Reviews from Patrons

January 13 , 2007 - Craig Toungate

for Highland Homes

Good Morning and thank you for your email! Wes and I really enjoyed our evening with you all! You guys did a wonderful job achieving your goal making us feel at home in a casual atmosphere.... and being in the presence of such talent!!!  WOW... what a night!

- Dayla Bishop, Austin, Texas

Gary & Amy - Brooke & I had an absolutely wonderful time Saturday evening.Philippe provides a truly rare blend of exceptional talent and a warm and engaging personality - we are BIG fans of his. You have successfully created an interactive music experience unlike any other I'm aware of, and we are very appreciative to have been included.

Best, Andy Hollon, Austin, Texas

Gary Powell's "In The Studio" series offers an unforgettable musical
experience. Each performance gives the guest an intimate connection with a
truly exceptional musical artist, all provided within the warmth and
hospitality of a bed & breakfast. Come for the music, enjoy the food, and
depart with a memory that will last a lifetime. Gary and Amy go out of
their way to make their guests feel like the entire evening is a private
concert designed just for them.

Thank you Gary and Amy for a wonderful evening. And a special thanks to our
dearest friend Craig Toungate, who showed once again why he is regarded as
one of Austin's most versatile and talented musical artists. Craig's music
has an ineffable richness and a depth of soul that can never be described,
only experienced. And there's no better way to have that experience than to
be there with him, "In The Studio".

Forrest Sanderson & Kathy Rainosek

What an amazing evening in your home and studio listening to Craig on
Saturday evening. You and Amy are amazing and gracious people, and
it was the nicest evening I've had in such a long time. My Mom
enjoyed it as well, and really loved getting to know your Mother too.

I thank you so much, and look forward to attending more events in the
future. It was fascinating being in your studio.

Thank you again! Pamela Nemir, Austin, Texas

Part of what Webster’s says about the word ‘perfect’, is, “pure; lacking in no essential detail: COMPLETE”.Aristotle said, “A whole is that which has beginning, middle, and end”.
You gave us a ‘perfect whole’ experience with Aristotle’s Prayer…BRAVO.

-- Monie Smith, Bryan, Texas

Weeks later and I am still smiling in recollection. Thank you for sharing this evening with us. I am so proud of my friend’s gifts and accomplishments.
It was a perfect evening.

--Jay Carter, Dallas, Texas

Gary,
            Just wanted to say how much Tatiana and I enjoyed Saturday night.  The food was delicious, the atmosphere was perfect, and the music was meaningful.  It was such a neat experience, and Tatiana had never been to a studio before or seen or heard anything like that before, so she had a great time.   I enjoyed meeting everyone, especially Helen and Dennis.  Helen and I talked a lot about Chicago, and she was extremely encouraging.  

 Thanks again for Saturday night.  Talk to you soon.
            Best regards, Jonathan Schwart, Austin, Texas
   

I very much appreciated the opportunity to meet you and to enjoy an evening
of great music.  Thanks again, John "Missoula Slim" Gilliam, Austin, Tx

Gary and Amy,  We had a wonderful time. Thanks for an inspiring and entertaining evening.  

--Beth & Les Howard, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Karey and I wanted to thank you for allowing us into your home to share in a unique concert experience.  Seeing and hearing Craig Toungate with such a small and musically respectful audience definitely increased our enjoyment of his performance.  His guitar was only the second-best musical instrument on display, behind his voice.  The studio portion of the evening was great, too.  Seeing the recording process was a definite highlight.

Thanks to you, Amy, Alice, and Vanessa for the hospitality shown us.  We'll definitely spread the word to our friends.  Thomas & Karey Godsey, Austin, Tx

Words fail.......so I won't even try to put words together to describe
last night! I'll just say..........see my last email with the million exclamation points........and add 1 more million!

I think I have to add, though, that Craig's new songs come straight from his heart. I really felt that and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I think it's rare today that songs come from the heart in contemporary culture. It's so nice to have your heart strings touched so delicately......S.B., Austin, Texas

Enjoyed the concert so much. What a great idea. Thank you for including me....and Jason. We had a wonderful evening. K.K., Austin, Tx

You truly embody what my mother always said: "I've never had a stranger
in my house!"  Warm regards,  J.D., Austin