county line Upper East Side of Texas
MARCH/APRIL 2019
M A G A Z I N E
NEWGATE Faces BARSTOOL Races PEGASUS Wings Columbine TWENTY Blake NEELY Townes VAN ZANDT VAN GO Art MARSHALL Fest DOWNTOWN Living
county line
explore guides MAGAZINE
Get to know the spirit of the lively communities that define the Upper East Side of Texas.
EVENTS. ARTICLES. ARTS. DINING. PLAYING. SHOPPING. LODGING.
www.CountyLineMagazine.com/Explore-Guides 2 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2019
TJC’s Annual Celebration of the Arts
ARTS FEST 2019
Media Underwriter
A month-long event offering performances, exhibits, guest speakers, and more at various times and locations across the TJC campus and at the Tyler Museum of Art.
April 1-30, 2019
TJC.edu/artsfestival
SHOP. DINE. LEARN. PLAY.
MARSHALL TEXAS shines year round • 2nd Saturday Car Show & Concert March through November • Market on the Square May through September; featuring growers, vendors, live music and children's crafts • Visit the Starr Family Home, Harrison County Historical Museum, T&P Railroad Depot, and Michelson Museum of Art @VisitMarshallTX @MarshallMainStreet @MarketOnTheSquare WWW.MARSHALLTEXAS.NET
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 3
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
8
40
5 Editor’s Note & Letters
THIS TIME OF YEAR
18 Rockwall, Spring Flower Trails, Earth Day, and Vernon Dalhart
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 22 Barstool Races 22 Event Picks 24 Wings Over Pegasus 25 Second Saturday Marshall
28
THE ARTS 26 26 27 28 30
Lone Star Impressions Art Shows International Exhibition Van Go Art Fair Captured Art
30 STAGE 32 Cowan Center 33 Stage Events
18
FILM 34 Blake Neely
LITERARY 36 Secret History of Wonder Woman 37 Poetry 37 Spokenword Invitational
FEATURES
8 Artist Paints Faces of Newgate
Longview artist Anup Bhandari uses talent to help homeless and the community. By P.A. Geddie
MUSIC 38 Eric Andersen 38 Music Picks 40 Townes Van Zandt 41 Music City Texas
12 Downtown Living Puts Residents in Center of Action
With Sulphur Springs renovations of the downtown area in recent years, comes new living quarters. By Judy Peacock
FOOD & DRINK 42 Lola’s Handcrafted Sandwiches 44 East Texas Sip & Shop
20 Born After Columbine
Student shares her views of trying to get an education under constant threat of violence. By Krista Leard
Cover: Collage art book cover design by Jason Butler/ The Faces of Newgate by Anup Bhandari
SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2019
FEEL GOOD 46 Abandoned Dogs Find Homes
county line Since 2000
MAGAZINE
Serving those living & playing in the Upper East Side of Texas
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie COPY EDITORS Tracy Torma Steve Freeman
CONTRIBUTORS
Judy Peacock Krista Leard RIcky Niell James Kenneth Blaylock Darrell Lindsey Mike Guinn Craig McBrayer Patricia Isaacson Joey Burns Stephanie Limerick Charles Wright Larissa Loveless
Digital Publications & Graphic Design Assistant Krista Leard
ADVERTISING pa.geddie@countylinemagazine.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, The amount of talent, fun, and reflection found in this issue is big. I am so proud to call the Upper East Side of Texas home. We feature artist Anup Bhandari’s new book on the cover because first, the collage created by Jason Butler is spectacular, but also because this is an amazing project. Read how Anup got to know homeless people in Longview. His arts projects have helped them and the community and eventually led him to publish his new book of paintings that show our shared humanity. Twenty-year-old Krista Leard takes us down another meaningful road with her article about school shootings as we acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. Much of what keeps us balanced as human beings is art, music, reading, poetry, good food, acts of kindness, having fun, and other things that fill our souls. Look for all these things in this issue. Check out the unique Barstool Races
in Ben Wheeler, the Van Go Art Fair in Van, Second Saturday Festival in Marshall, Eric Andersen in Winnsboro, Lola’s sandwiches in Tyler, East Texas Sip & Shop tours, and spring flowers and art shows all around the region. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of our lively small downtowns like Sulphur Springs, you get a front-row seat to activities like these. Find out why residents there sing praises for downtown living. I’ve always thought it would be cool to have an event to honor the great poet and songwriter Townes Van Zandt in Van Zandt County. Finally, it’s happening! Mark your calendars for the Tribute to Townes Van Zandt on the 75th anniversary of his birthday, March 7, in Ben Wheeler where singer-songwriters play Van Zandt songs as well as their own that he helped to inspire. May we all find a song in our hearts as we embrace all the good in the Upper East Side of Texas. P.A. Geddie
LETTERS
info@countylinemagazine.com County Line Magazine is published every other month, 6 times a year. Subscription costs: $15 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Contents COPYRIGHT 2019 County Line 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: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.963.8306. E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.963.1101.. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem incompatible with our mission.
Although I live in Oklahoma, I enjoy reading the County Line Magazine. My grandchildren live in East Texas so I make regular trips to visit. Through the years I have gone online to seek out adventures for us during our visits. I wish I had known about County Line years ago. The magazine is filled with wonderful photos and reviews of various forms of entertainment. I can read an article and be reminded of visiting different cities with the grandchildren. Keep up the good work County Line Magazine.
For over 20 years, For over 20 years,
Fonda Flores Oklahoma
Texans for the Arts
Texans for the Arts Thank you, County has consistently worked to: Line Magazine. We appreciate and Protect Hotelyou Occupancy Tax (HOT) your arts funding readers. And Increase funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts your wonderful publisher, P.A. Geddie. Expand the conversation about the vital role the arts in our schools and communities Great play work and beautiful publication, Support tax policies and other measures that help artists and artsThank organizations you. Ms. Geddie. has consistently worked to:
Protect Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) arts funding
Increase funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts
The Official Arts Advocacy Organization for Texas
The Official Arts Advocacy Texans for the Arts is at the forefront of empowering artists, arts leaders, committed supporters, and citizen activists like Organization for Texas you! Together we can amplify our powerful voices to increase both public and private resources to build strong, dynamic,
Texans for the iscommunities at the forefront of empowering artists, and Arts creative all across Texas. arts leaders, committed supporters, and citizen activists like you! Together we can amplify our powerful voices to increase both public and private resources to build strong, dynamic, and creative communities all across Texas.
CHECK OUT COUNTY LINE DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS www.CountyLineMagazine.com
Expand the conversation about the vital role the arts play in our schools and communities Support tax policies and other measures that help artists and arts organizations
Advocate for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and for federal policies that support artists and arts organizations.
Advocate for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and for federal policies that support artists and arts organizations.
Nancy Canson General Manager, Excelsior House Jefferson
We live in Northeast Texas and are avid readers — you do a wonderful job. Keep up your good work. Just excellent. Sandra Smith Davis Cumby Please start my one-year subscription. You produce a great magazine with lots of fun, pertinent info. Libby York Terrell
Please feel free to send us your comments. County Line Magazine P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 email: info@countylinemagazine.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter. Go to LETTERS on www.countylinemagazine.com.
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Explore Wood County!
EXPLORE WOOD MeetingCOUNTY the locals has never been so memorable
www.woodcountytx.com “Beyond the Lure of Big Fish”
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THURSDAY
FAMILY FUN NIGHT Carnival Rides $30 per person unlimited rides
Terrell Jubilee
April 25-28, 2019 Ben Gill Park
5K Run • Quilt Show • Rodeo • Dachshund Races Car Show • State Champion BBQ Cook-Off Arts/Crafts • Ham Bone Express Pig Races Live Entertainment • Health Fair/Business Expo
Terrell Chamber of Commerce 972-563-5703 • www.terrelljubilee.com MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 7
Artist Captures Faces of Newgate By P.A. Geddie When artist Anup Bhandari was growing up in Nepal, he saw how kind his father was to others, even to strangers. Those memories followed him to Texas as an adult and eventually collided with some people that inspired him to do the same. One winter about 12 years ago, Bhandari noticed a man in his mid-thirties walking down Highway 80 in Longview with a Bible in one hand and a skateboard in the other. He had a long beard and dirty clothes and he occasionally talked and laughed to himself, Bhandari recalls. “Here was a man who was not living anyone’s idea of the American dream, but he had joy and dignity just the same.” A few days later Bhandari saw him again, digging through a trash can outside a local business. “I watched as he rooted around for something to eat. People passing by were either staring and making fun of him or studiously ignoring him. I just wanted to befriend him.” Bhandari tried to speak with him and help him get something to eat but the man would not respond. “He ignored me and walked away. I realized he was not used to being approached because our society usually shuns homeless people.” But Bhandari persisted and finally the man spoke back. His name was Thomas and he was very likable, Bhandari says. “We became friends and I learned his routine and whereabouts so whenever I had money, I would take him food.” Getting to know Thomas was a turning point for Bhandari — a real lesson not to judge others by their appearance, he says. “I have since met many people like Thomas and gotten to know their stories. We tend to judge the homeless as bad people who are on the streets for reasons that make it easy for us to ignore them. We assume they are lazy, crazy, or addicted, when the truth is, they are overlooked and usually doing the best they can.” Four years into his friendship with Thomas, Bhandari got an idea about using his
art skills to help homeless people express themselves and to show society that the homeless, though too often unseen, are not invisible.
“When she saw it for the first time, she got to see what all of us see in her — the beauty and joy that shines through in her strong features.”
“They have vision and a voice, and are no less deserving of love and respect.”
Ruby was thrilled to see her portrait, he says.
He took his idea to Newgate Mission, a center that serves needs of the homeless, low-income, and marginalized populations of Longview.
“I saw that it made her feel seen and valued and I realized this is a way I could give back to the Newgate community.”
He soon started teaching art classes there and eventually people started showing up to paint. Over time, more and more people began participating and the growing body of artwork needed a name and deserved an audience, Bhandari said.
“I came to see each person at the mission as a creator whose spirit I wanted to capture on canvas,” he says.
