Hill Country Sun May13 by Julie Harrington

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R Remarkable legacy

Boerne Village Band 150-plus years

Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair in Kerrville

Real County Centennial Plenty of events mark 100th anniversary

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Boerne Village Band

Providing 150-plus years of continuous “oom-pahs”

By Ernie Altgelt

hile greater Texas reflects the diversity of countless cultural contributions, it’s deep within the Hill Country where one nationality’s audible achievements and influence seemingly resound the loudest. Echoing across communities like New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Comfort, Bergheim and, its home location of Boerne, all founded by pioneering German stock in the mid-19th Century, dedicated descendents of the same have been nurturing and maintaining a remarkable musical legacy celebrating a far distant homeland that’s, incredibly, as alive today as it was at its inception more than 150 years ago – namely, the amazing Boerne Village Band. This (seemingly eternal and evolving) ensemble has been belting out Old-World oom-pah-driven polkas, waltzes, ballads and other melodic masterpieces, non-stop, across Germanic Texas since its first public performance in 1860! And, as countless generations of fans can attest, in all of those years, it hasn’t missed a beat! According to band historian, vocalist and public relations manager, Terry Slezak, “It all started in 1855 with the arrival to Boerne of accomplished accordionist Karl Dienger. Musically, he initially played ‘solo’ but, after forming the Börne Gesang Verein (Singing Society) soon found it desirous to establish an instrumental

band for accompaniment.” This back-up group (originally named the Boerne Brass and String Band) was formed sometime between 1859 and 1860 with Dienger as its head. Some years later it acquired its current moniker, the Boerne Village Band. Over its long existence, members came and went – some were generational with grandfathers, fathers and grandsons participating. The band was a popular entertainment provider at local dances and “fests” in neighboring “German” towns. Even during the “dark days” of the World Wars, despite anti-German sentiments, the Boerne Village Band remained active. By the 1970s, however, with the resurgence of many Oktoberfests, Wurstfests and other ethnic celebrations across the Hill Country, German music found a wider audience and no band was more capable (or experienced) than the venerable Boerne Village Band. Today, the talented group boasts an impressive membership of 20 gifted musicians and singers. And, while there haven’t been any “string” players since the very early days, there is an accordionist (as Karl Dienger would insist upon), drummers, a large brass section including trumpets/flugelhorns, trombones, tenorhorns and (of course) tubas, a flute, saxophone and two singers.

The accomplished and award-winning Boerne Village Band. Hear them at the summer Abendkonzerte series every other Tuesday evening in June and July on Boerne’s main plaza, starting June 4. Photo courtesy Boerne Village Band. Because of the success and popularity the accomplished band has garnered, it has been recognized on multiple occasions receiving awards from the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society, Kendall County, the Boerne Chamber of Commerce and, in 1991, the Texas Legislature for “keeping German music alive as part of our heritage.” An additional, international kudos came in 1996 with the receipt of the prestigious Pro Musica Plakette, Germany’s most distinguished award for folk music. This honor was presented by German president Roman Herzog and acknowledged the group as being the oldest continuous German band outside of Germany. While the band regularly plays at the Boerne Berges Fest (Festival of the Hills), the Kendall County Fair, New Braunfels’ Wurstfest, Fredericksburg’s Octoberfest, the San Antonio Folklife Festival, San Antonio Beethoven Hall functions, plus other regional and statewide events, some of its most well-attended performances are part of Boerne’s popular summer

“Abendkonzerte”(evening concerts) series. Held every other Tuesday night (the first concert is scheduled for June 4) starting at 7:30 pm, and running throughout June and July at the town’s comfortable main plaza, these free shows have proved to be a “hit”, not just with the locals but, as Terry volunteers, “Our music attracts folks from across the state. People bring their lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supplies, relax and just have fun.” Well-behaved dogs are welcomed and dancing is encouraged. Parking is free and there is always lots of good food and beverages available for purchase. The annual July Patriotic Concert (Tuesday, July 2) is considered one “not to be missed” and always generates a large turnout so, for those wishing the best seats, getting there early is recommended. FYI • For more information about the century-and-ahalf-old Boerne Village Band, including performance dates and locations visit the web site at: www.boernevillageband. org. For booking information, contact Jim Peters at 830816-2081 or, via e-mail at lannpeter@yahoo.com. Band CDs are available for purchase at each concert or by e-mailing requests to connie.harbers@gmail.com.

A.G. HILL COUNTRY-LAKE PROPERTIES AT CANYON LAKE, TEXAS ARMANDO L. GARCIA REALTOR®/OWNER CELL: 830-214-4427 OFFICE: 830-964-2811 2075 F.M. 2673 STE. A CANYON LAKE, TX 78133

The Boerne Village Band in concert. Photo courtesy Boerne Village Band.

PAGE 2 MAY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill Country SUN Julie Harrington Publisher Advertising Melissa Maxwell Editor Ernie Altgelt Wanda Blackburn C.J. Wright Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie DeLane Ibarra Adelle Spell Distribution

