Ian Moore Band

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

Ian Moore - Rock

How do you define success as a musician? Is it a list of your accomplishments? Is it the sphere of your influence? Is it the strength of your recordings and live shows?

The word "legend" is showing up more and more in concert introductions and interviews, but the reference makes Ian uncomfortable. Yeah, he's proud of playing stadiums with the Stones, arenas with Dylan and ZZ Top, showing up in movies like Slingblade, and having numerous radio hits and tv performances.  The awards are affirming and exciting; the records are an ambitious list, with a who's who of producers and players. But it's the soul that he's chasing.

Ian would rather talk about the colors and sounds of the records, the connection with fans, and of spirit. He plays shows like they are the last thing he will ever do, and though he is known for his skills as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, the ferocity and spirit are his stock-in-trade. When Ian plays, he doesn't do it to show his ability. He plays to create a communion with his audience. When he sings, he is seeking a connection- to elevate and heal. When he writes, his songs dance with the darkness, but always hold the promise of redemption and light.

In a time when  musicians have to think more like branding agencies, Ian's music is uniquely original with his own unique gumbo of styles and sounds. At the same time, he has a deep respect for the past, and you can hear echoes of the lineage of the great Texas songwriters and guitarists who mentored him and helped shape his sound. Like them, he sees the music as a living, breathing, ever-changing form that shouldn't be controlled, but left powerful and wild. He has lived on the creative edge, often confusing labels and companies, but continuously pushing himself sonically and lyrically into new terrains, and in doing so, has kept his creative spirit young and vibrant.

Reflecting on his live shows, Ian says, "I want the room to be a church, but one where everyone is included, and our collective goal is to shed the burdens, to elevate and refill the soul. I want to communicate true joy, give them a place to share their sorrows, give them a place to shake their asses, to sing along. When I talk to folks after the shows and hear how my music has helped them through the challenges of their lives … when I hear about them walking down the aisle to Satisfied, eulogizing a friend or family member to Today or Blue Sky, hearing that they knew they could keep going because of New Day … that's when I see my success. "

LINKS:

• https://www.ianmoore.com

• https://twitter.com/Gogoian

• https://www.facebook.com/IanMooreOfficial

• https://www.instagram.com/ianmoorebandofficial

Ballet Nepantla - Mistica

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

Presented by Roxann Day

“Mística” honors our ancestors by celebrating the creative and spiritual energies of our indigenous, Afro, and Hispanic roots. It commemorates traditions of Día De Muertos and transports the audience into the afterlife through the use of blacklight and Ballet Nepantla’s unique fusion of ballet folklorico and contemporary dance.

Two Tons of Steel - Tribute Buddy Holly

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

With Opening Act - Marcy Grace!

Doors Open at 6:15PM

Two Tons of Steel - Country Punk

Before there was Americana, before there was Texas Country, Two Tons of Steel front man Kevin Geil and his original band, “Dead Crickets”, rocked a sound that blended the best of musical worlds and pushed the envelope of “Texas” sound with a signature brand of country meet punk.

The San Antonio-based group packed the small bars and local hangouts and quickly became the Alamo City’s most-loved band, earning them a spot on the cover of Billboard Magazine.  It was the beginning of a twenty-year journey for Geil and the 4-piece ensemble.

Releasing “Two Tons Of Steel” in 1994 and “Crazy For My Baby” in 1995 on Blue Fire Records, a sponsorship deal with Lone Star Beer quickly followed.  Dead Crickets, renamed Two Tons of Steel in 1996 began traveling outside of Texas, including stops at the Grand Ole’ Opry in Nashville, Tenn., the National Theatre in Havana, Cuba, and European tours, to greet fans who had embraced their Texas-born sound.  In 1996 they released “Oh No!” on their independent label, “Big Bellied Records”. They followed up the passion project with a live recording at the legendary Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas, taped during a Two Ton Tuesday Show in 1998.

