Discover 361 February 2024

YOUR VIEW OF THE CROSSROADS

INSIDE DAY TRIP HISTORIC PAINTED CHURCHES

361-572-0225

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Welcome to the new year. A lot is happening this year around the Crossroads.

It never gets old talking about all the beautiful and interesting businesses and building the area has to offer.

In this issue, as we focus on Faith and Philanthropy, we travel to the north of the region to visit the beautiful Painted Churches that are a tribute to the home countries for many of the early settlers. Ornate, but simply beautiful, is the best way to describe the churches. They are open for public tours.

We also visited with Waylan Brannan about his Promised Land Outdoors ministry, which helps adults and children gain a love for the outdoors while learning about their faith.

Food is also an important topic. Man to Man Discipleship offers steak night for men where they not only learn to cook a great steak, but also about their faith. Great friendships are also made in the process.

On a more community level, we visit with Our Saviour's Lutheran Church about their pot luck dinners and to Water Well Cafe about larger community meals that answer a call to help.

Stepping away from the focus, our fashion this issue takes a look at Western wear. With livestock shows and rodeos coming, the fashions will get you to thinking about what to wear. We took the photos at the beautiful Raisin L Ranch near Victoria. Fashions were provided by Cavender’s Boot Center.

Our music feature visits with the Victoria Area Music Association. The group meets at local restaurants to give musicians, songwriters and singers a place to perform and be heard.

We are looking forward to our April issue of the Discover 361. We will have a special bicentennial keepsake issue. You don't want to miss it.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Discover 361 and you get out and enjoy some of the places we featured.

Becky Cooper

Managing Editor

Clarice Touhey

Kyle Motal

Becky Cooper

Kyle R. Cotton

Patrick Sloan-Turner

Jon

Chase Cofield

Kyle R. Cotton

Patrick Sloan-Turner

Glen

8

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Promised

12 DAY TRIP

Painted

14

24 FOOD

Food for the soul: Strengthening fellowship, faith, community

28 FOOD

Man to Man’s steak nights teach cooking and life skills

31

CULTURE & EVENTS

Group’s open mic nights help artists hone craft, offer inspired experiences for audiences

34

ABOUT TOWN

Getting the community together

36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Preview of what is coming up for the Crossroads during February through April

38

CONNECT 361

Discover more with the business directory from the Crossroads.

Promised Land OUTDOORS

Connecting kids with nature and God

STORY BY CHRISTOPHER GREEN | CGREEN@VICAD.COM

BY SHARON BRANNAN AND WAYLAN BRANNAN

In 2003 Sharon Brannan felt a calling to use 40 acres of family land in Goliad to show children the excitement and benefits of being outdoors. She had a pavilion built and started doing a few retreats every year where kids aged 10 to 18 could come and fish and just enjoy being outdoors and immersed in the quiet stillness of nature. The retreat became known as Promised Land Outdoors.

Sharon's son Waylan Brannan took his mother's idea and expanded it to include more activities for kids and their families.

He too felt his own calling to share scripture in the programs as a way to help the kids build connections with each other and to the outdoors.

In addition to fishing, some of the activities at Promised Land Outdoors include kayaking, hunting and camping.

One of the pillars that showcases the true vision of Promised Land Outdoors is the First Harvest Program.

In the program, a guide team with Promised Land Outdoors will teach the kids in attendance valuable skills that can be used in an outdoor setting, which can include fishing, learning how

to track wild game, learning about the different types of fish they can catch, learning how a feeder works and how to safely use a rifle for hunting. The kids will then have the opportunity to harvest their first animal they have shot from a deer blind. They will be taught how to properly harvest all the meat from the animal to take home with them in a big ice chest.

"The First Harvest Program helps the kids build a connection with the outdoors, and we give each of them a Bible so they can read scripture and pray with their families," Brannan said.

Another pillar is the Survivor Student Ministry, which is held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday at First Baptist Church. The program is offered to kids in sixth through 12th grade and a different skill is taught every week. Every week a different community leader comes to teach something to those in attendance.

Some of the skills that have been taught include changing a tire, small engine mechanics and homemade food such as pickles, jam and pie.

Gary Moses, Sharon Brannan and Waylan Brannan

Steve Scott donated his equipment and made the road for Promised Land Outdoors.

Waylan Brannan performs a baptism at Promised Land Outdoors.

Brannan said they have had many community leaders come and talk to the kids. The students will get the chance to share scripture with each other and learn how the skills being taught are connected to teachings in the Bible.