May 2013 Volume 23 • Number 12 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2013 by TD Austin Lane, Inc., 100 Commons Rd. Suite 7, Number 319, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Writers and photographers retain copyrights to individual work. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher. • The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted. • Circulation: 24,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,181 Wimberley homes and 8,240 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service. • Cover: (See story, page 8). San Antonio’s acclaimed “living historian,” Tom Jackson, portrays Theodore Roosevelt. For almost 20 years this dedicated purveyor of the past has been entertaining and educating audiences. Some of Tom’s most popular characters include such Texas-related notables as Sam Houston, William Travis, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Photo courtesy Tom Jackson. • Deadline for calendar events 15th of each month. Email melissa@hillcountrysun.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun

www.hillcountrysun.com julie@hillcountrysun.com • melissa@hillcountrysun.com

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

Austin J5 Bandera B10 Bergheim D9 Bertram I2 Blanco F6 Boerne D9 Buchanan Dam F2 Buda J7 Bulverde G10 Burnet G2 Camp Verde B8 Canyon Lake G9 Castroville C12 Center Point B8 Clear Springs H11 Comfort C8 Concan A11 Driftwood H7 Dripping Springs H6 Fischer G8 Fredericksburg C5 Georgetown K2 Granite Shoals G2 Gruene H10 Hancock G8 Helotes G6 Henly G6 Highland Lakes F2/3 Hondo B13 Hunt A7 Hye E6 Ingram B7 Johnson City F5 Kendalia F8 Kerrville B7 Kingsland F2 Kyle I8 Lampasas G1 Leakey A9 Llano D2 Liberty Hill I12 Luckenbach D6 Luling K10 Marble Falls G3 Martindale J9 Mason B2 Medina A9 New Braunfels H10 Oak Hill I6 Oatmeal H2 Pipe Creek C10 Round Rock K3 San Antonio F12 San Marcos I9 Sattler H9 Seguin I11 Sisterdale D8 Spring Branch F9 Startzville G9 Stonewall D6 Utopia A10 Vanderpool A9 Wimberley H8

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n days when it appears that mankind has lost its moral compass, one turns to nature. Alone amidst earth and trees, one watches the delicate flight of a butterfly, listens to the lyrical trills of a bird, inhales the scent of fresh blooms … solace. Yet, in this season of earth’s renewal, all is not right in the natural world. This year monarch watchers didn’t find a lot to cheer about. According to MonarchWatch.org, the official monarch website, the wintering population of monarchs in Mexico this past winter reached a twenty-year low. The causes? Extreme fluctuations in climate in the U.S. and Canada played a detrimental role. In addition, genetically modified corn and soybeans in the U.S. Midwest— engineered to resist roundup—have led to widespread herbicide use, all but eliminating milkweed. And as all who garden for wildlife know, monarchs lay their eggs solely on milkweeds, the only plant caterpillars eat to ingest cardenolides, the toxin that makes them and the monarchs they metamorphose into toxic to predators. With their numbers gravely depleted, add the severe and extreme droughts in Texas that have kept milkweed and nectaring plants hard to come by this spring. These plants are vital for re-migrating monarchs flying into south Texas from Mexico. For it’s here that females must lay their eggs to ensure the next generation will continue the journey north.A sad day, indeed, if we could no longer witness their spectacular fall migration, hear and see the flutter of black-laced orange wings. Sadly, monarchs are just one harbinger of what may yet come. Since the 1960s, songbirds have declined by 40 percent, with 127 neotropical migrants in steep decline. According to one survey about 1/3 of our nation’s birds are endangered. Bats are also in jeopardy. Since its discovery in New York in 2006, whitenose syndrome has spread to 22 states and five Canadian provinces, killing more than six million bats. Introduced to the U.S. from Europe, the syndrome has endangered gray bats and six other species, reducing populations by over 80 percenr. And bees, our most valuable pollinators, have been imperiled for years. The problem: bee colony collapse

disorder, linked to pesticides and most recently neonicotinoids, a new class of pesticides increasing in use since 2005. An estimated 33,000 species of plants and animals in the U.S. are endangered, so says the State Natural Heritage Centers. Designated as endangered means these species are too scarce to fulfill their roles within their ecosystems. Dwindling populations of honeybees offer a good example of what happens when a key species grows rare within an ecosystem. Today, beekeepers must travel the country, carrying their hives to farmers in need of pollinators. And what of bats? Besides distributing seeds and pollinating plants— including the agave, a source of tequila, a multimillion-dollar industry in Mexico—bats provide pest control that saves the agricultural industry billions of dollars a year. Without them, consider the cost of their replacement: more pesticides and the potential health and pollution problems they create. The U.S. population grows by approximately 8,500 people each day ensuring the continual bulldozing of land for development. Between urbanization and agriculture, we’ve managed to leave a mere 5 percent of our land in its natural state. In 1985, Congress established the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) as a provision in the Farm Bill. This provision paid farmers to set aside land for wildlife— especially environmentally sensitive acreage. In 2002 the national CRP acreage cap was projected to grow to over 39 million acres. However, since 2006 when the drive to produce more ethanol increased, 10,000 acres of CRP land have been planted in soybeans and corn, leaving just 27 million acres in CRP land. Now Congress plans to reduce that number to 25 million acres. Thus, an increasing number of animals and plants must rely on our landscapes for food, shelter and a place to raise young. And where landscapes consist of neatly trimmed, alien plants surrounded by lawns of groomed, non-native grass, the land transforms into a wildlife desert. Aldo Leopold, ecologist, scientist, American writer and more, warned that, “If you’re going to tinker with nature, you’d better keep all the parts.” Now, more than ever before, we’re in danger of doing just that—losing parts of our ecosystems, losing biodiversity. And it See WILDLIFE, page 4

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WILDLIFE, from page 4 all begins with plants. Not only are plants the sole provider of the oxygen we breathe, but they are the only organisms capable of photosynthesis, i.e., taking in the sun’s energy and turning it into food—food that directly or indirectly feeds all other living things, including us. Consider, too, insects—especially those herbivores that leave unsightly holes in leaves and cause some homeowners to reach for the nearest can of herbicide. These plant-eating insects convert the energy stored in plants, providing food (themselves) to a large percentage of fauna— non-plant-eating animals that rely on insect protein for survival. Most birds feed their young insects. And here is where the argument for planting native plants grows clear. Plants indigenous to the land share a long history with the insects that feed on them. Each plant species protects its leaves, producing a chemical concoction that makes its leaves distasteful, if not toxic—

save for the insect species that share the plant’s evolutionary history. In most cases, alien plants—often imported from Europe or China—are inedible to most of our insects. Thus, these plants are strictly for show, unable to fulfill their role in the ecosystem. Most of these transplants, living in an environment without natural enemies, growing invasive over time. They outcompete native plants for space, rooting them out, removing links in the food chain, traveling the road toward mass extinction. Creating natural habitats isn’t an option. Businesses and homeowners must plant natives: trees surrounded with understories of berry and seed-producing shrubs; beds of flowering plants such as milkweed for monarchs, nectaring plants for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. If I were teaching a course in conservation, Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy would be mandatory reading.

