by Phil Houseal | Oct 27, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Music, Venue
As published in the Kerrville (TX) Daily Times Spotlight Oct 19, 2017–The big, bright, brash sound of the seminal rock band Chicago had such an impact on Mason Swearingen, he remembers clearly the first time he heard it. “My earliest childhood memory is sitting in my...
by Phil Houseal | Oct 5, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Food, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Oct 4, 2017–When we first moved to the Hill Country, there was a small rodeo arena on Hwy 16 south of Fredericksburg. I remember pulling in with the kids and letting them experience the dust, grit, and bellowing of bulls, broncs, and barrel racing. There is no greater...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 28, 2017 | All Articles, Music, Philosophy
Sept 27, 2017–How do you listen to a music performance? Is there a right or a wrong way? I thought about this while I attended the spring concert of Camerata San Antonio, a classical music ensemble. I was there to take photos, but as I settled into the back pew I...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 21, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Sept 20, 2017–The first time I heard about Fredericksburg’s Rockbox Theater in 2005, I confess I did not grasp the concept. I had no idea how a community would receive a permanent music venue, offering a new show every week, year round. Apparently everyone else “got...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 14, 2017 | All Articles, Events, Music
Sept 13, 2017–It’s boggling to think that the difference between being a backup singer and becoming a country music superstar was one lyric in one song. Yet seven words pulled one Nashville studio musician out of the backline and into the spotlight. It was1977. Johnny...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 8, 2017 | All Articles, Music, People of the Hill Country
Sept 6, 2017–If things had turned out a bit differently, today’s school children might be singing a song written by a Hill Country resident in place of Texas, Our Texas. Fredericksburg’s “almost famous” songwriter was Louise Forres Enderle. Her song was When It’s...
