Upper East Side Magazine July/August 2026

JULY/AUGUST 2026

uppereastsidetx.com

UESTX PERSON OF THE REGION

Blake Taylor brings the love of antique fishing gear to the public

COOL MUSEUMS

A great way to spend a hot summer day

THE UNTAMED NECHES

Soundbaths | Interior Design | Events | The Perfect Porch Party | European Charm

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPERSIDETX.COM • 1

FROM THE EDITORS Dear Readers, Welcome to the very first issue of Upper East Side Texas Magazine.

This publication was born from a deep love for the people, places, culture, and stories that make this region unlike anywhere else in Texas. From historic downtowns and lake communities to backroad adventures, live music venues, galleries, theaters, restaurants, museums, and front porch gatherings, the Upper East Side of Texas is filled with stories worth telling.

As we began creating this first issue, one thing became very clear: This magazine would not simply be about destinations.

It would be about connection—the people who preserve traditions, create art, support their communities, open small businesses, host live music, restore historic buildings, and continue making East Texas feel like home.

We would be remiss if we did not take a moment to thank P.A. Geddie for her guidance, encouragement, and mentorship while working on this inaugural issue. Through County Line Magazine, P.A. spent decades shining a light on the people, places, events, and culture that make this region so special. Her dedication to storytelling and promoting rural Texas communities has inspired countless readers, writers, artists, and tourism partners throughout the years. We are deeply grateful for her willingness to share her knowledge and experience during the creation of this magazine.

Please feel free to send us your comments.

Upper East Side Texas Magazine 705 Griffith Ave. | Terrell, Texas 75160 email: info@uppereastsidetx.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram

In this first issue, readers will discover a little bit of everything that makes summer in East Texas memorable. For adventurous travelers, we explore the beauty and wilderness of the Neches River and the experiences waiting along its winding waters. For those looking for a slower pace, we highlight museums, gardens, small-town escapes, theater productions, live music, and destinations perfect for a summer weekend drive.

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You will see departments throughout the magazine focused on wellness, interior design and historic renovations, food and drink, arts and culture, and the people helping shape the future of our communities while preserving the charm and traditions that make this region unique.

We hope this magazine encourages readers to take the scenic route. To stop in the small towns. To attend the concert, walk through the museum, visit the gallery, paddle the river, explore the historic downtown, or linger a little longer over coffee and conversation.

Most importantly, we hope it reminds people just how much beauty, creativity, history, and heart can be found right here in the Upper East Side of Texas.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Sharon Harper Beverly Gentry Editors & Publishers Upper East Side Texas Magazine

COVER: Rocky Shoals area of Neches River.

Photography by Adrian J. Van Dellen, JULY/AUGUST 2026

uppereastsidetx.com

UESTX PERSON OF THE REGION

Blake Taylor brings the love of antique fishing gear to the public

COOL MUSEUMS

A great way to spend a hot summer day

THE UNTAMED NECHES

Soundbaths | Interior Design | Events | The Perfect Porch Party | European Charm

CONTENTS PUBLISHERS & MANAGING EDITORS Sharon Harper Beverly Gentry CONTRIBUTORS Sharon Harper Beverly Gentry Shaydi Clary P.A. Geddie Cassie Ham Christina McDaniel Jason Jones Toni Stratton Tom Geddie Isabella Margot Lisa Holcomb Adrian J. Van Dellen Karen Kilfeather John Dodd Michael Violago Dr. Kristen Huggins Mary Brandt Cameron Gwinn Stacy Foley Natalie Marical Jay Patrick Hollis Shadden Isabella Margot

4 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

THE WILD NECHES

THE ARTS VISUAL ARTS | STAGE | MUSIC

6

Explore one of Texas’ last truly wild rivers and discover the beauty, wildlife, and adventure waiting along the Neches.

By Sharon Harper

EUROPEAN CHARM

42 Discover the Upper East Side of Texas’ towns and cities where European architecture, culture and traditions are closer than you think.

By Sharon Harper

BEAT THE HEAT

48 Escape the summer heat and explore museums filled with history, art, and unforgettable stories.

By P.A. Geddie

42

14 16 17 18

Atelier Art & Antiques Kilgore Shakespeare Festival Alice in Wonderland Winnsboro Center for the Arts Musical Theater Camp 20 TVCC Singers perform at Carnegie Hall 22 Pat Green Headlines JulyFest 24 Purple Hull Peas perform on the Bowery

EVENTS

26 Event Listings

PERSON OF THE REGION

32 Blake Taylor promotes the love of antique fishing tackle to area youth

LITERARY

37 Book Reviews 38 Poetry by Toni Stratton, Isabella Margot, and Lisa Holcomb

WELLNESS

40 The Healing Power of Sound Baths

ADVERTISING beverly@uppereastsidetx.com kristy@uppereastsidetx.com

INTERIOR DESIGN & RENOVATION

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@uppereastsidetx.com

FOOD & DRINK

Upper East Side Texas is published every other month, 6 times a year. Contents COPYRIGHT 2026 UPPER EAST SIDE TEXAS MAGAZINE all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertising appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: 705 Griffith Ave.Terrell,TX 75160 Phone: 972.757.8120. E-mail: info@uppereastsidetx.com. Website: www.uppereastsidetx.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 972.757.8120. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem incompatible with our mission.

56 Design Inspired by History

48

60 Porch Parties 64 Auntie Skinner’s 66 Bev’s Baking Corner

CHECK OUT UPPER EAST SIDE TEXAS ONLINE UPPEREASTSIDETX.com

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50 miles of East Texas Piney Woods.

No roads required.

the Neches River, get in touch with nature on one of our While you’re here: Experience beautiful lakes or trails, then go glamping at Dead Cat Ranch.

www.VisitPalestine.com 800-659-3484

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The Untamed Neches Along the Neches River, Wildness Still Exists

By Sharon Harper Just after sunrise, the Neches River feels older than Texas itself.

Mist hangs low across dark water as paddles dip quietly beneath towering cypress trees. A woodpecker rattles somewhere deep in the timber while the current slips around fallen logs and ancient roots polished smooth by centuries of flooding.

In some places, the river narrows into shadow and silence so complete it feels untouched by time.

Out here, cell service disappears. Highway noise fades. The modern world loosens its grip one bend at a time.

And that is exactly why people keep coming back.

Flowing 416 miles from Van Zandt County to Sabine Lake near Beaumont-Port Arthur, the Neches River remains one of the last truly wild rivers in Texas. Long before interstates cut across the state or subdivisions pushed into the countryside, the Neches carved its way through hardwood bottoms, pine forests, swamps, and 6 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

wetlands that still shape much of East Texas today.

For generations, East Texans have hunted along its banks, paddled its waters, photographed its scenery, and told stories about the strange beauty hidden beneath its canopy.

Some know it through books. Others know it through bruises.

Bruce Bodson has spent decades paddling Texas rivers, but he speaks about the Neches with something closer to reverence than recreation. Through years spent navigating some of the river’s roughest stretches, he has developed a deep respect for the Neches and its unpredictability.

For more than 30 years, paddlers from across Texas have gathered near Palestine during the first weekend of August for the Neches River Wilderness Race, a notoriously rugged event that often drew more than 100 participants each year.

While organizers announced the race will pause this year, many hope the tradition will return in the future.

Unlike many scenic paddling destinations, portions of the Neches are rugged, tangled, and demanding. Massive logjams, hidden snags, sharp turns, and changing water levels force paddlers to stay alert.

“It’s more obstacle course than boat race,” Bodson said with a laugh. “I’ve never finished that race not bleeding.”

For most people, that might sound like a warning.

For river people, it sounds more like part of the experience. “There’s nothing else like that stretch of river,” he said.

Over the years, a quiet community of paddlers, kayakers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts has formed around the Neches. Some return every summer simply to reconnect with the river and with one another. Others come looking for solitude, challenge, or the feeling of slipping into a part of Texas that still feels untamed.

The Neches has a way of creating those kinds of loyalties.

Part of it is the challenge. The river can shift quickly from calm reflection to tangled wilderness. Massive fallen trees force paddlers into narrow passages while sudden turns reveal stretches of water so still they mirror the forest canopy overhead.

But the deeper attraction is harder to explain.

People talk about the silence. The darkness beneath the trees. The feeling that around the next bend, the river might reveal something few places in Texas still can. And often, it does.

At the Upper Neches River National Wildlife Refuge, thousands of protected acres preserve a landscape that remains remarkably unchanged from what early travelers would have encountered centuries ago. Visitors hiking the refuge’s trails or launching kayaks into the river enter a world shaped more by flood cycles and changing seasons than pavement and development.

“You’re truly seeing what it would have been like hundreds of years ago,” said refuge manager Leo Gustafson. “It’s going to be wild habitat with a dirt road going through it.”

That sense of wildness is part of what makes the Neches different.

Unlike many outdoor destinations increasingly shaped for convenience, the Neches still asks something of the people who explore it. Summer heat settles heavily beneath the trees. Trails can flood. River levels change quickly. Fallen timber blocks passages. Getting here often requires slowing down, paying attention, and accepting a little discomfort.

and identity woven into the landscape itself. Writers have spent decades trying to capture it.

Books like Paddling the Wild Neches, Reflections on the Neches: A Naturalist’s Odyssey, and Let the River Run Wild chronicle the river’s beauty, history, and fragile importance. For those inspired to experience the river firsthand, the Neches River User Guide offers valuable insight into safely navigating the waterway, highlighting river conditions, access points, wildlife, camping areas, and important safety considerations along the route. A recently released documentary, The Neches: The Wild Heart of East Tex-

That, too, is part of the appeal.

“There’s a whole community built around these rivers,” Bodson said. “People come back every year.”

For many East Texans, the Neches is more than a river. It is memory, tradition,

OPPOSITE PAGE: A view of the wild Neches River. Photo by Adrian J. Van Dellen.

ABOVE TOP CLOCKWISE: Canoe Racers enjoy a day on the Neches River. Photos by Cassie Ham, Visit Palestine.

continued page 9

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-

NECHES continued from page 7 as, continues that storytelling tradition for a new generation discovering the river for the first time.Perhaps the reason so many people write about the Neches is because it resists easy description.

the 1600s. Steamboats later pushed cotton and timber toward the Gulf Coast while logging camps and ferry crossings appeared and disappeared beside the current.

Perhaps the The river remembers all of it. And somehow, despite reason so Texas growing faster and louder every year, parts of The river can feel peaceful many people the Neches still feel glorione moment and untamed write about ously unchanged. the next. It carries centuries Out on the water, there are of East Texas history through the Neches is places where cypress knees moments when the only rise from black water and because it sounds are paddles cutting Spanish moss hangs motioncurrent and birds moving less in humid air. resists easy overhead. No traffic. No No deadlines.

Caddo peoples once lived description. notifications.

Just water slipping through along these banks. Spanish explorers crossed the river in

East Texas.

Above: A Great Blue Heron on the lookout for a meal on Neches River. Photos by Karen Kilfeather

Wildlife Along the Neches

By Sharon Harper The Neches River corridor is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Texas. Stretching through bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, sloughs, and river swamps, the river provides habitat for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and insects.

For birders, photographers, kayakers, and nature lovers, the Neches offers a chance to experience East Texas wildlife much as it has existed for generations.

Birds of the River Corridor The Neches lies within a major migratory flyway, making it an important stopover for countless bird species throughout the year. Bald eagles are occasionally spotted during winter months, while barred owls and hawks OPPOSITE TOP: Wild ducks on the Neches.

Photo by Karen Kilfeather. MIDDLE: (l-r) Resurrection Fern growing on a log spanning across the river. Photo by Adrian J. Van Dellen. Great Egrets wading in the river on Upper Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Karen Kilfeather BOTTOM LEFT: Volunteers build and repair bird houses in the Upper Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Karen Kilfeather

remain year-round residents of the river bottoms.

Wood ducks glide through quiet backwaters while herons and egrets stalk the shallows. During migration seasons, warblers and songbirds fill the timber canopy with movement and sound.

For many visitors, the river’s soundtrack is as memorable as the scenery itself.

Wildlife in the Bottomlands White-tailed deer are commonly seen along the refuge trails and riverbanks, especially during the early morning and evening hours. Beavers work quietly along sloughs and creeks while bobcats, coyotes, and river otters move through the dense hardwood forests often unseen.

In recent years, wildlife officials and photographers have documented increasing signs of black bears slowly returning to portions of East Texas river corridors, including areas near the Neches watershed.

occasionally spot them sunning along muddy banks or slipping quietly beneath the surface of backwater sloughs.

Like much of the wildlife along the Neches, they are a reminder that this river still belongs as much to nature as it does to the people exploring it.

Smaller Wonders Not all of the river’s wildlife arrives with fanfare.

Dragonflies drift above the water in brilliant flashes of blue and green while butterflies gather along muddy banks and wildflowers. Frogs and cicadas take over at dusk, creating the familiar soundtrack of an East Texas summer night.

