Naturally, I didn't take it too seriously, but come on, this was a bit of childish fun, something to put us in a seasonally ghoulish mood. Finding the location was not difficult, just a short drive south of Loop 410 on Shane Rd.

We past a couple of subdivisions, down a lonely paved road, and there it was - the crossing. We paused to sprinkle baby powder on the rear window, then put our car in neutral and hovered over the tracks.

The legend says that some time back a school bus filled with little children was stalled on those tracks when an approaching train hit it, killing all the children trapped inside. Now, if you stop on those tracks the ghosts of those dead children will put forth a helping hand to push you across, leaving traces of tiny handprints visible on your back window.

I had heard that in October the curious and the spooked begin to queue as they attempt to recreate the legend. We were expecting to see several cars anxiously lined up. But when we arrived, there was not one. It was, indeed, a lonely stretch of road. The streets around us carried the names of children. Some would say they are the names of those that perished in the tragic accident.

The light began to dim and the dusk began to pall around us. To add to the eerie atmosphere, the headless corpse of a copper-feathered rooster lay close near the crossing. It left a stench of death and decay in the air. In the distance was heard the sound of another rooster crowing.

Then, they started to come. First one car, then another neared the tracks, pausing as the passengers shot quick, anxious glances at one another before they crossed over - the tracks, that is. Once over, they would stop, inspect the glass, sprinkle more talc on the window, and circle around to do it again. Before long there were eight cars eager with anticipation. It was dark now, and as couples and families piled out of their cars they used each others headlamps and flashlights to search for the manifestations of the small spirits.

One family who arrived early said they were visiting from Florida. Their 9-year-old daughter, Jackie, was caught up in the moment, certain this was proof-positive of the other-worldly beings.<"Now, this is weird," she exclaimed, her eyes wide as she pointed to small handprints clearly evident on her uncle's car. But what did she have to fear from these tiny Caspers? Kindly or not, the fingerprints filled her with an awful dread.

There are other spooky San Antonio tales that resurface in the weeks before Halloween. Like the one about a woman dancing in a cantina off of Hwy. 90 on Roosevelt. According to that legend, the woman looked down to notice that her partner had the feet of a chicken. The Lechusa caveat is that you should never look back when you hear an owl whistle, for the owl/witch will then come after you. There is also the legend of La Llorona, who haunts Woman Hollaring Creek, tearfully bemoaning the drowning death of her children.

This was a haunting experience, to be sure. We were, eager to put it to the test, and, yes, we did move over the tracks. Then we pulled over to see what was there to be seen. At first we saw nothing, but then we began to make out....yes, tiny handprints. But whether they were evidence of something ghostly, or left by our own hands, it is difficult to say. (It is Halloween, afterall!)

I hear tell that a significant line does queue in front of the rail tracks at midnight on Halloween. Perhaps not so many that vendors setup shop, but, enough to create an air of excited anticipation...and possibly a police patrol.

Blood was indeed spilt the night of our visit to the haunted railroad tracks. But do not fear the undead. Instead, beware the mosquitoes, for they were not unlike the mammoth-sized versions featured in "Jumanji". They covered my hands as I tried to snap pictures, alighting on my flesh to greedily feast. I slapped the thirsty demons, and blood splattered across my chest. I felt no remorse.

To read about other favorite San Antonio haunts, go to your local library or bookseller to find:
Ghosts of San Antonio by Scott A. Johnson
Spirits of San Antonio and South Texas by Docia Williams
History and Mystery of the Menger Hotel by Docia Williams
When Darkness Falls: Tales of San Antonio Ghosts and Hauntings, by Docia Williams
Texas Ghost Stories: Fifty Favorites for the Telling by Tim Tingle, Doc Moore, John O. West and John L. Davis

That's it in a nutshell.

