The bass player for the Lost Bayou Ramblers put on a show during one of the Roots Music concerts offered by the Pioneer Museum. Thanks to efforts by the Gillespie County Historical Society, music fans have been able to hear gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz, Zydeco and more at the Main Street museum. The 6th season begins this Saturday with rockabilly. Photo by Phil Houseal

Details:
The 6th season of Roots Music in the Texas Hill Country starts this Saturday at the Pioneer Museum. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the music running from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 at the gate, with 11 and under free. You can find out more by calling 997-2835, by emailing rootsmusic@pioneermuseum.com, or by visiting www.pioneermuseum.com.

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Roots still growing in 6th season

by Phil Houseal
May 16, 2007

In 2002, the Gillespie County Historical Society turned the concept of what a museum should be "inside out." It took history off the shelf and began offering concerts outdoors. This Saturday, Roots Music in the Texas Hill Country starts its 6th season. The family-friendly, catered, outdoor events are now a highly-anticipated part of Fredericksburg's vibrant music scene.

The concerts attract 300-500 patrons to each event, with fans of all generations comfortable curled up in lawn chairs, enjoying a catered meal and favorite beverage. Over the years, folks have held a front row seat to an incredible range of music styles - most not commonly heard in these hills. It is no exaggeration to say the Society was a pioneer in bringing gospel, jazz, Cajun and Zydeco to Main Street, along with great bluegrass, blues, and soul.

A few years back, one concert featured an army of accordion players from parts as diverse as Minnesota and Germany, who melded into an entertaining evening of polka, mariachi, and classical. Folks still talk about that one.

There have been other memories over five years:

Fiddle legend Johnny Gimble, serenely sitting in with a group of surprised young jazz musicians.

A slight 12-yr-old Sarah Jarosz stepping on stage with her mandolin for the first time, then confidently matching licks and harmonies with a parade of bluegrass greats.

The blues blowout with three bands standing shoulder to shoulder, playing a riveting jam that fans never wanted to end.

An animated 17-year-old guitar wizard Will Owen-Gage, ripping the plastic cover off his amp and jumping in the middle of the dance floor to play in spite of the chilling rain.

Lonnie Childs and Kathleen Coates are current co-chairs of the Roots Music series. They hope fans embrace the events as enthusiastically as they do.

"Music is a big part of history," Coates said. "It is important to promote musicians who play 'non-mainstream' music. I believe music expands your horizons. By attending the concerts, I hope our guests enjoy the music and support the museum."

The trend of introducing new styles of music continues this season, with all new acts in a variety of styles. The season starts this Saturday with a rockabilly revue. Future concerts will feature Celtic and Irish, swing, rhythm and blues, and wrapping up with Conjunto and ranchero.

Booking the talent for this season is Bill Penn, of REDCOW Promotions ("I like cows"). Following suggestions from Society representatives, Penn sought the right blend of talent that fit those genres. The reputation of the series has grown to the extent that everyone contacted wanted to play.

"I strive for a 'win-win' outcome for both the artist and the venue so at the end of the evening, both are satisfied with the results," Penn said. He acknowledges the challenge of getting folks off the couch to come hear live entertainment.

"There is a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar these days, and so many free options, such as televised music, movies and sports," he said. "But when folks have an opportunity to see and hear national acts, some of which have won Grammys, and in a wholesome family environment for a very reasonable price, it should be an attractive offering. Not to mention, our venue is in a comfortable setting among friends and neighbors and appeals to families."

The concerts are a labor of love for the Society, which welcomes sponsors to ensure the series goes forward.

"I believe we offer it as a public service and as part of the mission of the museum to educate the public about all aspects of history, including music," Childs said.

This innovative offering has helped patrons walk away with a new appreciation of what a museum can be.

"It brings people to our grounds and offers a fun and enjoyable evening of music and fellowship," Coates said. "You don't see people frowning when they leave."

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