Hickman 2012 002Silver-haired, spiritual and sassy, Betty Williamson Hickman once turned down touring with the pros. She refused to play in honky tonks. But the National Steel Guitar Champion will make her guitars sing with country, blues and rhythm and blues at Groves Affair of the Arts, Saturday, April 21, at Celebration Park.

The Port Arthur woman has played across the south and says playing and sharing her music is her whole life. Surrounded by music memorabilia, she describes her emotions between riffs. Powerful sounds of her soul  fill the room.

“It’s just like I’m in Heaven. I have no worries about anything. It’s just me, God and my guitar,” Hickman said.

Jazz Innovators from Beaumont and the band San Hedrin will also take the stage. There’s no admission charge. Painters, sculptors, quilters, jewelry makers, artisans and crafters are invited to set up at the park from; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Parents and grandparents can steer little artists to an area for creating masterpieces.  The Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center and the Groves Affair of the Arts Committee is sponsoring the event at Celebration Park, 4411 Lincoln Ave. For more  information, call Kizmet Studio at (409)962-9300 or the Chamber at (409) 962-3631.

While in town, hear more Gulf Coast Music at Museum of the Gulf Coast, with displays on The Big Bopper, Janis Joplin, the Winter brothers and more. For more information on Port Arthur, Texas attractions, including Sea Rim State Park and the Great Texas Birding Trail, visit www.visitportarthurtx.com.