san angelo spotlight - issue 13

“On the Rock's” with Camille Sanchez PAGE 9

Bob catches up with Aaron Watson

PAGE 10

Sunday, February 13

th

2pm – 4pm Black History Month – Fort Concho Luis Padilla “A young private’s transition to sergeant and his view of history and the buffalo soldier legacy” FMI 325-481-2646

Monday, February 14th

5pm – 7pm Shannon Medical Plaza Opening Celebration: Bring your Valentine and join us as we celebrate the completion of our Medical Plaza expansion. Enjoy chocolate and wine as you tour our new facilities, visit with our staff and learn about services available for our patients. 102 N. Magdalen 7pm Champagne and Diamonds Help the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County celebrate 19yrs of helping others. Catering by Mesquite Bean Café and Entertainment by Jazz Concho. $75 per person, Cocktail Casual and Open Bar. At the Cactus Hotel.

Tuesday, February 15th

2pm – 2:30pm German Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks 5:30pm – 6:30pm Russian Coffee & Conversation ASU Academic Building room 121 5:30pm – 6:30pm Spanish Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks

Thursday, February 10th

2pm – 6pm Art Thursday at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Locat-ed in the education studio. Art activities for children and their families. Free – FMI 325-653-3333 6:30pm Chicken Farm Art Center – Live music in the Courtyard 2505 Mar-tin Luther King. FMI call 325-653-4936 7:30pm-9:30pm “One Night Stand” The Peoples Theatre Group of San Angelo is holding an interest meeting for a new production. Actors, singers, dancers, and entertainers, 18 and up, come and bring your friends. No ex-perience needed. 7PM ASU Planetarium – Black Holes General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188

Friday, February 11th

True Blue ASU – The ASU Government Association is launching a cam-paign to have San Angelo community members wear ASU blue on Fridays – and also during ASU events. 8pm Annie Get Your Gun When With one rousing number after another, and characters sure to get your boots a tappin', the high spirited Annie Oak-ley proves "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" in this enduring musical for the ages. At the Angelo Civic Theatre FMI: 325-949-4400 7PM ASU Planetarium – Black Holes General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 8PM ASU Planetarium – Stars of the Pharaohs Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astro-nomical phenomena. General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and sen-ior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188

Saturday, February 12th

Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day Join the Fort Concho Buffalo Soldier Living History Unit as they celebrate the history and heritage of the African Ameri-can Soldiers who served Fort Concho and other forts across the United States. The event includes education programs and living history demon-strations. FMI Paul Cook 325-657-4440 9am Adult Birding Adventure Meet at the South Gate at the State Park FMI: 325-944-1839 9:30am-12pm - Kendall Art Gallery – Watercolor Classes Watercolor techniques on Saturday and Sunday Cost is $120 FMI 325-659-8831 7PM ASU Planetarium – Astro Otters: Destination Moon General Admis-sion $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU stu-dents, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 3PM ASU Planetarium – Stars of the Pharaohs Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astro-nomical phenomena. General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and sen-ior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 8pm Annie Get Your Gun When With one rousing number after another, and characters sure to get your boots a tappin', the high spirited Annie Oak-ley proves "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" in this enduring musical for the ages. At the Angelo Civic Theatre FMI: 325-949-4400 10am – 3pm SAMFA FREE Family Chinese New Year Celebration at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts San Angelo Broadway Academy Annual Garage Sale Furniture, Clothes, Household items, Art, Toys, bake sale and more. 10 N. Taylor – Proceeds go to benefit performing arts programs at SABA.

To submit your events go to

www.sanangelospotlight.com

6:30pm Motion Image Theatre – SAMFA “Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Eu-rope?” Deliciously funny who dun it, involving gourmet food and beautiful Europe-an scenery. San Angelo Museum f Fine Arts FMI 325-653-3333 Wednesday, February 16th 10am – 10:30am Stories and Songs for Preschoolers Tom Green County Main Library 113 W. Beauregard


2pm – 6pm Art Thursday at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Located in the education studio. Art activities for children and their families. Free – FMI 325-653-3333 5pm-9pm Downtown Art Walk www.downtownsanangelo.com 7PM ASU Planetarium – Stars of the Pharaohs Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phe-nomena. General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 8PM ASU Planetarium – Black Holes General Admission $3 adults, $2 for chil-dren and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188

