Hearing that one of my favorite songwriters, Al Grierson, died in Hill Country flooding on Thursday, November 2, reminded me--again--to treasure the moments I share with people. Al was much-loved here, a regular at the Kerrville Folk Festival around campfires, a guest in my classes at Schreiner University and a real Zen-like Texas songwriter who changed my life. We shared stories about Yeats, Steinbeck, Woody Guthrie and Jimmie Rodgers. What a range. He even performed the complete rendition of "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg for a Schreiner coffeehouse tribute to the Beat Generation.

The rain did not dampen the spirit of John Wilson Rowland's open mic and songwriters circle at the Java Pump Coffeehouse on Water Street last Saturday. A regular Saturday gig, the open mic even has time set aside (10:00 p.m.) for poetry readings. I think it's about time for me to practice up (on something!).

Last Saturday, after hearing John perform his James Taylor set along with his own originals; George "Lucky" Taylor sang two originals, "Lightning Bolt Rider (an eclectric thought!) and "On My Mind. We also heard a trio of three young women sing along with a recording, another woman sang Patsy Cline acapella, and Traci  Collins joined John for some Neil Young. John sang his newly-penned tribute to Terri Hendrix, a songwriter who has influenced him. I heard several of my favorite Dylan tunes. Everyone had fun!  I was inspired to imagine that I might just want to read poetry or sing at the Java Pump. I've been taking my writing classes there, and they seem to enjoy the ambiance. John has also visited these classes, sharing his music and his story with students. In turn, they wrote essays about him. Interesting insights into the Texas music scene.

The patio at the Java Pump filled up with people enjoying coffee, playing chess (Tony and Peter Navarra), reading and listening to the music. I left before the grand finale, because I seem to want to be home early these days. Must be the new horse who walked across my cattle guard twice yesterday. Two calls from the sheriff about this red paint heading down the highway toward San Antonio left me a bit nervous.

Up the road a bit at the Old Watering Hole, the joint was jumping (I'm told) with a tight trio called Skeleton Crew. Lady Jane Grey returns on November 11 and Mike Blakely performs November 18.

November 11-12 is the Old West Fest'n Trade show in Bandera. After a parade, a whole herd of musicians and storytellers will be in the show barn at Mansfield Park from 10 a.m. Saturday until the chuck wagon circle at 5:00 p.m. Don't miss the costume contests, the Old Timer's Hour and the mustache contest! Call Carey Poe at 830-796-7871 for more information.

Also in Bandera at The Cabaret, Cowjazz performs November 11. They have been part of our tribute to Jimmie Rodgers for years and will play the Luckenbach Christmas Ball on December 23. Do not miss this band. James McMurtry, another favorite of mine, will play November 12.

I'll be in Nashville covering the first meeting of the Americana Music Association--home for musicians like James McMurtry. Guess some good reader will have to tell me the Cabaret story for the weekend. E-mail me at kat@maverickbbs.com with your story on the show. Tell both groups hello for me. I'd be there if I were in town.

Don't forget Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m. is the Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University. Richard Dobson, a Texas songwriter living in Switzerland will be joined by longtime partner, Sergio, to perform a tribute to songwriters, especially Roxy Gordon and Townes Van Zandt. November is Native American Heritage Month.

November 19, KPAS will bring pianist Gregory Allen to the Kerrville Municipal Auditorium. Allen is currently a professor of music at the University of Texas at Austin. Texas music comes in many shapes and sizes. Don't overlook the chance to sample the variety in Kerrville!  Send you e-mail address to John Krause at jkrause@ctesc.net for free reminders of our music scene.  Free Leonard and down the road.

eMail Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

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