC EXPRESSES THAT WHICH CANNOT AND ON WHICH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO
CANNOT BE SAID TO BE SILENT.
Victor Hugo “
CONTACT
info@unsungtx.com
PUBLISHER VALU3I
CURATOR
Casey Frank
VISIONARY
Scott Foley
CONNECTOR
Jessica Culaciati
CONTRIBUTORS
Collin Tucker
PRINTING Direct TX
@unsungtx unsungtx.com
LET’S COLLAB
We are excited to explore potential collaborations and would love your input.
If you have a favorite Unsung artist you’d like to see featured, a live music venue you frequent, or would like to spotlight influential behind-the-scenes individuals in the music industry, please visit unsungtx.com.
We look forward to hearing your recommendations.
Curators WORD
Unsung® was once just a pipe dream—a concept born from a deep desire to spotlight the local musicians who often go unnoticed— artists who have begun to make their mark on our community’s music scene yet haven’t reached the level of household names or sold records in the thousands. Back then, the timing wasn’t right. So, the idea remained dormant, reduced to a web domain and a forgotten file on my MacBook, buried among thousands of others.
In early 2024, as my husband and I embarked on a new venture in Gruene, we forged incredible connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and reignited the long-held dream of Unsung.
While Gruene Hall may have given Texas music its iconic birthplace, our local scene extends far beyond those historic walls. It’s alive and flourishing all around us—some might even say the title of “Live Music Capital of the World” has found a new home in the 78130.
Unsung is dedicated to honoring the vibrant world of local music and the artists who bring it to life. We’re committed to uncovering the heart of their stories—the raw, unpolished energy and the intricate spirit that drives their creativity. From inspiration to execution, we’ll delve into the emotions that resonate through their music and define their sound.
Beyond the artists, we’ll shine a light on the vital roles of the supportive community—the fans, venues and collaborators who foster the creative ecosystem. We also celebrate the often-overlooked individuals behind the curtain—producers, engineers, managers— whose expertise refines the sound and fuels the pulse of the local music scene.
We hope you’ll discover new talents, connect with their music, and feel inspired to support them. See them live, stream their music, buy their merch, follow their socials and become part of their story.
WHATCHA LISTENIN’ TO?
Locals reveal what’s on their playlists right now
UP.
BACKSTAGE PASS
Collin Tucker: Audio Engineer & Master Behind the Music
THE ROUGHSTOCK
A fusion of Delta blues, gritty honkytonk and bluegrass, all steeped in a deep, shadowy edge
SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE
Check out the premier songwriters competition presented bi-monthly by Gruene Studios and The Villa
SPOTLIGHT: THE VILLA
Gruene’s newest hotspot for live music, sports, play and delicious drinks
GRUENE GROOVES
Stay in tune with Gruene’s vibrant live music scene
THE SCENE
A schedule of upcoming events in Gruene
TAKE ‘EM TO THE CHORUS
Delve into the lyrics of song, “Diggin’ My Own Grave” by The Roughstock
TUNED IN
Challenge your Roughstock music knowledge with this exclusive word search
WHATCHA LISTENIN’ TO?
Originally from Kentucky, Kelly is a traveling nurse on assignment until the end of the year. She loves classic country music, but when she’s in the mood to dance, you’ll find her turning up some hip hop or Marvin Gaye.
Ed, a familiar face in the Gruene live music scene, is always eager to catch the next great performance. From local favorites like Tony Taylor and Michael Neumann to the timeless sounds of Miles Davis, Ed’s music tastes are as eclectic as they are passionate. By day, you’ll often find him vibing to jazz legends from the ‘40s and ‘50s, while his nights are spent soaking up the energy of Gruene’s live performances.
WE VISITED SOME POPULAR SPOTS IN GRUENE TO FIND OUT WHICH LOCAL AND MAINSTREAM ARTISTS ARE TOPPING THE PLAYLISTS OF LOCALS.
Biggs, visiting from Mississippi for work, recently caught an unforgettable Dave Matthews show at The Gorge Amphitheater. Right now, he’s vibing to the groovy sounds of Khruangbin, a threepiece band known for their laid-back funk, and Kaytranada, whose dance beats are keeping his playlist on fire.
