Tuesday, April 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.

Thursday - Saturday, April 3 - 5: ESA Garage Sale: EMS Building in Johnson City Thursday, March 29: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday, March 30: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Johnson City Volunteer Fire Department, North Blanco County EMS and Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. Clean out your unused stuff in advance and donate to ESA. This is a monstrous sale with all kinds of unique treasures you can't miss. Located at the EMS Station on Bill Watson Drive (take entrance into the Super S and turn left at the back. Can't miss it!). Free admission. www.NorthBlancoCountyEMS.org & www.jcvfd.org.

Friday - Sunday, April 5 - 6: The Touring T's of Bryan/College Station hosting a tour for fifty original Model A & T Fords (1908-1927): The tour will hub from Johnson City Texas at the local Best Western motel. There will be daily 100+ mile routes touring the local area enjoying the wildflowers and area attractions. A brunch will culminate the tour on Sunday. This tour is a benefit tour to raise money for the treatment of Ataxia Telangiectasia, money will be sent to TreatAT out of Austin, Texas. For further information contact Martin Thomen, MK.TIII@hotmail.com or 512-618-0984.

Saturday April 5, Johnson City Music In The Park Series: at 5pm in Memorial Park across from Suzy Q’s. We will have several musicians showing up to play and entertain. Free to the public. Hot dogs and drinks for sale by a church youth group. Donation cups to raise money for charity. This will be a new “Music in the Park” Johnson City tradition. Every musician has an open invitation to show up and jam along with whoever is there. The first hour will be geared toward youth musicians, then the 6pm hour until later will be for everyone. We provide PA system and a drum set, as well as some musicians to play along with. Info: Raymond Weeks, 512-750-0006.

Saturday, April 5: Ninth Annual Pedal Power Wildflower Ride: Benefiting the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center (HCCAC), to be held at 9am at LBJ State Park near Stonewall, Texas. Cyclists of all ages are invited to ride the prettiest routes in the Texas Hill Country. Ride options include 12-, 23-, 36- and 62-mile routes. The Pedal Power Wildflower Ride is designated as a BP MS 150 recommended ride. Ride registration forms are located at numerous bicycle shops around Central Texas as well as online at www.hccac.org. Riders can also sign up at www.signmeup.com/58882. Proceeds from the ride support HCCAC services for physically and sexually abused children in a seven county area. About HCCAC: The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that provides services at no cost to physically and sexually abused children and their non-offending family members. The Center also offers training to professionals and volunteers, and promotes public awareness of abuse issues. HCCAC provides services in a seven county area, including Blanco, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills, and San Saba counties. For more information, to donate or to volunteer call 512/756-2607 or send email to hccac@tstar.net. www.hccac.org.

April TBA: Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival: Contact the Texas Hills Vineyard for more information 830-868-2321 www.texashillsvineyard.com or www.texaswineandfood.org

Thursday, April 10: Johnson City Chamber Business-After-Hours Mixer at Chantilly Lace: Generously sponsored and hosted by Chantilly Lace @ 5:30p at 625 Nugent Avenue in Johnson City. Free event. Informal get-together to promote business within Johnson City. Everyone welcome, member or not. Bring business cards, brochures and a smile to promote your business. Join us to meet each other and establish new or closer connections. Anyone wanting to give a 1 minute presentation on their business is welcome, just bring any props needed. BYOB or enjoy our free refreshments. Mixer meets quarterly at a different Chamber member business location. For information, contact Chamber office: 830-868-7684 or Co-Chairs Steve & Charlotte Matthews (Re-Max) @ 830-868-0940.

Friday & Saturday, April 11-12: Celebration of the 1960s - Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park: LBJ National Historical Park will host the first-ever "Celebration of the 1960s" at the LBJ Ranch. Authors, educators and experts on the tumultuous decade will gather for lectures, reminiscences and book signings in an exploration of Lyndon Johnson's legacy in the field of education and a look back at the decades's significance. Click here for more detailed information of the schedule! 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

Friday & Saturday, April 11-12: Texas Book Festival at the LBJ Ranch and anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act: 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, April 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.

