S3 Episode 42: Lockhart Local Highlights - Small-Town Life is Never Boring
Listen to the full episode here:
Lockhart isn't just another small town—it's a place where people know how to have fun, keep things interesting, and turn the ordinary into something unforgettable.
This edition of Lockhart Local Highlights brings together stories of baseball games gone wrong (but in the best way), live performances that surprise, and a local store that keeps vintage fashion alive.
First up, Taylor Burge takes us inside Lockhart's Sandlot Baseball, where adults relive their childhood baseball days—except now with more beer, bad knees, and creative swearing. It's messy, hilarious, and the best kind of community tradition.
Then, we step into the world of Hoyt Van Tanner, a musician whose lyrics make you feel like you're in the middle of a late-night story you shouldn't be telling. His music hits deep, sometimes too deep, leaving you wondering what happened.
For theater lovers, Pride & Prejudice at Gaslight Baker Theater brings a fresh twist to the classic romance. Katelyn Bieber and Camp Odom share how this version keeps all the drama, adds humor, and makes Jane Austen's world feel more alive than ever.
If shopping is your thing, Magic Mirror, run by Natalie Ribbons, is the place to go. It's a vintage wonderland where old-school fashion meets new energy, and trading clothes is as fun as finding them.
Finally, Justin Sherburn takes an old silent Western, The Return of Draw Egan, and turns it into pure comedy. With a rewritten script and live music inspired by legendary composer Ennio Morricone, he brings new life to a forgotten film in the most unexpected way.
Lockhart Local Highlights - Sandlot Baseball
Remember The Sandlot? That movie where a bunch of kids played baseball, talked trash, and had a blast?
Lockhart took that concept, added beer, bad knees, and much more cussing, and made it real.
How It All Started
A few years ago, some Lockhart locals thought, Hey, what if we played baseball like we used to—except worse? One team became two: The Lockhart Hawks and Meat City Smoke.
Now, over 50 people show up each season to play, drink, and remember why they quit sports in the first place.
Since most of these folks haven't touched a bat in years, they needed Coach Jessica Wimpy, a former pro softball coach, to teach them how not to embarrass themselves.
Every year, she runs Wimpy Camp, a boot camp for adults who forget how to throw, catch, or run without pulling something.
Lockhart's "Field of Dreams" (But with Beer)
Finding a field was a struggle. Thankfully, Two Wishes Ranch stepped in and said, Sure, go nuts. Now, The Wishing Well is home to:
Free games (because no one would pay for this).
Dogs, kids, and drunk uncles are welcome.
A bar (because this sport is 90% standing around).
Families bring picnics, kids dig holes, and grown adults relive their childhood baseball dreams while actively destroying their backs.
Should You Watch?
Do you like beer? Do you enjoy watching grown adults embarrass themselves in the name of "sports"? Then yes. Come watch. Laugh. Drink. Enjoy the chaos.
Lockhart Local Highlights - Hoyt Van Tanner
Some songs tell a story. Some whisper sweet nothings. Hoyt Van Tanner's music? It grabs you, spins you around, and leaves you feeling things in places you didn't expect.
Lyrics That Feel Like a Long Night and a Bad Decision
His words aren't just poetry—they're the soundtrack to a wild ride that starts with a glance and ends with someone sneaking out at sunrise.
Take these lines:
"She could dance like a blind beggar's hand, just waiting for someone to see."
Translation: She moved like she knew what she was doing and wanted you to notice.
"Her eyes were set like a cannon; boy, they'd blow you away."
Translation: One look, and you'd be on your back—figuratively speaking, of course.
"She could make love like a Gus road, just buckled like the bends in the creek."
Translation: That wasn't just a dance. That was a promise.
And let's not ignore the theme of time slipping away, things heating up, and people getting in over their heads before they can think twice. We've all been there. Some of us just don't put it to music.
The Soundtrack to Bad Ideas and Good Nights
Listening to Hoyt Van Tanner is like sitting on a porch, drinking something strong, and reminiscing about nights you probably shouldn't have survived.
His music doesn't just tell a story—it whispers in your ear, lingers too long, and leaves you wondering if you need a cigarette.
Hoyt Van Tanner is your guy if you like your songs steamy, sad, and just a little dangerous. Don't listen in polite company—you might have to explain why you're suddenly smiling.
Lockhart Local Highlights - Pride & Prejudice at Gaslight Baker Theater
People have been obsessed with Pride & Prejudice for over 200 years. Why? Nothing beats watching stubborn people misjudge each other, suffer, and then fall in love anyway.