2015, will mark the bands 23rd year of “Two Ton Tuesday Live from Gruene Hall”.  The summer long event has drawn over 230,000 fans since it began its annual run.

Marcy Grace - Country Singer/ Songwriter

Marcy Grace is a dynamic young singer/songwriter known for her powerful voice, high-energy shows, and standout lead guitar work. A multi-instrumentalist, she also plays drums, electric guitar, and banjo. With three Top 40 hits on the radio chart, Marcy brings a fresh, modern sound to the country scene while honoring its roots.

Her talent has been consistently recognized: she was named the 2025 Emerging Songwriter of the Yearby the Texas Internet Radio Music Awards, nominated for Best New Female Artist at the 2021 Texas Radio Music Awards, and previously awarded 2019 Solo Artist of the Year by Formo Magazine.

Marcy’s songwriting talents extend beyond her albums—she wrote and recorded the official anthem for the United Football League team, the San Antonio Brahmas, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

A proud graduate of The University of the Incarnate Word with Magna Cum Laude honors, Marcy is also dedicated to giving back through her work with Any Baby Can, supporting families with children who have health or developmental challenges.

With her unique voice and passion for connecting with audiences, Marcy Grace is a force to watch in the country music scene.

Bruce Robison

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $75 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $40 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Bruce Robison - Texas Country

In regard to the Lone Star State’s finest tunesmiths, Bruce Robison lands at the top of the heap. His songwriting turned the heads of some of the industry’s biggest artists and took them to the top of the charts (The Chicks’ No. 1 version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” George Strait’s recording of “Wrapped” and the beautiful Tim McGraw / Faith Hill rendition of “Angry All The Time,” to name a few). While those achievements might be considered the pinnacle of a songwriting career to some, Robison has never been one to rest on his laurels. He is always creating.

In 2016, Bruce turned his focus toward his other passion project, The Next Waltz, a “virtual social house” of music, videos and interviews spotlighting the artists and songs that make up the pedigree of this generation’s cream of the crop. In his studio - The Bunker - located just outside of Austin, Robison hosts and records an evolving array of artists who share in his commitment to continue the tradition of collaborative creativity. Everything in Bruce’s studio is recorded on analog tape “with no digital shenanigans – just like back when music was good.” With a list of musician credits that could easily be mistaken for a hall-of-fame roll call, Robison delivers a truly organic listening experience that includes “happy accidents and all kinds of things that just feel real.

Luke Bulla

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Luke Bulla - Progressive Bluegrass

Luke Bulla has been singing and playing music most of his life. Touring with and singing in his family band from age four, Luke took up the fiddle at seven.

Over the course of the next few years, he won the National Fiddle Contest (in Weiser, Idaho) six times in his respective age categories. His seventh win came in the Grand Champion division at age sixteen, making him the youngest to have earned the title at the time. Entering Nashville’s Grand Master Fiddle Championship at age ten, Luke distinguished himself by being the youngest person to have made the top ten.

In addition to violin, Luke plays guitar and mandolin and sings and writes songs.

In the Spring of 1999 Luke’s journeys led him to Nashville. He started by playing fiddle in Ricky Skaggs' band, Kentucky Thunder, and later became a member of the John Cowan Band. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many notable musicians and earned several Grammy Awards and  nominations. Additionally, he was an instructor at Mark O'Connor's fiddle camps in his early years in Nashville.

Luke’s work as a sideman led him to founding the band Wisechild with Casey Driessen and collaborated with W.P.A. alongside talented musicians such as Sean Watkins and Sara Watkins. In 2009, he released a solo EP renowned artist like Jerry Douglas and Bela Fleck. Luke's talent caught the attention of Lyle Lovett, who invited him to join his Large Band, with whom he toured full time until 2023.

Doc Watkins Jazz Quartet

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $65 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $35 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Doc Watkins - Jazz Piano

Jazz club owner, pianist and bandleader Doc Watkins is based in San Antonio, TX. He is the creator and co-host of the weekly radio program Live at Jazz, TX, syndicated through Texas Public Radio. 

