Category: Festivals

Documentary world premiere: The Elephant 6 Recording Co.

Elephant 6 Collective. Photo: Amy Hairston, used with permission.

The Elephant 6 Recording Co. shares the unique inside story of the collective creative evolution behind the sounds of 1990s psychedelic rock bands Olivia Tremor Control, Neutral Milk Hotel, and The Apples in Stereo— the founding groups behind the Elephant 6 collective, as well as a host of other artists — with inspirational resonance for today’s music makers, and music lovers everywhere. (The Elephant 6 Recording Co., 2022)

Around 1985, a group of Ruston, Louisiana area high schoolers began experimenting with whatever random instruments and gear they could lay their hands on. Moving to other small college towns including Denver, Colorado and Athens, Georgia, their musical coming of age coincides with the new consumer availability of old-school 4 and 8 track recording technology and cassette tapes. Sharing like-minded sensibilities, influenced by past sounds and psychedelia, and with little to distract them, their efforts to create whole new musical worlds become the bands Olivia Tremor Control, Neutral Milk Hotel and The Apples in Stereo, and many more. While the collective grew to a natural breaking point, its founding members overcame obstacles and remained closely bonded, reuniting for tours and still collaborating today.

The Elephant 6 Recording Co. provides insight into this revolutionary era of popular independent music in America, the defiant DIY spirit in music making, and championing the integrity of an authentic quest for artistic expressiveness over the more mainstream image of being a “successful” musician in our fame obsessed times.

This documentary will have its World Premiere at DOC NYC 2022 on Thursday November 10 at 9:30p.m. (IFC Center). There will be a Q&A session with C.B. Stockfleth, Greg King, Lance Bangs, and executive producer Rob Hatch-Miller after the first screening. The second screening will be on Tuesday, November 15 at 9p.m. (Cinepolis)

C.B. Stockfleth is a filmmaker currently based in New Orleans, LA. He grew up in Central Kentucky and dropped out of high school. He eventually went to film school at Full Sail University in Orlando. For the last 20 years, he has worked as a commercial director and photographer mostly in Louisville, KY. He has made award winning music videos and live concert videos for bands including the Apples In Stereo and the Olivia Tremor Control, and has directed uncountable regional commercials and corporate videos.

Feature Documentary, Running Time; 93 Minutes, USA

No Def Presents:
The Elephant 6 Recording Co.
Directed by: C.B. Stockfleth
Produced by: Lance Bangs (Jackass , Portlandia)
Edited & Produced by: Greg King (Other Music)
Executive Produced by: Rob Hatch-Miller (Other Music)

Starring: Olivia Tremor Control, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Apples in Stereo, Elf Power, Of Montreal, Beulah, The Gerbils, Dressy Bessy, The Minders, The Music Tapes, Great Lakes, Elijah Wood, James Mercer (The Shins), Danger Mouse, David Cross and many more.

The film also features never-before-seen additional footage of the bands, shot by filmmaker Lance Bangs.

Austin Food & Wine Festival

The Austin Food & Wine Festival will take place November 4 – 6. Photo: Austin Food & Wine Festival, used with permission.

Tickets are still available for the eleventh annual Austin Food & Wine Festival which will take place November 4-6, 2022 at Auditorium Shores. Presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine and C3 Presents, the Austin Food & Wine Festival is one of Texas’ most beloved food festivals. The three-day celebration of food, wine and spirits will welcome top tier talent from all over the country. (Austin Food & Wine Festival, 2022)

The festival will feature chefs, restaurants and wine and spirits experts over three days at Auditorium Shores. Festival highlights include the new Wurst Weekend Kickoff event; the fan-favorite Rock Your Taco competition; the Fire Pit featuring bites hot off the flames; engaging cooking demonstrations + conversations; samples of signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; dynamic wine, beer & cocktail tastings; live music, and more.

Showcasing a dynamic roster of local, regional and national chefs throughout the weekend, attendees can sample signature dishes from top chefs around the country. 

WURST WEEKEND KICK-OFF

Join Chef Tim Love and Jesse Herman to kick-off the weekend at Auditorium Shores on Friday evening. Enjoy a Bavarian-themed menu of sausage, brats, pork, and more cooked over a live fire. Featuring regional wines and beers, the best (wurst) way to kick off the weekend. 