While shooting a game of pool down at The Villa, Kevin shared his current music obsession. Though he’s a fan of all genres, these days you’ll find Post Malone on repeat in his playlist.
Vaugn was straight to the point: Gym: Heavy Metal
Work: 49 Winchester Station, Post Malone, ‘90s Grunge and Red Dirt/92.1 Romance: Gangsta Rap
BACKSTAGE PASS
COLLIN TUCKER:
AUDIO ENGINEER & MASTER BEHIND THE MUSIC
Music has always been at the heart of my life. I have countless fond memories of diving into my dad and grandpa’s record collection, utterly mesmerized by how a bumpy disk could somehow bring a full brass band to life, making me feel like I had my own personal concert with just a flick of my fingers.
“i’m just here to make it all sound incredible.”
What’s the most memorable session you’ve ever worked on? It has to be with a band from San Marcos called WindowShop. It was one of my first solo sessions as an engineer, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. Trying to fit all the musicians into the recording space, wrangling the cables, and positioning the microphones—it was a creative puzzle. But the moment we hit record, magic happened. It felt like the band and I had built this fantastic machine together, and suddenly, we were soaring through space. We ended up recording 12 songs in just one day!
What’s one thing people always get wrong about what you do as an audio engineer? I get a lot of song requests, which always cracks me up because I’m not usually the DJ—I’m just here to make it all sound incredible.
Audio gear is constantly evolving—how do you stay ahead of the curve without drowning in a sea of tech? Being an engineer pretty much turns you into a gear nerd. You can’t help it; the job demands it. I mean, I can’t do my work without the right tools, and while technology evolves, the core principles of sound stay pretty much the same. The longer you’re in the game, the more you start to speak the language fluently.
How do you balance the science of sound with the art of creating vibes? Audio engineering is a beautiful blend of brainpower. It takes both the mathematical side and the creative side. On one hand, I’m piecing together this giant puzzle of sounds. On the other, I’m trying to enhance the performance without boxing in the artist. My biggest piece of advice? Trust your ears. If it sounds good, it is good—don’t overthink it.
Who’s your current road crew? Right now, I’m out on the road with country artist Josh Ward, and it’s been an absolute blast. I’ve been his monitor engineer for the past year, making sure the band hears everything they need on stage during the show.
Working with artists must be wild. What’s the secret to making those collaborations click? I think the key to working with any artist is simple: listen. Pay attention to what they need and show them you’re there to support them. You have to be a servant to the art if you really want to nurture creativity.
For someone dreaming of becoming an audio genius like you, what’s the one piece of advice that could be a game-changer? You’re only as good as your last show or session. I’ve seen plenty of engineers who don’t live up to their reputation—whether it’s laziness or just thinking they’ve made it to the perfect gig. Learn from your mistakes, take pride in your work, and always push yourself to be better.
The sky’s the limit if you do. @thec_tucker67
THE ROUGHSTOCK.
A GRIT-INFUSED GRASSROOTS REVOLUTION
By Casey Frank and Jessica Culaciati
In the vast and unpredictable world of music, the road to success is often anything but straightforward. For The Roughstock, a New Braunfelsbased band blending rootsbased sounds in a style steeped by eclectic influences, that journey has been particularly unique. The band’s formation wasn’t a result of grand ambitions or carefully laid-out plans, but rather a series of life-altering events, both tragic and fortuitous, that drew its members together. Comprised
of Jake Gardner on lead guitar and vocals, Hector Adan on banjo, guitar, harmonica, and backup vocals, and Zach Avery on drums and cajon, The Roughstock is a testament to how passion and perseverance can carve out something remarkable from life’s chaotic moments.
FROM AVIATION DREAMS TO DRUMMING REALITIES
“I killed so many brain cells back then,” Zach says with a grin, reflecting on the years before he returned to
drumming. For him, the journey to becoming The Roughstock’s drummer was full of sharp turns. He had started drumming at age seven, but his love for music took a backseat as he pursued a career in aviation. Life had other plans, though. “My school shut down, and I lost my job on the same day,” he recalls, recounting the moment his aviation dreams collapsed. It was a difficult moment, but also a defining one. Needing a way to make money, he turned back to music. At first, it wasn’t
THIS IS THE WORLD WHERE I FIT IN. “ “
about passion or fulfillment—it was about survival. However, as he began to play again, something shifted. Music, which he had once viewed as a childhood hobby, became a serious endeavor that reignited his spirit.
