TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021

Daniel Hsu will be playing “three very serious pieces” during his UMHB performance this Saturday night, including works by Robert Schumann, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Liszi.

Hsu ready for live recital at UMHB

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

Classical music returns to a Bell County stage Saturday night with a Van Cliburn recital by renowned pianist Daniel Hsu.

Hsu, the bronze medalist in the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will be performing at 7:30 p.m. in the Mayborn Performing Arts Center at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

The recital is part of the 2021-22 season of the Temple Symphony Orchestra, however the actual orchestra doesn’t perform until its Dec. 4 Holiday Concert at Temple High School.

Hsu will be playing “three very serious pieces” during his UMHB performance, including works by Robert Schumann, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Liszi.

“These are huge, very heavy pieces,” Hsu said today. “We’re not doing an appetizer — it’s going to be three full-size entrees.  I think it will be a great concert and an interesting program. I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction.”

It’s those reactions that Hsu missed most during nearly two years of pandemic-related cancelations.

“There’s nothing like playing in front of people and feeding off their reactions,” he said “It’s important — you can feel it as a performer.”

Hsu said he did a few pre-recorded performances during the COVID break, but those sessions were limited.

“I missed the crowds,” he said. “That’s the reason I didn’t do a lot of streaming. There’s nothing like feeling the crowd react to what I play. It’s just not the same when you’re performing in front of a camera.”

Hsu — who grew up in San Francisco and began studying piano at 6 — called the pandemic scary and boring. But, he said, the break gave him time to recharge.

“It was actually a good period of growth for me,” he said. “I played a lot of music outside my comfort zone and experimented with some pieces I might want to play in the future. The break gave me a chance to expand my repertoire.”

Hsu nearly missed his chance to perform the Belton recital.

According to Temple Symphony Orchestra conductor Thomas Fairlie, Hsu was out of pocket when a telephone initiation was extended.

“He had pitched a tent in the mountains somewhere in California, and apparently his cell service wasn’t very good,” Fairlie said.

But according to Hsu, Fairlie’s story is only half right.

“Actually, it was a teepee. I was living in the mountains with friends,” Hsu laughed. “There was no electricity, and my phone was down to an 8 percent charge. The call was choppy but I got the message. If I had missed that call they probably would have found another pianist.”

Check this out: Daniel Hsu during the final round of the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He was the bronze Metalist.

“I listen to all genres of music — jazz, rock, you name it. But when I play the piano, it’s all classical.”

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For the 13th time in 12 years, the world’s greatest pole vaulters — and some who are fairly new to the sport — will be going for glory at the Bell County Expo Center.

Anicka Newell, a native Texas who moved to Canada and competes for that nation’s Olympic team, is expected to be one of about 600 pole vaulters that will compete at Expo Explosion, the second largest pole vaulting competition in the United States. The event doesn’t start until New Year’s Eve, but the field is coming together.

Organizer: 600 pole vaulters expected at upcoming Expo Explosion event

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

Some people set goals of soaring to new heights on New Year’s Day. At least 600 of those goal-setters will be in Belton to usher in the new year.

For the 13th time in 12 years, some of the world’s greatest pole vaulters — and some who are fairly new to the sport — will be going for glory at the Bell County Expo Center.

It’s Expo Explosion — the second largest pole vaulting competition in

America — and its coming Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

“We’re expecting a record number of competitors this year, and that will include some really big names in the sport,” said Jack Chapman, event organizer. “Anicka Newell is coming, and we are expecting Sam Kendricks, Alysha Newman and Katie Nageotte.”

Newell is a native Texan who moved to Canada and now competes for that nation’s national and Olympic team along with Newman. Kendricks, an American, is the 2016 Olympic bronze medal winner and the 2017 world champion. Nageotte, also from the United States, won Olympic gold this year but has not formally committed to the Bell County event.

Two of the top female vaulters in the world — Esthepamy Idarvoo of Colombia and Maryna Kylypko of Ukraine — have committed to participating in the competition, and several other international athletes are expected as well. Kylypko is a two-time Olympian.

“Pole vaulters from all levels will be in Belton for this event,” Chapman said. “We will have six pole vaulting runways going for this two day event.”

Chapman — a former pole vaulter and trainer at Texas Elite Pole Vault Gym in Killeen — said he started Expo Explosion after visiting the National Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nevada.

“There were huge crowds and great pole vaulters, and I wondered why we couldn’t do something like that in Central Texas,” Chapman said. “But I was bothered by the Reno atmosphere — gambling, prostitution, smoking, drinking. A major athletic event didn’t seem like the place for all of that. I wanted to start an event without all the sin.”

Chapman hasn’t personally vaulted since the early 1980s.

“In high school I played football and pole vaulted, but my best vault was about 13 feet,” he said. “I started to go to UCLA and play football, but I decided to join the Air Force. I kept training at pole vaulting and eventually jumped 16-1.”

After his stint in the Air Force, Chapman began volunteering with the track program at Ellison High School in Killeen. He opened Texas Elite Pole Vaulting in 1999.

