Exhibit, Sale at National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
If you're looking for Western art, check out the second Heart of the West Art Exhibition and Sale, March 3 – May 7, 2006. Held at The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, the event welcomes 22 of the nation’s most distinguished female Western artists to showcase their work.
Heart of the West includes masterfully sculpted bronzes, vibrant paintings and meticulous drawings, each highlighting Western culture. Many of these women’s pieces of art have been featured in well-respected Western exhibitions such as the Prix de West at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City, the Masters of the American West at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles and the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale benefiting the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo.
Heart of the West will be on public display at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame starting Friday, March 3 through Sunday May 7, 2006. Heart of the West Art Sale will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 2 at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Proceeds from each piece sold will benefit the museum and its programs. Tickets for the sale are $100 and are available by calling 817/336-4475.
About the Museum: The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the American West. Located in Fort Worth's Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda. The museum is open Monday thorough Thursday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults ages 13 and up and $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and group rates and docent tours are available. For more information about the museum, current exhibits and rentals, please call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME, or visit
www.cowgirl.net.
posted by Paris & John @ 10:37 AM
Austin Releases a CD
It's not too often that a convention and visitors bureau releases a CD...but then not too many cities can lay claim to the title "Live Music Capital of the World." The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau unveils its newest CD, “Austin Music Volume 5,” at a release party on February 22, from 12-1 p.m. at the Austin Visitor Center, 209 E. Sixth St. On the 14-song compilation album you'll find the diverse genres that define Austin’s musical landscape.
The 2006 compilation is the fifth CD produced by the Austin CVB ; they're distributed at trade shows and a limited number of the CDs are available for sale for $9.99 at the Visitor Center.
The Austin Music Volume 5 features:
1. I Will Walk With You - Jon Dee Graham
2. Think About You - Eliza Gilkyson
3. Piece of Me - Brian Keane
4. Right Where I Belong - Wendy Colonna
5. Let It Roll - Seth Walker
6. Locust Grove - Cindy Cashdollar
7. Johnny at the Door - Dale Watson
8. Carmela - Charanga Cakewalk
9. Baby’s Got New - Alejandro Escovedo
10. La Ti Da - Marcia Ball
11. Mi Prietita Consentita - Ruben Ramos
12. Waltzin’ The Blues - The Gimbles
13. Love In Return - Miss Lavelle White
14. Everybody’s Got ‘Em - White Ghost Shivers
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris & John @ 2:16 PM
Texas Independence Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos
Under siege at the Alamo on March 3, 1836, commander William B. Travis dispatched a horseman with a terse message imploring the 59 men convened here in a drafty frame building to continue their deliberations to give birth to the Republic of Texas.
The resulting Texas Declaration of Independence, the only handwritten copy still in existence, comes home March 4-5 to "The Birthplace of Texas" to highlight the annual Texas Independence Day celebration.
An 1836 newspaper copy of Travis' last letter imploring "let the convention go on and make a declaration of independence," the original handwritten Texas Declaration of Independence and several other rare documents will be on public display together for the first time in 170 years at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.
The historic papers will be part of the "Let the Convention Go On" exhibit that opens March 2, Texas Independence Day, at the historic site's Star of the Republic Museum.
The exhibit includes the declaration, Travis' letter, the Constitution of the Republic of Texas, journals of the Convention of 1836, William Fairfax Gray's diary detailing convention proceedings and other key documents clarifying the Texians' grievances against the Mexican government and reasons for seeking independence.
Visitors to Washington-on-the-Brazos can view the documents at the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the two-day celebration.
Travis' two-sentence missive to those gathered at the convention, attended by such Texas heroes as Sam Houston, Thomas Rusk and Jose Antonio Navarro, concludes, "If independence is not declared, I shall lay down my arms and so will the men under my command."
"The reason the letter is so important to us," Houston McGaugh, director of the Star of the Republic Museum, explained "is that Travis was imploring the convention to continue so the world would recognize Texas as an independent country and the United States would protect Texas. He knew if they (the delegates) didn't declare independence, Mexico would come back into Texas and wipe them out."
The unprecedented exhibit results from collaboration among the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (Texas Declaration), Texas General Land Office (Constitution), University of Texas at Austin's Center for American History (Gray's diary), the Dallas Heritage Society (Convention journals) and Star of the Republic Museum. The documents will be on display through March 16.
Gray, a Virginia soldier and lawyer, arrived in Texas in 1835 and attended the Convention of 1836, recording proceedings in his diary. Gray's diary was published in 1909 under the title From Virginia to Texas 1835.