"We've had a lot of small group leaders, pastors and business owners come and speak at the survivor program, but we have also had city officials come and speak such as the mayor as well as one of the sheriffs come and speak," Brannan said. "It's great because it exposes these kids to some of the community leaders and they get to learn skills that have been lost to a generation."

Brannan has incorporated a third pillar into the Promised Land Outdoors program that actually takes a group of students to different areas around Texas. A group hunt is set up one to three times a month that consists of six to 10 students and the guides for Promised Land Outdoors take them to different ranches in the state, mostly in the Gulf Coast region, to hunt different types of wild game.

Brannan said it's important that the program and retreat give people the ability to have an immersive experience.

"The most important part of the ministry and Promised Land Outdoors is the relationship with the Lord and the idea that by having faith in God we

FOR MORE INFO:

TO STAY UP TO DATE on the calendar of events people can sign up for the Promised Land Outdoors newsletter at PromisedLandOutdoors.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Survivor ministry contact Waylan Brannan at 361-5508125.

PROMISED LAND OUTDOORS

Facebook page is a great way to stay connected to all the latest updates.

The Survivor Ministry is opened to the public.

will have survival for eternity with him," Brannan said. "It's also about giving people the opportunity to disconnect from technology and all the things that are calling for attention and be able to be still in nature."

Brannan said the beautiful thing about hunting and fishing is it puts people in a setting where they can just sit still while watching a sunset from a blind or on a boat while catching some fish. Promised Land Outdoors offers the perfect place where kids can come to physically and psychologically connect with nature while escaping the distractions of everyday life.

Promised Land Outdoors has lodging available for people who come from out of town to enjoy the peace and quiet that is offered while taking part in hunting, fishing, kayaking and sharing scripture by a campfire under a night sky blanketed with stars.

One of the newest additions coming to Promised Land Outdoors is its very own cathedral, which will be raised five feet from the ground, so when people come to Promised Land Outdoors it will be one of the first things they see.

The outside of the doors on the cathedral will be limestone with the back overlooking a beautiful creek. Once through the main doors, attendees will see all the cedar that is a part of the structure and there will be adjustable seating. The cathedral will be able to seat 140 people and is ADA accessible. Additionally, it will offer a view to all the creek and oak trees that sit in the pasture behind the cathedral.

Brannan said Promised Land Outdoors is always seeking to bring in more volunteers to help with the survivor program, group hunts and guiding the activities at the retreat in Goliad.

Hunter Barthels is a fishing guide at Promised Land Outdoors.

Waylan Brannan and Bobby Burnett. Burnett helped make game fences so the youth can hunt.

Brannan teaches gun safety at Promised Land Outdoors

Brannan teaching classes on hunting at Promised Land Outdoors Limestone Cottage.

PaintedChurches

European influence in the quaint ranch towns of South Texas

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER | PTURNER@VICAD.COM

From the Alamo to the countless Spanish missions throughout the state, Texas is a place with a rich, vast and multicultural history.

But off the beaten path, a series of historic, beautiful structures exist in Fayette and Lavaca counties, making for a perfect day trip for history buffs and art connoisseurs alike.

Run by the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce are tours of historic painted churches in the areas of St. John, Moravia, Dubina, High Hill and Ammannsville.

Each of the five Catholic churches offers breathtaking artistry and seemingly endless historical context, as every building dates back more than 100 years.

"When you walk in, you get goosebumps because you just can't believe that people with such limited means can create something so beautiful," said Terri Wagner, executive director of the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce.

Wagner, who also serves a tour guide, is well-suited for it as a former

history teacher. Though she is not from the area, the long-time resident moved there in high school and has gained a rich knowledge of the area ever since.

If those who booked a tour weren't lucky enough to secure her as their guide, Wagner said there's no need to worry. About 15 different people lead the guided tours, each with a unique knowledge of the area's history and who also brings their own perspective.

Visitors often return for repeat tours, Wagner said, as each time they learn something new.

"We have people that have been three and four times," Wagner said. "Every time they learn something new or they'll get a different guide who has a different perspective."

At each church, the rich history of each community is overtly apparent. Each are old buildings nestled between ranches or farms throughout the area. Although they might appear unassuming from the exterior, the artistry spanning the walls, ceilings and

Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Dubina.

more that waits inside is likely to wow.

Each structure on the tour — St. John the Baptist in St. John, Ascension of Our Lord in Moravia, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in High Hill, Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Dubina and St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville — is steeped in influence by the immigrants who settled in the area and built them.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Praha was previously on the tour but was recently removed at the request of the church's priest.

