Who put the 'Rock' in Rockdale?
Scott Taylor grew up jamming to hair metal in the '80s. He still plays a mean guitar.
Scott D. Taylor has been shredding the guitar for decades. He started his music career as a child in Rockdale. “We had a piano in the house,” he said. “That was momma’s, but we all did something musically.” Today, Taylor and his two bands perform around the area and are in growing demand. He hopes to start playing more Temple venues this fall.
DAVID STONE | JULY 7, 2022
If you close your eyes when listening to Scott Taylor rip on his guitar, you might think you’ve died and gone to rock ’n’ roll heaven. Stevie Ray Vaughan comes to mind, as does the incomparable Jimi Hendrix.
Taylor, a 50-something originally from Rockdale, is no stranger to the Temple-area music scene. He now lives in Killeen, and over the years he has made stops at venues in Austin, San Antonio, Salado, Belton, Temple, Killeen, Georgetown and just about everywhere else in Central Texas.
“Right now, I play lead guitar in Acadian, a Killeen-based band,” Taylor said during an interview this week. “I also have started my own project — a trio.”
That trio goes by GTG, which stands for Good To Go. The initials also represent the band members — Justin Gray, Taylor and James Gettys.
“The trio is fairly new, and we want to keep it hard and simple,” Taylor said. “We are expecting this to go well and us jamming together is not a foreign thing — we’ve played together on and off for years. We play bluesy rock in the spirit of Stevie Ray and Jimi.”
OK, listen up local restaurant and bar owners:
“We playing Joker’s Ice House in Killeen on July 16, but we would really like to get into the Temple music scene this fall,” he said. “There are a lot of great venues there.”
“We do a lot of original music, but we’re doing some covers as well.”
Taylor grew up in the 1980s, and the tunes of that day have stuck with him as he matured.
“I really started playing music when I was about 5,” he said. “Mama played the piano, and we all learned to love music at an early age. I wasn’t really thinking long range, I just wanted to make music. Everyone in my family did something musical.”
“I started taking piano lessons when I was 8, then played tenor sax in the sixth-grade band,” he said. “ I played the drums for a while, but right before my 16th birthday I picked up a guitar. I never really put it down.”
“I was playing just about everything in the 80s, but I really loved the hair-metal bands — except Poison. I never really liked them; I guess they were a little over the top. I also listed classic rock bands such as Santana, Hendrix, Boston, Blondie and Journey. “
“I was big into progressive rock such as Kansas and Yes,” he said. “They were more than just rock bands, they were very experimental.”
The No. 1 musical influence for Taylor?
“Steve Vai hands down. He is an incredible guitar player.”
Vai has recorded and toured with Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, Frank Zappa and Whitesnake, as well as recording with artists such as Public Image Ltd, Mary J. Blige, Spinal Tap and Alice Cooper.
Temple Town Square didn’t have a lot going for it in the city’s early days. Essentially, it was a barren spot to hitch a horse or park a wagon. There was an on-site water hydrant, but no watering troughs. That changed in 1899.
Local banker and tree planter W. Goodrich Jones decided the square needed beauty and it needed water to refresh the horses of those shopping and conducting business. He talked wealthy Galvestonian Frank Ball, who also owned Temple National Bank, into donating a statue and a cement watering trough. At Jones’ urging, the city agreed to install the gifts.
A statue of a boy and girl holding an umbrella was placed in the square and it remained there until 1928 when the Municipal Building was built. By this time, a windstorm had removed the umbrella from the artwork.
At some point during the early 1900s, the watering trough was converted into a fish pond with the statue as its centerpiece.
The statue was a copy of the “Paul & Virginia” statue, which was inspired by a 18th century French novel.