“We called it the Healing Art Project and have since exhibited and sold artwork at the Longview Public Library, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, and other places around town. We have received a generous outpouring of community support.” The proceeds of each piece of art are split evenly between the artist and the mission. In 2016 Bhandari received an inaugural award named for him, the Anup Bhandari Award for Exceptional Kindness and Dedication to the Newgate Community. At a fundraiser about two years ago, Bhandari was displaying artwork by Newgate artists as part of the Healing Art Project when he ran into his friend Ruby. She was warming up for the 5K run, jumping around and joyfully exclaiming that she was going to “whoop them all.” She wore a Santa hat and a medal from the previous year’s run. She was 59 at the time but you’d never guess it, Bhandari says. He had met Ruby eight years earlier when he first started teaching art classes at Newgate. Many Longview residents recognize her as she covers a lot of miles around town on her bike. She participated in the classes from the start and has sold many of her paintings. “She has her own style,” Bhandari says, “which is easily recognizable as she only paints one endearing character best described as an animated blob.” After the 5K, Bhandari asked Ruby if he could paint her portrait and she agreed.
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Soon, Bhandari began “Faces of Newgate,” a portraiture project.
He created 30 portraits in one year and he features 27 in a book, The Faces of Newgate, that has just released. Along with the portraits are the subjects’ own handwritten accounts of their lives and loves, their histories and hopes. “I hope this book brings homelessness into our awareness and stands as a testament to our shared humanity,” he says. “Each portrait is intended to honor the subject, but it’s an honor for me, as well, to be involved in such meaningful work.” Kristi Bogle-Sherman — president of the Newgate Mission board of directors — has worked with Bhandari to create the book and wrote the foreword. In part she says, “As you make your way through these portraits, what will emerge is a broader picture of our shared humanity and a few universal truths: the subjects’ stories are all different; no two paths to Newgate exactly alike. But every single person connected to this book was someone’s child, was born under circumstances (good or bad) beyond their control, and is doing their best with the tools they’ve been given to navigate through life. Viewed through that lens, this book will inspire you to explore (and possibly redefine) your perspective, not only on our homeless and marginalized brothers and sisters, but on every person you encounter.” The Faces of Newgate is available from the Newgate Mission for $40. All proceeds benefit the mission. To order by phone call (903) 757-6146. Learn more about Newgate at www.newgatemission.org.
Some of the portraits in The Faces of Newgate — from top left, clockwise: Running Ruby; Jeff, who likes Mexican food, chocolate milk, and coffee; George, a father of four and former trucker; Darrell, who says he loves life; Delbra, who loves helping others, going to church, cooking, reading, and sewing; Joe, who worked in oil fields for MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •9 20 years; Alexandria, who sees doors opening that might get her back to her career; and Bobby, who enjoys reading and is looking forward to getting a place of his own.
WINNSBORO CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT
ANNIE MAE’S COFFEE SHOP & CAFE
LIEFIE LI VINE
108 W. Elm St. - (903) 347-6510
302 N. Main St. - (903) 347-1111
COPPER LEAF DAY SPA
WinnsboroCulturalDistrict.com
209 N. Main St. - (903) 342-7772
Texas Certified Cultural Arts District
Neptune’s Car John Fullbright March 9
DIRECTIONAL WELLNESS
213 N. Main St. - (903) 342-7772
GALLERY GIFT SHOP
March 23
LA CONCHITA
205 N. Walnut St. - (903) 347-1213
THE BOWERY
200 Market St. - (903) 342-0686
Dining, Music, Arts, & Entertainment
Barrel House Bar & Grill
STAR DRAGONFLY HERBS
204 Market St. - (903) 347-1282
Joe Crookston
300 N. Main St., Suite C - (903) 588-4313
100 East Cedar Street • 903-588-0465
200 MARKET STREET • 903-342-0686
10 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2019
903-342-3666
DINE. SHOP. STAY. ARTS. ENTERTAINMENT.
Ashley’s Flowers & Soda Shop
306 E. Coke Rd.. - (903) 342-0607
r June 25 Eric Andersen April 27
Robin & Linda Williams
BELLA STELLA WINERY
879 CR 4440 - (903) 975-0020
May 4
CLARA IDA FRANCES
219 N. Main St. - (903) 342-6137
HEROES COMICS AND GAMES
111 E. Elm St. - (903) 342-2055
BONNIE’S LUNCH BOX
THEE HUBBELL HOUSE
210 N. Main St. - (903) 347-6075
307 W. Elm St. - (800) 227-0639
FARMERS MARKET Apr-Nov
COUNTRYBOYS BBQ & SWEETS
winnsborolocallygrown.net - (903) 629-7079
414 W. Broadway - (903) 347-6512
Rich in history. Steeped in country. First in class. FINDERS KEEPERS ANTIQUES CULTURE CLUB, GALLERY OF ARTISTS
304 N. Main St. - (903) 347-1271
Logos represent donors or supporters and are utilized by permission only.
107 E. Elm St.
www.WINNSBOROCENTERFORTHE ARTS.COM MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 11
Downtown Living Puts Residents in Center of Action Sulphur Springs Renovations Include New Living Quarters By Judy Peacock Myra Watson likes to look on the bright side of life. That’s easy to do from her loft with a front-row view of downtown Sulphur Springs. “Living here is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life,” Watson says. She and her husband David — who both grew up in Sulphur Springs — bought and renovated an old building downtown that was once Boyd’s Pharmacy downstairs, and had several different offices housed upstairs through the years. They took an added facade off the outside of the building and brought it back to the original brick where possible, and the building still has the Boyd crest emblem on the front. The wood flooring in the Watson’s loft was restored from the old sub-flooring, and they used some of the salvageable old hardwood flooring to create beautiful feature walls. Moving in just last summer, the Watsons often sit and drink tea while gazing out large windows from their living room
at the magnificent architecture of the castle-like Hopkins County Courthouse and watching people in the active plaza that is the heart of downtown. Visitors wander about the plaza playing giant checkers and chess games, viewing the exquisite veterans memorial, and lining up to use the amusing see-through bathrooms. They especially their view of special events like the Fourth of July celebration when they enjoyed a symphony followed by beautiful fireworks that filled the sky behind the courthouse. During Christmas activities, Santa even visited their porch and waved at people below on the busy brick streets. Myra says, “We have had friends and photographers visit and take photos from the balcony because it is such a great vantage point.” The Watsons’ loft is open concept with a beautiful chef’s kitchen where Myra loves to cook overlooking the dining area and walls of windows. She has even hosted cooking classes for large groups. She and her husband can either stay in and cook or walk just a few steps out-
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side their front door to meet friends for dinner or a glass of wine at one of the downtown restaurants. They walk to church, to a variety of shops, and to enjoy the park-like feel of the plaza. “I hardly ever drive anymore,” Myra says. Being part of the downtown community is rewarding and the Watsons are making a lot of new friends -- people who live there as neighbors, as well as those who work there. “The feeling of community is truly the best part about living here.” Another downtown tenant, former Boscontinued page 14 ABOVE: Myra Watson enjoys her view of the courthouse plaza from her loft in downtown Sulphur Springs. OPPOSITE TOP TO BOTTOM: The Watsons created these beautiful feature walls using original hardwood flooring from old upstairs offices of this historic building during renovations; Their powder room features a photo of the building when it was Larner’s Drug Store and an actual tonic bottle and package from the original Boyd’s Pharmacy. Photos by Judy Peacock
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13
DOWNTOWN continued from page 12 ton and Dallas resident Corey Blakes, looks out his living room window over the brick-lined Main Street and sees lots of activity at the many popular downtown restaurants and shops. Some of the best places to get burgers and steaks in Texas are right outside his front door but he often takes meals that he prepares himself out on his balcony to enjoy with the view. When the weather is nice, Blakes spends as much time as possible enjoying his outdoor living space above the street, soaking in the sights and sounds of locals and tourists. He enjoys people watching in general. Blakes says, “My favorite thing to do is to watch people try to parallel park.” Blakes loves the small town atmosphere that comes with living in Sulphur Springs. This personal trainer/photographer has spent years in big cities, and the way that people care about him here is a world of difference from before, he says, and that is very important to him.
“From their doorsteps, they can walk to restaurants, shops, and events. They have front-row seats to the city’s many events like music and parades.” Dicus also points out that even though there are many exciting activities downtown, things close down at a decent hour most evenings so loud noise levels late at night are not a problem for downtown residents. The idea of downtown living in Sulphur Springs started to take hold several years ago when the town began major revitalization efforts to change downtown into a fun place to visit. There are now 11 apartments and several more in the works, Dicus says, noting the town has a “Fredericksburg-y feel.” Emily Glass owns one of the buildings on Main Street with an event venue downstairs and three apartments upstairs. Glass says when she and her husband purchased the space seven years ago, the upstairs was a terrible mess.
“Living here, I know that there are a number of people who are there for me if I need them.” The busy courthouse plaza is just around the block from Blakes’ downtown apartment so it is easy for him to attend the many events the city organizes each year. He can walk there alone or with friends, take photos, meet people, and enjoy all the festivities. If he gets tired or does not feel like being with a lot of people at the time, he can easily walk a few steps and relax in the quiet of home. What Blakes loves most about living downtown is how he is centrally located to all he needs to do. He is very close to work and nightlife and to any errands or shopping he needs to do. “This is right where I want to be.” Downtown living is a rising trend in Texas small towns like Sulphur Springs. Community Development Specialist Sarah Dicus says this is a great way of life for people who do not want to worry with a yard and who want to be in the middle of the action. 14 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2019
“It looked like no one had touched it since the 1940s,” she says. With a big, gaping hole in the floor and remnants of the Knights of Pythias who used to meet there years ago, and a personal connection to the building, Glass says she and her husband envisioned beautiful, high-quality homes for people and set out to make that happen. Renovations included creating a wide stairwell and hallways with high ceilings and adding hardwood floors, granite counter tops, and laundry connections in each of the apartments. Brightened up old buildings in downtown Sulphur Springs is creating a community of residents that are having the time of their lives. BELOW TOP TO BOTTOM: Corey Blakes looking out his living room window; and Blakes’ balcony. OPPOSITE TOP TO BOTTOM: The McLeroy Building, a beautiful example of downtown living space; and the view of Standbridge House, yet another stunning downtown home, and a portion of Main Street. Photos by Judy Peacock
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 15
Small town.
Awe-some spring! bloom watchers welcome
March 22 - April 7
81st annual dogwood trails celebration - scenic drives & special events each weekend
march 29-31
old time music and dulcimer festival concerts & workshops
april 27-28
1836 Chuckwagon Race at diamond b ranch
March - May
piney woods train excursions: texas state railroad scenic tours March 24: Dogwood brunch train May 26: Memorial Day Brunch Train
visitpalestine.com 800.659.3484 16 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2019
Now offering exclusive, guided, educational tours of the Sanctuary Upcoming tours: February 23 March 23 April 13 April 27 May 11 May 25
1pm 1pm 1pm 1pm 1pm 1pm
SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY AT
www.fundforanimals.org/blackbeauty/visit-the-ranch/ The Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch is a worldrenowned animal sanctuary in Murchison, Texas. With over 1,400 acres, it is home to more than 800 domestic and exotic animals. The sanctuary is not a zoo but is now open to the public 1-2 times per month for small, prescheduled, guided tours to respect the peace and privacy of the animals.