Watkins is the owner and founder of Jazz, TX, a restaurant and jazz club located at the Historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, TX. Since 2016, Jazz, TX has hosted the world’s top jazz artists including Kenny Garrett, Bill Charlap, Brian Blade, John Pizzarelli, Chris Potter, Jane Monheit, Herlin Riley, and Kevin Eubanks, to name just a few. 

Doc currently performs over 100 shows per year at Jazz, TX with his 11-piece Orchestra. 

In 2022, Watkins co-founded TurnTable, a ticketing platform created to support the unique needs of jazz clubs and other cabaret-style venues. Frustrated with the tools available to sell tickets for his own club, Doc created TurnTable to suit the needs of clubs like Jazz, TX. TurnTable is currently the preferred platform for many of the top jazz clubs in the U.S. 

Doc was born and raised in Oregon and moved to Austin, TX in 2003, where he earned Master's and Doctoral degrees in music from the University of Texas. In 2006 he relocated to San Antonio and began performing regularly at local venues on the San Antonio Riverwalk. In January 2014, he performed with his trio at New York City's Carnegie Hall.

Watkins has recorded 10 albums as a leader, including a 2022 Orchestral tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Doc devotes his time and energy toward ever-improving the total guest experience at Jazz, TX. He also works regularly with jazz club owners across the country to help them do the same.

Texas Trio

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $65 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $35 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

The Texas Trio - Western Swing

With over 60 years of combined live performance and studio experience, these three native Texans have gotten together to form "The Texas Trio". All accomplished musicians in their own right, playing a private party together here and there got them asking themselves if they could perform together as a group on the side. Having their love of traditional country music and Western swing in mind, Kyle, Jason, and John Michael have decided to give it a go and are only in the beginning stages of this project.

Del Castillo Trio

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Del Castillo Trio - Latin Rock

Del Castillo Trio is a cross-cultural power uniting music lovers of all ages, creeds and colors. Their original music blends rock, Latin, blues and world music into a cinematic celebration of sound that lifts your soul. 

“Whether Del Castillo works in Spanish or English, it rocks righteously. The Spanish guitars’ flamenco vibe gives a dramatic flair, abetted by Alex Ruiz’s passionate vocals. They pull together Latin music’s romance and rock’s grit.” says Billboard magazine. 

It started with two brothers, Mark and Rick del Castillo collaborating on a recording project that was initially intended as a gift to their parents and family members for the holiday season. As accomplished electric guitarists in different bands and not having played together, they decided to join forces on acoustic nylon string guitars, creating a rich, romantic, more traditional sound in honor of the Spanish music they grew up listening to at home.  The brothers invited their long time, home-town musical friends to also play on the songs and the music soon came to life. Once the album was finalized, it was titled after their namesake, “Brothers Of The Castle” and they performed their first public concert for family and friends to celebrate the release. 

Their plan was to perform “one night only.” However, the very positive turnout was unlike any of their other bands. From their inception, Del Castillo became something uniquely special and soon the word spread about the new band. The more the band played, the more their audience grew.  They continued writing and recording music, building their repertoire, making more fans and quickly becoming one of Austin’s most recognized bands. One of the instrumental songs from the first album, “Spanish Castle Tango” was later hand picked by Robert Rodriguez and fueled the inspiration for, “Mexico and Mariachis”. Another track from their first album, “Dias de Los Angeles” was placed in the film and soundtrack for “Once Upon A Time In Mexico” starring Johnny Depp, Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. 

The Malpass Brothers

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $75 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $40 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Presented by Aransas County

Malpass Brothers

Traditional Country Music

It was a transformative moment when two young brothers discovered their grandfather Malpass’ LPs collection. Drawn like a moth to a flame, the classic-filled treasure trove from the golden era of traditional country music gathered little dust in the Malpass household. Chris and Taylor studied the brother-harmony bluegrass duos of Jim & Jesse, the Louvin and Wilburn Brothers and bathed in the sounds of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard. It was musical Manna to the boys—there was nothing in the marketplace that fed The Malpass Brothers’ soul more than the music of this bygone era--and they would stay true to it. 