Around Town: Santa Fe Hospital exhibit
One of several upstairs exhibits at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum Temple, Railroad Medicine: The Santa Fe Hospital reconstructs an early hospital room at the Temple facility. The hospital opened in 1891 for employees of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad. The first section of the present building, completed 1908, replaced an earlier frame structure. Until 1948 nursing care was provided by Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Early staff members Dr. A.C. Scott, chief surgeon, and Dr. R.R. White later formed Scott and White Clinic. Now a general care facility, Santa Fe is part of the Baylor Scott & White system and serves as a reminder of Temple's early development as a railroad town. Great exhibit at a great museum. There are tons of hidden gems tucked away on the second floor. David Stone photo
On this day in 1860, a series of mysterious fires broke out in North Texas, devastating several communities and leading to the Texas slave panic of 1860. The most serious fire destroyed most of the downtown section of the small town of Dallas. In addition, about half of the town square in Denton burned, and fire razed a store in Pilot Point. At first, the leaders of the affected communities attributed the fires to a combination of the exceedingly hot summer (it was reportedly as hot as 110 degrees in Dallas on the afternoon of the fire) and the introduction into the stores of the new and volatile phosphorous matches. Indeed, subsequent experience with "prairie matches" in Denton satisfied the citizens of that town that spontaneous combustion was the probable cause of the fire there. In Dallas, however, certain white leaders detected a more sinister origin to the area's fires. Charles R. Pryor of the Dallas Herald blamed the assault on an abolitionist plot "to devastate, with fire and assassination, the whole of Northern Texas...." By the end of July, communities and counties throughout North and East Texas had established vigilance committees to root out and punish the alleged conspirators. By the time the panic subsided in September, between thirty and 100 blacks and whites had been killed by the vigilance committees. Often called "the Texas Troubles" by the press, the Texas panic of 1860 helped prepare Texans and other Southerners to leave the Union.
Friday’s best bets
Family Fun Day at the Cultural Activities Center. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free movies and popcorn. Wall-E (Rated G) at 10 a.m. and Ron’s Gone Wrong (Rated PG) at 2 p.m. Tour remodeled art galleries. Frosti Cones will be selling sno cones and High 5 Hot Dogs will have a $5 lunch special. Fun activities. Bring glass to recycle and learn about the benefits of recycling.
Brad Honeycutt live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com
Summer Sounds Free Concert Series at the Sam Farrow Amphitheater at Lions Park. Brazos Brothers. 7:30 p.m.
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
Ghost Hunting Class at Wilson Recreation Center. Do you have an interest in the paranormal? Ever wonder what it's like to be a real ghost hunter? Try our Paranormal Studies class with paranormal investigator JohnJohn from Dark Explorers paranormal and learn all there is about becoming a paranormal investigator. Join us for this introductory class. 5:30 p.m. to. 7 p.m. $35 per person.
Lady in the Men’s Room live at Barrow Brewing Co. 8 p.m.
30th annual Seaton Star Hall BBQ Cookoff. 6 p.m. July 8, 4 p.m. July 9.
Beth Lee & The Breakups live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. 6 p.m. Based out of Austin, TX, Beth Lee grew up on the grit and soul of the Houston music scene, her dad a long time musician of the Bayou City. Since 2008, Beth has been playing live and recording her original music with Austin musicians that have an ear for her songwriting ability. Her influences span generations of blues, country, and rock 'n' roll greats that lead her to a unique soulful, country-tinged brand of roots rock 'n' roll.
Lady in the Men’s Room live at Barrow Brewing. 7:30 p.m.
The Killer Dueling Pianos at Mayborn Center. 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. It will be evening of good-natured fun and frolic with The Killer Dueling Pianos sponsored by the Rotary Club of Temple. Proceeds from the event will support Foster Love Bell County and The 411 House. Tickets are available at
https://centraltexastickets.com and will cover food by Pizza Wings n Things and an open bar with beer and wine options. A cash bar option will be available for mixed drinks. A silent auction/raffle will also be held for various prizes. Dress casual and be ready for a good time! Bring cash to tip the pianists.
Saturday, July 9
30th annual Seaton Star Hall BBQ Cookoff. 6 p.m. July 8, 4 p.m. July 9.