Friday, April 18, 2008 CASA Volunteer Reunion: From: 4-6pm, at 1719 Ridgeview, Kingsland, TX. Refreshments will be served. All active & inactive CASA volunteers, past & present board members & prior staff are welcome and encouraged to attend. Join us in celebrating an incredible 15 Years of Service. Info: 325-388-3440.

Saturday & Sunday, April 19 - 20: Johnson City Texas Wildflower Days - The Spirit of The Hill Country, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Come enjoy an exciting celebration and our gorgeous wildflowers. We will have wildflower touring maps, a historic homes and gardens tour, a farmer's market with food & product vendors, arts and crafts, live musical entertainment and fun activities for the whole family, all in a relaxing Texas Hill Country setting. Not to be missed! This event is part of the year-long Blanco County Sesquicentennial celebration. Info: Johnson City Chamber: 830-868-7684 or info@JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com Festival Chairperson: Jan Clemons at 830-868-2600; jfaithclem@aol.com. Contact Jan if you are interested in participating in any of the events or volunteering. MORE WILDFLOWER INFORMATION, including information about the Wildflower Days Market and a Vendor Application Form »»

Saturday, April 19, Whittington's Jerky; Book Signing with Liz Carmack, Historical Hotels of Texas: A Traveler's Guide: Join us at Whittington's Jerky General Store from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. to meet author, Liz Carmack for a book signing of her recent book, Historical Hotels of Texas: A Traveler's Guide. Liz Carmack traveled more than 17,000 miles to visit the more than 60 historical hotels in this book. Call Whittington's Jerky General Store for more information: 830-868-5500. web: www.whittingtonsjerky.com

Saturday, April 19, Suzy Q's; Book Signing with Kelly Carper Polden, Puppy Tales: Join us at Suzy Q's during our 3rd Saturday Sale, with 25% top 50% of select home decor and furniture. Come meet and have Kelly sign your book from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Call Suzy Q's for more information: 830-868-2919. web: www.suzyqs.net

Saturday, April 19, Urban Ambience Exhibition Opens at Watson Studio Gallery: The Call for Entries is out and the images are coming in for the next exhibition! The theme for this exhibition is "Urban Ambience" and will feature images that illustrate the ambience and spirit of urban life in the cities of the world. The deadline to submit entries is Friday March 21st and the jurying will be complete next week. The co-juror for this exhibition is Lynne Eodice, editor of Double Exposure magazine. 105 N. Nugent St., Johnson City, TX 78636. Cell: 512-944-8585. Located at 105 North Nugent Street, POB 2070, Johnson City, TX 78636. Email: carol@watsonstudiogallery.com. Web: www.watsonstudiogallery.com.

Saturday, April 19: LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour: The Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club will hold the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall. This event will have 500-700 participants and will commemorate the birth centennial and “can-do” spirit of our 36th U. S. President, Lyndon Baines Johnson. For more details, see www.FriendsofLBJNationalPark.org 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 & Sunday, April 19 - 20: American Cancer Society Relay for Life: Will be held Saturday night through Sunday Morning at the Johnson City Football Field. Blanco County Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society's signature fundraising event. The all-night, family-friendly, alcohol-free, tobacco-free, carnival-like event is Free to everyone. Our Relay goal is $100,000 and I know with such a supportive community you will be there as we surpass the goal! Praying for a cure, Wendy Smith, 501 Trainer Wuest Road, Blanco, TX 78606, 830-833-5584.