Zach’s return to music wasn’t just a reluctant detour. It was a rediscovery of something he thought he’d left behind. “I had stopped playing for about five years, however, when the opportunity arose, it was like coming home,” he says. His turbulent world may have crashed, but the rhythm of life had him landing back on the drum kit.
Drumming wasn’t always the easy choice. It demanded long hours, countless rehearsals, and a willingness to take a leap of faith when opportunities presented themselves. But Zach realized something essential along the way: “This is the world where I fit in.” For Zach, drumming was more than just hitting beats; it was about finding his place in the world. And, as fate would have it, that place would be alongside Jake and Hector.
The tale of how the trio converged is one steeped in serendipity—a series of fortunate coincidences that felt anything but random. Jake, the band’s charismatic lead vocalist and guitarist, had always been immersed in music, even if it wasn’t his sole focus. Growing up amidst the vibrant strains of country and rock, Jake’s passion for music ignited early and burned steadily, though it wasn’t until later that he envisioned it as his fulltime calling. “I’ve been playing since I was a kid after my brother-in-law gifted me a guitar at 13, but for a long time, it was just something I did on my own,” Jake reminisces. His love affair with the guitar blossomed over the years, evolving from solitary practice sessions to a collaborative artistic pursuit.
Hector Adan, with his multifaceted musicianship spanning banjo, guitar, harmonica, and vocals, brought a different flavor to the band. His roots were deeply entwined with bluegrass, folk, and blues. “I was always around music,” Hector shares. “My family wasn’t musical, but they were always playing records, and that got me hooked.” His multi-instrumental skills and ability to switch seamlessly between backup vocals and lead parts made him an invaluable asset to the band.
It was during an open mic night that their paths truly crossed. Both Jake and Hector had been playing around the local music scene, performing at various venues, but it wasn’t until Zach entered the picture that something clicked. “I was bartending at this place, and these guys were playing an open mic. The gig got rained out, so they came inside for a drink, and I told them how killer they’d sound with drums,” Zach recalls. “I wasn’t even thinking about myself at first. I just thought they needed a beat. And eventually, I became the drummer.”
What began as an impromptu jam session soon evolved into something more profound. The chemistry between Jake, Hector, and Zach was discernible, a harmonious blend that promised
“ “ IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, MAN.
something special. Hector, who had previously known Jake through the oak-and-Mountain Laurel-lined hills of Smithson Valley, Texas, was already a familiar face in the local music circuit. Yet, his true collaboration with Jake and Zach was a new chapter in his musical narrative. “It was one of those things where we all just came together at the right time,” Hector reflects.
Their inaugural performance as a unified group took place at Pour Haus, a local hotspot known for its young, vibrant atmosphere. “It was love at first sight, man.” Jake laughs, recalling the immediate and undeniable synergy that flowed between them. Their sound—an unrefined, authentic fusion of Jake’s rock and country influences, Hector’s bluegrass and blues proficiency, and Zach’s commanding rhythm— ushered in the birth of The Roughstock. This name was not merely a label but an embodiment of their collective spirit and musical identity.
“The Roughstock” emerged organically, reflecting the band’s raw energy and untamed creativity. “We needed a name, and Hector proposed The Roughstock” Jake explains. In the context of rodeo, “roughstock” refers to the bucking bulls and broncos bred specifically for bareback riding— creatures synonymous with wildness and resilience. This metaphor perfectly encapsulated the band’s ethos: a fearless fusion of genres, blending diverse influences to forge a sound that is both bold and distinctive. “It just felt right,” Hector adds. “The name reflects the grit and determination we bring to our music.”
The Roughstock quickly found its footing in the Texas music scene. The band’s diverse backgrounds allowed them to experiment with their sound, blending genres in ways that felt fresh and authentic. But the real magic
of The Roughstock comes from their live performances, where the energy between the band and the audience is palpable. “We want our people to walk away fulfilled,” says Hector. “Like they’ve experienced something unique and real.”