Sunflower Saturday at the Farm. Halvorson’s Hidden Harvest. Join us for our annual Sunflower Saturdays on the farm. Take a hayride down and around the wild sunflower field. Open 9 to 5pm. No admission fee to come to the farm, just come enjoy the farm with the family. At the Farm Store we have cantaloupes, watermelons, tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and of course pickles! Wagon hayrides down and around the wild sunflower field are $5/person if you order online ahead of time. Perfect stop for photos. There is no charge to pick wild sunflowers with the purchase of a wagon ride. The kids will love saying "Hi" to our cows, bunnies, and new baby goats! For directions and more info regarding the farm visit our website:
Master Gardeners at Temple Public Library. Adults only. Join us for a discussion held by the Bell County Master Gardeners on choosing plants for Central Texas. 3rd Floor, McLane Room. 2 to 4 p.m.
Kids’ Night Out at Sonya’s Creativ-ish Childcare Boutique. Parents, take the night off while your kids enjoy an evening packed full of FUN! $25 for the first child, $20 for siblings. Drop-off begins at 5:45 pm. Pizza dinner is included along with unlimited play, crafts & activities. For children, ages 2-8. Pajamas encouraged; socks required. Please RSVP early!Bring a water bottle, labeled with your child's name! Pickup by 10 p.m.
Historic Escape Games at Bell County Museum. There has been a crime at the museum and it is up to you to find the culprit! You have 60 minutes to work together, solve the crime, and escape! There are 3 game themes & times (please be mindful of ages); 5:30pm (Heist - ages 14 & older); 6:45pm (Heist or Murder Mystery - ages 14 & older); 8:00pm (Murder Mystery - ages 17 & older). Tickets are $10/person. Pre-registration is required at bellcountymuseum.org. Games are private and limited to 8 guests of the same group per game time. To reserve your game, payment is required within 3 business days of submitting the registration form. Payments can be made at the museum or over the phone at (254) 933-5243.
Erica Michelle live at Barrow Brewing. 8 p.m. Farmers Market, 9-1.
William Clark Green will be LIVE at Johnny's Outback at 6 p.m.! Tickets are on sale now at www.outhousetickets.com/Event/19757-William_Clark_Green
Downtown Temple’s Summer Market & Food Truck Frenzy! We’re celebrating summer America style! Come experience the flavors of Temple and Bell County. Live music, bouncy house, vendors and more. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Marcus Lindsey live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com
Sami Show: Arts & Crafts market at Bell County Expo Center Assembly Hall. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 10
Sami Show: Arts & Crafts market at Bell County Expo Center Assembly Hall. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unplugged Game Day at Temple Public Library. 2 to 4 p.m. Take a Risk, Monopolize on the fun, Checkers out (too far?) all we have to offer at our monthly all-ages board game group. Play new board games, or grab an old favorite, meet new folks, and have an overall good time. Whether you're into Settlers of Catan, Magic the Gathering, or Scrabble, we have you covered.
Live music at Barrow Brewing. 4 p.m. Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m.
Texas Barbecue Festival at Schoepf’s. Texas Barbecue presents it's 1st Annual Texas Barbecue Festival featuring many of the Top 25 BBQ Joints in Texas from it's 2022 list. Tickets are limited to 300 and the cost is $75 per person. At the show you will get to sample food from the Top 25, hear live music (to be announced soon), other vendors, sample some wineries, and more details coming soon.
Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.
Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Live music TBD
Monday, July 11
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.
$1 Summer movies at The Beltonian Theatre. 10 a.m., 1, p.m. 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. The Lego Movie 2
Tuesday, July 12
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.
Summer Fun for Early Learners at Bell County Museum. 10 a.m. to noon. Kids 6 years and younger are invited to the museum with their families to explore the engaging interactive exhibits and participate in fun activities and crafts. Each day will have a special theme of activities: Today is Archaeology. The events are come and go and completely FREE!
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