TUESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2021

“Jimmie is one of the biggest names we’ve had on stage. He’s a guitar icon and we are thrilled to bring him to Temple.”

Jimmie Vaughan, formerly of The Fabulous Thunderbirds and brother of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, will perform at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple on March 19. The CAC released its 2022 Texas Music Series schedule today and season tickets are on sale.

Big Texas Music Series lineup in 2022

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Jimmie Vaughan, Reckless Kelly and Jack Ingram are part of an impressive seven-show 2022 Texas Music Series lineup at Temple’s Cultural Activities Center.

The lineup, along with other events for the upcoming year, were released today by Mary Black Pearson, the CAC’s executive director of marketing.

The 2021 Texas Music Series concludes Saturday with a 7:30 p.m. performance by Shinyribs. Season tickets for next year go on sale today at cacarts.org.

“We are excited to say that 2022 will start with a packed agenda,” Pearson said. “It’s time to buy tickets for this music series. Mark those calendars.”

The new Texas Music Series includes seven big shows starting with the Vandoliers on Feb. 12.

The Vandoliers are known as one of the top “cowpunk” bands in America and were formed in 2015 by lead singer Joshua Fleming.

Following the breakup of the Fort Worth-based punk trio The Phuss and an eye infection that blinded him for eight weeks, Fleming began experimenting with a blend of punk and country.

The band has cut two albums and has developed a cult following.

Jimmy Vaughan — brother of guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan and former leader of The Fabulous Thunderbirds — comes to the CAC on March 19.

“Jimmie is one of the biggest names we’ve had on stage,” said Brock Boone, executive director of CAC. “He’s a guitar icon and we are thrilled to bring him to Temple.”

Vaughan was born and raised in Dallas and began playing guitar as a kid, influenced heavily by the blues and rock ’n’ roll. When he turned 19, he moved to Austin and formed The Storm, a popular bar band.

Jimmie met harmonic player Kim Wilson in 1974 and they formed a new band — The Fabulous Thunderbirds. They played Texas nightspots and developed a massive fan base from Corpus Christi to El Paso.

The T-Birds were popular but never stepped onto the national stage until signing with Epic Records. Their first Epic effort was indeed epic.

Tuff Enuff was a monster hit both as an album and as a single.

After leaving the T-Birds in 1987, he worked on an album with his brother entitled Family Style. Stevie Ray was killed in a helicopter crash before it was released.

Jimmie Vaughan is still going strong, playing with Texas legends such as Charlie Sexton and Billy Gibbons, plus legends such as Eric Clapton. He has earned two Grammy awards.

The American rock band Vallejo will be at the Cultural Activities Center on April 23, Pearson said.

Vallejo was formed in El Campo, Texas, by three brothers — Alex, Omar and AJ. They moved to Austin in 1995 and became a weekly fixture at Steamboat.

The band has released 12 albums and their music has been featured on the HBO television series “True Blood.”

Another big name comes to Temple on June 11 — Reckless Kelly. The band’s founders, brothers Cody and Willy Braun, grew up in the mountains of Idaho, moved to Oregon and eventually found their way to Austin, where their country-rock sound was welcomed with open arms.

As kids, the Brauns — a family band that included Cody and Willy, plus brothers Micky and Gary — often shared a stage with greats such as Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Merle Haggard. The Brauns split up and Micky and Gary formed The Motorcars. Cody and Willy reached greater fame with Reckless Kelly.

Today, Reckless Kelly is a Texas classic.

Grupo Fantasma comes to Temple on Aug. 20. They are a Grammy-winning nine-piece Latin funk orchestra from Austin.

Another big Texas name comes to Temple on Oct. 15. Jack Ingram has been recording original tunes for nearly 30 years. He has released 18 albums and 19 singles, and has had six Top 40 hits, including “Love You,” “Barefoot and Crazy” and “Measure of a Man.”

The final member of the 2022 CAC Texas Music Series club is Hayes Carll, who will be performing live on Nov. 5. Hayes is a native of The Woodlands, and his songs are known for plainspoken poetry and sarcastic humor.

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Many other activities are planned for the Cultural Activity Center in the coming year.

LIVING WELL IN BELL:  In partnership with the Temple Community Clinic and other sponsors, the Living Well in Bell wellness series will debut at the Cultural Activities Center on Jan. 6. 

