About BPA

Our Mission: Community Through Music

Blanco Performing Arts exists to present world-class classical musicians and stellar performances to residents of Blanco, the Texas Hill Country and beyond; to enhance the awareness and enjoyment of the arts and enrich the total community; and to become a cultural and educational resource for all.

BPA, founded in 2010 by mother-daughter duo Vickie and Julia Pautz, is a volunteer run non-profit presenting world-class chamber music in an intimate, in-the-round setting. Each concert is a chance to connect - building friendships and community around music.

90+

PERFORMANCES

7500+

CONCERTGOERS

1

PASSION FOR MUSIC

Since 2010

Our Story

In 2010, it all started with a big idea. Julia Pautz, a Blanco native and then a professional violinist with the Fort Worth Symphony, brought together fellow orchestra musicians to form a string quartet. To share their music and nurture young minds, they envisioned an educational program for preschoolers, launching a non-profit to support their performances and this budding initiative. But they needed to raise funds first, so it was time to present a concert.

As fate would have it, Renee Benson had lovingly breathed new life into the old Masonic Hall, creating a beautiful upstairs event space, the Uptown Blanco Ballroom. When Julia’s mother, Vickie Pautz, saw the hall, inspiration struck – it was the perfect stage for chamber music! Vickie approached Renee, who enthusiastically agreed to host a performance for Julia’s new ensemble.

The word spread like wildfire, thanks to the wonderful efforts of local residents Peggy Welch, Diane Turner, C.A. Rust, and Susan Marshall, who opened their hearts and invited their friends. The result? A sold-out concert that inspired and delighted the audience! As Renee Benson left that enchanting evening, a thought blossomed: "This is something we need more of right here."

And just like that, the Blanco Performing Arts (BPA) was born. To this day BPA is fueled by a simple yet powerful desire: to bring exceptional music to the local community, offering an intimate musical experience for those who might not journey to the bustling music scenes of San Antonio or Austin. While the Texas Hill Country boasts many concerts, this unique Blanco theater promised something more personal, a chance to connect with artistry close to home.

Board of Directors:

Renee Benson

Diana Blackburn

Barnett Cline

Carolyn Geiler

Bill Jorn

Pat Owen

Vickie Pautz

Special Thanks to:

Vickie Pautz | Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director

Julia Pautz | Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director

Diana Blackburn | Financial Organizer

Yigithan Bal | Executive Assistant and Graphic Design

Jack Twilley | Grant Writer

Gary R. Hook | Photographer + Memory Capturer

Blanco Performing Arts is led by a dedicated team of volunteer staff and board members who bring their time, talent, and passion to every performance.

Music for All

Blanco Performing Arts is proud to call the intimate Uptown Blanco Ballroom our home. What began as a local endeavor now draws audiences from Blanco, Johnson City, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kingsland, Spring Branch, Bulverde, and beyond—including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and even guests from out of state and Canada.

We’ve welcomed extraordinary artists from across the U.S. and around the world, including performers from across Europe, the US, and our home state of Texas. Many have been featured artists on the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Our concerts have showcased a wide range of talent—violinists, pianists, cellists, flutists, clarinetists, harpists, guitarists, saxophonists, and vocalists.

Blanco Performing Arts is organized and presented entirely by a dedicated volunteer board, with artistic direction and coordination by Julia Pautz, who remains a passionate advocate for classical music in her home region. We’re also grateful for the continued support of Uptown Blanco staff, local banks, and generous individuals who have championed our work since the beginning. We offer free student tickets to every concert, and free summertime concerts in the Courtyard.

We invite you to be part of this community—through ticket purchases, tax-deductible donations, or volunteering. Season and single-performance tickets are available, and you can explore our full history of past performers in the Artist Archive.