Anchors Landing Catering

Full Service Catering

Anchors Landing Catering offers full-service catering specializing in family style fresh cooked meals. We offer a full menu of appetizers, entrees and other meal selections. We can offer services at your location in the Bulverde, Spring Branch, Canyon Lake and New Braunfels area. We also offer a private meeting room at our location perfect for business or club meetings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and more. Don't forget to book your holiday get together - we can accomodate parties of 15-40 in a private room for your special occassion. Click here for more details: Anchors Landing Catering

Cranberry Pumpkin Bash
For a limited time, enjoy a delicate pumpkin
custard with fresh cranberries in a ginger-snapped crust, everything we love about the holidays.

Artisans at Rocky Hill Hosting Open House

Anne and Barry Bradley of Artisans at Rocky Hill are celebrating the season with their Third Annual Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 7.

“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for continued success by inviting the community and its visitors to a holiday celebration of art,” the Bradleys said. Hours for Friday night’s open house are from 5-9 p.m. Complimentary appetizers, Bell Mountain Vineyard’s Kris Kindel (glühwein) and more will be served.

Artisans’ main focus is showcasing artisans and craftsmen from the Texas Hill Country. Featured on a full-time basis are 37 area artists and craftsmen whose talents include paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor, fine furnishings, wood turnings, pottery, mosaics, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and more.

Visitors to this casual, eclectic Hill Country gallery can expect to enjoy fine art and craftsmanship plus conversation and refreshments with the Artisans in a delightfully relaxed setting, the Bradleys said. Artisans at Rocky Hill is located five-and-a-half miles east of Fredericksburg and one mile west of Wildseed Farms at 6266 East U.S. Highway 290. Regular business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Artisans at Rocky Hill is closed on Monday.For more information, call 830-990-8160 or visit their website at http://www.artisansatrockyhill.com/.

On the Road - November 2007

Writing this after that first fall snap….45 degrees at my house in the country. Feeding horses in wind and rain. Ah, a good old Texas song comes to mind. I’m having a great time showing up at gigs with the women in my book.. After booksigning at Hastings on October 27, I headed up to Marble Falls to be with Marcia Ball at a new event, Sculpture on the Main! 36 life-size pieces of sculpture were mounted along Main Street in Marble Falls for display and sale for one year. The day involved viewing the art, tasting wine and food from local restaurants from 5-7 p.m. Marcia Ball, a pivotal chapter in my book, played at the Uptown Marble Theatre at 7:30. And her opening act, Garrett LeBeau, brought us some funk/jazz or some “cool” notes. I really loved his sound! Check here next month. And check out http://www.historicmainstreet.org/ and http://www.uptownmarble.com/ That last website gives a schedule for the Uptown Theatre, another cool music venue. In fact, I stayed at the Wallace House, right around the corner from the theatre. Now this historic guest house is perfect for that special getaway. My daughter and I stayed in the Marble Falls room, and we found out later that the room did not like men! The manager told us that she hung a picture on the wall once, and it dropped each time she turned her back. A picture of men. Well, we loved that haunting story! I recommend this place, and, of course, we had breakfast at the Bluebonnet Café.

I know that the last weekend in March needs to be marked on your calendar. Bluebonnet Blues Festival is up and running with Blow and Cindy leading the way. Head to Marble Falls one day to view these outstanding sculptures. The creative mind at work. And don’t miss the music there. Mike Blakely has a home base in Marble Falls.

On October 13 I had a rousing good time at an afternoon show with The Texana Dames at Patsy’s Cowgirl Café on East Ben White in Austin. That kind of afternoon show brings out the true music lovers, and a party begins! This exquisite family, Charlene on keyboard with daughers Conni on guitar and steel and Traci on accordion with all the women singing, is one of a kind! I hope to go on tour with my book and with the Texana Dames. Need us for a show? Just let me know. John Reed on guitar and Paul Mills rounded out the family affair. This is the same group that toured Switzerland and Austria years ago. I followed along, snapping picture and taking photos. What fun.

Ahead is the November 7 Texas Music Coffehouse at Schreiner University (a THMF event with the Center for Innovative Learning at Schreiner) begins with a tribute to Native American History (now called American Indian, according to Frank Greyhorse Padrone) and a show by Walt Wilkins y Los Mystiqueros (Bill Small and Johnny Greenberg). Expect great songs, a lively performance, exquisite words and fun! Megan Padrone, Schreiner student, will kick off the evening with an American Indian dance. She is of the Apace White Mountain tribe, where her father, Frank, once lived on the reservation. Don’t miss this special evening. We will begin and end with a short open mike. Walt will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. The evening lasts from 7-9 p.m.

A new promo kit hit the THMF office this week, Jackson Taylor. Listen to these song titles: “Outlaws Ain’t Wanted Anymore,” Outlaw Women,” “Shallow Grave,” “Dark Days,” yep, I like the songs! The promo says: “Jackson Taylor tells stories about what he knows—life. Jackson’s songs paint tales of lives filled with passion and joy as much as of a life tainted by sorrow and disappointment—his life. Jackson sings of heaven and hell, beatury and grit—Jackson sings of real life. Maybe he’ll come through the Hill Country. Check him out. He’s played with Billy Joe Shaver, David Allen Coe, Kevin Fowler and more of the outlaws! I happen to like the look! Yes, you can tell a CD by its cover, sometimes. Billy Joe Shaver calls himself “a friend and a fan.” That’s good enough for me!

I am loving the new Sugar Hill release of a 1992 live show at the Bluebird in Nashville with his now deceased son, Eddie. “Billy Joe Shaver, Storyteller,” lives up to its title. I love the stories, the songs, the guitar riffs, the music. A classic in the Texas music lineup, this Cd captures the man and the magic. Time for Billy Joe to head back to the Hill Country!

I’ll be at the Texas Book Festival in Austin on Sunday, November 4, at noon in the music tent. And Ruthie Foster will be performing as we showcase my book of interviews. Her interview with me was originally 8,000 words! I had to do some editing, and she still commands a large part of the book. And she deserves it. I had so many extra interviews that I created a spot for the book to “continue” in cyberspace at www.kathleenhudson.net

The THMF is still conducting a membership drive for the 20^th anniversary. With a larger membership we can raise more funding for interesting music projects. The Bard Project, managed now by Paula Reynolds of Hill Country House Concert fame, is putting musicians into the schools on a regular basis. So far Duke Davis played Peterson all day, Ken Waldman performed his poetry and fiddle music with Ingram Middle School. Lawrence Clarke went back to Ingram on Friday, Oct. 26. Richard Dobson, songwriter and compadre of Townes Van Zandt, will visit my classes on Thursday, November 8. YOU are invited to class. 10:50-noon and 2:40-3:55 on that day in Weir building, room 120. This songwriter now lives in Switzerland. He has a bag full of CD’s, a book and a newsletter that all express his creative vision. (see http://www.texasheritagemusic.org/)

Also ahead November 2-3 is a music festival at Bandera Downs with Tejano music on the second day. Great time to hear a classic Texas band, Little Joe Y La Familia. They last played Kerrville with Willie Nelson in 1997 to raise money for the Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund. And most recently I received a CD or class country performed by John Christopher Way, son of fiddler Johnny Way. Both father and son knew Wayne Kennemer as well! Janice tells me that Wayne used to talk about Little Johnny Way at age 4 playing a fiddle that was too big for him to hold. He once received our scholarship fund and this CD is a great example of his talent. He also recorded three songs by Gary Jones, another favorite of mine! More about this special CD next month! Seems a benefit for Big Brothers and Big Sisters is on the horizon for December 1 in the pavilion in Louise Hayes Park. An early show with stuff for the entire family! Tim Jones has taken on some management with this humble young man. If you like country music, you will love John Christopher Way! Be on the lookout for this young man.

Be sure to visit The Hill Country Calendar for events in Fredericksburg Texas, New Braunfels Texas, San Marcos Texas, Kerrville Texas and the rest of the Texas Hill Country.

Happy Trails and ils sont partis. KH

2007 Hill Country Tour of Homes

The 2007 Hill Country Tour of Homes is this weekend and next weekend! FREE Admission.

Go to www.HillCountryTourOfHomes.com for a map and information on all 27 homes and 7 developments.

Upcoming Frio Canyon Events & Happenings

There will be plenty to do this Fall in the Frio Canyon and neighboring areas. The crowds of summer have departed and temperatures are falling. The weather in Fall is the perfect time to take out the RV and head to Parkview Riverside RV Park in Concan. We are centrally located to all the upcoming events of the season. Contact Parkview Riverside RV Park at 830-232-4171.

