by Phil Houseal | Jul 27, 2022 | All Articles, Events, History, People of the Hill Country, Venue
July 27, 2022–On a hot night in July something happened to me that hasn’t happened in at least a decade–I went to a dance and recognized a dozen people. More accurately, they recognized me. I couldn’t cross the dance floor without being stopped three times to shake a...
by Phil Houseal | Jun 15, 2022 | All Articles, Education, Events, History, People of the Hill Country, Venue
June 15, 2022–When I first came to Texas, the day called “Juneteenth” bewildered me. Every time I asked what it signified, native Texans would mumble and turn away. I got the feeling it was a litmus test to screen “yankees,” in the same way no real Texan ever called...
by Phil Houseal | Apr 27, 2022 | All Articles, Events, Music, Philosophy, Venue
April 27, 2022–I remember the exact place and moment I decided to play drums. I was in the 5th grade, attending Homecoming Weekend as the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band passed by on Iowa Avenue in Iowa City, Iowa. Standing on the curb as the drum section...
by Phil Houseal | Mar 24, 2022 | All Articles, Events, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Mar 23, 2022–Back in high school, my friend John approached me with the complete libretto (text and lyrics) for an Amish Rock Opera he wanted set to music. I remember the first line to this day: Just been existing in an Amish world, Driving my buggy with my Amish...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 22, 2021 | All Articles, Events, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Sept 22, 2021–The best works of art are ones that change the observer. Composer Ethan Wickman hopes that happens for each member of the audience when they hear Kerrville’s Symphony of the Hills present the World Premiere of his original work River of Stars at their...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 1, 2021 | All Articles, Events, Food, Philosophy, Venue
Sept 1, 2021–One powerful and unexpected aspect of the world’s return to events, fairs, and festivals is the resurrection of the sense of smell. Corn dogs, cotton candy, grilled hunks of sausage on a stick, baked breads, and the most evocative olfactory profile of all...