The man was Jacques Goudstikker. He was a reknown Jewish art collector and dealer who had amassed a collection of 1,400 remarkable works of art. (Goudstikker favored Dutch Old Masters.) His wife, Desi, battled the Dutch government over the collection for several years before her death, and the death of their son,Eduard, who was only one when his father died.
Then journalist Pieter den Hollander wrote his book, De zaak Goudstikker (The Goudstikker Case), which must have embarrassed and galvanized the Dutch government into creating a review committee. The result was that finally the government returned 202 paintings to Goudstikker's only heir, his daughter-in-law, Marei von Saher. Ta-da!

You think that's the end of the story? If so, you would be wrong. Because Marei has taken this amazing legacy, or at least 40 pieces of the collection, and is traveling the country, sharing the art, the triumph, the story with others. And, as fortune would have it, she is sharing it with San Antonio at the McNay Art Museum. You can see the exhibition entitled "Reclaimed: Paintings from the Collection of Jacques Goudstikker" at the McNay through January 10,2010.

Now, a bit on the McNay.

McNay Art Museum is tucked away behind a tall screen of shrubs on the edge of Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills . The museum was once
the home of Marion Koogler McNay. In 1954 McNay bequeathed the Spanish Colonial Revival-syle home along with the 23 acres it stands on, and the first museum of of modern art in Texas was created.
Yes, the McNay has been around for quite some time, and it has gone through a lot of transition. The San Antonio Art Instute was once housed in a cold, contemporary building located directly behind the former residence from 1988 until its banckruptcy in 1992.

That was then, this is now, so to speak.
Last year the McNay opened after a renovation and addition of a new wing, the Stieren Center. At first approach you might think the new addition resembles a concrete cinder block handball court. But, just put that car in park, and take a look inside.

The permanent collection of 19th and 20th century art includes European and American paintings and sculpture by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse, Picasso, Hopper, O'Keefe, Sloan and Hartley. The Oppenheimer Collection," only public collection of its kind in south Texas" is an outstanding exhibition of Medieval art. Also look for works by Cassatt, Goya, Diego Rivera, Jasper Johns, Toulouse-Lautrec, Winslow Homer and Cy Twombly. The McNay also houses a collection of 2,000 rare books - most relate to theatre arts.
Visiting exhibits, like the Goudstikker collection are housed in the Stieren Center, so the permanent collection ...is on view permanently.

The McNay also has Acoustiguide cell-phone tours, which are way cool and free with admission; TAG - teens become volunteer art guides on Thursday nights, when admission is free; a library and teacher resource center; a nice gift shop, and plenty of free parking. The grounds are lovely, and restful...a good place to take a moment, or a picnic, and reflect on the whole experience. - Pay no attention to the traffic-cone orange, 25-ft tall, piece of modern 'art' on the front lawn. One man's Picasso is another man's puzzlement.

The following images were provided by The Jewish Museum and McNay Museum:
- Pietro Antonio Rotari (1707-1762), Young Woman with Bonnet and White Shawl, Holding a Book, Known as "The Virtuous Girl," oil on canvas. Marei von Saher, the heir of Jacques Goudstikker.
- Master of the Mansi Magdalene (c. 1510-30), St. Mary Magdalene, oil on panel. Marei von Saher, the heir of Jacques Goudstikker.

Jacques Goudstikker's little black book which held a complete inventory of his collection was instrumental in reclaiming his art. See into this book courtesy of the Jewish Museum. - The McNay will also have an interactive screen of the notebook so visitors can flip through its pages.

There is beauty. There is emotion. There is hope.
It is clearly expressed in the 37 plus murals that adorn the otherwise unremarkable westside buildings.

The first mural, "Educacion", was created in 1994 by three people: Juan Ramos, Cruz Ortiz and Manny Castillo. Manny had a vision of the westside that he wanted to share with his neighbors.

"He wanted to make the westside like a museum," said Mural Project Coordinator Ruth Buentello.

As an artist he must have seen an empty and gray palette. He envisioned the community coming together to create an aesthetic that would express the westside experience.

