Fredericksburg, long known for quaint and quiet, is emerging as a fabulous place to listen to some of the best live music anywhere in Texas. While you will only find "Oom-pah" during Oktoberfest (first weekend of October), several places are offering up some great music nightly.
This movement seems to be spearheaded by The Auslander Biergarten, located in the heart of downtown. Offering some of the best music anywhere Thursday through Saturday (and sometimes more often), The Auslander has become a Hill Country favorite for kicking back with a cold-one, having some great German food, and listening to an array of Texas artists. Thursday nights are "live" on the local radio (KFAN 107.9) and don't miss one of the periodic festivals put on 3 or 4 times a year here. Some of the artists that have graced the stage at The Auslander include Gary P. Nunn, Joe Ely, Billy Joe Shaver, Darden Smith, Bruce Robison, Ian Moore, Cooder Graw, Shake Russell, and many, many more. Go to www.theauslander.com for more details.
Another place to catch live music in the area is historic Luckenbach, which hosts everything from "picker-nights" to huge concerts such as Pat Green and others. Located just a few miles from Fredericksburg, it is a must see for all first-time visitors. Other venues include Hondo's on Main, Lincoln Street, Silver Creek, and Primeaux's. Oh and don't forget about Hilltop Cafe, where you can catch the legendary Johnny Nicholas during a fine meal (if you are lucky!)
Wanna party late? Then Buc O Brians is the place for you. Open till 2 am, this is where everyone goes around midnight to cap off the evening.
Open in June of 2007, Rockbox Theater is a new option for both residents and visitors to Fredericksburg. You will be thoroughly entertained by the resident professional company of entertainers that perform each weekend on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Music from the golden era of Rock 'n' Roll is the main bill of fare and every show is family-friendly. Located just 1/2 mile off of Main Street on Llano, it's an easy stroll from the Central Shopping District and a must-see. The Rockbox Theater is a great addition to the already healthy music scene in Fredericksburg.
While the city of Fredericksburg is the star of the Texas Hill Country, it is also home to the many talented stars that make up the Fredericksburg Theater Company. On this 12th season, this much acclaimed regional theater produces exciting re-creations of popular Broadway musicals, award winning plays and even home grown productions destined to become classics themselves. The locals would like to keep this secret to themselves, but the theater is fast becoming a top traveller destination. And don't let the wine and cheese intermission fool you. The locals just wear their jeans and cowboy boots. Go to www.fredericksburgtheater.org for showtimes.