Nov. 9 – Second Annual Three Sisters Motorcycle Rally.
There will be music, food, vendors, lodging, fun rides and camaraderie. A ceremony for the Veterans will be on Nov. 11 – Honor ride, laying of the wreath, taps, gun salute and military flyover.

Nov. 22 – Thanksgiving Day – Parkview Riverside RV Park.
The park cooks all the turkey, dressing and gravy and the park guests bring all the rest of the side dishes and desserts. Afterwards, we play games, visit, and watch football on the wide-screen TV. Last year attendance was over 100.

Check out the brand new 18 hole golf course only 5 miles away from Parkview. You will enjoy first class Zoysia fairways, contoured Bermuda greens, modern clubhouse & spa, panoramic 360 degree views of the Hill Country. The course provides challenges to many skill levels. For more info go to www.concongolf.com.

Only 30 miles from Parkview is Lost Maples State Natural Area. You will find 11 miles of trails leading to scenic overlooks and spring-fed ponds. But the main attraction is the bigtooth maple trees that thrive there. The colors are dazzling in the Fall. Don't miss all the wonderful things that Fall in the Hill Country has to offer.

Hill Country Tour of Homes

October 20-21 & 27-28, 2007
Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday 12PM-5PM
Free Admission

Visit http://www.hillcountrytourofhomes.com/ for up-to-date information.

Register for a $500 drawing by visiting any of these Developments or Builders' Homes during the scheduled Hill Country Tour of Homes:

BCI Custom Homes
Bledsoe General Contracting
Cadillac Custom Homes
Cypress Springs Estates
Fredericksburg Homes, An Entity of Dartez GB Custom Homes
Hill Country Integrity Homes
Hill Country Service
Hills of Texas Homes
Hillstone Builder's Inc
Hominick Custom Builders
Ideal Homes, A Division of Hill Country Integrity Homes
Keystone Development
Las Colinas Builders
Laughlin Homes & Restoration
Mabery Contracting
Oaks of Windcrest
Origin Homes
Stone Ridge
The Heights of Kerrville
The Meridian
The Summit
Timeless Luxury Homes

Bid on one of these Silent Auction items during the Tour! A portion of the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity in Kerr County & Fredericksburg!

$1500 Wooden front door with decorative iron & glass - provided by The Front Door Company; $747 "Fresh Air" purifier by Purified LIFE;
$269 Hampton Bay "Dawson" ceiling fan - The Home Depot

Hill Country Tour of Homes is Sponsored in part by:
MainStreets of Texas Mortgage - Fredericksburg 830-997-9211 or Kerrville 830-792-060
Hill Country State Bank, 830-896-5000
Hominick Custom Builders, 210-695-6970
M.G. Building Materials, 830-257-2300
ADCO Advertising
Archetype Designs

The Hill Country Home Builders Association is a trade organization whose members are involved in the development, homebuilding, and remodeling industry in twelve counties, the majority of what is known as the Texas Hill Country. At the current rate of building, the industry as a whole in Texas contributes some 550,000 jobs and approximately $37 Billion dollars to the local economy and jurisdictions annually.

On The Road - October, 2007

By Kathleen Hudson

Big State Music Festival, October 12-14, is an extravaganza of music, featuring the best of Texas. Willie, Lyle, Robert Earl and more. Happening at the Texas World Speedway in Bryan-College Station, the festival is produced by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Check out this list of who’s who: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Trace Adkins, Jack Ingram, Los Lonely Boys, The Flatlanders, Miranda Lambert, Kevin Fowler, Leon Russell, Charlie Louvin, Willis Allen Ramsey, Kelly Willis, Rodney Hayden (after his appearance at the Texas Heritage Music Festival on September 28), Drew Kennedy (a Sustain Record Album artist who has also visited my classroom at Schreiner), Tim McGraw and more! What a speedway that will be! I was hoping to interview Lyle Lovett, a fellow who once played many a campfire in Kerrville and participated in my first oral history. He had no time. Willie does not schedule interviews anymore. Imagine that. This will be a show worth seeing and hearing. I’m sure Lynyrd will do justice to that classic Jimmie Rodgers song, “T For Texas.”

I’ll be at a book signing for my second book: Women in Texas Music: Stories and Songs, at Patsy’s Cowgirl Café on Ben White in Austin on October 13 from 4-6 p.m. Featured artists, also in the book, are the Texana Dames. These women are puro Texas music, Americana and roots. All in one package. When mother and daughters sing and play together, with dad joining in to dance from time to time, the magic is created. I am thrilled when I get to “be” a dame! One year I followed this group for ten days around Europe, watching these fans devour the beauty and talent of this family. John Reed accompanied on guitar, and Paul was on drums. What a great memory for me, watching the impact of our own women from Lubbock, Texas, taking the world by storm. With music, of course.

October 3….Carolyn Wonderland is our featured artist at the Texas Music Coffeehouse and book signing for my second book with UT Press. Held at Schreiner University in the student center (Lion’s Den), we begin at 6 followed by the coffeehouse from 7-9. Carolyn is a chapter in my book, Women and Texas Music: Stories and Songs.

My road trip through musicland in Texas has taken me back to Luckenbach for Mike Blakeley’s Fandango 2007. Friday night ended with a rocking set by Walt Wilkins y Los Mystiqueros. A large stick of incense burning on one of Baby Ray’s drums set the tone. Mystic? Well, yes. Passionate? Or course. And they all rock! Lead guitars wailing, Walt singing his heart out, with four levels of harmony surrounding him. I loved sitting on a front row bench capturing images with my camera. Luckenbach was a soft collage of color and sound all night, with music lovers gathered beneath the spreading oak and next to the wooden bar.

I also ventured to Austin in a driving rainstorm to hear Sam Baker (produced by Walt) at the “Mean-eyed Cat,” a chapel and bar devoted to Johnny Cash. Sam was accompanied by Mystiqueros Johnny “Gringo” Greenburg and Bill Small. A group of devout fans gathered on this Monday night for Sam’s stories and songs on the back porch, after the rain quit falling. I love being part of a group of fans who know and love the music already. Makes the experience communal.

Brennen Leigh visited my American literature class before playing at the September 5 coffeehouse. The Lion’s Den at Schreiner was packed. We heard Chris Fontanes, an English/theatre major, do some standup comedy. I happen to also have a book of his poetry, recently compiled. Great stuff. Two for Texas took the stage. Jacob Ames and Chandler Kuhn began with a musical tribute to our Latin heritage and ended with a Father/son duo at Big G (Gordon Ames) joined his son, Dobro on his lap, for one last song. Then Brennen and her haunting hillbilly voice.

In class she shared her own story. Raised on the border of Minnesota and North Dakota, she began listening to Jimmie Rodgers (oddly enough) as a teenager. She’s only twenty-four now. She can yodel, yes. And her voices carries her influences (Jimmie and Gillian Welch) even as it IS her own sound. The crowd of over 200 people seemed to love discovering Brennen Leigh. Accompanied by a stand-up bass player, the duo was also a visual delight. Check out www.brennenleigh.com and join her fan base.

I attended an afternoon at the Kerrville Wine and Music Festival, called out for the drive by a lineup called “Dad’s Who Rock,” featuring Matt the Electrician, Nathan Hamilton, Beaver Nelson, and Michael Fracasso. The harmony, the single shots, the music all filled me up. We heard funky rhythms, rock riffs, folk stories and even a few songs with Matt on horn! Beaver said, “If you name a thing, it lives.” I want to declare that this collection of musicians, often with children in tow, rock out!

This moment after I heard KRVL advertising the opening of Lone Star Music.com at the store on Sidney Baker. I stopped in because I heard non other than the voice of Sam Baker. I had to meet him. After his radio set, I introduced myself and started rattling on about being a new fan, after hearing about him from Rob Booth, THMF board member, forever! I carried off his first album, “Mercy,” also a photo surrounded by a stark white border, looking just like the second album This cover says a lot about the space allowed in each of the songs. And this store has the music of many performers I love and appreciate. Many who have shown up in one of my two books that document Texas music with oral history. Stop in and check out this eclectic selection of true Texas music. Hopefully you can find my book there as well! Soon.

Friday September 28 was a full day of celebration of the 20th anniversary of the THMF. From 9- 3 p.m. on the Schreiner campus we heard Texas songwriters, experienced Danze Azteca, listened to storytellers, enjoyed Gospel music in the old Union Church, looked at artifacts representing all aspects of Texas heritage. At noon under the Robbins Lewis Pavilion we paid tribute, once again, to Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music. Hosted by Tony Navarra appearing as Jimmie, Jimmie’s great grandchildren, Dixie, Austin and Cody Court sang a little backup behind Herb Arbuckle as he performed the only gospel song written by Jimmie.