Best known as modern-day troubadours who carry the torch for traditional country music, The Malpass Brothers began singing and playing together professionally at a very young age. Alongside their dad, Chris Malpass Sr., the siblings performed at churches all over the southeast, but they continued to hone their traditional sound by working alongside and amongst the legends. 

Artist Website:

www.themalpassbrothers.com

OPENING ACT

Emma James

Performing from 6:30-7:15PM Out Front of The ROCC (weather permitting)

Emma James is a Texas born and raised singer-songwriter. She has been singing since she was a toddler and frequently put melody to even the most mundane tasks like her elementary math homework. By nine years old, Emma was putting lyrics to melody and entertaining her family. Now, at only 16 years old, she has penned more than 200 original songs. As a multi instrumentalist playing piano, guitar and ukulele, Emma has established herself as a well rounded musician and  a true artist as she continues to hone her craft.

Emma can often be found performing at local Farmer's Markets, Festivals, Art Galleries and various private events. There she shares an engaging mix of classic covers across a variety of genres as well as many of her original songs. However, her favorite place to sing is at her church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.

Emma's sights are set on a career in music as a singer-songwriter in Nashville. She is currently in the midst of writing, composing and recording a multiple song project about a girl's journey towards self discovery.  She knows and loves the power that lyrics and melody have to heal the soul and she desires to share that with the world through her music. Follow along for what is sure to be an exciting journey for Emma James! 

Artist Website:

Emma James (emmajamesmusic.com)

Tish Hinojosa and Friends

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Presented by Aransas County

Tish Hinojosa with Friends :

Marvin Dykhuis - Vocals and Guitar and Chip Dolan - Vocals and Keyboard

Mexican-American Singer Songwriter

Tish Hinojosa is a Mexican-American Singer Songwriter born in San Antonio Texas and living most recently in Austin, Texas. She is the youngest of 13 children born to two Mexican immigrants who, as stated in her song “West Side of Town,” “made a good life the hard way…”

Her songs blend the genres of country, folk and Hispanic music in a way that can only be described as a musical melting pot; unique and insightful.  She sings and writes in Spanish and English and has many bilingual songs, including a full album of children’s songs that has often been used by teachers as a tool for teaching the Spanish language. The Chicago Tribune put it succinctly “Simply put, Hinojosa is a first-class songwriter.”

Hinojosa started playing guitar and singing in her early years of high school at 14. She was influenced by her Mexican parents’ kitchen radio with its eclectic Latino programming, her older sisters sixties records and the seventies folk rock she grew up with.  By the time she started college she was playing gigs at local coffee houses and student gatherings on campus.

Artist Website:

tishhinojosa

Alejandro Vela

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Presented by Aransas County

 Alejandro Vela

Classical Piano

Alejandro Vela has played in 35 countries including major venues in Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Ukraine, Israel, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Japan. Born in the border community of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico; he studied with Hortensia Vela Mante, Robert Avalon, and Yoheved Kaplinsky. He obtained a Bachelor and a Masters degree from the Juilliard School, The Performing Arts Conservatory located at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York. He has performed with the Chicago, Houston, San Francisco Symphony Orchestras, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Antonio, State of Mexico, Xalapa, Santo Domingo, and the Philharmonics of Mexico City, Jalisco, Queretaro and the Desert. He has performed at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, at the Radio Hall in Bucharest, Alice Tully Hall in New York, National Auditorium in Taipei, National Museum of Tokyo, and Juarez Theater of Guanajuato, among others.