For visitors willing to slow down and pay attention, the Neches reveals itself one detail at a time.

Explore Responsibly

Ancient River Residents

Visitors to the Upper Neches River National Wildlife Refuge are encouraged to bring water, wear appropriate footwear, and respect the natural habitat while exploring trails and waterways.

Along portions of the lower Neches and surrounding wetlands, American alligators remain part of the river ecosystem.

While sightings are not an everyday

The reward is something increasingly rare in Texas: a chance to experience true untouched wildness. For more information visit fws.gov/refuge/neches-river.

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ABOVE: Canoers on the Neches take a break to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Courtesy Photo. BELOW: Visitors to Dead Cat Ranch located not far from the Neches can enjoy many outdoor activities. Courtesty Photo. OPPOSITE: Wild area of the Neches River in the National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Karen Kilfeather.

A WEEKEND OF ADVENTURE ALONG THE NECHES Reconnect with Nature

By Cassie Ham

The trees surround you the moment you arrive at the station, even before you depart.

As the train pulls away, towering pines, centuries-old oaks, and sweetgum trees crowd the right-of-way until the sky narrows to a ribbon of blue overhead. Somewhere in those first few miles, the rhythm of the rails begins to slow your pace, replacing schedules and deadlines with something far more welcoming — anticipation of a weekend full of adventure.

The Texas State Railroad carries passengers through 50 miles of East Texas scenery between Anderson and Cherokee counties, crossing landscapes that few visitors ever see from a highway. Palestine sits at the western end of the route, making arrival by train feel less like transportation and more 10 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

like the beginning of an East Texas adventure.

For paddlers exploring the Neches River, Palestine serves as an ideal home base. The river’s winding channels, towering forests, and quiet stretches of water are only ten minutes away.

Beyond the water, Anderson County offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay. More than 1,800 documented historic sites, a walkable downtown district, locally owned restaurants, museums, and unique lodging options invite visitors to slow down and explore.

Travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Neches River corridor without getting on the water can spend time at Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area, where 11,000 acres of scenic drives, trails, and quiet East Texas landscapes offer many of the same views that make the river so memorable.

Those seeking a more active getaway can head to Dead Cat Ranch, located about 20 minutes from many Neches River access points, where horseback riding, fishing,

ATV adventures, and glamping accommodations provide another way to enjoy East Texas.

Perhaps the greatest attraction is the pace itself. After a day on the Neches, an evening stroll through historic downtown Palestine or dinner at a local restaurant feels like a natural extension of the journey.

Some people come for a weekend and find themselves staying forever.

Plan your trip at visitpalestine.com.

Where the Neches Begins An Essay by Tom Geddie

Less than a mile from where I find myself, between my new home and the cemetery where all of my grandparents are buried, the Neches River begins its 416-mile history. The Neches comes up from deep in the ground to wander through Guthrie’s pastures of plenty, through loblolly, post oak, dogwood, pecan, and more -- nurturing all of its life like a minor deity.

Down river, the land flattens into virulent swamp, the Neches lazes around cypress and Madonna trees. Birds and bullfrogs sing, water lilies dance with ’gators while a woodpecker goes on one of his drumming sprees.

The Neches finds its own cemetery in the Gulf of Mexico (where its spirit merges with the world’s seas and oceans). It loses itsself in the evidence of mankind’s exploitation born in the belief of divine rights and in greedy notions.

Water flows, and people pass into the earth.

On New Year’s Day, (2008) the 70-year-old dam that created a small lake early in the Neches’ journey – the mile-and-a-half long body of water known as Rhines Lake or, for the company that built it, Pure Oil Lake – gave in, unleashing 9.5 billion gallons of uncontrolled water onto the land and into the main stream of the Neches, known to some as the last “wild” river in Texas. The fish in the lake, the eagles above it, the cottonmouths and moccasins in and around it, the deer and coyotes, the wild pigs, the dragonflies, and other creatures will feel the fragile impact for, most likely, years.

The Clovis culture was here, along the Neches; it passed; the Caddo culture was here; it passed. The Spanish, with their missions, couldn’t hold the land. The white man spewed pollution for what he amassed. The pirates de Aury and Lafitte soiled the Neches; slave smuggling became part of the lower river’s dread. Logging upriver, rice down; the Spindletop oil boom, cities built from ammonia, phenol, sulfides, zinc, and lead.

Water flows, and people pass into the earth.

The Neches and its land challenge empty places in the human soul. Blues flourished here, an odd expression of hope; mountain sounds, too, calling love a “wounded heart.” My people came across the South from Cape Fear to harvest from the land, to live and die in this place, to learn that time becomes melody as much as rhythm near where the Neches begins its journey to disappear.

Water flows, and people pass into the earth.

Near where the Neches begins, I see light cling along the horizon at sunset. I see stars wink without regret.

Often, I saw a willow dance. Once, I saw a rare moon’s eclipse the color of dried blood. Now, every day, I can see the lake’s eclipse and hope it will become, like the moon, full again.

Water flows, and people pass into the earth.

Less than a mile from where I find myself, ghosts claim that water coming up from the ground is the cold, collected tears of the dead. I say the sweet, first taste of that clean water, as you bend to reach it, is closer joy. It is as close to first water, as close to pure, as we’ll ever find anymore.

Water flows, and passes into the earth.

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No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum The Airfield that Helped Save the World

Explore the extraordinary story that connected Terrell, Texas, and Great Britain through courage, friendship, & flight

Plan your visit today!

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HARDCOVER & EBOOK VERSIONS

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THE ARTS | CAPTURED IMAGES

The Art of Gathering

WHERE ART FINDS A HOME

By Beverly Gentry Just off the historic square in Waxahachie, behind the doors of a centuryold building on South Rogers Street, is a space that feels part gallery, part antique shop, and part artist studio.

stacks of books, elaborate mirrors, aged fabrics, and unexpected objects that quietly invite curiosity.

Atelier Antiques belongs to artist and photographer Andrea Calvery, whose creative vision extends far beyond collecting beautiful objects. Instead, she has created an environment where art, history, books, antiques, and conversation exist together naturally. Walking into Atelier feels less like entering a store and more like stepping into someone’s creative world. Paintings lean beside antique furnishings and weathered architectural pieces. Portraits share space with

Calvery, a portrait artist and photographer, has filled the historic building with layered spaces that encourage visitors to slow down and explore. One room may feature dramatic artwork and antique frames, while another offers quiet seating areas tucked among shelves of books waiting to be discovered.

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Nothing feels overly staged. Everything feels collected over time.

Toward the back of the building, a future speakeasy space hints at Calvery’s larger vision for Atelier as not only a gallery and

antique destination, but also a gathering place for artists, creatives, and the community itself. Upstairs, sunlight pours through tall windows across rooms filled with portraiture, antique furnishings, stage costumes, and works in progress.

The building’s original freight elevator remains as part of its history and charm.

What makes Atelier memorable is not simply the collection of objects inside it, but the feeling the space creates.

Visitors may arrive looking for antiques or artwork, but often leave inspired by the atmosphere itself.

Atelier Antiques is located at 308 S Rogers Street, in historic Waxahachie, Texas. @theatelierwaxahachie Photo by Beverly Gentry.

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THE ARTS | STAGE

Shakespeare Festival Takes Center Stage in Kilgore Previous Texas Shakespeare Festival performance of Romeo & Juliet. Photo by John Dodd.

For more than 40 years, theater lovers from across Texas have made their way to Kilgore each summer for one of the state’s most respected performing arts traditions, the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

Returning for its 41st season, June 25 through July 26, the festival once again transforms the campus of Kilgore College into a destination for classic theater, Broadway musicals, family productions, and timeless storytelling. What began as a regional theater program has grown into East Texas’ only professional theater festival, drawing performers and audiences from across the country.

One of the things that makes the Texas Shakespeare Festival unique is its rotating repertory format. Visitors can often see multiple productions over the course of a weekend, making it easy to turn a theater trip into a summer getaway filled with dining, shopping, and exploring East Texas.

This season’s lineup offers a little something for everyone.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings audiences into a world where fairies meddle in the lives of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors. Filled with mistaken identities, magic, and plenty of humor, the production promises the kind of 16 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

lighthearted summer theater experience audiences have enjoyed for generations.

unite the colonies and shape a new nation.

Jane Austen’s classic story comes to life in this adaptation of Emma, centered around the clever and confident Emma Woodhouse, whose matchmaking attempts create complications for nearly everyone around her, including herself. Filled with Regency-era charm, wit, and romance, the production offers a fresh take on one of literature’s most enduring heroines.

Reluctant Dragon, a charming production based on the classic story by Kenneth Grahame. Unlike the fearsome dragons of legend, this dragon prefers poetry and peaceful living over battles and destruction. The family-friendly production offers humor, heart, and a reminder that things are not always what they seem.

Hamlet

Based on the real-life courtship of playwright Ken Ludwig’s parents during World War II, Dear Jack, Dear Louise tells the story of two strangers who fall in love through letters written across thousands of miles. Presented as a staged reading, the production combines romance, humor, and history in a heartfelt story about connection during uncertain times.

The Reluctant Dragon Emma Families will find plenty to enjoy in The

For audiences who enjoy Shakespeare’s darker side, Hamlet returns with its story of revenge, grief, betrayal, and moral conflict. Considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, the play follows Prince Hamlet as he struggles with the death of his father and the unraveling world around him. Powerful speeches and unforgettable characters continue to make Hamlet one of the most performed plays in the world.

Dear Jack, Dear Louise

Beyond the performances themselves, part of the experience is simply spending time in Kilgore and the surrounding East 1776 Texas communities. Visitors can explore downtown shops, local restaurants, muIn celebration of America’s 250th anniseums, and nearby attractions before setversary, the Tony Award-winning musical tling into an evening performance.

1776 takes audiences back to the political debates and personalities behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Blending humor, music, and history, the production follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and other founding fathers as they attempt to

Tickets and performance schedules are available at texasshakespeare.com or by calling (903) 983-8601.

To explore options for a full weekend, go to visitkilgore.com to plan your visit.

THE ARTS | STAGE The 2026 Shakespeare in the Park season includes The Merry Wives of Windsor and Alice in Wonderland running concurrently this summer as part of the 54th Shakespeare in the Park summer festival followed by Titus Andronicus in the fall.

Alice in Wonderland

A Wonderful Addition to Shakespeare in the Park

The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed

by Jenni Stewart, began in June and runs through July 19 on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. In this Shakespearean comedy, Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants. The wives find he sent them identical letters and take revenge by playing tricks on Falstaff when he comes calling. With the help of their husbands and friends, the wives play one last trick in the woods to put Falstaff ’s mischief to an end.

Alice in Wonderland, directed by Natalie Young, also began in June and runs Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday through July 17. This is a grown up Alice in wonderland rated PG13. The story follows a curious young girl named Alice who tumbles down a rabbit hole into a whimsical and nonsensical world. In Wonderland, she encounters peculiar characters like the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts. As she navigates bizarre logic, shifting rules, and surreal adventures, Alice struggles to make sense of this topsy-turvy place. Ultimately, her journey becomes a playful exploration of identity, imagination, and growing up— before she finally awakens to discover it was all a dream. Alice in Wonderland.

Dallas Shakespeare presents Titus Andronicus, directed by Dr. Danielle Georgiou, Thursday through Sunday from September 18-October 18. In this intense tragedy by William Shakespeare, Roman general Titus Andronicus returns from war with four prisoners who vow to take revenge against him. They rape and mutilate Titus’ daughter and have his sons killed and banished. Titus kills two of them and cooks them into a pie, which he serves to their mother before killing her too. The Roman emperor kills Titus, and Titus’ last remaining son kills the emperor and takes his place.

Meet Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Wonderland’s most delightfully confusing duo. Whether they’re arguing over nonsense, finishing each other’s sentences, or leading Alice. Courtesy photo.

Summer entry is at 7:45 p.m. with an 8:30 p.m. curtain. Fall entry is at 7:30 p.m. with an 8:00 p.m. curtain. All three shows take place outdoors at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, 1500 Tenison Parkway in Dallas. Picnicking is encouraged and beer and wine is allowed.

For more than 50 years, Shakespeare Dallas has entertained with exciting and accessible indoor and outdoor theatre,

integrated school programs, community events, and cultural enrichment. Performing for more than 25,000 attendees each year, Shakespeare Dallas is best known for the beloved Shakespeare in the Park series, producing quality works the way Shakespeare was meant to be enjoyed: under the stars.

For more information about Shakespeare Dallas, visit shakespearedallas.org.

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THE ARTS | STAGE

want students to build confidence, learn resilience, understand how to accept correction and direction, collaborate with others, project their voices and personalities, and discover the courage to try something new.

“Musical theater teaches life skills in ways children don’t even realize at first,” Gilbert says. “They learn to trust themselves, support each other, and keep going even when something feels difficult.”