Tim Summerlin (Schreiner president) sang a song of Jimmie”s, as will Rodney Hayden, Stan Morris, Brennen Leigh, joined by EC Willman, Tim Porter and a host of friends! We had a panel with the Texas Folklore Society. We heard Herb’s paper on “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez,” and stories from Lee Haile and Acayla. Jean Schnitz moderated, and Lori Noonan read a section for her novel on women in west Texas. Our evening performance was a brilliant musical tribute to Western music, featuring Duke Davis and his band, Buckshot. I heard all my favorite songs, great harmony and even shed a tear of nostalgia. Duke will be a guest artist in the THMF Bard project, visiting Peterson Middle School as writer-in-residence in a program co-sponsored with KSTAR. Yes, life on goes after the Living history Day.

Nov. 7 is the last coffeehouse of the Fall series. Walt Wilkins and Los Mystiqueros have been invited. Stay tuned to www.texasheritagemusic.org.

Ideas looking for a home (volunteers, sponsorship, funding): Jimmie Rodgers Songwriting School; Music for Nursing Homes; House Concert with Javier Estrada from San Miguel de Allende, CD showcasing local Hill Country songwriters and performers.

Herb Arbuckle has been named the Research Assistant for the THMF. His lifetime collection of the works of J. Frank Dobie were donated to Schreiner University. He has now turned his interest and talent to conducting research on the life and music of Jimmie Rodgers. He tracked down Austin and Cody Court to give them a special invitation to the Living History Day on September 28 at Schreiner University. Seems they had lived in his neighborhood in Corpus for years! Karen Court Kennedy also attended the September event. I remember the years of proudly showcasing Jimmie Dale Court, the grandson of Jimmie Rodgers, right here in Kerrville, Texas! His untimely death at the age of 45 left a vacancy in the tradition. Perhaps Austin and Cody will fill it in!

We welcome the volunteer work of Paula Reynolds, coordinator of The Bard Project, a project funded by a grant from The Peterson Foundation, that sends musicians and songwriters into the schools. If you have a classroom or school group interested, call 830-792-1945 or e-mail Paula at Paula.Reynolds@KerrvilleISD.net.

Many businesses and individuals make this educational event possible each year! Schreiner University comes on as a major co-sponsor. The Sunrise Lions not only help fund the educational package that we give to each teacher, but they also supervise the massive parking project. Chi Phi Fraternity helped set up and tear down the event. Delta Phi Epsilon managed the Dr. Pepper d rink booth where proceeds benefit the Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund for THMF. Many Schreiner students volunteered and helped make this event work. Tim Wilton, former producer and site manager, takes charge of the day, once again. And it goes smoothly. Music magazines like MYTH and Hill Country Happenings have donated space and helped get the word out, along with KRVL Radio, a major media sponsor. So many to thank,. A true community event. Samantha and Prari have been preparing the office and distributing information in the community. Jeremiah Parson, now part-time at the THMF office, has become an assistant producer for this event. Stephanie Gaines produced the educational package, true to her excellent abilities as an English major at Schreiner. Sandra Langley keeps writing our news releases for us. Yep, teamwork is the name of the game.

Ils sont partis. KH

Burnett County Genealogical Society Seminar

There's something for everyone in Burnet, Texas, 12-13 October -- a fun-filled weekend of Cultural and Living Arts, including poets, authors, genealogy research, life skills demonstrations, and storytellers. The multi-level event is sponsored by three non-profit organizations: Burnet Cultural Arts Festival, Ft. Croghan's Heritage Society and the Burnet County Genealogical Society.

The Festival kicks off Friday morning, October 12, with a Genealogy Seminar from 8-4, featuring Emily Croom speaking on 4 different research topics. Friday night features Keynote speaker Joaquin Jackson and a mix and mingle with star poets and authors.

On Saturday, from 9-4, travel back in time at old Ft. Croghan where one can see folks in period dress show what life was like in the 1850s. Visitors can meet Dragoons and Indians, frontiersmen and Republic of Texas Rangers while listening to live music all day. Also on Saturday, research will be available at the Ft. Croghan museum for genealogy buffs, where they can access original will packets, deed and district court record books, books, and original photographs. Meanwhile, meet authors, buy books, or listen to poets on Burnet's historic square.

Saturday night at the Burnet High School, see author John Erickson as he presents Hank the Cowdog in Concert. A dance with the Flashbacks (Big Band Swing music from the '40s) will follow the John Erickson performance.

Call 512-756-1800 for ticket prices and more information.

Cool Waters & Warm Weather

Visit Canyon Lake & the Guadalupe River Area for outdoor adventures. Conditions are great for tubing, rafting, boating & more. Enjoy the Water Recreation Capitol of Texas.

The sun is out, the lake is cool, the river is inviting, and the golf courses are green. Canyon Lake is at normal levels, OPEN for boating and fishing, and the river is right for tubing, rafting and fishing, too!

For water sports enthusiasts, tubing, kayaking, boating and rafting adventures are available on Canyon Lake and in the Guadalupe River Area. On the Guadalupe, you can fly fish for trout, ride tubes down the rapids, or just relax and enjoy nature at its finest. Stick around to catch the most spectacular sunsets.

For golf lovers, the Canyon Lake Area's great golf courses are green and ready to be enjoyed. They offer players of all levels great golfing experiences among rolling green hills in the Texas Hill Country.

Campers, hikers and bikers will find a wealth of outdoor options. If big adventure is on your agenda, visitors have their choice of scenic hiking/biking trails, horse back riding, primitive RV campsites, and abundant wildlife viewing to enjoy. We want you to know that we have all the accommodations you need, from budget-priced to luxurious.

We are extremely pleased to welcome visitors to our area and are sure you will leave with pleasant vacation memories, and a smile. From sunrise to sunset, we offer everything from romantic getaways to fun-in-the-sun activities on our beautiful lake and river.

For information on all there is to see, do, and experience in Canyon Lake & the Guadalupe River Area, call 1-800-528-2104 for your free copy of the Visitor Guide and Accommodations plus an official map of the area.

On the Road - September 2007

by Kathleen Hudson


September 8 is the birthday of the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, who built his dream house, Blue Yodeler’s Paradise in Kerrville, Texas, in 1929. He lived there two years before moving to San Antonio into a duplex. I had the chance to visit his daughter, Anita, in the duplex before she died. Her son, Jimmie Dale Court, took me to the house one Sunday afternoon. He died at the young age of 45. Now his sons, Austin and Cody, have been invited to attend the Texas Heritage Living History Day on September 28 for a noon Tribute to Jimmie.

2007 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation, an organization I started out of a vision that stories and songs make a difference in the world. Our event on September 28 is a FULL day of stories and songs, with a Texas Folklore Society Panel from 4-6 p.m. and an evening with Duke Davis and “Westward Ho,” a tribute to the cowboy in story and song. Join us. No charge for the events. Barbecue dinner with Buzzie’s for the evening show. Only $10.

On September 7-9 Luckenbach is home to Mike Blakely’s fifth annual TexAmericana Fandango! Friday night features Los Mystiqueros, Augie Meyers, Debbie Walton, Sweet Soul Vibe. Saturday features Brennen Leigh, Ben Beckendorf. Rusty Weir, Bobby Bridger, Steven Fromholz, and a dance with Mike Blakely Y Los Whiskey Trading Yahoos. Sunday will have an information cowboy church, a slate of Texas authors signing books, and more. Friday and Sunday are FREE. $25 will get you in for the entire weekend and camping. A great Texas event.

September 5 is the first Texas Music Coffeehouse of the new series. Brennen Leigh (www.brennenleigh.com) is our featured guest. She has written a song about Jimmie, and her voice is the best for this type of song. Mix some bluegrass, Appalachian, blues, country and folk. When you hear Brennen, you will remember her. I know I did. I walked into the “now defunct” Java Pump several years ago. The threads of her voice wove a web around me, and I was caught! I knew then that one day she must be singing for the THMF at this September tribute. You can also catch her many Sundays at Threadgill’s in Austin. Jacob Ames and Chandler Kuhn (a hot guitar player attending Schreiner University) will open for Brennen as Two for Texas. The coffeehouse is from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday night in the Cailloux Student Center.

