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 | Nov 24, 2010 | All Articles, History, Music, People of the Hill Country
Nov 24, 2010 105.7 The Deuce… Your number one choice for country music with a Texas attitude… it is 10 o’clock… thanks for tuning in to 105.7 KNAF-FM, Fredericksburg… JD Rose signed off and grinned at his co-host, Calamity Jane – better...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 10, 2010 | All Articles, History, Music, People of the Hill Country
July 14, 2010–She is where movie star Lynn Bari found her voice and how Joe Friday got his name. She is Fredericksburg TX resident Pat Friday, a delightful wisp of a woman who at the age of 15 hobnobbed with stars of film, stage and radio. As Helen Patricia Freiday,...
by Phil Houseal | Jan 27, 2010 | All Articles, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Jan 27, 2010–You’ve heard of Jesus in a tortilla, and a crucifix in a baked potato. If you hurry to Hill Country Music store, you will see a demon in a guitar. “Phil, I might have a story for you.” It was Ron Sutton, manager of the local music outlet, calling. “We...
by Phil Houseal | Jan 20, 2010 | All Articles, History, Music, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
Jan 20, 2010–Magnolia Thunder Blossom was just destined to be part of Luckenbach. Growing up in Alabama – before she became Magnolia – Maggie Montgomery marched to her own thunder. “I was a pretty rebellious teenager,” she said. “I always sang, that kind...
by Phil Houseal | Dec 23, 2009 | All Articles, Events, History, Music, People of the Hill Country, Venue
Dec 23, 2009–I wish I could say I recognized the musical brilliance of the 14-year-old boy hanging out at Luckenbach in the 1980s. When we wannabe musicians gathered under the spreading oak tree to do the traditional “guitar pull,” there was often a slight, shy,...
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...
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...
