Second Sunday

I didn’t think I’d be writing again so soon, but yesterday was too good not to write about.

The visitor center of any town we’re at for awhile is usually our first stop, and so it was when we got to Bandera. The people who work at visitor centers are so nice and know exactly what direction to point visitors in, depending on what they’re looking for. We had been to the one here on our second or third day in town, just to get general information about the area. But we went there again last week and asked specifically about live music. It just so happened that something called “Second Sunday” was being held this weekend at the Frontier Times Museum, five blocks from our RV park, and we were encouraged to go.

We were recovering from spending the previous day in New Braunfels (about an hour and a half away) with our son and his family, to include our grandsons, Wiley, 4, and Remy, 1. We were reminded of how much energy it takes to keep up with little ones, and we were exhausted when we finally got home. So I was quite surprised that Dave suggested we walk to the museum. And this was after we’d just returned from washing the truck! For some reason, he’s lots more active and walks a whole lot more when we’re traveling. And that’s a good thing!

We have not had a chance to explore this museum yet, but from what little I saw on the way to being ushered to the performance, I definitely want to go back when we have a couple hours to wander. The venue started at one o’clock and by the time we got there, all but three seats were taken. I counted at least fifteen musicians who’d gathered for a little un-orchestrated fun. Since we were in the very back, I had a clear view of only half of the performers: five guitarists (including one 12-string), one banjo player, someone playing a mandolin, a cello, and a bass fiddle. A violinist, a fiddle player, someone on the harmonica, and more guitarists also played, but we couldn’t see them as well. All but two musicians were men, and every one sang.

For more than three hours we and about twenty others were entertained at this most intimate of concerts. I was astounded at the ease with which the performance unfolded. These musicians had not practiced together; today was simply an invitation to get together and play. Literally and figuratively. And they were GOOD! One performer would start and eventually others would join in, on cue it seemed and so effortlessly. One song after another after another it went on. Songs of various genres–country, gospel, Southern rock. What an awesome afternoon! And it was free!

Only once was it mentioned that next month’s Second Sunday would feature a young local woman who had somehow benefited from these performances through scholarship. In a very discreet way, the message was conveyed that donations for today’s performance would surely be appreciated. Glancing at the jar perched on top of a dresser nearby, I’d say the scholarship fund got quite a boost yesterday.

Thanks to visitors centers, we find out about local happenings we might’ve ordinarily passed up. That’s how we ended up at the Bandera County Livestock Show last Thursday. But that’s a whole other blog! Suffice it to say that this little town of 957 residents has more than its share to keep us busy for the next few weeks. I doubt there’s ever a dull moment. In fact, this Thursday is COWBOY CAMP. I can’t wait to find out what that’s about!


Comments

Second Sunday — 1 Comment

Leave a Reply