My latest musical discovery happened at the Back Porch Cantina at Café Riverstone in Kerrville. Walt Wilkins and Los Mystiqueros blew me away! I had heard over and over how much I “would like” this group. I knew Walt could write. Well, this performance was a road trip of its own. The band was hot, each member adding a distinct piece to the picture. And the new CD, “Diamonds in the Sun,” has been in my player ever since. I experienced their music like an ocean, with waves of music pouring over me. The music was sensual in every aspect, building to crescendos that exploded then melted away into a smooth river. Yeah, you can tell, I liked it a lot! I do wish the CD had a page of words. I mean, “Diamonds in the Sun,” written by Bill Small, the hot bass player, is a treasury of poetic vision. “Trains I Missed” is getting lots of airplay on the stations that I listen to. Revolution Radio, KRVL, in Kerrville, 94.3 is bringing more and more Texas music into the community. The CD ends with “Stand Up Seven,” a song that ended the engaging evening I attended. Maybe I just need to say “Wow.” I will be asking this stunning group to perform at a coffeehouse at Schreiner. The CD is a 2007 release on Palo Duro Records. Be sure and check out www.waltwilkins.com The band members include Ramon Rodriquez on drums, Bill Small on bass, John M. Greenberg, hot guitar, Marcus Eldridge, hot guitar, and, of course, Walt.

Not much time in Kerrville this summer. Two weeks in Ft. Worth with aging parents during August. The THMF team has put together a stunning Living History Day on September 28. Join us for activities which include Living History (over 60 performers and demonstrations, including Danza Azteca), a panel with the Texas Folklore Society from 4-6 p.m. and a program on Western music with Duke Davis (for the price of a barbecue dinner!) at 7:00 p.m. La Hacienda, Archways Treatment Center and others are sponsoring a day of music in Louise Hayes Park on Saturday, noon-11:00 p.m., Saturday, September 29, to support musicians in need of treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. The Sims Foundation is also involved. And I saw on the poster that The Resentments are coming! That means more hot guitar music. Stephen Bruton, a name I first knew in my hometown of Ft. Worth, is a founding member. A great program as a follow-up to ours! Ray Wylie Hubbard is the host guest artist.

Also ahead is the Big State Music Festival in Bryan-College Station, Texas World Speedway. Presented by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the event is a showcase of great music. The lineup runs from Willie to Lyle Lovett to Robert Earl Keen (all three in my first book of interviews!), to Los Lonely Boys, Kevin Fowler, Miranda Lambert to Tim McGraw. Put October 13-14 on your calendar. More in the column next month.

The highlight of my musical journey in August (along with the Walt Wilkins discovery) was a Saturday night at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth with Charlie Robison. He always rocks, and the frustration was around the seating. Being close to the front meant sitting, not standing or dancing. We all complained a bit about sitting to Charlie. Hey, I can still chair dance. He pointed out a military man sitting in the audience. We all paid tribute. Someone waved a Texas Music Magazine sporting a photo of Charlie, Jimmy Perkins, Lee Winright and others on a tour in Iraq. Charlie shared his own feelings about that event, saying that, "Hell yes, he was scared at times. But it was the most rewarding gig he had ever done." I remember seeing him play at the YO Ranch Social Club a day after the 9/11 attack. He put a small America flag on the microphone and blasted us with great songs, dance music, and social awareness.

If you can't tell, I'm a major fan of Charlie Robison! He seems to epitomize the Texas music scene, rough edges and all. We often see writers describe appearance when writing about women. For example, many of the stories of the edgy Janis Joplin also included reference to her looks. I am inclined to include a few such reference when writing about Charlie. He seems to be taller now, his eyes shine more, and I love his hair.....grown out from the last time I was a guest at Billy Bob's. Yeah, a look that seems to express who I know he is! It's all about perception and communication. He communicates something from that stage that takes us out to an edge and invites us to look over it. I dig that in a performer! Especially when I need some edgewalking.

My two-week tour of Mexico at the end of July was also very satisfying. Keeping Kerouac in my heart, Joe Ely's new book, Bonfire of Roadmaps, in my hand, the manuscript of a new book by Robert Hardy on Townes Van Zandt on the seat beside me, I enjoyed being "on the road," traveling in style with Rocinante (my Toyota Matrix) through Eagle Pass to Saltillo to Matahuala and then San Miguel de Allende. A trip to Pozos introduced me to a stunning hotel run by a couple from Austin, Posada de las Minas (www.posadadelasminas.com). We had privacy, space with a creative wind blowing everywhere. The ruins of Pozos are an inspiration to take photos, which I did, and to write, which I did. I highly recommend you consider this place of retreat, about one hour from San Miguel de Allende, when you are taking some "time out." San Miguel is also hosting a concert featuring Sara Hickman, Pauline Reese and Patricia Vonne (three women included in my new book project). Small world syndrome. Joleen "Aurora" Franklin, a Tivy graduate, world traveler and jewelry artist is helping produce the show in September. Call THMF for details or check the web in San Miguel. The Kerrville/San Miguel de Allende connection is forged with art and music for sure. The THMF is going to showcase Javier, a gypsy guitarist, at a house concert this year. Keep connected with our website for that.

I have started a personal site at www.kathleenhudson.net My book and presentations are posted, and I am excited to be sharing my research with some new groups. School starts in August so wish me well! Excited about my new class, American Ethnic Literature. We'll have my booksigning on October 3 at the coffeehouse. One day after my birthday!

We are still inviting people to volunteer for both the coffeehouse series and for the Living History Day. You can greet students and teachers, work hospitality, take care of performers and registration, serve water, keep the site clean. Notice that set up and tear down are the projects of Greek service groups at Schreiner University! And we have many, many student volunteers. Consider joining the THMF and supporting our community projects. www.texasheritagemusic.org

We have over $2500 donated to the Wayne Kennemer Scholarship fund in honor of both Bobby Rector and Terry Penney and his wife Sarah. That helps educate young people who need money to go to school! A great cause. And now a word from the office:

From Sandy Langley, THMF part-time assistant:
One of the many ways that Texas Heritage Music Foundation reaches out into the community with stories and songs is the Bard Project, an arm of THMF which pays for performers (musicians, storytellers, poets, etc.) to play at schools, as well as camps and programs for at-risk youth. I recently had the privilege of performing for the Bard Project, and it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

On the evening of Thursday, August 2, the praise band from First United Methodist Church of Kerrville journeyed out to Pathways 3H Wilderness Camp, a camp for at-risk teenage boys, to lead worship in music. The band members playing that night were Todd Lovelady, leader, guitar and vocals; Chase Allsup, electric guitar; Jay Norris, bass; Jeff Kennedy, guitar and vocals; Jonathan Shim, drums; Ambra Freeman, vocals; and yours truly, vocals. We were a bit nervous, because my contact at the camp had originally wanted a country gospel group. Country gospel we ain’t! Sometimes we’re rock, sometimes we’re blues, usually we’re loud, and we’re rowdy every chance we get! And no matter what we’re playing, we are always about the worship of the Lord.

The leaders told us we could be as rowdy as we wanted, so we took them at their word and, with the boys’ help, did our best to blow the roof off! We set up an overhead projector so that they could see the words and sing with us. They sang with us, they clapped, they danced, they waved their hands in the air (hey, we’re a full-service Christian band—you get an aerobic workout at no extra charge!) and just enjoyed. We could really feel the Holy Spirit in the room, just rockin’ away with us.

Afterward, we got a chance to talk with several of the boys and our young electric guitar player, Chase, was mobbed like a rock star. He held court for quite a while, talking to them and showing them chords on his guitar. More importantly, he listened to them. Some of the boys had guitars, so we handed out our sheet music with the guitar chords on it. All in all, it was quite a heady evening, and we had an absolute blast!!

I strongly encourage you to get involved with the Bard Project if you are a performer, or give to the Bard Project if you’re not. It truly does make a difference.

Ils sont parties and down the road………….KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University

Wimberley Valley Art League 2007 Artists' Studio Tour

The Wimberley Valley Art League (WVAL) is offering its annual artists’ studio tour this fall on September 21st and 22nd. This year visitors can view a wide variety of art ranging from painting, photography, fiber arts, glass sculpture, jewelry, & music. Six local artists representing these creative endeavors will be featured, making this showing an unusual cross section of artistic activity in this area.

Residents & tourists will have the opportunity of visiting workplaces not normally open to the public. Studios of the following artists will be shown: Sandra Doak & Sue Ellen Stavrand, fiber arts; Lilli Pell, paintings; Bob Cook, paintings & photography; Zanna James, jewelry; Bill Meek, glass sculpture; & Dodee & Billy Crockett, music production. Profiles & photos of the artists and their studios will be featured in area newspapers as the tour dates approach. Several artists have websites where further information is available.

Tickets benefit the WVAL, a non-profit organization, & its art education projects. For this special fund-raising event, tickets will be priced the same as last years: $12 for adults and $6 for students. Purchases of artworks may be available at various studios & a percentage of the sale will also benefit WVAL projects. Tickets will be available mid-August at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. A “photo loop” orienting this year’s tour with photographs of the artists & their studios can be seen at the Visitor’s Center sometime in early September.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see what makes Wimberley an artist colony truly unique to the Texas Hill County!

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center at 512-847-2201.