Artist Website:

alejandrovela.com

PROGRAM

Ludwig van Beethoven, 1770-1827:

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

(Transcribed by Franz Liszt)

• Allegro con brio

• Andante con moto

• Scherzo

• Allegro

Duration: 40 minutes

Intermission

George Gershwin, 1898-1937:

• Rhapsody in Blue

Astor Piazzolla, 1921-1992:

• Adiós Nonino

Manuel Maria Ponce, 1882-1948:

• Balada Mexicana

Duration: 35 minutes

Will Banister

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Presented by Aransas County

Will Banister

COUNTRY MUSIC

That’s the first thing you need to know about Will Banister. From the state of New Mexico, raised about 20 miles from the Texas line, Will grew up with the sounds of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, George Strait, and Brooks and Dunn blaring through the speakers of his dad’s pickup. This made a huge impact in shaping the sound of Banister’s songs. The lyrics along with the fiddle and steel in Will’s music will have you reminiscing about the days of country radio in the 1990’s, while still sounding fresh with today’s sounds. Will has performed all over the country, in addition to multiple tours in the U.K. and Europe. His latest album “Everything Burns” consists of 11 songs, 10 of which were either written or co-written by Banister, received a 5 star review, and was announced as album of the month in the March of 2020  edition of the U.K. publication Country Music People Magazine. On September 17th, Clint Eastwood's film "Cry Macho" was released to theaters as well as on HBO Max, in which Will performed the opening song entitled "Find A New Home". Find A New Home, which was written by Grammy award winner Mark Mancina, appeared at #2 on the Shazam Discovery chart. On January 27th of 2023, his brand new son "Right Where We Belong" (which was co-written by Roger Springer,J eff Hyde, and Banister) was released. Will has accumulated a social media following consisting of 104k followers on TikTok, 35k on Instagram, over 141k followers on Facebook, and those numbers continue to grow rapidly.

Artist Website:

willbanister.com

Kimmie and Gabriel Rhodes

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Presented by Aransas County

Kimmie and Gabriel Rhodes:

Kimmie Rhodes is a Modern Renaissance Woman. She has a proven array of skills and expertise, from songwriting to gourmet cooking, from playwright to humorist, documentarian to ambassador, and more. A native Texan, she was raised in Lubbock, where she cultivated the spirited mix of talent and determination that still fuels her success. Kimmie was inducted into The West Texas Walk of Fame for her “outstanding contributions  in the field of art music and entertainment” on September 28, 2023.

In her three-decade-plus career, the Austin-based singer-songwriter has released 16 solo albums; written and produced three musical plays; published a novella/cookbook and a memoir; and written many multi-platinum songs, recorded by such stellar artists as Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Joe Ely, Waylon Jennings, Peter Frampton, Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris, and others.

Along the way, she has become an international ambassador for the Buddy Holly Education Foundation, recorded with a host of national treasures; written cookbooks and food articles for national publications, been a costume designer for major motion pictures, and built a strong following in the United States and Europe.

 Personal life:

Kimmie grew up in Lubbock, Texas and began her singing career at the age of six with her family gospel trio. She moved to Austin in 1979, where she met DJ at the legendary KOKE-FM and producer Joe Gracey, an instrumental figure in the Austin progressive country scene, who she eventually married. Joe was her constant companion, muse, bass player and general “partner in crime” until he died of cancer in November 2011.

Artist Website:

kimmierhodes.com

The Axiom Quartet

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

Presented by Aransas County

Presented by Fairfield Inn and Suites

The Axiom Quartet

From Monteverdi to Michael Jackson, the Axiom Quartet is a dynamic professional string quartet based in Houston, TX. The group is known for presenting programs mixing classical string quartet repertoire, transcriptions, contemporary compositions, popular rock, electronic, indie, jazz, and pop genres in a single concert experience. Behind these programming choices are Axiom's belief that concerts that treat these genres with equal reverence can turn classical fans towards extraordinary popular music while serving as classical music advocates to those who normally do not attend classical concerts. As a result, many of their concerts are sold out. Since 2017, Axiom has been the Quartet-in-Residence for the School of Music at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX. They are also the primary outreach ambassador for Chamber Music Houston where they frequently perform around the Houston metroplex to engage area youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Axiom's touring schedule has ranged from Texas highways to international airports. In addition to annual concerts at the Cave Without a Name in the Texas Hill Country, Axiom has recently given multi-city tours of both the midwestern US and given a two-week tour of China. Photo by Lynn Lane.