April TBA: Wine and Wildflower Trail Contact the Texas Hills Vineyard for more information 830-868-2321 www.texashillsvineyard.com or www.texaswinetrail.com

Saturday, May 3: Texas Hills Vineyard & All That Jazz: Enjoy the Jamie Hilboldt Jazz Trio performing under the stars from 7 to 10 pm, enjoy wine and cheese, and share a beautiful evenings with friends and acquaintances. Call 830-868-2321 for reservations or go to www.texashillsvineyard.com.

Saturday, May 3: Willow City Volunteer Fire & Rescue Annual Benefit: 2 pm Ladies Country Store with baked and canned goodies open. 4pm Live Auction begins. 5:30 pm Brisket BBQ begins. 6pm Raffle Prize Drawing begins. The Benefit is held annually to help raise funds to maintain and improve the station, trucks, and equipment, and for training and routine operating expenses. The WCVFD serves the northeastern part of Gillespie County and mutual aids on fire and medical calls with Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Llano, Johnson City and more VFDs in the Hill Country area. Your support is appreciated!!
Location: Willow City VFD Station, 2553 Ranch Road 1323, Willow City, TX 78675-0020.
Contact for more information: Willow City VFD - Treas. Raynell Wilke.
Email: rmrwilkeranch@fbg.net; Phone: 830-685-3385.

Saturday, May 3: Miller Creek RV Resort - Texas Musicians Take Stage: Texas musicians take the stage courtesy of MCRV (no charge). This week: Nelson Broyles, musician and songwriter (Texas country). Event held in MCRV Recreational Hall preceded by a potluck dinner at 6pm. Bring a dish to share, your own beverages and your toe-tapping shoes. For more information, visit www.millercreekrvresort.com or call 830-868-2655. Address: 5618 Hwy 281 South, Johnson City.

Saturday & Sunday, May 3-4: First Annual Texas Bison Festival: LBJ State Park (Hwy 290 between Johnson City and Stonewall) from 10am to 6pm. See live bison herd & a Native American blessing of the herd. Learn the history of bison in Texas. Hear about the present & future direction of the Texas bison industry. Cowboy music & Poetry. Interactive children's activities. Native American cultural area and educational demonstrations. Arts and crafts vendors and food booths. For more information, visit texasbisonfestival.com

Tuesday, May 6: 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, May 10: JCVFD Annual Fish Fry and Raffle Fundraiser: Blanco County Fairgrounds from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. There will be plenty of food and free beer. There will also me many raffle items and both a live and silent auction. Support the local fire department by attending the fundraiser and bring lots of cash to fill the donation can! Call 830-868-7900 for additional information.

Saturday, May 10: Miller Creek RV Resort - Texas Musicians Take Stage: Texas musicians take the stage courtesy of MCRV (no charge). This week: Rip Lorick, singer, songwriter (alternative honky tonk). Event held in MCRV Recreational Hall preceded by a potluck dinner at 6pm. Bring a dish to share, your own beverages and your toe-tapping shoes. For more information, visit www.millercreekrvresort.com or call 830-868-2655. Address: 5618 Hwy 281 South, Johnson City.

Friday and Saturday, May 16-17 and Month of May Artist: Friendly Bar Bistro - Life is Great in '08: Gift with the FBB poster - created by Andrew Gorden. Chef Gary Madrid's Bistro Diner Special for the week: Tortelline with Shrimp. May Artist: Diane Hudson: Johnson City ISD's award-winning art teacher shares her personal works at the FBB during the month of May. www.friendlybarbistro.com/Calendar.htm

Saturday, May 17: 1967-style Presidential barbecue on the banks of the Pedernales River near the Texas White House: Sponsored by the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park, enjoy an old-fashioned BBQ in the famed "Picnic Grove" on the LBJ Ranch. Gates open at 3 p.m. with exhibits & tours, social hour at 4 p.m., live western music, Texas Heritage Show, BBQ and more. Join us for a magical evening. - Click here for more detailed information of the DAY! 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, May 17, Suzy Q's; Book Signing with Darlene Williams, Victoria's Tooth Fairy: Join us at Suzy Q's during our 3rd Saturday Sale, with 25% top 50% off home decor and furniture. Come meet and have Darlene Williams sign your book from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Call Suzy Q's for more information: 830-868-2919. web: www.suzyqs.net