ROCK YOUR TACO

Rock Your Taco, Saturday evening’s signature tasting event, will take place this year at Auditorium Shores. Chefs will square off against one another to create the ultimate taco, as deemed by a People’s Choice award. Rock Your Taco competitors include Shion Aikawa; Nicola Blaque; Jo Chan; Tiffany Derry; Ford Fry; Sarah Grueneberg; Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley; CJ Jacobson; Steve McHugh; Shota Nakajima; Laura Sawicki, and Brooke Williamson.

CHEF DEMOS

Festival attendees keen on learning from the pros can listen in as a host of chefs, including Jo Chan; Tiffany Derry; Kevin Fink; Ford Fry; Diego Galicia and Rico Torres; Sarah Grueneberg; and Fermín Núñez.

FIRE PIT

The Fire Pit portion of the festival features bites hot off the flames and the chance to interact with pit masters and chefs cooking over live fire. Enjoy exceptional BBQ and other dishes cooked over open flame and get first-hand advice from the pros. Featured chefs this year include Sonya Coté; Jason Dady; Jorge Luis Hernandez; Andy Knudson; Jesse Kuykendall; Shota Nakajima, and Kristina Zhoa.

Tickets are available online.  All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

The Austin Food & Wine Festival is the benefactor of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Central Texas food and wine community through grants, educational programming and events. To date, Austin Food & Wine Festival has contributed over $1.3 million to the Alliance.

The Austin Food + Wine Festival marks a compelling collaboration between C3 Presents and some of Texas’ most exciting chefs and restaurateurs, including Tim Love and Restaurateur Jesse Herman. C3 Presents is the Austin-based event company that produces Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park, and Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin’s Zilker Park. The Austin Food + Wine Festival will take place this fall,, bringing an array of taste, talent and culinary entertainment to the Capital City.

Culinaria’s Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival

Tickets are still available for some events for
San Antonio’s premier wine and food festival, taking place October 27-30. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

Culinaria is back for a four-day Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, October 27-30, in partnership with Visit San Antonio (VSA) and the iconic James Beard Foundation (JBF). Culinaria welcomes renowned and up-and-coming Texas chefs as well as national all-stars focusing on platforms that will showcase their diversity of culinary talent and heritage at events ranging from walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, outdoor lunches, hands-on workshops, educational panels, and more. (Culinaria, 2022)

Festival attendees can customize their gastronomic experience by choosing between all-inclusive festival packages or a-la-carte event options starting at $100. Sportscaster and former San Antonio Spur Sean Elliott and his wife Claudia Zapata Elliott co-chair Culinaria host committee, an elevated sponsor package of $5,000 that includes recognition as an official host of Culinaria Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival and VIP access to events. Culinaria Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival will showcase James Beard Award Winners, nominees, and other titans of the food and beverage industry including:

GUEST CHEFS

  • Rick Bayless, past winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, host of “Mexico, One Plate at a Time” highly-rated Public Television series, and owner of Frontera Grill. See Chef Bayless in action at Agave, Saturday evening and at The Collective Grand Tasting on Sunday.
  • Alex Raij, Txikito, New York
  • Michelle Wallace, Gaitlins BBQ Houston
  • Tony Luhrman, El Topo Houston
  • Hugo Ortega, H Town Restaurant Group, Houston
  • Ruben Ortega, H Town Restaurant Group, Houston
  • Bobby Matos, State of Grace, Houston
  • Alex Au-Yeung, Phat Eatery, Katy, TX
  • Keisha Griggs, Ate Kitchen, Houston
  • Emiliano Marentes, Elemi, El Paso
  • Karla Espinoza, Mad Houston, Houston

LOCAL SAN ANTONIO CHEFS

  • Jason Dady, Dady Restaurants
  • Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Hospitality
  • John Brand, Hotel Emma
  • Laurént Rea, Mon Chou Chou
  • Kristina Zhao, Dashi
  • PJ Edwards, Meadow
  • Geronimo Lopez, Botika
  • Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table
  • Esaul Ramos, 2M Smokehouse
  • Andres Farias, Mokara
  • Stéphane Leopoldo, Signature Restaurant
  • Camille De Los Reyes, Sari Sari

Visit Culinaria online for more information, including a complete list of chefs.