“I listened to some of the best pole-vaulting minds in the world and learned a lot,” he said. “I decided to open a training facility on my property.”

Gold medal U.S. Olympian Katie Nageotte (above) and former world champion Sam Kendricks (below) are expected to compete at Expo Explosion but haven’t formally committed to the event.

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Shriek Fest: Here’s your daily scare

Our Town report

Day 2 of Our Town’s Shriek Fest features a tale submitted by Greg Gaines. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Greg said this is a story he first heard back in 1979. It’s about a couple who were parking one night on a back road that used to run from Lion’s Park to the old KTON radio station just off Highway 93.

“The couple were out in the country parking, and after a while they decided to head back to town. But, the car wouldn’t start.”

“At that time, there was a lot of talk around Temple about a serial killer,” Greg said. “They had never paid much attention to the tale. After all, kids are always coming up with local legends and stories.”

While starting the car, the couple heard noises like someone was walking on the gravel road.

“The noises were close,” Greg continued. “Very close. The couple had parked under a large live oak with a canopy that hung over the entire width of the road. The night was dark — made darker by the shade of the tree’s thick branches. Looking out the window, you couldn’t see a thing.”

“So, the guy gets out and tells the girl to lock the doors — he was going for help. ‘Don’t open them until I get back,’ were his final words as he disappeared into blackness.”

“So the girl lays in the car, listening to the sound of the tree branches rubbing against the roof of the car. She closed her eyes, and was started by a knock on the window.”

“It’s a police officer, and he seems stunned to find her alive,” Greg continued. “He ushers her out of the car, trying to shield her from the realization: The sound she had been listening to wasn’t made by tree branches blowing in the wind. It was her boyfriend’s knuckles dragging across the roof. He had been killed and his lifeless body hung upside down from the tree!”

Greg said he is unsure if the tree or even the road still exist.

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Scary stuff, Greg! I think we have time for one more. This is one of those tales that everyone has heard but no one knows its origin. Enjoy!

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Back in the day, the Tonkawa tribe roamed Central Texas, including an area known as Tennessee Valley. The valley is now located under Belton Lake near present day Temple Lake Park.

An early settler of the valley, a dude named Chris Coleman, had a brother who had been killed by raiding Tonkawas attempting to steal horses. After the Indians left, Coleman discovered a Tonkawa girl hiding in the trees.

The young woman — her name was Bluebonnet — stayed with Chris and they eventually fell in love and were married by a circuit preacher.

The couple had a hard but pleasant life until one day the Tonkawas returned. They recaptured Bluebonnet and killed Chris as he tried to intervene.

Months after he was buried on a bluff overlooking the valley, nearby settlers heard wails in the darkness. At sunrise, they went to investigate the source of the sounds and found Bluebonnet lying dead across Chris’ grave.

For many years — some say it continues today in Temple Lake Park — settlers claimed they could hear Bluebonnet’s voice carried by the wind: “Chris? Chris?”

And, seconds later, a brave and patient setter would hear the reply: “I’m here.”

Brrr…colder weekend weather coming

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Brace yourself, Central Texas. Coldish weather is on its way.

According to meteorologist Allison Prater of the National Weather Service, a dry cold front is expected to moved through the Temple/Belton area Friday, pushing out lingering chances of rain and dropping overnight temperatures significantly.

“Temple likely will receive about two inches of rain between now and early Friday,” Prater said. “But the cold front will push the rain chances out of the forecast for the weekend.”

“Don’t expect anything severe,” she said. “But it’s going to be chilly at night.”

Prater said the low Friday will be about 56, but temps will drop into the mid 40s through next Tuesday.

“The weekend is still a few days away, but it’s definitely going to be much cooler,” she said. “Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the low 70s and upper 60s, depending where you are in the area.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING CENTRAL TEXAS?

October 12, Tuesday - Czech Film Night at The Beltonian. Free admission. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

October 15, Friday - Dancing music with Hyway Traveler at Bo’s Barn. 8  p.m.

October 16, Saturday — Little Joe’s 81st birthday bash. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. and the first band — Tyler Bigley & The Copano Cowboys — performs at 5. At 6 p.m., Eric Flores will be on stage, followed by David Marez. Following an hour-and-a-half set by popular crooner Bobby Pulido, Little Joe y La Familia, plus many friends, will perform at 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Van Cliburn Recital featuring Daniel Hsu. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Belton. 7:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - West Temple Oktoberfest. 3 West Alehouse & Grill. 11 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - 35 South burns up the dance floor at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - St. Luke Fest 2021, raffle, petting zoo, live music, carnival games, food vendors, silent auction, bingo and more. St. Luke’s Catholic Church. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Trunk-or-Treat at RE/MAX Temple-Belton at the intersection of South 31st and Canyon Creek. The event will be in the parking lot behind the building. Ghoulish games, terrifying treats and bone-chilling candy. 3-6 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Cookie Decorating. Blackmon Community Center. 10 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - Michael Salgado at Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton, 6 p.m.

October 18-23 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Beltonian, Belton. 6-8 p.m.