The first presenters for the 2022 series will be Drs. Patricia J. Sulak and Jeffrey Waxman. They will discuss strategies to improve all aspects of well-being. The presentation will be in the auditorium and begin at 6 p.m.

EXHIBIT OPENING: The next art exhibit opening will be Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The featured artist is PHOKUS and the exhibit will feature a  mixed media presentation entitled "So tonight that I may dream." 

The artist's works are inspired by his interpretation of poems and songs. 

“We are excited to present this body of work from the artist,” Pearson said. “To celebrate Valentines and love for the community, Precious Memories will bring floral and creative arranging to the Carabasi Gallery beginning in January through the end of February.” Receptions and workshops are open to the public. 

AIZURI QUARTET: This group will perform at the CAC on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Described as "genuinely exciting" by the New York Times and "elegant" and "inquisitive" by The New Yorker, the quartet presents a vibrant selection of new music and standards. The group was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. 

THE CONTEMPORARIES TELETHON “THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT” will be held on stage Jan. 29 at the CAC. 

“The Contemporaries donate their time and talent every year to provide arts in education programming for Central Texas youth,” Pearson said.   

“Their programming includes the creative series known as Hands-on, which brings third-graders from area schools into the CAC every fall to learn about another culture through arts and education.“  

The telethon proceeds provide financial support for the building and the programming.

Be sure and keep an eye on Our Town Temple's What's Happening? for additions to the CAC schedule.

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CHA COMMUNITY PLANS FEBRUARY OPENING

Business to feature teas, dumplings

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

Get ready Temple — tea time is coming.

Cha Community, a new tea and dumpling cafe is coming to downtown, and owners are planning to open Feb. 1.

Devin Li and Jaja Chen, owners of Cha Community in Waco, are opening the Temple business at 7 North Main.

The Waco business was simply called Waco Cha until the partners decided to open in Temple.

“We rebranded the business,” Li explained. “When we opened in Waco three years ago, we didn’t think we would be opening a second location. The new name is location neutral.”

Li plans to announce the rebranded name October 22.

The Temple shop will feature a variety of teas, coffees and pan-fried dumplings.

“We will have the dumplings at lunchtime,” he said, “but our full hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  We will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays.”

Li said the pan-fried dumplings were introduced in the Waco cafe prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We started dumplings as a class,” he said. “We would have about 30 people sign up to learn how to fold and cook dumplings. Of course that ended with the pandemic, but it’s something we will do in Waco and Temple when the COVID situation improves.”

Li said Waco Cha is known for its handcrafted Boba teas, but they also create holiday and seasonal favorites.

“We rotate several teas and coffees, even lemonade,” he said. “We have a drink for everyone.”

AROUND TOWN: THINGS ARE GETTING WEIRD

Work, and a bit of fun, continues at Weird Dough’s Bakery & Cafe, 11 N. 6th Street. The business is owned by Amanda Hill and Amber Hinkson, and they are planning on a late February or early March opening. Weird Doughs will feature a variety of breads, tarts, cakes, cookies, pastries and other items created at a traditional bakery, plus sandwiches with a twist such as peanut butter and jalapeño. They will also offer seasonal sides such as salad, soup and pastas.

WHAT HAPPENED HERE?

In a building at 13 South Main Street that formerly was home to In the Mood Ballroom, a Temple dentist single-handedly preserved the Texas Navy. Alexander Dienst Jr. was a dentist, a researcher and an author. He also saved the history of the Republic of Texas Naval fleet — many miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its system of bays. His work was the first and best history of the Texas Navy and is considered one of the 50 best books on Texas history. Even today, marine archeologists use his 19th century research combined with 21st century technology to locate sunken schooners from the 1830s. Dr. Dienst moved to Temple from Missouri in 1889 to establish his dental practice. The building is the future home of The Butcher & The Baker downtown grocery market. David Stone | Our Town Temple

CAMP ROCK: THE MUSICAL: Auditions for Academie Musique of Central Texas’ spring musical theatre workshop are today (Dec. 13)  from 6 to 8 p.m. at 317 N. 1st Street. Everyone must audition to participate. Performances are March 5 and 6 at the Cultural Activities Center. Audition applications are available at www.amcentex.org.