Now, the Gaslight Baker Theater is bringing it back—with a fresh take that keeps the drama alive but makes it even more fun.
What's Different?
This isn't the stiff, formal version where everyone stares longingly and represses their feelings. This one has energy. It has humor. It has scenes that make you forget it was written in 1813.
The romance feels real, not just something out of an old book.
The performances bring out the characters' comedy, sass, and fiery personalities.
There's even a moment or two that might surprise Austen fans.
Why Gaslight Baker Theater?
The Gaslight Baker Theater is packed with history, making it the perfect place to bring an old story to life. The cast and crew have put in months of work, balancing long rehearsals, busy schedules, and enough stress to rival a Regency-era marriage proposal.
They aren't doing this for money. They're doing it because they love theater—and it shows.
Should You See It?
If you like romance, drama, and watching people slowly realize they've been completely wrong about everything, then yes. The show runs until March 2nd; you don't want to miss it.
So, grab a ticket, take your seat, and watch as these characters make a mess of their love lives—and somehow, still get their happy ending.
Lockhart Local Highlights - Magic Mirror Vintage
Magic Mirror isn't just a store. It's a goldmine for people who love vintage clothes, quirky finds, and good deals. This place has you covered if you want to stand out without trying too hard.
What's Inside?
This shop has everything you didn't know you needed—and probably some things you do.
Vintage clothes from the '70s to the '90s—because good fashion never dies.
Sunglasses, candles, and bath bombs—for when you want to treat yourself.
Herbal smokes—because why not?
Tons of T-shirts—some vintage, some new, all interesting.
Sci-fi and romance books—for when reality isn't enough.
Everything in the store changes constantly, so if you see something you like, grab it.
How It Started
Magic Mirror began in 2017 when a bartender got tired of commuting and decided to do something fun. She started selling vintage clothes, made a business out of it, and now runs one of the best shops in Lockhart.
Buy, Sell, Trade
Magic Mirror doesn't just sell clothes—it keeps the good stuff moving.
Do you like cool clothes you don't wear? They'll buy them.
Want to swap for something fresh? No problem.
Like vintage but hate high prices? This is your place.
It's not a corporate resale chain. It's a store that puts money back into the community.
Why You Should Go
If you want unique clothes, great finds, and a shop with real personality, visit Magic Mirror. You might leave with your new favorite outfit.
Lockhart Local Highlights - The Return of Draw Egan
Imagine an old silent Western where serious cowboys ride into town, fight crime, and stare dramatically into the distance.
Now, imagine someone completely rewriting the dialogue to make it ridiculous. That's exactly what happened to The Return of Draw Egan.
A Classic Western… That's Now a Comedy
This film started as a straight-faced 1916 Western about an outlaw who becomes sheriff. Then, some comedians from Master Pancake Theater decided it needed a little help.
They took out all the original dialogue.
They rewrote every title card with brand-new, dumb, and hilarious lines.
They turned a serious Western into something completely ridiculous.
Instead of old-timey drama, you get jokes, absurd twists, and a film that doesn't take itself seriously.
Live Music, But Not the Kind You Expect
Composer Justin Sherburn didn't stop at rewriting the film. He also tossed out the original music and replaced it with a tribute to legendary composer Ennio Morricone.
Yes, you'll hear the famous Western themes.
Yes, there are funky deep cuts from Morricone's wildest scores.
No, the music does not match the film normally—but that's the fun part.
Why You Should See This
This isn't just an old movie with live music. It's a mix of comedy, music, and pure chaos. If you love Westerns, you'll enjoy the fun twist. If you hate Westerns, even better—because this one gets completely made fun of.
And if you just like watching serious things get turned into something ridiculous, this is perfect for you. Some movies should be honored. This one needed to be messed with.
Conclusion:
Lockhart is more than just a small town—it's a place that knows how to mix fun with a sense of community. Whether it's playing sandlot baseball and pretending to be kids again or watching a silly twist on a classic Western, there's always something happening.
The real charm? The people. They know how to come together, whether to play a game, support local art, or have a laugh. They create, they laugh, and they make the town feel alive.
So, check out what Lockhart offers next time you're looking for something fun. Grab a seat at a game, dig through a vintage shop, or catch a show. You'll leave with a smile and maybe even a new story.
That's the magic of Lockhart: a place where everyone belongs and fun never stops.