Good eats at annual shrimp boil

LEAKEY H The Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Shrimp Boil Saturday, May 25, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Bent Rim Grill at Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop. Enjoy all-you-can-eat shrimp, potatoes and corn, with ice tea included for $15 for adults and $6 for kids ages 12 years and under. FYI • The Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop’s Bent Rim Grill is located on Ranch Road 337 West, half a mile from downtown Leakey. For more information, visit the web site at www.friocanyonchamber.com.

Blanco hosts classic car show BLANCO H Blanco State Park will be transformed Saturday, May 18, as the Blanco Classic Car Show brings immaculately restored vehicles to the grassy banks of the Blanco River. As many as 200 restored cars and trucks will be on view, including antique pre-1949 vehicles through 1959 and up, Stock Photo. “muscle cars,” “Vettes,” Mustangs, modified/custom Chevys, original/restored trucks, pre-1958, 1959 and up British vehicles, MG’s, Triumphs, foreign cars, street rods, and special interest vehicles. Prizes, music, t-shirts, food, and more.The Blanco Classic Car Show is among the most popular car shows in the state of Texas. Family-friendly, it is an open show, and all proceeds go to children’s charities. FYI • The Blanco Classic Car Show is open from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free. Blanco State Park is located at Park Road 23 in Blanco. For more information, call 830-833-5348 or email benson@txwinet.com.

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Kerrville hosts state Arts & Crafts Fair

By Ernie Altgelt

emorial Day weekend promises many things to many people – travel, new sights, excitement, relaxation and just plain fun. All certainly essential but, for the culturallyinclined, there’s also the additional need to seek (and, if possible, experience the many aspects of) fine art. Where to combine all of these expectations including the art? It’s easy. Just set a course to beautiful Kerrville and follow the colorful crowds clamoring for creativity in all of its incredible forms as

they make their annual treks to the allways-enjoyed, not to be missed Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. Truly, this event does have it all! First held in 1970 at the behest of the Texas Tourist Development Agency to showcase native artists and craftsmen while promoting and supporting the educational aspects of artistic creativity, the fair has steadily grown in stature, size and reputation to, today, having become one of the state’s premier venues for viewing (and acquiring) the finest in original works of art. (Thanks to

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Entrance to the Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. This year’s event is Memorial Day weekend in Kerrville. Photo courtesy Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. its success, in 1995 the Texas Legislature declared it to be the state’s “official” arts and crafts fair.) Each year selected (juried) Texas artists are invited to participate and share their creations. Ten will actually be demonstrating the techniques and skills that made their works possible. Fair-goers love the close interaction between artist and patron and this year’s (the 41st) promises to be even bigger and better with 150-plus gifted individuals on the grounds, not only slated to display their (purchasable) output, but eager to visit and discuss the same with appreciative attendees.

Regarding those artistic demonstrations (where the participating artists will be literally revealing their personal creative process), seven very viewer-friendly tents will be on hand to comfortably facilitate and enhance the experience. An additional tent will even house an “art studio” where fairgoers can actually test their own creativity by exploring various mediums. And, while the fair certainly offers many unique and entertaining opportunities for patrons and practicing artists to come together, a more serious purpose of the gathering is to support art education. See STATE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, page 7

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STATE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, from page 6 Hill Country jeweler and craftsman James Avery has been and continues to be a supporting underwriter of this extremely worthwhile program. Beyond the heated competition however, the participating students will also have the opportunity to display and sell their impressive creations. And, not to forget the younger Picassos, beginning last year the fair also added a special category featuring the artwork produced by talented, statewide K-12 students. These future superstars will also vie (for non-scholarship) Kids’ art activities ABOVE and original art from honors at the fair. which to choose BELOW are just some of the So, while it’s assured that the attractions at the Texas State Arts & Crafts Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. Photo courtesy Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. Fair is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s visual needs, what’s a fair without other attractions? To this end, the planners have all bases covered. Not only will there be ample amounts of delicious food and beverages available at this familyoriented event but audio appetites won’t go wanting either. From Friday afternoon until closing time on Sunday evening, non-stop, toe-tapping music will further enhance this sensual extravaganza as two stages light up featuring a cavalcade of musical talent provided by 17 recognized quality acts. Yep, with so much to see, hear, do and simply enjoy, the Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair really does, have it all! FYI • The Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair commences on Friday, May 24, running from 5 pm until 9 pm, then, reopening again on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26 from 9 am until 5 pm each day. There is a $5 entry To this end, through the state’s fee at the gate. Babes in arms and military with Emerging Texas Artist Scholarship Pro- proper ID get in free. The fair will be held at the very acgram, college and university visual arts commodating, 7-acre River Star Arts & Event Park located in students compete for monetary awards Kerrville, where parking (and shade) is plentiful and free. that can be used to further their higher For additional information including scheduled musical pereducation. formers, directions to the event and/or, for artist participaSince its inception, more than 250 de- tion requirements, visit the web site at www.txartfair.com or serving students have benefited. Noted facebook.com/theartoftexas.