From Granbury Live to Fredericksburg

Rockbox Theater, located at 109 N. Llano just one block off Main Street, is the only professionally cast live-music show in the Texas Hill Country that guarantees family-friendly entertainment.


The indoor theater opened June 2007 and features a resident cast of professional entertainers who performed together for seven years at Granbury Live, a live-music theater on the square in Granbury, before moving to Fredericksburg.


On stage together in Granbury from December 1999 - April 2007 for over 1500 concerts where sold-out houses were the norm, this ensemble amassed a wide repertoire of songs and comedy that entertains, uplifts, and inspires.


"We are blessed to be in our new theater in Fredericksburg and 'funtabulous' entertainment is what you will discover every weekend at Rockbox," said Creative Director Russ Hearn. "At the core, we are a professional variety live-music show that guarantees family-friendly entertainment. The foundation of our playlist will come from ‘the golden era of rock n roll’; but, there will always be plenty of variety as well, taken from ‘the great American pop song catalogue’, often referred to as the ‘standards’. At times, we’ll also pay tribute to great Texas musicians (from Stevie Ray Vaughn and ZZ Top to Bob Wills and Buddy Holly) and to the distinctive cultural music of Texas, including roots and folk music, country, Texas swing, blues, and the ethnic music of our Texas history, including, of course, the German musical heritage found in Fredericksburg.


Rockbox provides a stage for professional entertainers who are willing to put their talents on display and give the glory to God. "Our goal is to attract and keep great talent who bring authenticity and energy to the performance," continues Hearn. The 390-seat indoor theater features state-of-the-art light design by Texas Scenic out of San Antonio and audio design by Big Ear Sound from Acton, Texas. For tickets and info, call (830)997-ROCK(7625) or toll-free (866)349-6688.

On the Road - August 2007

by Kathleen Hudson

The news that Terry Penney, his wife Sarah, and his friend Eddie Andrada were killed in a car wreck returning from a music gig in Ulvalde not only saddened me, but also provoked a long walk down memory lane. Loss does that.

Terry was one of the first musicians I met upon moving to Kerrville in 1984. I was coming to town with a new Ph.D, a new divorce, and a new job - development director for Rod Kennedy’s Kerrville Music Foundation. Within a year I moved into part-time then full-time work at Schreiner University. That’s another story. I fell in love with the music Terry played immediately. I had always loved strong guitar work and blues was my doorway into the music world. Terry rocked when he played blues. I began managing a trio he called The Franklin Brothers. Why? Well, I had no experience in music except to experience my own passionate love of music as a fan. I wanted to help out these people I had already grown to love. I discovered that my primary role in life is to share what I love with others. That’s the driving force behind all my projects, both musically and academically (I have been teaching English for 40 years now!).

I walked the streets of Austin, promo kit in hand. I called club managers. I looked for venues and gigs for The Franklin Brother, three white boys playing the blues. And rocking James Harris played bass (and he now teaches with me at Schreiner University Art Department), and a fellow named Mike played drums. They switched drummers from time to time. Terry said, “I want a drummer that can blow my skirt up!” I figured out that he wanted to feel that drummer behind him!

Terry also had a day job. He worked on hair, and I spent years under the razor with him, as I said, “I want rock and roll hair.” We always had fun; we shared several lives together. I showcased his band (now with Ronnie Leatherman) at a Schreiner University freshman orientation at Mo Ranch one year. The students were impressed with his guitar leads. Many of us danced on the concrete pavilion.

As he moved through various music transformations, he seemed to always come back to his first love, blues. Oh, he played country and Christian music, writing songs in many genres. He and Sarah sang and performed together, and a new CD is in the works. He had joined the Texas Heritage Music Foundation and was part of our roster of musicians to send into schools. The entire music community misses Terry and Sarah.

I'm in Ft. Worth this month staying with my dad. My mother had her pacemaker replaced at age 83 and is working on some rehabilitation I am taking a walk down memory lane as I listen to the family stories in the family home. All four of my siblings are close by. Memory is a wonderful part of being human. We share our memories by sharing out stories and songs. The mission statement of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation, an organization I started 20 years ago, out of this same commitment and vision. Funny how time weaves our stories together and patterns start showing up.

Rod Kennedy is now producing a music series in Plano, Texas. The August 9th concert is an evening with Jimmy LaFave and Gary P. Nunn. Now that’s a pair to draw to. (Thank Guy Clark for all of you who recognize the allusion.) Jimmy played at my 60th birthday, thanks to sister Carolyn Pillow and Rod Kennedy. Gary P. Nunn is an advisory director of the THMF. I plan on attending this concert if I’m still in the metroplex area. And I might be.

Dalis Allen has put together an exciting lineup for the annual Kerrville Wine and Music Festival. Check out their website for details around this Labor Day Party weekend. She is weaving together the music of local performers with touring performers Glad to see Jay Boy Adams on the bill again. And we will be rocking to a close the first night with a Tex/Mex rocking blues band. Los TexManiacs. Then Guy Forsythe and his eclectic brilliant performance of music ends the second night. And the entire event ends with Jay Boy Adams. Important to stay until the fat lady sings, so to speak.

Put these September dates on your calendar for THMF: September 5, Wednesday, is the first coffeehouse at Schreiner University featuring Rodney Hayden and a birthday tribute to The Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. He built his dream home at 617 West Main in Kerrville and lived here from 1929-1931, crucial recording years for him as well. His birthday is September 8. The THMF annual Living History Event is Friday, September 28. With over 50 performers on the Schreiner University campus, this event showcases another way of learning using stories and songs. We are also working with the Texas Folklore Society on a panel from 4-6 p.m., and we’ll have an evening of the music of the West with Duke Davis. Wow, what a day!
October 5 is the second coffeehouse and the booksigning for my second book, an oral history of the women in Texas music. See kathleenhudson.net for a photo of the book! It’s a gorgeous production of the University of Texas Press, and it’s for sale online now. I have invited Rosie Flores, a woman in the book, to be our featured artist for the month. Other women in the book include Terri Hendrix, Pauline Reese, Bobbie Nelson, Emily Robison, Ruthie Foster, Cyd Cassone, Barb Donavon, Wanda King, Marcia Ball, Sara Hickman, Karen Abrahams and many more! I had a great time collecting their stories. Each story served as an inspiration to my own life. And my book is dedicated to my mother and all the women in my life. I have one daughter and four granddaughters! Jessica, age 15, spent her 9th grade year living with me. What a joy, what an experience, what a learning opportunity for me.

Yes, the Texas Hill Country is rich with stories and songs, opportunities for musicians and songwriters, open mikes and new venues. Bandera is hopping with opportunity as is Fredericksburg. Two strong radio stations, both online, KFAN and KRVL, capture the history in the making. Down the road and ils sont partis. KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University

Best of the Best in Bandera -

The votes are in and readers of the Bandera Bulletin have spoken.

The Old Texas Square and its businesses: Texaritas, Texas Deli Company and Tequila Ritas, have swept the awards for great food and great customer service. Among the #1’s given are:

• Best looking business
• Best image business
• Best All Around Food
• Best Steak
• Best Mexican Food
• Best BBQ
• Best Pizza
• Best Salads
• Best Margaritas
• Best Sandwich
• Best French Fries
• Best Hotel
• Best restaurant service
• Friendliest service
• Best Boss
• Best Server
• Best Hamburger
• Best Chicken

If you aren’t a customer yet, give these folks a try and see why they are the Best of the Best in Bandera County.

www.texassquare.com

Old Texas Square 830-796-4100
Texaritas 830-796-9400
Texas Deli Co. 830-796-9779
Tequila Ritas 830-796-4100

Come to Canyon Lake & the Guadalupe River for Outdoor Adventures and Summer Fun

Canyon Lake & The Guadalupe River Area, Texas – July 20, 2007

The sun is out, the lake is cool, the river is inviting, and the golf courses are green. It’s summertime and Comal County continues to offer its residents and visitors exciting outdoor adventures.

For water sports enthusiasts, kayaking, boating, rafting and tubing adventures are available on Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River Area. And, visitors to Canyon Lake beaches can play in the parks, bask in the sun, or fish on miles of Canyon Lake. On the Guadalupe, you can fly fish for trout, ride tubes down the rapids, or just relax and enjoy nature at its finest.

Visit the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country Association. Located in the in the beautiful Canyon Lake area, the MUSEUM has displays on: Native American Artifacts, Early Pioneers including Farm Machinery, the Canyon Dam History, Fossils, Gift Shop, open air picnic area, and the Heritage Garden Trail of native Texas plants.