Outside the church in St. John, Wagner points out "welcome" on a structure near the church painted in the German, Czech and Polish languages.

At Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or "St. Mary's," tourists will learn of the stained glass windows that made their way across the Atlantic all the way from Germany.

Guides on the tour are full of historic intricacies, like the how the Stations of the Cross at Ascension of Our Lord

were actually painted by three different artists, or the significance to the more than 3,000 painted stars that fill the skylike ceiling at Sts. Cyril and Methodius.

"All of the churches are mission churches," Wagner said, explaining that each actively hosts Mass said by priests who do not live on site but instead near a "mother" church.

Those interested in a tour can call the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce to schedule. Wagner suggests doing so sooner rather than later for the spring,

as it is the busy season.

Separate tours can range in size with up to 50 people. Visitors can schedule guided tours from just one church or all five. The amount of time spent at each church can depend on group size and how much a group wants to learn at a specific location but Wagner said groups normally spend around an hour at each.

| CONT. FROM PG. 13

The altar at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina.

A stained-glass window over the balcony at Ascension of Our Lord in Moravia.

At Ascension, a painting of Jesus mirrors the statue of him depicted on the altar.

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Chamber staff can help coordinate lunch for groups who get hungry. Rates vary depending on group size and the number of churches visited, with discounts for larger groups and more locations. A portion of the nonprofit's proceeds goes back to support each church on the tour.

Wagner estimated that about 10,000 people took the tour in 2023, with tourists visiting from all over the world.

"People that come from Europe, many are coming to see how these Europeans brought their culture with them 100 years ago," she said.

Visitors interested in finding their own way are encouraged to purchase a map from the chamber for $5, as Wagner said much of the information about the area's painted churches online is inaccurate, including locations.

Each of the churches offers its own unique, wow-inducing hand paintings that depict biblical scenes and prominent Catholic figures. But perhaps the crown jewel of tour is St. Mary's in High Hill. Known as the “Queen” of the Painted Churches of Schulenburg, what looks like a nice Catholic church from the outside, sports an interior that

"My delights were to be with the children of men" is painted in Latin on an arch at St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville.

Bright gold and pink are painted on the communion rail at St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville.

Several figures can be seen on the altar at St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville.

A unique depiction of the Last Supper is carved into the altar at St. Mary's in High Hill. Looking closely, Judas can be seen leaving with his hood up.

Bright colors were used to paint the Stations of the Cross that line the walls of Ascension of Our Lord in Moravia.

goes toe-to-toe with some of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country.

Visitors could spend hours taking in the gold moldings that span the ceilings and the candlelit altar that reaches up to the ceiling.

What makes the visit even more worth a tourist’s time is the information learned from the guides like hearing about the painters, the construction of the spectacular altar, the significance of the saints whose figures line the center aisle and a fun story about the narrow pews.

No matter how many churches visitors choose to see or how much time they want to spend at each location, it would be hard not to learn something new about the area's rich history and the magnificent artistry that call these quaint communities home.

"(The churches) are living, breathing artwork," Wagner said. "They're for anybody that would love to drive up to a little church in the middle of nowhere, walk inside and feel like you've gone across the ocean to Europe."

A statue of St. Francis stands from a pillar along the aisle at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in High Hill.

Modern Cowboy

FASHION

Shane wears Wrangler denim jacket, 47 Advanced Comfort jeans, Wrangler tan button down, Ariat Bench Made black full quill ostrich boots and Resistol Wilderness 6x hat. Casey wears Rock & Roll Denim Double Barrel jeans, Red Sky tan micro plaid sports coat, Ariat southwest print button down and Stetson 6X Granite cowboy hat.

STORY BY BECKY COOPER | BCOOPER@VICAD.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAYNA WILES | IMAGES BY DAYNA

MODELS

SARAH ROWLANDS, MAKAYLA GEISTMAN, CASEY HARRRYMAN, SHANE DEASES

FASHIONS PROVIDED BY CAVENDER’S BOOT CENTER, VICTORIA PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION RAISIN L RANCH, OWNED BY GEORGE AND LYNETTE MIGL

Makayla wears a Cavender Rockin’ C ladies fashion hat, boot print Fashion Express shirt, BlueB denim skirt and JRC dark red Nacy boots. Sarah wears BlueB skort, Wrangler graphic T, Wrangler corduroy charcoal shirt, Rockin’ C jewelry, Black Nacy JRC boots and Resistol Wilderness 6x hat.