LeBlanc add, “I get emotional watching these children discover their confidence and develop a love for the arts.”

This year’s production, Broadway Beat, features a Broadway revue showcasing selections from both classic and contemporary musicals. The production gives students the opportunity to explore how musical theater evolves over the decades while adapting their performances to different styles and genres.

Campers perform pieces from beloved productions including The Music Man, The King and I, and Give My Regards to Broadway, while also stepping into the modern theatrical world with selections from Wicked and other contemporary productions.

Past campers performing a musical of their making after two full weeks of Marilee’z Kidzz Musical Theater Camp. Courtesy Photo.

Building Confidence

One Curtain Call at a Time Winnsboro Center for the Arts’ Musical Theater Camp Returns for Its Third Year

By Sharon Harper For two weeks each summer, the stage at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts becomes much more than a place for children to sing and perform. It becomes a classroom for confidence, creativity, resilience, teamwork, and bravery.

Now in its third year, Marilee’z Kidzz Musical Theater Camp invites children ages 9 to 12 into the exciting and sometimes challenging world of live theater.

Under the direction of experienced per18 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

formers and instructors Gale Gilbert and Chace LeBlanc, students immerse themselves in every aspect of the production process, learning firsthand what it takes to bring a musical to life.

From auditions and acting to choreography, singing, costuming, set design, prop creation, lighting, and sound, campers experience theater from every angle. Rather than simply memorizing lines and songs, the children become part of a collaborative creative team where every role matters. At the heart of the camp is a mission that goes far beyond performance.

The directors hope each child leaves with more than stage experience. They

The contrast between old and new Broadway productions becomes part of the educational experience itself.

Students learn how storytelling, music, movement, and performance styles change over time and how performers adapt to each unique production.

After two weeks of instruction, rehearsals, collaboration, and creativity, the camp culminates in two public performances on the final day at 1:15 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.

For many of the young performers, stepping into the spotlight feels a little intimidating at first. But by the time the curtain rises, they have already learned one of theater’s greatest lessons: courage often begins the moment you decide to try.

Somewhere between the music, the costumes, the missed dance steps, the laughter backstage, and the applause at the end, these children discover that the stage is not just a place to perform. It is a place to grow. To learn more about programs offered at Winnsboro Center for the Arts, visit winnsborocenterforthearts.com.

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 19

THE ARTS | MUSIC

Members of the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal Singers perform on the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 25, marking a milestone in the choir’s history. Photo by Michael Violago Photography.

From Choir Room to Carnegie Hall

By Shaydi Clary

What’s the old saying: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice.

At Trinity Valley Community College, the answer is getting an update.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? By being a Cardinal.

On May 25, the TVCC Cardinal Singers performed on the Stern Auditorium/ Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s most prestigious venues. The group presented Stabat Mater by MarcAndré Bougie and premiere Te Deum, a new work by Terre Johnson.

“This was an incredible opportunity for our students and for our college,” said Dr. 20 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

Kristin Huggins, Division Chair of Fine Arts and Kinesiology and Director of Choral Music. “For every performer, the dream is to perform on a stage like Carnegie Hall, and we are so blessed to be invited and to bring these pieces to life.”

For many students, that dream didn’t start with Carnegie Hall in mind. It started with something much simpler.

“I wanted more vocal practice, and my dad was in the choir when he went to TVCC,” freshman Audrey Martin said.

“So I was like, ‘Oh, might as well keep the family tradition of going to TVCC and being in the choir,’ and it’s been a lot of fun. Plus, getting that extra vocal practice has helped me gain confidence in my vocal abilities. It’s amazing to see

the growth and development of the program, plus it’s amazing how so many people can come together and create art.”

For sophomore Claire Capehart, joining the Cardinal Singers began as a way to make college possible. Needing additional scholarship support, Capehart reached out to Dr. Huggins for guidance.

“Literally five minutes after I reached out, she was like, ‘Of course, we would love to have you in Cardinal Singers,’ and offered me a scholarship,” Capehart said. “What I didn’t expect was the opportunities Cardinal Singers would offer me.” What started as a financial decision quickly became something more — new friends, new confidence and, eventually, a trip to New York City.

While the Carnegie Hall performance is a milestone, students say being part of the Cardinal Singers matters just as much.

“If you told me last year that I would have the opportunity to go to New York for choir and perform at Carnegie Hall, I probably would have laughed in your face,” Martin said. “I would have been shocked like, ‘What are you talking about?’”

“It’s still unreal to me,” said sophomore Ashley Moore. “Just knowing how many doors this opens, that’s an experience that not everyone gets.”

For Moore, Cardinal Singers helped her reconnect with something she thought she had lost.

“I honestly started to lose a passion for it,” Moore said. “But seeing how the program here is structured—and the support and community—it got me back into it. There’s nothing I love more now.

I’m always excited to go to choir and be part of the group.”

For freshman Katie Golomon, the plan wasn’t to attend TVCC or join Cardinal Singers. But after auditioning for another college and not being selected, she decided to give TVCC a try.

“I didn’t expect any of this,” Golomon shared. “I wasn’t expecting people from all different backgrounds and ages. It’s amazing because I learn from everyone.

The opportunities here feel endless.”

The group brings together students of all experience levels, from trained musicians to those simply looking to try something new.

“I’ve never been in a choir, so Cardinal Singers is my first time joining one,” freshman Kelis Green said. “I’ve always had a passion for singing, so I decided to take that leap. I also thought it would be good experience and help me get out of my shell as a nervous person. Now I go back and watch videos of me performing, and I don’t even recognize myself. I went from singing into my pillow to singing in front of so many people, meeting new people and getting so much experience.”

“I think that’s what helps our group succeed,” Moore added. “We have people of different ages and experience levels, and everyone helps each other.”

Above: Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal Singers performed Stabat Mater by Marc-André Bougie and premiere Te Deum, a new work by Terre Johnson at Carnegie Hall. Photo credit Michael Violago Photography. Below: Cardinal Singers enjoy New York City and visiting Radio City. Photo credit Dr. Kristin Huggins.

The Cardinal Singers include performers of all ages and offers a wide range of performance opportunities. From formal recitals to performing alongside the TVCC Theatre Department in the semester musical to pop-up performances for the Athens Rotary Club and Palestine Rotary Club, the group regularly brings music into the community. They also have surprised students, staff and faculty on campus with pop-up performances featuring songs from the musical Hamilton, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

the stage at Carnegie Hall, they won’t just represented themselves. They’ll be representing a program, a college and a community that believes in opening doors and making education and opportunities more accessible. The program plans to continue expanding those experiences and has been invited to perform at the Aloha State Choral Festival, Lincoln Center in New York City, and in Scotland and Ireland.

By performing for rotary clubs, students also get a closer look at how local civic groups operate and a chance to connect with community organizations.

“It was really great to see how organized everything was,” sophomore Alexis Brey said. “They had a clear plan and were on top of every detail. The way they fit us into their schedule was amazing, and everything ran smoothly. We never felt unsure about when we were performing.

They had already prepared everyone, so the transition felt seamless. The audience was supportive, and it was a great experience all around. We were thankful to be there, and they were so welcoming to us.”

For Claire Capehart, that sense of community stands out most.

“It’s a great community here,” she said. “I love it so much, and it’s opened so many doors for me.”

When the Cardinal Singers stepped onto JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 21

THE ARTS | MUSIC

Pat Green Headlines Gun Barrel City’s

JulyFest 2026

Courtesy photo

Celebrating Summer on “July 32nd”

By Sharon Harper Gun Barrel City’s signature summer celebration returns August 1 with an evening of live Texas country music, fireworks, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment along the shores of Cedar Creek Lake.

Known locally as “July 32,” JulyFest 2026 will take place at Gun Barrel City Park, 301 Municipal Drive, with gates opening at 5 p.m.

This year’s event lineup features performances by Wade Bowen and Pat Green, along with additional live entertainment throughout the evening.

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The Derrick Days Battle of the Bands winner will kick off the night at 5:15 p.m., followed by additional music leading into Bowen’s 8:30 p.m. performance. Following stage announcements, giveaways, and the national anthem at 9:45 p.m., a fireworks show will light up the sky at 10 p.m. Pat Green closes out the evening beginning at 10:15 p.m.

Beyond the music, JulyFest offers a full evening of activities for all ages, including a kid zone, local vendors, small business booths, and a variety of food trucks serving festival favorites throughout the park.

General admission tickets are currently available. Children 10 and under are admitted free.

VIP tickets are available and include premium viewing near the stage, private VIP restrooms, and a dedicated beer line. Organizers note that VIP tickets typically sell out quickly.

Whether visitors come for the music, fireworks, lake atmosphere, or community spirit, JulyFest has become one of the most anticipated summer events in the Cedar Creek Lake area.

For tickets and additional event information, visit gunbarrelcity.gov.

LIVE

Music

LIVES HERE

Big stages. Small venues. Symphony performances. Texas country concerts. Blues, Rock, acoustic nights, and hidden gems you’ll stumble upon only in the Upper East Side of Texas.

From headline acts to one musician with a guitar and a story to tell, live music is everywhere across the region.

Discover performances and music listings at www.uppereastsidetx.com

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 23

THE ARTS | MUSIC

Courtesy photo

Two Peas in a Pod The Purple Hulls Band Performs in East Texas

By P.A. Geddie Among their touring schedule that takes them to Indiana and Minnesota this summer, The Purple Hulls band is in concert closer to home for one show at 7:30 p.m. August 1 at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts.

The Purple Hulls are musical twins Katy Lou and Penny Lea Clark who grew up on a farm near Kilgore learning the value of hard work and appreciating country living and their long line of family musical talent.

Their band name came naturally to them to pay homage to their Texas farm roots.

“Who wouldn’t want to name their band after food?” Katy Lou told writer Alia Pappas in a 2017 County Line Magazine article. “It may have been some sort of subconscious effort to identify with our roots and to remind ourselves of the les24 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

sons and gifts that were so tangled up in our upbringing on the farm.”

The sisters played basketball and studied music at South Plains College in West Texas, and began playing music professionally while there, learning multiple instruments and performing with other musicians. Whether with other musicians or just the two of them, staying together was always a priority.

“It’s just been a natural progression of our musical journeys,” Katy Lou says. “We’re identical twins. We shared a womb. Sharing a band is cake.”

After college, the sisters moved to the hills of Tennessee, where they quickly gained work touring as backing musicians for various country artists, working for the Grand Ole Opry, and writing songs for Nashville’s Sony ATV publishing company. About 12 years ago, they returned to East Texas for their home base and continue to share their authentic acoustic-driven music in venues across the country and in Europe.

Performing in the region that heavily influenced their creativity is special for them.

“We grew up around this culture of singing with your family and friends and cousins,” Penny Lea says. “You could probably find that anywhere, but I think there is a sort of uniqueness to this area and the influence the people and culture have had on our music. The Overton Bluegrass Festival was our annual dose of live acoustic music growing up, and we would blare the Saturday morning western swing and bluegrass radio shows from my dad’s old Dodge when we were working in the pea and corn fields.”

The Purple Hulls make it a point to tell their audiences about their songs and to offer them open, honest performances.

“We want to genuinely connect with folks and share the stories behind the songs,” Penny Lea says. “People tend to leave a concert having laughed and cried — and hollered some too.”

Go to The Bowery Stage on WinnsboroCenterForTheArts.com for tickets for the August 1 concert or call (903) 342-0686.

Then make a weekend of it. Discover dining, shopping, lodging, and more things to do at visitwinnsboro.com.

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Billy Hensley CHICKASAW Elissie John COUSHATTA Bobby C. Martin MUSCOGEE Jeri Redcorn CADDO / POTAWATOMI Moira Redcorn MEMBER OF OSAGE NATION / DESCENDANT OF CADDO & POTAWATOMI

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TVCC.EDU Trinity Valley Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For questions or concerns regarding discrimination based on disability, contact: ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, 100 Cardinal Drive, Athens, TX 75751, 903-670-2068, disability@tvcc.edu.

For all other questions or concerns regarding discrimination, contact: Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator, 100 Cardinal Drive, Athens, TX 75751, 903-675-6215.

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 25

EVENTS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 THROUGH JULY 11 Frank Armstrong. Longview. Photographer Frank Armstrong from Henderson, Texas, has created captivating work for nearly 70 years. His work is held by MoMA, Carnegie, Amon Carter, Museum of Fine Art, Houston and many more.

This exhibition is his first retrospective in East Texas. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. lmfa.org THROUGH JULY 25 Layers in Light. Longview. The works of Frank Herbert, an East Texas artist known for paintings that capture nature, organic forms, and local landscape motifs. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. lmfa.org JULY 31 - AUGUST 2 Shrek the Musical. Sulphur Springs.

Presented by Shining Star Productions.