DINOSAUR TRACKS are at the same site. The most prolific site in Texas, in terms of numbers. These tracks were made during the deposition of the upper part of the Glen Rose Formation roughly 100 million years ago. Visit www.heritage-museum.info

For golf lovers, the Canyon Lake Area’s great golf courses are green and ready to be enjoyed. They offer players of all levels great golfing experiences among rolling green hills in the Texas Hill Country.

Campers and hikers/bikers will find an abundance of outdoor options in the Canyon Lake & Guadalupe River Area. If big adventure is on your agenda, travelers have their choice of scenic hiking/biking trails, horse back riding, primitive RV campsites, and abundant wildlife viewing to enjoy. We want you to know that we have all the accommodations you need, from budget-priced to luxurious.

We are extremely pleased to welcome visitors to our area and are sure you will leave with pleasant vacation memories, and a smile. From sunrise to sunset, we offer everything from romantic getaways to fun-in-the-sun activities on our beautiful lake and river.

For information on all there is to see, do, and experience in Canyon Lake & the Guadalupe River Area visit www.canyonlakechamber.com or call 1-800-528-2104 for your free copy of the Visitor Guide and Accommodations plus an official map of the area.

On the Road - July 2007

by Kathleen Hudson

The Monterey Bay Blues Festival, held the 4^th weekend in June each year, always has a Texas connection. I attend a conference for writing teachers in Monterey, and this festival is part of the package! This year Shemekia Copeland, daughter of The Texas Twister, Johnny Copeland, rocked the house again. And 2007 is the 20^th anniversary of the Monterey Pop Festival. Yes, the music of Janis Joplin is another Texas connection for this California venue. Young Shemekia, already a veteran on this stage, delivered her sassy and strong message to other women of the world. And she is an important chapter in my upcoming book with UT Press, Women in Texas Music: Stories and Songs.

The Monterey Bay Blues Festival is well-organized with three stages presenting music, arts and crafts booths from Africa, food booths from many other cultures including that plate of crawfish I ate celebrating the Louisiana connection. I had lunch visiting with Little Jimmy Reed, discovering that he was named after Jimmy Reed, a bluesman I first heard in Ft. Worth, Texas, my first year in college, 1963! Little Jimmy showed me how to eat ALL parts of a crawfish as we talked about his name. “I was called this when folks first heard me, saying I sounded like Jimmy Reed,” he explained.

Color abounded at this California event, with tie-dye being one of the choices. Women styled out in big straw hats and colorful sarongs. All in all, this is a most beautiful event. And the weather cooperated this year. After an inspiring Young Rhetorician’s Conference where we explored innovate ways of teaching and learning, some of us attended this festival as our grand finale. I came home with new ideas for my life both in and out of the classroom. Yes, the Texas Heritage Music Foundation was also enriched by the experience, as we celebrate our 20^th anniversary in 2007.

In June I also enjoyed some heartfelt music and stunning performances at the Kerrville Folk Festival, including a session on songwriting with Patrice Pike. After meeting this award-winning rocker, after hearing her presentation at the songwriting school at the KFF, I know that soon I will be sporting more personal decoration. Not only did I love her music, but her presentation was personal and authentic. Hey, I can still teach with colorful decoration covering my arm, right? Check her out.

Other experiences in June included an evening at River Hills Country Club with Harry the The Hightones celebrating Daily Intentions, a book by Ann Blakely Rice. This autograph party was more than a booksigning. Tim Summerlin, president of Schreiner University, gave an introductory talk, speaking of Brownie, Ann’s father who attended Schreiner Institute years ago. Ann had donated some of the proceeds of the sale of this book to Schreiner, and she told the story of writing the book.

“I decided to write one entry each day for a year, meditating on my own intentions. What resulted is the book you are holding,” she began. I love reading this book of inspirational meditations and reflections knowing how she wrote it. I also love knowing that she and Townes Van Zandt are related. Another Townes story!

Townes showed up in another experience I had. Sam Baker’s new cd, “Pretty World,” arrived in the THMF mail, and as I listened to the first song, I heard a line repeated with each verse: “He sings waiting around to die.” Now that is one of my favorite Townes’ songs. Got my attention. I knew Sam had played at Rob Booth’s house concert with Walt Wilkins, and I knew he played the last night of the folk festival. I missed both events. The PR sheet that came with the cd told me many interesting things. things listeners might like to know. Sam experienced a tragedy in Peru years ago when a train he was riding was blown up by terrorists. He spent the next decade recovering. He’s well-read, sometimes quoting authors I love like Tolstoy. That caught my attention. And I love the rough-hewn edge to his songs, the comparison to Dylan, the people he worked with (Lloyd Maines, Gurf Morlix, Joel Guzman, Fats Kaplan, Walt Wilkins…to name a few), and the Zen-like quality of the package itself. A white frame with a small gray-toned photo in the middle showing a bare landscape, the corner of a house, and a large pot on a wooden table.

The THMF also received the latest Todd Fritsch cd, “Sawdust,” a collection of songs that include both modern and classic (“Little Joe The Wrangler). Fritsch has been compared to George Strait in his presentation, but he does most of his own writing, adding a depth to each performance. I talked with Todd during the 2005 KFAN Windows on Texas event in January. He’s the real deal. Check him out at www.toddfritsch.com

I attended the funeral of Bobby Rector, logo designer for the THMF and dear friend of the entire music community in Kerrville. We were honored that the family chose the THMF Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund to be the recipient of donations in the name of Bobby. We will be honoring him at the 2007 Living History Day, September 28, on the Schreiner University campus. Bobby and Wayne were dear friends, shared a huge heart for others and for Texas music.

The new 20^th anniversary logo for the THMF was designed by Clint Storey, a member of David Smith’s graphic design class at Schreiner University. Go to www.texasheritagemusic.org for a look at all the designs submitted. A big thanks to David and his class. 20^th anniversary brochures and posters will be around town soon. We have 50 commemorative posters for sale as support for the scholarship fund. And our logo is on the website.

Bert Winston, local aficionado of western swing and music history, donated a collection of Tommy Morrell and the Time Warp Tophands cd’s to the THMF office. We also lost Tommy this spring, and his music lives on because of the careful attention of Bert Winston! See www.westernswing.net for details. I am listening to “Relaxin’,” Volume XV-How The West Was Swung. Makes me want to dance, for sure. And relax.

I received news of Steadyboy Records, the creating of Texas Hall of Famer, Freddie Steady Krc. This fellow has been around the world with his music, and his latest release, “The Freddie-Steady 5 Tex-Pop,” is rock and roll, Freddie style, a British beat with a Texas feel. Steadyboy Records also released a Vince Bell cd, “Vince Bell, Recado.” Here’s what he said, “You hold my message in your hand. I wrote “Gypsy” in Nashville as a going away present to Townes Van Zandt, and I have included one of his finest songs here, “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold.” I met Peter Hurd in the watercolor that is the cover art. This work was given to Sarah’s father, Jerome Greene, before I was born. With the lyrics of Townes, the painting of Poeter, and ten of my best, you hold the thread between we three.” Ah, Townes again.

And I remember “Sorrow and Solitude, these are the precious things,” as some guiding Van Zandt lyrics for me. The University of North Texas Press is releasing an indepth book on the life of Townes Van Zandt written by Robert hardy. I have the joy of being a reader on the manuscript at this time. It is a page-turner filled with details and documentation.

Wish I were at the Woody Guthrie Festival in Oklahoma July 11-15, but I’m heading back to Mexico for a few weeks of wandering. Good for the Townes Van Zandt spirit that I carry around. THMF is in good hands with a team working on the Living History Day, The Bard Project, The Rockabilly Radio Series, the Coffeehouse Series and a night of cowboy music on September 28 with Duke Davis. Dinner by Buzzie’s. Yes, we still need volunteers and sponsors. Yes, all local musicians are invited to participate in this community event where stories and songs become another way of learning. Happy Trails. KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University

Herb Appeal

Walk through the manicured gardens of the Fredericksburg Herb Farm and you’re surrounded by dozens of kinds of basil from Lime to Thai, Cinnamon to African Blue. As butterflies float by, you pass tufts of thyme and waterfalls of rosemary, not to mention a riot of nasturtiums and other edible flowers. There are more than 100 varieties of eye-popping roses, grown without pesticides so the petals can be folded into cakes, ice cream and a host of other desserts.

Bill Varney moved here in 1985 with plans for a small herb farm, but his vision and personality have fueled the business beyond his dreams. This farm is not just a fresh herb stand along the road; it now boasts a gourmet restaurant, a day spa, a small B&B and an extensive web business, selling infused vinegars and oils, teas, and mustards, as well as lotions, soaps, room fresheners and about everything else you can make from herbs and edible flowers.

Varney’s quick to recognize the secret of his farming success. “I’m right here all the time, working the place,” he says.

