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HellercontinuedHouston,” Amy says, “but Iwent to junior high in SanAntonio, and way backthere I was playing herewith Simmons Allison, atruly awesome guitarplayer. My mom lived inHouston, my dad in SanAntonio. So I have beengoing back and forth overthe years.”Heller is a blond beautywith a powerful voicerange and more stagepzazz than one would expect from a 45-year-oldveteran of the entertainment business.“I’ve never tired of it,”Amy said. “I have one cdout which is made of alloriginal songs I have written, and we will soon beis really starting to cometogether.”Amy’s group of localpros includes:Roger Lee Blackmoon,guitar and vocals. He sayshe has been playing guitarsince age 7 and has always been inspired by theblues.P.J. Remmler, bass guitar and vocals, a San Antonio native who hasplayed both bass anddrums with a number oflocal projects.Carl Brewer on drumsandpercussionandsound. Bands he hasplayed with include Aziz,Glass Jungle, Tight Fit,and Craving Amy (no relation). He has been heavilyinfluenced by Neil Peart ofRushandTommyAldridge, who has workedContinued on pg. 10going into the studio torecord a second one. Alloriginals as well. We dosome covers, but I neverintend to become ahuman jukebox. I am always writing new material.”Amy’s current HellerHigh Water band is comprised of some seasonedSan Antonio musiciansshe located through aFacebook internet servicecalled Who gives a shit, Ijust need a gig.com.Heller said: “It’s a greatservice. I found it throughBobby Singer, my onetimeguitar player. And Icouldn’t have possiblyfound a better group ofmusicians than theseguys who responded tomy ad. We’ve been together for about fourmonths now, and the band651-45414810 FM 1518 N.1/4 MILE EASTOFF IH35HOURS:7 DAYSAWEEKBlessed with a powerfu set of lungs, Heller has been comparedwith Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Ethridge, Stevie Nicks and Joplin.HANGIN’ TREE SALOONThe Fun Place to Relax. A Real Authentic Texas SaloonOPEN 10AM DAILY NOON SUNDAY18424 2nd Street BRACKEN, TX 210.651.5812Please don’t forget to book your parties now. Graduation is right around the corner.Happy HourTues-Fri2pm-7pmJ A N U A RY B A N D S C H E D U L EFRI1 New Years DayFRI8 Geronimo and band 8-12FRI 15 Cactus Country 8-12FRI 22 Bimbo & Borderline 8-12FRI 29 The Cowboy Lunchfeaturing GERONIMO and band12-4 no coverVotedBestLiveMusicNow that you’vefound Luckenbach,where the heck is Bracken?We take credit cardsPatioPlaygroundPingPongTable606W Cypress227-2683january BAND 151/16The Lavens 6:30 p.m.Bongo Katz 9 p.m.ReBeca and Friends 6:30 p.m.Ruben V 9 p.m.Marks Brothers 1 p.m.Blues Society jam 3:30 p.m.Open mic w/Cody Coggins 7:30 p.m.Prime Time Jazz 8 p.m.Blue Note Ringos 7:30 p.m.Ken Gaines, Green Houseconcert series 7:30 p.m.The Lavens 6:30 p.m.Michael Martin and Infidels 9 p.m.Brother Daveand Barrio Blasters 6:30p.m.Sam Pace and Gilded Grit 9 p.m.Papa Nick and Family 1 p.m.Clyde 4 p.m.Open mic w/Lestie Huff 7:30 p.m.Alto Madness 8 p.m.Ricky Stein 8:30 p.m.The Lavens 6:30 p.m.The Mo-Dels 9 p.m.Abbi Walker 6:30 p.m.Texas K.G.B. 9 301/31Miss Neesie andEarfood Gospel Brunch 1 p.m.Ty Curtis 4 p.m.Open mic w/Nico Laven 7:30 p.m.Prime Time Jazz p.m.Wine tasting 7:30 p.m.ReBeca and Friends 8:30 p.m.The Lavens 6:30 p.m.Smokehouse Guitar Army 9 p.m.Bernie Nelson 1 p.m.Tony Rodriguez Band 4 p.m.Open mic w/Jeff Reinsfelder7:30 p.m.Prime Time Jazz 8 p.m.Sonic Waves 8:30 p.m.The Lavens 6:30 p.m.Chris Taylor 9 p.m.Kathy McKenzie 6;30 p.m.Elen and the Degenerates 9 p;m.Family Mansion 1 p.m.Bottom Doilar String Band 4 p.m.www.thecove.usAction Magazine, January 2016 7