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frio/sabinal river valleys

Real County celebrates Centennial

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feature in The Hill Country Herald. 013 marks the 100th anniversary of “Where in the World Did You Wear Real County and guests are invited Your Real County Centennial T-shirt?” is to help celebrate. the original idea of editor/publisher Julie For the past two years, Real County Becker. The pictorial has run every week Judge Garry Merritt and Centennial since June 2012 and will continue through Committee Chairman Willis Springfield the end of 2013. have led an army of volunteers; their On the whole, 100 years isn’t such a planning and hard work has resulted in a long time and Real County still has many year-long calendar of events.The county- residents who recall the early days. wide effort marks the milestone by Willis recognized the importance honoring Real County’s settlers. “We are celebrating the hardiness and the entrepreneurship of the pioneers,” Judge Merritt explains. “This was a hard place to make a living and the people who live here now respect the sacrifices that were made, which means they appreciate the freedom, independence and space we have in this area.” Each month this View from Ranch Road 337. Photo by Tom Wiley. year, the county hosts a variety of events: guided historical tours of Leakey, Camp Wood and Rio Frio, reunions, parades, cook-offs, shrimp boil, melodrama, 5K run, soap box derby, charreada, cowboy symposium and more, including burial of a time capsule. New events will Cyclists on Farm Market 1050. Photo courtesy Hill Country Rivers. be accompanied by old favorites. “We’ve tried to partner with local organizations that put on certain events that were already being held. Events such as the well-known July Jubilee will carry a Centennial theme this year,” Judge Merritt explains. A complete calendar of Centennial Events is available on the web site at www.realcounty1913. com. You can also view a history of settlements in Real county, collections of photos and other information. The site is updated regularly. T-shirts, coffee mugs, calendars and other Real Country Centennial items are big sellers. The t-shirt has been seen around the world, thanks to a popular front-page See REAL COUNTY, page 9 The beautiful Frio River. Photo by Julie Harrington.

REAL COUNTY, from page 8 of recording their memories, so the oldest citizens were asked to tell a story. And tell stories they did! Their remembrances range from amusing childhood pranks to poignant stories about the depression and war years. Be sure to read their entertaining personal reminiscences on the Centennial web site at www. realcounty1913.com. When Edwards County was organized in 1883, Leakey, named for early pioneers John and Nancy Leakey, was its county seat. The Edwards/Bandera county line ran directly through town. When the Edwards county seat was later moved to Real County Judge Garry Merritt LEFT and Willis Rocksprings, citizens Springfield, Centennial Chairman, welcome visitors to had to make an arduous, the year-long celebration of the Real County Centennial. dangerous journey Photo by Wanda Blackburn. over the mountains and through the steep canyons to Rocksprings region. Settlements were hard to defend or Bandera to conduct business. against Indian attacks and floodwaters In 1895, residents proposed a often raged through the valleys. But new county made up of parts of those pioneers who stayed became existing Uvalde, Bandera the backbone of today’s and Edwards counties. population, giving them Their petition was grit, determination and rejected by the State. a fierce independence. Finally, on April The current generation 3, 1913, the Texas has benefitted from Legislature passed ancestors who relied a Bill creating a only upon themselves new county named and the responsibility Murphy from parts they felt toward each of Edwards, Kerr other. and Bandera counties. And today, 100 An amendment years later, there is still before passage renamed relatively little outside it Real, for rancher and influence in the Frio Canyon. Texas State Senator Julius Real, a Farming and ranching has former Kerr county judge and the only evolved. An area that has traditionally Republican State Senator at that time. relied primarily on summer tourism, The three counties were glad to be dependent on the levels of the rivers to rid of their most inaccessible parts, as the drive a healthy economy, now welcomes land was deemed undesirable, not good motorcyclists, bicyclists and car for grazing or farming. enthusiasts, who help extend the regular “So now we’re more than happy tourist season. to have their leftovers!” Judge Merritt And many natural attractions of says. The Frio Canyon area with the Frio, the area now make it popular as an ecoNueces and Sabinal rivers, is now much tourism destination. sought-after, especially for recreational FYI • Leakey is located at the intersection of US purposes. Highway 83 and Ranch Roads 336 and 337.For information The population of Real County’s is about Centennial activities or tickets for certain events, call 3,309. In addition to Leakey, it contains Willis Springfield at 830-232-5783 or mail him at Post Office the communities of Vance, Camp Wood, Box 96, Rio Frio, Texas 78879. You may also contact Garry Rio Frio and Divide. The winding Nueces Merritt, Real County Judge at 830-232-5304. Upcoming River is a boundary and highways and events on the Real County Centennial calendar include the twisting ranch roads take you in and out Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce Shrimp Boil May 25 in of the county. Leakey (5 pm to 8 pm at the Bent Rim Grill), guided historical From the Edwards Plateau, up and tours June 8 in Leakey and June 22 in Rio Frio, Leakey’s July down the Balcones Escarpment and on Jubilee Celebration July 5-6 and the Old Settler’s Reunion in top of the Divide, the steep canyons, Camp Wood August 2-3. For more details and a complete list ravines and breaks isolated the early of events, visit the Real County Centennial web site at www. farms and cabins dotted throughout the realcounty1913.com or email realcounty1913@gmail.com.

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Tom Jackson, true Texas character

