Terri Hendrix, recognized by Acoustic Guitar magazine as one of Texas' 20 essential contemporary singer-songwriters, has garnered a global fanbase for her unique blend of folk, pop, country, blues, and jazz. Her music is characterized by poetic grace, melodic flair, and a generous dose of wit and wisdom. Notably, she co-wrote the Grammy-winning instrumental "Lil' Jack Slade" for the Chicks and has received numerous accolades, including a star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame, the Art of Peace Award from Saint Mary's University, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Hardin-Simmons University. Additionally, she has been crowned Mermaid Queen, been honored with a SMART Award for artistic excellence, was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame, and most recently honored with a lifetime achievment award for her contributions to the arts, in San Marcos, Texas. Her master recordings and archives are housed at the prestigious Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.
Embodying Texas’ independent spirit, this classically trained vocalist and guitar, mandolin, and harmonica player has remained fiercely independent, releasing every album since her 1996 debut on her own Wilory Records label — pioneering a fan-financing model which predated the advent of crowdfunding.
Beyond her musical achievements, Terri Hendrix is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, drawing from her own experiences with Chiari Malformation, Epilepsy, Spasmodic Dysphonia, and Essential Vocal Tremor. She deeply understands the impact of medical conditions on quality of life and believes in the transformative power of the arts to uplift the human spirit. In addition to her public performances, she dedicates herself to helping individuals with special needs write their own songs and stories. She accomplishes this through her involvement with the Texas Commission on the Arts and her nonprofit organization, "Own Your Own Universe," which she established in 2012.
Few people are as important to the development of Texas music over the last 40 years as Lloyd Maines. As a Grammy award-winning producer and musician, the Lubbock-born Maines has played a vital role in the creation of some of the Lone Star State's most famous and beloved albums.
Maines began his recording and producing career in 1974. Over the past 48 years, Maines has produced or played on approximately five thousand albums alongside some of the most significant figures in country, rock, and Texas music. In addition to his producing credits, Maines is an A-list steel guitar player and multi-instrumentalist. His work has been heard on countless recordings.
Maines has been inducted into the Buddy Holly Walk of Fame in Lubbock, Texas, individually and as a member of the Maines Brother's Band. Lloyd is also in the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame In 2014. He has made more appearances on the PBS show than anyone else in the history of the program.
Own Your Own Universe (OYOU) is a 501 C3 non-profit organization based out of San Marcos and Martindale, Texas. It is our mission to make the arts accessible to everyone, and particularly to empower and transform lives by connecting the mind, body, and spirit through music and the creative arts. We do this by offering free and or low-cost events to the communities we serve.