Billy Mata favoredwestern swing entrySan Antonio’s BillyMata and his Texas Tradition western swing bandhave been nominated forthree awards in the 2016AmeripolitanMusicAwards competition whichwill be announced February 16 in ceremonies atAustin’s Paramount The-atre.TheAmeripolitanMusic Awards competitionwas hatched by Austinmusician Dale Watson, acountry music purist whohas become disillusionedand disgusted with thewatered-downpopgarbage and other trashGreat Barbecue.Great Texas Music.Come Join The Fun.Thursday Bike NightLive Classic Rock & BluesFriday Fish Fry and DanceLive Country BandSaturdayConcert and DanceClassic Car and HotrodCruise Every Sunday 1:30pmto 6:30pm210-263-3805www.texaspridebbq.netthat the so-called “countrymusic” industry has beenfeeding the public.Allowing as how theterm “country music” nolonger applies to anythingresembling real rootscountry, Watson formedhis Ameripolitan association, and the following itnow has is astonishing.TheAmeripolitanmovement is growing byleaps and bounds.To vote in this year’scompetition,GoogleAmeripolitanMusicAwards for all the information you will need.Asleep At The Wheelband leader Ray Bensonwas the first Ameripolitanwinner for true westernswing music, and it will beBenson who will host theupcoming awards show inAustin. Gates open at 7p.m. with the awards ceremony starting at 8 p.m.The second year winner was Western SwingAuthority from Canada.Billy Mata and TexasTradition have been nominated this year, theawards group’s third, forWestern Swing Group ofThe Year; Mata has beennominated for WesternSwing Male Artist of theYear; and Texas Traditionfiddler Richard HelsleyMembers of the Texas Tradition Western Swing Band are (left toright) Roger Edgington, steel guitar; Richard Helsley, fiddle; bandleader Billy Mata; drummer Rocco Fortunato; Terry Hale, uprightbass; and David Walters, guitar.has been nominated forWestern Swing Fiddler ofthe Year.Mata started drawinginternationalattentionfrom roots western swinglovers when he recordedhis first album This IsTommy Duncan, Volume1. When he released ThisIs Tommy Duncan Volume2, the lovers of true west-Herb’s Hat ShopThe Legacy LivesMAKE MY DAY LOUNGECorner of Perrin-Beitel & Thousand OaksAcross from HEBWe are always open at 7:00 a.m. for our night shift patronsWe open Sundays at 12:00 (210) 655-6367ern swing soon becameaware that Mata was asserious about traditionalwestern swing as any trueBob Wills disciple couldbe.Billy does it the wayBob did it, as do last year’sAmeripolitanwesternswing band winner, TheWestern Swing Authority.And everyone knowsThe late Herb and PatCarroll20% offon allstraw hatsWe are now a Yeti dealerthat Ray Benson andAsleep At The Wheel haveunwaveringly continuedthe Bob Wills brand ofwestern swing for morethan 40 years.Mata has been movingexorably since 1998 to thepure roots western swingposition he now holds.It was in 1998 thatMata left top-40 Nashvilleswing behind, electinginstead to stick with thepure style of his heroBob Wills.His album Keepin’ TheTradition: A Tribute ToMy Heros, resulted inMata being recognizedby the Academy ofwestern Artists aswestern swing malesinger of the year in2000. He won two moreContinued on pg. 10FREE POPCORN, POOL AND WI-FIKARAOKE WITH LARRY & MADONNA“The Great Texas Experience”Every Thursday and Saturday at 9:30pmand every Friday at 8:00pmKARAOKE WITH JOHN & KATHRYNALL STAR JAM 25TH YEAREvery Monday at 8:00pmHosted by Mike Ellis and Jackie HuddleEvery Sunday at 9:30pmAll Requests Welcome 8 Action Magazine, January 20164922 Rigsby 648-92429 a.m. til 6 p.m.Tuesday thru FridaySaturday 9 a.m. til 4 p.m.CateringParty Room RentalPavilion RentalFundraiserHostingOilfield Crew Catering210-263-3805www.texaspridebbq.net

