Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines perform at a recent house concert at Willow Creek Ranch near Mason. This weekend, Dennis and Kay Evans host the Gimbles at their resort, located at the confluence of Willow Creek and the Llano River.
Details:
The Gimbles will perform at Willow Creek Ranch near Mason on Saturday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. Call 325-347-6781 for more information and to make reservations. The website at www.WillowCreekRanchTexas.com includes detailed directions. Reservations are usually $10 a person and must be made in advance. Guest may bring a snack to share. Soft drinks and tea will be served.
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House Concert on Willow Creek
by Phil Houseal
Aug 15, 2007
While writing one of my first Full House columns, I learned from Paula and Marty Reynolds of Kerrville about the phenomenon of "house concerts" - where musicians perform in living rooms for appreciative guests who pay $10 and bring a side dish.
Now I hear that Dennis and Kay Evans are opening their Willow Creek Ranch near Mason for house concerts on a monthly basis. On August 18 they welcome the Gimbles, the talented family of fiddle swing legend Johnny Gimble.
Like all house concerts hosts, the Evans make nothing - all the money goes to the performers. In fact hosts often end up paying for the privilege of cleaning their homes for a hundred guests. But they are committed by their love of music and a willingness to share it with kindred souls.
Willow Creek Ranch is located 14 miles this side of Mason, where Willow Creek meets the Llano River. The historic homestead was part of the oldest settlement in Mason County. When the Evans came to the hill country 12 years ago, it was a natural setting for their bed and breakfast. About a year ago they began focusing more on hosting special events, retreats, and parties.
Adding house concerts happened by accident.
"My son went to a house concert in Austin," Dennis said. "He heard Sara Hickman, and said, 'Dad, it was the most interesting and wonderful music venue I've ever been to.' So we decided to try it, believing it would be something good for our B&B guests."
They invited Shake Russell for their first concert, and they've been shaking, rattling, and rolling ever since.
The setting at Willow Creek is more accommodating than most people's homes. The Evans can seat 75 people indoors. They also have a covered patio, and have handled 200 guests. They even built a small stage, which has held solos, duos, even a flamenco act. Popular performers have been Steve Fromholz, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Darden Smith, Willis Alan Ramsey, Walt Wilkins, Ray Benson, Joe Ely, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bruce Robison, Terri Hendrix, and Loyd Maines
Food is a big part of the house concert concept. You bring a side dish or snack for everyone to share. The Evans report the menus have run the gamut from guacamole and chips to pork tenderloin.
"There is everything you can imagine," Dennis said. "It's more like a party than a concert."
House concerts at Willow Creek attract folks from all over. Most come from the hill country and major Texas cities, but one couple traveled all the way from England to hear a performer.
"A house concert is a real listening venue," explained Dennis, who has been known to ask people that are talking to go out to the oak trees. "You don't compete with glasses clinking or people at a pool table, and there is no smoke. The setting here at Willow Creek is a beautiful place for an outdoor concert. The best part is people come to listen to music."
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