TASTING TEXAS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Collective Grand Tasting: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6p.m., Travis Park
    • The Collective is an expanded Grand Tasting event located at Travis Park featuring more than 100 chefs, restaurants, hundreds of beverage brands, Texas Wine Garden, live fire activations, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, mercantile market, and more.
  • Southern Hospitality: Friday, 7p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl Brewery
    • Mashup of food and beverage celebrating the “Y’all Means All” culture of

Texas. From biscuits and gravy to hearty enchiladas and, of course, top-shelf cocktails, in a walk-around tasting event granting guest all-access to a front row seat of hospitality the Texas way.

  • Celebrate Agave: Saturday, 7p.m to 9p.m., Travis Park
    • Aged, sipped, neat, or mixed, this walk-around tasting event celebrates all things agave and the cuisines that embrace it.
  • Lunches and Dinners: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
    • Festival goers will have exclusive access to unique chef collaborations at dinner and lunch events held at varying locations across the city.
  • Seminars and Workshops: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, times and locations vary
  • With a theme to satisfy every interest, attendees will be able to sign up for seminars and workshops across a range of topics, including hands-on, small-group activities—from crafting cocktails and smoking meat—to panel discussions on women in the beverage industry, and concise eating and drinking.

TICKET PACKAGES

  • Super VIP – $1,025
  • Choice of one dinner on Thursday night plus Southern Hospitality, VIP Access to all three days of The Collective, Celebrate Agave, VIP Parties and VIP Only Seminars.
  • The Weekender – $600
  • General Admission to The Collective (all three days), Celebrate Agave and Southern Hospitality/
  • Just the Collective – $300
  • All three days of The Collective. Enjoy this all-inclusive and immersive experience. All food and beverage are included. You’ll only need one ticket to enjoy it all.
  • Individual Tickets – starting at $100

“Culinaria is a lover of all things wine and food. We curate experiences for those who love to enjoy amazing pairings, in all forms. We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to the great city of San Antonio to experience the confluence of culture found across the culinary landscape.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO, Culinaria.

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization, committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination, while fostering community growth and enrichment within the city we call home. For the past 22 years, Culinaria has been promoting locally sourced food and wine experiences in the San Antonio region through community events and culinary education opportunities, including Restaurant Weeks, a festival, and many others. Proceeds from events directly support this mission, enabling Culinaria to be a largely self-sustaining organization

 

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2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival

Brackenridge Park Conservancy announces this year’s Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival in Brackenridge Park. Photo: Google

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Texas Butterfly Ranch, is proud to present the 2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. The event  will take place Saturday, October 8 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. in the Pecan Grove at Brackenridge Park as part of a month-long celebration of pollinators. Festivities include the People for Pollinators Parade, a monarch butterfly migration obstacle course for kids, butterfly tagging, live bee hive demonstrations, and more. (Brackenridge Park Conservancy, 2022)

The festival is free and open to the public and brings together more than 20 community partners to educate the community on the importance of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Activities for the whole family will take place starting at 10a.m. with the Caterpillar Train launching from the train depot in the park. The train was transformed with the assistance of local landscape architecture firm MP Studios and the beloved and nostalgic San Antonio Zoo train will be converted to a monarch butterfly caterpillar for the month of October.

“Brackenridge Park is thrilled to host the 2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. The Park means so much to the people, plants and animals in this city so we look forward to being a home to free and fun educational events like this.” – Lynn Osborne Bobbitt, Brackenridge Park Conservancy Director of Development and Special Events

Throughout the day, visitors can tag monarch butterflies with trained docents as part of the Monarch Watch citizen science initiative. Festival goers can also participate in the Forever Journey, a program started in 2020 that tags butterflies in honor of deceased loved ones.

“Just as San Antonio sits in the heart of the migratory flyway for monarch butterflies and other wildlife, Brackenridge sits in the heart of our city. It makes for an ideal roost for this year’s Festival.” – Monika Maeckle, Festival founder and director of the Texas Butterfly Ranch.

More initiatives from this year’s festival include a monarch migration obstacle course organized by Blooming with Birdie, butterfly bike rides with the Austin Bike Zoo, a birding tour of the park and adoption events for hundreds of trees provided by the San Antonio Parks Department and pollinator-friendly native plants made available by SAWS. 