Blues godfatherIf anyone doubts thatJimmy Spacek is indeedthe godfather of blues inSan Antonio, those reservations will be finally andforeverdispelledbySpacek’s blockbuster newcd titled Peace and Distortion.Jimmy SpacekJimmy has been Action’s blues guitar favoritesince we first encounteredhim almost 40 years agoon San Antonio’s SouthSide, and Spacek’s humility and willingness toshare his talent with others has long had him onthe top of our list.Hear and see it allwhen Spacek introduceshis new work with a cd release party January 31 atSam’s Burger Joint wherehe will be joined by TheWest Side Horns, RubenV, Catherine Denise, andno telling who else.Spacek has poured hisenergy and his soul intothe current 10-song project, and we say ditto andamen to Spacek camppromo material whichstates:The long awaited release solidifies Spacek’sreputation as the Godfather of San Antonio blues.His guitar playing weavesblues, rock, and soul together with an explosiveTexas punch.On the new record,Jimmy brings his poignantstory-telling expertise intosharp focus with tunes likeBroken Man and Peacemaker.Broken Man is about amilitary vet who finds himself homeless on thestreet, while Peacemakerechos the never-endingquest for peace.Theprojectwasrecorded by Donnie Mealsat San Antonio’s Edit PointStudio. Kelly Donnellymixed it at Studio Plush inAustin.In typical Spacek fashion, the blues ace couldn’theap enough praise onthe tech people.“It’s always such a coolexperience working withDonnie,” Spacek said. “Hemakes us feel so at home,and he brings out the bestplaying from everyone.And Kelly is one of thebest anywhere in regardto guitar tone. He finds thesweet spot in every instrument for that final mix.”Goodbye LeroyGrieving family andfriends all over SouthTexas said a sad farewelllast month to LeroyRichter, founder of thepopular Antler Restaurantin Spring Branch.Leroy RichterHeart failure took Leroyat age 71, and that wastoo damn soon for thoseof us who have trouble understanding such losses.Leroy’s son and partnerin the booming countryfood restaurant, LeeRichter, will keep theeatery humming as always, but Leroy’s deathleaves a void that willnever be filled.Action Magazine hasbeen the only publicationdistributed in the AntlerRestaurant for years, withover 300 copies going outof the rack every month.“That’s how we havewanted it,” Leroy said. “Wehave always gotten a kickout of the publication.”Leroy was a hunter, afisherman, a storyteller,and one of the really goodguys who walk the face ofthis earth.R.I.P. Leroy RichterScott GruendlerScott HowenSpecht’s visionScott Gruendler, thenew owner of historicSpecht’s Store Restaurantand Saloon in Bulverde,has hired a crew familiarwith the food and beverage industry that will be inplace when the iconicrestaurant and saloonagain opens for businesssometime in the earlyspring.Gruendler, a longtimeresident of the Bulverdearea and ceo of a technology consulting firm calledSigma Solutions, closedthe deal last month withlongtime Specht’s ownerKate Mangold, who acquired Specht’s back inthe 1970s along with herlate former husband JakeNoll.Bruce Bucklin“Kate Mangold and Iare both on the samepage,” says Gruendler.“The vision Kate alwayshad for Specht’s is my vision. We all love Kate, andour dream is to restoreSpecht’s to the greatrestaurant and saloon itwas in the 1980s when Ifirst fell in love with theplace.”The on-premises management team Gruendlerrefers to as “we” includeschildhood friends ScottHowen and Bruce Bucklin,both veterans of therestaurant and saloon industry.For the past 15 years,Howen has been bartending and managing restaurants in Denver, Colorado,while Bucklin, who lives inBlanco County, has beenwith the Bulverde Starbucks for the past 10years. Bucklin’s San Antonio restaurant and saloonexperience is extensive,including a bartending jobat the Old San FranciscoSteak House.Gruendler also notesthat his companion MariaDavis is in charge of accounting, financing work,and other dollars andcents chores too numerous to list.“We couldn’t pull thisoff without Maria,” Gruendler said. “Her importance is huge.”Thurman Love operated Specht’s as a straightbarbecue place for almosttwo years before bailingout when he was unableto gain financing to buythe place.The property is in needof work before a projectedopening in mid-March,and Gruendler said hehas ordered all newkitchen equipment as astart.