by Mary-Ann Brandon
LA VETA — A desire to help the La Veta school and a passion for live music is what led the good folks at Rare West Realty to step up to the plate and organize a benefit show for the school. With additional sponsorship by the La Veta Inn and Sid’s High Country BBQ, Folk/ Americana artist Bill Hearne will return to the tiny mountain town with 100% of donations for his show to be turned over to the school for use as they see fit.
Bill Hearne is no stranger to these parts. Having spent many years living in Red River and then Santa Fe, New Mexico, La Veta is a hop, skip and jump away from his stomping grounds. With the burgeoning live music scene that has taken a hold of the little village, it makes sense that more artists like Hearne will show up, offering a taste of what people take for granted in a larger city.
Hearne started his career in Austin, Texas, in the late 1960’s. There he met his future wife and musical partner, Bonnie. Together the two set off on a life journey that would lead them to the Kerrville Folk festival, Merle Fest, Farm Aid, tours with Lyle Lovett and a recording contract with Warner Brothers records. Ill health caused Bonnie to have to step aside in 2003. Very sadly she passed away just a few months ago. Despite the tremendous loss of his life partner, Bill has continued to play live with the relentless spirit of man decades his junior. He has been entertaining Santa Fe audiences for the past 26 years, with a Monday and Tuesday night residency at the La Fonda Inn. In addition to this regular gig, he continues to tour wherever his music will take him.
An interpreter of other people’s songs, Herne shares the stories that were written by some of the greatest musical raconteurs of the 20th century. A Texan at heart, he has rendered live and in the studio, songs by Guy Clark, Tom Paxton, Joe Ely, Chuck Pyle, Red Simpson, and his nephew, Michael Hearne. By his own admission, he never plays a song the same way twice. His guitar skills are solid, and perfectly compliment his baritone voice. To learn more about Bill and to watch a touching mini documentary about his life with Bonnie, visit his website at www.billhearne.com.
La Veta continues to grow as a hub for Americana music. As more music venues open and more artists are making the town a stop on their tours, people are starting to come from near and far to partake in the live music scene there. If you find yourself craving authentic American roots music, come out to Sid’s High Country BBQ @ 923 South Oak Street in La Veta on Thursday, April 26. Bring your dancing shoes, bring an appetite for BBQ, bring your checkbook and give as freely as you can to help the La Veta School.
