Luckenbach Winter Blues Festival coming up on Saturday

       The 3rd Annual Blues Festival will kick off in Luckenbach Texas on Saturday, January 30 at 3:00 p.m. 

 Some of the musicians on tap include The SA Blue Cats, Ben Beckendorf, Debbi Walton, Guy Forsyth, Danny Brooks, Omar & The Howlers, Seth Walker, and Paul Thorn. 

Advance tickets are $17 online or by calling 830-997-3224 or 888-311-8990 by noon on Friday, or $20 at the door.  Luckenbach Texas is located eight miles southeast of Fredericksburg at 412 Luckenbach Town Loop.  For information, log on to www.luckenbachtexas.com .

Indian Artifact and Collectible Show this Saturday in Fredericksburg

Gillespie County is steeped in Indian history and lore, from the signing of our settlers’ peace treaty, to stories about Enchanted Rock, and on Saturday, January 30, you’ll have a chance to take a little piece of Indian history home with you when the Indian Artifact and Collectible Show runs at the Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Hwy 16 S from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 (free for children under age 14).

You’ll be able to find pre-1900 artifacts and old collectibles on exhibit and for sale. Food will also be available. For more information about the show, call 830-626-5561 or 830-238-3795.

Economic Data: Week January 18, 2010

 Washington vs Wall Street was the main event last week as Big Banks put on their boxing gloves to defend themselves from the big payouts they have provided to executives within their ranks. Washington wants a firm understanding of how they can give out those bonuses when just a year ago they had TARP funds to keep them from sliding further into financial abyss.

The Administration is thinking of adding a ‘tax’ that each of the 50 financials will have to pay in order to recoup those funds for taxpayers. But, in reality, who do you think will be paying those taxes.? The banks aren’t going to pay it. They might in the form of no more ” free checking accounts”, and other fees.

Federal Regulators have already begun expanding their charges against Bank of America over bonuses paid at Merrill Lynch. Considering the turmoil in Washington and Wall Street, the DOW was able gain 1.7% for the week ending Jan 15th. JP Morgan Chase earnings were better than expected too, most likely at the expense of inside cuts.

From Tony Stevenson, SWBC, Visit our website at www.swbc.com

Fredericksburg Music Club hosts The Merling Trio this Sunday

     The Merling Trio – performing in violin, cello and piano – will be in concert this Sunday, January 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church at 1800 N. Llano St. in Fredericksburg. Admission to this concert is by donation.  For information, call the Fredericksburg Music Club at 830-997-5413 or visit www.fredericksburgmusicclub.com .

Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show this weekend in Fredericksburg

     The public is invited to attend the Fredericksburg Rockhounds Club’s 41^st Annual Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show this Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 17 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Pavilion of Lady Bird Johnson Park on Hwy 16 S. in Fredericksburg.  There’s no admission charge and parking is free.  For information, call 830-990-9823 or visit www.fredericksburgrockhounds.org .