Saturday, May 17: Miller Creek RV Resort - Texas Musicians Take Stage: Texas musicians take the stage courtesy of MCRV (no charge). This week: WST Bluegrass Band. Event held in MCRV Recreational Hall preceded by a potluck dinner at 6pm. Bring a dish to share, your own beverages and your toe-tapping shoes. For more information, visit www.millercreekrvresort.com or call 830-868-2655. Address: 5618 Hwy 281 South, Johnson City.

Tuesday, May 20: 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.

Monday, May 26: Memorial Day Tribute to Service in Vietnam: Tribute to those who served. 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

Schedule of Events at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center, 100 Ladybird Lane, Johnson City:

Saturday & Sunday, May 31 - June 1: Arts Encounters 2008 Series - The Benini Foundation 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.

This weekend featuring Scott Sustek-Sculptor from Wall, Texas, Rusty Yates-Photographer from Johnson City, Christopher Oglesby-Author from Austin, John Chambers-Musician from Lubbock, Doug Sweet-Painter from Galveston, and Carlo Piermartire-Master Trombonist from Italy. For detailed information on the speakers: www.artsencountersatbeninis.com/next_arts_encounters.htm. ARTS Encounters is held the 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 . Following ARTS Encounters, visit The Black Spur Emporium & Gallery, Watson Studio Gallery and Kirchman Gallery, all on Nugent Street in Johnson City. They welcome your visit with new artwork and receptions!!

Saturday, May 31: 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.

Saturday, May 31: Tres Chicas Exhibition Opens at Watson Studio Gallery: Three-Woman Photographic Exhibition: Susan Burnstine, Carol Watson, & Polly Chandler. 105 N. Nugent St., Johnson City, TX 78636. Cell: 512-944-8585. Located at 105 North Nugent Street, POB 2070, Johnson City, TX 78636. Email: carol@watsonstudiogallery.com. Web: www.watsonstudiogallery.com.

Tuesday, June 3: 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 & Saturday, June 6 & 7: Johnson City Antique Engine and Tractor Pull: starting at 9am. TRACTORS 1965 and back (Nebraska Test Book). All Engines Welcome. no Charge to Exhibitors. Food - Live Music - Vendors- Horse Shoes - Washer Pitchin - Kid's Tractor Pull. Admission: Adults - $5.00, Kids - $3.00, 12 and under - free. 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place and Best in Show Plaques. Proceeds benefit Blanco County Fair Association. Information: 830-868-2809.

Saturday, June 7: Blanco County Sesquicentennial Birthday Celebration: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blanco County Courthouse lawn in Johnson City. Come and join us for entertainment, music, food, games and demonstrations. We would like to invite you and your organization to join us in making this milestone in Blanco County history a memorable event. If you would like to help with or plan any of the events on the itinerary please contact Conrad Carbary at 830-868-7266, clcarbary@moment.net or Rhonda Stell at 830-868-7275 or rlstell@netzero.net.
For More Information »»

Saturday, June 7: Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future Home of the Johnson City Library: 11 a.m. at the Entrance to the High School on Spur 356

Saturday, June 7: Watson Studio Gallery "Tres Chicas" exhibition: artists reception 4:00 p.m. - 8 :00 p.m. meet the artists and music by Jaelyn Lucas - Three-Woman Photographic Exhibition: Susan Burnstine, Carol Watson, & Polly Chandler. 105 N. Nugent St., Johnson City, TX 78636. Cell: 512-944-8585. Located at 105 North Nugent Street, POB 2070, Johnson City, TX 78636. Email: carol@watsonstudiogallery.com. Web: www.watsonstudiogallery.com.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, June 11, 12 & 13: Johnson City Church of Christ will have their annual Vacation Bible School from 9 am - 2:30 pm. Each day will include Bible Lessons, Singing, Arts & Crafts and OUtside Fun & Games. Lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided. Ages 0-teen. For more information call 830-868-9911.