In addition to the "Let the Convention Go On" exhibit, park visitors attending the two-day celebration can experience the early days of the republic through costumed re-enactors engaged in 19th century folkways, such as blacksmithing and quilting, military drills and old-timey music performed by the No Foolin' String Band and Fathers of Texas. The latter band features Texas favorite K. R. Woods.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, Houston television personality Ron Stone will emcee a special program honoring invited guests, signers of the 1836 Declaration of Independence and their descendants, concluded by the Texas Army's black gunpowder salute. A Fathers of Texas concert, featuring Austin music legend Rusty Wier, follows as a lead-up to the traditional cutting of a giant Texas birthday cake.
During the two-day celebration, park visitors can see a replica of Independence Hall on the original site where the Convention of 1836 took place, tour the Star of the Republic Museum and experience 1850s farm life at the Barrington Living History Farm, which includes the original home of Anson Jones, the Republic of Texas' last president.
All admission fees will be waived during celebration weekend. Festival vendors will offer a variety of food and drinks. The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association sponsors the Texas Independence Day Celebration.
The historic complex is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Barrington Living History Farm is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The Star of the Republic Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located off Texas Highway 105 on FM 1155 between Brenham and Navasota, approximately an hour northwest of Houston. For additional details of the weekend celebration, please call (936) 878-2214.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Labels: State Parks
posted by Paris & John @ 1:49 PM
Salado Picnic
Today is another unusually warm February day, perfect for a picnic in the park. We headed up busy I-35 (those of you who travel that interstate highway know it's just plain redundant to say "busy I-35") to the community of Salado, a favorite with weekend shoppers.
It was shopping but picnicking in our plans today, though. We headed to the banks of Salado Creek and ate by the statue of Sirena that stands in the spring-fed waters. Sirena wasn't alone today, though; at her mermaid tail swam hundreds of hungry little perch.
After our picnic, it was time to check out Salado. We strolled the Main Street, checking out some of the new shops (there are now over 100 specialty shops in town) and exploring some old favorites. We saved time to check out the town's accommodations as well including one of our longtime favorites: the Stagecoach Inn, which is known not only for its guest rooms but also its fine dining.
On a warm February day like today, though, a picnic in the park is as fine a dining experience as anyone could hope to enjoy.
posted by Paris & John @ 4:40 PM
Fort Worth's First Fridays at the Modern
If you're in Fort Worth for the first Friday of the month, you've got another reason to go to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: First Fridays at the Modern. The first Friday of each month, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and Cafe Modern team up to bring visitors live music and cocktails from 5 to 8 pm. The event includes live performances, cocktail selections, and the opportunity to dine in Cafe Modern by night. You can enjoy Cafe Modern favorites and featured specials created by famed Executive Chef Dena Peterson. For reservations, call 817.840.2157. Also, a docent-led, 20-minute focus tour of the galleries is available at 6:30 pm.
Here's the First Fridays schedule for the next three months:
March 3
Live performance by James Hinkle Trio
Featured cocktail: Blues Chaser
In honor of the Magnolia at the Modern screening of Be Here To Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt, bluesman James Hinkle and pal Ponty Bone rock out with their own brand of Texas country/folk/blues.
Be Here To Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt
A look at the life, career, and lasting influence of singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. This documentary follows the life of Fort Worth native son Townes Van Zandt.
John Townes Van Zandt will introduce the Friday 8 pm film and play some of his father's music for moviegoers.
April 7
Live performance by The Myles and James Jazz Quintet
Featured cocktail: Mona Lisa Smile
Vocalists Myles Hayes and James Norris bring new life to the standards of the Sinatra and Nat King Cole era by invoking their own unique style representative of a new generation of progressive jazz.
May 5
Live performance by Tom Reynolds/Paul Unger Project
Featured cocktail: Mayo Margarita
Guitar man Tom Reynolds and compadres celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some hot and spicy Latin jazz.
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is located at 3200 Darnell Street.
Labels: Fort Worth
posted by Paris & John @ 4:58 PM
Texas Heritage Songwriters Association honors legendary songwriters
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association (THSA) in conjunction with the Center for Texas Music History (CTMH) at Texas State University, San Marcos, will bestow the title, “Texas Heritage Songwriter” upon Sonny Throckmorton, Freddy Powers, and Kris Kristofferson.
On Sunday, March 12, the THSA and CTMH will honor Kristofferson, Throckmorton, and Powers at historic Hill’s Café in South Austin. Beginning at 3:00 PM, the event will feature performances by the honorees as well as a cavalcade of Texas music stars that bear the influence of these legends.