7:30pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 8pm Annie Get Your Gun When With one rousing number after another, and characters sure to get your boots a tappin', the high spirited Annie Oakley proves "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" in this enduring musical for the ages. At the Angelo Civic Theatre FMI: 325-949-4400


True Blue ASU – The ASU Government Association is launching a campaign to have San Angelo community members wear ASU blue on Fridays – and also during ASU events. 7:30pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 7PM ASU Planetarium – Astro Otters: Destination Moon General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, fac-ulty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 3PM ASU Planetarium – Stars of the Pharaohs Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena. General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188


10am 79th Annual Rodeo Parade Parade will begin at Irving and Concho St. 1:30pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 2PM ASU Planetarium – Astro Otters: Destination Moon General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, fac-ulty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 3PM ASU Planetarium – Stars of the Pharaohs Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena. General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 7:30pm San Angelo Wine and Food Festival Gourmet Dinner at the San Angelo Country Club FMI: 6693-6793 7:30pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 8pm Annie Get Your Gun When With one rousing number after another, and characters sure to get your boots a tappin', the high spirited Annie Oakley proves "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" in this enduring musical for the ages. At the Angelo Civic Theatre FMI: 325-949-4400

Sunday, February 20th

2pm Play It Again Concert West Texas Jazz Orchestra at the Museum 2pm Annie Get Your Gun When With one rousing number after another, and characters sure to get your boots a tappin', the high spirited Annie Oakley proves "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" in this enduring musical for the ages. At the Angelo Civic Theatre FMI: 325-949-4400 2pm – 4pm Black History Month – Fort Concho Dr. Kenneth Heineman “Fighting for Freedom” The origins and debate over Black Military Service in the Civil War. FMI 325-481-2646 3pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo

Monday, February 21st

“Presidents Day” 5pm – 6pm French Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks

Tuesday, February 22nd

10am Story Time for Preschoolers Tom Green County Library (Angelo West Branch) 3013 Vista Del Arroyo 2pm – 2:30pm German Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks

SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT PAGE 4 February 10, 2011

LOCAL SIGN-UPS

KID SIGN-UPS

San Angelo ISD Group Swim Team Swimming/Aquatics ages 7-15yrs old, with some breathing skills– May sign up at any time through May 27th. $35 per month, FMI 325-659-3434 ext. 133 Now Enrolling for San Angelo Broadway Academy: Dance-Theater Arts-Vocal performance-Art Design Ages 3- 18 for 2011 Sp r i ng Semes te r FMI : 325 -763 -4807 o r v i s i t www.sabroadwayacademy.org Youth fitness Program: This exercise program is for 11-13 year olds. It is a structured class designed to teach proper form and tech-nique for various exercise. Schedule: Tues.-Thurs. 7:30pm-9:00pm, Fridays 5:00 pm-8:00pm & Sat. & Sun. All Day Cost: Group Session $40 / Child FMI: Contact the YMCA @ 325-325-655-9106 San Angelo Girls fast-Pitched Association: Open registration begins January 30th, 10am – 1pm at Academy Sports & Outdoors Ages: 4yrs- 18yrs of age FMI: Sherri Carney, 325-659-4327 or [email protected] Sign Up for Scouting: *Can Sign Up year Round* - Girl Scouts of Central Texas & Boy Scouts of America FMI:: Boy Scouts 325-655-7107 or Girl Scouts 325-655-8961 Youth Volleyball League: YMCA Registration Jan 3rd– February 21st, 3rd through 8th grade, member $50, non-member $65, FMI Terrell Lee 325-655-9106 or [email protected] Youth Volleyball Clinic: Feb 21st-Feb 24th, YMCA Registration Jan 3rd– February 21st, 3rd through 8th grade, member $50, non-member $65, FMI Terrell Lee 325-655-9106 or [email protected]

