Slim Fest 2018 – Terlingua –

Carolyn Wonderland, Guy Forsyth, Jitterbug Vipers, Alan Munde, Dana Louise and the Glorious Birds, Amy Sue Berlin, Jacob Jaeger and a cast of hundreds gathered at the Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, Texas, for Slim Fest 2018.

What’s a “Slim Fest?”

Let’s start with Slim.

Here’s a link to Slim’s Wikipedia page where you can get the dry facts. (click here)

David Michael (Slim) Richie was the most dangerous guitar player in Texas. He lived with his sweetie, Francie Meaux Jeaux, in a creative house in Rolling Oaks, outside of Wimberley, Tx.

A little over 20 years ago, I was “invited” to Slim’s birthday party. By invited, I mean that a buddy of mine who knew Slim from the Kerrville Folk Festival told me that the party was happening and how to get there. I had met Slim at KFF, but only superficially. I crashed the party.

The Jitterbug Vipers at Slimfest — The Jitterbug Vipers at Slim Fest

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November 20, 2017November 20, 2017

Boquillas Christmas – Santa Needs Your Help. 2017.

Christmas in Boquillas – A Most Wonderful Holiday Tradition

Santa delivers toys to the children of Boquillas

For the last 13 years, long-time Terlingua resident Marcos Paredes has taken food and presents to the children of Boquillas on Christmas Day. Marcos and some of his friends and neighbors have bought presents for the children plus turkeys and hams for their families, and delivered them personally.

This is a wonderful tradition. For it to continue, we need to pitch in.

Continue reading “Boquillas Christmas – Santa Needs Your Help. 2017.”

November 13, 2017November 13, 2017

Hollywood Terlingua – Music Documentary Part 1

It could have been just another late-afternoon pickin’ circle at George and Anita Goss’ house. Alton and Sue Watson, George Goss, Jim Keaveny, Roger Moon, Johnny Mississippi, and Dustin Diosdado sang and played. I played along on the Melodica.

There was beer, wine, tamales, chips and salsa, the makings of a campfire and a fine sunset to enjoy along with the music.

Songs and laughter echoed off the mountains, dogs were underfoot, and George and Anita’s daughter played and sang along.

Just another pickin’ circle except for the massive cameras, the film crew from L.A. and New York, and the microphones- lavs, an AT 2020, and a couple of shotgun mics. (scroll down for more…)

Sue and Alton Watson, George Goss, Jim Keaveny, and Roger Moon

Tony Biancosino and Julie Bob Lombardo behind the cameras.

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October 9, 2017

Here Comes Fall in Terlingua! (I’m almost ready)

Fall in Terlingua. The season. That time of year when the Big Bend goes from being a beautiful, parched, empty playground to being a luscious, cool, gorgeous playground packed to the corners with visitors.

Terlingua, including Terlingua Ranch, is still sparsely populated, but that population Continue reading “Here Comes Fall in Terlingua! (I’m almost ready)”

June 9, 2017June 9, 2017

Butch Hancock Art at the Starlight Theatre

Monday, June 5, 2017 – Butch Hancock art show in Terlingua.

I would have been there anyway, as it turns out I was booked to play a “Blue Monday” show at the Starlight that night anyway, so, with guitars and camera…

A lot of people who showed up for Butch’s show- some of whom have known Butch a long time- didn’t know he was an artist. He’s also an architect, record label head, playwright, actor, songwriter, performer, river guide, and, I suspect, anything else he wants to be. You don’t meet many real polymaths in real life. Butch is one.

A polymath (Greek: πολυμαθής, polymathēs, “having learned much”) is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas; such a person is known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems.

After sound check but before the restaurant opened, Butch was showing me around. There’s a photo he took on Hallowe’en in 1985 on 6th Street in Austin – the photo is pretty amazing, but the way Butch took it is, to me, even more amazing. Continue reading “Butch Hancock Art at the Starlight Theatre”

April 28, 2017April 28, 2017

McMercy Family Band at the Starlight Theatre

Tongue in cheek gospel group, the McMercy Family Band, performed their 9th consecutive Easter Sunday concert.

Eventually.

Trevor Reichman and friends started the show, Marc Utter and Jeff Haislip entertained on the patio, The Lonesome Heroes were the opening act on the main stage, and then the McMercy Family band took the stage.

Here’s what it looked like…

you should probably make plans to be at the Starlight next Easter.

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February 22, 2017February 22, 2017

Amanda Kitchens, Garner Sloan, Epic Porch Jam

Last Saturday night, Amanda Kitchens and Garner Sloan, along with drummer Daniel Warner, played the “big stage” at the Starlight Theatre.

I wrote about their last gig here. It was a good folky Americana show. This show rocked. The energy level was high, Garner put a little hair on his guitar for a grungy tone, and the drums added punch.

Garner’s got a new CD coming out soon. I’m looking forward to hearing what he’s created.

Amanda’s becoming a Terlingua regular. She’s been here with a handful of different bands, including her own band, and they’ve all been different and delightful.

Continue reading “Amanda Kitchens, Garner Sloan, Epic Porch Jam”

January 17, 2017

Amanda Kitchens and Garner Sloan – Last Minute Show at the Starlight

La Roja and I went to the Starlight Theatre last night to see Bruce Salmon with Amanda Kitchens on Accordion and Janie Cowan on upright Bass.

Due to life happening, Bruce and Janie didn’t make it so Amanda and Garner Sloan played- and a fine show it was.

They’re both seasoned professional musicians who make their living traveling the country playing their songs. Together, Continue reading “Amanda Kitchens and Garner Sloan – Last Minute Show at the Starlight”

January 2, 2017

Townes Van Zandt Terlingua Tribute – 2017

The 4th annual Townes Van Zandt tribute concert was held last night at the Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, Texas.

Four years ago, John Hogan and Maria Moss had the bright idea of hosting a TVZ tribute. It’s turned into an annual event attracting performers and listeners from all over the Southwest.

Now hosted by Butch Hancock, who had a personal connection with Townes, it’s a night of celebration of Townes’ music.

This year’s show featured performances by Butch and Rory Hancock, J.P. Schwartz, Bonnie, Alex and Marti Whitmore, and many others.

The Starlight was packed- standing room only, so I left before the show was over.

Here’s how it looked to me.

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December 11, 2016December 11, 2016

Mark Kneeskern Memorial Art Party – 2016

Last night was the 3rd (?) annual Mark Kneeskern Memorial Art Party/Auction at the Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, Texas.

All art you see in the pics, and more, is available to purchase. Proceeds go to a fund to finance various art-related charitable activities including free art lessons for local children, scholarships, art supplies, etc.

I’ll add more detail later, but here’s how it looked to me.

You’re welcome to share these photos for any non-commercial purpose. (right-click (ctrl-click on Mac), “save image as”)

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