To borrow a line from a Willie Nelson song, “My heroes have always been cowboys.”

And in a way they still are. I’m always amazed at how easy they make their craft and sport look even when they are being thrown around by a huge bull or jumping off a moving horse to grab a calf and tie its legs in a matter of seconds. And not to be left out, the skill of the barrel racers who guide their horses closely around three barrels while the clock is ticking.

I know it takes years and years of practice to get the basics to the level they can compete. It then takes more time to master the skill to compete on the national level.

While I know that is not the profession for me, I admire their skills and abilities.

Every year around this time, rodeo and livestock show fans start gearing up for that special season that brings excitement to large cities as well as the small towns. It’s rodeo time.

The fan base is busy buying tickets for the shows and wondering what they are going to wear to the big event. Everyday jeans and a shirt just won’t do.

This is the time to pull out the creased Wranglers, pearl snapped shirts, Western style jackets and belts as well as fashionable, but comfy, boots, and, of course, a cowboy hat to complete the ensemble.

Western fashion is a big deal from the hometown livestock shows to the large multi-week livestock shows and rodeos in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and other large cities.

Just look around at the visitors and

Left - Casey wears Cinch solid white button-down shirt, Wrangler khaki casual pants, Stetson 6X Granite cowboy hat and Red Sky tan micro plaid sports coat. RightMakayla wears Wrangler rust puff sleeve dress, Rockin’C Cowboy hat, Tony Lama concho belt, JRC Nancy dark brass cowboy boots and Rockin’ C necklace.

exhibitors and you will see rodeos are important to the Western fashion market. From exhibitors to show officials to the fans in the stands, all want to look good when the spotlight is on them.

The staple brand names are still popular among Western wear, especially Wrangler, Ariat and Stetson. But working their way into the fashion scene are BlueB, Sneak Peek and Rock& Roll, who make distressed jeans, wide legged jeans and fashion jackets and shirts.

Typically show officials or people higher up in the show’s administration will wear dressier clothes, such as dresses or Western suits, said Kira Newsome, store manager at Cavender Boot Center, Victoria.

Still popular among most men are button-down shirts worn with a vest or jacket. Denim jackets are popular as well, she said.

Solid colors as well as print shirts, such as Aztec designs, are popular this

Left - Sarah wears Rockin’C crystal fringe blazer dress, Black Nacy JRC boots, Resistol Wilderness 6x hat and gunslinger print caramel wild rag scarf. Right -Casey wears Rafter C paisley pearl snap shirt, Ariat M4 jeans, Rafter C sherpa lined canvas jacket and Stetson 6X Granite cowboy hat.

year. The prints add a new layer of style to the fashions.

To add more dimension to the fashions, women like to add lace and other textures under their shirts. Also popular in layers is corduroy.

A new trend this year is boots are now coming in fashion colors so they too coordinate with the clothing. Ariat footwear offers tones of pink, greens and turquoise, to name a few, Newsome said.

Other accessories are also popular. Belts still come in varieties from adorned with conchos to simple tooling. Rhinestones are not as popular.

Hats are a must, but the way they are worn is becoming generational.

Teens to 30-year-olds like the true Westerns style hats where the brims are shaped. The older group Is not as particular, Newsome said.

Cavender’s offers shaping for felt hats, she said.

With all the fashion choices for Western wear clothing, it's easy to understand why it is so popular among people of all ages.

Left - Shane wears Rafter C ball cap, Wrangler denim jacket, 47 Advanced Comfort jeans, Wrangler pink pin-stripe pearl snap shirt and HeyDude Wally Sox black shoes. Right - Makayla wears Fashion Express long shaket, Sneak Peek distressed wide leg jeans, Rock & Roll black with silver horseshoe detail long sleeve shirt and Rockin’ C Jewelry.

D for the soul FOO

Strengthening fellowship, faith, community

Bobby Villafuerte and Doug Kent, First Baptist Church volunteers, prepare to-go meals for Thanksgiving in Victoria.

Attendees at First Baptist Church eat mealsThanksgiving in Victoria.

STORY BY KYLE R. COTTON | KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE COFIELD | CCOFIELD@VICAD.COM

AND KYLE R. COTTON | KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

Many people in the Victoria area put their best foot forward to help strengthen each other through faith, fellowship and community.

In most cases the common uniter is food.

Whether it is through a church, a business or a holiday tradition, food strengthens the bonds of fellowship and community and inspires faith.