ADULT SIGN-UPS China Painters All china painters, want-to-learn china paint-ing or anyone new to the community and want to see what we do are encouraged to join us. 618 S. Chadbourne St. Tuesday s from 8:30am- 4:00pm FMI: 325-223-0647 Slow Pitch Umpires needed for 2011 Season FMI: Call 325-657-4450 San Angelo Flying Lessons Are you ready for the ultimate thrill of flight lessons? To learn more about our mind-blowing Flight Lessons, air-plane tours Call 1-800-226-1116 Zumba Classes sponsored by ASU Multicultural Center Free 8:00-9:00pm University Center 110/111 Contact: Adria-na Balcorta (325) 942-2729 Ballroom Dancing Classes 6:30pm – 8:30pm Santa Fe Crossing - 702 S. Chadbourne Taught by Scott Gilmore Cost is $32 per person a month. Register in advance. 481-2798 Square Dancing All ages 18 and up are invited, all levels of dancing. You do not need to bring a partner, singles and cou-ples are invited to come out for fun and exercise! New danc-ers practice on Tuesday nights from 7-9pm SALSA LESSONS Oasis the Club Monday Nights- 7pm Concho Kennel Club 507 West 47th Street Informal Confor-mation Handling Class 1st & 3rd Wednesday Evening’s 7:00 pm FMI call (325) 655-0344

5:30pm – 6:30pm Russian Coffee & Conversation ASU Academic Building room 121 5:30pm – 6:30pm Spanish Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks

Wednesday, February 23rd

10am – 10:30am Stories and Songs for Preschoolers Tom Green County Main Library 113 W. Beauregard 7:30pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo


2pm – 6pm Art Thursday at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Located in the education studio. Art activities for children and their families. Free – FMI 325-653-3333 6pm 27th Annual San Angelo Wine and Food Festival Gourmet Dinner, Grand Auction and Dance $150 per person FMI 325-653-6793 7PM ASU Planetarium – Stars of the Pharaohs Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena. General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 8PM ASU Planetarium – Black Holes General Admission $3 adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. No charge for ASU students, faculty and staff FMI 325-942-2188 7:30pm Stock Show and Rodeo 79th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 8pm Annie Get Your Gun When With one rousing number after another, and characters sure to get your boots a tappin', the high spirited Annie Oakley proves "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" in this enduring musical for the ages. At the Angelo Civic Theatre FMI: 325-949-4400


ASU SOFTBALL

February 12 - ASU Blue and Gold Classic ASU vs. Texas Permian Basin

1:00PM HOME

February 12 - ASU Blue and Gold Classic Belles vs. Washburn

3:00PM HOME

February 13 - ASU Blue and Gold Classic Belles vs. Washburn

12:30PM HOME

February 13 - ASU Blue and Gold Classic Belles vs. Texas Permian Basin

2:30PM HOME

February 18 - Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational ASU vs. University of Nebraska-Omaha

10:00AM Durant, Okla

February 18 - Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational ASU vs. Central Missouri

4:00PM Durant, Okla

February 19 - Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational ASU vs. Ouachita Baptist

10:00AM Durant, Okla

February 19 - Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational ASU vs. Centari Oklahoma

4:00PM Durant, Okla

February 20 - Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational ASU vs. Henderson State

2:00PM Durant, Okla

February 20 - Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational ASU vs. Northeastern Oklahoma State