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy has listened to and been a voice for those who use this cherished San Antonio park and its facilities. The organization operates under a long-term Management Agreement with the City that is administered by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The only organization dedicated solely to protecting Brackenridge Park, the Conservancy raises funds for projects that benefit the Park, implements park-based programs and projects, advises City staff and elected officials, supports the evolution and implementation of plans for the Park, and acts as a forum for users to address common issues and build consensus.

The mission of the Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival is to raise understanding and appreciation of the insect pollinators that make one of every three bites of our food possible, underscore our inherent interconnectedness, encourage the use of native nectar and host plants in gardens and landscapes, and reinforce San Antonio’s strategic role in the monarchs’ annual migration as the First Monarch Butterfly Champion City.

 

Texas Pinners Conference & Expo celebrates educators

Texas Pinners Conference & Expo combines shopping and hands-on classes and brings online creativity to life. Photo: Texas Pinners, used with permission.

As the new school year begins and as a way to celebrate Texas educators with a special back-to-school gift, Texas Pinners Conference is providing them with two free general admission tickets to its conference on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. (Texas Pinners Conference & Expo, 2022)

Texas Pinners Conference is an annual fun-filled event focused on artistry, crafting, beauty, fashion, photography, food arts and more, with a trade show inspired by creativity and Pinterest-like projects. In addition, more than 200 vendors and exhibitors will be on site with over 100 Pinterest-based classes and some of the best Texas shopping opportunities.

“As a former educator, I know that teachers are some of the most inspiring individuals, especially in our children’s lives. So, what better way to encourage their creativity and show appreciation than to give them access to one of the largest creative events offline. We’re excited to provide access to Texas Pinners Conference in the hopes they can spend a weekend enjoying our Pinterest-inspired classes, shopping floor, make-and-takes and so much more. We can’t wait for them to experience a fun-filled and creative experience.” – Roxanne Bennett, co-founder of Pinners Conference.

The expo was established in 2013 to bring people together who share the common interest of learning, creativity, hobbies and do-it-yourself projects. The tradeshow floor is a unique design combining a shopping conference environment with hundreds of small business vendors selling various goods and services. Attendees will have a chance to explore their creativity outside the classroom and experience two full event days focusing on inspiring others.

Texas Pinners Conference will showcase learning, connecting and shopping through scrapbooking, arts, fashion, beauty, self-improvement, party-planning, food arts, do-it-yourself projects, home décor, and more. The expo will also have several hour-long classes taught by exceptional presenters.

Texas Educators can get into the event for free and general admission tickets for the public start at $10. Some ticket packages include access to classes and passes to both event days. Helping Texas Pinners Conference host the event through sponsorships include The Home Depot, Ryobi, Chalk Couture, Joann’s, Plaid Crafts, Texas Appliances, Janome, and MakerFlo Crafts.

Texas educators must reserve their tickets in advance of the show by using the code TEACH. Educators are limited to two complimentary tickets and are encouraged to bring their school ID badge with them.

A list of available presenters, classes, exhibitors and vendors is available online as well as tickets and class passes. Texas Pinners Conference will be held on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, located at 3401 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Texas Pinners Conference encourages attendees to stay updated with the latest news on all social platforms. Visitors are also encouraged to use the #PinnersTX and #pinnersconf tags to follow and share their content featuring one of the most unique events this fall.

The Pinners Conference features two great events in one—a conference featuring 100+ Pinterest-based classes taught by the best presenters in the nation and a show with 200 top businesses providing beautiful options in the world of DIY, crafts, cooking, self-improvement, photography, party planning, scrapbooking, holiday, beauty and fashion, and more. It will feature local artists, shops and offer awesome creative classes from some of the best presenters that explore creativity and the fun of learning new techniques.

Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Fest celebrates the fall season

Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Fest is a family friendly celebration that celebrates flannel and pumpkin spice season. Photo: Big Cedar Lodge, used with permission.

The award-winning wilderness resort Big Cedar Lodge is kicking off its annual Cedar Fest celebration featuring pumpkin patches, hayrides, spooky corn mazes, and so much more. As the leaves turn and you reach for that extra sweater for a cozy fall season, there is no better place to celebrate the season in the Midwest than at Big Cedar Lodge. (Big Cedar Lodge, 2022)

Below are some of the festive activities available for both guests and locals between September 18 through October 31.