The murals do just that. They address barrio warfare, domestic violence, mental health, faith and history. In fact, Buentello says history is an often recurring theme in many of the murals. She pointed out one in particular. "Lideres de la Comunidad' which pays tribute to community leaders, those who contributed to the westside. That includes founders of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, as well as grandmothers and grandfathers. Buentello said artists often incorporate Aztec themes, legends of the Aztec gods, in their work. This is also in reverence to their rich Hispanic origins.

The process for creating the murals can take three to five months. The designer or lead artist transfers the design to the wall, others fill in the color, and then several layers of detail are added before it is complete.

Once it leaves the hand of the lead artist, the others in the community come together and make it their own when they pick up a paint brush. When done, everyone is invited to the mural blessing. The artist, and everyone who participated in the project, introduce it to the neighborhood. There are prayers, poetry and music. It is an event.

And it is clear that the murals have had a positive impact. Because the community embrace the work, it is less likely to be tagged. That is one of the reasons businesses in the area ask to have murals placed on their walls.

But there is more.

The Mural Project is a program of the San Anto Cultural Arts. It has three divisions: multi-media, newspaper and the mural project. Each of the programs serves to teach children, youth and the elderly the various arts of expression. That means they try to incorporate everyone, regardless of age, into their projects, and what they teach translates into real skills that are not only marketable, but also better appreciated because of that inclusiveness.

Buentello herself is a product of the program. She participated in her first mural when she was 16. Later she produced a video of the process, which, she says, earned her entrance into the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.

There is no doubt that the murals have changed the face of the westside. They document life, such as the mural that depicts 8 different phases in the life of Chicana, and the one that is dedicated to the victims of violence, "Peace and Remembrance". The latter was designed by four young women, ages twelve to thirteen, and incorporates many of the names of victims. It could be considered a living mural for it has been noted that people continue to add names to the piece.

There is a new mural in the works on the westside. The design has been transferred to two walls of a handball court at Escobar Park at 1400 S. Zarzamora. The crew and volunteers have begun to fill in the color, and expect to be finished in December.

To find out about the San Anto Cultural Arts Mural Project you can go their website, or give them a call at 210-226-7466. But to really experience the significance of the project you should sign up for a mural tour. The fee is only $10, takes about 1 to 2 hours and you get a comprehensive glimpse into the beauty in the heart of the westside.

View the kens5.com Westside Mural slideshow.

This is a family event with children's activities scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. on both days. Remember to stop by the KENS tent to meet some of the on-air talent:

Saturday, 9/19
5:45pm-7:45pm - Fred Lozano, Eileen Teves and Amada Stanzilis
7:45pm-9:45pm - Paul Mireles and James Munoz

Sunday, 9/20
6:45-8:45pm - Deborah Knapp

Try to be there by the time Urban 15's Carnival San Anto sets the night on fire by performing a heart-pounding samba as the snake through the crowd.

Jazz'Salive is co-sponsored by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City of San Antonio. They encourage jazz enthusiasts to stop in at the Jazz After-Hours Jam Sessions at Peacock Alley in the St. Anthony Hotel (that's right across the street from Travis Park). Hang out with national and regional jazz musicians as they jam with local bands until about 2 a.m. both nights. This free post-party begins following the last performance on the main stage.

The lineup goes like this:

5 p.m. - The Kickoff party at the Lagoon begins, featuring Focus Group, a band from Austin
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - PACHANGA! your way down the river
8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. - The Post-Party at the Buckhorn

The Paseo del Rio Association is a non-profit organization. The proceeds for this event go to pay for the 16 free events the organization sponsors throughout the year, including the Holiday River Parade. (By the way, check out their website for dowtown discount coupons - yeah!)

I forgot to mention Marcia's other recommendation, which was 'try not to fall in the river' - ALWAYS a good idea, don't you think?

(AP Photo / Eric Gay)

Kaminski said the library is celebrating Hispanic Heritage this month with a Spanish guitar concert. Guitarist Luis Berrios will perform tunes from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean at 2 p.m. on Sept. 19. You should check the Landa's schedule for other special programs and regular story times for different age groups.

