Our Mission
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.
In 2010, Blanco native Julia Pautz, then a violinist for the Fort Worth Symphony, formed a quartet with other orchestra players. To support their performances, they organized a non-profit organization but starting out needed to fund-raise to start an educational program for preschool children. As it so happened Renee Benson had recently finished renovations on the old Masonic Hall location to create the Uptown Blanco Ballroom; when Julia’s mother Vickie Pautz saw the space she knew it would be a perfect venue for chamber music. Vickie asked Renee if she would be willing to sponsor a performance there for Julia’s new group and she agreed. Local residents Peggy Welch, Diane Turner, C.A. Rust, and Susan Marshall hosted the event by inviting their friends, and the performance sold out! As Renee Benson left the concert that evening she remarked that this was something we should have often in that space. So BPA was born. There was a desire to have something for local people who might not travel to a San Antonio music festival or a live concert in Austin but would enjoy great music close to home. While there are many hill country concerts it was felt this unique Blanco theater could offer a more personal experience.
Blanco Performing Arts is now in its 10th season. The venue continues to be the intimate Uptown Blanco Ballroom. The ever expanding audience now encompasses Blanco and Johnson City, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kingsland, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Occasionally guests from Canada, Kentucky, and other locations in Texas join the crowd. Artists from across the US and around the world have performed - notably the Netherlands, Belgium, New York, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and Utah as well as groups from Texas, including several from the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. There have been violinists, pianists, cellists, flutist, clarinetists, harpists, guitarists, saxophonists, and vocalists. For a full list of past performers please visit the Artist Archive. The organizing and presenting are done entirely by a hardworking volunteer staff consisting of the Board of Directors with technical support from Crow Creative & Technical, and artistic advice and coordinating services from Julia Pautz who continues to be a driving force behind BPA and for classical music in her home region. The Uptown Blanco staff assists with the setup and takedown at the Ballroom. Multiple local banks and generous individuals have been supporters from the beginning. Please consider supporting these efforts with ticket purchases, donations, and by volunteering.
Blanco Performing Arts accepts tax-deductible donations to continue its mission to bring artists to the Texas Hill Country. Tickets are available for the season and for specific performances.
In 2010, Blanco native Julia Pautz, then a violinist for the Fort Worth Symphony, formed a quartet with other orchestra players. To support their performances, they organized a non-profit organization but starting out needed to fund-raise to start an educational program for preschool children. As it so happened Renee Benson had recently finished renovations on the old Masonic Hall location to create the Uptown Blanco Ballroom; when Julia’s mother Vickie Pautz saw the space she knew it would be a perfect venue for chamber music. Vickie asked Renee if she would be willing to sponsor a performance there for Julia’s new group and she agreed. Local residents Peggy Welch, Diane Turner, C.A. Rust, and Susan Marshall hosted the event by inviting their friends, and the performance sold out! As Renee Benson left the concert that evening she remarked that this was something we should have often in that space. So BPA was born. There was a desire to have something for local people who might not travel to a San Antonio music festival or a live concert in Austin but would enjoy great music close to home. While there are many hill country concerts it was felt this unique Blanco theater could offer a more personal experience.
Blanco Performing Arts is now in its 10th season. The venue continues to be the intimate Uptown Blanco Ballroom. The ever expanding audience now encompasses Blanco and Johnson City, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kingsland, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Occasionally guests from Canada, Kentucky, and other locations in Texas join the crowd. Artists from across the US and around the world have performed - notably the Netherlands, Belgium, New York, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and Utah as well as groups from Texas, including several from the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. There have been violinists, pianists, cellists, flutist, clarinetists, harpists, guitarists, saxophonists, and vocalists. For a full list of past performers please visit the Artist Archive. The organizing and presenting are done entirely by a hardworking volunteer staff consisting of the Board of Directors with technical support from Crow Creative & Technical, and artistic advice and coordinating services from Julia Pautz who continues to be a driving force behind BPA and for classical music in her home region. The Uptown Blanco staff assists with the setup and takedown at the Ballroom. Multiple local banks and generous individuals have been supporters from the beginning. Please consider supporting these efforts with ticket purchases, donations, and by volunteering.
Blanco Performing Arts accepts tax-deductible donations to continue its mission to bring artists to the Texas Hill Country. Tickets are available for the season and for specific performances.
BPA Board of Directors
- Robin Somerville, President
- Vickie Pautz, Artistic Director
- Diana Blackburn, Treasurer
- Jim Harris
- Renee Benson
- Becky Henricks
- Linda Bray
Special thanks to Jack Twilley, Grant Writer, and Julia Pautz, Technical Coordinator + Artistic Advisor.