  • Fall Festivals: Enjoy some good old fashioned fun with a guided tram ride to Big Cedar’s pumpkin patch, where participants can decorate pumpkins, paint pottery, enjoy tie dye and face painting, ride a mechanical bull by day; and roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a movie on the lawn by night.
  • Ozark’s Lost Soul Maze: Get lost in Big Cedar’s iconic, 3,700-square-foot maze that has haunted ghosts and spooky spirits of the Ozarks’ past. Keep an eye out for spiders, skeletons, spooks, and more.
  • Fall Chuckwagon Tour: Back in the beauty of the Ozarks with a relaxing evening tram ride and history tour, a piping hot bowl of soup or chili, and a glass of wine or beer for the adults.
  • Show your Fall Flair: Celebrate your artistic side with instructor-led Fall Wreath Making ($65 per wreath, families and groups welcome) and Fall Centerpiece Building ($65 per centerpiece). Guests can take home their masterpiece to display for the season.
  • Fall Golf Getaway: Big Cedar Lodge boasts one of the leading resort golf portfolios in the country, and there is no better time to tee off than Fall. Enjoy the watercolor foliage on Payne’s Valley, the first Tiger Woods-designed public course, or the award-winning Ozarks National.

For even more Fall Fun, the nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is inviting locals and visitors alike to explore the park’s 10,000 acres covered in magnificent fall foliage; and America’s #1 aquarium, Wonders of Wildlife, is hosting spooky and festive activities including the Out to Sea Shark Feeding, Yarn Pumpkin Crafting, a Halloween Bash Teen Night including a scavenger hunt and mini Fall Festival, and a Bat Bonanza event.

disABILITYsa presents AbilitySTRONG Parade and AccessAbility Fest

This year’s downtown parade and march event’s motto “My Ability is Fierce” highlights important issues for people living with disabilities. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The fourth annual abilitySTRONG Parade, San Antonio’s annual Disability Pride Celebration, will take place on October 1 from 9a.m. – 10:30a.m. in downtown San Antonio. The abilitySTRONG Parade, presented by Wave Healthcare, LLC, is San Antonio’s only disability pride parade seeking to change the way people think about and define disability. It is presented by disABILITYsa, City of San Antonio’s Disability Access Office, and Hemisfair’s Inclusion Programming. (disABILITYsa, 2022)

The parade’s theme “Super Heroes: saving the world with unique abilities” will serve as the official kick-off event to the 16th annual AccessAbility fest, an annual free celebration, held in October during Texas Disability Awareness Month.

Currently, one in every seven individuals living in San Antonio has a disability. The parade is a public expression of the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

This year’s motto is “My Ability is Fierce” and leading the parade and march with the parade banner will be the men and women of City Council followed by its 2022 Grand Marshals, Batman of San Antonio, and Tommy Flores, 2018 Fiesta Especial King.

Immediately following the parade, the 16th Annual AccessAbility fest will take place at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and the Magik Theatre parking lot from 9a.m. – 2p.m. and will feature numerous activities and exhibitors with information, products, programs and services that promote independence and inclusion where individuals with disabilities live, work and play. This FREE celebration also features live entertainment including Tejano artist Sunny Sauceda.

Parade Grand Marshal Batman of San Antonio; Tommy Flores, 2018 Fiesta Especial King; City Council and Civic Members.

Saturday, October 1, 2022
abilitySTRONG Parade (9a.m. – 10:30a.m.) – downtown
AccessAbility fest (10a.m. – 2p.m.) — Hemisfair and the Magik Theatre

Downtown – Parade will line up at 7:30a.m. and stage along Avenue E in front of First Presbyterian Church and the San Antonio Express-News building. The route will step off at Avenue E, heading west on E. Houston Street, South on N. Main Ave, West on E. Commerce Street, South on South Flores St, East on E. Nueva St., South on South Alamo St. and finish at the dismount location. The judges’ stand and VIP seating will be on East Nueva and South Alamo at Hemisfair. The parade is estimated to last 1.5 hours and will conclude at 10:30a.m. The parade route is 1.5 miles.