Powers and Throckmorton are two of the most prolific and influential songwriters in Texas music. Powers produced Willie Nelson’s landmark record Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and has written numerous hits for Merle Haggard, including “I Always Get Lucky With You," “Let's Chase Each Other Around The Room Tonight,” and “A Place To Fall Apart.” Throckmorton has penned hits such as “Where the Cowboy Rides Away,” “Why Not Me,” “Middle Aged Crazy,” and “I Wish I Was 18 Again,” for artists such as George Strait, the Judds, George Burns and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting catalog is staggering. He has written for and worked with some of the biggest names in music, had a brilliant recording career of his own, and made the successful leap to movie stardom. A true icon, Kristofferson’s contribution to music, in Texas and around the world, is immeasurable. His hits include “Me & Bobby McGee,” “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”The THSA is also pleased to announce the creation of “Coach Royal’s Pickin’ Room” at the historic Hill’s Café. True to Coach Darrell K Royal’s legacy, the Pickin’ Room will host intimate musical gatherings in addition to housing the awards bestowed upon Heritage Songwriters.
Advance tickets are available online at
http://www.texasheritagesongwriters.com and because the event is expected to sell out, early purchase is encouraged.
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association is a non-profit organization in association with Celebrate Texas, (501c3), and the Center for Texas Music History, (501c3) at Texas State University, San Marcos.
Officially recognized by the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association is commended for its effort to preserve this significant Texas tradition. Hill’s Café has been declared a cultural landmark and the official home of the Texas Songwriters Collection. This House Concurrent Resolution was documented by The State of Texas House of Representative notables Harvey Hilderbran and Terry Keel, and holds signatures of other such notables as President of the Senate David Dewhurst and Governor Rick Perry.
Texas Heritage Songwriters HomecomingSunday, March 12, 2006
3:00 PM
Hill’s Café
4700 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78745
512-851-9300
http://www.texasheritagesongwriters.com Photos courtesy Texas Heritage Songwriters Association
posted by Paris & John @ 2:06 PM
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Bastrop Scheduled for Opening
This destination resort will open Summer 2006 on a 656-acre site. Located off TX 71, 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and 7 miles from the historic town of Bastrop, the resort expands the recreational opportunities at McKinney Roughs Nature Park by using existing natural resources such as the Colorado River and an interpretive trail system resort. The resort includes an Audubon-certified golf course and other recreational amenities.
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris & John @ 2:03 PM
Dates of Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Announced
The Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival celebrates 21 years of showcasing the best of Texas’ culinary and vine offerings, April 6-9, with a four-day festival honoring as many as 100 chefs and dozens of wineries at locations throughout the Texas Hill Country. This year’s festival pays homage to Lone Star food traditions with the theme “Texas Tables: Celebrating the Roots and Influences of Texas Wine and Food.”
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, April 6 with winery luncheons at five Hill Country vineyards and continues later that evening with a western-flavored tasting at an exotic game ranch outside of Austin. Among the most popular events are the Stars Across Texas Grand Tasting and Gala on Friday night and the popular Sunday Fair.
For a complete schedule and information about tickets, visit
www.texaswineandfood.org or contact the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival at 512-249-6300.
Labels: Austin, Hill Country
posted by Paris & John @ 2:02 PM
The Blanton Museum of Art, Austin: Grand Opening Rescheduled
The opening of this expansive museum featuring over 17,000 works of art has been rescheduled for April 30, 2006. The permanent collection includes works from Europe, the US, and Latin America. For more, visit
http://www.blantonmuseum.org/ or call 512.471.7324.
Labels: Austin, Hill Country
posted by Paris & John @ 2:00 PM
Austin in the Movie Spotlight
It's not news that Austin is one of the capitals of the movie industry but yesterday the Austin CVB announced that MovieMaker magazine had named the city number two in its “Top 10 American Cities to be a MovieMaker” list (trailing behind New York City).
According to the magazine, “Each year, the Austin Film Commission manages to outdo itself in bringing exciting new programs and initiatives to city, from the smallest detail to the biggest."
Other cities among the “Top Ten Cities for MovieMakers” include: Portland (3), Chicago (4), Philadelphia (5), Los Angeles (6), Miami (7), Baltimore (8), Wilmington, NC (9) and Memphis (10).
Also in Texas movie news, the Texas Film Commission announced this month that for the sixth consecutive year Austin leads Texas cities in film and television total production budgets. Last year the city logged approximately $78 million in film production budgets, accounting for 56% of total film budgets in Texas.
Labels: Austin, Hill Country
posted by Paris & John @ 9:51 AM
Fredericksburg