4:00PM Durant, Okla

ASU BASEBALL

February 11

ASU vs. Incarnate Ward

1:00PM San Antonio

February 12

ASU vs. Incarnate Ward

1:00PM San Antonio

February 18 ASU vs. East Central

4:00PM HOME

February 19 ASU vs. East Central

1:00PM HOME

February 22 ASU vs. Ouachita Baptist

1:00PM Ft. Worth

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

PHOTOS FROM ASU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS


CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

February 12 - Scrimmage Lady Cats vs. Eastland Springtown

TBA AWAY

February 17-19 Lady Cats vs. Ft. Worth Western Hills Tourney

TBA AWAY

LAKE VIEW

February 12 Maidens vs. Levelland/ Canyon Scrimmage

TBA AWAY

February 15 Maidens vs. Midland

4:00PM HOME

February 17-19 Maidens vs. Abilene Tourney

TBA AWAY

February 22 Maidens vs. Wylie

4:00PM HOME

GRAPE CREEK

February 12 Lady Eagles vs. Winters Early

4:00PM HOME

February 15 Lady Eagles vs. Junction

6:00PM AWAY

February 17 Lady Eagles vs. Miles Tourney

TBA AWAY

February 118 Lady Eagles vs. Winters

6:00PM AWAY

February 19 Lady Eagles vs. Miles Tourney

TBA AWAY

February 22 Lady Eagles vs. Anson

6:00PM HOME

WALL

February 12 Lady Hawks vs. Haskell/Junction Scrimmage

10:30PM HOME

January 15 Lady Hawks vs. TLCA

5:00PM HOME

February 18-20

Lady Hawks vs. Crane Tourney TBA

AWAY

February 21

Lady Hawks vs. Forsan 5:00PM AWAY

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

CENTRAL SOCCER

February 15 Lady Cats vs. Abilene Cooper

4:30PM AWAY

February 15 Bobcats vs. Abilene Cooper

6:30PM AWAY

February 19 Lady Cats vs. Odessa Permian

12:00PM HOME

February 19 Bobcats vs. Odessa Permian

2:00PM HOME

February 21 Lady Cats vs. Midland Lee

4:30PM HOME

February 21 Bobcats vs. Midland Lee

6:30PM HOME

LAKE VIEW SOCCER

February 10

Maidens vs. Odessa High TBA

AWAY

February 11 Chiefs vs. Stephenville High

7:00PM AWAY

February 14-15

Maidens vs. Tourney - Marble Falls TBA

AWAY

February 15

Chiefs vs. Abilene Wylie 7:00PM AWAY

February 18

Chiefs vs. Brownwood 7:00PM AWAY

February 20-22

Maidens vs. Tourney - Azle TBA

AWAY

February 22

Chiefs vs. Stephenville 6:00PM HOME


Monday, Feb 14 Tuesday, Feb 15 Wednesday, Feb 16 Thursday, Feb 17 Friday, Feb 18

Breakfast: Hot Pocket, Grape Juice, Milk

Lunch: Oven Baked Ham or Spa-ghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Corn, Tossed Salad, Hot Roll, Applesauce, Milk

Breakfast: Sausage Roll, Apple Juice, Milk

Lunch: Grilled Cheese or Cold Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Beef Vegeta-ble Soup, Pears, Chocolate Cake, Milk

Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich, Grape Juice, Milk

Lunch: Beef Nachos or Quesadillas, Ranch Style Beans, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, Milk

Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick, Apple Juice, Milk

Lunch: Pizza or Lasagna, Califor-nia Vegetables, Garlic Roll, Fresh Orange, Milk

Breakfast: Sunrise Bites, Grape Juice, Milk

Lunch: Cheeseburger or Hamburger, Oven Fries, Hamburger Salad, Oat-meal Cookie, Milk

Monday, Feb 21 Tuesday, Feb 22 Wednesday, Feb 23 Thursday, Feb 24 Friday, Feb 25

Breakfast: Cheese Toast, Grape Juice, Milk

Lunch: Corn Dog or Fish Sticks, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Peaches, Milk

Breakfast: Sausage Roll, Apple Juice, Milk

Lunch: Steak Fingers or Oven-Fried Chicken, Green Peas, Mashed Potatoes, Cream Gravy, Spice Cake, Milk

Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza, Grape Juice, Milk

Lunch: Beef Nachos or Taco Burg-er, Pinto Beans, Mixed Fruit, Milk

Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick, Apple Juice, Milk

Lunch: Chicken Nuggets or Salis-bury Steak, Mashed Potatoes w/ Brown Gravy, Broccoli, Hot Roll, Apple Wedges, Milk

Breakfast: Cinnamon Bun, Grape Juice, Milk

Lunch: Chili Dog/Hot Dog or Turkey Deli Sandwich, Tator Tots, Peanut Butter Cookie, Milk

Just a short jaunt outside of San Angelo you’ll find a real treat at the Eola School Brewery Restaurant & Lodge. James “Mark” Cannon is the en-igmatic owner, head chef, and brew-master at the Eola School. Six years ago Mark stumbled upon the old abandoned high school in Eola, and thought it a good place to start his own beer label. Consequently, Mark packed his bags, moved from his home in Oregon to Eola TX, and bought the school. In a couple of years, and with a lot of elbow grease, Mark had attained his dream. He manufactures some of the best beer in Texas and has created his own label dubbed Bright Brewing.