Right next door to the Landa is the San Antonio Library Foundation building. It is also a former residence that has been beautifully renovated in the Craftsman style. They use it for meetings and such, but there are also plans to renovate the tiny log cabin in the back and make it available for children's parties. That's a great idea considering it is adjacent to the Landa playground - a perfect venue!

So, check out the Landa Library. You will want to add it to your list of favorite hangouts. As always, the Central Library downtown is also a great place to spend some time, along with the Semmes Library on Judson at Nacogdoches. The Semmes shares a parking lot with Comanche Lookout Park - that is an interesting concept in itself.

Take a look at some of the remarkable Landa Branch Library features on the kens5.com slideshow.

The doors are open to the cathedral from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tourists are welcome to enter the heavy doors to rest, pray, and take photos, but you have to remember that this is a thriving parish with regular Masses held each day. Some of the Masses are in English; others are in Spanish, or both. It's a mix, as is the parish.

It is designated a 'poor parish' because most of the parishioners live on or below the poverty level. But, in recent years that has changed a bit as new condos and apartments have created a demand for urban living. The community of San Fernando Cathedral also embraces the people who work downtown. The cathedral sits in Main Plaza, directly in front of City Hall and right across the street from the Bexar County Courthouse. Also about 50 percent of Mass participants are tourists, who often come to attend services, some featuring local mariachis or choirs, and then dine downtown.

So, what about parking? Amelia Nieto, Executive Director of the San Fernando Historical Centre Foundation, said Frost Bank has generously allowed people to park in their surface lots. They put up the parking lot bar at 5:30 p.m. each day and on Saturdays and Sundays, permitting people to park free. You can access those lots from Houston, Flores, and Commerce streets. There are metered parking spots along the nearby streets - some actually in shade - and there are many other paid parking lots in the area.

The San Fernando Cathedral also features a gift shop and an events hall (actually they have two halls, but one is around the corner.) The hall next to the cathedral used to house a cafe, and it will again soon. They are in the process of evaluating bids for new vendors to occupy the space. There is a very pleasant patio between the cafe and the cathedral where you will be able to sit and enjoy your lunch.

I mentioned that San Fernando Cathedral is located on Main Plaza in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Right now, it is not a beautiful site. The Main Plaza Conservancy has fenced off areas while they are constructing new canopies that promise to be colorful and cool additions to the plaza. They should be finished installing the canopies in September. Regardless, the MPC hosts 'Raza en la Plaza' Friday nights in August. The free event features live music from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. You are invited to dance, bring your pets, but leave your coolers at home. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

When you visit the San Fernando Cathedral, pick up a small brochure that describes many of the features and a bit of the history. You may have to pick one up at the gift shop. There is also an informative display in the gift shop. I particularly enjoyed the old photos. You can also purchase a self-guided tour book or take 45 minute a docent-led tour which is free for a minimum of 15 participants. To arrange a tour contact the Historical Centre Foundation at 210-576-1365 or write them at: hcfed@sfcathedral.org.

If you are interested in renting out one of the San Fernando halls, you might want to consider Fridays when they offer special reduced rates. Or, think about December for your event. Special rates for Monday through Thursday bookings are available during December. Contact Teri Smith-Collins at 227-1297, ext. 101 for the specifics.

Click here to view the kens5.com San Fernando Cathedral slideshow.

View the kens5.com Pearl Farmers Market slideshow.

I mentioned the drought, but it just was not evident on these colorfully landscaped grounds. So, clip on that leash and start enjoying the winding garden paths and trails with your dog . Plastic pools of water have been placed throughout the Garden to keep pups happily hydrated. (Free 'mutt mitts' will also be provided to enable responsible owners to keep the Garden beautiful.) Saturday morning although it was a bit muggy, there was a nice breeze off the large pond in the East Texas Pineywoods area - very pleasant! Throughout my meanderings I noticed casual conversations 's-barking' up among dog owners.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden opens their gate early to dogs, their owners and all-around dog-lovers beginning at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, August 2. Regular admission rates apply over the weekend, plus an additional $5 charge for your dog will be donated to the San Antonio Animal Care Services, Animal Defense League, Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County, and the San Antonio Botanical Society.

