Gruene Hall
New Braunfels
Texas
1 February 2003
by Megan Galloway-Winkler

Wooden floors patched with old license plates and chicken wire over the windows might normally make someone reconsider the establishment they're entering, but Texas music fans wouldn't have Gruene Hall (pronounced Green) any other way.

A warm Texas winter evening helped pack the white clapboard tin roofed  dance hall with Hal Ketchum fans. Located in the Texas Hill Country, half way between Austin and San Antonio, Gruene Hall is the state's oldest dance hall. It didn't take long for the hall's familiar long wooden picnic tables and worn floor boards to be crowded with fans. Most had begun lining up early, expecting Ketchum to perform at nine o'clock. However, a note on the door said it was changed to 10:30.

No one seemed to mind the wait, except the bartenders busy handing out longnecks to thirsty patrons. The crowd was more interested in enjoying their beer than the passable opening act. By the time 10:30 rolled around fans were packed on the dance floor like a herd of Texas cattle.

The best description of Ketchum taking the stage can be summed up by a fellow fan, who I was in line for the ladies room with. "That's power, when you can make the whole ladies bathroom line come to a complete halt."  Urgent calls of nature were replaced by screams and the sounds of "Past the Point of Rescue."

Ketchum and his new band the Gypsy Playboys rocked through their opening song and on to "Five O'clock World" and "I Miss My Mary." Ketchum then welcomed the fans and offered his thanks for the first of many times that night.

The Gypsy playboys were tight and blended nicely with Ketchum, who alternated playing guitar and purely singing. His voice was strong and he looked well, sporting a deep red western cut shirt and his famous long gray locks.

Songs flowed between familiar radio hits to others from his more recent albums. Not much of talker, Ketchum did divulge the song "On Her Own Time" was written with his son Graham, who was in attendance that night with his fiancée. He also revealed his new album 'The King of Love' will be released in the U.S. in April.

The crowd flowed with the songs, singing along with the more racus upbeat songs, while ballads like "Stay Forever" produced easy swaying between couples and long loving looks.

Sixty minutes later when Ketchum said his goodnights the fans still wanted more. Clapping, cheers, the sound of boots stomping on the floor, empty bottles being pounded on the tables persuaded Ketchum back for an encore. He closed the show with the romantic "Sure Love" and a rockin' version of "Unforgiven."

After leaving the stage again the crowd was reluctant to see one of the Hall's most famous performers go. They continued to cheer, and hope for another encore. Eventually, we all filed our way out through the screen door chattering away about our favourite Hal songs and how great tonight's show was.

Gruene Hall
New Braunfels
Texas
1 February 2003
by Ymelda G. Morales

We had not seen Hal Ketchum since he used to perform in Austin when he lived in an apartment on South Congress. We lived down the street from him. And he performed at the Saxon Pub on Sunday evenings with the Resentments. We were very fortunate to have seen such great shows with him while he lived in Austin. Hal is very friendly and polite.

We enjoyed seeing him at Gruene Hall on Saturday night. It was  fantastic. And although he only played just over an hour, we were totally satisfied with the performance. It's great to see that he can still pack a house. Hal Ketchum can carry a tune anytime. He has an amazing voice!