Ruthie Foster and Other Shooting Stars at Texas Reds...

A few cars shy of a load...

The annual Texas Reds Festival seemed to be operating at around half capacity in the unforgiving Texas heat Sunday. There was something for everybody... but the event was so spread out that it seemed like only a fraction of "everybody" took advantage of this cultural extravaganza. Still there was a very impressive variety of quality bands, and loyal fans of of Ruthie Foster that made the day worthwhile.

"How long as it been?"

"TOO LONG!"

"I feel like I'm in trouble"

Ruthie came and did her magic in her unique, classy and soft spoken style, as hundreds gathered at her tent. Almost... yes indeed a spiritual experience, she introduced her proud family on the sidelines and spoke of "Paw Paw" and "Big Mama,"And shared a few memories from her formative years in her hometown of Gause; about Paw Paw driving up from the Brazos bottom in the noisy old pick up truck, with chains clanging on the tailgate, and him parking under the live oak tree, that made the oppressive heat seem like part of the act.

 And yes she sang. She is the greatest voice to blossom in these parts since Texas Alexander. And nobody remembers him. Nobody will forget seeing Ruthie when she sings. Local guitarist Red Carson sat in on a few tunes, and made it a real Brazos Valley homecoming.

The attendance to the overall event was strangely sparse, but Ruthie's stage was comfortably packed.

The artist's booths were well worth the time to peruse. Amanda Lynne is a young mother who has committed the time with the help of her husband to produce these vibrant nature scenes. Very reasonably priced.

Trevor Reed of College Station is a woodworker who turns chunks of rare wood into gorgeous instruments.... this bass guitar he brandishes was the epitome of functional art.

DOZENS of excellent bands like Jonathan Tyler, from all over the country converged to offer an amazing music event.

Were you ever out at night and someone said, "There goes a shooting Star!"? And you looked up but it was too late? For many folks in the Brazos Valley, that is exactly what happened here.

Texas Reds Festival- over the top

The Texas Reds Festival in downtown Bryan is more overwhelming than ever, providing around six square blocks of solid fun, art and entertainment. Countless bands perform on five different stages ( and more in the Palace Theatre!) all day to totally dazzle and confuse people like me who want to see it all. You just can't, that's all.

But you can try.

Ruthie Foster, the hometown favorite girl - gone big time, from lil' old Gause, Texas will take the KBTX stage at 3:30 Sunday.,.

And here some of my favorite scenes from Saturday...

Winers and diners meet their match at the Texas Reds Festival. There is no telling how many grapes had to die so that dozens of wineries could offer samples to thousands of wine lovers, doing their Texas best to make them feel the love.

Energetic Este Vato played such infectious music that whole groups broke into spontaneous cluster dancing.

Este Vato

Rockin' The Docs were a real crowd pleaser, attracting one of the largest crowds of fans. They are solid, dynamic and seem to be having as much fun as their audience. And they had cool lights.

This ain't yo mama's Motown... but if she closed her eyes, she would have to admit these guys lay down some passionate, righteous soul, even if only one of them is black... Soul Track Mind proves once and for all that American music is finally colorblind.

Local award winning blues- rockers Tubie and the Touchtones held their own amid all the competition. These three bombarded the downtown canyon with original songs and their own versions of rock classics.

How do you drive an Aggie crazy? Send him to Texas Reds and tell him to find all the rock and roll.

There are numerous artists and craftspersons exhibiting, from as far away as Kansas and California.. Several were very pleased with their sales. Local favorite J. Vincent Scarpace was smiling the most, as he and his sales manager (his brother) enjoyed an especially successful day.

And the best is yet to come!