Zach echoes this sentiment. “There’s something about performing live that’s like an out-of-body experience. The crowd feeds off our energy, and we feed off theirs. It’s this beautiful cycle of emotion and music that can’t be replicated in a studio.” This symbiotic relationship between performer and audience is the lifeblood of The Roughstock, driving them to continually elevate their craft and connect deeply with those who come to hear them play.
ADDING DEPTH: CONNOR
MONTOYA
AND
DAVEN KLEIN
The Roughstock’s core trio often expands with the addition of longtime friend Connor Montoya and mentor and producer Daven Klein. Both Connor and Daven rotate on bass, adding a rich, dynamic layer to the band’s sound. Montoya, a multi-talented virtuoso, has been a close friend of the band for years and naturally became part of their extended family. “Connor’s ability to play multiple instruments with such precision is incredible,” Hector notes. His skillset allows the band to experiment further with their sound.
Conversely, Daven Klein, known for his powerhouse vocals and versatility on multiple instruments, brings a wealth of experience not only as a musician but also as a producer. His mentorship has been invaluable. “Daven knows how to bring the best out of us, both in the studio and on stage,” Jake says. With their rotating roles, Connor and Daven have become an integral part of The Roughstock, adding versatility and depth to both their recordings and live performances.
While The Roughstock’s live shows are where their true brilliance shines, the transition to studio recording presented a new set of challenges. “It was difficult and long, but fun,” Zach recalls of their initial foray into recording. For a band that thrives on the spontaneity and unpredictability of live performance, the structured environment of the studio was a different beast altogether. “I played my guitar solo like 29 times,” Jake admits with a chuckle. “I was just trying to get it perfect.”
For The Roughstock, perfection is not the goal, but there is a certain pressure that comes with recording music meant to last. “In a live show, if you make a mistake, you can play off it. You can turn it into something cool. But in the studio, everything is set in stone,” Hector explains. The band found themselves balancing the desire to capture the raw energy of their live performances with the need for precision in the recording process.
Despite the challenges, the band’s first recording experience was a success. “We impressed ourselves,” says Zach. “The sound came out really well, and we learned a lot from the process.” But perhaps the most difficult part was hearing their own voices and instruments played back to them. “It’s weird hearing yourself in a recording,” Jake admits. “It’s so different from hearing yourself live. But that’s part of the growth process.”
The Roughstock isn’t just a band; it’s a brotherhood. The three members share more than just musical chemistry—they share a deep bond forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. “We don’t clash, really,” says Hector. “If anything, we just talk shit to each other, and then we laugh about it.” For a group that spends so much time together, both on and off the stage, maintaining harmony is crucial. “We’re all in this together,” Jake adds. “We share the same vision for the band, and that keeps us grounded.”
That vision is clear: to play in front of as many people as possible, to grow their fan base, and to continue evolving musically. But it’s not just about fame or fortune. For The Roughstock, music is a calling, a way to bring healing and joy to others.
“Music is everything to us,” Zach says. “It’s what we go to when life gets hard. It’s what gets us through the tough times.”
Each member of The Roughstock carries their own narrative of struggle and triumph. From personal tragedies to battles with addiction and mental health, their collective resilience is mirrored in their music.
“Music is healing,” Jake affirms. “It’s always been my escape, my way of processing the world around me.” This therapeutic relationship with music is what infuses their performances with authenticity and emotional depth.
For Hector, the restorative power of music is a gift he hopes to share with others. “We’ve all been through a lot, and I think that’s what makes our music so real. We’re not just playing songs—we’re telling stories, sharing pieces of ourselves with the audience.” This commitment to genuine expression ensures that every note they play resonates with heartfelt sincerity, creating a profound connection with their listeners.
“ IF ANYTHING, WE JUST TALK SHIT TO EACH OTHER, AND THEN WE LAUGH ABOUT IT.
“
CATCH A GIG
OCTOBER 3RD
The Villa
1190 Gruene Rd
8:30pm
OCTOBER 18TH
In A Jam Down By The River Mountain Breeze Campgrounds 201 Mt Breeze Camp
NOVEMBER 1ST
Screaming Goat Yard & Tap
4 Sun Valley Dr 7pm
NOVEMBER 13TH
The Villa 1190 Gruene Rd
7pm
As The Roughstock gazes toward the horizon, their excitement for the future is evident. They are diligently crafting new material, intent on releasing original songs that reflect their evolving artistry. Plans to expand their touring schedule are already taking shape; “We want to play 250 gigs next year,” Zach states with unwavering determination. “We’re looking at doing a Texas tour, hitting places like Lubbock, Amarillo, and Dallas.”
