Maybe it’s the state of the economy, maybe it’s the tumultuous political goings on, or maybe I’m just getting older, but I’m having a hard time maintaining my sense of enthusiasm and patriotism this Independence day.  But regardless of my personal misgivings, our community is preparing to go ahead with area celebrations.  There are all the usual fourth, of July celebrations this year, Lindsey Field, Father Heart Ministries between Lindale and Van, the list is a long and familiar one. I’m not going to spend this article writing about all of them again this year. Instead I thought I’d play the publicist and help put the word out about an area musician I know, who’s performing in Edom over the fourth.

For those like me, who find themselves a bit disillusioned this year, an evening listening to local artist Paul Ruark may be just the encouragement needed to remind us of the reason we celebrate our national birthday. The show will be held just outside the dance hall in Edom, just past The Shed Café. (If my readers are unfamiliar with The Shed I invite them to read the proceeding article at http://www.tylertxdirectory.com/9529/the-shed-cafe-in-edom/ ). Paul’s set starts about six p.m. and goes until around ten. For those who have other plans for the fourth, but would like to attend a show, he’ll be playing at the Purple Pig, where he is a regular, on Friday night, starting and ending around the same times. For more info, search for “Rusty” Paul Ruark on Facebook, and hit “Like.”