Tag: Kerrville Folk Festival

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Kerrville Folk Festival

Kerrville Folk Festival: Kerrville Folk Festival 2025: Insights and Upcoming Highlights with Deb Rouse

For over 50 years, the Kerrville Folk Festival has been a haven for folk music lovers, singer-songwriters, and storytellers from around the globe. Set against the serene Quiet Valley Ranch backdrop, this festival is more than just a music event—it’s a community, a family, and a celebration of artistic expression and camaraderie.

In this episode, Tom welcomes Deb Rouse, Executive Director of the Kerrville Folk Festival, to discuss the festival’s recent events and exciting plans for 2025. Deb reflects on the successful ‘Welcome Home Fest’ in October, shares details on the ongoing ‘blind presale’ for 2025 tickets, and introduces a new payment plan option for attendees. Highlighting the 50th anniversary of the New Folk Singer-Songwriter Competition, Deb explains the rigorous two-round screening process that narrows over 1,341 entries to 24 finalists and offers valuable advice for aspiring songwriters looking to compete. The episode closes with Deb discussing her role as Executive Director, the challenges faced, and the importance of evolving the festival to stay relevant for future generations.

Key highlights:

  • Recap of 2024 and Plans for 2025
  • Ticket Sales and Payment Plans
  • New Folk Singer-Songwriter Competition-Application Process and Screening
  • Advice for Aspiring Songwriters
  • Personal Highlights as Executive Director
  • Generational Shift and Festival Vision

Resources:

Kerrville Folk Festival

Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation

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Kerrville Folk Festival

Kerrville Folk Festival: Deb Rouse – Welcome to The 2024 Kerrville Folk Festival

For over 50 years, the Kerrville Folk Festival has been a haven for folk music lovers, singer-songwriters, and storytellers from around the globe. Set against the backdrop of the serene Quiet Valley Ranch, this festival is more than just a music event—it’s a community, a family, and a celebration of artistic expression and camaraderie.

In this podcast, we will explore the rich history of the Kerrville Folk Festival, from its humble beginnings in 1972 to its evolution into a beloved tradition that draws thousands of attendees each year. We’ll hear from musicians who have graced its stages, fans who have made lifelong memories, and the dedicated organizers who keep the festival spirit alive.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported to the magic of the Kerrville Folk Festival, where music, nature, and community come together in perfect harmony. In our inaugural episode, Tom visits with Kerrville Folk Festival Executive Director Deb Rouse.

Deb shares her lifelong connection to the festival, touching on its history, her personal journey from attendee to executive director, and the loss of her mother, who was a festival staple. The discussion covers the exciting lineup and unique events planned for the 2024 festival, including a dedicated gay pride night and performances by celebrated artists across various genres.

The podcast delves into the festival’s community-driven aspects, highlighting volunteer opportunities, workshops, and the vibrant campfire culture that defines the festival’s atmosphere. Deb also speaks on the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation’s role, emphasizing its nonprofit status, educational programs, and annual activities that foster a strong community of musicians and artists.

  • Debra Rouse: A Journey Through Kerrville Folk Festival
  • Exciting Lineup for the 2024 Festival
  • Workshops, Activities, and More: Daytime at the Festival
  • The Tradition of Landrush and Festival Foundation Insights
  • Volunteers: The Heart and Soul of Kerrville Folk Festival
  • Crafts, Food, and Special Events at the Festival
  • The Magic of Kerrville Folk Festival

Resources:

Kerrville Folk Festival

Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation

2024 Musical Lineup

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The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast: Deb Rouse on The KerrClipse

Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas.

This week Tom visits with Deb Rouse, the executive director of the Kerrville Folk Festival, who talks about the festival’s preparations for the upcoming Kerr Eclipse.

Deb Rouse, a prominent figure in the music festival scene, is best known for organizing the Kerrville Folk Festival and discussing the upcoming event celebrating the sun and eclipse totality, KerrClipse.

Deb holds a positive and optimistic viewpoint on the KerrClipse Festival, accentuating its unique nature and the efforts to ensure its success, despite uncertainties concerning the level of attendance. Her perspective is shaped by the success of a previous event centered around the annular eclipse, which had a positive impact on festival attendance.

Additionally, Deb appreciates the variety of workshops planned for the festival, including those she herself orchestrates, highlighting the opportunities these provide for learning and growth within the music community. Overall, her perspective reflects a sense of excitement and readiness for the upcoming KerrClipse Festival.