12526 Co Rd 3806, Murchison, TX 75778 | (903) 469-3811
HENDERSON HAPPENINGS Downtown Merchants Invite you to
Sip ‘N Shop! April 13th
24rd Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show April 19th - 20th Rusk County Expo Center 3303 FM 13 West 903-889-2671
Shopping, Fun and Rest Area in the Pocket Park 100 E. Main St. Historic Downtown Henderson
Rusk County Wildflower Trails April 15th - May 31st
Save The Date!
May 5-7, 12-14
“The Christians”
www.hendersoncivictheatre.org
Self-driving tour on three driving trails of Rusk County. Maps are available by contacting City of Henderson Department of Tourism
866-650-5529
or download map from www.visithendersontx.com email: tourism@hendersontx.us MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 17
THIS TIME OF YEAR APRIL 17, 1854
APRIL 27
Courtesy Photo
Blue Moon Celebrates Lavender
Discovery of Rock Wall Led to Town’s Name The town of Rockwall was established April 17, 1854, and named after a natural formation of an underground “wall” located nearby. Early settlers discovered the formations — some a few stories high— while digging for water wells. Geologists claim such underground walls are not uncommon, but rumors persist that they were made by some advanced yet prehis-
toric society. Most of the land is on private property, but some stones excavated from portions of the wall are on display outside the Rockwall County Historical Foundation Museum. The museum is located in the Manson-LaMoreaux-Hartman House in Harry Myers Park on Washington Street. See the County Line archives for numerous articles about Rockwall.
Spring Flower Trails
Blue Moon Gardens celebrates all things lavender at their Spring Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27. Free programs explain which varieties of lavender are easiest to grow in the Upper East Side of Texas and how to harvest and use the flowers. For a small fee guests can make their own lavender foaming bath salts and body polish to take home. There are also make-your-own stations for linen and room spray and body powder, all sweetly scented with lavender.
Photo by Ricky Niell
The nursery at Blue Moon Gardens is decked out in all its beauty for this annual event. Spend the day strolling through the display gardens, enjoying refreshments, and visiting with the knowledgeable gardening staff and talented artists. The nursery is in full bloom and stocked with shrubs, perennials, flowers, herbs and vegetables. Reservations are requested for the make-your-own classes during this event. Visit the website for more information and registration. All other programs during the day are free and open to the public.
Spring Flower Trails in the Upper East Side of Texas are spectacular. Check out numerous suggestions in the County Line archives, countylinemagazine.com 18 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2019
Blue Moon Gardens is a retail garden center, gift shop and art studio located 4.5 miles east of Edom on FM 279. For more information call (903) 852-3897 or visit their website bluemoongardens. com.
APRIL 22 EARTH DAY
International Earth Day Is On Spring Equinox
PAPER
Indulge
Photo by Ricky Niell
YOU DESERVE IT
International Earth Day was initiated to make earth inhabitants aware of their responsibility to care for the planet. This care includes environmental and natural resources. International Earth Day was founded by John McConnell, of Davis City, Iowa. In September, 1969, he proposed the establishment of Earth
Day to the San Francisco, California Board of Supervisors. After approval, he gained support from many others, including then UN General Secretary, U Thant. See the County Line Magazine and individual town calendars for scheduled Earth Day activities in the Upper East Side of Texas.
APRIL 6, 1833
Happy Birthday Vernon Dalhart
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Still just $15 per year! SUBMIT ORDER ON WEBSITE OR MAIL TO P.O. BOX 608 BEN WHEELER, TX 75754
On April 6, 1833, Marion G. Slaughter was born in Jefferson, Texas. He went on to be one of the most prolific singersongwriters of so-called hillbilly music, which pre-dated country music.
county line
He wrote hundreds of country songs under the pseudonym Vernon Dalhart, made up from the names of two Texas towns in which he had punched cattle as a teenager. He recorded the first country song to sell one million copies.
Upper East Side of Texas Regional Magazine
fl&g
Originally, he wanted to be an opera singer, and in 1913 he got parts in Madame Butterfly and H.M.S. Pinafore. He saw an advertisement in the local newspaper for singers and applied. He was auditioned by Thomas Alva Edison and went on to record for Edison Records.
music and early dance band vocals for various record labels. In the 1920s and 1930s, he sang on more than 5,000 singles for many labels.
From 1916 until 1923, he made more than 400 recordings of light classical
Dalhart died September 14, 1948, at the age of 65.
903.963.1101 countylinemagazine.com
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19
Born After Columbine
Student Shares Views of Trying to Get an Education Under Constant Threat of Violence Article & Illustration By Krista Leard Twenty years ago, on April 20, 1999, a horrid act of terrorism shook the nation. Two young men — seemingly ordinary teens with ordinary lives — decided to attack their fellow students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. They claimed the lives of 13 people and injured 24 others in an act of mass murder. Three months later I was born. My whole life, the threat of a potential school shooting has hovered over my head. I can’t remember the last time I practiced a fire drill. Now it’s just shelterin-place drills, a practice where students must quickly lock the door and hide from all windows and doors in the dark.
There is no predicting it or calculating it. For some of the school shootings since Columbine, the violence targeted certain social groups; in others, it was just a hurt kid trying to act out. And for a few, like the Columbine murderers, they wanted their five minutes of fame. It’s scary, wondering if your school will be next. It happens in cities, tiny towns, and suburban areas. The children in our schools should never have to worry about their safety or their lives. They should be able to go to school without fear.
According to The Washington Post, since Columbine more than 220,000 students at 225 schools have been exposed to school shootings where at least 143 children, educators, and other people were killed in assaults, and another 289 were injured.
On my first day of college a few months ago, I was both nervous and excited about my future. I was excited to learn new things and be in a new environment, but I was nervous because I had never been on a campus so big. My hopes for this new journey in my life were soon clouded with fearful words. In all my classes that day, one of the first things each professor started with was what to do in case of an active attacker in the room or on the grounds.
To me, hearing about another school shooting is like seeing a car crash on a highway. It has become normal — a tragedy that children should never feel or try to understand.
I was beyond sad to have to be reminded that this problem had followed me into my new world and I would continue to have to further my education with the constant threat of violence.
After Columbine, theories spread like wildfire as the survivors and their families scrambled to find a reason, a source to place the blame, so they could cope and understand the reason behind the attack. Why their school, why those kids, why me?
Why do we only hear about ways to protect ourselves, and nothing from anybody with constructive ideas put into action about how to help prevent the violence in the first place?
There are many speculations about why they did it and what may have caused their behavior, but the bottom line is however they got to this point, or whatever tools they used, they were filled with violent rage. It is in no way comforting that anyone, at any time, could be the next assailant.
I have witnessed kids suffer depression in silence because they feel like no one is there to listen to them, to help them. Most attacks in these schools are caused by hurting students. We need more counseling services to help recognize the signs of a potential threat early in a student’s life and more outlets for kids like the arts to help them feel valued when they don’t fit in to the popular
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sports programs or are just a bit different than the average student. It wasn’t a stranger, or a man in a mask that killed their fellow students 20 years ago; it was two teenagers, both full of anger and pain. It’s all about these young adults, and their ability to express themselves and their feelings. They all need someone to listen to them. “Teach them (students) that they are allowed to express their anger through words — not by acting on them,” Eve Burkhardt of the Westchester Family Institute explains to ABC News. We need to make the school killings stop by eliminating the need, the inspiration. We need to end the bullying, the violence that shows on the news every day, the racism, the hate, the segregation among children between the wealthy and the poor, the popular and the not, the pretty and the plain. End the violence that surrounds our world, because children see way too much of that now days. The future of the world is defined by the children of today, and if all they see is violence, then that is all they will reap. The Columbine murderers grew up with “normal” families, and both were highly intelligent, Dave Cullen writes in his book, Columbine. They had dates, went to prom, participated in sports and other activities, and had a handful of friends — yet they still betrayed their school. More and more kids are looking to make their mark in history like the Columbine attackers did. We need to stop publicizing the bad, and focus on the good things kids do, their academic and personal achievements. Because in the end, what matters most is assuring our children that they can go to school and come home the same as when they left — full of curiosity and potential for a bright future ahead of them.
5
road-trip worthy events this spring in Longview, TX
TEXAS
Longview Wine Festival 1 April 27, 2019
Texas wine, music, and food
VisitMcKinney.com/CLM
Rodeo & Crawfish Boil 2 April 12-13, 2019
Two events; one fun weekend
county line
MAGAZINE
Downtown Live 3 Fridays in April & May
Reach those that Live & Play in the Upper East Side of Texas
Free concerts with food trucks
May the 4th Be With You 4 May 4, 2019 Symphony goes Star Wars
ADVERTISE — IT WORKS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com • (903) 963-1101
Dalton Days 5 April 6, 2019
Downtown wild west festival
Find these and many more at
VisitLongviewTexas.com
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for extended event listings.
Barstool Races Return to Ben Wheeler With Joint Activities in Edom
EVENTS Second Saturday
Marshall Main Street Second Saturday. Downtown Marshall. (903) 935-7868, marshalltexas.com Hit the Bricks. Tyler. (903) 592-1661. visittyler.com
Through March 16
Black History Month: Faces of Diversity. Longview. Gregg County Historical Museum. (903) 753-5840, gregghistorical.org
Through March 24
Caddo Contemporary: Present and Relevant. Nacogdoches. Cole Art Center. (936) 468-1131, visitnacogdoches.org
February 28-March 3
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. First Monday Trade Days. (903) 567-6556, firstmondaycanton.com
Ben Wheeler’s famous Barstool Races are expanding this year to include a full day of activities and concerts, and participation from their FM 279 sister city, Edom, just eight miles east, for this annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. Saint P’s 279 Street Party is from noon to midnight Saturday, March 16. Music takes place on the Ben Wheeler street stage from noon to 4 p.m. with Meredith Crawford, Chris Rasco, Riley Redding, Heather Little, and Craig Wallace. An art exhibition, “Motor Mayhem,” is on display at Edom Art Emporium and guests are invited to visit other art galleries in Edom including Potter’s Brown and Zeke & Marty. Artworks are also on view in Ben Wheeler at Mona Lisa Portraits and the Sideshow Gallery at The Forge Bar & Grill. Shoppers will enjoy a variety of stores including Buffalo Clover in Edom and Glitz & Spurs, Mr. B’s Antiques, and Vintage Cork 917 in Ben Wheeler. Downtown Edom is also featuring a car show and cruise night starts at 5 p.m. The Barstool Riders Association is presenting the Motorized Barstool Races from 4 to 6 p.m. in downtown Ben Wheeler. Racers can enter in Novelty, Electric, or Gas Engine classes. Races are at 4 p.m. The winner/loser circle is at 5:30 p.m.
