The Calvert Mainstreet Preservation organization is hosting a concert downtown this weekend, hoping to raise funds to help promote small businesses within the city. Historic downtown Calvert has been blossoming more and more each year.
“Texas Highways magazine just named Calvert as one of the next Marfa’s," said Brenda Van de Walle, vice president of the Calvert Chamber of Commerce. "We were labeled the 'dark horse' in the race... The art scene is very important to Calvert, and I believe in developing and revitalizing the main street.”
Van de Walle co-owns the Farmers–to-Market coffee shop in Calvert, and co-founded a new nonprofit called Calvert Mainstreet Preservation. Dedicated to helping the small-town economy and to saving Calvert’s historic architecture, she’s created events such as this Saturday’s country legends tribute concert.
Van de Walle's husband, Chris Austin Martinez, a professional musician from Bryan-College Station, has always been happy to lend his talents to events that benefit Calvert. He and his associates Manny Lopez, and Brian Lippman will play this weekend, performing homages to some of Texas’ most famous country artists.
"You’ll be able to see Merle Haggard and Hank on videos behind us as we perform their songs," Martinez explained. "And between the songs, I’ll be talking about who worked with who, who played with whose band, who wrote what, and why they did it.”
The charity concert will take place Saturday night at the couple’s venue located next door to the Farmers coffee shop on Texas State 6. Proceeds from the event will be used to create signage and marketing that promotes tourism for Calvert.
"Most of the tickets were sold as a table so that you’re with your family or people that are in your group," said Van de Walle. "We only have a few tickets left for general admission.”
In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved down the street to the historic Eloia Theater.
To reserve a ticket, visit here!