Key Highlights:

  • Kerrville Folk Festival: Cosmic Entertainment & Eclipse
  • KerrClipse Music Festival Lineup and Workshops
  • Artisanal Crafts and Culinary Delights Galore
  • Kerrville Folk Festival teaser

Resources:

Kerrville Folk Festival

KerrClipse Information

Parking and Camping

Other Hill Country-Focused Podcasts:

Hill Country Authors Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

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Kerrville Weekly News Roundup

Kerrville Weekly News Roundup: October 7, 2023

Welcome to the Kerrville Weekly News Roundup. Each week, veteran podcaster Tom Fox and his colleagues Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz get together to go over a couple of their favorite stories from the past week from Kerrville and the greater Hill Country. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee, and listen in to get a wrap-up of the Kerrville Weekly News. We each consider two of our favorite stories and talk about the upcoming weekend’s events, which we will enjoy or participate in this weekend.

In this episode, Tom, Gilbert, and Andrew discuss the following stories that caught their attention over the past week.

  • Tom discusses the award to Kerrville Treasurer Tracy Soldan for Texas Treasurer of the Year. He reviews the attempt by certain Kerrville residents to prevent Habitat for Humanity from building 40 low-cost homes in Kerrville. He shouts out to the great sports weekend of UT v. OU football, and the Astros begin the World Series title defense and the Sunday night football game of the Cowboys v. 49ers.
  • Andrew discusses Kinky Friedman headlining the Kerrville Folk Festival’s Welcome Home Festival October 12-15 and the Riverfest Annular Eclipse Festival. Andrew shouts out to the podcast The Night Sky, which features stories on Kerrville’s upcoming two eclipses.
  • Gilbert cautions about the string of car burglaries in Ingram, the sex offender check by the KPD, and shouts out to the KPD Blue Santa program. He will be headed to the Notre Dame Fall Festival this weekend.

Resources:

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

Gilbert Paiz on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

The Lead

Kerrville Daily Times

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The Hill Country Podcast

Hill Country Podcast – Deb Rouse on Kerrville Folk Festival Welcome Home Fest

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places, and activities of the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, I am joined by Deb Rouse, Executive Director of the Kerrville Folk Festival, on the October 12-15 Welcome Home Festival and Annular Eclipse at the Quiet Valley Ranch.

Deb Rouse, the executive director of the Kerrville Folk Festival, has a rich history with the festival, having attended from a young age and later becoming a dedicated volunteer. Her perspective on the festival emphasizes the diversity and inclusivity of its music events, shaped by her experiences traveling to various folk festivals and organizing vibrant events like October’s Welcome Home Fest. She highlights the festival’s commitment to providing opportunities for aspiring songwriters and musicians of all levels, offering a variety of workshops and classes, and showcasing traditional folk programming. Rouse also underscores the festival’s dedication to supporting and promoting artists at various stages of their careers, citing the success of former volunteers like Anais Mitchell. Join Tom Fox and Deb Rouse on this episode of the Hill Country Podcast to delve deeper into the diverse music events and challenges of the Kerrville Folk Festival.

 Key Highlights:

  • Kerrville Folk Festival: Connecting Earth and Universe
  • Anais Mitchell’s Magical Performances at Kerrville
  • Booking Artists and Securing Bigger Names
  • Discover the Kerrville Folk Festival Experience

 Resources:

Kerrville Folk Festival

Tom Fox

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YouTube

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LinkedIn

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Kerrville Weekly News Roundup

Kerrville Weekly News Roundup: April 7, 2023

Welcome to the Kerrville Weekly News Roundup. Each week, veteran podcaster Tom Fox and his colleagues Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz get together to go over a couple of their favorite stories from the past week from Kerrville and the greater Hill Country. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee and listen in to get a wrap up of the Kerrville Weekly News. We each consider two of our favorite stories and talk about the upcoming weekend’s events which will enjoy or participate in this weekend.

In this episode, Tom and Andrew discuss the following stories which caught their attention over the past week.

·      Tom talks HEB as a good corporate citizen and Mary Muse announcing her retirement after 8 years as Executive Director of the Kerrville Folk Festival.

·      Andrew talks the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of the Kerrville Independent School District and the Leadership Kerr County participation in EasterFest.

Resources

Tom Fox on LinkedIn

Gilbert Paiz on LinkedIn

Andrew Gay on LinkedIn

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Categories
The Hill Country Podcast

Phil Klosowsky on the Kerrville Folk Festival at 50

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places and activities of the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, I visit non-Hill Country resident Phil Klosowsky who attended the recently concluded Kerrville Folk Festival, which had its 50th anniversary this year. Phil and Tom share about the previous show they have attended, some of the artists they have seen and this year’s lineup. They reflect on this most unique Festival, which features singer-songwriters as well as some great new talent.