I recently talked with Mark about the brewing process. Avid home brewers will know that the way most folks make micro-brews is through a pro-cess that uses pre-manufactured malt extracts that contain vast amounts of processed and refined sugars. Mark is an absolute purist. He only uses specialty grains out of which he methodically teases the natural sugars that turn into alcohol during the fermentation process. This allows Marks beers to have complex and full flavors indicative of most high-end beers. The natural unprocessed sugars that come from the grains also carry through the filtering process certain vitamins like vitamin B4 that helps boost liver function. You will not find these attributes in most commercial beers. The vitamins tend to get filtered out, and preservatives are added lending to that sharp-out-of-the-can taste. Marks beers taste incredibly clean and smooth by comparison. His knowledge on beer and brewing is vast and Mark is certainly not loath to share all the intricacies of his knowledge with anyone who walks through his door. He offers two beer choices; a dark porter-style as well as a traditional lager. Each time I go to the Eola School Brewery I find the premises in some new phase of funky remodel. Mark is a do it all type of guy who is putting his heart and soul into the reclamation of the school and making it into a premier venue for live music, events, and fine dining. So don’t be surprised to step over the occasional extension cord on your way to the bathroom.

Upon completion the brewery will have one of West Texas’ best live music auditoriums and a full-scale restaurant all on site. For now, Mark is serving homemade pizzas, burgers, and chicken strips with a few appetizers. The pizza is made with five different kinds of cheeses and topped with fresh basil, home grown tomatoes and fresh local goat cheese. It is fantastic. The burgers are also incredible. Take an appetite because the half pound patties come with about two inches of toppings. If you pull his leg, Mark will throw some of his famous goat cheese on the burger for you. Call ahead a day or two in advance when taking a group because Mark is liable to cook a brisket for the occasion.

You can find the Eola School in Eola TX at 12119 FM 381 just off the main road. The phone number is 325-469-3314 and Mark is open till around 10pm every night. Take some friends and some board games or just sit and chat with Mark. You’ll enjoy the unique local experience.

Review by Grant Ingram

Eola School Brewery


Most of us undergo a week filled with demanding, energy-consuming

responsibility. With work, kids, and everything in between, I personally

look forward to some time to sit back and unwind. Although San

Angelo's nightlife is undoubtedly flourishing, smokey, crowded bars

just aren't my idea of relaxation. In our house, when we think of a

“relaxing weekend” we think of a calm and unique atmosphere, good

company, and of course a great glass of wine! Which, is why I leave

no stone unturned in my venture for this exact type of setting.

Christoval Vineyards has created an unprecedented experience that

is truly unlike anything else in West Texas. Located just 15 miles

from San Angelo, their 25 acre estate vineyard and winery is a gor-

geous, departure from the ordinary. As you drive through the grand,

stone, and rod iron entrance, you are instantly welcomed by an ex-

quisite “European-style”, stone, chateau. This enchanting chapel

provides the perfect setting for The Christoval Vineyards' tasting

room. Visitors are able to tour and enjoy the estate grounds as well

as taste a collection of sophisticated, delicious wines. Their collec-

tion includes four reds and four whites, each of their wines are

pleasant, easy drinking, and sure to please any palette.

As a family owned and operated business, Drexell and Nancy Vincent

have developed an amazing establishment. Drex and his two sons,

Blake and Bryan, each bring their own area of expertise to the busi-

ness and complement one another perfectly. In addition to the win-

ery and tasting room, Christoval Vineyards is also the home of the

Chapel in the Vineyard event center. Chapel in the Vineyard is pre-

pared to accommodate everything you need for weddings, wine tast-

ings, and other special events. Rows and rows of beautifully mani-

cured grapevines and immaculate landscaping provide a charming

ambiance.

In conjunction with all of the impressive resources available at

Christoval Vineyards, they also offer membership to their Vintner's

Club. This exceptional wine club provides you with discounts, exclu-

sive access to events, and other privileges not available to the gen-

eral public. Two different membership levels allow you to receive their

wine directly to your door throughout the year. I love this concept

and count on our thrice yearly shipment of wine, as well as news and

event invitations from the winery!

Despite the fact that it is the end of January and most of West

Texas is brown, dry, and uninviting, Christoval Vineyards' estate is

an extraordinary divergence from the usual. The Vincent’s have suc-

cessfully actualized a unique and beautiful destination in the heart

of West Texas. I look forward to the approaching warm weather; I will

certainly be a regular at Christoval Vineyards. What better way to

spend a hot, sunny day, than at a captivating vineyard, with great

friends and of course, great wine!