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ow would you like to meet – and interact – with the likes of Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Robert E. Lee, Teddy Roosevelt and/or a host of other (often legendary, always colorful) characters associated with Texas’ inspirational past? Impossible, you say? Not so, thanks to the impressive talents of San Antonio’s acclaimed “living historian,” Tom Jackson. For almost 20 years this dedicated purveyor of the past has been educating and entertaining audiences across the state, all eager for an authentic taste of what was, who made it so and why it’s still important. Tom, a proud sixth-generation Texan and third-generation San Antonian, always loved “history.” He enjoyed reading and learning about those who came before, their accomplishments and, their impact on the present. As a result, this primarily self-taught student of yesteryear became, as he freely admits, “a fairly knowledgeable ‘amateur’ expert on matters of the Texas past.” And, while initially earning a living as successful practicing attorney, it was at an event in 1995 when Tom’s passion for historical happenings would ultimately (and professionally) provide reorientation away from the law and towards the unique vocation he embraces today. It was in April of that year when Tom attended a “Dawn at the Alamo” commemoration held on the grounds of the old mission. At that solemn ceremony honoring those who perished at the battle, he witnessed the non-profit San Antonio Living History Association, in exacting period costume, assuming the roles of some of the key participants. As he recalls, “I was entranced, quickly joined the group and went on to perform with the association at many Texas Revolution reenactments held across the state. I just loved that feeling of stepping back in time.” During the next three years, Tom (who quickly proved to be a natural reenactor) regularly participated as an unpaid historical hobbyist while maintaining his legal practice. He also continued his historical selfstudy while expanding his collection of period-appropriate clothing and accoutrements. By 1998, however, after frequent, well received “solo” (and group) performances given, pro-bono, to various outreach groups, Tom decided to forgo law and “see if a living could be made by impersonating the past.” Fortunately for the thousands who have since enjoyed and benefited from his many amazingly realistic performances, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Today Tom, as a paid historical entertainer, is in constant demand performing at schools, civic organizations, churches, libraries, private parties, festivals and anywhere else where attendees seek a

PAGE 10 MAY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

“live” interaction with an “actual” person from some distant time. And, he’s obviously good at what he does. Generally for an hour (but some performances can last much longer), Tom, in authentic garb and in character, tells stories, demonstrates period-appropriate equipment, fields questions and “seems to take the audience back in time.” Enhanced by his easy and knowledgeable delivery – sometimes lighthearted, sometimes serious but always accurate – Tom’s presentations truly blur the line between entertainment and education. Some of Tom’s most popular characters include such Texas-related notables as Sam Houston, William Travis, David Crockett and Jim Bowie. However, he is also quite comfortable in the role of a trail driver, sheriff or any other denizen from the colorful “Old West.” One character he is particularly adept at portraying (and one of his heroes) is Theodore Roosevelt – cowboy, soldier, statesman and president. As Tom can so ably and convincingly tell you, during the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt spent considerable time in San Antonio organizing his famous “Rough Riders” (while a guest at the still operating Menger Hotel) before heading off to Cuba, charging up San Juan Hill and establishing quite a reputation for himself. As Tom readily volunteers, “I love what I do. I get into character and my audiences get into me getting into character. As President Roosevelt might have would put it, “it’s a ‘bully’ business!” FYI • For more information about historical entertainer Tom Jackson, including bookings, visit his web site at www.SanAntonioHistoryEntertainment.com or, you e-mail him at texas1835@hotmail.com.

Tom Jackson as Jim Bowie. Photo courtesy Tom Jackson.

Tom Jackson as Davy Crockett. Photo courtesy Tom Jackson.

Historical entertainer Tom Jackson portrays Theodore Roosevelt. Photo courtesy Tom Jackson.

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Brent Thurman. One of the world’s top bull riders, Brent was killed tragically in 1994. The Brent Thurman Memorial PBR event, along with the Exceptional Rodeo, honors his memory. Photo courtesy Brent Thurman Memorial. ing on the elite Built Ford Tough Series the opportunity to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning money to qualify them for the BFTS and the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals. FYI • For more information, email info@brentthurman.com. Bull riding contestants can email bullriding@ brentthurman.com. For complete event details, visit the web site at www.brentthurman.com.

Kerrville Folk Festival KERRVILLE H Held each year since 1972, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. Over the years it has become known internationally as a Mecca for singer-songwriters of varying musical styles… a place where those just beginning to develop their skills have the opportunity to play their music alongside masters of the craft. This year’s fest is May 23 to June 9 and features a wide variety of performers, including Gary P. Nunn May 23, Jimmy LaFave May 25, Hayes Carll May 26, Hear Hayes Carll at the Kerville Folk Trout Fishing in America June 1, Robby Fest May 26. Photo courtesy Hayes Carll. Hecht June 3, Ray Bonneville June 8 and Hal Ketchum June 9. Emerging songwriters as well as teachers are drawn to the festival’s many learning opportunities, such as the 33rd Annual Songwriters School, the Roots/Blues Guitar Workshop, Harmonica Workshop, Capo Workshops, a Music Law Panel Discussion, and the 12th Annual Professional Development Program for Teachers. There’s something for everyone at this festival, from camping, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for kids, “Ballad Tree” song sharing sessions, Hill Country bike rides and canoe trips on the Guadalupe to Sunday Folk Song Services, Saturday Shabbat Services and much more. FYI • A complete festival schedule, information and tickets can be found at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org or by calling the festival office at 830-257-3600. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40 depending on the particular day— save by purchasing your tickets early online. Campground Access and Parking Lot fees are included in the ticket price. The Kerrville Folk Festival is owned by the Texas Folk Music Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the support of emerging songwriters and folk music in all its forms. For more information, visit the web site at kerrville-music.com.

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SAN ANTONIO H Don’t miss the Exceptional Rodeo at Cowboys Dancehall Arena Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 pm, followed by the 15th annual Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Touring Pro Division event at 8:30 pm. Since the onset of the Brent Thurman memorial event, each year “Exceptional Children” or “Brent’s Kids,” as they are affectionately known, participate in the Exceptional Rodeo. They are children, adults, young and older, that know challenge and adversity each and every day. But on this day each year, you can watch as these exceptional athletes have the time of their lives at as they rope and ride in the memorable event. Following the Exceptional Rodeo, the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) invade Cowboy’s Dancehall Arena for the Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Touring Pro Division event. Fans can witness heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat action as the top bull riders take on the rankest bulls the PBR has to offer. Bull riding begins at 8:30 pm, and tickets for this one-of-a-kind family-friendly show can be purchased at the gates. Proceeds from raffle tickets and memorabilia sales at the Brent Thurman Memorial event benefit the Texas Area 13 Special Olympics and Marbridge Ranch. The PBR’s Touring Pro Division is the minor-league tour of the PBR, replacing the Challenger, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Discovery Tours. As with the previous minor-league tours, it offers up-andcoming bull riders and riders not compet-