Repertoire For Friday Night:

Grażyna Bacewicz String Quartet 4

1. Andante/Allegro Molto

 Audioslave (Chris Cornell) Arr. Lorento Golofeev

"Like a Stone"

 Florence Price Five Songs in Counterpoint 

I. Adagio vigoroso: Calvary

 Beethoven Op. 130 String Quartet in B-flat Major

II. Presto

 Charles Ives

String quartet 1 “From the Salvation Army

II. Prelude: Allegro

 Fleetwood Mac (Christine McVie, Eddie Quintela) arr. Karl Blench

Little Lies

 15 minute intermission:

 Second half 33'

Bob Dylan “Wagon wheel” 

 Samuel Barber String Quartet in B minor, Op.11

II. Adagio 

 Foreigner(Mick Jones) arr. Lorento Golofeev

“I want to know what love is” 

 Beethoven Op. 130 String Quartet in B-flat Major

IV. Alla danza tedesca: Allegro assai 

 Dua Lipa (Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson, Stephen Kozmeniuk, DeBaby) arr. Lorento Golofeev 

“Levitating” 

 Charles Ives

String quartet # 1 “From the Salvation Army

IV. Postlude: Allegro marziale 

Artist Website:

axiomquartet.com

BillyRay Sheppard and The Heritage Big Band

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

BillyRay Sheppard and The Heritage Big Band

BILLYRAY SHEPPARD

CONTEMPORARY SMOOTH JAZZ

BillyRay Sheppard is a jazz saxophonist who has lived in San Antonio Texas for many years. He is a proud graduate of Fox Tech High School and St. Mary’s University. Soon after academic life, he pursued many different avenues in the field of music. He has been performing since the 80's, and his musical roots run deep; having his earliest musical experiences in Blues, R & B, Reggae, Latin, Tejano and Country bands. It's his love for music that has kept him grounded and his love for jazz that keeps him performing.

BillyRay is a first-call smooth jazz performer, having shared his talents on stage with notable genre stars such as Steve Oliver, Peter White, Adam Hawley, Will Donato, and Darryl Williams. He's also performed with Roy Hargrove, Johnny Bush, Julio Iglesias, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many more. With his saxophone's rich, warm, soulful tone, he has made a name for himself on both the local and national music scene.

In November 2017, BillyRay released his debut CD entitled "Silk", co-written and produced by guitarist Steve Oliver. The album contains the single "Heels and Pearls" which has reached the TOP 20 airplay chart on smooth jazz radio.

For the past five years BillyRay has produced a very popular monthly "Second Sunday” Smooth Jazz series in San Antonio. These concerts, performed by BillyRay and his band, serve charity organizations in and around the community. To date, these charity events have successfully gifted over $40,000 in donations to deserving non-profit organizations throughout the community.

The Music Series receives government support from Aransas County.

Paul English Quartet

An Evening of Jazz

A CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

PAUL ENGLISH

COMPOSER, PIANIST, PRODUCER, AND EDUCATOR

Paul English is an internationally recognized composer, pianist, producer and educator. He has performed and recorded with jazz greats Arnett Cobb, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Liebman as well as with country legends Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Johnny Bush. He has composed music for film, theatre, choral groups, symphony and chamber orchestras and his own performing ensembles.

The Paul English Quartet features long-time Houston jazz leader and pianist, Paul English, along with David Caceres on saxophone and vocals, Rankin Peters on bass and vocals, Tim Solook on drums.  This is sure to be an amazing evening of jazz!

Sponsored by Valley Keyboards & The Piano Gallery https://valleykeyboards.com/

Sponsored by Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott marriott.com/rockport

Tom Kimmel

Award winning songwriter, entertainer, speaker, poet and teacher.

A CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $50 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $25 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

TOM KIMMEL

SINGER, SONGWRITER, ENTERTAINER, POET AND TEACHER

Since 1980 dozens of Tom’s compositions have been recorded by a host of major artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, Joe Cocker and Randy Travis. They’ve been featured in films from Twins to Serendipity and Runaway Bride, and in television shows from Miami Vice to Touched by anAngel. 

An award-winning artist in his own right, he has released seven solo albums, published a book of poems and led songwriting workshops and classes across the US and in Europe.

Once an eclectic rock and roller, Tom found his voice as a singer-songwriter while touring with Nanci Griffith in the early 90’s. A New Folk winner at the Kerrville Folk Festival in ’93, he began performing solo, stressing a lean, acoustic approach to his music and bringing a humorous spirit to his poetry and storytelling.

After releasing two critically praised major label albums (in ’87 and ’90), Tom released his first independent album, Bones, in 1994. It was followed by Short Stories, which featured guest performances by Emmylou Harris, the Fairfield Four, Jerry Douglas and other Nashville luminaries. Then came Shallow Water, a collection of spirit-centered songs and hymns, and Light ofDay, fourteen raw vocal-guitar tracks recorded in Tom’s home studio. Never Saw Blue, an anthology of TK songs featured in film and TV is his most recent release.

Other TK projects include well-received records written and recorded with three trios:  The Sherpas (1998) (with Tom Prasada-Rao and Michael Lille), The Waymores (2013) (with Don Henry and Sally Barris), and The New Agrarians (2014) (with Kate Campbell and Pierce Pettis).

A self-described “closet poet” until the publication of his collection The Sweetest & The Meanest, Tom has been a featured writer at book festivals and writing retreats, and his poems have been published in a number of  poetry and literary journals.

In demand as a songwriting teacher and lecturer, Tom offers workshop instruction tying the creative spirit to the nuts and bolts of composition.

Bottom line: Now into his sixth decade making music, Tom Kimmel is a unique artist who continues to write, record, entertain and inspire at the highest levels!

Two for Texas Art

Marcia Ball and Gordon Fowler

A CONCERT AND A POP UP ART EXHIBITION IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $60 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $30 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

MARCIA BALL

RYTHM AND BLUES SINGER AND PIANIST

Award-winning pianist, songwriter, and vocalist Marcia Ball has won worldwide fame for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse party every time she takes the stage. Born in Orange, Texas and raised in Vinton, Louisiana, Ball’s deep Acadian heritage and a lifetime of absorbing and performing Gulf Coast rhythm and blues is evident in her original songs and the classics she chooses to cover. This has made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music lovers everywhere. With each new release, her reputation as a profoundly soulful singer, a boundlessly talented pianist and a courageous, inventive songwriter continues to grow. Her love of the road has led to years of soul-satisfying performances at festivals, concert halls and clubs.

Presented by Roxann Day

Sponsored by Valley Keyboards & The Piano Gallery https://valleykeyboards.com/

GORDON FOWLER

PAINTER

Gordon Fowler is a native Texan, born in Austin ,TX where he currently lives with his rhythm and blues musician wife Marcia Ball.  Fowler served as a Marine combat correspondent in Vietnam where he was awarded two Purple Heart medals. He attended Schreiner Institute (1961) and University of Texas at Austin (1968).  Fowler has studied with Clay McGaughy (Kerrville) among others and has done printmaking at Slugfest Press and Flatbed Press.  His work has received awards from Waterloo Watercolor Group (1976), Louisiana Watercolor Society (1995), Masters of Montana (2000), and others.  Fowler taught Watercolor at Austin Museum and the University of Texas at Austin as well as many oil painting workshops and lectures. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums from Santa Fe to Kennebunkport and throughout Texas. 

“I have painted the Texas Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau outside of Austin for the last fifty years. I like to push my artwork toward a degree of abstraction, which I call ‘painterly realism’.”