People are always asking me to suggest unique, local places to

check out in San Angelo. Make the short drive out to Christoval

Vineyards and enjoy a taste of French countryside, right here in

West Texas! Please visit www.chapelinthevineyard.com for more in-

formation.


http://www.chapelinthevineyard.com/

Aaron Watson has to be, without a doubt, the most caring, loving, faith based Texas country artist known to fans of the genre. If it’s not just his music alone that keeps his fans attentive and wanting more, it’s certainly his attributions of kind-ness. From a once known hot headed performer, Watson is a new man with startling record sales, a killer tour bus, and a wife and family he adores. Most of all he gives thanks to God above who he says has changed him and uses his craft to reach other people by such indefinable grace.

Watson, dub as the “Honky Tonk Kid”, started playing music as a student at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Tex-as. The Amarillo native released his first album, Texas Café in 2001 followed by 2002’s Shutupanddance which gar-nered him some attention throughout the lone star state. The album that really made Watson a staple in the Texas mu sic scene was the release of 2008’s Angels & Outlaws that featured his hit song “Barbed Wire Halo”. Since then, Wat-son has continued to tour, write, and record his music.

I recently caught up with Watson about his career, family, fans, and his upcoming trip to play Midnight Rodeo here in San Angelo.

Spotlight: How did you get started playing music? Watson: Well really it’s all kind of a big blur but it’s hard to believe that it’s 2011 and I’m working on my 11th record. It almost doesn’t seem real. But when I was going to ACU, I was playing a little baseball – actually, I was more sitting on the bench than anything and I hurt my back pretty good and it shortened my baseball career so I was kind of bummed for awhile but it’s one of those things that’s a classic example of what you have planned and what the good Lord has planned for yourself are two different things. One door c losed and the music door opened but it was really the songwriting side of things more than anything. But country music has a way of telling a story and when you hear the way I talk, you can see that I probably fit in great with country music.

Spotlight: Who do you list as influences that got you interested in music? Watson: I’ve really always enjoyed the old school stuff like Ernest Tubb and Bob Wills and Lefty Frizzell but definitely Willie (Nelson), Waylon (Jennings), Merle (Haggard) but I always use Johnny Cash as an example of a man who experienced more than his fair share of rough times and really bad, bad decisions. But he was able to get through his addictions and affairs and when he gave it over to Jesus, that’s when he saw his life really turn around. Now, is Johnny Cash music my favor-ite kind of music? No. It’s not at all. But I’m more inspired by him more than anything because he was so bold and could speak up to the whole wide world about what Jesus would do and so for me that is the most inspiring thing personally for me. But let’s be honest; his (Johnny Cash) music is trendy and just like his, my records will get put up on some shelf and collect dust and they might get played on some classic country radio show from time to time but it’s one of those things. Johnny Cash was doing something bigger than music. And I’m in honky tonks and bars on a weekly basis and those are some really crazy places where looking at Johnny Cash, I keep forging ahead in the right direction.

Spotlight: You’re a pretty faith-based guy. Would you say your career is almost like a ministry? Watson: Well, you know, I like to think of myself as a Christian artist that sings country music. I would like to think that no matter what I’m doing if it’s singing country music or if I’m running a lawn mowing business that I would do my best and glorify God in everything that I say and do. And it took me a few years to figure out, and I’m still figuring it out and you can ask my wife and she’ll tell you I’m far from perfect but I’m constantly making a difference and realizing that I’m not the one in charge. I guess my goal is to sell millions and millions of records. I’m a competitive guy and I would love to do that but I’ve done incredibly well and I’ve done it inde-pendently and I guess my number one goal is that whenever I’m being measured and weighed someday that it would be a nice thing to know that I wasn’t singing for myself and to have Jesus tell me that I did some really great things for him through my music. That’s the ultimate goal. That might sound a little out there but really that’s what it’s all about. And again, no matter what I do, I know I’m not exceptional because I play music for a living. I think that my career gives me an awesome platform in which I can get up on a stage in front of thousands and thousands of people every month and try my very best to be a positive influence on them so I do believe that I’m not something special and I am incredibly average. And I’ll tell you that with this opportunity, I am always kind of paranoid because I don’t feel I de-serve to be in the position that I am in so for me, I take it a little bit more personal that I’m making all the right people happy. There are a lot of people that have got-ten me to this point and God has put a lot of incredible people in my life that has helped me get to this point. So I am constantly pushing and pushing to be a better man. And I do struggle, no doubt.