Want to know what you will find at the Botanical Garden? View the kens5.com slideshow.
Click here to view the kens5.com 'Dog Days of Summer' slideshow.

*Dogged by the term 'Dog Days?' The Botanical Garden gives this explanation: In the summer, the brightest of the stars in the Canis Major constellation (meaning "the big dog") is named Sirius, so Sirius is referred to as the dog star. It is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth actually received heat from it. In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun and the ancients believed that its heat actually added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time "dog days," from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after. On present day calendars, dog days occur July 3 through August 11.

El Paraisa is located at 1934 Fredericksburg Rd., 210-737-8101. They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All the hype was not exaggerated. It was lovely, charming, engaging. We are in a drought but somehow this Museum Reach Urban Segment was effectively refreshing.

Parking at the Pearl Brewery, we sauntered along the sidewalks, stopping to watch the waterfalls, to name the drought-tolerant plants (there are 100 plant species here), and then to follow each pathway, stairway and bridge.
We sat through several episodes of the barges passing through the locks (each passage takes 10 - 12 minutes), waved at barge passengers, and marveled at the industry.
There was a group of police traveling on bikes, and we found out that you are indeed allowed to ride your bike along the river here.
We were present along with several other groups to watch the bats soar out from under the bridge.
We stopped to admire the faux bois Grotto near Camden St and Newell - the work of Carlos Cortés (the great nephew of Dionisio Rodriguez who brought the "faux bois" to San Antonio in the 20's - the Broadway bus stop is one example.)
It was a terrific evening, albeit a mighty hot evening. So we were delighted to observe the friendly invitation posted at the gate of the VFW Post 76. It is perfectly situated along the River Walk.
Perched at a river bend, this oldest of Texas posts occupies a weathered, white Victorian mansion. Yes, it has seen better days, but that does not jeopardize its allure. In fact, it was just that element, and the fact that it touted a variety of cold beverages, that drew us near.
A few gentlemen greeted us at the gate and bade us enter. There was a live band (in fact, there were two that night) and we did not hesitate to mount the steps to the grand house.
Crooked and need of renovation, but containing the necessaries, a cool room, chairs and an old bar, this spot is a fascination. We purchased our refreshments and headed to the upstairs balcony, where we found seats overlooking the outside dance floor and band.
The breeze, the music and the lively energy created an engaging atmosphere. Really, it is practically the only place to purchase something to drink along this new neck of the river. What a treat it was to find the establishment had so much charm.
I think of this evening so fondly that we have been back again, in less than a week.

When we went returned, the crowd had thickened. Post 76 manager, Belen Castilleja, told me that the crowd has more than tripled in size since the Museum Reach opened. She said she used to open at 2 p.m. each day, but demand has forced her to up that considerably. The VFW Post 76 is now open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to midnight.
Belen said they have a temporary arrangement with a food vendor who set up a booth on the premises. Bands play Friday night through Sunday night. Check out the website for the schedule of events.
I asked Belen what the post intends to do with the new revenue. She said they plan on making some needed improvements, like repairing the roof and upgrading the AC. That is all fine and good, but hopefully they will not have to close when they begin the work. This place is really hot!
-
VFW Post 76 is located at 10th near Broadway. There is no cover. Parking along Avenue B, which runs parallel to Broadway right in front of the post, is still available but becoming more limited. There is a tiny bar on the block and the Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar seems to be a small, but popular venue among the young, pierced, multi-colored-spiked-hair set.
There is currently ample parking for the Museum Reach Urban Segment at many locations along the river. We like the Pearl Brewery, but there are lots of choices, and they are free for the most part.

You can purchase River Barge Tour tickets at the concession booth at the Brooklyn Ave. bridge, near the lock and dam complex. River Walk public restrooms are also located there.

