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    Brave Combo leader, Carl Finch, demonstrates the band’s “polka power.”SUBMITTED PHOTO

Brave Combo streaming by Wimberley Players promises creative variety show

“It’s a challenge, but aspects are really fun, too.” That’s what Carl Finch, leader of Brave Combo, had to say about performing remotely during the pandemic. “We are trying to become as creative within the virtual realm as we can, and working with organizations like the Wimberley Players is particularly exciting because we know the sky’s the limit, artistically.”

On August 8, free live streaming will begin of the show entitled “The World of World Music,” a grand finale of the Players’ series of shows focused on cultural sharing through the performing arts.

“There will be a wild collection of songs from all over,” Carl said, “including a bunch with Texas roots.” And that’s not all. Count on short video inserts and explanations by Carl about this music and the influences that have changed it over time. Some of the performances will be solo, some duo, some trio, with most featuring the full band. It will have a variety show vibe about it. “Colorful and textural!” added Carl, who founded the eclectic dance band 41 years ago, along with Lyle Atkinson, one of the bass players.

Brave Combo has won two Grammys and continues to keep a packed schedule, including remote shows during the coronavirus. Over the years, the dance band has rocked venues from private parties to huge festivals. Although the membership has varied over four decades, Jeffrey Barnes (woodwinds) has been with the band off and on since 1983. Danny O’Brien and Alan Emert Mansfield have both racked up more than 24 years. The relative newcomer is second bass player, Little Jack Melody, who has played in the band off and on since 2010. With an amazingly wide range of musical styles, Brave Combo has found their “polka power” to be one of the most popular.

Funding for the Wimberley Players’ five Saturdays of cultural sharing events, which began in September 2019 and concludes with the Brave Combo show, is provided by a Cultural District grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, matched by generous donations from individuals and organizations. The series has showcased performing groups that provide top entertainment with insights into the heritage that produced their music. Previous performers have represented Teatro Vivo, Glass Half Full Theatre, and Spectrum Theatre, all of Austin, and Indigenous Cultures Institute of San Marcos.

The Wimberley Players is an award winning non-profit organization located at 450 Old Kyle Road. Visit wimberleyplayers.org for the latest news and links to the Brave Combo event on Aug. 8 at 5:00 pm.

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054