Music continues on The Forge Bar & Grill acoustic stage from 6 to 11 p.m. with Andie Kay Joyner and Travis Bolt. Moore’s Store features music from 6 to 11 p.m. with Max Stalling, Heather Little, and Matt Bradshaw. In The Forge’s backyard is “Over the Rainbow” from 7 p.m. to midnight with a silent showing of the film, Wizard of Oz, and club/dance music in the pavilion. A pre-party takes place Friday, March 15 at Edom Art Emporium featuring “Motor Mayhem,” a fun art exhibition that plays off the motor theme. They will have live music and guests can see a preview of the motorized barstools racing the next day as well. The barstool races started in 1978 when a few guys got together at Quiet Man Bar on Knox Street in Dallas. The tradition continued throughout Dallas until 1991 when they did their last metroplex race the Greenville Avenue Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Not seen in more than 20 years, the barstools resurfaced in Ben Wheeler in 2012 where they continue the tradition now each year on Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. For more information on the 2019 Saint P’s 279 Street Party visit theforgebenwheeler.com or call (903) 833-5970.
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March 1-3
Vintage Market Days. Waxahachie. Ellis County Expo Center. (972) 825-5175. vintagemarketdays.com
March 2
Mardi Gras Texarkana 2019. Front Street Texarkana. (903) 748-0782, mardigrastexarkana.com 38th Rose City Chili Cookoff. Downtown Tyler. (903) 393-4830
March 2
Star Party Saturday. Tyler. Center for Earth & Space Science Education. (903) 510-2312, sciencecenter.tjc.edu
March 3
Krewe of Barkus. Historic Downtown McKinney. (972) 547-2660, mckinneytexas.org
March 8-10
North Texas Irish Festival. Dallas. Fair Park. (214) 821-4173, ntif.org
March 15-16
Medieval Wine Faire. Jefferson. Knightlight Tavern. (903) 665-8546, knightlighttheater.com Saint Patrick’s Day Mini Golf Fun. Downtown Paris Square. (903) 784-2501, paristexas.com
March 16
Barstool Races. Downtown Ben Wheeler. (903) 833-1060, Benwheelertx.com Rock n Roll Saturday. Tyler. Center for Earth & Space Science Education. (903) 510-2312, sciencecenter.tjc.edu
Dogwood trees love Palestine, Texas, this time of year and are celebrated through numerous events. Photo by Larissa Loveless
March 22-Through April 7
Annual Dogwood Celebration. Palestine. Davey Dogwood Park. (903) 723-3014, visitpalestine.com
March 23-31
Tour Redland’s Historic Inn. Palestine. Redland’s Historic Inn. (903) 729-2345, visitpalestine.com
March 23
81st Dogwood Trails Arts & Music Festival. Downtown Palestine. (903) 729-6066, palestinechamber.org
March 24
Dogwood Brunch Train. Palestine Depot. (855) 632-7729, visitpalestine.com
Getzendaner Park. (469) 309-4040, waxahachiecvb.com
Show. Henderson. Rusk Co. Expo Center. (903) 889-2671, visithendersontx.com
March 30-31
April 19-28
March 30-April 28, Weekends
April 20
Mineola Amtrak Wine Fest. City of Mineola Transportation Complex. (903) 569-2087, mineolachamber.org Avalon Faire. Kilgore. Avalon Faire. (903) 985-0165, avalonfaire.com
April 4
An Evening with Ron Hall. Longview. SE Belcher Center. (903) 233-3080, belchercenter. com
April 6
March 25- April 6
Dalton Days. Downtown Longview. (903) 7535840, gregghistorical.org
March 26
Star Party Saturday. Tyler. Center for Earth & Space Science Education. (903) 510-2312, sciencecenter.tjc.edu
Ellis County Youth Art Show. Waxahachie. (972) 937-3414, elliscountyart.net Hooves and Halos Playday. Winnsboro City Park. (903)563-1449, hoovesandhalos.org
March 28-31
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. First Monday Trade Days. (903) 567-6556, firstmondaycanton.com
March 29-31
Annual Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival. Palestine. Museum for East Texas Culture. (903) 723-3014, visitpalestine.com
March 30
Tulipalooza 2019. Waxahachie. Grand-
April 11-14
17th Annual Diamond Don’s Riverport International Vintage Motorcross. Jefferson. Diamond Don RV Park and Event Center. (866) 398-2038, diamonddon.com
Hunt County Fair. Greenville. Hunt County Fair Association. (903) 454-1503, huntcountyfair.net Rock n Roll Saturday. Tyler. Center for Earth & Space Science Education. (903) 510-2312, sciencecenter.tjc.edu
April 22-28
1836 Chuckwagon Race. Palestine. Diamond B Ranch. (903) 721-9111, 1836chuckwagonrace.com
April 25-28
Terrell Jubilee. Terrell. Ben Gill Park. (972) 563-5703, terrelltexas.com Crossroads of Texas Film and Music Festival. Waxahachie. Chautauqua Auditorium. (469) 309-4012, crossroadsoftxff. com
April 27
Art and Wine Walk. Athens. Gallery 211. (903) 292-1746, artgallery211.net
April 13
April 29
Main Street Festival. Grand Saline. Historic Downtown District. (903) 962-3122, grandsalinemainstreet.com
May 4
Paris Texas Wine Fest. Downtown Paris. (903) 784-2501, paristexas.com
April 19-20
Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Club
Bois d’Arc Car & Motorcycle Show. Downtown Commerce. (903) 886-3950, commerce-chamber.com Star Party Saturday. Tyler. Center for Earth & Space Science Education. (903) 510-2312, sciencecenter.tjc.edu
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Enjoy Wings Over Pegasus for a Good Cause The Pegasus Project presents the Fifth Annual Wings Over Pegasus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 in Murchison. The event features airshows, airplane rides, skydivers, pony rides, kids’ games, arts and crafts, an Easter egg hunt, and much more in a fun, casual carnivalfilled day for the whole family. The Pegasus Project is a nonprofit organization operated by Allyson and Mike DeCanio to rescue neglected horses. They have 40 to 45 rescue equine on their ranch located off FM 773 between Ben Wheeler and Murchison at all times. They take horses of all breeds, as well as donkeys, mules, minis and ponies (anything of the equine variety). Each year, they find good homes for between 20 and 25 horses. One grateful horse they rescued is Bailey the Clydesdale. It was towards the end of 2016 when they got word of skinny horses in south Tyler with no shelter — one of them being Bailey. After some negotiating, the owner released her to Pegasus just prior to a massive cold front. The Pegasus team began providing her with the intensive care she needed. She recovered nicely, and after Bailey had gained to a healthy weight, they began to suspect that she might be pregnant. In the early morning hours of June 9, 2017, she gave birth to a filly they named Cloud Jumper (CJ). Once CJ was weaned, they began working with Bailey to determine whether she was saddle trained. After several months of working with her, they decided she is best left as a companion horse. Given her age (20+) she’s much happier as a pasture ornament. When CJ was born, the Pegasus team had to syringe feed her for a while to keep her alive. Once she could fully nurse, she was eating on her own and thriving. CJ shows no signs of her early struggles and is now a very large and healthy yearling. With Clydesdale in her bloodlines, and given her current size, they expect she will easily exceed 16-plus hands when grown. In November of 2017, they weaned CJ from Bailey, and she currently lives with three-year-old colts Jax and Scout and Bailey on the Pegasus Ranch. CJ is bold,
independent and confident. She has beautiful movement and feathery feet. Visitors to Wings Over Pegasus can tour the ranch and visit some of the rescued horses. Admission is $10 per car. Food and games are available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the rescue horses and donkeys. For directions and more information, visit www.mypegasusproject.org or call (903) 469-3578.
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TOP: Bailey was rescued in 2016 after she was found malnourished in Tyler. With lots of care by the Pegasus team she recovered and is a healthy companion horse today. BOTTOM: During the healing process, Bailey gave birth to CJ who is now also thriving and living large on the Pegasus ranch. Courtesy photos
The Fun Begins for Marshall Main Street
OSAGE RANCH, Brownsboro, TX FOR SALE
+/- 191.714 Acres
OSAGERANCH.NET
$1,950,000
Easy retreat from DFW Fishing lake Home + Guest house Workshop/storage
Chris Askew, Broker
TX Real Estate Lic #475995
askew.cl2@gmail.com 512-423-7949
Downtown Marshall, Texas, comes alive every second Saturday beginning in March – and every month through October – with an outdoor festival hosted by Marshall Main Street. The event offers arts, crafts, vendors, live music, and a great car show. The day begins at 9 a.m. when vendors open for business along North Washington Avenue with an ever-changing mix of merchandise. Visitors find handcrafted jewelry and gifts, art, antiques, and sometimes word workings and pop-ups from local authors. Marshall’s downtown shops and restaurants offer food and drink throughout the day, as well as unique gifts and home furnishings, antiques, linens, clothing, and accessories. Beginning at 5 p.m., the Rusty Lug Nutz CarvClub hosts the monthly Car Show & Cruise Night — the vintage, classic, and muscle cars are often seen downtown long before the official start time. Second Saturday evenings mean musical entertainment in Telegraph Park in the heart of downtown. Free outdoor concerts in Texas’ birthplace of Boogie Woogie music usually begin around 8 p.m. Guests bring lawn chairs and settle in for a good show. Activities and entertainment lineup for Marshall Main Street’s Second Saturday change monthly. Market on the Square, a co-op farmers market, is featured during the summer as well as a Children’s Dollar Craft from 9 to 11 a.m. starting in June. Crafts range from painting to planting and even feature a cookie and pie contest. For more information, visitmarshalltexas.net or call (903)702-7777.
