Evening Entertainment
Music
Perhaps you’ve had an idyllic day of swimming at Blue Hole, or frolicked along the banks of the Blanco River. You’re back at your home-away-from-home digs in one of Wimberley’s myriad of comfortable lodging locales, but you really feel the urge for some evening fun to cap off the perfect day.
We have a few suggestions.
The Wimberley Bluegrass Jam
For nearly three decades, musicians from all over the Texas Hill Country have assembled in a vacant lot, located next to Linda’s Fine Foods on RR 2326, directly across the street from Katherine Anne Porter School. The location, just behind a local residence, was once a restaurant, but today, it is abandoned, except every Friday night. That’s when the area simply comes alive with the sounds of flat-picking, banjo licks, fiddle playing and mandolin prowess. Voices join in harmony and unison with old standards like “Rocky Top,” “Fox on the Run,” “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Man of Constant Sorrow.” This, friends, is the Bluegrass Jam, and it is Wimberley at its very best. It is a “come one, come all” adventure, and the musicianship is typically very, very good. This will come as no surprise to the true bluegrass faithful. This uniquely American-music requires extraordinarily proficient skill, often on par with other genres that receive more acclaim for expertise.
It is always free and the fun starts around 7:30 p.m. and frequently lasts well past midnight.
At the center of it all is a Wimberley original: Mandolin player Mike Bond. For years, Bond labored as an expert stonemason, but every Friday, he was joined by an increasingly large group of fellow musicians for the weekly jam. And the musicians have plenty of fans. Folks come from all over to join in the family-fun. All listeners and musicians alike are welcome. The older musicians frequently tutor the younger ones. Such was the case with Sarah Jarosz, who first started showing up to the bluegrass jam when she was about 9 years old. Just this past year she signed a national recording contract.
It is all quite informal, and a rollicking good time. There is no event in the Texas Hill Country that compares.
Clifford's Original Wine Bar
For the wine lover, there’s no better way to end an evening than with a fine selection from a good cellar. Clifford’s Original Wine Bar may be just the thing.
Located on the outskirts of Wimberley on Ranch Road 12 (on your right, coming from the square), Clifford’s was inspired by the budding wine industry ripening in Central Texas. In addition to interesting selections, owners Lisa Machac and Kathy and Rodney Jones have crafted an easy-going atmosphere, with a comfortable interior, and two great decks from which to enjoy you vino, as well as an intimate setting that is just perfect for conversation. That same intimate setting also works beautifully for their nice collection of micro-brew beers. Don’t hesitate to savor Clifford’s delicious appetizers and dessert offerings while you are there.
Clifford’s hosts a variety of events from book signings to wine tastings, and they have live entertainment every Saturday night from 8-10 p.m.
To learn more about Clifford’s, call 512-847-WINE (9463).
PLEASE NOTE THAT CLIFFORD'S HAS UNDERGONE A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AND WILL RE-OPEN IN JUNE AS IKE'S BEER AND WINE BAR. FURTHER UPDATES WILL BE PROVIDED AS WE RECEIVE INFORMATION.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies Poetry Jam
Gourmet coffees and natural smoothies are an essential part of the modern landscape, and in Wimberley, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies is an ideal place to enjoy fine brewed coffee or sweet smoothies.
Located just off the Wimberley Square on Ranch Road 12, on your right in front of Brookshire Brothers Groceries, Maui Wowi is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
On the first Thursday of every month, the coffee bar offers an “open mic night” from 6-9 p.m. While it is primarily aimed at youth, patrons will be surprised by the quality of talent that makes its way across the stage at each and every “YAPI,” as it is fondly named. On the second and fourth Thursdays of every month, from 7-9 p.m., get ready to take a trip back in time to the old days of beatnik coffee bars as a poetry round robin review” is held for all comers. It is an event that harkens back to the glory days of Alan Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William S. Bourroughs and John Clellon Holmes. Snap your fingers in approval.
The Round Robin Review is rapidly growing in popularity, and attracting some of the finest poets and writers in the valley, and Wimberley boasts excellent talent at every turn. Always different, each show entertains with fresh and original works featured by talent from all over the Texas Hill Country.
If this sounds like your bag, call 512-847-6215
The Wimberley Players
Wimberley boasts an active community theatre that has recently constructed a new theatre located at 450 Old Kyle Road, which intersects with Ranch Road 12 at the Square. Coming from the Square, the theatre will be on the right.
The theatre has an exciting season on tap that includes Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten’s “Christmas Belle’s” from Nov. 28-Dec. 14; Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” from Feb. 6- March 1; Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies,” from April 17-May 3; Anthony Newley’s “Stop the World, I Want To Get Off,” from July 31-Aug. 25.
Don’t be surprised if the quality of the productions is on par with larger, professional acting companies, these actors understand that “the play is the thing,” as Shakespeare observed.
Call the box office at 512-847-0575 to find out about tickets and production schedules.
Emily Ann Theatre
Emily Ann Theatre is home to annual events like Butterfly Day, the Holiday Trail of Lights, Summer Musicals, as well as a Veteran’s Memorial. It features winding, and meticulously kept trails that are a great place for a quiet walk with Mother Nature. The theatre grounds are proof that something positive can come out of tragedy. Founders Norm and Ann Rollings began the theatre in the 1990s after their daughter perished in a tragic car accident. The theatre now bears her name.