“We will replace thekitchen, and then addressother needs, includingrestroom facilities,” Gruendler said. “I intend tokeep the menu much likeKate had it. Maria and Iwon’t be on the premises,but Scott Howen andBruce Bucklin will be offering the same good country fare Kate had--friedcatfish, chicken friedsteaks, great burgers, andbeer and wine. And ScottHowen will be adding aline of draft craft beers thatwill be something new.”Howen will live with hisdog Miles Davis in thesmall house adjacent tothe restaurant and saloon,a onetime post office andtelephone relay stationwhich still contains old1930s circa mail boxesand phone equipment.Gruendler also plans toresume live music atSpecht’s, although hesays other needs must bemet before his crew startsactually contacting themusicians.“And I also have longrange plans for the old cotton gin on the property,”Gruendler said. “The cotton gin will be part ofphase two.”Gruendler has high expectations for a flood ofearly business, result of aFacebook announcementwhich he says garneredan avalanche of encouraging comments.“I first thought we mighthave a soft opening,” Gruendler said. “Just open thedoors and slowly startdoing business. But afterthe Facebook response Ihave concluded there ain’tno such animal as a softopening. We will have tohave a grand opening atsome point.”Continued on pg. 10Action Magazine, January 2016 9

Hellercontinued from page 7with Ozzie Osbourne,Black Oak Arkansas, andothers.Amy Heller’s official bioreads:Often described as energetic and passionatesince an early age, Amyhas been vocalizing herlove of music to the world.From the stage of MickeyGilley’s in Pasadena, atage 16, Amy started hermusical career and soonwas venturing into jazz,then navigating on intoblues, pop music, andR&B. All this built a corefoundation of skills whichhas allowed her to perform successfully throughout the country as well asUSO tours abroad. Hertravels have allowed her tobe the opening act forsuch famed bands as BadMatacontinued from page 8awards for his westernswing singing and as entertainer of the year in2005.In 2009, Mata wasScatter Shotscontinued from page 9Songwriter campAward winning songwriter Andy Wilkinson willbe the featured teacher atthe 12th Annual Hill Country Acoustic Music CampFebruary 5-7 at Kerrville.With a particular inter-Andy Wilkinsonest in the history and people of the Great plains,Wilkinson has recorded12 albums of originalCompany and EddieMoney.L i k emany musicians who fallinto the business at anearly age and withoutbusiness experience andproper management, AmyLouise Heller Reif was another victim of the times.“I got married when Iwas 16,” Amy said. “Thatmarriage didn’t last long,and it was him whopushed me into singing onstage to begin with. I wasout there in the middle ofthings before I really realized what was happening.”After her Gilley’s gig,Amy recalls that she washired by Doug Allen andDoug Allen’s Chicago MobBand.“That was in 1992,”Amy said, “We worked hotels and casinos until1994, and that’s when wedid the USO tour in Korea.We played all of the U.S.army bases in Korea, fromSeoul to the front line border with North Korea.”When Doug Allen’sband broke up followingthe Korea tour, Amy saidshe moved to San Antoniowhere she sang for awhile with old guitar aceSimmons Allison. Then itwas back to Houstonwhere she was to form herSilent Jane Band.“Silent Jane was reallymy first band,” Heller said.“This was the band Irecorded my first albumwith.”The cd is titled A Poet’sLife. It contains AmyHeller’sfirstoriginalsongs, and was producedby Artie Bleukely at Whispering Pines Studios inHouston.“Of course I nevermade any money with thecd,” Amy said. “It was oneof those bad managementfiasco things.”Heller was ostensiblypromoting her new albumwhen Silent Jane wasbooked into the SunkenGarden Theater as anopening act for Bad Company and Eddie Money.“The manager I had atthe time really droppedthe ball,” Heller recalls.