With degrees in business and horticulture, he tends the gardens every day, still makes his unusual herb ice creams by hand, and loves to serve guacamole in nasturtium leaves—a small dollop in a peppery leaf, rolled closed like a cigar. Big perfection in small things.

Gary Nicholson, From Texas to Nashville & Back

The Pub at The Inn of the Hills Conference Center in Kerrville, Texas and Revolution FM Radio are proud to announce a very special edition of The Acoustic Revolution. The ongoing series showcasing songwriters is sponsored each week by the Inn of the Hills and RevFM Radio. On Monday July 2nd at 8:00 PM Gary Nicholson will open the show for the legendary Whitey Johnson. Admission is free, limited to ages 21 and over, prior to the show RevFM will be broadcasting live from The Pub.

GARY NICHOLSON, presently calls Nashville home, but is originally from Garland, Texas is one of the most successful songwriters working today. He draws from the well of his life experience to create portraits of people we all know. Gary’s list of credits includes writing songs for such artists as Alabama, Greg Allman, T. Graham Brown, Waylon Jennings, The Dixie Chicks, and David Allan Coe. Gary had a #1 hit recently with “One More Last Chance” co-written with and performed by Vince Gill. His songs have also been heard in movies including “Urban Cowboy”, “Major League”, “Happy, Texas”, and many more. He has earned twenty-six ASCAP awards for writing and publishing and has taught songwriting workshops all over the world.

Gary co-produced Delbert McClinton’s CD, “Cost Of Living”, which occupied the #1 spot on the Americans Music Chart for five weeks and was awarded a Grammy in 2006.
This was Nicholson’s second Grammy as a producer. In 2007 he produced the Pam Tillis CD “Rhinestoned”.

WHITEY JOHNSON, is harder to pin down, an enigma, a true Bluesman in the tradition of Manse, Lightin’ and all the Kings, Whitey is originally from Dallas, TX, probably Oakcliff or East Dallas. Nobody knows for sure. Guy Clark recently covered Johnson’s “Worry Be Gone”. The best way to learn about Whitey is check out whiteyjohnson.com

The Inn of the Hills Pub is located at 1001 Junction Highway, Kerrville, TX
Phone 830-895-5000 Inn of the Hills
www.garynicholson.com www.whiteyjohnson.com www.revfmradio.com

German Heritage Day

by Kenn Knopp

The annual German Heritage Day gathering is on July 15, Sunday, 2007,
from 3 to 6 p.m. at the new Fredericksburg Event Center on Tivydale Road
off Hwy 16 South. It usually brings together about 100 persons who
enjoy German Gemuetlichkeit. It starts immediately at 3 p.m. with an old
fashioned German Kaffeeklatsch and Homemade Fredericksburg Peach Cobbler.

Some speak German but most don't; but everyone enjoys the fun and
fellowship; hear reports on German Heritage projects; at German sing-along
time a song sheet is passed out and the music this year will be the Dutch Treat
Duo; and dancing for those who want to do that. A Silent Auction raises
funds for the projects such as the proposed Glockenspiel on Fredericksburg's
Market Square, the German Archives & Special Collections at the Digital
Library of Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg, and other things.

It concludes by 6 p.m. after a fine German meal honoring the late Alex
Frantzen of the old City Cafe and his signature dish (surprise!) that starts
about 4:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, includes meal and light drinks. Cash
bar for beer and wine.

Celtic Music in Fredericksburg

Irish music comes to Fredericksburg for Celtic/Old World Roots Concert in June.

The Gillespie County Historical Society presents

Roots Music in the Texas Hill County

Celtic Old World Roots Concert occurs Saturday, June 30, 2007

Gates open at 5 p.m. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m.

Performers Include:

Poor Man’s Fortune

Poor Man’s Fortune plays new and old music from around the world, blending jigs and polkas, ballads and gavottes, and reels and schottishes. They use a similar cornucopia of instruments, ranging from bagpipes to flutes, fiddles to pennywhistles.

The Blaggards

The Blaggards are billed as playing "stout Irish rock." Theirs style is described as energetic, danceable, and fun - a new take on Irish and American standards. One fan called it "Irish music, but not Danny Boy."

Beth Patterson

This native of Lafayette, Louisiana is one of the top instrumentalists on the ten - stringed Irish bouzoukis, blending the styles of Celtic, Cajun, rock, jazz, blues, country, gospel, classical, Latin, and folk music.

The Pioneer Museum is located at 309 West Main Street in Fredericksburg.

Vickie Bonewitz of My Own Chef will serve a catered meal. Guests can also enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

Admission is $10, with tickets sold at the gate. Students high school age and younger are free. Visitors can receive a $2 discount by printing out the web page at www.pioneermuseum.com.

Roots Music in the Texas Hill Country is series of live, open-air eclectic Roots music concerts featuring both emerging and established artists in an informal, family setting. Future concerts and themes are July 28, Texas Swing; August 18, Rhythm & Blues; September 22, Mexican Conjunto & Ranchero.

Net proceeds support the mission of the Gillespie County Historical Society. More information is available by calling 830-997-2835, or by emailing rootsmusic@pioneermuseum.com.

Photo: Beth Patterson plays the bouzoukis, an Irish/Greek instrument. Patterson will be featured at the Old Worlds/Celtic roots concert coming to Fredericksburg June 30.

On the Road - June 2007

by Kathleen Hudson

In June our hearts in the Texas Hill Country turn to thoughts of music…..the 36^th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival is the happening place until June 10. Located at Quiet Valley Ranch, about 10 miles south of Kerrville on Highway 16, this plot of land transforms each year into a haven for music lovers, nature lovers, and lovers of all things kind and beautiful! At least, that has been my impression the 35 years I’ve attended. Now the proud owner of lifetime tickets that I purchased during the 70’s, I not only attend but invite friends to have the experience, still new to many Hill Country residents. Seems we don’t always appreciate what’s in our backyard!

As I’ve traveled the world, I hear, over and over, “Oh, do you go to Kerrville?” Using this expressions as a generic way to ask about the music. Kerrville is synonymous with music the world over! Home to a renown songwriters event called The New Folk Contest, home of The Ballad Tree, home of a large volunteer force, this festival, now produced by Dalis Allen, brings music from around the world and fans from around the world together…..sometimes under a cloudy sky, sometimes in a rainstorm, and sometimes under a bright moon.

Saturday, May 26, after a rainy start on May 24, I watched the clouds roll back for the moon as Peter Yarrow took the stage for his annual birthday party! We heard an impassioned set from this man who “Has been to jail for justice,” and we heard his plea to honor all people. Peter delivers the Steve Seskin song, “Don’t Laugh At Me,” as if he wrote the song from an experience in his own life. The power of the song. This was not a step “back” into some idealistic era when Peter, Paul and Mary reigned, rather a statement about the world NOW.

Everyone was thrilled when the expected happened, Peter asked the kids to join him as he sang “Puff The Magic Dragon.” Lots of happy parents up front with cameras capturing this moment. I knew my three kids were well rehearsed in this song. After all, I raised them at this festival. Jessica, my 14 year old granddaugher, now living with me, turned to me, surprised, saying, “I know the title, but I don’t know this song.” I just didn’t get my hands on her soon enough! Time to teach her the value of childhood memories and playthings. We don’t want Puff to slip out of our lives!

The moon kept shining down as Jimmy LaFave took the stage. Sister Carolyn and Rod Kennedy (founder an former producer of the KFF) asked Jimmy to come to Kerrville October 2, 2005, for my 60^th birthday. Now that was a surprise to me. Jimmy, his lyrics and his performance, has always been in my list of “favorites.” I love his passion; I love his edge. This Saturday night \his “band” consisted of two hot lead guitarists….Andrew Hardin and Jon Inmon…along with a wildman from Croatia on keyboard, Radoslav.

When I told Radoslav that he appeared to be dancing th his keyboard as well as his accordion, he smiled a wide grin, saying, “Of course, I come from a family of dancers. My sister is a choreographer in New York. That’s where I met Jimmy.”

As he leaned over the keyboard, elbows high in the air, he seems to be taking the music out of the instrument and weaving it throughout the air around him. His leads on the beautiful dark wooden piano on stage got everyone dancing. And the expression on his face brought a new level of bliss to the performance.

I could describe each one in those terms….level of bliss. Andrew Hardin is a master guitarist, often on the road with storyteller Tom Russell. Both he and Jon, another guitar wizard, both carry a pure and humble attitude with them at all times. Do they really know how great they are? Do they even care? I see them and have seen them play their hearts out, putting all ego aside. They deliver soul.

