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

Fredericksburg’s Founders Day set for May 12

Fredericksburg’s Founders Day set for May 12

by Phil Houseal

Families can help Fredericksburg celebrate its anniversary at Founders Day, held this year on Saturday, May 12, at the Pioneer Museum on Main Street.

Frontier-style activities include demonstrations of blacksmithing, fence making, sheep shearing, and quilting and spinning. Kids can make rope, churn butter, milk a goat, and build toys out of clothespins. A chuckwagon chef will serve up homemade biscuits, cobble, and cowboy coffee.

All of the historic structures at the museum will be open for the public to visit. Local teacher Annabelle Wilkinson plans to lead pioneer school activities in the one-room White Oak School.

Lee Haile, cowboy poet, will sit on the porch steps spinning yarns and singing songs of the old west.

The event runs between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is the regular $4 museum ticket for ages 12 and up, with 11 and under getting in free. The traditional laying of the wreath honoring the community's founders takes place in Marktplatz at 10 a.m., and is free and open to the public.

The Pioneer Museum’s 3.5-acre site features nine buildings, including one of the first stores in Fredericksburg, a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, and an original Sunday House. Fredericksburg is known for celebrating its heritage every day, and visitors will find unique shopping, dining, sightseeing, and overnight accommodations within walking distance of the event grounds. Founders Day is a project of the Gillespie County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve historic sites and objects in Gillespie County, while promoting interest in Texas history. More information is available by calling (830) 997-2835, or by visiting www. pioneermuseum.com.

Photo: Lee Haile will spin yarns and sing songs for young and old visiting the Pioneer Museum to celebrate Founders Day on May 12.

Pioneer Museum

FabTones coming to FBG Event Center for Beatles Dance Party

by Phil Houseal

The FabTones, a Beatles tribute band from Austin, will help fans of the Fab Four twist and shout the evening away at the FBG Event Center in Fredericksburg on Sat April 28 beginning at 7 p.m.

The goal of a FabTones performance is to create the excitement of a Beatles concert, according to Jack Flatau. By day, Flatau is the soccer coach at Southwestern University, but in the evening he performs as "Paul."

“Our goal is to have you sense that you are listening to the Beatles,” Flatau said.

They do that by wearing Beatles-style outfits, singing with British accents, and playing Beatles model instruments. Vocally, they recreate the distinctive harmonies that set Beatles music above other groups of the era.

The FabTones focus on the early Beatles music, featuring such hits as A Hard Day's Night, Please Please Me, Ticket to Ride, and Get Back.

Along with dancing, guests will enjoy a costume contest, trivia, and other surprises. Everyone attending will be eligible to win door prizes, including posters, books, and Beatles CDs.

Shannon Anderson of the Old Thyme Fun Shop will have a booth for face painting and costume supplies. The Limestone Grille will serve food, and drinks will be available.

Tickets are on sale at 830-990-1010. Advance tickets are $12 per adult, $7 per student (ages 13-21), and 12 and under free. Tickets at the door are $15 per adult. A special advance package with reserved table near the stage, dinner, and 4 drink tickets is available for $40 per couple.

The FBG Event Center is located just south of Fredericksburg on Tivydale Road. The party begins at 7 p.m. Parking is free.

More information is available by emailing beatles@fullhouseproductions.net.

Photo: Shannon Anderson

Shannon Anderson of the Old Thyme Fun Shop will bring her face paints, wigs, and costumes to help folks get in the 60s swing for the FabTones concert at the FBG Event Center on Sat Apr 28.

On the Road

On The Road

April 2007

by Kathleen Hudson

Bonnie Bishop is featured at the Hill Top House Concert Series on April 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Kerrville. Thanks to Paula and Marty Reynolds, we have yet another fine venue for the music we all love. Bonnie brings strong writing, a great voice, and a compelling performance to any stage. I first heard her at the White Elephant Saloon in Ft. Worth. She also played the Monday night series at the Inn Pub in Kerrville. Speaking of that Pub, Monday, April 2, Drew Kennedy hosted the Acoustic Revolution. Greg Forest hosted in March. I love a venue that gives us a chance to hear acoustic music! Check out the Monday night schedule at the Inn Pub.

