CENTRAL TEXAS EVENTS
Kerrville Folk Festival (866/468-7621) is the longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America. This family-oriented festival is known internationally as a Mecca for singer/songwriters of varying musical style. The 35th annual Kerrville Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch kicks off on May 25 and runs 18 straight days until June 11. This year’s performers include Guy Clark, Ruthie Foster, Terri Hendrix, Trout Fishing in America, Vance Gilbert, Amilia K Spicer, Austin Lounge Lizards, Bill Hearne Trio, Bob Livingston, Butch Hancock, Dana Cooper, Darden Smith, Jon Dee Graham, Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey, and many more.
In addition to the live music on stage every day, the Festival also features special concerts and activities for kids, songwriting schools, guitar and harmonica workshops, Hill Country bike rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe, Sunday Folk Song Services, New Folk Competition and concerts for emerging artists, and the Professional Development Program for Teachers. There is something for everyone who enjoys music, camping, the outdoors, and making new friends. There will also be plenty of arts and crafts vendors as well as fine food and refreshments.
Majestic Theatre (210/226-3333, San Antonio) presents The Lion King — winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the New York Drama Critics award for Best Musical — through May 21. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice.
Nine-time Grammy-award winners Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel will perform A Ride with Bob, the first-ever musical drama about the legendary Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys at the Majestic Theatre on June 1-2. A Ride with Bob debuted in 2005 with six sold-out shows at the State Theater in Austin. It was an instant hit with audiences and critics, garnering several nominations from Austin Circle of Theaters Awards and fueled a four-city tour of Texas and Oklahoma.
On June 9, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter John Prine will perform at the Majestic. Prine has won numerous awards throughout his extensive musical career, including “Artist of the Year” at the 2005 Americana Music Awards and the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album for his latest release Fair & Square.
Stubb’s Restaurant (512/480-8341, Austin) will host these shows in May: James Brown on the 10th; Violent Femmes on the 18th; Cross Canadian Ragweed on the 19th. James Brown’s dynamic showmanship remains timeless and his style has been celebrated throughout generations. As one of the most sampled artists to date, he has more honors attached to his name than any other performer in music history. The textbook, American cult-band of the 1980’s, the Violent Femmes captures the essence of teen angst. Cross Canadian Ragweed established itself as a relentless touring band throughout the Texas/Oklahoma area and then broadened its reach, nationally releasing several albums of rebel-rousing, alt-Country. In June, Stubb’s performances include Steve Wariner on the 4th and Sonic Youth on the 23rd.
UT-Austin’s Cactus Café (512/475-6515, Austin) will host these shows in May: CD release with Alejandro Escovedo and special guest on the 12th; Scott Miller and Adam Carroll on the 13th; and Johnathan Edwards and Austin’s own Sara Hickman on the 16th. In June, hear: Slaid Cleaves
in his CD release celebration on the 2nd and 3rd; and Dar Williams with special guest Caroline Herring on the 6th.
Paramount Theatre (512/469-SHOW, Austin; 866/4GET-TIX)
presents the Paramount Theatre 90th & State Theatre 70th Birthday Gala on May 20. Both Theatres will be closing down Congress Avenue and throwing the biggest party of the year as the State Theatre’s White Linen Nights meets the Paramount Gala. The event features dinner, dancing, auctions, and a show. Musical performances will include Tish Hinojosa, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Pinetop Perkins, and South Austin Jug Band.