by Phil Houseal | Jul 3, 2013 | All Articles, Events, History, Music
July 3, 2013–When promoter Gene Wolf asked if I wanted to interview Larry Gatlin before his upcoming Hill Country show, I said yes. I had a question I’d been waiting 30 years to ask him. So when the phone rang and I heard, “Phil, this is Larry Gatlin. How are...
by Phil Houseal | Jun 12, 2013 | All Articles, Education, Events, History, Music, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy, Venue
June 12, 2013–All we wanted was to play classical music in a bar. We didn’t know we were part of a revolution. It started one cold, dark night back in February when our local string quartet–Theresa Britt, John Reeve, Tammy Widener, and I–stepped on stage at Hondo’s,...
by Phil Houseal | May 26, 2011 | All Articles, Events, Food, History, Music, Venue
May 26, 2011–It’s been 10 years and a million memories: Will Owen-Gage rockin’ in the rain, a spritely Sarah Jarosz plucked from a jam session, Blaggards blasting Irish drinking songs, and a seasoned Johnny Gimble playing mandolin with an Austin jazz band. But that...
by Phil Houseal | Dec 22, 2010 | All Articles, Events, History, Music, Philosophy
Dec 22, 2010–Just as “fruitcake” is an affront to both fruit and cake, “Christmas music” often insults both the season and the sound. Not to strangle the spirits of Christmas, but even as the pageant at the Baptist church brought tears to my eyes, some of the drivel...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 9, 2009 | All Articles, Education, Events, History, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Sept 9, 2009–Kids in the 1950s and 1960s rushed home after school and turned on their televisions to watch shows designed just for them. Depending on where you grew up, your afternoon TV host might have been Dr. Max, Captain Ernie, Buckaroo Bob, or Marshall Jay. If...
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...
