Hope, Faith and Everything Else

Brad Beheler
Jul 6
4 min read

After three days of mostly lows and a few highs, we’re going to begin shifting things around Galleywinter back to full-time music. We’ll continue to share important and music-related items tied to this awful tragedy, but overall, we’re returning to what we’ve always done...supporting music we love and people we love. Honestly, that’s been at the heart of what we’ve done these past few days anyway.

The Galleywinter and Texas Music community always shows up swiftly and with conviction for its people, and this time has been no different. We’ve helped reunite families, shared vital emergency information, come together in grief, mourned the lost, and lifted up the survivors. Your shares, likes, comments, and most importantly, your prayers and boots-on-the-ground action, have made a massive difference. And that will continue in the days, months, and years ahead.

As my friend Scott reminded me, having lived through the West explosion and its aftermath, right now, everyone’s on high alert and stepping up, and that’s beautiful. But these folks and communities are going to need even more help when the headlines fade and the spotlight moves on. It takes a long, steady effort to heal from something this massive. But we, as Texans, are up to that challenge. Kerr County and the greater Hill Country, we’re still here with you. We’re in the foxhole with you. We’re ready to keep showing up and bringing whatever you need.

Tonight I’m working and writing while listening to the Hope, Faith and Everything Else playlist we shared earlier today. It’s been calming and inspiring. I hope it brings you the same peace it brought me.

Tomorrow night, Josh Weathers is hosting a big online show and auction to raise funds. It will be live on his Instagram and Facebook. We’ll share the link, so be sure to tune in. Some cool surprises in store.

Robert Earl Keen has also announced that he’s organizing a large benefit concert. We’ll share more details as soon as we get them.

There will be more. There always are. Everyone is willing to jump in and do what needs to be done. Now is the time to make sure we're all on the same page and maximizing our efforts. And that’s what makes this community so special. We take care of our own.

Our Saturday River Jam home, Billy’s Ice, has stepped up to be a donation drop-off point for physical items and gift cards in Comal County.

That’s what we as Texans do. We step up and help our neighbors and friends. Out of every dark moment, light always follows. And we’ve seen it in spades these last 48 hours.

Here at Galleywinter, we’re now turning the page to River Jam week. One eye stays fixed on our friends in need. The other looks ahead to the music, fellowship, and healing we hope the weekend brings. By Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we hope we’ve got a better handle on things and are ready to release, rejoice, and maybe even dance a little.

Huge thanks to Jonathan Garcia for stepping up to provide sound support for our Sunday show. That gig is always songwriter church at the Float House, this year, even more so. Every act playing that day is doing it for free. They play for tips and the chance to connect with the most dedicated music fans in Texas at the coolest spot in the state. This year, those tips and donations won’t just cover gas money for the pickers, we’re going to direct a big portion of what’s raised to trusted charitable efforts helping flood victims. We’ll also have QR codes for cash donations available at all merch stands throughout the weekend.

So, tomorrow we’re (mostly) back to regular programming.

We love you, Hill Country. We’re with you. And we hope to see many of you, and hug your necks, this weekend at Cheatham Street on Friday, Billy’s on Saturday, and the Float House on Sunday.

Keep praying. Hold tight to hope and faith.

Much love, Brad PS - I've punctuated each of these messages with a Walt Wilkins lyric and song. Won't stop now.

Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros - "Watch It Shine" co-written with Owen Temple I am one more pilgrim

On this road low and high

Through this land of miracles

I've been traveling all night

I tangled with the darkness

I swear at moments I was blind

Til the dawn came up around me

and I could see the way unwind

I am the road behind me

I am the road ahead

Lifted by this rocky ridge

Cradled by the river bed

and harmony of motion

Through the wide expanse of time

Sunlight through the heavens

Watch it shine

They say there's iron in these mountains

In bone and skin and mud

They say iron can only come from stars

So stars are in my blood

Red and blue and purple

Shadows grow then fade

Spread in all directions

From where it all was made