Despite their lofty goals, The Roughstock remains steadfastly anchored in their love for music and their commitment to authenticity. “We’re not trying to fit into any one genre,” Hector explains. “We want to blend all of our
influences—rock, country, blues—and create something that’s uniquely us.” This dedication to originality ensures that their music remains fresh and innovative, constantly pushing the boundaries of their creative expression.
As they continue to grow and evolve, one undeniable truth stands out: The Roughstock is a band imbued with heart, grit, and an insatiable passion for music. Their journey, though initiated by chance, is propelled by a profound sense of purpose and unity. For Jake, Hector, and Zach, the narrative of The Roughstock is still unfolding, with each chapter promising new heights and deeper connections.
“We just want to play,” Jake concludes with heartfelt simplicity. “Play for as many people as we can, and make sure they leave feeling something real. That’s what it’s all about.” In this pursuit, The Roughstock embodies the essence of musical endurance—resilience, authenticity, and constant evolution, always prepared to embrace whatever happens when the gate opens and the ride begins.
THE SCENE
OCT19-20
NOV16-17
OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER EVENTS IN GRUENE
OCT10-13
GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST
The Gruene Music & Wine Festival a multi-day celebration, not only of Texas and Americana music but also a celebration of wine and beer made right here in the Lone Star State. gruenemusicandwinefest.org
With nearly 100 artisans showcasing handmade goods crafted by the vendors themselves, you’ll find everything from uniquely designed items to delicious Texas-made foods. Enjoy free parking, free admission, and live entertainment. gruenemarketdays.com
OCT26-27
TEXAS CLAY FESTIVAL
The 32nd annual Texas Clay Festival showcases over 80 top Texas potters and clay artists, featuring both traditional and sculptural pieces. Enjoy artist demos, meet the makers, and explore a stunning variety of handmade pottery. texasclayfestival.com
OCT 31
HALLOWEEN IN GRUENE
Stay tuned to your favorite spots in Gruene for Halloween events! From trick or treating to Halloween parties, costume contests and live music, plus delicious food and drink specials popping up everywhere, Gruene has something for everyone this spooky season!
OCT20
OUTLAST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Gruene Harley Davidson and RAISE the Bar Entertainment present the OUTLAST Music Festival, a day of fun and community, supporting Light Work 316, Inc., a local organization aiding families facing lifechanging illness or injury. grueneharley.com
NOV28
GRUENE TURKEY TROT
Kick off Thanksgiving with an exhilarating 5K run/walk through Gruene Historic District, plus a fun 1/4 mile Turkey Chase for kids under 12. Races start and finish at Gruene Hall. The Run benefits the Comal County Sheriff’s Green Santa Program and the New Braunfels Police Department Blue Santa Program. ComalCopsForKids.org
“Diggin’ My Own Grave”
Pour a drink, And take a seat. All that I ask Is that you listen to me While I speak.
I’ve loved you since Before you could drive, And I know it’s been One hell of a ride. But I’m out of gas, And the end is near, And I’m sick of living life Without you here.
And girl, I know that I’ve been Diggin’ my own grave, But I’ll be damned if you’re the one That got away.
This hill is steep, And the road seems long, But these roots run deep, And I’ve tried to keep my calm. You can’t be replaced, You’re one of a kind, And those brown eyes, They send shivers down my spine.
And girl, I know that I’ve been Diggin’ my own grave, But I’ll be damned if you’re the one That got away.
I’d give you all I’ve got to give, Life’s too short For me to keep this hid. Crazy as it seems, It ain’t no game, It is what it is, And I’m not the one to blame.
And Lord, I know that I’ve been Diggin’ my own grave, But I’ll be damned if you’re the one That got away.
And goodbye, it gets harder every time.
I guess this heart of mine will forever stay in pine.
And girl, I know that I’ve been Diggin’ my own grave, But I’ll be damned If you’re the one that got away.