October 19, Tuesday - UMHB Opera/Musical Theatre Scenes. A College of Visual & Performing Arts presentation. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

October 22, Friday - Unity Fest on the street in front of Ras Kitchen. Featuring Alex Marley and many other acts. 4 p.m. to midnight.

October 22-24 - “Leading Ladies” at Temple Civic Theatre. Ticket link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1

October 23, Saturday - Don Gregory Memorial Lions Club Golf Tournament. Sammons Golf Course. Contact Jeffrey Thigpen Thigpen.jeff@gmail.com to register or for sponsorship opportunities. 4-person scramble begins at 8:30 a.m.

October 23, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Fall Food Truck Festival, 3524 FM 2484 in Salado. Proceeds benefit Salado VFD. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

October 26, Tuesday - Military & First Responders Appreciation Day. Drive through hamburger box dinner for active duty military, veterans and first responders. Central Fire Station in Temple. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until food is gone.

October 26, Tuesday - The College of Visual & Performing Arts presents the UMHB Concert Choir and the Women’s Chorus. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

October 28-31 - “Leading Ladies” at Temple Civic Theatre. Ticket link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1

October 29, Friday - Uncasing of the Colors for the 607-member 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Squadron, 36th Infantry Division, now headquartered at the Texas Army National Guard on Airport Road in Temple. Santa Fe Plaza, 10 a.m.

October 29, Friday - 1st Annual "Monster Mash Ballroom Bash" at Arthur Murray Temple. Join us for a few tricks, some yummy treats, and lots of dancing! Costumes are encouraged, and anyone is welcome — no dance experience needed, $15 per person. RSVP (254) 231-3444 7:45 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Calling all boys and ghouls! Don’t forget to stop by the Monster Mash at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Learn a few new dance moves at the Monster Mash prom. Grab a treat or two and have a spooktacular time. 6-8 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - The city of Temple will host Fright Fest from 6-8 p.m. at Santa Fe Plaza (301 W Avenue A). Attendees will be able to trick-or-treat, enter a costume contest and enjoy a fire dance show. This event is free to the public and registration is not required.

October 30, Saturday - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Bulls & BBQ, Live bull riding followed by concert with Jake Worthington and Keith Braxton. Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton, Noon.

October 30, Saturday - Tablerock’s Fright Trail. One-half mile walking trail presents thrill, chills and haunting skits. Salado. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - BooCru at Crusader Stadium. UMHB in Belton. Wear your Halloween costume to the UMHB v. Belhaven game. Trick or Treat at 10 locations inside the stadium during the first half. Halftime parade of costumes on the football field. Noon.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat. VFW Post 1820, 3302 Airport Road in Temple. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in parking lot.

October 31, Sunday - Halloween! Have fun, be safe.

October 31, Sunday - Edward Scissorhands, free movie at Cultural Activities Center. In this 1990 film, a scientist builds an animated human being but dies before he can finish the assembly, leaving the young man with a freakish appearance accentuated by the scissor blades he has instead of hands. The event will include a pre and post-movie discussion with Professor Dr. Joseph Taberlet. 2 p.m.

November 4, Thursday - Spur Classic Sporting Clay Shoot, Weber Shooting Range. 8 a.m.

November 4, Thursday - Brown Bag Bingo, Sammons Community Center Bring a brown bag with a small, non-food Bingo prize inside. 5 p.m.

November 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 7, Sunday - Temple Symphony Piano Trio featuring Suzanne Jacobson on violin, Cory Blaise on cello and Kiyoshi Tamagawa on piano. Cultural Activities Center. 3 p.m.

November 11, Friday - The College of Visual & Performing Arts presents One Voice in concert. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

November 11-14 - "Our Town," a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Thornton Wilder, Temple High School, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. More information at: http://www.ThespiansR.Us

November 13, Saturday - Market in the Vines. Take a walk through the vines and shop with over 50 vendors! Free to the public. 3 Texans Winery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - A Night in Vegas…St. Mary’s Catholic School Casino Night. Live auction, silent auction, games, drawings. Benefits the school’s educational programs. Cultural Activities Center. 6 p.m.

November 14, Sunday - St. Mary’s Traditional Turkey Dinner, KC Hall at 2218 W. Ave D, limited seating or to go plates, $12 plate includes Turkey, dressing, roll, gravy, coleslaw, green beans, cranberry sauce and dessert. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

November 18, Thursday - Taste of the Holidays 2021: A Candy Cane Christmas. Mayborn Convention Center. 10:30 a.m.

November 19 through January 15 - Facing the Inferno wildfire photo exhibit opens at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

November 20 - Casey Donahew at Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall.

December 3-5 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

December 4, Saturday - Temple Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert featuring soprano Priscilla Santana and tenor Brian Joyce. Temple High School. 7:30 p.m.

December 6, Monday - The 75th Annual Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. This year's theme is “The Magic of a Traditional Christmas." Details will be made available on templeparks.com.

December 10-12 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 31 - January 1 - Texas Elite Pole Vaulting. The Expo Explosion, the second largest indoor pole vaulting event in the country. Bell County Expo Center’s Garth Arena.

Have an event you would like to promote? Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.

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