by Phil Houseal | Sep 20, 2018 | All Articles, Music, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Sept 19, 2018–When I heard the news that the world lost Mark Hierholzer last week, I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to write about it, either. But I changed my mind. Mark Hierholzer made a lot of people change their minds. For those not aware of his...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 13, 2018 | All Articles, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Sept 12, 2018–Four years ago I watched a family member travel the frustrating journey through dementia. Standing by helplessly as they navigated the confusing, twisting, vexing path made me yearn to understand what the person was experiencing, if only so I could know...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 6, 2018 | All Articles, Education, Music, People of the Hill Country
Sept 5, 2018–When you think of Schreiner University, the first thing that comes to mind is not mariachi music. But if an enthusiastic group of young musicians have their way, mariachis might take their place alongside Mountaineers. When Courtland Gully, a Junior from...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 30, 2018 | All Articles, Events, Music, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy, Venue
Aug 29, 2018–While perusing posts online, I came across a discussion where a master violinist effused that she just “can’t wait to perform.” This surprised and intrigued me, as I know many musicians who feel intense pressure every time they step into the spotlight....
by Phil Houseal | Aug 24, 2018 | All Articles, Food, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Aug 23, 2018–Last Saturday night, my 3-year-old granddaughter asked for a snack of popcorn. “Who do you want to make it?” asked her mom, knowing full well the answer. “PopPop!” came the response, and I was on deck. PopPop is my “grandpa name,” bestowed by her when she...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 19, 2018 | All Articles, Events, Music, Venue
Aug 15, 2018–Musicians hate being pigeon holed. With the many talents of Steve Wariner, it’s impossible to do. “My interests are all over the place,” admitted the country music star during an interview about his upcoming show at the Gillespie County Fair. “I do kind...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 9, 2018 | All Articles, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Aug 8, 2018–When I owned my first flock of sheep, I learned something about people. One day my wife called me at work to tell me the sheep had escaped from the pasture. This was no surprise, since my fences include sections of uptilted pallets and repurposed fire...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 2, 2018 | All Articles, Music, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy, Venue
Aug 1, 2018–There I was, immersed in what I call a “found experience.” Hovering in breezy shade, buoyed by fellow music travelers. Ten feet away, Max Baca of Los Texmaniacs plucked his bajo sexto. Accordion legend Flaco Jimenez added lilting counterpoint. Asleep At...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 26, 2018 | All Articles, Events, Food, People of the Hill Country, Venue
July 25, 2018–Back in high school, Cherry Graham and her friend Brian Came couldn’t buy alcohol, so they started making it. “Basically, we’re nerds,” said Cherry, who is now one of the “Home Team” of owners of Hye Cider Company, along with high school buddy Came, and...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 25, 2018 | All Articles, Events, Music, Venue
Aug 2, 2018–Spotlight Feature Kerrville’s Symphony of the Hills has announced the concerts for the 2018-2019 season, and according to Dr. Eugene Dowdy, Conductor and Artistic Director, every one is a highlight. “We only get to do five concerts per year, so there is no...
