Despite early morning rain clouds, the seventh annual Blanco River Songwriter Festival went off without a hitch, boasting a well-curated list of performers Nine musical acts took the stage in the historic Fischer Hall, an expansive wood building built at the turn of last century by a master carpenter from New Braunfels. According to Fischer historian Lewis Smith, Al Kloepper was known for crafting strong and graceful arches which continue to distinguish the hall’s vaulted ceiling. Spacious with wood floors and large barntype windows, the building was a fitting partner for the event’s acoustics. More than one person compared the building to the inside of a guitar.
Solo performer Ian Lee opened the festival with “Blackbird,” a Beatles tune, and set the mood for his next song, a slow and jazzy “Seasons of the Heart.”
Outside, the morning rain ended and ushered in a cool afternoon. Organizers guided guests through the check-in process past a table of posters and t-shirts with directions to food and drink stations nearby.
Lee was followed by Tina Wilkins — who performed with keyboard player Ron Flynt. The audience entered an effortless slipstream with her vocals on “Spirit is Ageless.” She was joined on stage at times by Bill Small and Bart de Win, pianist and producer on her last three albums. For “Evergreen,” she was joined by Marian Brackney, who coaxed a harmony from her violin for the number.
In the spirit of a house concert and long-awaited reunion, the musicians joked with the crowd, helped each other move equipment between acts, told tales and shared their love of what they do.
Bill Small claimed the stage next with his lament, “Train,” accompanied by de Win on accordion and Brackney on violin. He ended his set with “There’s A Light” from his album, The Next Time, which was released in 2010. Joined by Tina Wilkins on vocals, the crowd rewarded them with a standing ovation.
At 2 p.m., former lawyer Terry Klein, known for “Does the Fish Feel the Knife?” came onstage. He charmed the crowd with “Kate and Matthew’s Song” and “Dull Women Keep Immaculate Homes” from his 2022 album, Great Northern. He quipped he’d “walked into songwriter heaven today.”
So the festival continued, with performances by Heather Little, Jimmy Davis, Drew Kennedy and Tip Jar. When Grammy nominated Americana musician John Fullbright came onstage at 7:30 p.m., the hall was filled to capacity.
Fullbright immediately took command of the stage and cranked up the volume. In short order, he performed “The Corner of Satan & St. Paul,” “Me Wanting You,” and “Gawd Above” followed by songs from his 2022 album, The Liar. “Where We Belong,” a tender love song, seemed to be particularly well received. Characteristically terse, his performance changed the energy from loose and friendly to deeply impassioned. With a guitar solo by sideman Stephen Lee, “All the Time in the World” brought the crowd to their feet.
The annual songwriter festival supports the Blanco River Academy in Wimberley. A private, nonprofit school for students in grades five through nine, the proceeds raise money for a tuition- assistance program. Head of School Kristie Kimbell said the “festival grew out of our appreciation of music and our love for the many singer-songwriters that we know.”
The Blanco River Academy is located off FM 3237 on the road to Blue Hole Regional Park. It promotes an environmental stewardship program, based on the principles of academic rigor and whole child development. To learn more, visit blancoriveracademy. org.