Spotlight: What are some of your favorite songs that you’ve written? Watson: I think “Barbed Wire Halo” is definitely one. If I could be known for one song, that is what I would pick. There is a song I wrote for my wife called “Unbelievably Beautiful” and I had been listening to a lot of Frank Sinatra when I wrote that song and I was really proud of the lyrics and the melody and for musical reasons I came up with that one. I could go on and on about the songs that I don’t like. There are always two or three songs on my records that I can’t stand and it’s always those two or three that everybody likes. I know different strokes for different folks but I’m definitely more of a fan of the songs that are more heartfelt where I have more of a personal tie to. But I was in church a few months back and I was thumbing through the hymnal for a few old school songs to sing and the preacher was preaching on faith and there is a bible verse which says, “You show me your faith by what you sing and I’ll show you my faith with what I do”. That kind of just slapped me in the face and I thought that the world can always use another gospel record but I wonder what I could do that could make a bigger statement than that. It’s means more than anything putting my money where my mouth is kind of thing and I’m working on a record called Swinging For the Stars and it’s going to be a swinging jazz record and there’s going to be tons of big name guests and singers on it and the entire record is going to bene fit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Mem-phis. And it’s called Swinging for the Stars because the stars aren’t the singers or the musicians. The stars are the doctors, the nurses, the volunteers and the super-stars are definitely the kids because they’re the ones going through these tough times. Of all the records I’ve ever done, th is is the most exciting one. I’ve been work-ing like a dog on this thing so I’m teaming up again with Ray Benson and we’re thinking or teaming up with a symphony for it. And this record isn’t about me. My big-gest passion isn’t music, it’s my family and I have three kids, sweet baby dolls so when I had the honor of being at the St. Jude’s kick off in Memphis, being a daddy walking through those doors and seeing kids the same age as mine with shiny bald heads and smiles definitely was an eye opener for me so that’s where this album idea came to be.

Spotlight: Could you reveal who all is on the album? Watson: I can’t. But there’s going to be some good ones. And no date yet on when it will be out. If it’ll take me 3 years to make it right then I will take my sweet time to do it because I want it to be super special.

Spotlight: What is life on the road like for you being away from your kids and wife? Watson: It’s great! It’s pretty chill on the road right now you know. I’ll give you an example of a day in the life of Aaron Watson; today for instance, we got done with our show at 12:30 in the morning and I signed autographs till 2 o’clock, climbed on the bus and got ready for bed, went to the back room

of the bus which is kind of like my little work area and I’m not going to lie; it’s pretty sweet back here. Continued on Page 14

MUSIC LINE-UP


Live Music in the Courtyard – Chicken Farm

Texas Chuck’s Open Mic Night – Spam’s

Monty Branham – Sealy Flats

Stoney LaRue with Whiskey Myers – Midnight Rodeo


Kevin Fowler – Midnight Rodeo

Shotgun Rebels - Valentine Failures – The Deadhorse

Mark David Manders – Blaine’s Pub

Brushfire – Stagecoach Saloon and Dancehall

Whistlestix – Spam’s

Guitar Jonathon – House of FiFi Dubois

Mike Milligan & the Altar Boyz – Sealy Flats


Vallejo – The Deadhorse

Eleven Hundred Springs – Blaine’s Pub

Odd Company – The Oasis

Gasoline Alley – Party Ranch

Mike McClure – Steel Penny Pub

Tone Pirates – Stagecoach Saloon and Dancehall

No Dry Country – Oasis

Danny Brooks – Sealy Flats

The Shizz – House of FiFi Dubois

Tuesday, February 15th

Oscar Ornelas – Sealy Flats

Wednesday, February 16th

Six Market Blvd – Blaine’s Pub

Open Mic Night – Oasis

Tone Pirates – Sealy Flats


Cruise Duke – Blaine’s Pub

Casey Donahew Band – Midnight Rodeo

William Clark Green – Midnight Rodeo

Texas Chuck’s Open Mic Night – Spam’s

Manzy Lowry Band – Little River Club

Kevin Brown – John Carl Escue – House of FiFi Dubois

Slim Jim Rose – Sealy Flats


Aaron Watson – Midnight Rodeo

Paula Nelson – Blaine’s Pub

Snake Skin Prison w/ Honky – The Deadhorse

Van Darien – Kylie Rae Harris – House of FiFi Dubois

Bryce & The Bad Decisions – Party Ranch

Dan Calhoun – Kimbos Saloon

Ulrich Elison Trio – Sealy Flats


Kelly Kenning – Blaine’s Pub

Nathan Lange Band – Float 404

High Seas Adventure, Favors for Favors – Steel Penny Pub

Clever Blue – House of FiFi Dubois

Viskus – The Deadhorse

Chris Ruest – Sealy Flats

Wednesday, February 23rd

Open Mic Night - Oasis

Curtis Grimes – Blaine’s Pub

Concho Jazz Orchestra – Sealy Flats


Continued from Page 10:

So I sat back there for an hour and watched a few episodes of 24 and then I went to bed and I woke up and my bus driver had stopped the bus at a Bass Pro Shop parking lot so I went in there and messed around for a few hours. And then we headed to the gig a few hours away and now we’re here and the guys are doing sound check and then we’ll all go eat dinner and play the show. Meanwhile, my wife is at home with all 3 kids that are probably going crazy. So really it’s momma that’s doing all the work. And sometimes I kind of feel guilty cause when I call, she’s at home and it sounds like she’s in a circus or a zoo on the other end of the line where things are going crazy and I’ve got my feet kicked up on a couch in the bus watching TV. So, yeah, life on the road is defi-nitely a lot more laid back and obviously things are good when you’re on a big fancy tour bus. But I’ve got stories from back in the day when we were car-pooling in a van but I’m glad those days are over with cause this bus is my home away from home. Spotlight: What is your favorite venue to play? Watson: I love fairs, rodeos…those are the best for me. It’s all ages and usu-ally outdoors so it’s not smoky and there are carnival rides and all kinds of cool stuff like that. But as far as venues, tonight I’m playing a place that holds like 500 capacity and tomorrow night I’m playing a place that holds 5,000. Spotlight: What is Honky Tonkin’ For the Hungry? Watson: That is a thing I started up last year. It helps fund a directions home and the union gospel mission in Ft. Worth. It’s an annual thing where we play a show at Billy Bob’s and the proceeds go towards raising money for the home-less and hungry. It’s kind of similar to a benefit I do in Abilene every year. Spotlight: What made you title your album after San Angelo? Watson: Dude, if I had a dime for every time somebody asked me that ques-tion, I would be retired. Pretty much anything and everything involves a wom-an. It’s a funny thing; I dated a girl in college from San Angelo and she was a sweetheart and there’s no hard feeling there. But I think my pursuing a music career was a nail in the coffin as far as our relationship went. So I started writ-ing this song after we broke up and it didn’t go anywhere and I have a file on my computer of old songs I’ve written or ideas. So I was recording a record and Ray Benson who produces all of my stuff said we needed another ballad. So we had one more session in Austin so I went home to see if I could come up with some kind of something. And this was 5 years later and I’m happily married and bought a little house and I’m looking through some songs and didn’t realize my wife was doing something in the kitchen so she heard me singing this song and she asked me when I wrote that and I told her a long time ago. So she really liked that song and I was worried it would bother her. And my wife does not get jealous over anything and sometimes I wish she would. But she pushed me to record that song. But it kind of bugged me be-cause I didn’t want this gal thinking that I was hung up on her. So it was im-portant that I rewrote the bridge, “looking back, it was a blessing that you broke my heart in two, because if I had never lost her, honey, I’d have never found you”. And I never let my wife hear that verse until we had completely recorded the entire song and it was mixed and mastered. And when she heard that bridge, she got all choked up. So I just decided to name the record San Angelo. We have a place that we hunt and go camping at all the time that is right in between Abilene and San Angelo so the whole west Texas area and me being a west Texas boy just kind of fit. It had a ring to it. And there was something about that record that I thought it needed to be called San Angelo. And that record has been incredibly successful for us. All of them had done great but this one was a super, super strong follow up record. And I put out a live record previous to that. And San Angelo is an awesome town. Anytime I come, I just love it. It’s like home away from home. Spotlight: Anything you’d like to say to the folks of San Angelo? Watson: I love everyone for the continuous support over the last 10 years. They’ve never let me down. And I don’t want any fans in San Angelo, I just want a bunch of friends. I’m not a rock star and I don’t really like the idea of fans. They may be a fan of my music and this and that but I don’t consider them fans. I consider the people who help me put food on my table a friend. I’m looking forward to coming to San Angelo and always excited to. You can catch Aaron at Midnight Rodeo on February 18th.

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san angelo spotlight - issue 13

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