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Hill country calendar NOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm information. EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. Enjoy free music shows Monday through Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com. WIMBERLEY: (every day except Monday) Visit Wimberley Glassworks. Gallery open daily 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm. Glassblowing demos daily except Monday. www. WGW.com. SECOND SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Music Events. Rockin’ gospel and jazz to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Sattler

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Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256. WIMBERLEY: Toddler Story Time at Wimberley Library. 10:30 am. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org EVERY TUESDAY AUSTIN: Kid’s Night. Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com. CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy the fellowship of other Hill Country artists. 830-8253465. FISCHER: Youth Archery Program. Cowboys for Jesus, 8400 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2920. GRUENE: Two Ton Tuesdays at Gruene Hall. Rock-a-billy band Two Tons of Steel takes stage at 8:30 pm. 830-606-1281. WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band. First Baptist Church. 512-858-7960. FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Professional entertainers perform to benefit Meals on Wheels. Silver Sage Corral Senior Center. 830-796-4969. THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal Country Music Show. Knights of Columbus Hall, 111 Landa Street. 830-629-4547. LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101. EVERY WEDNESDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market at Triangle Park. 4600 Guadalupe at Lamar and 46th Street. 512-236-0074. AUSTIN: Open Mic Night. Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at the Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www. cityofdrippingsprings.com. WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce, fresh breads, more at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center. 512-264-1637. FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am. Community Center. 512-847-2849. EVERY THURSDAY AUSTIN: Karaoke at the Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Decadent Desserts and Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512894-0001. FIRST THURSDAY AUSTIN: Austin Air Coolers VW Gang. Meet at 7:30 pm at Deep Eddy Pool, cruise down Congress to Austin Pizza. BUDA: First Thursday. Stroll through the downtown antique and specialty shops, enjoy the food from downtown restaurants. www.discoverbuda.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs American Legion meets at 27500 Ranch Road 12. 7 pm. 512-858-1907. WIMBERLEY: YAPI (Young Artist Perfor mance Incubator).Kids 18 and under perform. Maui Wowi. 512-847-6215, www.brendafreed.com/yapi. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406. THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee House Concert Series. The best in live music. 7:30 pm, Wimberley UMC, Corner RR 12 and CR 1492, $15, www.wimberleyumc.org/ susannaskitchen.htm EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 FM 2325. 512-847-5464. EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. www. realalebrewing.com. GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Happy hour, prize giveaways and the

best in Texas tunes, broadcast live by KNBT92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels with Mattson Rainer. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077. LEAKEY: Fridays at the Buckhorn Bar and Grill. House band, local talent. 830-232-4755, www.friobuckhornbar.com. WIMBERLEY: Happy Hour at Taste Buds on the Square. Special drink prices and free appetizers. 512-847-7771. WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall. 512-8476441. WIMBERLEY: Preschool Story Time at Wimberley Village Library. 10:30 am. 512-8472188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035. SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever. Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www.castroville. com, 830-931-2479. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association Meeting. Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 Ranch Road 12. 11 am. Gae Koen, 512-847-7953. THIRD FRIDAY JOHNSON CITY: Cruise-In. See classic and collectable vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Free admission. www.3fjc.com. FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Musicians jam at the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969. EVERY FIRST FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Late Night Shopping on the Wimberley Square. Stores remain open ‘til at least 8 pm for shopping. www.wimberleymerchants.com. EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater. Renowned variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688. EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music “On the Porch” at Linda’s Fine Foods. www.lindaallencatering. com. EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074. AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976. COMFORT: Comfort Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park on Highway 27. COMFORT: Wine Tastings at High’s Café. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-995-4995, www.highscafeandstore.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine at Solaro Winery. www.solaroestate.com. NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. Evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245. WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear the stories about famous floods and scuba divers, learn value of native grasses, experience beauty of spring that started this town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Fresh flowers, veggies, cheeses, more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428. FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. 830-796-4447. BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale at Public Library. 9 am to 1 pm. 830-796-4213. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Low Cost Pet Vaccinations. At Tractor Supply. 512-858-7229. WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). Everything you can’t live without at Lions Field. 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www.shopmarketdays.com. FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Public Speaking and Leadership Club. 10:30 am. Visitor’s Center. 512-913-4804.

SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316. THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm. Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784. LAST SATURDAY JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Reception. Free exhibit of art, plus Wines of Texas. Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROUND MOUNTAIN: Public Weekend Tours at Westcave Preserve. 830-825-3442, info@ westcave.org. SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org. MAY 1-4 CAMP WOOD: Three Sisters Motorcycle Rally. www.threesistersrally.net. MAY 1-19 KERRVILLE: Quilt Guild Exhibit at Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. kacckerrville.com. MAY 1-31 AUSTIN: Wildflower Days. See beautiful wildflowers in bloom, and enjoy exhibits and kids’ activities. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. www.wildflower.org. MAY 2-5 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Film Festival Annual. Festival screens best of independent film from Texas and the world. Steve W. Shepherd Theater. www.hillcountryff.com MAY 3 HELOTES: Pat Green. Live music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. 14492 Old Bandera Road. www.liveatfloores.com. SPICEWOOD: The Motheral Family Third Annual Tony Campise Jazz Concert. www. spicewoodvineyards.com. WIMBERLEY: Rainwater Harvesting. Richard Parrish from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension presents course on rainwater harvesting.