During the holiday season, this is frequently on display with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s annual feast of giving the weekend before Thanksgiving or The Water Well Cafe 361 working with First Baptist Church to cater a community feast.

But this isn’t just a once-a-year thing for these organizations. They live it in their planning so they can pass their faith and fellowship onto others who need it.

At Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, food plays a critical role in creating a sense of community within the church as they frequently help plan events both in and outside the church, said Michael Buchhorn, church fellowship ministries leader.

“We have our feast around Thanksgiving

as sort of our main community event with food,” Buchhorn said. “However, we have potlucks from time to time to plan things.”

Those potlucks whether it be for planning or for a religious celebration like marking when Martin Luther nailed his complaints on the door of a Roman Catholic Church strengthen the congregation's bonds and fellowship and in turn, can pass it on to others, he said.

“When it comes to fellowship it’s about people,” Buchhorn said. “It’s about getting through to people and you can do that over a nice meal. You get to know each other and that makes it easier to see how you can help.”

That mindset also extends to the Water Well Cafe where Ideal Path Ministries holds services every Sunday. Scripture on the walls greets visitors to the downtown restaurant.

“For me, I always put God first in everything I do and for me, the best way to spread his word is with food,” cafe owner Jennifer Rubio said. “Food is comfort.”

With this mindset, she has created a program to help provide food to people in

A customer's order is ready to be served from the kitchen at The Waterwell Cafe.

A volunteer helps prepare a meal.

| CONT. FROM PG. 25

need and for others to pass it forward when it comes to her restaurant.

They provide meals to officers who need a spiritual lift or provide a meal to someone who can’t afford it, Rubio said.

“We’re supposed to take care of our own,” she said.

In this, she has utilized her network with other businesses and churches to help pay it forward as much as she can. They provided 1,500 meals to people in need on Thanksgiving through their collaboration.

“There are a lot of lonely people. They want community and to feel welcome and often that’s hard to come by,” Rubio said. “When you start with food it makes them feel welcomed.”

People have little faith in others sometimes and they just need to be shown that it’s OK, that they are welcomed, and that they can share their problems without being judged, she said.

This is what food does, it breaks down barriers creating fellowship and community and hopefully strengthening their faith, Rubio said.

Signs are displayed all over The Waterwell Cafe.

Juanita Rubio prepares a lunch order at The Waterwell Cafe.

People visit at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Thanksgiving feast.

The Waterwell Cafe on a Friday afternoon in downtown Victoria.

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Volunteers hand plates down the serving line as they fill them up at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Lino Lopez and Myra Lopez spend time at The Waterwell Cafe.

Tony Murillo used to struggle with cooking steak.

Growing up, the 21-year-old Victoria barber's family rarely ate the meat.

When he tried to cook it himself, it often came out "a little on the burned side — almost like jerky," he said.

But that was all before he started attending steak nights at Man to Man Discipleship, a Victoria-based fellowship group that caters specifically to men.

Since then, Murillo has picked up a respectable set of cooking skills. Now he likes a medium, simply seasoned filet mignon, preferring to let the meat speak for itself.

"It's the juiciness," he said, adding, "You still have the flavor of the meat with a bit of pinkness in the middle, the flavor of the steak itself."

Man to Man, which puts on many other events, holds steak nights four times a year.

Men gather around a huge barbecue pit, share one another's company and maybe a little bit of wisdom, learn how to cook a great steak and, of course, enjoy a tasty cut of beef.

"It’s almost like sitting around a campfire but in a pit form, " Murillo said. "It’s a good feeling. It reminds me of cooking with my dad."

Glen Dry, president of Man to Man, said he started steak nights about 20 years ago as a way to give guys who are a little unfamiliar or intimidated by cooking steak a chance to learn firsthand.

"We started steak night because if they are intimidated by cooking, like a lot of people are, they can watch other people cook steaks and gain confidence," he said. Those skills are paid forward when men who attend steak night cook for friends and family.

Men usually bring their own cut of beef — rib eyes, filets, New York strips, tenderloins and more. Seasonings and sides are on hand, laid out for everyone, as is plenty of expertise.

The events can gather as many as 50 men, of various skill levels. Some men have limited experience.

Others are pros, like John Tyrna, Victoria resident, trained chef and owner of The Chopping Block Meat Market. Tyrna, whose shop has a 15-foot-long glass case with nothing but red meat, has attended for about two years and likes to bring a few extra cuts, just in case someone forgets to bring theirs.