Immediately following the start of the parade, the 16th annual AccessAbility fest takes place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. This annual event is a free, family-friendly festival with a tree adoption, information booths, a costume contest, games, health screenings, food concessions, live entertainment, product and program demonstrations, and an adaptive climbing wall coming in from No Limits Tahoe. The fest is a gateway to information, resources and opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers to independence and inclusion due to physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health challenges. AccessAbility fest is inclusive of individuals of all backgrounds and diversities.

Established in 2016, disABILITYsa is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to educate, advance and engage individuals living with disabilities by sharing information, creating opportunities, and strengthening the disability service organizations in San Antonio.

Planet Bluegrass announces Mabon, an autumn equinox concert series

Tickets are now on sale for Mabon, taking place September 16 – 18 in Lyons, Colorado. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Planet Bluegrass, organizers of Rockygrass, Lyons Folks Fest, and the famed Telluride Bluegrass Festival—which has coincided with the summer solstice for 5 decades—are pleased to announce Mabon, a new concert series programmed in conjunction with longtime Planet Bluegrass fan-favorite, Watchhouse. Mabon will take place September 16-18 in Lyons, Colorado, at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch during the Autumn equinox. Tickets are on-sale now. (Planet Bluegrass, 2022) 

The series kicks off on Friday, September 16 with Regina Spektor and a special duo set from hosts Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz—aka Watchhouse. Saturday, September 17 continues with a could-only-be-at-Planet-Bluegrass billing of Emmylou Harris with Watchhouse as her backing band and sets from Thee Sacred Souls, Big Richard, and a performance from one half of Watchhouse, Andrew Marlin with his instrumental string band. Sunday will kick off with Yasmin Williams and fans will ease into the fall season and afternoon with Waxahatchee and The Lil’ Smokies. The weekend will be bookended by a final, full band Watchhouse set. 

“We are so excited to be curating this series with Watchhouse!,” says Grace Barrett, Planet Bluegrass’ director of partnerships and communications. “They are dear friends whose music has inspired us for years. The Planet Bluegrass calendar really functions around the sun, and we can’t think of a better way to say ‘so long’ to summer.” 

Frantz and Marlin share in that enthusiasm. They add, “We’ve been lucky enough to play so many festivals and events and have always loved the ones hosted by Planet Bluegrass. We haven’t been able to sit in on the curation side until now and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to reach out to artists whose songs have meant a lot to us over the years, or just recently. Autumn solstice feels like the perfect time to cozy up and sink into some feely songs together.” 

For over 30 years, Planet Bluegrass has been redefining the musical festival by creating exceptional experiences that protect the planet through environmental leadership and a strong community. Fiercely and decidedly independent, their three festivals make a unique musical mark: each takes place in breathtaking natural Colorado environments, each features the world’s finest musicians and songwriters, and each embraces a “Leave No Trace” ethic that defines Planet Bluegrass as a leader in Sustainable Festivation. Planet Bluegrass presents Telluride Bluegrass, Rockygrass, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, all bucket list musical gatherings for artists and fans alike. Planet Bluegrass is invested in the next generation of songwriters and musicians as evidenced by Rockygrass Academy and Song School. 

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Master Musicians Festival announces this year’s honorees

Nate Michaels (Featured Artist), Larry Roberts (Lifetime Achievement), and Meredith Frye (Featured Photographer) will be honored at this year’s Master Musicians Festival. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In advance of Master Musicians Festival, Somerset, Kentucky’s two-day musical and cultural homecoming taking place on July 15-16, organizers are proud to announce three important awards celebrating a dedication to art and community: Featured Artist, Lifetime Achievement, and Featured Photographer. (Master Musicians Festival, 2022)

This year’s Featured Artist is Nate Michaels, a freelance artist based in Louisville, Kentucky. He was raised on art and rock and roll, spending his younger years gigging in rock bands and traveling the Midwest. As his collection of art began to grow, his music tours turned into a journey of visual art. Now you can find Nate traveling all over the country on his “Have Art Will Travel” Tour. Nate brings life to the eyes of his portraits with an exuberant use of watercolor and India ink, while his more recent ventures have brought him to the endless valleys and crests of acrylic and the gentle slick kiss of oils. Most of his art speaks for itself as you can see the time and effort within each mark, stroke or medium. His history in music and love for the stage has bled through into some of his earlier pieces, as you can find many legends in rock. The art piece created by Michaels portrays what not only festival goers will experience this year, but what the artists will experience as well. Seen from an artist’s viewpoint looking out into the crowd, Michaels captures the gorgeous backdrop of Somerset and highlights the magic set by Master Musicians Festival that while closely captured on canvas, can only be experienced in person.