Every holiday season, Emily Ann takes part in the “Hill Country Trail of Lights,” which spans several communities. But none outdoes Emily Ann, which embraces all religions and cultures in an effort that community volunteers participate in. The hill that marks the summit of the grounds, one of two that were named for the daughters of a local rancher at the turn of the century, “Edna,” now bears a flag pole where an annual Christmas sing-a-long is held and sports a Christmas tree of lights. At the base of the hill on the theatre grounds, a “Yule Log” burns where visitors can come and enjoy a roaring fire, a cup of hot cocoa, roast marshmallows and hot dogs, and enjoy the warm fellowship of others during the season.
Beginning each Memorial Day weekend, a Summer Musical is produced. Plans for the next season have not been finalized at this writing, but the productions attract patrons from all over Central Texas
Shakespeare under the Stars, the largest outdoor Shakespeare summer camp of its kind is in the first week of August. Theatergoers are always shocked at the high quality of the productions. The 2009 season will mark Emily Ann’s 20th season of Shakespeare under the Stars.
We are going to mention one daytime event in this section because no local event is more unique that Butterfly Day. It draws thousands of visitors each year. Local businesses, schools and organizations will actually hatch butterflies in specially designed cages, and then they are set free throughout the day. This year, Butterfly Day will be held April 18 from 1 a.m.-4 p.m.
There are a host of veteran’s events that are held annually as well.
Find out more about events and hours of operation by calling 512-847-6969.
Bingo at VFW Hall
Every Friday night, folks from all over the Hill Country converge on the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, Post 6441, on Jacob’s Well Road, just outside Wimberley, to take part in a simple game of chance.
Bingo!
Jacobs Well Road is approximately three miles North of Wimberley to the left. The VFW Hall is just a about a quarter mile on the left. Regular Bingo round starts at 7:45.
Bingo is a pretty laid-back affair in the truest Wimberley tradition (that is unless your numbers line up).
There is a wide variety of different winning Bingo formulas just to keep it interesting during the evening. Bring a photo ID in case you hit the big one. Bingo players are a friendly lot who will be more than glad to talk you through any bingo problems you might have. If you want the full small town experience, take advantage of the cheap but tasty hot dogs at the concession stand. This is true Americana and should not be missed if you are with the kids.
For more information about Bingo, call 512-847-6441.
Susanna's Kitchen
Susanna’s Kitchen is a uniquely “Wimberley” experience. It is a coffeehouse experience held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. and is open to the public during the concert season May through September. Tickets are available at the door and are typically $15 for adults. Child care is free. Tickets are $5 for children under 18.
Susanna’s Kitchen commonly features some of the finest songwriters in the Southwest. Regular performers include Alejandro Escovedo, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Susan Gibson, Willis Alan Ramsey, and many others.
The fun includes pie from the famed Wimberley Pie Company, organic coffee from Hill Country Natural Foods, and hot tamales are available. It is a smoke-free, alcohol-free venue.
Susanna’s Kitchen is held at the Wimberley United Methodist Church. From the Wimberley Square, head South (toward San Marcos) and turn right on County Road 1492. The road is clearly marked and the church is on the left hand corner.
For more information, call 512-847-3109.
Blue Rock Artist's Studio
Blue Rock Artist’s Studio is a relatively new addition to the Wimberley arts scene — and oh what an addition! The home of Billy and Dodee Crockett, this 7,400 square foot musician’s retreat and home and is a drop-jaw venue, to put it mildly.
Blue Rock contains a world-class, state-of-the-art recording studio that has opened its doors to regular concerts every second Thursday of the month except July and August.. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. A $25 donation is suggested. Coffees, teas and desserts are served.
Folks, this is an experience that should not be missed, featuring the finest musicians anywhere in a setting that is second to none. Artists from Ruthie Foster to Susan Werner have been featured in recent concerts.
The house is magnificent — encased in weathered limestone and includes the remains of an early 19th century garden — it is a sight to behold.
If you are looking for a unique evening, this will fit the bill nicely.
You will find the latest information at www.events.bluerocktexas.com
Corral Theatre
In the complicated world in which we live simplicity beckons many of us back to the days of another era. We know from experience that genuine nostalgia is hard to find. But between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it can be had under the stars at Wimberley’s Corral Theatre.
This unique, small town movie-going experience has been America’s only walk-in, sit-down outdoor movie theatre since 1948. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night during the summer, the Corral offers a slate of first run movies for the entire family.
Owner Mary Anderson’s slate of mainly PG-13 movies always begins at sunset, known locally as “dark-thirty”. This is an experience you do not want to miss.
At $5 a ticket with 75-cent-per-box popcorn, the Corral is a bargain by any standard. It has always been that way, dating back to when twin brothers Roy and Ray Avey opened it almost 58 years ago. In those days, admission was nine cents for children and 24 cents for adults.
At the Corral, while seats are provided, many patrons bring lawn chairs and blankets. Folks plop down where they please and often come in large parties or make it a family outing. The bleachers, by custom, are reserved for teenagers.
To find the Corral, just make your way to F.M. 3237 (The Kyle Highway). A couple of miles up the road from the town turn right on Flite Acres Road. The theatre is on the corner. Call 512-847-2547 to find out what is showing.