Noon to 1 pm. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. MAY 3-4 HONDO: Mystery Dinner Theater. Food and theater produced by Dramatic Divas and sponsored by Friends of Hondo Public Library. 6:30 pm. hondo.library.friends@gmail.com, 830-9315829. MAY 3-5 LUCKENBACH: Annual Hill Country Run. www.tex-fest.com. SAN MARCOS: Viva! Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy the statewide menudo cook-off, a parade, pageants, dancers and music. Civic Center. www. sanmarcostexas.com. MAY 4 AUSTIN: Austin Waldorf MusicFest 2013. Music from Bob Schneider and Ray Wiley Hubbard plus What Made Milwaukee Famous, Cotton Mather, Michael Fracasso and more 2 pm to 11 pm at the Nutty Brown Café. www. nuttybrown.com. BANDERA: Market Day. Courthouse Square. www.bandera business.com. BOERNE: Hauptstrasse Quiltfest. Hundreds of quilts on display, live music, craft demonstrations and shopping. 10 am to 3 pm. www. boernequilting.com. GRUENE: Charlie Robison. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. SATTLER: The Friends of Tye Preston Library Garden Tour. Tickets $15, available at the library. nosko@gvtc.com WIMBERLEY: 2nd Annual Wimberley Classic. Bel Canto Farms. Classical music, equestrian exhibitions. www.wimberleyclassic.org. MAY 6 WIMBERLEY: Move Over Emeril, Carrol is Cooking! Carroll Wilson demonstrates how to prepare not one, but two, recipes for a perennial wok-prepared favorite—fried rice. 6 pm. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. MAY 10 WIMBERLEY: Jacobs Well Community Gar-

Hill country calendar den. Green thumb gardener Sharon Reece on this non-profit resource and how you can have your own plot for vegetable gardening Noon to 1 pm. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. WIMBERLEY: 2nd Friday WineShare at In Style Courtyard. Bring a bottle of Merlot (themed wine for month) and bring your

own wine glass. 6 pm to 7:30 pm. You can meet new businesses, people and wines. 107 Old Kyle Road. 512-558-2919. MAY 11 ALBERT: 3rd Annual Pointless Chili CookOff and Dance with Sam Bentley Band. Albert Dance Hall. 7:30 pm. www.alberttexas.com. BLANCO: 13th Annual “Tiny West” Memo-

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2013 PAGE 13

Hill country calendar rial. Bull riding, dancing, food and fun to raise money for local scholarships. Bull riding starts at 7:30 pm, followed by a free dance. Yett Memorial Park. 512-940-7073. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Find out about the Artists Alliance of the Hill Country, Austin Fiber Artists, Photographers of Dripping Springs, Texas Basket Weavers Association, Central Texas Gourd Patch Artists, Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin, Hill Country Sculptors. Wesley Gallery. www.wesleygallery.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Founders Day Celebration. Wreath-laying at Marktplatz and activities at Pioneer Museum celebrate founding of Fredericksburg. www.pioneermuseum.net. GRUENE: The Marshall Tucker Band. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. MAY 11-12 BOERNE: Market Days. www.boerne marketdays.com MAY 12 AUSTIN: Mother’s Day Concert. 7 pm on the South Steps of the State Capitol. www.austinsymphonicband.org. GRUENE: Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. www.gruenehall.com. MAY 15 WIMBERLEY: Wimbeley Valley Genealogical Society. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. MAY 16 DRIPPING SPRINGS: DSYAF Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Falconhead Golf Club. www.dsyaf.org/golf. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Ducks Unlimited Banquet. The Terrace Club. www.ducks.org/ texas/events. MAY 17 GRUENE: Jerry Jeff Walker. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.

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MAY 17-18 BOERNE: BoerneFest. Block party and concert. Main Plaza. www.boerne.org. MAY 17-19 FREDERICKSBURG: Lone Star Street Rod Association State Run. Car show features pre1973 vehicles at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Texas 16 South. www.lssra.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop with more than 350 vendors, or relax in the biergarten while listening to live music. Seven miles east of town off U.S. 290, at 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com. MAY 17 - JUNE 17 FREDERICKSBURG: Oil Painters of America National Show. Exhibition of more than 200 works of art. InSight Gallery. www.insightgallery.com. MAY 18 FISCHER: Fischer Store School Community Center Event. Social hour and outdoor games at 6 pm, tail-gate pot luck dinner at 7 pm. Board furnishes burgers, hotdogs andrinks. Everyone bring side dishes and desserts. 830-9352328. HELOTES: Old 97’s. Live music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. 14492 Old Bandera Road. www.liveatfloores.com. INGRAM: Hill Country Arts Foundation Annual Rummage Sale. 9 am to 2 pm. The Point Theatre, 120 Point Theatre Road South. 830367-5121. SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural and Western Swing Festival. Enjoy classic Texas music, dinner, dancing and a festival on the courthouse lawn, then listen to live music on river in San Marcos Plaza Park. www.sanmarcostx.gov/ mainstreet. MAY 18-19 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm. Gruene Historic District. www.gruenemarketdays.com. MAY 19 FREDERICKSBURG:Country Dutchmen with Johnny Schuch. Afternoon dance at Pat’s Hall. 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. All ages. 406 Post Road. www.patshall.com. GRUENE: KNBT Americana Music Jam. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. MAY 21-24 BOERNE: Vintage Porsche Rallye. Open to Porsches from 1973 or earlier. www.hillcountryrallye.org MAY 23 – JUNE 9 KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival. Texas Hill Country-based international songwriter’s festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands with concerts, songwriting competition, seminars and workshops, arts and crafts, food and camping. Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 miles south of Kerrville. www.kerrville-music.com. MAY 23 – JUNE 23 KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show. See amazing works of talented gourd artists from around the country on display at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacc kerrville.com. MAY 24 WIMBERLEY: Hospice 101. Hospice Specialist Dura Sims explains benefits of hospice care. Noon to 1 pm. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. MAY 24-26 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Rodeo Association Pro Rodeo Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. www.banderarodeo.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Crawfish Festival. Cajun food, music and a gumbo cook-off. Market Square, 100 W. Main Street. www.fbgjaycees. com. KERRVILLE: Quilts In Motion More than 200

