The enchanting desert town of Terlingua, known for its rich music scene and close-knit community, has taken yet another stride towards solidifying its standing as a musical oasis. In a recent announcement, local musician Al Shire, a prominent figure in the Terlingua music community, detailed the advent of the Terlingua Musician’s Guild.
Shire initiated the guild six months ago with a vision to deepen the bond between locals and tourists through music. His inspiration stemmed from watching tourists express a yearning to join local jam sessions, particularly on the Porch at the Terlingua Trading Company, a well-known congregation spot for musicians, locals, and travelers alike.
The Terlingua Musician’s Guild, created to facilitate more communal jamming, has begun sourcing instruments for the community. Thus far, three guitars bearing the tag “Leave me on the Porch, please” have been introduced, with more set to join soon. The instruments are also tagged with their respective donor’s name, ensuring acknowledgment and deterring potential theft.
Local business owners and friends of Shire have already started contributing. Don Baucham, owner of DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ, donated a snare drum and sticks, while Manny Melgar and Pablo Larios provided the brushes and a Fender acoustic guitar, respectively.
Terlingua has long been a mecca for music enthusiasts and musicians, its vibrant music culture even documented in W. Chase Peeler’s ethnomusicology research, “On the Porch: Life and Music in Terlingua, Texas.” The Porch, situated next to the Trading Company’s doors, beneath a leaky metal roof, has been the town’s music hub for decades, encouraging communal music-making, fostering creativity, and building a strong sense of community.
The Terlingua Musician’s Guild’s effort appears to align well with the tradition of the “porch guitar,” a communal instrument available for anyone to play, enhancing the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie in this musical hotbed.
Further information on how to get involved with the Terlingua Musician’s Guild can be obtained by reaching out to Al Shire directly.
Image by local Terlingua musician Al Shire