Friday & Saturday, June 13 & 14: Lavender Evenings and more in Johnson City Chamber plans are underway for this second annual event. Enjoy the Pub, Shop & Gallery "Crawl" and Saturday Night "An Old Fashioned, Texas Style Street Dance featuring John Arthur Martinez, and his band, Tejas" at 8 p.m. on the Courthouse Square, sponsored by the Silver K Café featuring John Arthur Martinez (www.johnarthurmartinez.net). Many Johnson City businesses will have extended hours and participate in this great event. Volunteers are needed. Please call the Chamber office at 868-7684. For More Information »»

For additional information about the Blanco Lavender Festival please contact the Blanco Chamber of Commerce at 830-833-5105 or visit www.blancolavenderfestival.com

Saturday & Sunday, June 14 & 15: 4th Annual Blanco Lavender Festival  Saturday and Sunday: Free tours of local Lavender Farms, Lavender Market at The Blanco Courthouse Square, Speakers Pavilion. For additional information please contact the Blanco Chamber of Commerce at 830-833-5105 or visit www.blancolavenderfestival.com

Saturday, June 14: Miller Creek RV Resort - Texas Musicians Take Stage: Texas musicians take the stage courtesy of MCRV (no charge). This week: Smith & Warwick, Texas blues and Jazz. Event held in MCRV Recreational Hall preceeded by a potluck dinner at 6pm. Bring a dish to share, your own beverages and your toe-tapping shoes. For more information, visit www.millercreekrvresort.com or call 830-868-2655. Address: 5618 Hwy 281 South, Johnson City.

Tuesday, June 17: Silver K Cafe Open Mic On SUMMER VACATION UNTIL SEPTEMBER!: Open Mic will be returning in September when we want you to 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, June 21: "Movies Under the Stars" at the LBJ Ranch: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Enjoy an evening of movie watching outside, under the stars at the LBJ Ranch. Contact Liz Lindig for more information 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or email: liz_lindig@nps.gov Web: www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/events.htm

Thursday, June 26: Friendly Bar Bistro: Join us for Hill Country wines, beer and live music: Singer-Songwriter Night featuring John Andrew Parks. All in a relaxing setting with your friends. 830-868-2182. Web: www.FriendlyBarBistro.com.

Friday, June 27: Friendly Bar Bistro: Join us for Hill Country wines, beer and live music: Country Blues featuring Sol Patch. All in a relaxing setting with your friends. 830-868-2182. Web: www.FriendlyBarBistro.com.

Saturday, June 28: Friendly Bar Bistro: Join us for Hill Country wines, beer and live music: Acoustic Art Rock featuring Firewater. All in a relaxing setting with your friends. 830-868-2182. Web: www.FriendlyBarBistro.com.

Sunday, June 29: Friendly Bar Bistro: Join us for Hill Country wines, beer and live music: Hill Country Picker's Circle hosted by Gael Reddick. All in a relaxing setting with your friends. 830-868-2182. Web: www.FriendlyBarBistro.com.

Saturday June 28: Kirchman Gallery Reception Kirchman Gallery will host a reception on Saturday the 28th of June from 4 until 7 PM. We are anxious to share the work of a trio of outstanding Austin artists with you.

Anna Marie Pavlik's thought provoking and technically superb etchings and stratographs grace the walls of the main gallery. Her many collectors will not be disappointed with this large show comprised of twenty-five great pieces. David Kroft, an Austin resident and Professor of Art, is showing his very interesting and intricate found object (table top sized) sculptures. And last but not least, we have a small collection of graceful and beautiful lavender themed water-colors by Jan Heaton.

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.