Attending the 23^rd SxSW Music Conference in March was the highlight of the month for me. Aside from the overwhelming sensation of choice that I faced each hour, I had one meaningful experience after another. I had to “be here now” so that I wasn’t doing one thing while thinking about all the other exciting events I was missing! Wednesday night I attended the Austin Music Awards. Not a disappointing moment for me during the entire evening. Patrice Pike, a rocker I have not interviewed yet, took home a stack of awards, as did Asleep at the Wheel. And Patrice plays the Kerrville Folk Festival this year! New schedules are out; what a stunning lineup with lots of great women…..Terri Hendrix, Sara Hickman, Ruthie Foster, Patrice Pike and more. Check out the website at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com

Highlights of the music awards include James McMurtry being honored as BMI songwriter of the year. I first interviewed him when he had written about 5 songs and watched him chosen as a winner of the Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Competition that same year. What a long and winding road for James McMurtry and his band, The Heartless Bastards.

Barbara Kooyman has started a company called TexAmericana which allows artists to commission music, and she gives $5 off the sale of each CD to a public radio station. Her set for the evening began with a call to global activism by Thom “The World” Poet. She not only moved us at the awards show with her stunning performance (accompanied by stellar musicians, including Paul Pearcy on percussion), but she also showcased two more strong and talented women, Michelle Shocked (of Kerrville campfire tapes fame) and Carrie Rodriquez. I immediately imagined the THMF showcasing this group of women on a tour around the world! Barbara was a guest in my creative writing class last year. What a passionate story she tells!

Standing in line for registration on Wednesday, I met the owner of a venue in Denmark. He shared the following: “We want to showcase more Texas music at our venue. WE love the blues and the songwriters. And we can send the touring artists to about four other venues right in Denmark.” Yes, I do love attending a convention and networking for the THMF! I love the idea of showcasing the music I love to a new audience. Lights me up!

All went smoothly at this event that is growing exponentially. Louis Black, one of three founders, wrote a piece in the Austin Chronicle, beautifully expressing why he does what he does. As I read it, I saw that I could use his words to describe my own pathway, one that led to 20 years of history for the THMF. Passion. “Do what you love,” he admonished. “Follow your bliss,” added Joseph Campbell, leading mythologist of this century.

Many of the artists I love are, indeed, true to their own spirit. Michelle Shocked also played at the Thursday afternoon social hour for Texamericana at Threadgills. At the awards show she rocked; at Threadgills, she told her stories and played as a duo with friend, Nick. “I’m from East Texas,” she reminded us, as she played a trilogy of song stories about growing up east of Dallas.

Other highlights of the music awards include a guest appearance of Pete Townshend as Ian Mclagan gave us a real dose of British rock. Paying tribute to Ronnie Lane and the original group, Faces, the stage filled up with award winners, each band member taking home some award.

Bobby Whitlock and Co Co Carmel (sax and vocals) started off the evening showcasing some of Bobby’s work with the songs of Eric Clapton. Their version of “Laila,” with a saxophone lead by the stunning Co Co, was one of those special moments.

Doug Sahm’s son, Shawn, rocked the stage with his band, the Tex/Mex Experience, then joining in on a reunion of the Texas Tornados featuring Flaco Jimenez, Augie Meyers, Ernie Durwawa and Speedy Sparks.

Jimmie Vaughan, joined by James Cotton on harmonica, joined up with Gary Wright to pay homage to Clifford Antone to end the awards show. I was really, really wanting to dance. I did enter the world of music through the door of the blues!

