StoneWall and Swing on the Square by Forrest Miller
Buzz Mill photo essay by Gabi Morris
I went to The Buzz Mill in San Marcos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to listen to a couple of bands play. Coming in from the back, this is what you are greeted with.
Then you have this charming sign making sure you don’t get lost.
Making my way to the front, I saw some interesting artwork.
When I got to the front, it was time to decide what I wanted.
That’s when I realized I’ve never been to The Buzz Mill before.
I settled for classic hot coffee.
A few people were there. But it was mostly empty at this point.
Then I realized that the band was still setting up, so I waited.
I got bored waiting, so I decided to walk around.
That’s when I realized how much was happening in the front patio of The Buzz Mill. There was art for sale.
Advertising for henna tattoos.
Various other things being sold.
But then I noticed a child holding a snake?
I approached the table, and also saw a cute turtle.
It was hard to miss this giant snake.
It was hard to miss these small friends as well.
That’s when I remembered the show was going to start!
Milktoast Millie and the Scabby Knees started off the day.
The girls sang a couple of songs without the boys.
Then a little fan made their way to the front to get a better look.
The boys enjoyed their break from the spot light.
Everyone was nothing but hugs and smiles after they finished.
That’s when it was time for The Haberdashers.
After quickly setting up, and doing a sound check.
The Haberdashers began their set.
Patrick Hornbeck, banjo player, put down his instrument to sing a song.
The Milktoast Millies even stayed to hear The Haberdashers play!
The audience seemed to have a good time on this lovely Sunday.
The Haberdashers then took a ten minute break.
They seemed to enjoy their free time. Using it to hydrate, and joke around with one another.
Jaron (middle) and Jesse (right) even stopped to talk to a new fan.
After their short break, The Haberdashers played another set of music for The Buzz Mill audience, making today a musical Sunday for all.
On Saturday several groups performed live on the square including the Eric Gerber 3.
Greg Lowry (right) played a wide assortment of stringed instruments, while Eric Gerber (left) provided acoustic guitar and vocals.
Citizens from across Hays County came not only to hear the music, but to peruse the various art exhibits on display.
Many exhibits featured works done by San Marcos residents.
Some exhibits where somewhat non-traditional, like this one which featured an assortment of hand carved wooden toys.
There was even something for you if your tastes are a bit more Pollock-esque.
The entire event took place in the shadow of the historic Hays County courthouse.
The Saturday afternoon couldn’t have been nicer for a concert on the lawn.
On Sunday, I went first to the Buzz Mill, where I caught a show from Big Cedar.
When entering the Buzz Mill, I was greeted by this happy face.
The Buzz Mill was just one of many private businesses who agreed to host events for the Downtown Swing festival.
There where also several artists at he Buzz Mill who where practicing their craft.
John works with glass and creates a wide variety of items. “I really love it man. I get to do what I love to do and I get paid for it. That’s about as good as it gets,” John said.
The Buzz Mill was buzzing with patrons enjoying the music and art.
Also on Sunday, people gathered at the Price Senior Center & Tea Room to listened to the old time melodies of Trio Del Rio.
Here is an audio story about San Marcos as a growing city and how it is effecting the people here by Ashley Brown Video story on the impact of population growth on water use in San Marcos, by Jakob Rodriguez