SIDETRACK IN MINEOLA! Historic & Natural Mineola Texas
ENJOY AN ADVENTURE
Mineola Nature Preserve
7:30 a.m. until sunset HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS P H O T O G R A P H E R S PA R A D I S E B I G F O O T PA D D L I N G T R A I L BIRDWATC HING EQUESTRIAN TRAILS FISHING PONDS AMPHITHEATER PA V I L I O N F O R R E N T
1.800.646.3652 or 903.569.6183 www.mineolanaturepreserve.com MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 25
THE ARTS
ARTS EVENTS
Lone Star Impressions Impress Billy Hassell, and Ed and Linda Blackburn, as well as more established artists such as Otis Dozier, Joseph Glasco, and Robert Gordy. Operating first from a studio and gallery at Peak and Ross just east of downtown Dallas and later at a larger space in Deep Ellum on Main Street, the Harts and Lemke joined forces with master printers Tom Piper and Bill Lagatutta to create a body of work that substantially increased the profile of fine-art printing throughout the state. Over the course of the 1980s, Peregrine produced more than 600 titles representing the work of 90-plus artists.
“Rodeo” by Derek Boshier
The Tyler Museum of Art features a legacy that still wields vast influence over the contemporary Texas art scene in “Lone Star Impressions: Prints by Peregrine Press” through April 20. Organized by TMA and curated by Caleb Bell, “Lone Star Impressions” surveys more than a decade of tremendous output by Peregrine Press, established in 1981 by Mike and Jo Ann Hart with Gerry Lemke as one of the first fine-art presses in Texas. Being based in Dallas allowed the startup press to have access to many of the emerging young talents in contemporary Texas art, including David Bates,
Through March 17
Lagniappe: Works by Letitia Huckaby. Tyler Museum of Art. (903) 595-1001, tylermuseum. org
Through March 23
Deliverance: Rescued and Set Free Works by Brett Dyer. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. (903) 753-8103, www.lmfa.org
Through April 24
All Creatures Great and Small Art Exhibition. Athens. 211 Gallery. (903) 2921746, artgallery211.net
March 1-April 13
Ellie Taylor Solo Exhibition. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. (903)342-0686, winnsborocenterforthearts.com
March 2
The more than 30 works featured in “Lone Star Impressions” include editions held in TMA’s Permanent Collection by Jack Mims and Al Souza along with the multi-artist “Celebrate Texas Suite” (Bates, Derek Boshier, Nic Nicosia and Earl Staley), complementing works showcasing other regional talents such as the Blackburns, Dozier, Hassell, Lee N. Smith III and Michael Tracy. Most of the works featured in this exhibition have not been seen by the public in more than a decade.
Starry Starry Night.Winnsboro Center for the Arts. (903) 342-0686, winnsborocenterforthearts. com
Special events in connection with the exhibition include free First Friday tours at 11 a.m. March 1 and April 5 and Family Days from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 9 and April 13. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For information, call (903) 595-1001 or visit tylermuseum.org.
March 28-31
THAT DAY:
April 6 - May 26
PICTURES IN THE AMERICAN WEST BY LAURA WILSON ON DISPLAY APRIL 6 - JUNE 22
OPENING RECEPTION: APRIL 6, 7-9PM 903.753.8103 LMFA.org ON DISPLAY APRIL 6 - MAY 25
Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.
215 E. Tyler St. Longview, TX 75601
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March 3-23
59th Student Invitational. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. (903) 753-8103, lmfa.org
March 9-30
Tweens and Teens. Athens. Gallery 211. (903) 292-1746, artgallery211.net
March 15-16
Motor Mayhem. Edom Art Emporium. (903) 290-2323, edomartemporium.wordpress.com KilGogh Arts Festival. Kilgore Main Street. (903) 988-4117, kilgoremainstreet.com
March 30
Van Go Art Fair. Van City Park. (903) 9527075, vangoartfair.com
March 31-May 5
15th Annual High School Art Exhibition. Tyler Museum of Art. (903)595-1001, tylermuseum.org Backstage Pass: Rolling Stone Magazine. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. (903) 7538103, lmfa.org
April 11
ArtWalk Downtown. Downtown Longview. (903) 753-2098, artwalklongview.com
April 12-14
Arts in Bloom. Downtown McKinney. (972) 547-2660, mckinneytexas.org
April 20
It’s Natural. Edom Art Emporium. (903) 7147414, edomartemporium.wordpress.com
UT Tyler Presents International Exhibition Through March 8 in Meadows Gallery
15TH ANNUAL
HIGH SCHOOL ART
EXHIBITION March 31 through May 5, 2019 Tyler Museum of Art 1300 South Mahon Avenue • Tyler, TX www.tylermuseum.org
“On the Drive Home” by Lindy Chambers is one of the paintings featured at the UT Tyler International Exhibition through March 8.
The University of Texas at Tyler features the 34th Annual International Exhibition through March 8 in the Meadows Gallery. The exhibition features 63 contemporary works selected by juror and former Fort Worth Contemporary Arts curator Christina Rees from more than 800 entries. “The gallery is filled to the brim with gorgeous art from well-known artists,’’ Michelle Taff, UT Tyler gallery and media coordinator, said of the exhibition, presented by the Department of Art and Art History. “From traditional landscapes to thought-provoking photographs to political satire, there is something for everyone.’’ Following the exhibition, a number of the works become part of UT Tyler’s permanent art collection to be displayed around campus and used for
teaching purposes, Taff said. Rees is editor-in-chief of Glasstire magazine and has contributed art, film and music criticism to the Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and other publications. She served as an editor with The Met and D Magazine and a fulltime columnist with the Dallas Observer. Meadows Gallery is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call (903) 566.7237 or send an email to mtaff@uttyler.edu. A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered. With more than 10,000 students, UT Tyler has facilities in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston. MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 27
New Event Celebrates Art on Van Gogh’s Birthday The first annual Van Go Art Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30, in Van City Park in Van, Texas, on the 166th birthday of Vincent Van Gogh. The event features a full day of juried art, performing singer-songwriters, wineries, food trucks, a young artists exhibition, and a kids’ art area. The main attraction is the juried art show with 25-plus artists presenting a variety of mediums including oil paintings, metal sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber, glass, and leather. Artist Randy Martin was a successful creator of one-of-a-kind birdhouses until he saw the movie Twister and found a new love in the ways of kinetic art. He likes art that moves, and works with copper, steel, and other materials to create exquisite sculptures for both indoors and out. Martin is doing live demonstrations creating copper daylily bird feeders throughout the day. Kerian Massey is a graphic artist and illustrator by trade, but puts brush to canvas whenever an idea sparks in her mind. Her work is on the “quirky” side covering animals, cars, chairs, shoes,
people and funky ideas. Her take on the normal gets bent by her love of surrealism and imagery, bringing the viewer on a small visual adventure. Inspired by nature and mechanical things, Jessica Lisby creates intricate jewelry with the concept of taking something broken or unloved and giving it new life. Frankie Davis is bringing her “tinker illustrations” to the fair. She blends mixed media, illustration, decoupage, simple mechanics, and paper engineering to create textured, 3D, and often interactive pieces. Bringing his handcrafted native hardwood three-legged stools is Randall Ricketts, and Don and Lori Dudley of Dirt on Your Skirt show their animated character ceramics and pottery. Other artists include Cindy Fuqua, horse hair pottery; Kathy Kromer, Matisse-like creations with paper, texture, and vibrant colors; Sylvia Morse, small metals and ceramics; Monica Lubiani, colorful glass art jewelry and housewares; and many others.
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Also located within the art show is a Young Artists Exhibition with art teacher-selected pieces from Van ISD junior high and high school students as well as recent graduates. The music line up for the day includes talented singer-songwriters Elfin Paige, Zack Pohl, Josh Wallace, Andie Kay Joyner, Chris Rasco, Meredith Crawford, Lucas Kelm, and Heather Little. Valle della Pace Vineyards & Winery and Green Goat Winery bring their locally made wines. Food trucks offer a wide variety including German fusion meat buns, rice bowls, papaya pickles, as well as burgers and fries, and plenty for the kids. Sweets include handcrafted gourmet ice creams, sorbets, cheesecakes, and other fresh-baked pastries and cakes. Not to be missed are works-of-art chocolates by Kaitlin’s Confections. The Kids’ Art section has several handson projects for kids of all ages as well as a face painter creating Van Gogh-like art on little faces. Other activities during the day include art selfie backdrops, a Toast to Vincent,
A sampling of the art featured at Van Go Art Fair (left, clockwise) includes Randy Martin’s kinetic metal sculptures, adventurous oil on canvas by Kerian Massey, hand-dyed wearable art by Valery Guignon, bespoke jewelry by Jessica Lisby, and horse hair pottery by Cindy Fuqua.
and a Van Go Costume Contest. Guests of all ages are invited to come dressed as famous paintings like self portraits of Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo or Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” Voting takes place throughout the day on site and on social media for best costume and winner receives $200 cash plus event merchandise and artists’ contributions. The Van Go Art Fair is produced and sponsored by the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation, City of Van, Moore’s Store, and other area businesses and individuals. Proceeds benefit the foundation to support arts education and tourism for the district that includes Van schools and the towns of Edom, Van, and Ben Wheeler. For more information, visit vangoartfair.com or call (903) 952-7075.
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CAPTURED ART
Our readers share their views of the Upper East Side of Texas
THE WHOLE FAMILY
▲
“We have several herds of deer on our peninsula on Lake Fork. We were so thrilled to see one of the moms with her twins and dad, all posing in front of the lake one morning.” Patricia Isaacson
▲
CHAPEL PARTING THE HEAVENS
King’s Trail Church’s prayer chapel near Whitewright. Joey Burns
DRESSED IN BLUE
▲
“The cold air nipped at my fingers as I came around the corner. Frozen in time, this Great Blue Heron stood its ground. I knew it would be only moments and this beautiful encounter would leap into the air and fade in the distance. A moment in time, captured, forever.” Taken at Sulphur Springs’ Coleman Park. Craig McBrayer
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LOVE NOTES
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“This photo is of my mother’s hand, playing the fiddle at a Tyler nursing home. She is a member of the Jacksonville Jammers, a group of musicians that travels to local nursing homes to entertain. My mother began playing the fiddle at a later stage in life -- and loves it. She plays in competitions, churches and at other locations.” Stephanie Limerick
▲
FISHING LAKE FORK
“I stopped in the middle of the bridge (no traffic) and got a quick shot out my driver’s window.” Charles Wright
Submit your photos of people, places and activities in the Upper East Side of Texas to editor@countylinemagazine.com. Must be high resolution. MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 31
STAGE Cowan Center Presents The Chieftains, Finding Neverland, Dan Rather, and the New York Philharmonic String Quartet
UT Tyler’s Cowan Center has four remaining shows in its 2018-19 season closing out this spring. The Chieftains perform traditional Irish music on the Cowan Center stage at 7 p.m. March 16 just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The six-time Grammy winners have made music together for more than 50 years. Opening act is American roots and Celtic soul group Switchback. As part of its Distinguished Lecture Series, the Cowan Center presents Dan Rather at 7:30 p.m. March 19. With more than 60 years spent chronicling the world and nation, few can match the authority, experience, and perspective that the famed newsman brings to almost any subject. With a career that began in radio and is currently shaping news coverage in social media and beyond, Dan Rather has earned his
place as one of the world’s most influential and respected journalists. During 44 years at CBS, including 24 years as anchor of the CBS Evening News, he interviewed every president since Eisenhower and personally covered history-making events. He is the recipient of virtually every honor in broadcast journalism, including numerous Emmy Awards, several Peabody Awards and the 2012 Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award. The New York Philharmonic String Quartet takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 30. Members of the acclaimed ensemble, all multiple prize winners, are Concertmaster Frank Huang, Principal Associate Concertmaster Sheryl Staples, Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps, and Principal Cello Carter Brey. The Tyler program includes pieces by Haydn, Shostakovich, and Brahms.
