Singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky performs during a Friday night concert at Uncle Calvin’s. Photo by Kim Leeson
Our August cover story highlights a part of our lives that easily can become rote — going to church. We rediscovered the beauty in our sanctuaries, particularly the music. From the majestic pipe organs of St. Michael & All Angels, to the powerful voices of the Preston Hollow Presbyterian choir, our neighborhood is home to some of the best musicians in town.
But what happens when a secular music venue takes up residence inside a church? You get a mini Kerrville Folk Festival every Friday night that draws people of all religious backgrounds. That’s what you’re missing if you haven’t ventured into Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, which has thrived for more than 30 years tucked away inside NorthPark Presbyterian Church. See our feature “The coolness of Uncle Calvin’s” within the aforementioned cover story. Hop over there to read the full story about how it came to be and why it has endured for so long (hint: extremely dedicated volunteers).
While a bit hidden, Uncle Calvin’s is no secret. It’s etched into weekend guides in news publications all over. But it’s just one of those places you hear about but keep driving past on Central Expressway each week. Whether you know the performers or not, it’s certainly worth a visit at least once to see what a live music show is like without booze and smoke and speakers blowing your eardrums out (although those types of shows do have their place). Uncle Calvin’s is an intimate listening room where every note is crisp and clean, lending itself well to the genre, which is typically the soulful, singer-songwriter stuff.
A few of note that are coming up: Cristine Lavin Aug. 8, Carrie Newcomer Sept. 19 and The Steel Wheels Oct. 24. Browse the rest of this year’s lineup here.
