Things might be going well if the executive director of a music festival can sit back, even for a moment, and enjoy the music. That’s exactly what Kerrville Folk Festival Executive Director Deb Rouse was able to do on Thursday night during the opening night of the iconic festival.

The 18-day festival opened with the Topo Chico Cowboys, a duo from New Braunfels with deep Kerrville connections. The day was primarily open to Kerr County residents, and the crowds turned out despite the early evening heat. A pleasant breeze kept things cool when Donovan Keith and his band took the stage at the Kennedy Outdoor Amphitheater.

“I’m very proud of the lineup,” Rouse said. “I love this community. It’s a beautiful night out here.”

This is Rouse’s first solo season running the festival after succeeding Mary Muse, the festival’s former longtime executive director. At least on the first night, Rouse’s booking demonstrated her commitment to keeping the festival eclectic — redefining the Folk and Americana music genres.

The Topo Chico Cowboys, who typify a Texas-based roots music style, were followed by Kamica King, whose soulful style and race relations messaging may have rubbed some butts the wrong way, but she drew some big applauses with the beauty of her voice. The night finished strong with Joe King Carrasco, who put on a show that featured him dancing his way through the audience, guitar in hand, and then the soulful R&B sounds of Donovan Keith.