Sulphur Springs ISD Auditorium. www. shiningstartx.com THROUGH AUGUST 9 At 55. Tyler. Recent acquisitions and from the museum’s permanent collection. Tyler Museum of Art. www.tylermuseum.org THROUGH AUGUST 29 Planetarium Shows. Tyler. From its 40foot Spitz nano-seam domed theatre, the state-of-the-art Hudnall Planetarium features an immersive, full-dome experience. This summer’s schedule includes Mars: The Ultimate Voyage, Space: The New Frontier, Serengeti, Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker, and Messengers of Time and Space. The facility also features interactive displays and exhibits, classroom and outdoor play spaces. The Earth and Space Science Center, Tyler Junior College, 1411 E. Lake Street. (903) 510-2312, www.sciencecenter.tjc.edu THROUGH AUGUST 30 America 250 Trailblazing Texas Wonder Women Exhibition. McKinney. Artworks highlighting women of Texas who transformed society as icons and pioneers in leadership, innovation, entertainment, 26 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

“Conversation with a Coyote” is one of the photographs by Keith Carter on display in the Peaceable Kingdom exhibition at Tyler Museum of Art through September 6.

business, and activism. Atrium Gallery, Cotton Mill Arts District. millhousefoundation.org/atrium-gallery THROUGH AUGUST 30

kingdom and its inhabitants and examine human relationship with animals as well as the dynamic between members of different species. Tyler Museum of Art. www.tylermuseum.org

Encased: Jessica Ninci. Tyler. Works by Galveston-based ceramicist Jessica Ninci depicting careful recreations of items she gathered along the coastline. Tyler Museum of Art. www.tylermuseum.org

First Monday Trade Days. Canton. Explore the World’s Largest Flea Market. www.firstmondaycanton.com

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13

JULY 2, 4, 9, 11, 17, 19, 24, & 26

America 250: The Caddo Nation and Native Perspectives. Longview. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. lmfa.org

1776. Kilgore. A musical theatre depiction of the birth of North America, filled with memorable songs and clever dialogue. Book by Peter Stone. Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 showcases the political drama navigated

by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Part of the 2026 Texas Shakespeare Festival. texasshakespeare. com

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19 Women in the Arts. Winnsboro. More than 100 regional female artists display their work. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. www.winnsborocenterforthearts. com THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26 Peaceable Kingdom. Tyler. The exhibition features a selection of images taken throughout the last few decades by Keith Carter. Drawn from the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, these photographs visually explore the animal

JULY 2-5

JULY 3 The Music of America. Greenville.

Greenville Chamber Music Society with special guests “George Washington” and “Audie Murphy.” showtimeatthegma.com

JULY 3, 5, 10, 12, 16, 18, 23, & 25 Emma. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. www.texasshakespeare.com JULY 3, 5, 9, 11, 16, 18, 24, & 26 Hamlet. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. www.texasshakespeare.com JULY 3-4 America 250: A Star-Spangled Jubilee.

Palestine. Fireworks, live music by Detroit Steel, historical showcases, a barbecue food truck showdown, parade, car show, vendors, and more. Friday, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (800) 649-3484. Get full schedule and locations on visitpalestine.com/america250.

JULY 4 Terrell Freedom Fest. Annual celebration of freedom with a spectacular Independence Day tradition that lights up the Terrell sky. discoverterrell.com Freedom Festival. Henderson. Lake Forest Park. visithenderstontx.com Fireworks & Freedom. Longview. Free event featuring the Longview Symphony Orchestra in concert along with a headliner band, vendors, activities, and the biggest fireworks show in Longview’s history. Longview Convention Complex. longviewtexas.gov/2394/Fireworks Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake. ccveteransfoundation.org/thunder-over-cedar-creek-lake-airshow Lake Jacksonville July 4th Celebration.

Jacksonville. Public viewing is available from the campground and surrounding shorelines. Viewers on the water must stay clear of the barge setup area. Free.

Learn more on explorejacksonvilletx.org Fourth of July Celebration. Canton.

Morning parade, followed by car show, live music, and wrapping up with fireworks at dark. visitcantontx.com Tyler Independence Day. Food trucks, music, games, and fireworks. Lindsey Park. visittyler.com Independence Day Celebration. Rockwall. Harry Myers Park. visitrockwall. com Liberty on the Lake: America’s 250 Cel-

Fireworks, air shows, live music from country concerts to orchestras, car shows, games, food trucks, and parades take center stage as the region joins America’s 250th birthday celebration. Fireworks over Anderson County Courthouse in Palestine. Photo by Cassie Ham/Visit Palestine.

ebration Viewing Parties. Food, drinks, live music and the best viewing of fireworks show over Lake Texoma. tanglewoodresort.com

Annual 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks. Mineola. Music, food, activities, fireworks. Mineola Civic Center. (903) 569-6115. mccrvpark.com

Fourth of July Extravaganza. Kilgore. Patriotic parade, live music by The Jukebox Heroes, food trucks, and fireworks. Bring chairs and blankets Extended hours at Kilgore City Pool and Lazy S Splash ranch until 8:30 p.m. visitkilgore.com

Jason Boland & the Stragglers + Fireworks. Whitehouse. Blackhawk Creek Grill & Venue, (903) 871-1113, blackhawkcreekgrill.com continued page 28 JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 27

EVENTS continued from page 27 JULY 7 Dear John, Dear Louise. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. texasshakespeare. com JULY 8 Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters.

Whitehouse. Blackhawk Creek Grill & Venue, (903) 871-1113, blackhawkcreekgrill.com JULY 9 Hunks the Show. Terrell. Swinging Doors Saloon. discoverterrell.com JULY 10 MJ Live. Greenville. Michael Jackson tribute concert. showtimeatthegma.com JULY 11 Ward Davis. Winnsboro. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. winnsborocenterforthearts.com Christmas in July. Forney. Marketplace with handmade crafts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Opportunity Central (The OC). discoverterrell.com La Nueva Pradera ft: Los Moscos del Norte y La Fianza Nortena. Terrell. Silver Saloon. discoverterrell.com

J’s Dueling Pianos perform July 16 at Blackhawk Creek Grill & Venue in Whitehouse. Courtesy Photo

JULY 11-20

JULY 18

Beetlejuice Jr. Athens. Henderson County Performing Arts Center. www.hcpac. org

Heritage Night Market & Wine Walk.

Terrell. Downtown. discoverterrell.com

JULY 15-18, & 23-25 The Reluctant Dragon. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. www.texasshakespeare.com JULY 16 J’s Dueling Pianos. Whitehouse. Blackhawk Creek Grill & Venue, (903) 8711113, blackhawkcreekgrill.com

Los Moscos del Norte, Grupo Incomparable & DJ Mike. Terrell. Silver Saloon.. discoverterrell.com John Paycheck. Whitehouse. Blackhawk Creek Grill & Venue, (903) 871-1113, blackhawkcreekgrill.com 42nd Annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally.

Paris. www.visitparistexas.com JULY 19 Hell of the North Texas 2026. Paris. Bike course for every level. paristexasbiking. com Josh Ward. Terrell. Silver Saloon. discoverterrell.com JULY 24-25 Quilt Hop & Fiber Art Show. Bonham. www.visitbonham.com JULY 25 Summer Party at the GMA. Greenville.

Music by Extended Play. showtimeatthegma.com JULY 30-AUGUST 2

Bicyclists take to the streets and trails surrounding Paris, Texas, in the 42nd Annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally on July 18, followed by Hell of the North Texas bike course on July 19. Courtesy Photo

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First Monday Trade Days. Canton. Explore the World’s Largest Flea Market.

Crafts, food, and shopping. www.firstmondaycanton.com

JULY 31-AUGUST 2 & 7-9 Oklahoma! Longview. The Rodgers and Hammerstein production is presented by Theatre Longview. Longview Community Center, 500 E. Whaley St. theatrelongview.com AUGUST 1 Bellamy Brothers. Greenville. Let Your Love Flow tour. showtimeatthegma.com The Purple Hulls. Winnsboro. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. winnsborocenterforthearts.com North Texas Antique Fishing Lure & Tackle Show. Greenville. Experience the timeless craftsmanship of antique fishing lures and tackle. Fletcher Warren Civic Center. www.travelgreenvilletx.com July Fest. Gun Barrel City. Pat Green, Wade Bowen, vendors, food trucks, fireworks. $30-$40. gunbarrelcity.gov AUGUST 6 Jimmy Fortune. Greenville. Music by Extended Play. showtimeatthegma.com AUGUST 8 Gary Vest & The Country Legends. Terrell. Swinging Doors Saloon. discoverterrell.com AUGUST 8-9 East Texas Sacred Harp Convention.

Henderson. easttexasfasola.weebly.com AUGUST 15

The Bellamy Brothers perform at several venues in Upper East Side Texas this summer including the Lufkin’s Pines Theater on July 18, Linden’s Music City Texas Theater on July 25, the Greenville Municipal Auditorium on August 1, and the Corsicana Palace Theatre on August 29. Courtesy Photo

AUGUST 30

SEPTEMBER 11-12

An Evening with Andy Grammer.

Longview. Belcher Center. visitlongviewtexas.com

Paris Balloon and Music Festival. parisballoonandmusicfestival.com

SEPTEMBER 3-6

Heritage Night Market & Wine Walk.

Terrell. Downtown. discoverterrell.com

First Monday Trade Days. Canton. Explore the World’s Largest Flea Market. firstmondaycanton.com

AUGUST 21

SEPTEMBER 5

Marty Haggard. Whitehouse. Blackhawk Creek Grill & Venue, (903) 871-1113, blackhawkcreekgrill.com

Hatch Chili Fest 2026. Paris. Fiesta at the Paris farmers and artisan market. 8 a.m.1 p.m. Mariachi bands, games, and roasting and selling Hatch Chilies fresh from New Mexico. visitparistexas.com

AUGUST 22-23 & 29-30 Picnic. Winnsboro. Theatre performance

by The Bowery Players. winnsborocenterforthearts.com AUGUST 28-30 WXGP Full Moon Festival. Paris. Watercraft racing on Lake Crook. visitparistexas.com

East Texas Songwriters: Kevin Tinney, Chris Rasco, Cole Allen, and Zach Maberry. 7:30 p.m. Winnsboro Center for the Arts winnsborocenterforthearts.com

Old Town Rig Down. Nacogdoches. Big rig truck show. Downtown. oldtownrigdown.com SEPTEMBER 12 Salsa on the Square. Paris. Fiesta sounds and flavors spotlighting Hispanic and Latino culture, music, dance, food, land arts. 7-10 p.m. visitparistexas.com Earth, Wind, & Fire Tribute Band.

Lufkin. Pines Theater. angelinaarts.org Submit your events editor@uppereastsidetx.com

SEPTEMBER 11 Paris Balloon & Music Festival. visitparistexas.com JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 29

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Simple Design with Passion and Respect to Personal Style jasejones.com

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 31

PERSON OF THE REGION | BLAKE TAYLOR

Hooked!

Greenville Collector Uses Antique Fishing Tackle to Connect Generations

ABOVE: Greenville collector Blake Taylor stands beside a portion of his extensive antique fishing lure and tackle collection, featuring vintage Bomber lures, display cases, and rare pieces spanning decades of fishing history. RIGHT: Vintage fishing lures, tackle boxes, signage, and memorabilia fill display tables during the North Texas Antique Fishing Lure & Tackle Show in Greenville. Photos by Stacy Foley, City of Greenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

By Sharon Harper Most people would never expect an antique fishing tackle show to draw crowds of teenagers, high school bass teams, young families, and collectors from across several states.

But that is exactly what has happened in Greenville, Texas.

For Blake Taylor, the annual North Texas Antique Fishing Lure & Tackle Show is about much more than old lures and collectibles. It is about preserving history, sharing stories, and helping younger generations discover a connection to fishing and the outdoors.

“I don’t think people realize this world exists,” Taylor says. “Once they walk in and see it, they get it.”

32 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

Taylor, a Greenville resident, has spent most of his life around antique fishing tackle. He attended his first lure show when he was about five years old, tagging along with his parents to collector events across Texas.

His father, an avid bass fisherman during the tournament boom of the 1980s, first became interested in collectible tackle after meeting a lure dealer at Canton First Monday Trade Days. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a family hobby.

For Taylor, it became something much bigger.

As a child, collectors took notice of the young boy wandering tables filled with old wooden lures, tackle boxes, and fishing memorabilia. Before long,

he was building relationships with longtime collectors and learning the history behind the pieces.

By the time he was 13 years old, Taylor was already helping with appraisals at antique tackle shows.

Today, at 33, he is one of the younger faces helping carry the hobby forward.

“It’s really about preservation for me,” Taylor says. “The history side of it is what I love.”

Some of the rarest antique fishing lures in the country have sold for astonishing prices. Taylor says one historic hand-carved frog lure dating back to the late 1800s recently sold for more than $30,000. Another rare lure brought continued page 35

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PERSON OF THE REGION | BLAKE TAYLOR

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FISHING continued from page 32 $100,000 at auction several years ago.

But for collectors like Taylor, the value often goes beyond the price tag.

