Season 3: Episode 43 - Hidden Gems

Welcome back to the 78644 Podcast! In this episode, host Steven Collins takes us through Lockhart’s vibrant creative scene, exploring everything from the rich traditions of Irish folk music to the deeply personal artistry of Gayla Partridge. We visit The Case Room, a one-of-a-kind space that blends history, craft, and community, with insights from owner Jenn Miori Hodges. We also highlight local music with Gravity Hotel, a Lockhart-based band led by James McMurtry, known for their post-punk and sci-fi-inspired sound on their album Forgotten Coast. Finally, we take a look at the exciting lineup for Courthouse Nights 2025 and have some fun answering quirky questions along the way!

Guests in This Episode:

• Jenn Miori Hodges – Owner of The Case Room, sharing its vision and curation.
• Gayla Partridge – Mixed media artist blending anatomy, folklore, and fine embroidery.
• Will Rhodes – Discussing the Courthouse Nights 2025 music festival lineup.
• Danny Manning & Dan Goodman: The duo behind Gravity Hotel, Lockhart’s rising post-punk and alt-metal band inspired by sci-fi.
• James McMurtry: Sharing his post-punk & sci-fi-inspired song Forgotten Coast
• Jay Poirier – Founder of Lockhart’s Irish Music Session, one of the largest in Texas. Musicians sharing their love for Irish folk traditions.

What’s Inside:

• The vision and craftsmanship behind The Case Room in Lockhart.
• How Gayla Partridge turned personal creativity into intricate, mesmerizing artwork.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Courthouse Nights 2025 and its diverse lineup.
• The story behind Gravity Hotel, a band fusing heavy riffs with cinematic themes.
• James McMurtry's song Forgotten Coast, blending post-punk energy with sci-fi themes.
• The resurgence of Irish music in Lockhart, featuring passionate musicians keeping the tradition

Episode Breakdown: 

[00:26] - Inside The Case Room with Jenn Hodges, shaping a Lockhart landmark.

[02:56] - Gayla Partridge on art, embroidery, and creativity as therapy.

[13:09] - Courthouse Nights 2025, revealing this year’s festival lineup.

[16:37] - Meet Gravity Hotel, blending sci-fi sounds with punk rock in Lockhart’s music scene.

[32:47] - In this week's Local Tracks, we’re featuring a song by James McMurtry called Forgotten Coast.

[36:37] - Lockhart’s Irish Music Scene, from barroom sessions to growing a musical community.

Follow Our Guests:

🏡 The Case Room – https://www.instagram.com/caseroombar

🍻 Jenn Miori Hodges – https://www.instagram.com/jennmiorihodges/

🎨 Gayla Partridge – https://www.instagram.com/embroiderybygayla/

📚 Book feature: Stitchcraft: An Embroidery Book of Simple Stitches and Peculiar Patterns

🎶 Will Rhodes – https://willrhodes.band/

🎸 Gravity Hotel – https://gravity-hotel.com/

🎶 Lockhart Arts & Craft Bar – https://www.instagram.com/lockhart_artsandcraft/

🎭 Courthouse Nights – https://www.instagram.com/courthousenights

🎤 James McMurtry: https://www.jamesmcmurtry.com/ 

Follow our Host:

Steven Collins: https://www.instagram.com/deadmanonline 

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Wella Foods: https://www.instagram.com/wellafoods/?hl=en 

Thunderbird Bar: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbirdbar/ 

PrintingSolutionstx: https://www.instagram.com/printingsolutionstx/ 

Gaslight Baker: https://www.instagram.com/gaslightbaker/?hl=en 

Courthouse Nights: https://www.instagram.com/courthousenights/?hl=en 

Crystal Glaze Photography: https://www.instagram.com/crystalglazephotography/ 

Gray Beard Films: https://www.instagram.com/graybeardfilms/ 

HishatLady: https://www.instagram.com/hishatlady/

Follow 78644 Podcast:

Website: https://www.78644podcast.com/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/78644-Podcast/100089192381124/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/78644podcast/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@78644Podcast 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/78644/exclusive-content