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The final season performance is in the Cowan’s Broadway Series. Finding Neverland follows the life of the incredibly imaginative author J.M. Barrie as he reveals the origins of one of his most famous tales, Peter Pan. This play is inspired by a widow’s four eccentric young children who sparked the creation of the story of pixies, magic, and adventure. Finding Neverland is based on the award-winning film that delves into the personal history of J.M. Barrie, portraying his trials and triumphs and the production of one of his greatest works. This heartwarming theatrical event takes place at 7:30 p.m. April 9 at UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. in Tyler. For more information on tickets call the box office at (903) 5667424. Tickets are also available for online purchase at www.cowancenter.org.
STAGE EVENTS February 26- March 2
Three One-Act Plays by Asian Authors. Nacogdoches. W. M. Turner Auditorium. (936) 468-6407, finearts.sfasu.edu
February 28- March 9
Barefoot in the Park. Athens. Henderson County Performing Arts Center. (903) 675-3908, hcpac.org
March 1-3
Longview Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty. Longview. Belcher Center. (903) 233-3061, belchercenter.com To Kill a Mockingbird. Henderson Civic Theater. (903) 657-2968, hendersoncivictheatre.org
March 7-10
Wind in the Willows. Longview. (903) 2367535, artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
March 7-10, 14-17
Bus Stop. Tyler Civic Theatre Center. (903) 592-0561, tylercivictheatre.com
March 29
American Girl Live. Longview. Belcher Center. (903) 233-3061, belchercenter.com
March 29-31
Gilligan’s Island: The Musical. Palestine.
The Texas Theatre. (903) 922-1126, visitpalestine.com
April 4-14 Staged Readings. Athens. Henderson County Performing Arts Center. (903) 675-3908, hcpac. org
April 5-7
PRESENTS Frets and Bows
Sunday April 14, 3:00 p.m. Andrew Daniel, classical guitar and string quartets by Vaughan Williams and Tchaikovsky performed by the Orchard Ensemble
Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. Tyler Civic Theatre Center. (903) 592-0561, tylercivictheatre.com
April 9 Shadowland. Lufkin. The Temple Theater. (936) 633-5234, angelinaarts.org
April 11-14 Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. Tyler Civic Theatre Center. (903) 592-0561, tylercivictheatre.com
April 26-28 My Old Lady. Mineola. Historic Select Theater. (903) 569-2087, lakecountryplayhouse.com
April 30- May 4 Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Nacogdoches. W. M. Turner Auditorium. (936) 564-7351, finearts.sfasu.edu
Mount Vernon Music Hall
April 26-28, May 2-5 Mamma Mia! Paris. Plaza Theatre. (903) 7853958, pctonstage.com
903.563.3780 WWW.MOUNTVERNONMUSIC.ORG
DRAG BOAT RACes benefitting cypress basin hospice
MOUNT PLEASANT April 27-28
For more information: cbhospice.org MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 33
FILM
Blake Neely Composes Score for Ask Dr. Ruth Adding to his long list of credits for composing original music for film like You, The Flash, Super Girl, and Riverdale, Paris native Blake Neely is the composer for the new documentary Ask Dr. Ruth. He and the director Ryan White recently premiered the film at Sundance 2019, where AGC International quickly nabbed international distribution rights. Domestic rights previously sold to Hulu, which is partnering with Magnolia Pictures on a theatrical release. Ask Dr. Ruth is a documentary chronicling the incredible life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Celebrating her 90th birthday, Dr. Ruth recounts a heart-breaking yet inspiring past and her ground-breaking career in sex education. She survived the Holocaust, but lost her entire family and then went on to get America talking about sex. She is still writing books and teaching and has an optimism for just about everything. “When I began writing the score for Ask Dr. Ruth, my immediate intent was to present her in a grand, almost royal way, as her story and her impact on the world has been immense,” says Neely, who has collaborated with White on the previous Sundance hit The Case Against 8, as well as the acclaimed Netflix series The Keepers. Notable to the uniqueness of this film release, a percentage of the score’s performance royalties are donated to Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) through the Royalties Reaches Kids program which composers, artists and film/creative professionals are able to champion the mission of keeping music in disadvantaged schools through the designation of their royalties. “In a first for film music, I worked with my performing rights organization, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI),” Neely says, “to allow for a major portion of the royalties earned from the performance and broadcast of this film to go to ETMLA, an organization which puts music in inner-city schools to provide every child with this vital part of their learning.”
Composer Blake Neely bends down a bit to get into the shot with the petite Dr. Ruth at Sundance Film Festival 2019 in January where their film was a big hit. Photo by Austin Hargrave
ETM-LA is grateful. “Our partnership with Blake and Dr. Ruth will allow his beautiful score to enable thousands of children to receive quality music education as part of the core curriculum,” says ETM-LA Executive Director Victoria Lanier. “With the nature of royalties, Blake’s gracious
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allocation will continue helping us spread the benefits of a music education to kids across Los Angeles County in perpetuity — shaping the next generation of thousands of children.” For more information on Blake Neely, see the County Line archives.
Townes Van Zandt TRIBUTE TO
*
ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTHDAY
THURSDAY
March 7, 2019 6 - 10 p.m.
GET THE NEW ALBUM Unreleased recordings townesvanzandt.com
BEN WHEELER
Van Zandt County, Texas FOR MORE INFORMATION theforgebenwheeler.com (903) 833-5970
Singer-songwriters pay tribute to the most influential Texas songwriter of the 20th century
* Approved by The Estate of Townes Van Zandt
This is a project of the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation. To learn more about the organization visit VanZandtACD.com.
VA N Z A N D T ARTS & CULTURAL DISTRICT
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 35
LITERARY
National Poetry Month April 2019
The Secret History of Wonder Woman By Jill Lepore Submitted by Krista Leard “Feminism is not a prejudice...it is a principle,” Jill Lepore writes in The Secret History of Wonder Woman, a riveting biography over three different stories: the lucrative personal life of Wonder Woman’s creator, William Moulton Marston; the history and mission of the feminist movement; and the life and creation of Wonder Woman herself.
Artwork by Julia Wang. Lines excerpted from the poem “An Old Story” by Tracy K. Smith, from Wade in the Water (Graywolf Press, 2018). For more free poetry resources, visit Poets.org/national-poetry-month.
The book’s main mission is to express the importance of feminism and the strength of women, while using Wonder Woman as the cultural icon to portray the physical embodiment of the suffragist, feminist, and birth control movements of the early 1900s. The book covers many different topics, but it all comes together to focus on the history and cultural impact of Wonder Woman and her creator.
Midland Pantone Colors
PMS - 186C
PMS - 431C
Crystal Gayle at th
eTexan - Apr 11
Hunt County
The Odd Couple -
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–28
Fair - Apr 19
Apr 26–28
POETRY The Pulse of the Ages
Stepping on Dinosaurs walking through the dark, anticipating clear passage, yet, nothing hurts much worse than unexpected midnight blocks and blunders... going into the kitchen for a drink of water, maybe an unplanned sandwich, and treat, just something to eat - since you’re there alas, before you even finish your trek, you’ll be lucky not to break your neck, on miniature versions of famous toys tiny pointy dinosaurs litter the pitch floor, apparently guarding the refrigerator door meanwhile legos keep enjoying your toes James Kenneth Blaylock Tyler
It’s the blush of time in a sunset, the dance of roses in a glance. It’s the persimmon fire on a hill, the meteors within a man. It’s the comets of illusion, the jazz of rain. It’s the poetry of seagulls, the chant of the chains. It’s the new bride glimpsed in a snowstorm, the perfume of summer dusk. It’s the peeling of gypsy paint on walls too shaky to touch. It’s the twisting of the moonbeams, the flavors of the dew. It’s the pulse of the ages that is living now in you. Darrell Lindsey Nacogdoches
Spokenword Invitational Takes Place in April The Oldest Little Boy In The World
The 2nd annual East Texas Spokenword Invitational takes place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Food Worx Kitchen, 1523 East Erwin Street in Tyler. The event is coordinated by Mike Guinn Entertainment and offers $500 in prizes for the competition.
I’ve become an expert at fixing children who’ve got left behind. And I’m wondering, what good is my master’s degree if I can’t even master me.
Mike Guinn began writing prose poetry inspired from his work as a Child Abuse Investigator in 1997. Since then he’s traveled all over the country facilitating workshops, featuring, hosting, consulting, appearing in commercials, radio, indi films and stage plays. Guinn works with several public school districts, colleges, churches, non profits, and city governments nationally and hosts a weekly open mic in Fort Worth for the past 16 years. A native of Jacksonville, Texas, Guinn’s presentation and high energy approach to creating safe spaces continues to attract brand new fans to the art of poetry. His open mics continue to provide a positive, multicultural platform for literary and dramatic interpretations. His new curriculum S.L.A.M. (Spoken Language Arts Methods) is currently being used in Colin, Tarrant, and Dallas counties not to mention several private organizations and charter schools.
It was a blue day. One where ghosts gather to mourn the murder of dreams. Where Latchkey kids melt like polar icecaps praying for someone to unlock the mystery of their misery.
Mike Guinn, SFA’s Sawdust magazine, 2012
Guinn coaches young poets and mentors new adult poets year around and has appeared on Good Morning Texas three times. He is a 1994 graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and a 2002 Graduate of UT Arlington. Contact Guinn about the East Texas Spokenword Invitational as well as his other projects at (972) 704-5001 and visit his website at mikeguinn.biz.