Cooking the perfect steak, he said, doesn't have to be hard or complicated, but it's something that can be tricky for those who've never done it before.

Prepping the meat is an option. Overnight dry salt brines are great as are dry aged steaks. Marinating can be done, although it's seen by many as "blasphemy," he said.

When it comes to the seasoning, of which there's many options, Tyrna said it's sometimes

Chopping Block owner John Tyrna shows off some steaks.

A selection of Wagyu rib eyes from the Chopping Block in Victoria.

good to keep things simple. As a general rule, don't be afraid to season too much. About 3/4 is going to be lost in the cooking process anyway.

"Heavily season that joker," he said.

The cooking stage is when the creativity can really shine.

"I don't like to cook a steak the same way twice," Tyrna said.

For those who like crust, hotter is usually better.

"When you eat a steak. It’s visual. It’s texture, and it’s taste," Tyrna said. "A good crust is going to set it apart."

Searing the meat in a blazing hot cast iron skillet works well, he said. Unsalted butter is always better.

But there's also the option of reverse searing, which means cooking the inside of the steak on low heat before the searing process. Then, there's simply thrusting the steak into hot coals, resulting in a "black and blue" meat that's charred on the outside and cold on the inside.

Sizzling meat may be a focal point of steak night, but the events are about more than that. It's also about sharing a moment together.

"That's the thing," Murillo said, who has met men there he now considers to be father figures. "It's about the process ... it's sitting down to enjoy a great meal together."

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: 2024’S STEAK NIGHTS

WHERE: Son Valley Ranch, 8793 U.S. 87 North, Victoria

WHEN: April 4, July 11 and Oct. 3. Pit is hot at 6 p.m.

MORE INFO: mantomandiscipleship.org

At the events, Murillo has gotten advice, everything from financial help like how to buy a first home to how to find happiness.

When men, from all walks of life, gather, there's conversation to be had; company to be enjoyed; laughter, and wisdom, to be shared.

"Once the stomach is satisfied, it doesn't take long to hear another man’s story," Dry said. "It resonates with you. You realize you’re not alone."

Guys struggling with setbacks can find insight. Just like learning to cook steak, they can learn to overcome life's

obstacles.

"It frees your soul," he said.

After all, Man to Man's motto is "Iron sharpens iron," an homage to Proverbs 27:17, which continues, "so one man sharpens another."

Tyrna agreed, saying he's met some seriously seasoned, wise men at the events.

But, he said, there's also the simple fact that there's some delicious meat to be enjoyed.

"It’s hard for men to turn down a steak," he said.

Steak nights are the perfect opportunity for men to teach or learn how to cook a great steak.

After

Our 2nd Annual Basketball Tournament will be in July 2024 and our 4th Annual Supply Drive will be in August 2024.

GROUP’S OPEN MIC NIGHTS help artists hone craft, offer inspired experiences for audiences

STORY BY JON WILCOX | |JWILCOX@VICAD.COM

BY GLEN GOODNER

For most musicians, it's not about the money.

"It's for the love of it," Glen Goodner, event coordinator for the Victoria Area Music Association, said. "It's definitely not the money. You don't play for money unless you are rich and famous."

Finding a venue to perform at is often a challenge, making it difficult for many musicians to get opportunities to hone their craft, he said. And, more than likely, they don't pay all that good, anyway.

"It's just so tough for new artists," Goodner said.

But in Victoria, local musicians have some help. For about the past decade, the Victoria Area Music Association, a nonprofit support network for musicians in the Crossroads and even beyond, has provided a creative haven for local artists. The association holds two openmic events each month where artists of all skill levels and genres are welcome to perform.

The events, Goodner said, also are great fun for audiences.

On the second Tuesday of every month, the association invites artists to their Songwriter Series events, where

musicians may perform original music.

In the heart of downtown Victoria at Greek's 205 Bar, 205 E. Constitution St., sign-in starts at 6 p.m., and music follows at 6:30 p.m.

"It’s a great venue to give it a shot," Goodner said.

The three-hour event is broken up into two halves. Artists may perform three songs, and if there's time, they can return to the stage for another shot.

Everyone and anyone who signs up should get a shot at the stage, Goodner said.

"They are getting to try out a new song," Goodner said. "You don't have to be known to play. We encourage anyone to play."

Glen Goodner and other members of Purely Unfiltered Wess Goldsmith, Robbie Cantu and Clyd Tang.

Victoria musician and songwriter John Paul Ortiz, who has attended numerous Songwriter Series events, remembers being terrified when he first started performing in front of people.

