January 7th, 2011
The Weekend: After the holidays, before the semester, in between

The inimitable Scott Biram will be at the Triple Crown on Saturday night.

By HAP MANSFIELD
Scene Editor

Well, it’s that time of year again when the holidays are over, the winter is at its grimmest and life seems just a tad colorless. Putting away the holiday decorations always seems so sad, doesn’t it? Almost as sad, we suppose, as that reindeer sweater you got from Aunt I-keep-forgetting-how-old-you-are that cannot be returned. It’s the thought that counts, right?

We are very lucky to be in Texas for the winter slump and doldrums because every once in a while that big old Texas sun fills the land will glad shining rays. But even we have our lugubrious grey days.

There are things you can do to brighten these somewhat soggy and droopy post-holiday weeks, and one thing is to go see some live music, which is something we have in blessed abundance. Here are a few suggestions for where to find it and a few other diversions.

Friday, January 7

The weekend starts out with music at the Triple Crown (206 North Edward Gary Street) from the Rick Lugo Band at 6 p.m. The band has a brand new release due out, “Flight of the Spirits,” and will be announcing its CD release showcase slated for the Triple Crown on Feb. 4. The band’s smooth, contemporary Latin sound is mesmerizing.

It might be a good night to head over to the Wimberley VFW (Veterans Park on Jacobs Well Road) for a little bingo action. The early bird game starts at 7:15 p.m. and the regular game starts at 8 p.m. The game features great prizes and interesting company. The Ladies Auxiliary sells tasty snacks for your mid-bingo refreshment, as well.

The Gray Horse Saloon (1904 RR 12) will showcase the considerable talents of Chasca tonight. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, that you’ll never see another band quite like Chasca. The band’s contemporary take on the glam sound is refreshing and astounding.

The Cheatham Street Warehouse features Curtis Grimes tonight. Grimes had a baseball scholarship at Centenary College a few years back, but he decided he’d rather write hits than bat them, which is lucky for music lovers. His band has opened for Kenny Chesney and has appeared with Wade Bowen and Kevin Fowler, just to name a couple. The music will start up around 9 p.m.

Every once in a while, you’ve got to go find some music for your feet — you know, foot-stompin’, toe tappin’, dancin’ stuff. Beat your feet to see Dale Watson at Riley’s Tavern (8894 FM 1102) tonight. Watson plays a rootsy, classic country sound with the confidence that comes with knowing who you are and digging it. His band flows a river of honky tonk that Watson’s strong voice floats upon nicely. Your feet, and your ears, will thank you.

The Triple Crown’s stage will be full tonight with the Young Maths, Buzz n’ Bangs, Chalk Talk and Loofa and Madd Mike. There will still be room for you, though, and you’ll hear some pretty hot rock music starting up around 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 8

The San Marcos Nature Center (430 Riverside Drive) has a family of amphibians, arachnids, fish, reptiles and mammals just waiting for you to visit. The outdoor “wildscapes” have subtle winter charms, too. They are open today from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Bring the whole family and after your nature trip, you could grab a snack at Herbert’s Taco Hut right across the street. Fun afternoon!

Another fun activity for the afternoon might be a trip to the Wimberley Glassworks (6469 RR 12). You can see glassblowing demonstrations and see the works in progress for no charge. Just call (800) 929-6686 to verify demonstration times. There are loads of gorgeous glass pieces to look at and possibly treat yourself to, also.

Texas State opens up Southland Conference play today as the men’s basketball team takes on Northwestern State at Strahan Coliseum. Texas State is riding a two-game winning streak, having just won, 82-70, over Texas-Pan American this week. General admission tickets are $10. Tipoff is at 4 p.m.

Riley’s Tavern has a brand new stage and appearing on it tonight is the awesome Joel Hoffman Band. Hearing Hoffman’s band at the classic Texas roadhouse is a great way to start out the year.

The Houston-based Hunter McKithan Band will be at the Cheatham Street Warehouse tonight. The musicians are fine purveyors of bluesy Southern country rock. Joining them will be Nick Verzoza.

The one-man musical tornado that is Scott Biram will be at the Triple Crown tonight. His shows are legendary for their intensity and gutsy blasts of music and chutzpah. Don’t let all the smoke and blaze fool you, though. He’s a pretty sensitive songwriter when he wants to be. He’s an unforgettable experience.

Sunday, January 9

The “First Family of Hill Country Music” the Ash Family, will be at the Cheatham Street Warehouse this afternoon from 4-8 p.m. There’s no pleasanter way to spend a late Sunday afternoon than listening to the sweet harmonies of the Ash Family.

Of course, you can always trip the light fantastic at the Geronimo VFW (6808 Highway 123 ) Sunday afternoon dance from 3-6:30 p.m. The Countrymen Band will perform. The kitchen opens at 2 p.m. if you ‘d like a home-made sandwich before you dance.  A $7 donation is collected at the door. All proceeds go to the post’s veterans programs.

This afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens will play the Kansas City Chiefs at noon on CBS and the Green Bay Packers will play the Philadelphia Eagles at 3:30 p.m. on Fox as the NFL playoffs finish out their first weekend.

If your New Year’s resolution is to become a singing star, or if you just feel like singin’, the mics are open tonight at both Riley’s Tavern and the Triple Crown.

The newest in the line of Fox Sunday night animation, Bob’s Burgers, premiers tonight. The brainchild of Loren Bouchard (Dr. Katz, Home Movies), it features the always amusing talents of H. Jon Benjamin.

On USA, you can watch “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” at 7 p.m. or you can watch “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” at 7 p.m. on FX. Both sequels leave a little something to be desired, but the special effects in both are fun to watch.