The trails are wide, some areas are shaded, and there are a few hills here and there. The route pleasantly runs along a portion of the San Antonio River, so, you get to see wildlife, including birds and turtles who bask upon stones and along the dams, and occasionally, you may encounter a fisherman or two.
This is a totally uncluttered route, so there is room for all, and the journey is dotted with interesting diversions. There is an old acequia, a waterfall, and several wooden bridges to ride over, each with a satisfying ka-thump, ka-thump, ka-thump! But, of course, the biggest rewards are the four missions.
Set aside your bike and walk the grounds of these historic, stony structures. Take a cell-phone tour of the grounds, and imagine what life must have been like for early inhabitants.
At Mission San Juan, you can walk along the Yanaguana Trail down to the river. Don't forget to bring a bike lock, so you can take your time along this 1/3 mile trail.
At Mission San José you will find a visitor center where you can purchase bottled water, and a Texas-themed book or two.
Park your bike and direct your foot along the path to the mission entrance. Mission San Jose is known as the "Queen of the Missions." Well, no wonder - it is the largest mission in the area and it was almost completely restored in the 30's. The famous Rose Window - La Ventana de Rosa - was sculpted in c. 1775. Find it on the south wall of the church sacristy. The granary, convento, and the Indian quarters that are built into the surrounding walls are fascinating to explore - very picturesque!
All the missions have remarkable features worth spending time examining. So, this could be an all-day excursion, if you have the time.
There are any number of places you can 'put in' along the trail, with plenty of parking at each of the missions and at nearby Mission County Park at 6030 Padre.
For the most part you will be on a dedicated trail, but the areas that are along roads are safe and easy to navigate. At key locations stone markers with tile insets help to keep you on course. The trail is actually eight miles long, however, it is not a loop, so if you are planning a complete round trip, that would be 16 miles. The are several call boxes for emergencies. San Antonio Mission National Historic Park map shows the location of the missions and a driving tour, which can be a helpful guide. There are You will find a water fountain at each mission, but make sure to bring some along, anyway.

Before you quit the area....
After you have spent the day engaged in San Antonio's past, you might be in need of a little fortification. Stop in at Nicha's Comida Mexicana on Roosevelt across the street from Mission San Jose. Several cycling groups use Nicha's as a rendezvous point. But this little place has truly unbeatable service and some pretty tasty comida, if you get my drift.

To view the kens5.com San Antonio Mission Hike and Bike Trail slideshow, click here.

If Thursday night's collection of shorts and full length features is any indication of the entire offering, then I can pretty much bet you will be stimulated, entertained, and perhaps even a bit perplexed. What do you expect? These are independent films by directors from all over the globe, including many from San Antonio. We saw a short from Paris, France, and another by Mexico's Rene Villarreal.

Following the screenings of Villarreal's "Cumbia Callera" the director introduced two of the actors, and then followed up with a question and answer session - all very enlightening. This particular film was shot entirely Monterrey, Mexico. All the actors are from Monterrey, as well. There was scant dialogue. Instead, the narrative was moved along by the lyrics and beat of the cumbia.

But that was Thursday, and there are lots of films to view. In fact on three screens there are a total of 100 films to see, selected from a cache of 200 entries. Plus, there is a FREE film workshop on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Just show up, no registration is required. Following the screenings you are invited to the nightly after-parties. Saturday night Los Mescaleros will perform starting at 11 p.m., and on Sunday from 10pm - 11pm, Snowbyrd will play.

Also on Saturday evening there will be a special recognition of the Pearson Foundation Digital Literacy Fellowship Program. Every year Pearson sponsors a film camp for inner-city middle and high school students, putting filmmaking into the hands of children who might not otherwise be exposed to it. One of these camp film projects will be viewed at the awards ceremony.

The festival goes through Sunday, and is being held at the Instituto Cultural de Mexico in Hemisfair Plaza. This is the second year the festival has been held at this location, but the festival itself is in its fifteenth year. On the San Antonio Film Festival website there is a link to area parking lots. We just parked along Durango (one of the free places noted on the website- free after 6p.m.). When we were there they were offering samples of Antigua Cruz tequila at the cinema cafe- nothing wrong with that - And it in no way affected our enjoyment of the films (or did it???)

