Kerrville Folk Festival—the zesty fest in so many areas!

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Ellis Paul

Story and photos by Mary Jane Farmer

t’s a few months away, still, but Kerrville Folk Festival is releasing its list of performers in waves, a few last week, a few this week, and let’s hope more next week.

And first on this agenda is to bookmark this Website. It has all the info and a place to sign up to get all future-released information. It is: KerrvilleFolkFestival.org.

The Kerrville Folks Festival, held every year since 1973, after it’s inaugural event in a downtown venue in 1972, at Quiet Valley Ranch of Kerrville, Texas, runs from May 23 though June 9, and offers the best in guitar, ukulele, songwriter, and yes even harmonica, schools during the weekdays between the weekend concerts. There’s also a Professional Development Program for schoolteachers, and organized bike rides through the Texas hill country terrain. This is the one festival, too, where there’s a daily 12-Step group meeting, helping to assure a connection between sober and clean festival-goers who might otherwise have a harder time of it.

 

Kevin Russell, ShinyRibs lead singer

Music goes on, during the daytime, mostly on the Threadgill Stage in the center of the campgrounds. Then, before dark even begins to threaten to settle in, it moves to the main stage, aka the Kennedy Stage, in the theater area. There’s crafts and food vendors in both places.

The ages-old New Folk songwriter contest is still accepting entries, and will until later in February. Use that Website above to learn more about this classic and prestigious contest and get in on this action.

So far — and remember that this is a folk festival, not necessarily a Red Dirt or Country or Rock festival — there will be performers that first weekend (May 23-26) by Ellis Paul, Bonnie Payne, Rising Appalachia, Ruthie Foster, Nobody’s Girl, Ley Line, Patty Larkin, Crys Matthews, Dave Gunning, Three Women & the Truth, Mary Gauthier, Eliza Gilkyson, and Gretchen Peters.

Then, on that second weekend (May 31-June 2), ShinyRibs, Pokey LaFarge, Willow City, Danny Schmidt, John Craigie, Freddie & Francine and Mipso.

And the third and final weekend (June 7-9) festival-goers can give a good listen to Verlon Thompson, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Shawn Camp, Bobby Bridger, and Jeff Black.

And many others will be added with the passing of time. Some could easily be those Red Dirt or Country or other genres, after all, Randy Rogers and Hayes Carll have played Kerrville.

They are sending line-up updates ‘wave on wave’ as our buddy Pat Green would say! On that Website, KerrvilleFolkFestival.org, there’s a spot to learn more about the New Folk songwriting contest, and also to go ahead and get your tickets while they are discounted.

 

Howe PD investigates skimmers placed on local gas pumps

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By Mary Jane Farmer

Skimmers found — Howe Police Chief Carl Hudman reported that, on January 24, police were called to a convenience store/gas station on U.S. 75 service road in reference to skimming devices having been found on three of its gas pumps. Skimming devices are defined online as “used by criminals to capture data from the magnetic stripe on the back of an ATM card.”

Hudman said the Howe PD recommends following these guidelines before using a credit or debit card to reduce the risk of having your information compromised.

  • Before inserting your card, (1) Inspect the pump and see if the security tape is in place across the dispenser door. If it is broken, don’t use the pump. (2) Use the pumps closest to the store entrance, within sight of its security cameras or the store clerk, (3) When possible, use only those gas pumps you are familiar with and use regularly without issue. (4) Use a smart phone app designed to detect credit card skimmers. (5) Pay with cash or use your card inside the store.

“The thing to remember about the skimming devices used today is that they are using blue-tooth technology. The bad guys can sit inside their vehicle anywhere from three feet to 100 yards away and remotely download debit card information gleaned from skimming devices,” Hudman said, adding that skimming devices can be installed on pumps within seconds. “Day or night, thieves install skimming devices on gas pumps at stations which can be either open or closed… and return to re-install new skimmers after the original ones have been discovered.” To that end, this current skimmer crime followed similar ones discovered on December 10 of last year at the same station.

Van Alstyne PD

Van Alstyne Police Chief Tim Barnes said that the Van Alstyne officers “frequently check all our pumps in the city, and management at each filling station are very diligent about checking things also.” He, too, advised it’s better to use a credit card than a debit card, one that doesn’t connect to your checking account. “And keep an eye on your bank accounts and statements. If you see anything fraudulent, contact your bank.”

There are several skimmer-detection apps available to be downloaded onto phones.

In other activity this week, the two departments reported:

Gas drive-off — At about 11 a.m. January 25, Van Alstyne police were called to the Quick Check convenience store at East Van Alstyne Parkway and Waco Street. Barnes said someone had driven off without paying for the gasoline he put in his vehicle’s gas tank. Barnes identified the suspect as an 18-year-old Van Alstyne resident.

Criminal mischief — Someone caused damage to property in the 200 block of West San Antonio in Van Asltyne on January 27, Barnes reported. The damage was done by spray paint, which was applied to items in the yard, onto the house, and a vehicle.