LAST OF THE RED-HOT LOVERS: The Temple Civic Theater will hold auditions at 7 p.m. today. Complete a theater form at https://www.theaterforms.com/TempleCivicTheatre/Lovers/auditionform/. Be prepared to give a short monologue. If call backs are necessary, there will be side reads. The rehearsal schedule has not been determined because of the upcoming holidays. The show will run Feb. 4-13 at TCT.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Temple High School Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. today in the THS Auditorium.

THE GIFT: Temple High School choir performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the THS Auditorium.

DEAN’S SERIES: KATHRYN FOUSE: Let the Games Begin with Kathryn Fouse, piano. Join us for an entertaining evening of music from popular video games. 7:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

SHINYRIBS will perform at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

EXHIBIT OPENING: The next art exhibit opening will be Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The featured artist is PHOKUS and the exhibit will feature a  mixed media presentation entitled "So tonight that I may dream.”

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS: The College of Visual & Performing Arts at UMHB features a band that plays music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation while synchronizing the music to video projections of the original film. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

AIZURI QUARTET: This group will perform at the CAC on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Described as "genuinely exciting" by the New York Times and "elegant" and "inquisitive" by The New Yorker, the quartet presents a vibrant selection of new music and standards. The group was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. 

LION KING JR.: The Temple High School Theater Arts department will present a production featuring actors from across the school district on Jan. 27-30. The Jan. 27-29 shows will start at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available at CentralTexasTickets.com.

POPS CONCERT: The Temple Symphony Orchestra will feature trumpeter Allen Vizzutti in a January 29 Pops Concert at the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

THE CONTEMPORARIES TELETHON “THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT” will be held on stage Jan. 29 at the CAC. The telethon proceeds provide financial support for the building and the programming.

DEAN’S SERIES: EMILY & JONATHAN GRAY: College of Visual & Performing Arts at UMHB presents Emily & Jonathan Gary in concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4  inside the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

INHERIT THE WIND: The Temple Civic Theater will hold auditions on Feb. 2- and 21, and the show will be presented April 1-10.

MUSIC TO HELP OTHERS: Christ Episcopal Church is presenting a concert to benefit local charities at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at the church.  The concert will celebrate Black History Month and honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. The concert also will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/christchurchtx and will benefit the Un-Included Club, a nonprofit organization that provides literacy, urban agriculture, and leadership programs for underserved youth. Donations will be accepted at the door or online. The Sunday afternoon concert series is a continuing ministry of the church. The concerts, featuring local musicians, have raised more than $14,000 for area charities, food banks and medical clinics serving those in need.

THE VANDOLIERS - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series opens on Feb. 12. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

VISITING ARTIST JEFFERY CARL: Join us to hear Jeffery Carl, an artist based outside Chicago, whose work explores how our relationship to geography informs our self-understanding, the development of communities, and the ways in which we shape our environment. 4 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at UMHB.

WIND/JAZZ ENSEMBLES: An evening of musical entertainment from the UMHB wind ensemble and jazz ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

JIMMIE VAUGHAN - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series continues with guitar legend Jimmie Vaughan on March 19. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS: The Temple Civic Theater will hold auditions on March 27-28 and the show runs May 6-15.

VALLEJO - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series continues on April 23 with a performance by Vallejo. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

SEASON FINALE: The Temple Symphony Orchestra’s season finale will be at 3 p.m. May 8 at Temple College and will feature pianists Frances Renzi and Anthony Pattin.

RECKLESS KELLY - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series continues June 11 with Reckless Kelly. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

FACING THE INFERNO: THE WILDFIRE PHOTOGRAPHY OF KARI GREER: Colorful, intimate, and intensely dramatic images that capture the work of wildland firefighters in this new exhibit that runs through Jan. 15. Amazing photography.

COMING NEXT MONTH! ALIENTO a TEQUILA: This exhibit explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila. A series of photographs by Joel Salcido include the original distilleries that founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequilerías committed to the ancestral ways of tequila-making, from harvest to bottle. Jan. 28-March 16.

PEACE OF MIND VETERANS PROGRAMS: In partnership with Help Vets Heal of Temple, veterans are invited for a special program at the museum. Visit the museum to view the exhibits, including the newest traveling exhibit, Private Charles J Miller: WWII Paintings from the South Pacific. Then, make your own wooden Christmas ornament! The event is completely FREE, but pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Dec. 17.