You could imagine these things, or you could see and experience them first hand. They have been recreated for you at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

The log cabin in the woods, the turtles and ducks in the pond, the bees buzzing among the neat rows of veggies in the children's garden, the wide expanse of green, the charming rose garden, the Kumamoto En (Japanese Garden) and the Sensory Garden are there for you to explore.

Plus, the Botanical Garden also has special programs all year long. Susan Budge's 'Myths Magic and Mysteries' is an exhibit of ceramic sculptures in the Conservatory. Steinunn Thorarinsdottir's cast iron and glass sculptures can be found sitting and standing along the trails of the East Texas Pineywoods.

But one of my favorites is Shakespeare in the Park. This year Magik Theatre presents "As You Like It" 8 p.m. June 3 - 6. It's free and gates open at 6:30 p.m. Bring a chair or a blanket and plunk yourself down on a grassy hillside. There will be food and drink available for purchase, you are not allowed to bring any into the venue. PLUS, on Wednesday and Friday magician Brian Brushwood will present his 'Bizarre Magic' show before the play and during intermission.
The Concert Under the Stars is coming up, too. The first will be held June 11, then June 25, July 9 and July 23.Get there early...A more perfect setting I cannot imagine.

(Also watch for the Bugs exhibit in August.)

View the kens5.com San Antonio Botanical Garden slideshow.
Get a glimpse of the "As You Like It" dress rehearsal at the Garden.

Thurman Love, owner/operator of Waterstreet Oyster Bar in San Antonio, has been attending the Folk Festival since he was 13. Back then it was a three-day event. Now it is 18 days. He likes to camp out there for as many of those days as his busy schedule will allow.

Thurman explained the experience in spiritual terms. He said the first day you begin by thinking about your life. The second day you begin to look around you, seeing and listening to what everyone around you is doing and expressing. "On the third day you think, 'Why do I make things so complicated, when all you really need in life is fellowship, something that opens your spirit up, and shelter," said Thurman. And there you have it.

It sounds like some sort of retreat, and it can be that. But it is a musical venue, afterall - where songwriters earn validation and accreditation. Outstanding performers like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Tish Hinojosa, Trout Fishing in America, Terri Hendrix, Bruce Robison, Ruthie Foster, Guy Forsyth and Band of Heathens play on the main stage.
After the show, some continue the old tradition of mingling with other original, some budding, songwriters around the campfires all night long. (That is where many songwriters got their start, I understand).

At the beginning of each year the festival accepts songwriter/performer original entries. Of that group, 32 are selected to perform 15 minute sets on the first weekend of the festival. Then, on the last day, 6 winners are awarded a small stipend and 30 minutes on stage.

Thurman said the festival audiences are 'powerful.' They pay attention to the artist, they take it in, then, they spread the word across Texas, and before you know it, that new artist is a hit.

But, let's get back to those campfires. I can tell you from firsthand experience camping at the festival, that these guys mean it. All day long, and all night long they gather at various tents and campfires and play and sing into the morning. They sing the blues, they sing about politics, they sing originals, and there is a heck of a lot of 'free-form ad-libbing' going on, too.
Love talks about songwriter/musician Chris Chandler: "You could just throw a newspaper down and he would make a song on the spot. It was about politics. That's why they called him 'Stark Raving Chandler.' It was all eclectic. It made you think, ' he said.

The event has changed a bit over the years. They allow RVs now, but the vibration and the sharing of songs, that sense of camaraderie is still the same, said Love.
He said there are all types of people at the Kerrville Folk Festival, "hippies, Republicans, pockets, kids" - 30,000 a year attend. They have one thing in common: they all love original songwriters.

Thurman added, " Go out there with an open mind, and you might learn something." Bring sunscreen.

Click here to see the kens5.com Kerrville Folk Festival slideshow.

View the official Kerrville Folk Festival site for complete festival info.

Photos of Ray Wylie Hubbard, Tish Hinojosa and Terri Hendrix courtesy of the Kerrville Folk Festival.