“These companies weren’t thinking about history when they made them,” Taylor says. “They were just making fishing lures.”

That passion eventually led Taylor to organize the Greenville show, which first launched in 2024 with support from the City of Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

What began as a collector event quickly turned into something more community-driven.

The show now welcomes high school bass fishing teams, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and curious visitors who simply want to see what antique fishing tackle collecting is all about. Young anglers receive fishing lures, tackle, and giveaways through sponsorships and community support.

Last year, more than 800 fishing lures and several rod-and-reel combos were given away to children attending the event.

Texas Parks and Wildlife also participated with an interactive booth, adding another layer of outdoor education to the day.

Taylor says one of his favorite parts of the Greenville event is watching younger visitors discover the hobby for the first time.

Even if they never become collectors themselves, he hopes they leave with an appreciation for fishing history and the traditions connected to it.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie in this hobby,” Taylor says. “That’s something I think people miss sometimes now.”

OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE: Young fishermen learn about fishing from a seasoned pro; antique lure, collectors admiring displays of antique lures and tackle; An appraiser evaluates the value of a highly unique and one of a kind antique lure; and a vintage Heddon Tiger lure salesman’s kit. Photos by Stacy Foley, City of Greenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Some visitors arrive not knowing what to expect. Then they stay for hours.

One memorable moment from last year’s show involved a local fisherman who brought in his grandfather’s old tackle box. Inside were carefully preserved fishing lures dating back to the 1930s.

As collectors gathered around, Taylor identified one rare lure valued at nearly $1,000. An impromptu auction soon formed in the lobby as attendees watched the piece sell in real time.

For Taylor, moments like that are about more than monetary value.

“It’s neat seeing the stories connected to these things,” he says.

Those stories often stretch across generations.

Taylor now fishes with his own young son and says he hopes the outdoors continues to bring families together the same way it did for him growing up.

That family connection is woven throughout the hobby itself. Many collectors first became interested because of parents, grandparents, or old tackle boxes discovered in garages, barns, and storage sheds.

The lures may be collectible, but the memories attached to them are often what matter most.

This year, Taylor will also step into a larger leadership role with the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club, serving as vice president for Region 8, which includes Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Still, Greenville remains especially important to him.

“This one feels local,” Taylor says of the Greenville event. “It feels like a community event.”

The 3rd Annual North Texas Antique Fishing Lure & Tackle Show is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center in Greenville. The one-day event held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. is expected to bring collectors and visitors from across Texas and neighboring states.

Children 16 and under, as well as, high school fishing team members are admitted free.

More information about the event can be found through the City of Greenville Tourism and Events page, travelgreenvilletx.com And if Taylor has his way, somewhere in the crowd this year will be another kid discovering antique fishing tackle for the very first time, just like he did years ago.

Taylor’s interest in preserving fishing history has also expanded beyond Greenville.

He is currently helping develop a museum dedicated to the historic Bomber Bait Company in Gainesville, Texas. Founded during the 1940s, Bomber became one of the best-known lure manufacturers in the country.

The future museum includes vintage lures, factory displays, photographs, advertising materials, and company artifacts collected and preserved over decades.

Taylor is also involved with projects connected to Pradco, one of the nation’s major fishing tackle manufacturers, helping preserve archival pieces and company history tied to several well-known lure brands.

A father shares his love of fishing with the next generation. Photos by Stacy Foley, City of Greenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

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HEEPPH H T T T T I I S S I I R TTHTTYYON R VV IIEE M U U M D C A OM UD NC AU A A I I R R UM EU SE MEE M US AM A MU

Travelgreenvilletx.com Travelgreenvilletx.com

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LITERARY| BOOK REVIEWS

Beauty in the Broken Places A Memoir of Love, Faith, and Resilience

struggling with the fear of what was to come.

Five months pregnant, on a flight to their “babymoon,” Allison Pataki turned to her husband when he asked if his eye looked strange and watched him suddenly lose consciousness. After an emergency landing, she discovered that Dave — a healthy 30-year-old athlete and surgical resident — had suffered a rare and life-threatening stroke. Next thing Allison knew, she was sitting alone in the ER in Fargo, North Dakota, waiting to hear if her husband would survive the night.

As a way to make sense of the pain and chaos of their new reality, Allison started to write daily letters to Dave. Not only would she work to make sense of the unfathomable experiences unfolding around her, but her letters would provide Dave with the memories he could not make on his own. She was writing to preserve their past, protect their present, and fight for their future. Those letters became the foundation of this beautiful, intimate memoir. And in the process, she fell in love with her husband all over again.

When Dave woke up, he could not carry memories from hour to hour, much less from one day to the next. Allison had lost the Dave she knew and loved when he lost consciousness on the plane. Within a few months, she found herself caring for both a newborn and a sick husband,

This is a manifesto for living, an ultimately uplifting story about the transformative power of faith and resilience. It’s a tale of a man’s turbulent road to recovery, the shifting nature of marriage, and the struggle of loving through pain and finding joy in the broken places.

By Allison Pataki

Texas Songbird The Life and Songs of Cindy Walker

By Barbara Finlay A Texas State Historical Association recently released a new book aiming to restore the legacy of the prolific Texas songwriter who penned more than a thousand songs, dominated radio airwaves, and achieved many musical honors. Cindy Walker was born near and lived most of her life in Mexia, Texas, in Limestone County. She is often called the greatest living songwriter of country music. She was the driving creative force behind legendary Western swing hits popularized by icons like Bob Wills, Hank Snow, Eddy Arnold, and Roy Orbison. More than 500 of her songs were recorded by a long list of artists from different musical genres, and many became hits. Her most famous masterpiece, “You

Don’t Know Me,” has been recorded by more than 200 singers, including timeless renditions by Eddy Arnold, Ray Charles, Mickey Gilley, and K. D. Lang.

Walker was inducted into the “MillionAir Club” of Broadcast Music International (BMI), which means her songs have been played on the radio more than a million times. They have also frequently appeared in movies and television shows.

The book is available for purchase on LegacyofTexas.com.

Hear “You Don’t Know Me,” sung by Ray Charles with Diana Krall. youtube.com/ watch?v=bkgWpVlyOWA HAVE A FAVORITE BOOK? LET US KNOW editor@uppereastsidetx.com JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 37

LITERARY| POETRY

A Tanglewood View Peaches lie all over the ground, tossed down yellow, too early, by this morning’s storm.

Tuesday’s leaf-blowers herd noise and leaves from yard to yard, drowning traffic’s distant growl on its way to the college down the road.

Bahia grass shushes the singing birds, heads held high despite the damp.

The harsh machine noise echoes through the trees and sends our wildlife scurrying.

The neighbor’s cedar fence honey-bright and newly planed, jars against the weathered slate, ivy springing eternally around everything in sight.

I miss the old gardeners who cared for the yards themselves, sweating in the sunlight while joking about my use of yellow fabric shears while I knelt weeding at the curb.

More peaches fall soft gold against the gray rot of a once towering loblolly pine — only one of the original five still guards the threshold separating their wet grass from mine.

Their azaleas that smelled so heavenly the day we moved in, now lost too early.

The others went down one by one— lightning, beetles, rot, the slow arithmetic of years.

He remains, resin-scented and watchful, holding weather in his bark, holding the memory of vanished shadows where his brothers once stood.

Gray squirrels still pendulum through his branches.

Finches stitch their small songs into the seams of his rough trunk.

Yet, every year the sky grows wider, and the wind moves easier.

Every year his roots drink alone.

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Newcomers replaced them with easy gravel, which smells of guano from the bats.

Someday those too will vanish, and the creekside mosquitos will rise from the creek at dusk searching the air with hunger.

I lean out the window, smell damp earth and the light, sweet smell of the peaches.

A sociable squirrel we’ve named Randy chitters at me from the old pine through the screen, daring me to keep him from his fruity treasure.

A cardinal stops to argue with him and he runs elsewhere like always, leaving the pine swaying over the empty places.

Lisa Holcomb Tyler

The Season of Light

TYR (Tyler)

I welcome the feel of the sun on my face as the warm wind refreshes me in this season of light.

I have loved bent land Curling and twisting thru the expanse like fog Reaching and dipping Like curves Moist and wet Insatiable Where people drink tea And coffee black Invoke richness in their talk Of accounting and philosophy.

I am in awe of the beauty of the sun’s rays as they filter through the clouds with such precision.

The morning dew glistens on freshly cut grass, and the harmony of birds fill the crisp clean air.

The colors of nature suddenly become more vivid and alive in their passage to this transition.

It opens our awareness of how quickly the seasons change our paths, our lives, and our dreams.

I breathe in with each sunrise and breathe out with each sunset as each is an artistry of its own.

Warm rains become a welcomed sight with the sound of their rhythmic drops hitting the tin roof.

The air cools me as the music of the wind carries through the treetops bending and swaying.

Flowers drink from this fountain of life that sustains them when dry periods test their survival.

Vapors of steam rise from the roads that have held the sun’s heat and become a magical show.

I thirst for fresh water to replenish me and soothe my parched lips as the heat of the sun returns.

I thought I was a wet water woman Born with one lung full of water But now I am here In this harsh, dry cement city Soil cracked, split open Like my mouth Yawing in the heat Determined to make my way Or die trying.

And I discover I fit here too Like this sun Brilliant and burning Like this sky Vast and unpredictable Like this people: Unrelenting.

Isabella Margot Tyler

It is a reminder to me of how precious these comforts are to me and how each day is a blessing.

Morning walks bring peace and an awareness of how purposeful our lives are in His perfect plan.

Evening skies cause us to look up at the moon and the stars that shine intensely in the darkness.

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.

Robert Frost

This is a time to build lasting memories that strengthen our connections with family and friends.

This is the season of all seasons, the Season of Light.

Toni Stratton Lindale SUBMIT YOUR POEM or SHORT STORY for possible inclusion in a future Upper East Side Texas Magazine

editor@uppereastsidetx.com JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 39

WELLNESS | SOUNDBATHS

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quickly from one responsibility to another while remaining constantly connected to phones, emails, and social media. Sound baths offer something many people rarely give themselves permission to experience: quiet.

The sounds and vibrations created during a session are intended to help participants settle into a more relaxed state both mentally and physically. For some, the experience feels meditative. For others, it simply provides an opportunity to pause and breathe deeply for a while.

One of the things I appreciate most about sound baths is how accessible they are for people of all experience levels. You do not need to know how to meditate or have experience with wellness practices to enjoy one. People simply come in, get comfortable, and allow themselves time to rest.

Finding Stillness Through Sound

By Christina McDaniel In a world filled with constant notifications, busy schedules, and endless distractions, many people are searching for ways to slow down and reconnect with a sense of calm. One wellness practice gaining attention across the country, including here in East Texas, is the sound bath.

were drawn to the experience. For the first time in a long time, I felt completely present. There was nowhere to be, nothing to accomplish, and no pressure to do anything except listen and rest.

That feeling of stillness is part of what continues to attract people to sound baths today.

A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants relax comfortably while listening to soothing sounds and vibrations created by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs, tuning forks, and other healing instruments. The sounds gently fill the room, creating an atmosphere designed to encourage relaxation and mindfulness.

Unlike some wellness practices that require experience or instruction, sound baths are intentionally simple. Participants typically lie down or sit comfortably, often using blankets, yoga mats, or eye pillows while allowing the sounds to fill the space around them. There is nothing to perform or master. The experience is centered around rest, stillness, and listening.

I first discovered sound baths during a stressful season of life when I realized how difficult it had become to truly slow down and rest. Like so many people, I was constantly moving from one responsibility to another without giving myself much time to pause.

Many people describe feeling deeply relaxed after a session. Others say they leave feeling calmer, more grounded, mentally refreshed, or simply grateful for an hour away from the demands of daily life.

After attending my first session, I immediately understood why so many people

Today, sound baths are being offered in wellness studios, yoga spaces, community centers, and private events throughout East Texas, including Terrell. Sessions can vary in length and style depending on the practitioner and setting, but most are designed to create a calm and welcoming environment.

In a culture that often celebrates staying busy, practices centered around rest and stillness can feel increasingly meaningful.

Christina McDaniel is a certified sound healer practicing in Terrell, Texas. @pachnielsoundhealing ABOVE AND OPPOSITE PAGE: Photos by Christina McDaniel Photography.

Part of the growing appeal may be connected to the pace of modern life itself.

Many people spend their days moving JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 41

EXPERIENCE EUROPEAN CHARM without the airfare OLD WORLD FLAIR ALONG THE BACKROADS

ABOVE: Historic Jefferson storefronts featuring French-inspired wrought iron balconies overlooking the town’s brick streets and 19th-century architecture welcome visitors. Photo by Hollis Shadden, Jefferson, Texas. OPPOSITE PAGE: The iconic Texas Eiffel Tower greeting visitors to Paris. Photo by LM Parks Photos/stock.adobe.com.

