A TOUR OF AMERICANA MUSIC VENUES DENNIS AND BRENDA KIPPA Many times over the past months of writing this column, we have wanted to include our observations about the venues where Americana music artists play. In addition, there is often a story about the route we've taken, the food we've sampled, and the people we've met along the way. However, since we usually test the space limits of our great newspaper publisher, we've consistently cut out these parts of our reports because we couldn't decide what else within the column we could cut. This week, we want to begin sharing this information. We're hoping that some of you may have decided you'd like to start attending some of the shows we've been talking about, but aren't sure where to start. For us, the venue is the second-most important consideration when we decide to go to see someone perform live. The most important? Come on, we'll give you three guesses, but the first two won't count. It's who's performing! (Was that your guess?) Of course, it's always about the band we want to see. But Texas is a gigantic place, and we decided early on that we needed to set certain limits about how far we are willing to travel and how much we are able to spend. Gas prices being what they are these days, it just plain makes sense to consider everything if you live on a fixed income, as we do. If any of our readers' memory banks include the long-ago music events that were held in gigantic stadiums and arenas, with equally huge ticket prices, be prepared for a great surprise about the costs involved these days. Ticket prices range from five to twenty-five dollars, and sometimes there is no charge at all.  Furthermore, the joyful feeling that comes with sharing a memorable music event with like-minded strangers has not diminished one bit with the passage of time.  Are you getting the idea that it's time for you to go check it out? Great! First, be advised that we begin our journeys from our home at Lake Hawkins, in Wood County, Texas. You will need to “do the math” and make your own adjustments with that in mind. We find that going on-line and printing a map takes the guesswork away. Part of the adventure for us is what's on the road, so we make every effort to avoid interstate highways. If you don't mind truck traffic and value every minute you might save by getting into the road race where they travel, you might not want to use our suggestions in this area. You can always get your satellite guide and find a path that suits you. That said, let's begin. The enchanting town of Ben Wheeler, is home to The Forge and Moore's Store. There is so much to say about Ben Wheeler that it's impossible to know where to start. Will a tease that tells you that not long ago it was close to being a ghost town be enough to send you to the internet to find out what happened? It's an amazing story. We'll tell you this much: what's there now has been carefully chosen with an eye to sparking the interest of all who arrive there. Every door opens to a new and delightful discovery. Ben Wheeler is situated about 15 minutes east of Canton, on FM 279, which is the road to Edom (another wonderful little town that's geared to the tourist). We get to Ben Wheeler via Lindale, taking SH 16 west out of Lindale.  This is probably our favorite east Texas road; it's beautiful in any season and at any time of day.  SH 16 goes through Van – the only other town on the route – and goes under I-20, to connect with FM 773 just a little past I-20. After turning left and traveling on SH 773, you will find yourself at FM 279, where you will need to turn; you are now at Ben Wheeler. A left turn takes you to Moore's Store on your left, with The Forge about a block farther, on your right. .  The best part of your first visit to Ben Wheeler is your own surprise when you find that you have traveled through back roads for a good distance and have arrived at a place that is teeming with lights, music, and lots and lots of people everywhere. It really is a thrilling sight. Both The Forge and Moore's Store boast great food and atmosphere. The Forge is marginally more laid -back, with a tasty menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. The music is acoustic, leaning toward good blues, folk, and Americana music. The Forge is built in the old blacksmith shop, and evidences of it's earlier life are abundant. Spill-over crowds are made comfortable at additional tables located on the wrap-around porch. For even larger events,  space is available at The Forge Annex, which is adjacent to The Forge.. Moore's Store serves food all day long. The menu is classic home cooking, burgers, etc. Servings are large, prices are fair, and all is served with just enough of a flair and always a good presentation. Seating is as you wish, at large, long tables. Patrons order at a counter and pick up their own food; the staff is there to take away dishes and keep your drinks filled. Karaoke is held one night each week, and when the music starts, there's a large dance floor.  You'll find great newer Americana acts, along with acts that have been around for a long time and bring their loyal following along. Among musicians, Moore's is fast becoming a favored venue to play. Folks, we've over-done it again this week. We'll stop here, with a promise to include more venue information soon. We need to tell you about Ben Wheeler's hilarious Hog Festival, which was held recently and is held annually. The Festival's headliner was 1100 Springs, which is a great country/Americana band, with a heavy dose of old-time country songs that are guaranteed crowd- pleasers. A long-awaited chance to hear one of our favorites – Midnight River Choir – came this last weekend, too. We will give you some details soon. They were everything we hoped they would be. Stay tuned