The 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Larry Roberts, who was born in Somerset in 1947 and raised to value hard work, pride in community, and service to others. Larry built a successful career as an electrician in many different roles including commercial wiring, lineman, and electrical inspector. Equipped with his electrical expertise and inspired by his love of music and pride in community, Larry served the Master Musicians Festival with passion for years. Present for the inception of the festival, he worked with a crew of volunteers to set up the initial electrical service at Somersport Park, then temporary service at Pulaski County Park, and later on, he worked to install the underground electrical wiring at today’s home for the festival on Somerset Community College’s campus.

This year’s Featured Photographer is Meredith Frye. A self-described wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, military spouse and momma, light lover, and passionate human being, she remembers receiving her first camera at age 8. Her approach to photography has always been to “bring light” into the lives of her subjects, to “find out what we have in common and to bring the light in each other to the surface.” She credits photography for “opening up a space where I can create and visually see the beauty in people and their surroundings.” A longtime friend and supporter of the festival, “Meredith is an incredibly talented photographer and a huge fan of Grace Potter,” says Julie Harris. “At our announcement party, we were so excited to see her reaction when we announced Grace was the headliner, and it was as priceless as we expected. We selected Meredith because of her talent, her love of community, and her love of Grace and music. We can’t wait to see what she produces at this year’s festival.” 

This year, over the weekend of July 15-16 in Somerset, Kentucky. Master Musicians Festival, presented by the City of Somerset, will welcome GRAMMY-nominated roots-rock mainstay Grace Potter, the eclectic influences of super-trio The Wood Brothers, a long-time favorite of music fans and fellow musicians-alike, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and the easy-going swagger of Rayland Baxter to the Horse Soldier Bourbon main stage. This same stage has seen the likes of the aforementioned Doc Watson, Guy Clark, and Willie Nelson, plus many more—the festival’s last few years alone saw Steve Earle, The Counting Crows, and the late, great John Prine take the stage. Additionally, acts like Boy Named Banjo, John R. Miller, and Leah Blevins will give Master Musicians Festival a taste of what the well-equipped future of this music holds. 

The full lineup of July 15-16’s Master Musicians Festival includes Grace Potter, The Wood Brothers, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Rayland Baxter, Boy Named Banjo, John R. Miller, Bendigo Fletcher, Leah Blevins, SG Goodman, Justin Wells, Cole Chaney, Tee Dee Young, Multi Ultra, Short & Company, Eric Bolander, The Minks, The Jessie Lees, Ciggy Tuna, Don Rogers, If Birds Could Fly, Daniel Stroud and the Sleeping Dogs, Dark Moon Hollow, Tommy Cate’s Kids Jam, and Sydney Adams. 

Passing the torch along to the next generation is a cornerstone of the Master Musicians Festival ideology, so it only makes sense that the festival is exciting for fans of all ages. Kids 12 and under receive free admission with a ticket-holding adult and there are plenty of activities for youngsters to enjoy. MMF partners with Somerset ART Studio to offer a free kids camp throughout the weekend. Kids can participate in instrument making, water balloon fights, bubbles, making glow jewelry, and participating in a special music set curated just for them. This year, local Master Musician and harmonica player Tommy Cate will host the kids’ jam at 3:50p.m. Saturday in the Somersession Tent.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Balcones Heights Jazz Festival returns

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival will kick off its highly-anticipated 28th season on Friday, July 15, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival will kick off its highly-anticipated 28th season on Friday, July 15, 2022 and continue with a second concert on Friday, July 29, 2022. Each performance will take place at the Amphitheater at Wonderland of the Americas. Headlining will be Rob Zinn and Jeff Ryan on July 15, 2022 with Tony Saunders opening. Peter White will headline on July 29, 2022 with local Johnny P & the Wiseguys opening. (Balcones Heights Jazz Festival, 2022)

