Martian Folk is one of five acts to play today’s Y’all Means All Music Festival at FoxDog. The Pride event begins at noon. Jason Deckman photo

DAVID STONE | June 25, 2022

All five acts set to perform at tonight’s Y’all Means All Music Festival are Central Texas crowd favorites. One band, however, has wider appeal — they are literally out of this world.

Martian Folk has been aligning the musical cosmos in the Temple area for about five years and has been in its current form for three. Today, they will be performing on a stage that will also host Lilly & The Implements, Jordan Valentin, Harper Rye and Austin pop-punk sensation Kady Rain.

The fun starts at noon at FoxDog.

“This will be Temple’s first Pride event,” said FoxDog co-owner Ashley Vernon. “Even before we opened our business, we intended to be fully inclusive. This is something we’ve wanted to do.”

“We want to build community — a space where all people can feel comfortable,” she said.

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Garrett Askins — songwriter, vocalist and acoustic guitarist for Martian Folk — said the band has roots in Salado.

“It was a different band when this started,” he said. “There were three of us, and we all worked at Barrow Brewing Company. We went through a few different names, including On Tap. That made sense because we all worked at the brewery. Then we tried The Deep End, but decided that name was over-used.”

“We played folk music, but it was a little different — a little alien,” Garrett said. “Then I had one of those Holy Grail moments — we play alien folk music, so why not Martian Folk? It just kind of came to me.”

The original Martian Folk eventually went separate ways, but Garrett kept writing music and added new band members. Today, the band includes Nestor Rios on saxophone, harmonica and keyboards; Joseph “Fat Joey T” Turner on drums and vocals; and Marshall Fowler on bass.

“Nestor is our recording guru,” Garrett said. “He’s a jack of all trades.”

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Martian Folk has a repertoire of 66 original songs and most have been penned by Garrett.

“I just finished 66 a couple days ago,” he said. “We primarily play original music, although we might throw in an occasional cover. We can definitely play an entire show with nothing but our own songs.”

Growing up in Salado, Garrett was heavily influenced by the music his dad played on a regular basis.

“Dad was really into the Beach Boys and the Beatles,”he said. “Bob Dylan, too. Those were probably my ‘big three’ of musical influences — my trifecta —  but I listened to a variety of classic rock.”

Garrett and his Martian compadres are quite proud of their latest release, Somewhere.

“We just packed up our equipment and headed to a cabin in the woods,” he said. “We thought: ‘Even if we come out with just one song, it will be worth it.’ We came out with one song, and yes, it was worth it.”

“Somewhere represents where we are right now as a band,” he explained. “We are always striving for growth as a band, and now we know we are on the right path. It feels good, and we want to keep on feeling good.”

“I try very hard at turning work into play and play into work,” he said. “We’ve taken up residency at Fire Street Pizza every Sunday and we play at Bold Republic Brewing Co. almost every Friday. I can be a full-time musician and concentrate on songs”

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Garrett said he is proud to be part of today’s Pride festival.

“I try to live my life through love,” he said. “What I consider love has nothing to do with anyone else, and what others consider to be love has nothing to do with me. Love is freedom, and love is unconditional.”

“This is going to be a great show,” he said. “There are so many incredible musicians. We opened for Kady Rain at O’Briens a couple years ago. I admire her ability to be totally herself on stage. She is amazing.”

Martian Folk is among the most popular bands in Central Texas, and they will be performing at Y’all Means All along with another local favorite, Lilly & The Implements. Jordan Valentin, Harper Rye and Kady Rain also are on the ticket. Jason Deckman photo

Hot weather and a hot metal rocket haven’t cooled off summer fun for this young adventurer at Jaycee Park in Temple. Today’s high is expected to hit 100, but slightly cooler weather is on its way. David Stone photo

‘Cold front’ bringing hope for rain to Temple, NWS meteorologist says

DAVID STONE | June 25, 2022

Continued hot and dry weather conditions in Temple and across the state are putting Texas wildfire officials on high alert.

According to Texas A&M Forest Service experts, much of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions ranging from moderate to severe. Locally, drought levels range from ‘moderate’ in the blacklands of eastern Bell County to ‘very severe’ on Fort Hood.

The drought, which started in the fall and intensified through the spring, is now carrying over into the summer season.

Above-normal temperatures and minimal rainfall are forecast for the weekend, but according to National Weather Service meteorologist Madison Gordon, Temple has a moderate chance for rain early next week.

“We have a cold front moving in Sunday night,” Gordon said, “but remember, this is summer in Central Texas. Temperatures are going to dip into the low 90s Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then head back to the upper 90s and beyond.”

The rare June cold front will move slowly south through the state, and fire potential will drop significantly behind the front as temperatures decrease and surface moisture increases. A temporary period of low fire potential is expected Monday through Wednesday because of an increased possibility of rain.

Along with the cooler weather, Gordon said the Temple area could see some spotty precipitation beginning Sunday night.