GRUENE HALL
www.gruenehall.com @gruenehall @gruenehalltx
10/1 Remembering Gene Elders 8pm
10/2 The Georges 8pm
10/3 Lindsay Beaver Duo 8pm
10/4 Casey Donahew 8pm
10/5 Casey Donahew 9pm
10/10 Nikki Lane 8pm
10/11 Stars & Guitars 5pm
10/12 Randy Rogers Band 9:30pm
10/13 Sunday Showdown 12pm
10/17 The Steel Woods 8pm
10/18 Sixpence None the Richer 8pm
10/19 Junior Brown 9pm
10/20 The Bacon Brothers 9pm
10/25 Cody Canada & The Departed 8pm
10/26 Jack Ingram 9pm
www.getdrinkingingruene.com @vinoenverde
WICHITA RED’S
@WichitaRedsinGruene
THE VILLA
www.drinklokal.com
@drinklokalnb @drinklokalatthevilla
10/2 Fast Movin’ Trio 7pm
10/3 The Roughstock 7pm
10/4 Zach Talbert & Sarah Boyd 5pm The Public Servants 8:30pm
10/5 Tony Taylor 5pm Wrangler Country 8:30pm
10/6 Chris Cruz 2pm
Jacob Kyle 5pm
10/7 Open Mic Nite with Benjamin Cole 7pm
10/9 Robert Cannon & Troy Stone 7pm
10/10 Water for Wolves 7pm
10/11 Brandon Padier 5pm
$2 Dollar Pistol 8:30pm
10/12 Trisdon Federic 4pm Anamae Rose Band 8:30pm
10/13 Jonathan Garcia 2pm Cody Bolden 5pm
10/14 Open Mic Nite with Joe McCabe 7pm
10/16 Timber Wilde 7pm
10/17 David Miner Band 7pm
10/18 Don Reilly 5pm
Chris Cuevas Project 8:30pm
10/19 To Be Announced 5pm
Jackie Not Marilyn 8:30pm
10/20 Trisdon Federic 2pm Ty Dillon 5pm
10/21 2nd Songwriters Showcase 6pm
10/23 Josh Calvin & 183 South 7pm
10/24 Lemon Pie 7pm
10/25 The Brew 8pm
10/26 Coby Rotan 5pm
Culture Jam 8:30pm
10/27 Robert Cannon 2pm
To Be Announced 5pm
10/28 Open Mic Nite with Jake Gardner 7pm
10/30 Tim & Colin Branch 7pm
10/31 Halloween Bash 7pm
GRUENE’S LAST CALL
www.grueneslastcall.com @grueneslastcall
GRISTMILL
10/3 Gregory Grant 6pm 10/8 Shawn Hart 6pm
10/17 Luke Leverette 6pm 10/24 Jamie Cameron 6pm
GRUENE LIGHT
www.rockinr.com/gruene-light-bar @TheGrueneLightBar @thegruenelightrockinr
INFERNOS
www.infernospizzeria.com @grueneinfernos @infernosgruene
THE BIRDHOUSE
www.thebirdhousetx.com @theriverhousetx @thebirdhousetx
10/4 Tom Sweeney 6:30pm 10/5 Gr8 Band 6:30pm
gristmillrestaurant.com @gristmillriverrestaurant @GristmillinGruene
GRUENE GROVE
www.gruenegrove.com @GrueneGrove
10/1 Ru Coleman Band 6pm Bill Whitbeck’s Songwriter Night 10/2 Tom Gillam 6pm Tom & Nick 8pm
& PATIO @OurLadyNBTX
THE GRAPEVINE
www.grapevineingruene.com @grapevineingruene 10/3 Matt & Sylvia Kirk
10/6 Andi Holleman
10/10 The Reed Brothers
10/11 Jess & Dave
10/12 Andrew Kreitz 12pm Austin Gilliam & The Well Fed Texans 3pm Bret Graham 6:30pm 10/13 Alli Mattice 1pm Ryan Snipes & Dynamite Eldorado 5pm 10/14 Tony Taylor 2pm 10/18 Bret Graham 5pm 10/19 Jeska Forsyth 12pm Colton’s Kin 4pm 10/20 Adam Johnson 1pm 10/25 Matt Kirk & The Gueyfarers 5pm 10/26 Slim Bawb 12pm Brandon Ford 4pm 10/27 Michael Monroe Goodman 1pm
SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE
PRESENTED BY GRUENE
STUDIOS AND THE VILLA
On October 21, 2024, Gruene Studios and The Villa will host the second installment of the Songwriters Showcase, a bi-monthly singer-songwriter competition that has quickly become a must-attend event for music lovers. This competition brings together nine of the most promising singer-songwriters, each performing their original compositions live on The Villa stage.