Arrest — At 7:11 pm, January 24, Howe police Cpl. Morris and Officer Kilbourne arrested a 36-year-old Howe man on a Felony C assault/family violence charge and two outstanding Van Alstyne PD warrants. Those charged him with not having paid his fines on previous convictions of having an animal at large and a seat belt violation. He sat those fines out, and paid $4,000 bail in surety bonds for his January 28 release. Howe Hudman said, too, that they cited the arrestee’s spouse on a charge of assault/family violence.

One weekend of music, Jan. 25/26

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True Vine Brewing Co stage.

Seldom write ‘blog’ style, but here’s one!

And these and other photos are accessible, free download, Click here

Counting blessings today. So many — new people I met, new musicians I heard, favorites I heard again, drives through the small backroads.

Started Friday as I headed out to Tyler for the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival’s “Line-up Reveal” event. This was at the True Vine

Alex Smith

Brewing Company, and I guess about 300 people there. Opening the stage was long-time friend from Shiner Rising Star days, Alex Smith, who was with The Bigsbys from Palestine during those SRS days of yore. He played a solo set, and if anything his voice has gotten even stronger.

My two favorite people I met there were Taylor and Tiffany. Both very nice people, made this lonely lady feel so right at home. Tiffany, it turns out, is Alex’ cousin, and so it

Taylor and friends

was old home-week for them. Taylor is a sweetheart who shared her trials, physical/medical more than emotional, with me. She’s one of those “I’m not letting that beat me up, it isn’t going to win” type of people I admire so much.

The event was outside, although on a covered patio, and in Friday’s coldness, believe me… I’ve now eliminated one item on my bucket list. That was the hope to go to Montana and live there for one year, hoping to learn how to live through its coldness. Now, I know how — I just leave if it’s too cold to stay. So, missed the Mike & The Moonpies show.

Stacy Musgrove

Saturday, headed out to Paris for a benefit to help a local there who was seriously injured recently in a semi-wreck. This was at the Elks Lodge there, and its several rooms were totally packed. Food for there or to go, live and silent auction, t-shirts for sale, and music music music… Heard one man mention it was the best reunion he’d ever been to. Kids rolled around on the dance floor, and volunteers made sure everyone was aware of how to get the right tickets for the items they wanted.

Adam Walker

Adam Walker played a solo gig, following a couple from Blackland He’s one of those new-to-me performers, and was very good. Then, Stacy Musgrove Band on stage, and one young boy stood in front of him as if trying to learn how Stacy played that guitar. Dancers moved around and never once stepping on the rolling-around kids, and hugs were the order of the day.

Helene Cronin

Back home, Helene Cronin at El Patio Escondido. Can’t get enough of that lady’s smile or her music. And apparently there were several others who loved the whole package too, staying long after they finished off their meal.

Then over to Cooley Bay Winery for the Bent Creek trio. Claude Webb, Brent Hollensed, and Jeff Youree kept the small-but-appreciative and fun-loving crowd’s attention, even playing longer than their

Bent Creek trio

‘required’ time. That’s the kind of guys they are — just loving to play music.

And the blessings of the road, too. Went through a lot of towns on my way to and from Tyler, where I spent lots of time with grandparents and cousins and other family growing up. Stopped in Celeste for some coffee, met a nice guy, Jackie, who was fun to talk with. He happened to know where my ancestors’ land was there in Celeste, the land they bought after moving to Texas from Tennessee. Jackie said that since I had last driven in that direction, the property owner had gotten rid of all the buffalo that were there before. Darn, but it did save me a short drive.

Loved the bicycle paths on the paved roadway around the brewing company in Tyler. And saw a farmer on a 4-wheel mule-type vehicle, chasing a porcupine through a field. That, and lots of scenes where I wish I’d had my camera in the front seat with me. But, oh well…

And BTW, that Red Dirt Event will be May 4 in downtown Tyler, tickets go on sale online Feb. 1, and just advice here, but it’s a good idea to get your ticket ahead of time instead of waiting until you get there that day. People have been turned away then. Townsquare Media’s radio station KHUE sponsors and organizes this event.

El Patio Escondido has Tony Ramey playing Monday night, and it’s a CD release party for Tony. Cooley Bay Winery has Hannah Hokit coming on the second Saturday of February. The Elks Lodge in Paris is good to keep their Saturday night live music sent here, all these going onto the (click here) Official Texas Music Calendar too.

Texas Songwriters To Be Inducted in Hall of Fame

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Press Release, with courtesy photos

Tickets to the 2019 Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame Awards Show went on sale this week. The awards show will be held Saturday, February 23 at the Paramount Theater in Austin.

This year’s inductees include songwriters Christopher Cross, Steve Earle, Billy F. Gibbons, and Bob McDill.

The February awards show promises to deliver an incredible evening of presentations, tributes, and performances by honorees Christopher Cross, Steve Earle, and Billy F Gibbons with Mike Flanigin and Chris Layton. Performances by Shawn Camp, TxHSA Hall of Fame member Rodney Crowell, and Lee Ann Womack will pay special tribute to songwriting honoree Bob McDill.