Jimmy delivers Dylan songs in such an inimitable way that you no longer hear Dylan, rather you hear Jimmy saying these beautiful words. Nuances that belong only to Jimmie LaFave. He once visited my mythology class at Schreiner University, and his classroom demeanor matches his way of being on stage. Brilliant!

Guess you can tell I had a great time Saturday night. And both performances are for sale through the KFF website. I’m sure. I bought mine the next day. Now I can replay the shows in my car as I drive up and down I-10 to my house.

From Nashville to California to Maine to Austin (on June 1), the eclectic show brings this area more great music than you can find anywhere else. Saturday night, June 2, Terri Hendrix (a favorite with Kerrville locals) and Judy Collins share the evening bill. I first heard “Suzanne” one summer in Canada with Judy Collins sweetly singing that poignant song about loving an eccentric woman. Research revealed the writer, now my favorite, Leonard Cohen. And he’s from Montreal.

I was teaching horsebackriding at Camp White Pine, in Haliburton, north of Toronto. I tried to learn “Suzanne” on the guitar, my fingers never playing Bmin well. Then I heard Leonard sing the song, adding the drama of his voice quality. Check out these words, “Suzanne takes you down to her place by the river. She feeds you tea and oranges that come all the way from China. Just when you mean to tell her that you have no love to give her, she gets you on her wavelength and lets the river answer that you’ve always been her lover. And you want to travel with her. And you want to travel blind. And you think that you can trust her for she’s touched your perfect body with her mind.” Yep, that’s my favorite.

As I write, travel, and teach, I notice that the songs I have heard and the stories that come my way have an influence on the quality of my life. I would love to hear from some of you, dear readers. What stories have led you through life? Soon, very soon, I can also be reached at www.kathleenhudson.net Meanwhile, contact me through the music office at kat@maverickbbs.com

I ran into Javier, a Gypsy guitarist I’ve known in San Miguel for years. He not only played for my group (in my apartment), but he also shared his soul with us. He told us to follow our hearts, express our love, share ourselves with others. My plan is to bring Javier to Kerrville and present his music as a part of our Texas heritage. Maybe a house concert? Maybe a show at Schreiner? Is Kerrville ready for some Gypsy music? Javier and I both love the poetry of Lorca, and we might have to do the show at “five in the afternoon.” A Lorca reference I love.

School’s out. Two weeks in San Miguel de Allende is behind me. What’s ahead? Well, the Texas Heritage Music Foundation is spending the summer planning out Living History Day, September 28, and our first coffeeshouse, September 5. My second book comes out with University of Texas Press in September, and I’ll also be teaching a new course at Schreiner on Ethnic Literature. Nuff said. Second book is WOMEN IN TEXAS MUSIC: STORIES AND SONGS. Another oral history.

Two great students in the THMF office now. Stephanie Gaines, English honors graduate, and Jeremiah Persons, business intern. Sandra Langley helps out one a week and amongst us we have THE team. Volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers always welcome! See www.texasheritagemusic.org for more details. Consider joining us in some way! The great-grandsons of Jimmie Rodgers, Austin and Cody, are planning on attending. We’ll have a noon tribute to the Father of Country Music, along with about 50 other performers and demonstrations throughout the day. The Texas Folklore Society will help us present a panel from 4-6, and Duke Davis will bring us a Western show on the history of the cowboy in song during the evening. Price of a meal gets you the show!

The THMF is not going to be able to bring the Jimmie Rodgers stage production to town this year. Planning for the future. It’s a great show. Nolan Porterfield’s classic book, Jimmie Rodgers: The Life and Times of America’s Blue Yodeler, is being re-released by University of Mississippi Press. This book is the definitive story of the Father of Country Music, well-researched and well-documented. Porterfield’s other books include Last Cavalier: The Life and times of John A. Lomax (another Hudson hero) and an award-winning novel, A Way of Knowing. Nolan has been in Kerrville for the September show in the past, lending his guidance and knowledge.

THMF did receive a $15,000 grant from NEA to support a rockabilly radio series produced by Lex Gillespie. We also received a grant from the Texas Humanities Commission for this project. Rosie Flores, a songwriter and rockabilly performer originally from San Antonio and a chapter in my upcoming book, has been chosen as host for the series. My book with University

I want to end with a poem that has guided me through life. Any Texas songwriters putting Rumi to music? I know Deepak Chopra has done this. Rumi says, and I agree:

This being human is a guest house,

every morning a new arrival.

a joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

welcome and entertain them all!

even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably,

he may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

the dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Happy Trails and ils sont part KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University

On the Road - May 2007

By Kathleen Hudson

I had two great nights of music in the Texas Hill Country, back to back. I first attended the Hill Top House Concert Series (Paula and Marty Reynolds) with featured guest Bonnie Bishop. I had heard Bonne first at the White Elephant in Ft. Worth, later at the Inn Pub in Kerrville, hosting a Monday night songwriters showcase. The house concert was the perfect venue to hear the amazing progress this stunning young woman has made. She controls her voice, delivering songs that both tell a story and get you moving.

The next day, Sunday, I stopped by Luckenbach, Texas, to join The Texana Dames in an anniversary celebration. This family, once from Lubbock, have been playing music in some form for over 50 years. Connie on keyboard smiling at her two daughers, Conni and Traci, are a mainstay in the Austin music scene. And Tommy Hancock, a gypsy dance man, has been in and out of the band for years, depending on where the wind was blowing him. I did have a dance with him on that wooden Luckenbach floor.

I met two brothers that Sunday afternoon as well. My book on women in Texas music comes out in September with UT Press/Austin, and the interviews with these women tell many a story. I once traveled to Frutigen, Switzerland, with them to a songwriting festival produced by Aschi Maurer. I then followed them around Europe for ten days, documenting their tales and trails. What fun! My biggest thrill was to be called an honorary “Dame.” Each member of the family speaks highly of the others, and the Texana Dames, once the Supernatual Family Band, play all genres of music, including a wonderful album by Traci sung in Spanish. Yes, she plays a mean accordion.

I headed out to San Marcos on April 24 to the annual showcase of Texas songwriters. This eclectic evening, emceed by non other than Freda herself…Marcia Ball, was a gem in my musician crown for 2007! She reminded us, “Music teaches, inspires and motivates.” Celebrating a five-year anniversary, the Center for Texas Music History has a list of successful projects that help preserve all aspects of Texas music. My own Texas Heritage Music Foundation is celebrating a 20-year anniversary, and Gary Hartman, director for the Center, acknowledged that from the stage. I look forward to collaborating on more projects with the Center one day. We have a similar mission.

Other highlights include Ruben Ramos singing, with Oscar Garcia Manual playing a lively accordion lead, while I danced some salsa in the corner; Barbara Lynn singing “If You Should Lose Me, You’ll Lose A Good Thing,” a song I mentally dedicated to a man I know! Randy Rogers, playing “Lost And Found,” showing us why the room was packed with college students; Brady Black, a real fiddler on the roof; Collin Brooks playing some slide on a tough song with words, “Blood on the water, blood on my hands….blood in the water, and it ain’t the blood of the lamb. His band, Band of Heathens, won best new band at the recent Austin Music Awards. Everyone on stage was tapping a foot or nodding a head to the haunting rhythm of this dark and dire melody. I was moved by Ruben Ramos playing “One Day At A Time,” by the late Texas schoolteacher, Marijon Wilkins, and singing it in Spanish! “Un Dia de un vez.”

Yes, I had planned on staying home in April, and I still went out! May takes me to San Miguel de Allende for two weeks, then, upon returning, an 18-day run with the Kerrville Folk Festival. Patrice Pike, a woman who ran off with all the Austin Music Awards this year, is one of the featured performers. I’m sure she is going to be my next hero. Her skin decoration inspires the gypsy in my soul. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com My suggestion is to go as often as you can, whether or not you know the performers. Count on everything to be heartwarming and excellent!

June 2 is a new workshop with PIP at Schreiner University. Laurie Roberts, the daughter of the woman who wrote down this oral history of the Iroquois, will be leading this experiential workshop on change and transformation with a focus on families. See both the Schreiner website and www.learningpeople.org for more information. Or call me at 792-1945. The THMF number. Since my own mission statement is that stories and songs make a difference in the world, I also work as vice-president of this non-profit dedicated to the possibilities of the Native American learning story.

Hal Robinson, a friend and teacher, has started the Dancing Bear Teaching Lodge. See www.dancingbearteachinglodge.com for more information on this Hill Country treasure. He is one of the participants in the THMF in-school programming, funded by a generous grant from the Peterson Foundation in Kerrville, a grant to send musicians into the Hill Country school based on the power of stories and songs to transform lives! See www.texasheritagemusic.org for more information or to apply for programming.

I have a stack of new music and new performers to share with you….next month. Ils sont partis and happy trails. KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University