Month of January: Friendly Bar Bistro: Judy Lamb is our January featured artist. Come see her exotic and provocative approach to art! She has an interesting twist to life! See her latest works at the FBB! 106 Nugent Ave, Johnson City, TX. 830-868-2182. Web: www.FriendlyBarBistro.com.

Tuesday, January 1: Silver K Cafe Open Mic: Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for Open Mic Night starting at 7:30 pm. (All musicians are invited and there will be 1/2 price beer for any of the participants.). Full menu available as well as beer & Texas wines. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Friday, January 4: Silver K Cafe Entertainment: Join us for Michael Hearne & South by Southwest. Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, Texas Wine & wonderful music. Music starts around 9 pm & there will be a full menu, beer & wine available. Cover is only $5. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Tuesday, January 15: Silver K Cafe Open Mic: Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for Open Mic Night starting at 7:30 pm. (All musicians are invited and there will be 1/2 price beer for any of the participants.). Full menu available as well as beer & Texas wines. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Thur., Fri. & Saturday, January 24, 25 & 26: Blanco County 4-H Youth Council Livestock Show Blanco County Show Barn (for more information blanco-co.tamu.edu or email blanco-tx@tamu.edu) *Contact Charlene (830) 868-7167

Saturday, January 26: Silver K Cafe Entertainment: Join us for Mike Blakely & Larry Nye. Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, Texas Wine & wonderful music. Music starts around 9 pm & there will be a full menu, beer & wine available. Cover is only $5. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Saturday & Sunday, January 26-27: Arts Encounters 2008 Series - The Benini Foundation January's lineup focuses on sculpture, sounds and healing . . . This month we start our fourth year of ARTS Encounters! Last weekend of every other month at The Benini Foundation Galleries & Sculpture Ranch. 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Everyone welcome, free admission. 377 Shiloh Road, Johnson City, Texas, 78636. For more information visit our websites www.ArtsEncountersatBeninis.com, www.Benini.com and www.SculptureRanch.com or contact Lorraine Benini at 830-868-5244 or Lorraine@Benini.com

Saturday, January 26: Kirchman Gallery Reception In the Main Gallery, 2nd annual exhibition: "The Heart of the Matter, Art for the Valentine Season" Hearts, flowers and RED! works by: Margie Crisp, Jan Heaton, Diane Hudson, William Montgomery, Jeff Rowe, Sheri Seegerman, Zena Stetka-Howe, Darrel Troppy and Rusty Yates. In Susan's Studio Beth McElhaney jeweler extraordinaire, will be in attendance during the reception on Jan. 26th to present her latest collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, just in time for your Valentine giving. Don't miss this chance to meet Beth and see her magical personal adornments. Also showing is Susan's Cambria Suite, black and white infrared, sepia toned photographs.

Kirchman Gallery hosts a reception the last Saturday of each month, at the Kirchman Gallery, 213 N. Nugent, Johnson City, across from the courthouse. Join us 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Visit www.KirchmanGallery.com for more information.

Saturday, January 26: Watson Studio Gallery, "Menage a Trois" Exhibition Opens. The exhibition will show 60 images by 20 photographic and digital artists from Texas, the USA, Canada and Hungary. A menage a trois is the French term describing a domestic arrangement in which three people share a relationship. The French phrase literally translates as "household of three". In keeping with this theme, artists submitted three images or digital works that share some kind of relationship - be it location, color, theme, subject, etc. Selected threesomes will be displayed together in the show. The exhibition will open on Saturday, Jan. 26th with a public and artists reception from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Visitors will have a chance to meet the artists in attendance (including the visiting photographer from Hungary). All images entered in the juried show will cycle through on the ArtPOD, a flat-screen HDTV in the gallery. The exhibition will run until April 13, 2008. Media Contact: Carol Watson, Gallery Director, Watson Studio Gallery, Johnson City, TX, (512) 944-8585. Web: www.watsonstudiogallery.com

