Sept. will have the perfect event for those that would like to hear live music and support a great cause. Own Your Own Universe — the nonprofit started by Grammy award winning artist Terri Hendrix that offers free or low-cost events that empower and transform lives through music and the creative arts — is having its third annual music festival in downtown Martindale from 3:15 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 at 413 Main Street (indoor stage) and 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the downtown outdoor stage. The event on Saturday costs $30 with free admission for children under 12 years-old and Sunday is free (donations are encouraged).
“Every dollar raised at OYOU Fest — via tickets for Saturday's concert and from voluntary donations collected in person or online throughout the weekend — directly funds the OYOU's mission of making the arts accessible to everyone and empowering and transforming lives by connecting the mind, body and spirit through music and the creative arts,” Hendrix said.
For day one of the festival doors will open at 2:30 pm and will kick-off with a happy hour featuring and an opening set by Stringtown Texas, a cash bar, an “Oh-Queso, It’s a Fundraiser” nacho bar buffet, a silent auction and a raffle. Terri Hendrix and her fellow award-winning musician friends Michael Hearne, founder of the legendary Big Barn Dance music festival, and Lloyd Maines will provide more entertainment.
Raffle items for the event are made by local artist Chester Francis and include a mid-sized coffee table made out of a repurposed 200-year-old oak tree and repurposed guitars made into shelves.
There are sponsor VIP tables for purchase, which cost $2,000 and include front row seating at a table for up to eight people at Saturday’s event. The ticket is also redeemable for a private concert with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines in 2024 or 2025 at a distance of up to a 300 mile radius with up to 50 people.
For day two, the OYOU Fest will continue with even more family-friendly fun. There will be an outdoor gospel-infused concert on Main Street in downtown Martindale, featuring Martindale's Mark Jungers as well as Rochelle & the Sidewinders. The music will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and if an additional band is added the event will last until 2:30 p.m.
To purchase tickets and make online donations go to ownyourownuniverse. org.