HOLIDAY FEST: Celebrate and learn more about different winter holidays from around the world, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Diwali. Make your own Christmas ornaments, Diwali candles, and Hanukkah dreidels! The event is completely FREE. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18.

GAULT SITE TOUR: Join us Feb. 12 at the Gault Site for a tour! It is a full guided 3 hour tour across the 2.5 miles long site. Learn about the many artifacts excavated and the Paleoindian culture found right here in Bell County! Pre-registration required; $10/person 11 years and older. All participants are asked to meet at the site at 8:30 a.m. The tour will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Maps will be provided a few days prior to the scheduled tour date. The site is 30 minutes from Belton, between Salado and Florence. Tickets are $10 per person, payable by debit or credit card only. Payment is needed within 5 days of registration. Please call the museum at 254-933-5243 to make payment. All proceeds go directly to the Gault School of Archaeological Research.

O’Briens Irish Pub with the Jason Custer Band. 10 p.m.

Bo’s Barn Dancehall Craig Howell & Somewhere in Texas will hit the stage at 9 p.m. $25 per person to include Cover, Party Favors, Champagne, Breakfast and Black Eyed Peas!!! 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Corky’s Wine Bar. Located at 13 S. Second Street, Corkys Wine and Beer hopes to have the most happening New Years Eve party in Central Texas! Tickets are only $35! Included in the price you get a midnight champagne toast, party favors, a souvenir glass, breakfast food after the ball drops and your live music and dancing for the evening! Attire is semi-formal.

Ongoing

Every Monday night - Yoga Classes offered by Sara Dodd at the Cultural Activities Center. $12. 5:15 p.m. class.

Tuesday nights beginning Jan. 18 - Clay with Marilyn - go to cacarts.org to sign up for her series of classes

Thursday nights beginning Jan 6 -  Clay with Lindsay - go to cacarts.org to sign up for her classes

December

December 14, Tuesday - Czech Film Night at The Beltonian. With Czech beer and great food. The beer is imported from Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic and it is a medieval brewery dating back to 1265.

December 16, Thursday - Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7-9 p.m.

December 16, Thursday - Emma’s 1st annual Pet Christmas Party at Wood’s Flowers, 1415 W. Ave. H. Door prizes, refreshments, Santa! Bring you pet for a photo with Santa. Also, bring collars, leashes, pet clothes, dog and cat food or money to show support for the Temple Animal Shelter.

December 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few, O’Briens. 9 p.m.

December 17, Friday — Hyway Traveler at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

December 17, Friday — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 17, Friday - Christmas Stroll & Market at Lakewood Professional Park, 200 Paloma Drive in Temple. Drinks, vendors, lights, food and Santa! 6 to 9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — The Real Gun Show at Bell County Expo Assembly Hall. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 18, Saturday - Game Show Night by Texas Red at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7-9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — Lilly & The Implements at O’Briens Irish Pub…GREAT BAND ALERT!  9 p.m.

December 19, Sunday - The Big Catch family fishing at Miller Park Pond. Enjoy a relaxing morning of fishing with family and friends and get ready to hook the big one! Fishing licenses will be waived by Texas Parks & Wildlife during the event with a signed waiver. Plus, hotdogs, drinks, and chips will be provided at the pavilion while supplies last. 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

December 19, Sunday — The Real Gun Show at Bell County Expo Assembly Hall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 19, Sunday – When Harry Met Sally… (1989), free movie at Cultural Activities Center. Boy meets girl, boy sees other girls, and girl sees other boys.  Maybe boy and girl should have seen each other.  “I’ll have what she’s having.”  The event will include a pre and post-movie discussion with Dr. Joseph Taberlet. 2 p.m.

December 18, Saturday - Shinyribs, Cultural Activities Center, 7:30 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — People’s Choice at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

December 23, Thursday - Santa & Elvis at Fire Street Pizza. 6-9 p.m.

December 25, Saturday — Christmas Dance at Bo’s Barn featuring Secondhand Rose, 8 p.m.

December 20-25: “The Polar Express” at The Beltonian Theatre. Visit https://TheBeltonianTheatre.com/Movies for show times.

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.