“Right after we opened forBad Company and EddieMoney, our manager tookoff with all the money wehad, and the cd never didget on an independentrecord label as we hadbeen promised.”She says her presentband is getting tighter bythe day.“Really coming alonggreat,” she said. “We willbe ready to record soon.”Heller High Water hasbeen attracting local attention with gigs at such watering holes as Snoops,Main Street, the old CrazyD’s, and Wetmore CityLimits.Amy Heller Reif returned to San Antonio thislast time from the NorthDakota oil patch whereher husband Mike Reifwas working before histransfer to San Antonio.Reif is a sales representative for Kimball Midwest, an oil industryequipmentcompanywhich transferred himfrom North Dakota to SanAntonio for what Amy sayspromises to be a permanent position.Both Reifs have children by previous marriages, and Amy says theyare very happy.“When Mike had thechance to transfer to SanAntonio, Amy said “hell,yes, let’s go back toTexas.”Her official biographysays her style offers ablend of rock combinedwith a straight-aheadblues edge, but Hellersays the second albumshe is working on now willbe more classic rock thananything else.“I love all kinds ofmusic,” she said, “but I always seem to edge backto rock.”She is an explosive vocalist. Some have evencompared her with JanisJoplin. And she is gettingmore notice as time goesby.Check out Amy and theHeller HIgh Water bandduring the month of January at Lefty’s Draft HouseJan. 9; at Wetmore CityLimits on Jan. 22 for Amy’sbirthday bash; and at BillyD’s in Universal City onJan. 23.To book Heller HighWater call Amy Heller at(210) 954-7956. Band information can also befound on Facebook.awarded the AWA Western Swing Album of theyear forThis Is Tommy Duncan,Volume I. Some of the boobirds around the countryhad been saying thatwestern swing was a deadart, but the tune started tochange with Mata’s firstDuncan album.When he released thesecond classic, TommyDuncan, Volume II, newwestern swing bandswere starting to pop up allover the U.S., Canada,Australia, and even Scotland.There are four othernominees for this year’sAmeripolitanWesternSwing Group of the Year,and Mata is in a group offive nominated for Western Swing Male of theyear.Action Magazine ispicking Billy Mata and hisband to sweep the western swing categories.From the beginning ofMata’s 1998 interest inpreserving Bob Wills western swing, a handful oftrue western swing bandshave become internationalphenomenon again.Mata has becomeknown as a true ambassador of western swing.music and has writteneight plays, among themCharlie Goodnight’s LastNight, a one-man showperformedbyBarryCorbin; the musical dramaMy Cowboy’s Gift; TheSoul of the West (writtenwith Red Steagall); and AWay in the West, a onewoman show performedby Trudy West.The artist in residenceat the Texas Tech Southwest Collection, Wilkinsonhas received the JohnBen Sheppard J. Craftsmanship Award, six National Heritage Wranglerawards, and the WillRogers Medallion Award.TheHillCountryAcoustic Music Camp willbe at the Mount WesleyConference Center.Otherdistinguishedmusicians who will beteaching at this year’scampincludeAlanMunde, banjo; Billy Bright,mandolin; Jeff Planken-horn, dobro and slide guitar; Dale Morris with wifeTobi, fiddle; and EddieCollins on guitar.For more information,email www.hcamp.org orcall Bob Miller at (830)459-2120.Cover is 15 and tickets will be available at thedoor.Since the fall of 1998,Gaines has produced andhosted the songwriter series at Houston’s leg-endary Anderson Fair.These shows attractsome of the greatestsingers and songwriters inthe nation, promptingGaines to say, “Talk abouta great way to keep youredge as a performer. I lovethese shows.”Gaines covers everygenre, including classicrock, folk, jazz, and Americana. His words are bothpowerful and poetic. 10 Action Magazine, January 2016Gaines at CoveHouston singer, songwriter, guitarist, producerand t

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