When you’re little, all you’re supposed to know is Santa Claus, Cartoons, Sunshine, Love. He was supposed to love us protect us! Instead of being a crooked shifting shadow with a soul as transparent as screen doors wearing the stench of lust as loud as may blossoms. And there aren’t enough blankets in the world to hide under when you live with a monster. Mike Guinn
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 37
MUSIC
See www.countylinemagazine.com for extensive music listings.
Folk Legend Eric Andersen Comes to the Bowery Stage in Winnsboro
MUSIC Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.
Weekly Live Music Venues. countylinemagazine.com/ Arts-Guide/
March 1 Owen Tiner and Jopi Drew. Van. Su Casa. (903) 963-2272, sucasavan.com
March 2 TSO The Four Seasons. Texarkana. TRAHC & Regional Arts Center. (903) 792-8681, trahc. org
March 2-3 Texarkanon Symphony. Texarkana. Arkansas Municipal Auditorium. facebook.com/ ArkansasMunicipalAuditorium
March 3
Eric Andersen appears on The Bowery Stage in Winnsboro on April 27 joining the list of his friends that have appeared there since 2015 – Judy Collins, Peter Yarrow, Tom Paxton, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur and more. Courtesy photo
Eric Andersen is one of the pioneers of the folk movement that began in the 1960s and ‘70s. Born in Pennsylvania he grew up in Buffalo, New York, where he taught himself piano and guitar. By the early 1960s he was playing on the west coast until Tom Paxton walked in to The Coffee Gallery in Long Beach one evening and invited him back east to New York City and the Greenwich Village music scene. His first gig in New York City was opening for John Lee Hooker in 1964 at Gerde’s Folk City. Robert Shelton of the New York Times said he’s “a writer and performer of the first rank…possessing that magical element called star quality.” Since that time his voice, songs, guitar and piano playing have created a career spanning more than 45 years. He has recorded 25 albums of original songs, and made numerous tours of North America, Europe, and Japan. His songs were recorded and performed by world-renowned artists including Ricky Nelson, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, The Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, The Grateful Dead,
Linda Thompson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Francoise Hardy, plus many others in Europe, Australia, England, and Japan. London-based writer Ian MacFedyen spent years chronicling Andersen’s archives and in 2016 final images and journal entries were added to the documentary The Songpoet by filmmakers Paul Lamont and Scott Sackett. This beautifully created film offers a look into the mind, soul and creative process of Andersen and is now in post production and releasing at film festivals. Andersen lives in the Netherlands, touring mostly in Europe and coming to the U.S. for short tours only a couple of times a year. It will be a unique opportunity to hear him on The Bowery Stage in Winnsboro on April 27. Joining him is Scarlett Rivera, violinist on Bob Dylan’s album Desire and on his Rolling Thunder Review Tour. Cheryl Prashkar is on percussion. Tickets are $27 and $39 and are available on Eventbrite and on winnsborocenterforthearts.com or call (903) 3420686.
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Ilya Yakushev. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. (903) 457-3126, showtimeatthegma.com
March 9 Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Crockett Civic Center. (936)544-4276, pwfaa.org John Fullbright. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. (903) 342-0686, winnsborocenterforthearts.com The La Bamba Show. Gilmer Civic Center. (832) 312-0074, gilmerciviccenter.com The Power of Musick. Tyler. First Presbyterian Church. (903) 597-6317, tylercivicchorale.org
March 10 Celtic Nights “Oceans of Hope.” Lufkin. The Temple Theater. (936) 633-5234, angelinaarts.org
March 14 Blacktop Gypsy and friends. Organ Donation Awareness Concert. Dallas. Poor David’s Pub. (214) 565-1295, poordavidspub. com
March 16 Max Stalling. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. (903) 833-5100. mooresstore.com Shake Russell, Michael Hearne for Poor David’s 42nd Anniversary. Dallas. Poor David’s Pub. (214) 565-1295, poordavidspub. com Al Joslin as Elvis Presley. Tyler. Liberty Hall Theatre. (903) 595-7274, libertytyler.com The Chieftains with Switchback. Tyler. Cowan Center. (903) 566-7141, cowancenter.org
March 20
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Tyler. Liberty Hall Theatre. (903) 595-7274, libertytyler.com
March 21
Black Violin. Lufkin. Lufkin Middle School. (936) 633-5234, angelinaarts.org Wesley Pruitt.. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. (903) 833-5100. mooresstore.com
March 23
VISIT
Gun Barrel City ...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake
Dogwood Jamboree-- Keepin’ It Country. Palestine. Palestine High School Auditorium. (903) 729-7080, dogwoodjamboree.com Jacob Johnson. Edom. The Old Firehouse. (903) 852-2781, theoldfirehouse.net Monica Rizzio. Yantis. Neon Moon Restaurant and Club. (903) 383-7008, texasneonmoon.com Joe Crookston. Winnsboro. Bowery Stage. (903)342-0686, winnsborocenterforthearts.com
Come Stay & Play. We Aim to Please!
Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines. Dallas. Poor David’s Pub. (214) 565-1295, poordavidspub.com Tony Orlando. Longview. Belcher Center. (903) 233-3061, belchercenter.com
March 28
The Doo Wop Project. Lufkin. The Pines Theater. (936) 633-0349, thepines.visitlufkin.com
March 28-30
Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival. Palestine. Museum for East Texas Culture. (903) 723-1914, oldpalmusic.com
March 29
Lee Anne Womack. Linden. Music City Texas Theater. (903) 756-9934, musiccitytexas.org The Doo Wop Project. Mount Pleasant. Whatley Center for Performing Arts. (903) 4348181, whatleycenter.com
March 30
The New York Philharmonic String Quartet. Tyler. Cowan Center. (903) 5667141, cowancenter.org
903.887.1087
Tuxedo Cats. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. (903) 833-5100. mooresstore.com
April 1
East Texas Symphonic Band Spring Concert. Longview. Belcher Center at LeTourneau University. (903) 738-9442, etsymphonicband.com
April 5
Whiskey Myers. Texarkana. Scottie’s Grill. (903) 838-4745, scottiesgrill.net
Lee Ann Womack. Crockett Civic Center. (936)544-4276, pwfaa.org
April 7
Dr. Andrew Daniel. Mt. Pleasant. Whatley Center for Performing Arts. (903) 434-8181 whatleycenter.com
April 12
Noel Paul Stookey. Dallas. Poor David’s Pub. (214) 565-1295, poordavidspub.com
Mark Chestnutt & Joe Diffie. Mount Pleasant. Whatley Center for Performing Arts. (903) 434-8181, whatleycenter.com
April 6
April 20
Edie Carey. Edom. The Old Firehouse. (903) 852-2781, theoldfirehouse.net
Asleep at the Wheel. Linden. Music City Texas Theater. (903) 756-9934, musiccitytexas.org
www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
April 25-28 Crossroads of Texas Film and Music Festival. Waxahachie. Chautauqua Auditorium. (469) 309-4012, crossroadsoftxff.com
April 27 Jim Brickman. Longview. Belcher Center. (903) 233-3061, belchercenter.com/index.html Eric Andersen. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage. (903) 342-0686, winnsborocenterforthearts.com Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines. Waxahachie. Getzendaner Park Pavilion. (469) 309-4046, crossroadsoftxff.com
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 39
Townes Van Zandt Influence Continues Today New Record Releasing on the 75th Anniversary of the Late Country-Folk Icon’s Birthday By P.A. Geddie The late Townes Van Zandt is often referred to as the most influential Texas songwriter of the 20th century. Musician Steve Earle says he was “the best songwriter in the world.” In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Van Zandt’s birthday March 7, his family’s record company, TVZ Records, along with Fat Possum Records, are releasing a new album, Sky Blue. This collection of unreleased songs is a time capsule that Van Zandt created 46 years ago and shows the artist working out some of his most iconic songs in an intimate, comfortable setting. Sky Blue includes 11 unreleased recordings made in early 1973 when Van Zandt was splitting his time between Texas, Colorado, and a shack outside Franklin, Tennessee: an itinerant life that informed many of his most famous and beloved tunes. Sky Blue tracklist includes: 01. All I Need 02. Rex’s Blues 03. Hills of Roane County 04. Sky Blue 05. Forever, For Always, For Certain 06. Blue Ridge Mountain Blues (Smoky Version) 07. Pancho and Lefty 08. Snake Song 09. Silver Ships of Andilar 10. Dream Spider 11. The Last Thing On My Mind “All I Need” is one of two unheard songs from the collection, along with “Sky Blue.” The album also includes early raw takes of some of Van Zandt’s most famous songs including “Pancho and Lefty” and “Rex’s Blues” and covers of songs by Richard Dobson and Tom Paxton. The work was conceived by Van Zandt’s surviving family — his former wife and literary executor Jeanene, and children J.T., Will, and Katie Bell — to illuminate his songwriting process and evolution. “Townes always said that he did not measure his success by the charts, but by how many learning institutions will
be studying his work 100 yeas from now,” Jeanene says. “My job is to make sure that all the material is there. This new record is one more step in that direction and we are delighted to present these lost gems to the world.”
Van Zandt was one of the founders of Fort Worth.
Fans can hear “All I Need” on YouTube and can purchase the entire album on townesvanzandt.com.
He was a poet and songwriter beloved by his many fans and peers. Don Williams and Emmylou Harris had hits with his song “If I Needed You.” Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard reached No. 1 with their version of his song “Pancho and Lefty.”
While Van Zandt’s songs are considered masterpieces of American music, he never quite managed to master his personal life. He suffered from a series of addictions and other health issues. He died January 1, 1997, at the age of 52 from cardiac arrhythmia while recovering from hip surgery. He is buried in the Van Zandt family plot in Dido Cemetery near Fort Worth. Townes Van Zandt came from a long line of Texas nobility. His three times great grandfather, Isaac Van Zandt, was a prominent leader of the Republic of Texas and the namesake of Van Zandt County in the Upper East Side of Texas. His great, great uncle Khleber Miller
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Although he was born into an affluent family, he endured poverty and often sang of folks living on the edge.
His influence on Americana music is immense and continues today. Artists who cite Van Zandt as a source of inspiration include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, John Prine, Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, Norah Jones, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and Garth Brooks to name a few. Today’s singer-songwriters continue to be inspired by his music as well and a group of them are planning a Tribute to Townes Van Zandt from 6-10 p.m. March 7 at The Forge Bar & Grill in Ben Wheeler in Van Zandt County, Texas. For more information go to theforgebenwheeler.com or call (903) 833-5970.
