by Phil Houseal | Jun 24, 2009 | All Articles, Events, History, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
June 24, 2009–I first heard acclaimed tenor Donald Braswell singing in a vineyard near Fredericksburg on November 7, 2007. I–along with many of you–next heard Donald Braswell in the summer of 2008 on the national television program America’s Got Talent. That November...
by Phil Houseal | Oct 1, 2008 | All Articles, Events, History, Music, People of the Hill Country
Oct 1, 2008–As a top finisher on the first season of Nashville Star, John Arthur Martinez impressed millions of viewers. But what makes him most proud is the effect he had on one fan. Not long ago the country singer-songwriter received a note from a young man who...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 13, 2008 | All Articles, Events, Music, Venue
August 13, 2008–Every few years, the music business seems to discover its “next big stars.” Just as often, the glow quickly fades. But the Quebe Sisters Band might be the group to make those stars align again. These young ladies are what popular music can...
by Phil Houseal | Jan 3, 2007 | All Articles, Events, History, Music, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Jan 3, 2007–Have you ever been to a funeral that you didn’t want to end? Dick Walker is that good. The funeral was an intimate service in a small church in Kingsland. After the praying and the remembering, Walker picked up his bow and began playing the violin...
by Phil Houseal | Mar 15, 2006 | All Articles, Education, Music, People of the Hill Country
Mar 15, 2006–For years, Bruce Burns wanted to play an instrument. After several attempts ended in frustration, the Fredericksburg resident still couldn’t play piano. But he could type. He could type very well. What if, he asked himself, I could take my typing skills...
