FiestaJAM brings crisp, fall musical lineup to Marble Falls festival
FROM STAFF REPORTS
MARBLE FALLS — When two creative minds get together, sparks erupt and new ideas bounce around. When those two minds are also connected to people known for having a passion and drive to get things done, they tend to grab one of those ideas and push it out into existence.
On Oct. 17-19, an idea born by the collaboration of Marble Falls native son and award-winning singer-songwriter John Arthur Martinez and nationally known conductor-producer Robert Linder comes to fruition on the shores of Lake Marble Falls.
The inaugural FiestaJAM combines three days of great music, wonderful wine and fabulous craft beers.
“With so much musical talent around me, from Grammy-winning performers and songwriters to amazing newcomers, I felt driven to create a festival celebrating this vast array of talent and to give back to the next generation of musical dreamers,” Martinez said. “Robert Linder shared my vision, and FiestaJAM is the result.”
Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Marble Falls Independent School District and Harmony School of Creative Arts music programs.
The Oct. 18 musical lineup includes Martinez and Tejas as well as Vallejo, the Rex Paul Schnelle rock show and Brady Beal. On Oct. 19, folks can enjoy a Gospel show hosted by Schnelle.
The festival kicks off with a reception Oct. 17 at the Uptown on Main featuring performances by Mike Blakely, Alex Harvey and Martinez.
Part of the vision of Martinez and Linder included bringing the entire town into the festival. While the main stage will be at Lakeside Park during the day on Oct. 18, the music continues into the night at several participating Marble Falls venues. The day performances wrap up at 6 p.m. with music switching to other local stages, including River City Grille, Fornos on Main, Uptown Theatre, RBar & Grill, AJ’s Live, Houston’s Depot, Tottie’s, Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill and Mr. B’s Sports Bar.
Along with the music, the festival celebrates the incredible wineries and craft breweries in the area. The Oct. 18 event at Lakeside Park features nine local vintners and two craft brewers.
As a wine area, the Texas Hill Country has become nationally, and internationally, recognized. Wine Enthusiast magazine ranked it No. 3 on its 2014 list of the world’s top 10 wine travel destinations — ahead of Sonoma, California, and renowned areas of Italy, France, Argentina and Australia.
Tickets are $40 for both Saturday and Sunday events and include 10 tasting coupons; $35 and $10 for Saturday only; and $10 for Sunday only. VIP packages, which include two passes to all events including the Friday reception at the Uptown Theatre, are $150. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Go to www.etix.com or call 1-800-514-3849 to order tickets. Go to fiestajam.org for more information on the event.
editor@thepicayune.com