PAGE 14 MAY 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

quilts on display, wear-able art and fiber arts. www.hillcountryquiltguild.com. KERRVILLE: Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Show. Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel. www. texas masters.com. KERRVILLE: Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair. Features arts and crafts, music, food and a children’s activity area. River Star Arts and Events Center. www.tacef.org LLANO: Bluebell Bluegrass Classic Car show Enjoy free ice cream, while looking at cool classic cars. Downtown. www.promotellano. com. MAY 25 ALBERT: Thomas Michael Riley. Live music at Albert Dance Hall. 7:30 pm. www.alberttexas.com. BANDERA: Funtier Day Parade. 11 am on Main Street. www.banderatex.com. FREDERICKSBURG: USO-style Hangar Dance. Enjoy 1940s-style Big Band music with swing-dancing lessons, a costume contest and refreshments. Hangar Hotel Pacific Showroom. www.hangarhotel.com. HELOTES: Turnpike Troubadours and Hayes Carll. Live music at Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com. KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days. www.kerrmarketdays.org LEAKEY: Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce Annual Shrimp Boil. Come hungry for all you can eat shrimp, potatoes and corn. Bent Rim Grill, Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop. 5 pm to 8 pm. www.friocanyonchamber.com. WIMBERLEY: “In Cahoots.” A Collaborative Exhibition featuring glass artists Tim DeJong, Jimmy Harwell, Kirk Tunningley, Wes Sweetser and Geoffrey Koslow. Beverages from Middleton Brewing Company. 5 pm to 7 pm at Wimberley Glassworks. www.wgw.com. MAY 25-26 FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Program. National Museum of the Pacific War Combat Zone. www.pacificwarmuseum.org. MAY 26 BOERNE: Boerne Concert Band Performance Main Plaza, 100 N. Main Street. www.boerneconcertband.org.

MAY 26 GRUENE: Gary P. Nunn. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. MAY 27 FREDERICKSBURG: Memorial Day Observance. National Museum of the Pacific War. www.pacific warmuseum.org. WIMBERLEY: Memorial Day. Veterans Memorial Plaza on Emily Ann Theatre grounds. 10 am. www.emilyann.org. MAY 31 GRUENE: Ray Wylie Hubbard. Live music at Gruene Hall. 8 pm. www.gruenehall.com. HELOTES: Doug Moreland. Enjoy great live music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com. WIMBERLEY: Hospice 102. Hospice Specialist Dura Sims explains benefits hospice care provides. Noon. www.wimberleylibrary.org. JUNE 1 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Red Arena Round Up. Riders with disabilities ride alongside able bodied riders and compete in rodeo style events for prizes. Silent auction, fair booth games, miniature horses, a dog obstacle course, more. www.REDArena.org. FREDERICKSBURG: 9th Annual Masonic Car Show. Music, food and silent auctions free admission. www.FredericksburgMasons. com (click on Car Show). GRUENE: Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. JUNE 3-7, JUNE 10-14 WIMBERLEY: St. Stephen’s School Camps. For kids 3 through kindergarten and 1st through 6th grades. www.ststeveschool.org. JUNE 6-7 AUSTIN: Art Garage Unbirthday Art Camp. Art camp inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” and, of course, birthdays. www.theartgarageaustin.com. JUNE 7-9 SAN ANTONIO: Texas Folklife Festival, A Three-Day Celebration of Texas Heritage. Find music, food, dance, cultural groups, Texas artisans and more at The Institute of Texan Cultures, www.texasfolklifefestival.org. JUNE 8 GRUENE: James McMurtry. Live music at

Wimberley Glassworks special event May 25

WIMBERLEY H Wimberley Glassworks is proud to announce their upcoming event; “In Cahoots,” an exhibition featuring collaborative efforts by Tim DeJong along with Jimmy Harwell, Kirk Tunningley, Wes Sweetser and Geoffrey Koslow, artists with whom the Glassworks have partnered for more than a 20 year span. You are invited to join them May 25 from 5 pm to 7 pm for this insightful occasion, along with an exclusive treat featuring beers crafted by local brewing sensation Middleton Brewing. After 7 pm, the event will mosey on over to the Middleton microbrewery down the road for an after-party Wimberley Glassworks owner and artist Tim DeJong at work. Photo courtesy Wimberley Glassworks. and more hand crafted brews. FYI • Wimberley Glassworks is located at 6469 Ranch Road 12 between Wimberley and San Marcos. For more information, you can call 800-929-6686 or visit the web site at www.wgw.com. Middleton Brewing Company is at 9595 Ranch Road 12 (Suite 4) at the Junction in Wimberley.

Hill country calendar

Catch Texas singer-songwriter extraordinaire James McMurty performing June 8 at Gruene Hall. Photo courtesy James McMurtry. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. SAN ANTONIO: Brent Thurman PBR Bull Riding and Exceptional Rodeo. Cowboys Dance Hall Arena. www.brentthurman.com. JUNE 21 GRUENE: Merle Haggard. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. JUNE 26 GRUENE: Leon Russell. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.

JUNE 29 BANDERA: Riverfest 2013. Celebrate summer with a river rodeo, kids’ activities, a giant slip ‘n slide, watermelon eating contestwheel barrel races, arts and craft vendors, food, drinks and much more. And don’t miss the “Anything that Floats Regatta.” Banks of the Medina River. www.banderariverfest.com. GRUENE: Todd Rundgren’s Official State Visit. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.

Saturday – May 25, 2013

5:00 – 8:00 PM • Tickets at the Door Bent Rim Grill at Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop

Ranch Road 337 West, 1/2 mile from downtown Leakey

www.friocanyonchamber.com

HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2013 PAGE 15

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