The stakes are high, with the top performer— determined by a combination of audience votes and evaluations from a panel of respected music industry professionals—winning a remarkable prize: the chance to record two original songs at Gruene Studios, entirely free of charge. Additionally, the winner will be featured in “Drunken Poets,” a self-funded project that shines a spotlight on exceptional Texas songwriters and performers.
The August 19th showcase saw Sydney Sims take the top spot with her captivating performances of “Sweat and Bleed” and “Never Be The Same,” setting a high bar for future contestants. As the next event approaches, anticipation is building for another evening of extraordinary talent. Don’t miss your chance to witness the rise of these up-and-coming artists in an atmosphere charged with creativity and passion.
THE MUSICIANS PHOTOGRAPHER
TUNED IN THE ROUGHSTOCK WORD SEARCH
THE ROUGHSTOCK
ZACH AVERY GUITAR
NEW BRAUNFELS
JAKE GARDNER
SONGWRITER MANDOLIN
BLUEGRASS
COUNTRY
FIDDLE
SINGER
HARMONICA
GRUENE
HECTOR ADAN
CONNOR MONTOYA
VOCALS
DRUMS
MUSIC
BASS
DAVEN KLEIN
SPOTLIGHT: The Villa
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: DISCOVERING THE VILLA FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
1190 Gruene Rd | Gruene, TX
www.drinklokal.com
On a crisp early September afternoon, I found myself stepping into the heart of Gruene, Texas, ready to experience one of its most talked-about spots: The Villa. Nestled in this historic town, The Villa immediately stands out as Gruene’s largest indoor air-conditioned bar—a welcome relief from the Texas heat. The setting felt cozy yet expansive, with plenty of room to breathe, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Outside, a fully-stocked patio bar creates the perfect open-air setting, ideal for sipping a cocktail while enjoying the breeze. Families and dog owners relaxed on the pet-friendly patio, while kids played tag and kickball in the grassy area behind the venue. The laid-back vibe here is unmistakable and it’s clear The Villa has gone to great lengths to make everyone feel welcome, whether you’re two-legged or four.
Three stages are scattered throughout the venue, hinting at the vibrant live music scene that has quickly made The Villa a prime destination for locals and visitors alike. There’s excitement in the air as the team prepped for an evening performance, and rumor has it that their upcoming food trailer will showcase secret family recipes— something I’ll definitely be returning for.
Drinks were flowing, with an impressive list of specialty cocktails, craft drafts, and local wines. The bartenders take pride in their creations, and it shows. Happy Hour, I was told, is unbeatable here—an added bonus for those looking to unwind without breaking the bank.
To one side of the breezeway, I stumbled upon the game room, where two pool tables, darts and
foosball create a lively backdrop of friendly competition. A few steps away, cornhole boards were set up on the outdoor patio, adding to the relaxed and playful vibe of the venue. Sports fans were glued to one of the ten big-screen TVs, which stream everything from NCAA to NFL and MLB games. It’s an ideal spot for game days, especially if you’re a fan of Texas sports.
One thing that struck me is the sense of community that pulses through The Villa. From hosting pet adoptions and pop-up shops to supporting local schools and non-profits, this venue is more than just a bar—it’s a hub for giving back. Events like Open Mic Nites and Trivia Tuesdays draw crowds from all corners of Gruene, sparking exciting rivalry and showcasing local talent. With plenty of space for dancing, it’s hard not to get swept up in the fun.
Planning a social gathering or business event? The Villa has you covered, with accommodations for groups big and small. Whether it’s a birthday party, a company meeting, or just a night out with friends, this venue seems tailor-made for creating unforgettable experiences.
As I left The Villa, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing this was only the beginning of my visits to Gruene’s newest watering hole. From the inviting atmosphere to the top-notch entertainment and community focus, The Villa has captured the spirit of Gruene in a way that feels both timeless and refreshing.
RIDE WITH THE ROUGHSTOCK
