Texas duo making stops at Yuma RV parks

As a young girl in Nebraska, Mary Schutz used to hide under her quilts after dark, muffling the sounds of the Grand Ole Opry coming from the radio tucked under her pillow. Bedtime was 10 p.m. but the Opry went until midnight.

"I'd listen to it until it went off the air," Mary said fondly.

Tex Schutz would listen to the same program, miles away in Texas. And when the couple married 28 years ago, they melded those similar interests into a duo performing the traditional county music they grew up loving.

Now going by the name "Tex and Mary," the Texas-based pair will be performing in area RV parks and resorts in Yuma until March 1. with their special blend of country, bluegrass and gospel music.

Their music blends harmonies in a traditional country style that is demonstrated through old country tunes, modern country classics and several original tunes mixed with a variety of gospel selections, all done acoustically.

Mary plays the upright bass while Tex plays the guitar. "He's been singing and playing for much of his life, since he was a boy playing in church," Mary said, but admitted playing the bass only after Tex suggested it.

"I've been playing the bass since we've been married. The bass is big, more awkward than it is heavy. But is has a nice sound and provides a good solid foundation for our style of music. Tex says it would have been easier for me to lug my instrument around had it been a harmonica!"

Ten years ago, the pair began performing full time and have been regularly featured at the Western Film and Music Festival held at the Gene Autry Museum in Oklahoma.

"We've been coming to Yuma for the last seven years, and we enjoy our time here every year," Mary said.

Many of the duo's songs reflect personal experiences and ideas. From their "geezer" songs, which they affectionately use as a term of endearment about the process of growing older, to the songs of routines and dieting that reflect the couple's desire to work together, or not work together to accomplish their mutual goals, Mary said.

The Schutzes have 10 CDs recorded that are for sale at all performances with their signature variety of gospel and good ol' country. For more information, check out their Web site at www.texand mary.com.

---

WHERE TO CATCH TEX AND MARY

Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.-Pioneer RV Park, 28595 E County 11th St. in Wellton

Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.- Fortuna de Oro Resort, 13650 North Frontage Road

Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.- Gila Mountain Resort, 12325 E. South Frontage Road

Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.- Yuma Lakes Resort, 6275 S. Avenue 8-1/2E

Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.- Rancho Rialto, 11322 S. Avenue 12E

Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. - Las Quintas Resort, 10442 N. Frontage Road

March 1 at 7 p.m.- Cactus Gardens, 10657 S. Avenue 9E