"I was dripping sweat all over my guitar," he said.

In fact, the now veteran performer said he still sometimes gets a little nervous. He releases a new single “Blood Track Tears” on streaming platforms, including Spotify, in March.

The Songwriter Series events helped Ortiz get over his fears, also helping in many other ways.

For developing musicians, getting the chance to perform in front of a crowd is vitally important.

"It's different when you play live," he said.

It helps songwriters by gauging audience reactions and getting the creative juices flowing.

A performance may inspire a musician to change up the tempo or key or simply lay into a particular style.

And, of course, the experience helps

artists become more comfortable and confident in their work.

"It kind of evolves," Ortiz said, adding, "A lot of times when you are starting out, ... you don't know how a song should go."

Plus, he said, there's simply the benefit of being around other musicians, even if they play different genres.

At the events, he's heard musicians perform folk, rock, country and even reggae.

"Even if you are in different boats, you are kind of in the same ocean," Ortiz said.

For those without original music but also looking to get an opportunity to play, the association offers another event, a rock and blues open mic night.

Those events are held on the first Tuesday of every month at Victoria gastropub Aero Crafters, 309 E. Crestwood Drive.

Songwriters are welcome to show up, but the event, unlike the Songwriter Series, welcomes cover songs, in whatever genre.

Goodner, a seasoned sound technician who has run his own sound for almost 20 years, said he brings every ounce of that expertise to bear for all the participants.

"My goal is to make them sound as good as I would want to sound," he said.

At the events, the audience is welcome to dance and even mingle with artists after their performances.

Most of those artists, he said, are eager to chat with the people who take a liking to their sounds.

And the artists attending are also eager to offer to one another not only some constructive advice but also a bit of camaraderie.

"We are all supportive of each other,"

Goodner said. "We all sit at the same table, and we all laugh and carry on."

Both events may be daunting for many upstart musicians, but they can offer invaluable benefits.

To those who may be nervous about performing, Ortiz offered some sage advice.

"You should really go for it if it's something you are passionate about," he said.

After all, everyone has something to say through song, and chances are audiences will pick up on it.

"We need more people to have a voice," Ortiz said.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: SONGWRITER SERIES

WHEN: Second Tuesday of every month. Sign-in at 6 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Greek's 205 Bar, 205 E. Constitution St., Victoria

WHAT: ROCK & BLUES OPEN MIC JAM NIGHT

WHEN: 6-9 p.m. first Tuesday of every month

WHERE: Aero Crafters, 309 E. Crestwood Drive, Victoria

For more information on the Victoria Area Music Association, visit vama. live or find the group on Facebook.

Amanda Garcia performs at a Songwriter Series event at Greek’s 205.

Musician Joe Reyna.

The patio at Aero Crafters offers a relaxed atmosphere for audience members to take in the rock and blues open mic event.

ABOUT TOWN

YOAKUM FFA PROJECT SHOW

STORY BY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE R. COTTON | KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

Each year the best and brightest of the Yoakum agricultural youth show off their hard work at the Yoakum FFA Project Show.

This year’s show, Jan. 12-13, was more inclusive than ever before as students entered baked goods such as cakes, cookies and pies alongside market and breeding animals and agricultural mechanic projects.

“The one thing that is the most special about the Yoakum show is that it is truly a community event,” said Laura Johnson, Yoakum High School ag science teacher and FFA advisor. “It’s one big community party. Everyone’s here. Everyone’s supporting one another and that’s not something you are going to get in a lot of places.”

People from all over the area come out and support the students, Johnson said.

Throughout the Saturday evening portion of the show, parents beamed with pride as they took photos and videos of their child’s successful project as it was auctioned off.

The fact that so many people and local businesses commit to donating to these students through the projects and sponsoring them shows how important it is the community, Johnson said.

The money raised from the sales make a difference for the students too as it is used for things such as their next project, saving for college, a car payment, helping their family and more, she said.

“To see the community come out and buy into these kids and really promote their future is really awesome to see,” Johnson said.

Amanda Idlett

David Hanzelka

Janna Driskell

Lori Rempe

James Collinsworth

Mike Rempe

Laura Johnson

UPCOMING Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY | THROUGH | APRIL

VICTORIA

VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW

Feb 22 -26

Victoria Community Center

LYCEUM LECTURE: JEFF HENDERSON

Feb 27 − Noon-1 p.m.

Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex

7403 Lone Tree Road Victoria 361-573-3291

VICTORIA BALLET THEATRE SPRING GALA

March 2

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

214 N. Main St. 361-485-8540

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY BOOK FESTIVAL

March 2 − 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. 361-582-2511

JOHN W. STORMONT LECTURE SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE S. O'CONNOR

March 2 − 2 p.m.

Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. 361-582-2511

JOHN W. STORMONT LECTURE SERIES: GEOARCHAEOLOGY—WHAT’S IT GOOD FOR?

March 7 − 5:30 p.m.

Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. 361-582-2511

BICENTENNIAL 2024 OLD VICTORIA TROLLEY TOUR

March 9-10 − 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

Victoria County Courthouse 361-485-3117

JOHN W. STORMONT LECTURE SERIES: SKY AND SHADOW

March 21 − 5:30 p.m.

Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. 361-582-2511

GOURMET WINE DINNER

March 22 − 5:30-8 p.m.

Victoria Country Club 361-573-3712

Hosted by Victoria Symphony

VTX ART WALK

March 23 − 1 p.m.

DeLeon Plaza 361-485-3116

CHICK-FIL-A 5K

BENEFITING YOUNG LIFE VICTORIA

April 6 − 7:30 a.m.

DeLeon Plaza 361-485-3116

FOCUS EXHIBIT: THEORIES IN STONE

April 6 − 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River St. 361-582-2511

POLO AT MCFADDIN

Benefits the Nave Museum

April 6 − Noon

McFaddin Ranch 361-575-8228

HISTORY SYMPOSIUM

April 12

University of Houston-Victoria 361-485-4400

JOHN W. STORMONT LECTURE SERIES: PREHISTORY IN VICTORIA AND THE COASTAL BEND

April 12 − 10 a.m.

Museum of the Coastal Bend

2200 E. Red River St. 361-582-2511

VICTORIA DAY OF CARING

April 13 - 8 -11 a.m.

DeLeon Plaza 361-485-3116

DE LEON STATUE DEDICATION & PLAZA EXPANSION RIBBON CUTTING

April 13 − 2-4 p.m.

DeLeon Plaza 361-485-3116

BICENTENNIAL BALL

April 13 − 6-10:30 p.m.

Victoria Community Center 361-485-3215

PATRICIA DE LA GARZA HONORARY MASS

April 14 − 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary's Catholic Church 361-865-3560

2024 CUERO LIVESTOCK SHOW

Feb. 24-March 1

Friar Ag Center

Goliad Massacre

CHISHOLM TRAIL HERITAGE MUSEUM

TASTE OF THE TRAIL

April 13

GOLIAD

GOLIAD COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

March 13-17

Goliad County Fairgrounds 814 Julie Wimberly Drive

38TH ANNUAL GOLIAD MASSACRE & LIVING HISTORY

March 22 - 24

Presidio La Bahía State Historic Site 217 U.S. 183

2ND ANNUAL GOLIAD ART & MUSIC FEST

April 5 - 6

Goliad

HALLETTSVILLE

TEXAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP '42' DOMINO TOURNAMENT

March 1-2

Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Hall

321 U.S. 77 S. 361-798-2311

SOUTH TEXAS POLKA & SAUSAGE FEST

March 22- 24

Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Hall 321 U.S. 77 S. 361-798-2311

SHINER

SHINER HERITAGE QUILTERS' “SPRING INTO QUILTING” SHOW

March 8-9

First United Methodist Church West Church Street

PIVO & KOLACHES 0.5K FUN RUN

March 23

Shiner Lions Club benefiting Alzheimer’s Association

ROCKPORT-FULTON

FULTON OYSTERFEST

March 7-10

Fulton Festival Grounds

402 N. Fulton Beach Road

35TH ANNUAL WHOOPING CRANE STRUT

March 9 − 8 a.m.

Little Bay Pavilion - Rockport Beach Park

TASTE OF ROCKPORT-FULTON

March 30 − 6-8 p.m.

Fulton Convention Center

402 N Fulton Beach Roa

We partner again with the Cliburn International Competition and bring you gold medalist Yekwon Sunwoo playing Beethoven's joyful Piano Concerto #4 in G major. This will be paired with one of great works of the Romantic period and one delayed for two years when Covid cancelled our past scheduled performance of this masterwork. Strauss' epic Alpine Symphony is his musical story of a daylong ascent and descent of an Alpine mountain with a narrative description that will be featured with mountain vistas on the side screens. This masterpiece is often reserved for big-city orchestras so you won't want to miss the chance to hear it right here in Victoria!!