By Sharon Harper Summer travel used to feel simpler.

Families piled into station wagons or pickup trucks, grabbed a paper map, and headed out for a few days of adventure.

These days, airfare alone can feel like a second mortgage, hotel prices rise by the minute, and even a quick getaway sometimes requires months of planning.

Perhaps that is why so many families are rediscovering the charm of nearby travel, whether by scenic road trip or, perhaps in one of the most European traditions of all, by train.

Some of the most memorable cultural ex42 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

periences can still be discovered along the backroads of East Texas, where hints of European influence quietly appear.

Scattered throughout the Upper East Side Region of Texas are places that somehow capture the spirit of destinations far beyond state lines. Some borrow names from famous cities around the world.

Others simply offer a feeling. Old-world architecture, vineyard views, sidewalk cafés, historic churches, rose gardens, waterfront dining, or leisurely afternoons that encourage visitors to slow down and stay awhile.

The cultural influences found throughout the region are surprisingly deep. French, German, Czech, British, Italian, Spanish,

Dutch, and Bohemian traditions helped shape East Texas communities in ways still visible today through architecture, food, music, churches, and annual celebrations Historic downtowns feature Beaux Arts storefronts, Victorian Gothic churches with beautifully crafted stain glass windows. Greek Revival homes, and ornate iron balconies reminiscent of old European cities can be found throughout the region.

Tyler’s famous rose gardens evoke the elegance of English and French formal gardens, while vineyards throughout the continued page 44

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ABOVE: Vistors walk among the beautiful blooming roses at the Tyler Rose Garden in Tyler, Texas. Courtesy Photo Visit Tyler. BELOW: Witness Park and Prayer Tower in Pittsburg. Courtesy Photo. OPPOSITE TOP: Kolaches in Ennis, Texas, Photos provided by stock.adobe.com. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Beaux Arts Details on Courthouse in Greenville, Texas, Photo courtesy of City of Greenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

European Charm continued from pg. 42 region borrow heavily from Tuscan wine country aesthetics and culture to create a unque experience for visitors.

The influence continues most noticeable through food and gathering traditions passed down for generations. Czech bakeries filled with fresh kolaches remain a breakfast staple, while German and Czech smoking techniques helped shape the barbecue culture that defines much of Upper East Side Texas today. French and Cajun influences appear in crawfish boils, gumbo, pralines, and rich sauces, while wineries, breweries, cafés, outdoor gathering spaces, and markets throughout the region continue traditions rooted in European hospitality and community life.

Even outdoor experiences across the region occasionally feel transportive with an Adriatic or Mediterranean energy.

Families can experience open-water sailing across Lake Ray Hubbard or witness a regatta on Lake Texoma.

Perhaps part of the magic is that generations of settlers brought pieces of their culture and traditions to their new home and blended them into something uniquely Texan.

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EUROPEAN CHARM, TEXAS STYLE A Summer Road Trip Guide Ennis Czech heritage, kolaches, and oldworld traditions

Greenville Beaux Arts and Art Deco architecture downtown

Jefferson French-inspired balconies and riverfront charm

Lake Ray Hubbard Sailing, sunsets, and a touch of Mediterranean summer

Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards Tuscan-inspired vineyard and winery near Pittsburg

Marshall Rueggenbach Brewing Co. specializing Swiss and German styles of Beer served with authentic German food

Paris France with a cowboy hat and an unmistakably Texas Eiffel Tower

Pittsburg Witness Park and Prayer Tower features four Paccard bells imported from France alongside Belgian clocks.

Sulphur Springs Craft breweries specializing in Marzen lagers and lively downtown evenings

Tyler English garden romance among the roses

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Because Music Belongs To All Of Us

BECAUSE THE MUSIC BELONGS TO ALL OF US

TANGO NUEBO Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:30 pm Highland Springs, 7910 Frankford Road, Dallas Saturday, September 14, 2025, 2:30 pm, Mount Vernon Music Hall Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony play Piazzolla. Nikayla Kim and Mark Miller, violins; Ute Miller, viola; Jenny Kwak, cello; William Clay, double bass.

What if there was such a perfect blend of jazz, classical and tango music that just hearing it made us want to dance?

WADE IN THE WATER Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 7:30 pm, Mount Vernon Music Hall Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:30 pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2024 S. Collins St., Arlington Vocal Ensemble BELIEVERS of WORSHIP with Devotional String Quartet.

Believers of Worship Gospel Choir (October 11 only); Mark Miller and Andres Bravo, violins; Ute Miller, viola; either or Laura Ospina, cello.

What if we all made the message of the Gospel unmistakable by living it, playing it and singing it?

LIVE. DREAM. EXPLORE.

PRESENTS

2026-2027 SEASON 2025-2026 Season

COMING THIS FALL Imagining “What If?”

SOUNDS OF SPIRIT Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 7:30 pm, Dallas venue TBA. Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 2:30 pm, Mount Vernon Music Hall Monday, February 21, 2026 at 7:30 pm Municipal Auditorium, 2821 Washington St, Greenville Greenville Chamber Music Society Leon Turner, baritone; NN, piano; Mark Miller and Andres Bravo, violins; Ute Miller, viola; Laura Ospina, cello; Drew Lang, percussion.

Dvorak listened to Harry Burleigh, and declared that the Black spiritual provided the basis of an American classical music heritage.

What if America had followed his advice?

UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM 972.757.8120

VITA BREVIS: MOZART AND BOULANGER Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm, Mount Vernon Music Hall Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:30 pm, Dallas venue TBA. Evan Mitchell, piano; Mark Miller and Andres Bravo, violins; Ute Miller, viola; Laura Ospina, cello; Jack Unzicker, double bass Rome Prize winner Lili Boulanger lived a scant 24 years, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart only until his mid-thirties. What might the legacy have been from such brilliant and creative lives if they had not been cut short?

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm, Mount Vernon Music Hall Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:30 pm, Dallas venue TBA. Evan Mitchell, piano; Mark Miller and Andres Bravo, violins; Ute Miller, viola; Noemie Golubovic, cello. With scholarship winners All triumphs are our triumphs, all beauty is a part of our own heritage.

What if our appreciation of the arts always embraced the many threads of our cultural tapestry?

FAMILY CONCERT Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00 am, Mount Vernon Music Hall Sharon Lacey, oboe; Mark Miller, violin; Andres Bravo, violin; Ute Miller, viola; Laura Ospina, cello; NN, piano. With scholarship winners.

Once upon our time there was a composer named Bruce Adolphe. What if we could expand imagination by using the power of music to tell stories?

CLARINET APPEAL Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:30 pm, Mount Vernon Music Hall Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 3:00 pm The Old Frankford Church 17400 Muirfield Dr, Dallas, TX 75287 Ivan Petruzziello, clarinet; Mark Miller and Andres Bravo, violins; Ute Miller, viola; Laura Ospina, cello. With scholarship winners.

Fanny Mendelssohn and her brother Felix both composed brilliant music, but due to expectations of the time only his was published.

What if social conventions had been different, and it was common place for our favorite masterworks, like Mozart’s incredible Clarinet Quintet, to share the program with music written by women?

Book Your Stay!

Events are subject to change. Visit MountVernonMusic.org for latest information about upcoming events, to purchase tickets, become a member, or make a donation.

@HUMMINGBIRD PLACE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 23 903.563.3780 MOUNTVERNONMUSIC.ORG TERRELL 5.0 903.563.3780 WWW.MOUNTVERNONMUSIC.ORG

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 47

MUSEUMS

Beat the Heat in These Cool Museums ABOVE: A vintage airplane greets visitors at the Mid America Flight Museum in Mt. Pleasant. Courtesy photo. BELOW: A young visitor to the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum discovers the magic of bubbles and other activities to inspire imagination. Courtesy Photo.

By P.A. Geddie Upper East Side Texas is home to several trip-worthy museums that offer fun and meaningful things to see in cool spaces.

From art, to history, and the quirky and unusual, these explorations are sure to please visitors of all ages.

BONHAM

Sam Rayburn Library 800 W. Sam Rayburn Dr. Bonham, TX 75418 (903) 583-2455 briscoecenter.org/sam-rayburn-museum/ A museum honors Sam Rayburn, the longest-serving Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Exhibits about his life and career are featured in the museum and in the modest woodframe farmhouse Rayburn built in 1916.

It contains original furnishings and is where he lived until his death in 1961.

Fannin County Museum of History 1 N. Main St. Bonham, TX 75418 (903) 583-8042 fannincountymuseum.org The Fannin County Museum of History 48 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

has exhibits about the area’s early beginnings, all housed in a restored 1900 Texas and Pacific Railway depot.

CARTHAGE

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame & Tex Ritter Museum 310 W. Panola Carthage, TX 75633 (903) 694-9561 tcmhof.com The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage honors those born in Texas who made outstanding contributions to country music. Within the 13,000-square-foot building are exhibitions and fun artifacts that immerse visitors into a bygone era, jukebox and all.

An exhibit dedicated to Panola Countyborn Tex Ritter takes up about a quarter of the building space. It depicts the story of his life from farm boy to popular music icon and includes many collections of his cowboy tunes and his work on Broadway, radio, and in film.

Fellow Panola County famous son Jim Reeves is also honored at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame as well as another East Texan, the “Cherokee Cowboy,” Ray Price.

COMMERCE

Northeast Texas Children’s Museum 100 Maple Street Commerce, TX 75428 (903) 886-6055 netxcm.com With 14,000 or more square feet of hands-on activities the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce makes for a great afternoon. The museum promises to inspire imagination, enhance creativity, and build children’s confidence.

There’s the hospital area with scrubs and

examining table, a pretend grocery area, a four-seat airplane (without the wings), a pretend rocket ship, a fake cow, a real puppet theater, stage area, ancient Egyptian display, a party room, and more. The museum hosts field trips, workshops, and special events for such holidays as Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead. The museum’s exhibits are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills (TEKS) program.

GRAND SALINE Salt Palace Museum 100 West Garland Street Grand Saline, TX 75140 (903) 962-5631 grandsalinesaltpalace.com

Grand Saline has the largest, purest salt dome in America — one of nine mining sites for Morton Salt. Producing 22 tons of salt every hour, the salt mine goes down as far as 20,000 feet. Museum officials said miners have currently only made it down about 700 feet because salt is so dense. Reportedly, there’s enough salt there to supply the needs of the whole country. Those buying a pretzel with rock salt on it can probably bank on it coming from Grand Saline.

The Salt Palace pays tribute to the mine; the building is made of rock salt. The small museum gathers history about salt mining dating back to the activities of the Caddo Indians in 800 AD, and a short film shows the inside of the dome and details how Morton mines and packages its salt. Many visitors find it hard to resist licking the building.

Also inside the Salt Palace is a display on the history of native son and pioneer aviator Wiley Post with photographs and a small model of his famous plane “The Winnie Mae.” Post set two world records by circling the globe in the aircraft in 1931 and 1933. Music performer Chris Tomlin also hails from Grand Saline and a display in the museum keeps up with his roots and success.

GREENVILLE

Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum 600 I-30 Frontage Road #4309 Greenville, TX 75401 (903) 450-4502 cottonmuseum.com

Young and old visitors alike enjoy the many exhibits at the Audie Murphy American Cotton Mueum in Greenville. Courtesy Photo.

One can spend hours immersing themselves in the many worlds inside the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum in Greenville. From the unusual to heroic, it’s an experience visitors are not likely to forget. Extensive, detailed exhibits show the region’s history in cotton and military heroes including hometown hero Audie Murphy.

The museum houses the wooden leg of the late Monty Stratton. He lived in Greenville and was a major league baseball pitcher with the Chicago White Sox until an accident in 1938. He was hunting rabbits on his family farm when he fell and his shotgun discharged, striking him in his right leg. The pellets damaged a main artery enough to require amputation the next day. After he was fitted with a wooden leg, Stratton worked with the White Sox for a while as a coach and practice pitcher. He later organized a semipro baseball team in Greenville and made many contributions to the town.

His life is depicted in the 1949 Academy Award-winning film The Stratton Story, starring Jimmy Stewart. He died in 1982 due to cancer and is buried in Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville.

Also in the museum is a decorative wreath made of human hair. According to the museum, it was popular in the mid to late 1800s for people to save locks of

hair from family members when they passed away, then make something out of it as a memorial to them. Sometimes living family or friends would donate locks of their hair to add to the creation. The one on display in Greenville was made by Mrs. H.T. Weathers in 1884. It is almost completely made of hair with the exception of some tiny wire that helps hold it together.

This summer the museum is hosting two World War II history lectures with prominent military historians.

HENDERSON

Rusk County Depot Museum 514 N. High St. Henderson, TX 75652 (903) 657-4303 ruskcountyhistory.org The five-acre Rusk County Depot Museum complex is home to more than a dozen restored historic structures, including a cotton gin, carousel, train caboose, print shop, and a dry goods store.