“The best chance for rain in Temple looks like Monday afternoon,” she said. “There’s about a 40 percent chance of rain, and that drops to about 30 percent throughout the day on Tuesday.”

“We’re not looking at a wide-spread rain event, it will be very spotty if we get rain at all,” Gordon added. “The chances aren’t great, but at least it’s something.”

But over the weekend, expect more hot, dry weather and an elevated chance of wildfires fueled by wind speeds near 15 mph.

“The dryness we are currently seeing across portions of the state is, generally, what we would be experiencing in mid to late July,” said Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department head.

“The drought that has been carried over from the spring into the summer has initiated an early start to the summer fire season,” he said. “Early summer drying in June also introduces the possibility of experiencing a severe late summer fire season.”

Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief, said hot, dry weather statewide has created conditions for more fire ignitions than previous years already, and that Texans should do their part to prevent sparking fires.   

This year, wildfire activity has trended above normal for acres burned and number of fire responses. State and local fire resources have responded to an average of 4,047 wildfires for 188,259 acres annually over the past five years. In 2022, firefighters have already responded to 5,047 wildfires that have burned 527,241 acres across the state.

Many recent wildfire starts have required more time and resources to fully contain due to current conditions.

“State and local first responders have been incredibly busy this year without much reprieve, and forecast conditions indicate that we may be facing a very busy summer season as well,” Moorehead said. “We urge Texans to be cautious and prevent wildfire ignitions this summer.”

Drought conditions have prompted Bell County to ban the sale and use of fireworks this year, although entities such as the city of Temple can apply for an exemption as long as firefighting personnel and equipment are standing by.

Saturday’s best bets

• Leslie’s Tumble & Cheer grand opening. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Leslie’s Tumble & Cheer is coming to Temple! Get to the Grand Opening early- we are limited in spaces!

• Belton Downtown Block Party. 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the weeklong Fourth of July Celebration with a Downtown Street Party featuring live music, food trucks, craft beer and wine, activities and games, and fun for all. This non-ticketed family friendly event is open to the public at no charge with a goal of bringing people together to celebrate in the Downtown Belton area.

• Meg Groves live at 11 a.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Anna Larson live at 7 p.m.

• Name That Tune Bingo Mixtape 80s & 90s at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Comedy Showcase at Corky’s. 8 p.m. show.

• Y’all Means All Music Festival at FoxDog. Bands include Kady Rain, Martian Folk, Lilly Milford, Jordan Valentin, Harper Rynearson. Noon until 10 p.m. This is a FREE event.

• Downtown Belton Street Party. 5 p.m.  Family fun to kick-off 4th of July in Belton! Food Trucks, Local Brewers, Kids Activities & More! For more info visit beltonchamber.com

• Flower Power: God Bless the USA at Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop. Program to include simple clever ideas to decorate your home with a patriotic flare. Celebrate our Nation’s birthday by creating your own fresh arrangement with a patriotic theme for your home, office, or giving as a gift. Enjoy a shopping discount during the class and the always fun Precious Memories Swag Bag. For more information or to register call 254.298.5690.

• Temple College Mobile Distribution. 9 a.m. Need help with food? Visit us our mobile food pantry distribution for FREE food on the fourth Saturday of each month at Temple College. Be sure to leave space in your trunk before you arrive.

• Broken Arrow live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

Sunday’s best bets

• Central Texas Film Society Monthly Movie & Discussion presents The Trip To Bountiful at CAC. 2 p.m. “In 1940s Texas, an elderly woman is determined to visit her childhood home for one last time.”

• Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co.  Live music TBD

• Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.

Monday’s best bets

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403. 

Tuesday’s best bets

• Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Tuesday on the Trails. 8:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson “KP” each Tuesday as she leads you on a different trail with a different challenge! One winner per week. Walking not only promotes physical activity and prevents stiffness, but it also stimulates your brain and aids in weight management. See you on the trails! Call 254.298.5403 or stop by for a trail schedule.

Wednesday’s best bets

• Airport Food Truck Day at Draughon–Miller Central Texas Regional Airport. This month’s food truck is Lula Mae’s Cajun Cuisine and they will be serving up lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every month through October, a local food truck will be featured. 

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.

• Comedy Open Mic Night at Corky’s. Sign up at 7:30, show at 8.

• Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday’s best bets

• Poetry & Music Open Mic Night at Corky’s with Nate Biddy. Sign up at 6:30, show at 7.

• Pre Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament at FoxDog Beer Garden. 5-8 p.m.

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

Friday’s best bets

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at Bell County Expo Center. July 1-3

• Kenny Orts & No Chance live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

• Wes Perryman live at 8 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co.

• Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.

• First Friday in Downtown Temple. 5-9 p.m. Join us downtown for First Friday, on July 1st for amazing drinks, food, and specials. The #FirstFriday Downtown Temple turns into a party! Check out our full list of happenings. bit.ly/3vAXira 

• Savor Latin Night at Ras Kitchen. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join us to learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Then take what you've learn for a night of social dancing.