OYOU returns to Martindale for two-day extravaganza

LPR staff

Own Your Own Universe (OYOU) returns to Martindale for its 12th anniversary event on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29.

Founder Terri Hendrix said 0YOU had seen significant growth in the past year with its in-person and online events, workshops, and OYOU outreach programs.

“We did this by offering free and or discounted events (including this year’s fall fundraiser) to encourage those on limited income to be able to attend,” Hendrix said, inviting all to join the OYOU Fest 2024.

“We like to shake our events up every year, and this year, we’re road-testing early shows and featuring 100 percent local musicians on Sunday.”

OYOU pays the teachers, workshop leaders, and musicians it hires, investing local dollars back into the communities it serves.

OYOU is a 501 C3 non-profit organization based out of San Marcos and Martindale. Its mission is 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. 

The mission also states it does so by offering low-cost and/or free events, workshops, OYOU activities, and women’s retreats, also providing programs for those with special needs. 

Sponsorship and VIP tables are available.

Sponsorship tickets are redeemable for a private concert with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines in 2024 or 2025.

Fridays, 0YOU concert will be live stream on Facebook, YouTube, and the OYOU website: ownyourownuniverse.org.

Schedule of events:

Saturday, Sept. 28

3-7 p.m. (Doors open at 2:30 p.m.)

OYOU Fall Fundraiser

“Matinee in Martindale” fundraiser, featuring entertainment by Stringtown Texas, Terri Hendrix, Lloyd Maines, and special guest Michael Hearne

413 Main Street, Martindale (indoor stage)

Tickets $30 (available at ownyourownuniverse.org)

Sunday, Sept. 29

11 a.m-3:30 p.m. (downtown Martindale outside stage)

The Spirit of Martindale (all local lineup)

Free admission (donations are available online)

OYOU Fest kicks off with a ticketed concert in downtown Martindale — only this year’s fundraising event will be an indoor Saturday matinee at 413 Main Street, perfect for families. Tickets are just $30, with free admission for children under 12. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., with the fun beginning with a lively happy hour featuring music by Stringtown Texas, a cash bar, an “Oh-Queso, It’s a Fundraiser” nacho bar buffet, a top-notch silent auction, and a raffle. Hendrix and her fellow award-winning musician friends Michael Hearne (founder of the legendary Big Barn Dance music festival) and Lloyd Maines will continue the entertainment with an “in-the-round” song swap, with music running to 7 p.m. — finishing just in time to enjoy the Martindale sunset, and catch plenty of sleep to get ready for Day Two.

Every dollar raised at OYOU Fest — via tickets for Saturday’s concert and from voluntary donations collected in person or online throughout the weekend — directly funds the OYOU’s mission of making the arts accessible to everyone and empowering and transforming lives by connecting the mind, body, and spirit through music and the creative arts. 

Sunday’s “Spirit of Martindale” music events is free and there are activities for kids, as well as shopping from various vendors.

The all-local music lineup includes Mark Jungers, Joel Hofmann, David Beck, and the Irish band, O’Malarkey.