This past Saturday May 31, I checked out a fairly new venue on the beautiful Guadalupe River (New Braunfels, Tx.) You can see their coming attractions at www.whitewaterrocks.com. What an incredible place…Cool setting with an evening breeze off the river and yes, you can tube all day and party til midnight or later at the same place! They run river tours, too! So picture 2 stages surrounded by giant oaks, picnic tables, wrought iron chairs (note: bring cushions or towel for a bit of comfort) 2 bars, a horseshoe pit (only in Texas!), a fabulous children’s playground, tiki torches, lots of rock formations, beautiful flowers in barrels, and this past Saturday, DEL CASTILLO … according to Billboard Magazine, “one of the happening bands in town where catching ears is no small feat”. Think Gypsy Kings with a truckload of Flamenco,Rock, Latin, Blues, and World music thrown in!

 I first saw them at Tropical Heatwave in Tampa, Florida just two weeks ago! They were my #1 pic for Tropical Heatwave and then I found out after the show that they’re from Austin (where else???). I was so excited to see that they were now back in Texas (just for a week) playing for FREE last Thursday night at The Shady Grove in Austin and out at Whitewater’s Biergarten Stage on Saturday night. Two of the brothers play classical flamenco guitars, another member on the bass guitar, a percussionist that is world class, a drummer that keeps you dancing in your seat (if you can stand to stay seated!) and a lead singer that has all the women in the audience smiling (okay to be honest, they are panting and at Tropical Heatwave, throwing their thongs?? & flowers?? on the stage!) What can I say to defend my sisters? There is no defense against the powerful music of the band and Alex Ruiz’ dance moves and sultry delivery! Their music ranges from traditional flamenco sounds to their new as yet unreleased, “Come Dance With Me”. Can’t wait for their new CD to come out! All together this music would bring a comatose person out on the floor! Go see them!

 And check out the Whitewater venue, too. Robert Earl Keen will be there this Saturday evening at 8 pm and so will Miss V….so hope to see you there…