Evening Star
Enjoyed a fabulous Friday evening last week at the kick-off of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum’s annual Music Under the Star concert series. Now in its sixth season, the mid-summer series draws hundreds—blankets and camp chairs in tow—to the museum plaza (at MLK and Congress in Austin) for an evening of outdoor music and free food—all in the shadow of the plaza’s signature 10-ton bronze star. We prepared for the 100-plus temperatures by bringing plenty of water, but to our pleasant surprise, the plaza proved well shaded and bearable by late afternoon. (Exploring the fascinating museum—free admission during the event from 6 to 9 p.m.—provided respite, as well.) Our feast on Rudy’s barbecue, Sweet Leaf Tea, and Blue Bell Ice Cream was set to the sweet sounds of Austin Blues Society blues harp players and R&B icon Miss Lavelle White. (Fun note: The show started with a harmonica workshop and free harmonicas for the kids.) The musical lineup for future Fridays includes Toni Price, Tiburon (including salsa lessons), and Doyle Bramhall.
July 14th, 2009 at 9:20 am
The concept of music under the stars is so simple, but it’s also simply the best, and this one sounds great. I’ll have to check it out. Fortunately, for those not in Austin, there are plenty of free outdoor music concert series across the state. I know El Paso has its Music Under the Stars at the Chamizal National Memorial. Houston has its Miller Outdoor Theater. There so much more. Can someone share information about other outdoor concert series in the state?
July 20th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Galveston Summer Band Concert
When: Every Tuesday, June-Aug 11th 7:30 – 9pm
Where: Sealy Pavilion24th & Sealy
Don’t miss Galveston Summer Band Concerts, every Tuesday this summer at Sealy Gazebo. This year, the concert series will boast new children’s maracas, thanks to Hurricane Ike, and a renewed commitment to bring Galveston families together.
“I think because of Hurricane Ike, there will be more people coming to this than before,” said Frank G. Incaprera, who has directed the concert program 47 years now. “This is Americana. … This is American families.”
Incaprera, 85, will lead the 22-piece Galveston Beach Band in the weekly performances each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Sealy Pavilion. The group includes four other octogenarians, some Houston-area commuters, several school band directors and a college intern — all professional musicians.
Each Tuesday night, through Aug. 11, the band will perform patriotic, Big Band, Latin, Broadway, rock and classic music in quick numbers to keep toes tapping and children dancing. This is a Galveston tradition that dates to 1928.
“It’s like you’ve stepped back in time,” Alice O’Quin, a volunteer at the nearby Galveston Visitor’s Center, said. “You look around and there are people Frank’s age, who remember coming to concerts as children in the 1930s. … And, you see young families there now, just like there were then.”
This year’s program will include:
• The traditional bugle call, Pledge of Allegiance and flag-waving children on parade to “Stars and Stripes Forever”
• A Latin-themed number accompanied by children playing maracas on stage
• “YMCA” and other crowd participation numbers
• More than 20 marches, Big Band pieces, Academy Award-winning songs and other pieces adapted to create a different, fast-paced program each week
• Guest directors
Incaprera has helped coordinate the program since 1962, a sideline to his work for the Army Corps of Engineers for 40 years, and his current job as general manager of the Galveston County Navigation District. Like his father, who played in the original band, Incaprera is an accomplished musician and horn player.
He played with the U.S. Army Band during World War II, then for Houston “big time dance bands” and his own groups. Galveston is his favorite venue.
“I enjoy the people,” he said. “This is my town. I’ve been in 35 different states with the Corps of Engineers, and there’s no place like Galveston.”
Hurricane Ike damaged his home and destroyed the collection of maracas for children. Floodwaters also damaged his sheet music, so he has been busy making new copies and searching for replacements.
But canceling the summer series was never an option, Incaprera stressed.
“Not a day has gone by since the storm when somebody hasn’t come up and asked me about the concerts,” he said.
Benches provided. Mosquito spray recommended. Admission is free.
July 21st, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa hosts free concerts for its guests during the busy summer months. There are 4 more outdoor concerts scheduled this summer including Guy Forsyth, Nelo, Two Tons of Steel and Seth Walker. Go to their website visitlostpines.com and check out the concert schedule. If you are planning a Texas vacation, this is a great place to go with lots of activities for the entire family including golf, spa, horseback riding, river rafting, floating in the Crooked River Pool and so much more. The concerts are just the icing on the cake after a wonderful day at the resort.