Sunday, January 27, Open Barn: From 11 am to 4 pm @ Bel Canto Farms, 3901 Mt. Gainor Road, Dripping Springs, TX – conveniently located off US290 and RR12, just 30 minutes from Johnson City. Come enjoy the day at our charming Hill Country farm, offering well maintained facilities and acres of trails in beautiful Dripping Springs. At Noon join us for a delicious Hill Country Picnic presented by a moveable feast. Featuring: Pony Rides, RAFFLE to win a Free private lesson, Meet our instructors and lesson horses, Tour the farm, Riding Demonstrations, Horses for Sale, Used Tack Sale. We offer instruction and training in Hunter/Jumper /Equitation and English/Western Pleasure. Facilities include a 200’ x 400’ jumping arena with lights, 100’ x 200’ dressage arena, 100 acres for trail riding. Hosted by: Suzanne Warmack of Bel Canto Farms, and Amy Yachimski of AbsolutelyEquine of Johnson City. 512.934.8449

Saturday, February 2: Silver K Cafe Entertainment: Join us for Byrd & Street. Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, Texas Wine & wonderful music. Music starts around 9 pm & there will be a full menu, beer & wine available. Cover is only $5. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Tuesday, February 5: Silver K Cafe Open Mic: Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for Open Mic Night starting at 7:30 pm. (All musicians are invited and there will be 1/2 price beer for any of the participants.). Full menu available as well as beer & Texas wines. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Fridays - Sundays, February 8 - 10 & 15 - 17: Wine Lovers Trail Includes 22 wineries in the Texas Hill Country. www.texaswinetrail.com

Saturday, Feb 9: Wine Lovers Vintner Dinners 2008: 878 Ranch Road 2766, Johnson City, Texas 78636. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Texas Hills Vineyard with a stunning evening of Texas Hills wine, elegant cuisine, and music to complete the ambiance. Dinners will be held at the winery Saturday February 9th and Saturday February 16th. Delicious Details will provide a four-course dinner, each course being paired with one of Texas Hills’ award-winning wines. Space is limited. Reservations are required. $75 per person + tax, gratuity included. Call 830-868-2321 or e-mail wine@texashillsvineyard.com for reservations. Come and be ready to have a good time. Gary & Kathy Gilstrap, Texas Hills Vineyard, www.texashillsvineyard.com.

Thursday, February 14: Valentine's Day

Friday, February 15: Silver K Cafe Entertainment: Join us for Pauline Reese. Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, Texas Wine & wonderful music. Music starts around 9 pm & there will be a full menu, beer & wine available. Cover is only $5. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Saturday, Feb 16: Wine Lovers Vintner Dinners 2008: 878 Ranch Road 2766, Johnson City, Texas 78636. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Texas Hills Vineyard with a stunning evening of Texas Hills wine, elegant cuisine, and music to complete the ambiance. Dinners will be held at the winery Saturday February 9th and Saturday February 16th. Delicious Details will provide a four-course dinner, each course being paired with one of Texas Hills’ award-winning wines. Space is limited. Reservations are required. $75 per person + tax, gratuity included. Call 830-868-2321 or e-mail wine@texashillsvineyard.com for reservations. Come and be ready to have a good time. Gary & Kathy Gilstrap, Texas Hills Vineyard, www.texashillsvineyard.com.

Monday, February 18: President's Day, National Park Service dedication of Withers and Spaulding Visitor Contact Station & Johnson City Chamber Visitor Center: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Liz Lindig for more information 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or email: liz_lindig@nps.gov website: www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/events.htm

Tuesday, February 19: Silver K Cafe Open Mic: Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for Open Mic Night starting at 7:30 pm. (All musicians are invited and there will be 1/2 price beer for any of the participants.). Full menu available as well as beer & Texas wines. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Saturday, February 23: Kirchman Gallery Reception Kirchman Gallery hosts a reception the last Saturday of each month, at the Kirchman Gallery, 213 N. Nugent, Johnson City, across from the courthouse. Join us 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Visit www.KirchmanGallery.com for more information. THE BUNKHOUSE GANG, featuring art by the member of the Texas Hill Country based group of painters who call themselves the BUnkhouse Gang; Mary Barnes, Kay Heimlich, Jo Petersen, Linda Wells, and Dana Wenmohs.