It also has the only outhouse in Texas with a state historical marker. Inside the museum are Native American artifacts, an original covered wagon, a one-room schoolhouse, and a historic kitchen. continued page 50 JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 49

Museums continued from pg. 49 A Children’s Discovery Center offers hands-on activities encouraging developmental growth for young ones.

JACKSONVILLE Vanishing Texana Museum 302 S. Bolton St. Jacksonville, TX 75766 (903) 373-9165 jacksonvilletx.org/415/VanishingTexana-Museum

The Vanishing Texana Museum gives visitors some idea of the character of the town and surrounding area — local leaders don’t let a little thing like city limits determine their boundaries and welcome people and artifacts from all over the world. The museum houses an impressive collection of regional antiquities and curiosities dating back from 1830 through 1950 and from foreign regions as far back as 238 CE. Included in the displays are Native Indian relics, farm equipment, photographs, dolls, and typewriters. An antique coin exhibition showcases currency hailing from the Roman Empire.

ABOVE: The Depot Museum and Children’s Dicovery Center is a great place for a family to spend a hot summer afternoon. Courtesy photo. BELOW: The Jefferson Historical Museum located in a historic Carnegie library is a must visit for train lovers. Courtesy photo.

ers. With practically every animal, food, and seasonal motif imaginable, the salt and pepper shaker sets represent every state and come in glass, ceramic, metal, and wood designs.

JEFFERSON Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum of Measurement and Time 301 North Polk Street Jefferson, TX 75657 (903) 665-6668 museumofmeasurementandtime.org

Museum 408 E. Taylor St. Jefferson, TX 75657 (903) 665-1939 scarlettohardy.com

Time doesn’t stand still at the Museum of Measurement and Time. The collection includes more than 400 clocks dating back to the 1700s. What began as a personal collection curated by Johnny and Edith Ingram — Jefferson residents since the early 1980s — is now an impressive and growing exhibit that opened to the public in 2010. Including most of America’s major clock makers, the collection also features German, English, and other international models — plus a small assortment of unique cuckoo clocks and tall grandfather clocks. Other items sure to please science nerds include surveying tools and measuring devices like scales, barometers, and various meters. An unexpected bonus is a 1,000-set exhibit of playful and ornate salt and pepper shak-

A shrine to the 1936 Pulitzer Prize winning novel and the Academy Award winning movie Gone with the Wind, Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum in Jefferson fills 1,700 square feet with dedicated displays that celebrate everything Tara. Meticulous reproductions of Scarlett’s green drapery dress and her red burgundy “hussy dress” mix with dozens of items of movie memorabilia.

Visitors take self-guided tours to linger over novelties such as a trio of display cases devoted to the novel (and including a first edition personally autographed copy by author Margaret Mitchell), a child-like mannequin of Cammie King as Bonnie Blue Butler, a selection of foreign editions of the novel, a dollhouse duplicating Twelve Oaks (the Wilkes’

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plantation), an ornate GWTW-themed Christmas tree, and autographs of a long list of GWTW stars. Opened since 1998, the museum was founded by owner Bobbie Hardy, who amassed an impressive collection of GWTW goods over three decades and continued adding to it after opening her museum.

Jefferson Historical Museum 223 W. Austin St. Jefferson, TX 75657 (903) 665-2775 www.jeffersonmuseum.org

Located in a Carnegie library building, the Jefferson Historical Museum is home to many items from Jefferson and Marion County’s past. Exhibits include an African-American history room, and displays for Jewish heritage, Diamond Bessie, and Caddo Indians. There’s also a replica train depot behind the museum with a large train replica.

KILGORE Rangerette Showcase & Museum 1100 Broadway Blvd.

Kilgore, TX 75662 (903) 983-8265

On the campus of Kilgore College is the Rangerette Showcase & Museum, featuring displays of the famous dance drill team that brought “show business” to the football gridiron. continued page 52

ABOVE: The Rangerette Showcase & Museum in Kilgore pays tribute to the world famous dance drill team. Courtesy photo. BELOW: The East Texas Oil Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the great oil boom of the 1930’s. Courtesy Photo.

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Museums continued from pg. 51 East Texas Oil Museum 1301 S. Henderson Blvd.

Kilgore, TX 75662 (903) 983-8295 www.easttexasoilmuseum.kilgore.edu The East Texas Oil Museum houses the authentic recreation of oil discovery and production in the early 1930s from the largest oil field inside U.S. boundaries.

Visitors see the people, their towns, their personal habits, their tools and their pastimes — all colorfully depicted in dioramas, movies, sound presentations and actual antiques donated by East Texas citizens.

LONGVIEW

Longview Museum of Fine Arts 215 E. Tyler Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-8103 lmfa.org Since its founding in 1958, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts has served as a cultural cornerstone for East Texas, connecting communities through exhibitions, education, and artistic expression. This summer see Native Perspectives: America 250, an exhibition celebrating indigenous cultures from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Their concert series features Cole Allen on August 15.

Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N. Fredonia St. Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-5840 gregghistorical.org The Gregg County Historical Museum has ongoing and special exhibitions, extensive collections, education programs, and special events and activities throughout the year.

MINEOLA Mineola Historical Museum 114 N. Pacific St. Mineola, TX 75773 (903) 569-2631 mineola.com

The Mineola Historical Museum has more than 35 exhibits about the history to the town in a former post office con52 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

Mineola Historical Museum is a time capsule of life in Mineola throughout the years. Over 4,200 square feet of exhibits. Courtesy Photo.

structed in 1937. Some of the exhibits in its more than 4,200 square feet a detailed mural, a replica of the Select Theater; a telegraph office; original post office boxes; mid-century doctor office; school memorabilia; watermelon festivals and queens; and military collections.

Depot Museum 115 Front Street Mineola, TX 75773 (903) 569-6551 mineola.com The railway station where Amtrak Texas Eagle passenger trains still stop twice a day is the historic train depot that features a small-scale version of a train that people can operate with the push of a button and a mini-train ride for all ages.

depicting the typical homes of the first dwellers. The library extends into a “explorium” specially designed for children.

Mid America Flight Museum 602 Mike Hall Pkwy.

Mount Pleasant, TX 75455 (903) 573-2888 midamericaflightmuseum.com Most of the airplanes in the museum fly regularly with projects that honor veterans, mentor kids, preserve aviation history, and provide opportunities for the community.

MOUNT VERNON

MOUNT PLEASANT

Fire Station Museum 107 Scott Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457 (903) 537-4760 fchatx.com

The Mount Pleasant Historical Museum (located in the public library) features displays, artifacts, and interactive elements illustrating the rich history of the area. One highlight is a Caddo grass hut,

Housed in a 1940 structure, the Fire Station Museum features permanent and changing exhibits, including one about its famous native son, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, sports commentator, and actor Don Meredith. There’s also a quirky exhibit of rare bird eggs clustered in a small room in Mount Vernon’s Fire Station Museum. All of the eggs date back more than 100 years and some go back

Mount Pleasant Historical Museum 601 N. Madison Ave. Mount Pleasant, TX 75455 (903) 575-4180 mpcity.net

much further, plus a couple of specimens represent now extinct species like the Passenger Pigeon and Carolina Parakeet.

The Museum also holds all manner of Native American artifacts, as well as 47 boxes of mounted butterflies.

PALESTINE Railroad Heritage Center 808 W. Oak St. Palestine, TX 75801 (903) 393-4014 visitpalestine.com

History steams into downtown at the Railroad Heritage Center. Relish the romance of the rails as depicted by the Domis Model RR and enjoy the various exhibits that illustrate many facets of railroading.

Curious Museum 619 W. Oak St. Palestine, TX 75801 (903) 221-0118 thecuriousmuseum.org The Curious Museum is an exciting, hands-on museum designed for those with curious minds. The museum promotes creative and innovative thinking skills and engages preschoolers through adults in a fun, engaging, and educational format.

PITTSBURG

Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Center and Museum 204 W. Marshall St. Pittsburg, TX 75686 (903) 946-3243 pittsburgtexasmuseum.org Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Center and Museum features historic artifacts and its best-known display, a one-third sized replica of the Ezekiel Airship. Said to have flown briefly a year before the Wright brothers’ first flight, the original machine was destroyed in a rail accident on the way to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

ROYSE CITY

Zaner Robinson Historical Museum 124 S. Arch St. Royse City, TX 75189 (972) 635-7438 roysecity.com

ABOVE TOP: The Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Center and Museum in Pittsburg houses a replica of the Ezekiel Airship. A must see for aviation enthusiasts. Courtesy photo. ABOVE: Mission Dolores State Historic Site in San Augustine explores the history of the Native Americans in the region and the first European settlers in Texas. Courtesy Photo.

The Zaner Robinson Historical Museum illustrates early European settlers’ lives on the Blackland Prairie through the boom years (1920-1960s). Enclosed in a mid-1920s building, the museum is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

San Augustine Mission Dolores State Historic Site 701 S. Broadway St. San Augustine, TX 75972 (936) 275-3815 thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/missiondolores

continued page 54

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Museums continued from pg. 53 Mission Dolores State Historic Site is a popular stop along the El Camino Real de los Tejas, more simply called King’s Highway or the Royal Road. The Spaniards established Mission Dolores near present-day San Augustine in 1717. There, visitors learn important history about the Native American experience with the earliest European settlers in Texas. Originally called Mission Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Ais, the property also has a campground, picnic area, disc golf course, and group pavilions.

SULPHUR SPRINGS

Southwest Dairy Museum 1210 Houston Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 (903) 439-6455 southwestdairyfarmers.com The Southwest Dairy Museum in Sulphur Springs got its start in 1982 as the brainchild of several key figures in The Southwest Dairy Farmers alliance to preserve artifacts and historical documents that share the history of the Southwestern dairy industry. The 10,000 square foot facility is a typical dairy-farm style building featuring a five-story silo that houses a conference room. One of the main exhibits is a series of historical vignettes that show the life of a dairy farm family before electricity came to rural America.

Leo St. Clair Music Box Collection 611 N. Davis St. Sulphur Springs, TX (903) 885-4926 sslibrary.org The Leo St. Clair Music Box Collection showcased at the Sulphur Springs Public Library is an unexpected attraction certain to stimulate fun dinner conversations. With more than 200 music boxes, the collection includes many unique, ornate, and antique styles, some of which were reportedly owned by movie stars and soldiers. The collection comes from early 20th century local resident Leo St. Clair. Peruse during a routine library visit or call ahead to arrange a guided 40-minute tour.

TERRELL Terrell Heritage Museum 207 N. Frances St. Terrell, TX 75160 (972) 524-6082 terrellheritage.org

The Terrell Heritage Museum is in a Carnegie Library building built in 1904, and features artifacts from the town’s rich history. The museum also maintains archives and an extensive photograph collection available to researchers.

No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum 119 Silent Wings Blvd.

Terrell, TX 75160 (972) 551-1122 bftsmuseum.org A must-see in Terrell is the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, the first and largest training school for British cadets learning to fly during World War II. The museum holds hundreds of historical items and education materials in cooperation with the British commonwealth and American government.

TEXARKANA Texarkana Regional Arts Center 321 W. 4th St. Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 792-8681 trahc.org

A premier art gallery in a repurposed old courthouse.

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exhibit through September 26. It features a selection of the photographer’s images taken through the last few decades exploring the animal kingdom and its inhabitants.

Summer Studios take place at TMA from noon to 3 p.m. every Wednesday in July with art activities for all ages and light refreshments. This is a come and go event and children must be accompanied at all times. Admission to the museum is free on Wednesdays in July.

Tyler Rose Museum 420 Rose Park Dr. Tyler, TX 75702 (903) 597-3130 texasrosefestival.org The Tyler Rose Museum houses history and memorabilia featuring fabulous costumes and items acquired since the first Texas Rose Festival in 1933.

WINNSBORO

ABOVE: The Texarkana Regional Arts Center is houses premier works of art in Texarkana. Courtesy Photo. TOP LEFT: The herd greets you when you visit the Southwest Dairy Museum in Sulpher Springs. Courtesy Photo. BOTTOM LEFT: The Terrelll Heritage museum hosts exhibits of the town’s storied history. Courtesy Photo. Below: The No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell is a must see for military history buffs and houses “Old 42” an actual Stearman that trained British cadets during WWII. Courtesy Photo.

Winnsboro Center for the Arts 200 Market St. Winnsboro, TX 75494 (903) 342-0686 winnsborocenterforthearts.com Art exhibitions are ongoing throughout the year at WCA. This summer see Women in the Arts through September 19.

