By John McGee
The Texas Arts and Music Festival in Brenham is back for its second year and organizers expect it to be even bigger. The festival, Oct. 20-22, will offer fun for the whole family.
Nine live-music performances include well-known musicians. Food trucks and locally brewed beers will be available to quench everyone’s hunger and thirst, and there will be an art village consisting of local artists and craftsman offering up their creations to the public. A special attraction includes live performances from world famous street artists such as Jeff Soto, Michael Rodriguez, and Daniel Anguilu.
“About four years ago we opened up our market here in Brenham in an effort to increase the awareness of arts and music in the Brazos Valley,” says Brad Stufflebeam, chairman and founder of the festival. “There was a definite need to have an entertainment venue and to help get a little kick in the rural economy here in Washington County and Brenham.”
Around the same time, the city of Brenham decided to create a theatre and arts district downtown. The two groups joined forces and it lead to the creation of the arts and music festival.
“It’s a great, family friendly event; the kids really enjoy it,” says Stufflebeam. “There’s lots of things for the kids to do, like face painting in the art village and some other fun things, so strollers are welcome.”
Going to the festival is free, but supplemental options are offered. The first option is the Friends of the Festival Package for $50. Anyone who purchases this package will receive a festival T-shirt, a poster designed by Jeff Soto, four drink tickets, and one festival koozie.
The second paid option is a VIP ticket for $100. This package includes access to a VIP tent by the main stage with tables and seating, a culinary tasting event created by local chefs, and the chance to mingle with the street artists and musicians.
The Zythological Society also will be hosting a Texas Brew Step event with locally brewed beers for the cost of $25 per ticket. Texas Brew Step will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 2-5pm.
All the proceeds from the paid packages will directly support the community.
“With the money we receive, we will give it back to the community to support education and the arts. With the proceeds from last year we were able to give a donation to both Blinn College and Brenham ISD,” says Stufflebeam.
More information about the festival or how to volunteer, become a vendor, and sponsor the event can be found at www.texasartsandmusicfestival.com.
