Six things Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum, Sixpence None the Richer, love about their hometown New Braunfels
Sixpence None the Richer, Front, L-R: Leigh Nash, Matt Slocum. Back, L-R: Dale Baker, Justin Cary.
Well-known for their hit song ‘Kiss Me’, Sixpence None the Richer makes their way back to New Braunfels October 18 at Gruene Hall
Sixpence None the Richer has reunited and is releasing a new EP October 4 with two ‘love’ songs about New Braunfels. Not romantic love songs, but ones endeared to the band’s vocalist Leigh Nash and guitarist Matt Slocum, who both grew up in the German town named for a prince.
We caught up with Nash and Slocum, who both graduated from New Braunfels High School (NBHS), as they finished filming their Rosemary Hill video at Gruene Hall that will release the second week in October.
“It feels so good to be back here,” said Nash, who currently resides in Nashville.
When asked if she ever played Gruene Hall, Nash got teary eyed as she shared that Hal Ketchum was her biggest cheerleader. “At a high school talent show where I was singing and playing guitar, Hal gave me a standing ovation. He continued to support and mentor me as I grew in my music career. I was able to open for him at Gruene Hall years later. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.”
The band is embarking on a 50-city tour with a stop at Gruene Hall on October 18.
Nash was filled with pride as she shared her top 6 things she loves about New Braunfels, reminiscing on her childhood. Her mother, Linda Bingham, was a special education teacher at Carl Schurz Elementary.
“Everyone knew my mom—she was the sweet teacher that people gravitated to,” said Nash. “And I was the super shy kid in school. I met Matt on a First Baptist Church bus ride. He handed me a cassette tape and asked me to listen to a song he recorded. That’s how it all started.”
Here are Nash’s top six things she loves about New Braunfels:
1. THE WATER
Like most kids growing up in New Braunfels, the spring-fed, 72 degree Comal River was a respite for Nash. She swam, played and fished for crawdads.
2. BEING A MIGHTY NEW BRAUNFELS UNICORN
Nash says she’s proud to have the Unicorn has the mascot of her alma mater. She even made the classic mighty Unicorn sign as she spoke of her memories.
New Braunfels is the only high school in Texas with a Unicorn as its mascot. Originally taken from the coat of arms of city founder Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, this blue unicorn in a gold field was a nod to the city’s German roots.
3. VINTAGE JEWELRY SHOPPING AT THE GRUENE ANTIQUE COMPANY
Nash’s grandmother, Ruby Wooly, lived a few blocks from Gruene. Nash and her grandmother would walk over to the Gruene Antique Company and shop vintage rings regularly. “I just loved being in that store with my grandma,” said Nash.
4. ONE DOLLAR MOVIES AT THE BRAUNTEX THEATER
From 1972-1998, The Brauntex Theatre in historic downtown New Braunfels was a dual-screen cinema.
5. THE HILLS
“The Texas Hill Country is a special place,” said Nash. “And New Braunfels is the valley of it all.”
6. THE GREEN
“It’s just greener in New Braunfels,” said Nash. “It goes with the water and the hills; New Braunfels is a serene, beautiful place—one that I am so proud to have called home.”
Here are Slocum’s top six things he loves about New Braunfels:
1. LANDA PARK:
I spent a good part of my childhood here, cooling off in the spring fed pool or swimming laps in the Olympic pool, riding the train, lying underneath the live oaks with their Spanish moss swaying in the breeze. My first job was a short order cook at the pool snack bar, making cotton candy and funnel cakes. Eventually I brought my daughters here to relive it all. It’s a magical place.
2. PANTHER CANYON:
There’s an entrance to the canyon at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue in my old neighborhood. My friends and I would go down there and find small caves, climb the bluffs, and make our way down to the park. Over the years the trail has been developed and expanded. It’s a great hike to and from Landa Park.
3. CIRCLE ARTS THEATER:
I was in some small theater camps here as a kid, and my dad used to act in many of the plays, along with other parents and friends in the community. It’s amazing that they are celebrating their 55th season.
4. HENNE HARDWARE:
A classic hardware store with a lot of history. My dad was good friends with the owner. I have a lot of great memories of stopping in for various things.
5. KRAUSE’S:
I used to eat here all the time with my parents when the walls were all dark wood and they had an amazing meat counter/butcher shop as you walked in. They’ve since renovated and built an outdoor bier garden. It’s a good spot to meet up.
6. PHOENIX SALOON:
The history of this place is amazing, and I’m thankful it was renovated and now a hub of the NB music scene. The long wood bar is a great place for a drink or three.