Adagio String Quartet

IN CONCERT IN THE RANDALL EWING KEMPER HALL

VIP TICKETS: $50 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $25 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

The Adagio String Quartet is a highly acclaimed musical ensemble that has been captivating audiences throughout the Coastal Bend and Texas for over a decade. With a rich history of performing at hundreds of special events, as well as providing inspiring music for numerous churches, the quartet has become a highly sought-after musical group for a variety of occasions.

Over the years, the Adagio String Quartet has remained dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience to their listeners. Their style has evolved over time, with the group incorporating modern equipment and techniques to produce a fully-rounded sound that incorporates vocals and improvisation. They have adapted to the ever-changing musical landscape by incorporating pop music into their repertoire, adding a contemporary and fresh twist to their performances.

Whether on stage or in a private setting, the Adagio String Quartet's music is characterized by a bright and powerful vitality that soothes and excites audiences alike. Their performances are marked by a crisp character that showcases the immense talent and passion of each member of the quartet.

Program Includes:

Mozart Divertimento K. 136 

Mozart Divertimento K. 137

Haydn - String Quartet op. 64 No. 5 "The Lark"

Mozart String Quartet No. 19 "Dissonance", K. 465. 

Johnsmith

IN CONCERT AT THE ROCC

VIP TICKETS: $50 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $25 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

About Johnsmith:

Johnsmith is one of those artists so often under-recognized – he possesses a genius that cannot be denied, ignored, or overlooked. For the past forty-plus years, Johnsmith has been sharing his music all across America and abroad. He has become a favorite at festivals, clubs, and house concerts alike. In addition to being a Kerrville New Folk Winner, Johnsmith has released nine solo CDs to rave reviews, leads musical tours to Ireland, leads Idaho rafting trips, teaches songwriting, and has served as a staff songwriter in Nashville.

With his faded jeans, his twinkly blue eyes, and his infectious smile, John immediately connects with audiences. You get the sense of a man who loves his life, his family and friends, and who loves nothing more than sharing that love in song and stories all across this land.

Johnsmith will perform at The ROCC (106 S Austin St. Rockport, TX) on February 10, 2023 at 7:30PM.

Sara Hickman

IN CONCERT AT THE ROCC

VIP TICKETS: $50 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND INTIMATE SEATING AT COCKTAIL TABLE)
GA TICKETS: $25 (ADMISSION TO CONCERT AND FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEATS)

About Sara Hickman:

Official Texas State Musician Sara Hickman has been recording, performing and touring since 1988. With over 20 albums, two appearances on the Tonight Show and multiple awards for her songwriting and philanthropy, Sara is internationally known for her Grammy nominated and award winning pop/folk music. Through her music, Sara has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for a multitude of non-profits including Habitat for Humanity, SAFE, SPCA, the Ugandan Fistula Fund, House the Homeless, Sanford Community Center, Tanner Romanian Mission, Hill Country Youth Ranch and many others.

Growing up in Houston with visual artists for parents. As a teenager, Sara became a volunteer performing music for youth in psych units. This led to her working as a professional music and art therapist, receiving a lifetime achievement award from The National Association of Music Therapists. Sara graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in painting.

Sara has acted in films, on stage, and sung national commercials, including 12 years with Popeye’s — yes, that was her singing "Love That Chicken From Popeyes"!— and she teaches classes on songwriting, creativity, the music industry, and enjoys being an inspirational speaker.

In 2019, Sara became the volunteer executive director to restore a 1928 building in Palacios, TX, formerly known as the Palacios Colored School. The building served as the school during segregation until 1964. Sara led a team effort to turn the historical school into The Sanford Community Center, named after one of the founders and teachers.  Sara donated over $13,000 in proceeds from the sales of her Texas Musicians Coloring Book, a project that took her two years to hand draw! 

She is also the proud mom to two amazing kids.

Sara and her band The #5 Machine will perform at The ROCC (106 S Austin St. Rockport, TX) on January 13, 2023 at 7:30PM.