Winnsboro Historical Museum 100 E. Broadway St. Winnsboro, TX 75494 TYLER (903) 347-2668 winnsborotxmuseum.com Tyler Museum of Art 1300 South Mahon Built in 1908, the Winnsboro Depot CenTyler, TX 75701 ter at the corner of Main and Broadway (903) 595-1001 Streets reminds guests of the town’s rich tylermuseum.org railroad history. Fully restored, it houses offices and meeting rooms for area orgaTyler Museum of Art, located on the Tynizations and the Winnsboro Historical ler Junior College campus, has several Museum. As the railroad made its way to exhibitions taking place at a time. This Winnsboro in the late 1800s, it became summer, see At 55, an exhibition of rea shipping center for timber and agriculcent acquisitions and collection hightural commodities. Loggers looking for lights on display through August 9. entertainment led to the opening of saloons and gambling halls along the alley Encased: Jessica Ninci is on view in the street north of the depot. They called it TMA lobby through August 30. The “The Bowery.” Stories of that era are still Galveston-based ceramist creates art recounted today and sometimes depicted from items she gathered along the coastin historical re-enactments, as are later line. visits from the notorious crime duo BonKeith Carter’s Peaceable Kingdom is on nie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

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INTERIOR DESIGN | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Design Inspired by the Past

By Beverly Gentry Terrell has always been a city with stories built into its architecture.

From Victorian homes and Craftsman bungalows to mid-century ranch houses and quiet neighborhood streets lined with mature trees, the city reflects layers of history, personality, and growth. While new construction continues across the region, many residents are also rediscovering an appreciation for homes that feel timeless and deeply connected to place.

Interior designer Jason Jones understands that balance well.

Known to friends as Jase, Jones has built a reputation for creating interiors that blend elegance, comfort, and architectural authenticity. With offices in both Dal-

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las and Terrell, his work often reflects a Southern sensibility shaped by collected antiques, natural materials, layered textures, and spaces designed for gathering.

His connection to Terrell began with a search for a historic home.

Jones originally came to town hoping to purchase a Fooshe & Cheek-designed property that had recently come on the market. The home sold before he could make an offer, but the experience sparked something else instead. After continuing the search without success, he decided to build a home inspired by the historic architecture he admired most.

The result is a striking residence that feels as though it has stood in Terrell for multiple generations.

Built on an unusually configured lot tucked into an established neighborhood, the home draws inspiration from French Creole and Southern Low Country architecture. A sweeping double iron staircase frames the entrance, while large windows, weathered materials, antique elements, and carefully aged finishes give the home a sense of history and permanence.

Inside, rooms flow naturally from one to another, layered with collected art, antiques, portraits, and unexpected details that invite conversation rather than perfection. Some pieces feel formal. Others feel playful. Together, they create a home that is refined without ever feeling untouchable.

That sense of hospitality seems central to Jones’ design philosophy.

Even in large spaces with soaring ceilings and dramatic architectural details, the home feels welcoming. Guests are encouraged to settle in, look around, ask questions, and stay awhile. The at-

ABOVE: Jase Jones’ home in Terrell is a new build inspired by historical homes. Photo by Mary Brandt/Imaginary Lines Photography. Left: Decorating his home with antique formal pieces arranged in fun ways is a trademark of Jones’ designs. OPPOSITE AND BELOW: The living and dining areas of Jones’ home in Terrell are functional but keeps the theme of using mixing antique and modern features. Photos by Cameron Gwinn/Popdog Productions.

mosphere feels less like a showroom and more like a home that has evolved naturally over time.

Jones believes much of that feeling comes from craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Throughout the house, reclaimed materials, aged brick flooring, oversized fireplace surrounds, ironwork, and custom millwork help create the appearance of a home with history. He worked alongside skilled artisans and craftsmen who understood the importance of proportion, texture, and architectural authenticity.

For Jones, good design is not about creating a perfect room.

It is about creating a space that feels authentic to the people living there and respectful of the story the home itself is trying to tell.

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 57

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I-20 & Hwy 19 Canton, TX 903-567-6551 DairyPalace.com JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPERSIDETX.COM • 59

Porch Parties & Summer Evenings A Timeless Upper East Side Texas Tradition

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OPPOSITE PAGE AND ABOVE: Friends gather on a beautiful summer evening to enjoy great food, refreshing beverages and even better conversation.

Photos by Natalie Marical/Bella Photography

By Beverly Gentry There is something about a porch in that invites people to slow down. Maybe it is the sound of cicadas humming in the trees. Maybe it is the creak of a rocking chair, the glow of café lights at dusk, or the smell of something good cooking on the grill. Whatever the reason, porches have long been gathering places across the region — spaces where neighbors become friends and simple evenings somehow turn into lasting memories.

While living in a historic home in Mineola, I learned quickly that a “small gathering” rarely stays small for long.

What begins as a casual invitation to a few friends can easily grow into a full porch party with lawn chairs scattered across the yard, tables lined with homemade dishes, children running through the grass, and a crowd gathered near the grill debating the proper way to cook brisket or catfish.That is part of the charm.

Upper East Side Texans have a way of making everyone feel welcome. If someone hears there is food involved, chances are they may show up carrying homemade potato salad, peach cobbler, baked

beans, or a gallon of sweet tea. And honestly, those often become the best evenings of all.

Hosting a porch party does not require fancy china, elaborate decorations, or a perfectly styled tablescape. In fact, the best gatherings usually feel relaxed and effortless.

A few folding tables covered in gingham tablecloths, strings of warm lights, freshcut flowers in mason jars, and plenty of seating go a long way toward creating the atmosphere. Add ceiling fans spinning overhead and a playlist filled with classic country, blues, or Texas singer-songwriters, and the mood is set.

Food should be simple, plentiful, and easy to serve buffet-style.

Traditional favorites never fail. Grilled burgers, smoked chicken, sausage, catfish, or ribs paired with baked beans, potato salad, watermelon slices, and homemade desserts feel perfectly at home on an East Texas porch.

And no true summer gathering is complete without homemade ice cream or a warm dessert served with cold vanilla ice

cream melting over the top. One of the best hosting lessons I ever learned was to stop worrying about perfection. People remember laughter far longer than folded napkins.

They remember sitting outside talking long after sunset. They remember second helpings of homemade cobbler and stories shared around the table. They remember feeling comfortable enough to stay awhile.

That is the real beauty of porch parties in a small-town. They are not about impressing anyone. They are all about building a connection.

A welcoming porch has always been part of Southern life, but in The Upper East Side of Texas it still feels woven into the culture.

Even now, in a world filled with busy schedules and constant distractions, there is something grounding about gathering friends and neighbors outdoors for an evening of food and conversation.

Sometimes all it takes is an invitation. continued page 62 JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 61

Best Dang Peach Cobbler (according to my Grandfather when it was made for him)

Cobbler 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar

Porch Party continued from pg. 61

2 teaspoons baking powder

A Simple Porch Party Menu

¾ cup milk

Grilled burgers, sausage, smoked chicken, or brisket Old-fashioned baked beans

¼ teaspoon salt Ground Cinnamon (just a sprinkle or two) Filling

Creamy potato salad

5 peaches, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 cups) * see note for use of canned peaches

Sliced watermelon or garden tomatoes

¾ cup granulated sugar

Peach Cobbler served with homemade vanilla ice cream

¼ teaspoon salt

(or Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla)

Add the sliced peaches, sugar and salt to a saucepan and stir to combine. *(if using canned peaches, use a small amount of juice from peaches (about 1/8 cup), add sugar and salt as directed above)

Sweet tea, lemonade, or ice-cold root beer bottles

Old-Fashioned Baked Beans 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 4 cans pork and beans 1 onion, chopped ½ cup molasses 2 tablespoons mustard ¼ cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter Cook bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble. Sauté onion in bacon drippings and butter until softened. Stir in beans, molasses, mustard, brown sugar, and bacon. Pour into a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30–45 minutes until bubbly.

Creamy Potato Salad 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ½ cup dill pickles or relish ½ cup sweet onion, finely chopped 1 cup mayonnaise ¼ cup yellow mustard Salt and pepper to taste Paprika for garnish Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and lightly mash a few times for a creamier texture. Combine remaining ingredients, fold into potatoes, garnish with paprika, and chill before serving.

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Cook on medium heat for just a few minutes or until all sugar is melted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and slice butter into pieces and add to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the pan in the oven while it preheats, to allow the butter to melt. Once melted, remove the pan from the oven.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, just until combined. Pour the mixture into the pan over the melted butter and smooth to a even layer.

Spoon the peaches and some of the juice over the batter. Spoon the peaches evenly and then drizzle the juice over the peaches.

Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, just a few sprinkles over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (optional) Pinch of salt Whisk together cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves completely. Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer directions. Freeze until firm andserve with cobbler, brownies, pound cake, or hot fudge sauce.

Photos by Natalie Marical/Bella Photography JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 63

FOOD | COCKTAILS

Where the Bayou’s Stories Still Gather

By Beverly Gentry In a town known for ghost stories, riverboat history, antique treasures and Victorian charm, there is one place where nearly every Jefferson adventure eventually leads.

ABOVE: Ghost painting welcomes visitors to Auntie Skinner’s. Photo by Hollis Shadden; OPPOSITE: The street view of Auntie Skinner’s timeless front entrance. Photo by Jay Patrick. Below: Friendly staff waiting to serve you. Photo by Beverly Gentry.

Maybe it begins after a day of browsing antique stores along Austin Street. Maybe it’s after a riverboat tour, a ghost walk or a weekend spent exploring one of Texas’ most historic small towns. Whatever brings visitors to Jefferson, many eventually find themselves pushing through the doors of Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club.

Housed in a historic building dating to the 1850s, Auntie Skinner’s has been part of downtown Jefferson’s character since opening in 1983. Today, the restaurant, bar and live music venue remains one of the most recognizable destinations in East Texas, welcoming everyone from local regulars and motorcycle riders to antique hunters and weekend travelers searching for a taste of Jefferson’s unique personality.

Known as the Queen of the Bayou, Jefferson was once one of the busiest inland ports in Texas. During the mid-1800s, steamboats traveled from New Orleans and St. Louis to Jefferson through the Big Cypress Bayou, helping transform the community into one of the state’s most important commercial centers. While the river traffic has long disappeared, the spirit of that era remains alive in the brick streets, historic storefronts and welcoming atmosphere that continue to draw visitors from across Texas and beyond.

Owned by Stan and Michelle Davis since 2012, the business has grown into more than a restaurant and bar. It serves as a gathering place for community organizations, local celebrations and visitors looking for an authentic East Texas ex64 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2026

perience. The couple has become deeply involved in community events and charitable efforts, helping establish and grow popular Jefferson traditions such as the East Texas Burn Run and the Outlaw National Car Show, events that attract thousands of visitors to the city each year.

a hand-crafted hamburger steak stuffed with jalapeños and green onions, topped with sautéed onions, melted cheese and brown gravy. It is comfort food with an East Texas attitude.

On any given weekend, live music spills from the stage while diners fill tables beneath weathered wood, vintage signs and decades of accumulated memories. The atmosphere feels part honky-tonk, part river town saloon and entirely Jefferson.

Auntie Skinner’s has become one of those rare places where locals and visitors naturally gather. During Mardi Gras Upriver, the streets surrounding the restaurant fill with revelers. On ordinary weekends, it’s simply where friends meet, stories are exchanged and another chapter of Jefferson life unfolds.

Guests can start with favorites such as Boudin Balls, Cowboy Corn Bites or Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip before moving on to hearty entrees, steaks, seafood and oversized burgers. One longtime customer favorite is the Poorman’s Steak,

Perhaps that is why Auntie Skinner’s has endured for more than four decades. In a town built on history and hospitality, it offers both in generous portions. Visit auntieskinners.com for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPEREASTSIDETX.COM • 65

FOOD | BEV’S BAKING CORNER

Bebe’s Blueberry Biscuits Summer is blueberry season across Upper East Side Texas. Whether you enjoy spending a morning at a local pick-yourown blueberry patch, browsing your favorite farmers market, or simply picking up a fresh carton at the grocery store, blueberries are one of the sweetest rewards of the season.

BLUEBERRY BISCUIT RECIPE •

2 cups all-purpose flour

•

¾ cup milk or half and half

•

1/3 cup sugar

•

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen or chilled

•

4 teaspoons baking powder

•

½ teaspoon salt

•

3 ounces fresh blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS Freeze the butter for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Carefully add the cold milk and using a fork, mix until just combined.

Allow the biscuits to cool 5 minutes while you mix the glaze ingredients.

Fold dough and knead slightly and pat into a circle about ½” to ¾” thick.

Once slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the biscuits and step aside as your family storms the area!

Cut with a 2” biscuit cutter. Place on an ungreased baking sheet or cake pan.

Place in the oven and bake for about 1013 minutes or until lightly golden.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush over the biscuits when they are removed from the oven.

GLAZE •

1 cup powdered sugar

Sift salt, sugar, flour, and baking powder in a bowl.

•

1/8 cup of water

•

1 teaspoon vanilla

Grate frozen butter and incorporate into the flour. Add the blueberries and toss to coat with the flour mixture.

•

½ teaspoon lemon juice

•

¼ teaspoon lemon zest

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More delicious recipes can be found in Southern Hospitality, Texas Style AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

JULY/AUGUST 2026 • WWW.UPPERSIDETX.COM • 67

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