Saturday, March 1: Johnson City Woman’s Civic Club 8th Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night to benefit the Johnson City Library. Serving will start at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo at 6:45 p.m. Don't miss the food, bingo and cake auction! Join us at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (105 LBJ Drive) for lots of FUN and support your LOCAL LIBRARY. Please contact Suzanne Milner for additional information at (830) 868-9270 or smilner@moment.net

Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2: Texas Volkssport Association Walk at Pedernales Falls State Park: Start time is between 9 a.m. and noon; finish by 3 p.m. The route is on the Wolf Mountain Trail, and the Sunday route is on the Trammel Crossing Trail (weather permitting) or a walk to Pedernales Falls. Park fees are $5.00 per day without Texas State Park Pass or Bluebonnet Pass. Walk is free unless IVV credit ($3.00) is desired; donations accepted to help defray cost of event. Contact: Charles Wortz, (512) 479-0741 or cwortz@texas.net, website: www.walktexas.org

Tuesday, March 4: Silver K Cafe Open Mic: Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for Open Mic Night starting at 7:30 pm. (All musicians are invited and there will be 1/2 price beer for any of the participants.). Full menu available as well as beer & Texas wines. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Saturday, March 8: Silver K Cafe Entertainment: Join us for Dana Cooper. Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, Texas Wine & wonderful music. Music starts around 9 pm & there will be a full menu, beer & wine available. Cover is only $5. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Saturday, March 8: A Guided Bike Tour of the LBJ Ranch with Luci Baines Johnson: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Liz Lindig for more information 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or email: liz_lindig@nps.gov website: www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/events.htm

Saturday, March 15: Suzy Q's: Book Signing by Liz Carmack: JFrom 1-3 p at Suzy Q’s. Liz Carmack is the author of Historic Hotels of Texas. Come early and stay late to enjoy the 3rd Saturday SALE going on at Suzy Q's. 25% - 50% OFF select items - CRACK an EGG for SURPRISE Discounts, Gift Certificates, FREE Monogramming, and more!! Fun for all! We look forward to seeing you this Saturday. Web: www.suzyqs.net.

Tuesday, March 18: Silver K Cafe Open Mic: Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays for Open Mic Night starting at 7:30 pm. (All musicians are invited and there will be 1/2 price beer for any of the participants.). Full menu available as well as beer & Texas wines. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Tuesday, March 25: Johnson City Library Reads Book Discussion: @ the Methodist church Activity Center at 9:30, light refreshments will be served. Ruby and the Stargazers is the book, and is available at the Library for $5. Author Marci Henna will be at the discussion.

Thursday, March 27: Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Meets 4th Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber Visitors Center at 100 East Main (at the light at corner of Nugent & Hwy 290) in Johnson City, Texas. Everyone welcome: Info: Chamber Office, 830-868-7684

Friday, March 28: Silver K Cafe Entertainment: Join us for Brian Burns. Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, Texas Wine & wonderful music. Music starts around 9 pm & there will be a full menu, beer & wine available. Cover is only $5. Info: 830-868-2911. Web: www.silverkcafe.com.

Saturday & Sunday, March 29 - 30: Texas Men's State Chili & BBQ Championship Cook-off: Blanco County Fairgrounds. Come sample the creations of Texas' best chili and barbecue cooks at this family-friendly event, complete with food, arts & crafts and many other vendors. Last year's champion, Steve Nadeau, will be back in Johnson City to defend hi title. The bet of Texas cooks, along with contestants from all over the United States will be in town trying to capture the championship trophies. The Championship raised over $8000 in Johnson CIty for charities last year. Cook-off organizers hope to exceed that amount this year. Ancira Motorhomes, Century 21 Town Creek Realty, H-E-B, the Texas Revel Radio Network, and the Silver K Café are among the fine sponsors that help this event continue. The public is invited to judge or just enjoy the good food, and music. ADMISSION IS FREE. For more information, call Jimmy Taylor 830-868-2223 or 512-577-5527, Alan Dean 512-567-2835 (chili), or Billy Bob Weatherly 830-899-7150 or 830-832-3219 (BBQ).