Thursday morning I attended the long conference interview with Emmylou Harris. What stories we heard, and the music was both nostalgic and timely. She told of her bands, her desires, her take on life (all here for a purpose), her joys and her sorrows. I do wish I had heard her hit with a song by Townes Van Zandt, “If I Needed You.” She sang a Louvin Brothers hit, “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” accompanied by Buddy Miller on guitar and harmony. And she announced that she turns 60 on April 4. How open can a woman be?

I came home with a new CD by Gurf Morlix, a Stony Plains compilation of music and video for their 30 year history, and Joe Ely’s new book with UT Press, BONFIRE OF ROADMAPS. The memorabilia from this book and the many road trips is now on display in the Harry Ransom History Center on the UT campus.

Each venue at South by Southwest had a lineup and a flavor. Easier for me to pick a location and park myself than to wander around trying to find a different band each hour. The secret is to conduct some pre-investigation in order to fill your dance card early, always leaving room for surprises.

This conference has become an event easy to cover, easy to enjoy. Everyone seems to do his or her job, and the thousands of volunteer man-hours must be staggering. As a woman who produces a much smaller event in Kerrville each month (/September 28, 2007), I could see the amount of hard and intelligent work that created this seamless experience for me.

I came home eager to create, to learn drums, to sing my songs, to gather a strong team around me and to forge ahead! After 20 years with the THMF, I am ready for the next step, whatever that may look like.

The March coffeehouse held at Schreiner University began when Melissa Weatherly sang “Amazing Grace” acapello. That set the tone for the rest of the evening, ending with Guitar goddess, Carolyn Wonderland playing dobro and delivering her call to action. Women’s History Month was duly celebrated. The last coffeehouse in the spring series, April 4, features Thom “The World” Poet and an evening of spoken word, including a slam poetry contest. Rules? Each poem must be three minutes or less, and a group of judges picked from the audience rate the poem. This system reveals an immediate response to the performance of the poem, bringing the poetic experience out of the textbooks and into the streets (or coffeehouse). As always, we’ll begin with an open mike.

Also April 19-22 is the Old Settler’s Reunion, boasting a lineup of many of my favorites: Ruthie Foster, Peter Rowan, Slim Ritchie, Iris Dement, Mary Gauthier and many more. Held near Austin, this event is an important part of the family of festivals that not only entertain but educate us on the many traditions of Texas music. I once heard Michelle Shocked thre in her full folk/rock mode, calling out to us all to listen. Yes, I’ve been a Michelle Shocked fan since I first heard the Campfire Tapes created at the Kerrville Folk Festival.

April 5-7, Brunhilde and Belle, the warrior and the outlaw, will once again ride the road to Boston and give a presentation on archetypes of women in life and literature at the National Pop Culture Conference. Oh, I love the way my academic life weaves a pattern with my life as a global citizen! I think we’re all part of that pattern; some of see it clearly.

Ahead for the THMF and a celebration of 20 years: “Waiting For a Train,” stage play on the life of Jimmie Rodgers, coming to Kerrville Sept. 22; program to send musicians and songwriters into the schools; new executive director of the organization (talented at running a non-profit and interested? Could begin as part-time. Contact me at 792-1945); organization of volunteer group for September 28 Living History Day; fundraising poster of hands on guitars; new brochure and poster designed by graphic design class at Schriener University; Wayne Kennemer Scholarship award given out in May to a high school student who wants to study music (contact kat@maverickbbs.com for application details. Janice Kennemer scholarship chairman for THMF); membership party and more. JOIN US now as we celebrate 20 years in the Texas Hill Country! Your membership supports all our projects. Member musicians given the paying gigs first!

FLASH: The Dust Devil’s Barbara Malteze wins big at the 2007 Texas Music Awards: “Female Vocalist of the Year” for the second year in a row! The awards were presented by MyTExasMusic.com and hosted at the Music City Texas Theater in Linden, Texas. Wade Bowen (Sustain Records in Kerrville) won Record of The Year. Visit www.TexasMusicAwards.org for more information. Ils sont partis. KH

Click here to email Kathleen

Schreiner University