Recognized as a musician, singer, songwriter, producer and actor, Houston native Billy F Gibbons has unquestionably established himself as one of the finest blues-rock guitarists to ever emerge from Texas. Gibbons has most notably served as guitarist and lead vocalist of American rock band ZZ Top, who produced such hits as “Give Me All Your Loving,” “La Grange,” “Legs,” Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush,” positioning them as one of the country’s top bands.

A master of writing number-one hits – 31 to be exact – Waldon, Texas, native Bob McDill has been no stranger to country and American pop music. His hits include “I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can,” “Shot Full of Love,” “Runaway Hearts” and “Falling in Love” by Juice Newton; “Gone Country” by Alan Jackson; “All the Good Ones Are Gone” by Pam Tillis; and both “Louisiana Saturday Night” and “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” by Mel McDaniel, to name a few. In addition to four Grammy nominations, McDill has received Songwriter of the Year Awards from BMI, ASCAP, and the NSAI. In 2012 he was awarded ASCAP’s prestigious Golden Note Award.

Texas’ self-styled culture is unique in ways that are respected and envied around the world, and so is its songwriting. Virtually defining adult contemporary radio, San Antonio native Christopher Cross most notably won five Grammy Awards with his 1979 self-titled debut album, and – for the first time ever – the four most prestigious Grammys: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also for “Sailing”) and Best New Artist.

A definitive Americana artist, Steve Earle, who grew up primarily in the San Antonio area, has turned many musical corners during his illustrious career. Equally acclaimed as a folk troubadour, rockabilly raver, bluesman, honky-tonk rounder, and rocker, he has won three Grammy Awards, including for 2005’s The Revolution Starts Now, 2008’s Washington Square Serenade and 2010’s Townes.

The mission of the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association, in the interest of Texas Cultural preservation, is to honor and celebrate Texas songwriters who have played an important role in defining and interpreting Texas’ distinctive culture.
The Association’s Website defines its mission as, “Texas is a special place. Even its shape is iconic, serving as a symbol of independence, friendship, strength, pride, risk-taking, firsts and bests. Texas’ self-styled culture is unique in ways that are respected and envied around the world. It is incumbent on each generation of Texans to maintain this rich heritage for generations to come.

“Texas songwriters, past and present, reflect in rhythm and rhyme, the essence of our culture; they are the poets of their time and have become the symbolic troubadours of our state.”

Grammy Award-winning TxHSA Hall of Fame member Ronnie Dunn will return this year to again serve as master of ceremonies.
Sponsors and patrons can expect an evening celebration packed with performances and appearances from past inductees, Grammy Award winners, renowned songwriters, and recording artists.
These honored Texas artists will join an exclusive group who embody the spirit of Texas through songwriting. Past inductees include the likes of Guy Clark, Mac Davis, Ronnie Dunn, Joe Ely, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, K.T. Oslin, Liz Rose, Allen Shamblin, Billy Joe Shaver, Larry Gatlin, Bruce Robison, Townes Van Zandt, Cindy Walker, and many others. Those are listed, by year, on the Website linked below, and go back as far as Buddy Holly and Roger Miller.
Ticket information is available Online at texasheritagesongwriters.com, by visiting the Paramount Theatre Event Page, or by calling the box office at 512.474.1221.

 

LJT Songwriter Showcase opening up for tryouts soon

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One more songwriter contest is on the horizon.

Larry Joe Taylor’s 7th yearly Songwriter Showcase begins Monday, March 4, at T-Bird’s Garage Pub on LJT’s Melody Mountain Ranch in Stephenville. This contest will run every Monday until the finals on April 15, just shortly before this year’s Texas Music Festival begins on April 22.

To enter, submit, via email, an acoustic solo or duo video of two original or co-written songs to ljtmusicfest@gmail.com by Friday, Feb. 22. These can be cell phone recorded videos, and cannot be either produced or non-acoustic submissions, because all the showcase performances are acoustic. The team at LJT is looking for acoustic sound, songwriting quality, and overall performance. The reasons for that are outlined below.

Of all the submissions, the team will select five songwriters for each round, and there will be a 1st and a 2nd place chosen each week to go into the semi-finals. There will also be a wild-card to go into the final round as well.

Assigned performances will all be on Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, with the semi-finals on April 8, and the finals will be April 15.

Now, here’s even more good news!

Prizes include, but not limited to, a spot on the acoustic stage at the April LJT Texas Music Festival, and also a slot on the 2020 LJT Coastin’ & Cruisin’ Songwriters Cruise. And just an observation on my part, but Larry Joe seems to be very loyal to his past winners, they often show up again at future festivals. I can’t make promise on that one, tho.

A previous Songwriter Showcase winner, Buck Fuffalo, is hosting this year’s events. Don’t put it off lest you forget — enter now.

And just a reminder — Early Bird ticket sales and return camping site reservations are already on sale for this year’s Click here: LJT Texas Music Festival