All I Need
By Townes Van Zandt Tried everything to set me free But my chains keep playing tricks on me And all I need is a place to lay ‘em down My friends, they speak and their words ain’t lies Like clouds of fish, they fly And all I need is a boat to take ‘em home And girls I see, and they see me Then we say goodbye All I need is a bed to call my own Ah, my baby’s eyes, see how they shine Will his life be like mine All I need is a way to take his load Ah, but when good times come falling over me Breath turns to melody All I need gonna fall away like dreams
Townes Van Zandt Photo Courtesy of the Townes Van Zandt Family
Music City Texas Showcases Native East Texans Music City Texas Theater, in Linden, has been busy putting together an impressive full line-up of shows for this spring and early summer. On March 29, Lee Ann Womack is scheduled to perform. Womack grew up in Jacksonville, Texas, and is very proud of her East Texas roots. Her father was a DJ in some small East Texas towns when she was young, and she says that his record collection influenced her musical tastes. Womack’s first country music album debuted 20 years ago, and now she performs not only country music but also blues, soul, and gospel. Asleep at the Wheel takes the stage April 20. This group had their debut album back in 1973, and are based in Austin, Texas. In their long career, they have released three different tribute albums to Bob Wills, godfather of Western swing music. They are credited with not only preserving the classic sounds of Western swing, but also with updating the music, keeping it a living art form. Gene Watson performs May 25. Watson was born in Palestine and raised in Paris, Texas, and has been singing his entire life, even as a young boy with his family as a group in church. The 75-
year old singer has a powerful voice and multi-octave range, and is proud to sing traditional country music. On June 7, Music City Texas presents three-time Grammy winner Linda Davis with Lang Scott and Bill Whyte. Davis was born in the tiny East Texas town of Dotson near Carthage and her first public singing experience was on a radio show at age six. One of her biggest claims to fame was her 1993 duet with Reba McEntire, “Does He Love You,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts and won both singers a Grammy award. Davis is married to country singer Lang Scott, joining her in this show, and they are the proud parents of Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum. Davis grew up singing gospel music and hymns in church, and her famous daughter remembers sitting at the piano with her mother singing songs from the Baptist hymnal that her mom brought with her to Nashville from East Texas. All of these shows begin at 8 p.m., and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit musiccitytexas.org. Lee Ann Womack performs at Music City Texas Theater in Linden March 29. Photo by Ebru Yildiz/Shore Fire Media MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 41
FOOD & DRINK
Lola’s Handcrafted Sandwiches Continue to Impress
By Krista Leard Lola’s Handcrafted Sandwiches in Tyler repeatedly provides guests with some of the freshest, biggest, and most flavorful sandwiches in the Upper East Side of Texas, hosting a hefty menu of gourmet sandwiches to appease any appetite. They use fresh and local ingredients to bring healthy meals to their customers, and provide support for their neighborhood farmers. They also bake their bread fresh every morning, all meats are grilled or smoked, and all come whole or in primal cuts. Among the multitude of crafty sandwiches, some of the basics include the Club, Grilled Cheese, a BLT, and Chicken Salad. Some of the more complicated — and popular — sandwiches include the Mob Boss, made with ham, salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, tomato, pesto aioli and balsamic vinegar on a sub roll; PIGmento, pimento cheese, sweet and spicy pickles and ham on homemade white bread; and BronJr-Aur, with roasted pork, ham, bacon, cheddar, grilled onions and sriracha mayo on a homemade onion bun. My personal favorite is Heaven Can Wait — it is packed full of turkey, lettuce, tomato, provolone, avocado, cucumber, with little plant sprouts and cilantro lime mayo on soft, savory bread. One sandwich is enough to last me for lunch and dinner. I would definitely say I get my money’s worth from the excellent service, energetic atmosphere, and absolutely amazing food. The sandwiches are best paired with their homemade potato chips — which can be “kicked up” by adding things like ranch dressing, cheese, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, or green onion — or one of their creamy soups. They also provide a menu for the kids, and a small choice of desserts, including freshly baked cookies, or a Cake for the Cause — all profits raised from the cakes are donated to different nonprofit charities each month.
The Heaven Can Wait sandwich at Lola’s Handcrafted Sandwich is full of turkey sprouts, provolone, avocado, and cilantro lime mayo on fresh bread. Photo by Krista Leard
The multitude of windows floods the eating area with warm sunlight, adding to the soft, open atmosphere of the room. The decorations lean more towards a rustic or vintage feel, with the large logo of a woman walking a pig on a leash dominating one wall and casual decorations on the rest. Also interesting is the painted menu that covers the en-
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tire back wall behind the front counter. Lola’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Sundays. It is located at 16700 FM 2493/Old Jacksonville Highway south of Toll Road 49. Before you go, learn more about Lola’s at eatlolas.com or call (903) 630-5652.
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East Texas Sip & Shop Offers Tours and Other Fun Activities Love wine? Love to shop? Kristi McDonald has come up with an exciting way to enjoy both pastimes with her business East Texas Sip & Shop. Her 15-passenger van takes guests on guided tours to select wineries, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques, promising discounts and a good time along the way. Free wine tastings and introductions to fun, funky shops are part of the experience. Some tours begin at Canton’s First Monday Park and go to fun stops in Lindale including Miranda Lambert’s Pink Pistol and The Old Mill Pond Museum as well as Valle della Pace Vineyards & Winery in Van and Pella Legna Winery in Tyler. Other tours begin at Tyler’s East Texas Brewery.
This group came from all around Texas and Louisiana for a fun Sip & Shop tour in February that included First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Valle della Pace Vineyards & Winery in Van, and historic downtown Ben Wheeler, and they enjoyed this long table offering in the Hemingway Tasting Room for Red 55 Winery located inside The Pink Pistol in Lindale. Photo by Kristi McDonald
Some newly introduced routes include the unique artist community of Edom and the shops and restaurants of Ben Wheeler, as well as Green Goat Winery in Edom and Tara Vineyard & Restaurant in Athens. There are numerous scheduled tours to choose from or guests can request a private tour with a specialized list of tour stops. East Texas Sip & Shop began their unique tour business in November 2018 and McDonald says people really seem to enjoy the experience. “We are getting people out to these communities and building awareness of what all this area of Texas has to offer.” A fun twist on an already exciting idea is to join the 2019 Sip & Shop Race. This is an opportunity to sip and shop for a good cause. Participants get a t-shirt, race passbook and map, exclusive discounts from vendors, free wine tasting tickets, and half off any available Sip & Shop tours.
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The goal of the race is to visit all the wineries, shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants listed in a passbook within three months of the race start date, which is March 1 (late starts are okay). The first team to finish the race wins cash to donate to any charity of their choice. Race participants come across special prizes along the way at the different stops. Whether guests follow the race passport and explore individually or sit back to let the guide do the driving, East Texas Sip & Shop promises a fun and memorable experience. Tickets range from $49 to $79 per guest. Upcoming tours include: March 2, Sip, Sip, Rose; March 30, Gone with the Wine Tour; April 6, Grape Expectations Tour; April 7, Zin it to Win it Tour; and May 4, One Last Syrah! Get more information about these custom private tours and the race at etxsipandshop. com or call (903) 393-9737.
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MAGAZINE
The Pegasus Project Horse Rescue Celebrates
5th Annual Wings Over Pegasus April 20, 2019 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Horses • Airplanes • Skydivers Helicopters • Easter Egg Hunt Silent Auction • Face Painting Bounce House • Pony Rides
shop local online www.CountyLineMagazine.com
Bottom of page, click on LOCAL ONLINE
Admission $10 per car Food and Games available for purchase
7111 FM 2339, Murchison TX • 903-469-3578 www.PegasusRescue.org • www.Facebook.com/PegasusRescue
Book Your Wedding Today!
A CHEF DESIGNED LONG TABLE DINNER UNDER THE STARS OF EAST TEXAS CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL ARTS, FOOD & WINE
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019
Indoor and Outdoor Venues Available 1601 Patterson Road Athens Texas 903-675-5630
EDOM, TEXAS F OR T ICKETS
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M ORE I NFORMATION G O T O
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C ALL (844) 633 . 6 689
MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 45
FEEL GOOD Abandoned Dogs Find Homes in New Jersey There are a lot of dog lovers in Texas but even they can’t take in all the homeless dogs in the state. Rescuers are constantly trying to find homes for strays and those in shelters and it can be a big problem. Fortunately — due to strict breeding laws, pet registration policies, and citations for pets not being spayed/neutered — New Jersey is not as pet overpopulated as Texas. This means they have a higher number of residents available to rescue. Many homeless Texas dogs are happily finding themselves traveling to the Garden State with homes waiting for them there.
and given needed vaccinations. Then, they are transported to their New Jersey partner, Eleventh Hour Rescue, who matches the dogs with forever families. Lone Star Transport Dogs needs funding to help with care of the dogs and
more short-term foster homes. They have a Bingo fundraiser and supply drive scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 7 at Moore’s Store in Ben Wheeler. For those who cannot attend but want to contribute, go to Lone Star Transport Dogs’ Facebook page.
Lone Star Transport Dogs is a nonprofit helping to facilitate these rescues in East Texas and the Hill Country at this time. In 2018, they were able to save 668 dogs and they’ve saved well over a hundred in 2019 already. When they are given a homeless dog or rescue one from a shelter, Lone Star Transport Dogs finds foster homes through their volunteer network for just two to four weeks at a time. During that time the dogs are spayed and neutered Volunteers for Lone Star Transport Dogs are dedicated to saving abandoned dogs in Texas and getting them to waiting forever homes in New Jersey. ABOVE: Heather Davis and her former foster Dozer, who was adopted in the spring of 2018, were reunited at Eleventh Hour Rescue’s Puptoberfest in New Jersey in September 2018. LEFT: Foster mom Brenda House loading up her foster dog Eve in January 2019. Brenda rescued Eve in November and nursed her back to health for two months. Eve was the only survivor from her litter. BELOW: Teresa Carroll laughs with Heather Flores of J.G Transports for Pets and some Lone Star foster moms as they load dogs for a trip to New Jersey in January 2019. Courtesy photos
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2020
THE FUTURE OF THE UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD
20th Anniversary Special Offer TWO SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR JUST $20!
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Get one for yourself and a gift for another. Pay online or call with credit card or mail check to County Line Magazine, PO Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. NOTE PROMO CODE 2020-VISION EXPIRES 05.31.19
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MARCH/APRIL 2019 • WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 47
VAN GO Art Fair
ART • MUSIC • FOOD • WINE • KIDS’ ART
SATURDAY
March 30, 2019 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Van City Park • Van, TX Happy Birthday Vincent
VanGoArtFair.com SPONSORED BY PRODUCED BY
Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation City of Van