“We are excited to feature live jazz concerts again this summer with two back-to-back July performances presenting a stellar line up of dynamic national and local artists at the beautiful, sparkling Wonderland Amphitheater.” – Director Economic Development & Public Affairs at City of Balcones Heights Lorenzo Nastasi

“Balcones Heights’ uniqueness is that we are dedicated to providing FREE family-friendly, high-quality music for all to enjoy. We are thrilled to welcome the sights and sounds of our signature jazz festival, bringing residents and visitors from all over South Texas to experience our city’s charm and hospitality over these two weekends.” – City of Balcones Heights Mayor Suzanne de Leon

The first opener on July 15 will be Billboard recording artist and bassist Tony Saunders. Saunders is an American bass and synthesizer player who has had an incredible multi-faceted career that has found him “vibin’” with everyone from Eric Clapton and David Crosby to Les McCann, Joe Sample, and Chaka Khan. He has been recognized as a two-time Emmy Award winning bassist, composer, and producer, and is also the son of legendary keyboardist, Merl Saunders

After his performance, headliners Rob Zinn and Jeff Ryan will kick off their show. Rob Zinn is a multi-faceted talent working as a veteran vocalist, trumpeter, and flugelhornist. He is internationally recognized as a smooth jazz artist and composer. In 2016, Zinn emerged as an independent smooth jazz artist and composer with the release of his debut album, “Yesterday Again,” showcasing a multitude of styles including funk, Latin, R&B, rock, pop and urban jazz.

Paired with Zinn will be one of contemporary jazz’s top emerging artists and saxophonists, Jeff Ryan. Ryan, an international sensation, has captivated thousands with his robust jazz sounds. “Double Up” was the first single released in May 2020 from his latest album “Duality.” It debuted as the number one “Most Added” on the Smooth Jazz Billboard. In 2020, Ryan was also named 2020 Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. His second single from this album “Sentimental Soul” landed the number one spot on the Billboard Chart and was later named 2021 Billboard Song of the Year.

Opening the concert on July 29 is Johnny P & the Wiseguys, a velvety ensemble led by vocalist, songwriter, and trumpeter Johnny Panzarella. Johnny P is a New York native from a close-knit Italian family. The rat-pack style band plays original tunes as well as innovative musical arrangements of classic favorites. The Wiseguys are composed of multiple talented musicians featuring pianist Travis Davis, bassists Max Garcia Jr. and Doug Bennett, Roger Escobar on tenor sax, David Woodard on trombone, and drummers Johnathan Alexander and Jay “Jaybird” Buried Mitthauer.

Following is headliner and one of the jazz industry’s greatest icons, British-born, LA-based guitarist and smooth jazz artist Peter White. White first played for the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival in 2010 and returned in 2015. This is his third appearance in Balcones Heights. White is set to give a simmering performance to end the summer concert season. White’s lyricism and energy is unparalleled and sure to create a beautiful sound for his broad audiences. He has found huge success in his musical career winning multiple awards through four decades working as a multi-instrument musician, performer, and writer with other artists and solo on his own highly regarded albums.

In 2020, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival evolved from a summer concert season to a year-long concert series, which was adopted pre-pandemic to spread concerts throughout the year. Since 1994, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has captivated jazz aficionados from in and around Texas with a free stellar line-up in the festival’s laid back and family-friendly atmosphere. Regulars or “jazz babies” grab their favorite spots along the edge of the sparkling reflecting pool and fountains of the city’s main hub, Wonderland of the Americas.

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival is produced through a partnership of the City of Balcones Heights, Wonderland of the Americas, and iHeartMedia. David Muñoz is back again to host as he has at the Jazz Festival every year since the event’s inception. Muñoz, known as San Antonio’s very own “Jazzman,” is serving as emcee and co-producer of the festival. David also hosts “Smooth Jazz San Antonio” on KQXT/Q101.9 HD-2 and iHeart Radio App/Texas Central Region.

General admission to the festival is free and parking is free at Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Balcones Heights, Texas. Wonderland of the Americas is located at the intersection of IH-10and Loop 410, just a few minutes from downtown San Antonio and minutes from the South Texas Medical Center.

Hillside seating around the Amphitheater is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans sometimes stake out their spots as early as the Monday preceding the Friday concert. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site. Attendees can also visit the Food Court inside Wonderland of the Americas. No coolers and outside food and beverages are allowed at the Amphitheater.