Braswell hosts Braswellians
Out-of-town Braswellians began arriving in San Antonio on Sep 28, 2011 for their fan club's 3rd Anniversary event. They came from all over the country, Nevada, Idaho, Ohio, Colorado, Virginia, Florida, New York, and Oklahoma to join locals and those from other Texas cities like Austin, Bracketville, New Braunfels, Dallas, and Boerne. The club was formed in 2008 and members have celebrated every year since, each time with more fans taking part. Organizers planned the 4 day event around their September 30th anniversary. Those staying in Boerne hotels met each other for dinner that first night at the historic Ye Kendall Inn, where their favorite entertainer, Donald Braswell II, was a flambe waiter during high school. The rumored haunted Inn gave the group their Library room which made for an intimate evening to catch up with old friends and meet new ones over a fabulous prime rib dinner (their Wednesday special).
The event was timed so the attendees could see Braswell perform in Fredericksburg, Texas, at a benefit for the Good Samaritans on Sep 29, 2011. The Good Samaritan show was a second they have had with Braswell. They raised funds for their program through which they provide free medical to the underprivileged. Organizer, John Willome who worked with Braswell as a teenager at Ye Kendall, provided wine and refreshments along with the show and made the evening special for everyone. This year they held the concert in the Fredericksburg Theater, a beautiful theater with seating resembling living room lounge chairs. Braswell with his New Chapter band wowed the packed house. Wilome introduced the Braswellians and had them all stand prior to the show, so the Fredericksburg residents could show them a big welcome. Locals are great fans of Braswell and open their arms to everyone. Braswellians enjoyed a dinner prior to the show at the Auslander Restaurant on Main Street. The staff handled the large group with seeming ease and served up wonderful German cuisine to the delight of them all.
On Sep 30, members went their own way checking out San Antonio and the Riverwalk. Braswell's mother, Broadway star Jane House, surprised some by taking them on a driving tour of places where Donald and his wife Julie grew up and attended school. She came from Austin just for the purpose of giving Braswellians this treat. This tour was a highlight of the weekend, a special once-in-a-lifetime day they won't forget. Hearing House's tales of Donald's childhood exploits were particularly touching to all. Those who went, presented House with a special gift the next day at the picnic. That evening some members met in Leon Springs, TX, between Boerne and San Antonio, at a favorite hamburger haven, Longhorn Cafe.
Braswell tied the fan club anniversary to the launch of his new album, Unchained, covering gorgeous songs that are a cross-section of many genres. He and music composer Anthony Bazzani chose to make an album of simple elegance with Bazanni providing the piano arrangements using his own Steinway grand. He is selling autographed copies of the album through the fan club. Information can be found on his website and the fan club website.
The last day of the event was a picnic with the Braswells, held at Boerne Lake outside of Boerne, Texas. Some 40 people were in attendance. They enjoyed feast and frolic in wonderful weather. The sheet cake had the new CD image, which touched Braswell. The water balloon toss was a bit of disorganized fun and evolved into a free-for-all barrage on Donald. Braswell adores his fans as much as they adore him. He charmed them all with his stories over the weekend. Even the person at the park gate was so enchanted she joined the club that day.
Each night many members enjoyed camaraderie at the Boerne Comfort Inn, reliving the days events. Most left by Sunday and the last on Tuesday, having made and renewed close friendships, looking forward to next year's event.
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To book Donald Braswell or Gli Unici contact Bookings@donaldbraswsell.com. For details on upcoming Donald Braswell II and Gli Unici concerts, go to www.donaldbraswell.com. To keep up with his special activities, join the Donald Braswell Fan Club at www.donaldbraswellfanclub.org. They also have a Facebook presence: Donald Braswell Facebook Page; Donald Braswell Fan Club Facebook Page. Braswell is a 10-star listing on Classical-Crossover.co.uk artists and numerous videos can be seen on YouTube.
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