I’m glad November is Native American Heritage Month (a national designation). We have the opportunity to look at our own rituals and traditions in the light of others’.  On November 21, Eric Marley will set up his teepee and demonstration in the quad at Schreiner from 10:30-1:00 for a “Tribal Gathering:  Another Way of Learning.” His daughter may dance for us. You’re welcome to drop by.

While watching the video “Spirit” last weekend, I noticed the integration of tribal drums with electronic instruments. Robert Mirabal took center stage with his drumming, his dancing, his flute. From the Taos reservation, a founding performer with Michael Martin Murphy’s West Fest, a member of the Warner Western stable of performers, Mirabal is amazing. He needs to be performing on the back porch of the Cowboy Artists of America Museum.

Leonard Peltier is still in prison, and a major march is planned in his honor on December 10 in New York City. Leonard’s story is best told in his book My Life is My Sundance. I’ll have a petition for those interested to sign at the November 15, Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University. Native American Heritage Month brings many issues to the forefront, issues that have always been with us. How do textbooks treat the story of the Indian tribes who roamed these hills and plains? November 5-12 is designated as Activism Awareness Week (by me) for the freshmen at Schreiner University. Choose your cause, we say. Exercise critical thinking and decision-making. Let your education open your eyes.

November 7 brings the third annual Johnny Nicholas Big Band Bash back to the Fredericksburg auditorium. Tuesday night at 7:00 the show begins by featuring jazz bands from the Fredericksburg schools. Marcia Ball and Augie Meyers bring a pure Texas sound to the show, and Johnny Nicholas is “The Man,” according to KFAN Radio. He’s been a favorite on the Schreiner campus, a featured performer for freshmen this year and the September guest at the coffeehouse.

Marcia Ball, who used to be “Freida and the Firedogs” in Austin, is the epitome of a Texas woman. She sings the blues, rocks with soul, and let’s the goodtimes roll in her own soulful dress. At home in New Orleans, Marcia takes over the 88 ivories with abandon in any state or country. I’ve watched her rock the tent for 7,000 at the Frutigen Songwriters Festival in Switzerland. I’ve seen her fill her former club, La Zona Rosa, on any night. I love Marcia Ball!

Augie’s story is a long and winding road with a long stint with the Sir Douglas Quintet. Hard to think of Augie without thinking of the late Doug Sahm. He’d be here talking a mile a minute if he still walked the earth, I’m sure. Augie’s squeezebox has seen many a stage, many a studio. He is the voice of San Antone, and he brings such joy to the stage. I remember last year!

Johnny has rounded up a host of great performers in the Texas All-Star band, and for a $60 patron ticket, you can hang out, eat dinner and sit up close. Tickets are available at Wolfmueller’s in Kerrville or by calling me at 792-7409 at Schreiner University.

Don’t miss out on the last Texas Music Coffeehouse for 2000 on Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m., featuring Richard Dobson, a Texas songwriter living in Switzerland. He will pay tribute to the late Roxy Gordon, Townes Van Zandt and to Native American Heritage Month. Maybe we can get Tony Galluci to come play his flute.

Last week I missed Ponty Bone playing for the Arcadia, John Wilson Rowland hosting a songwriters circle at the Java Pump, Lady Jane Grey at the Java Pump and many more. I stayed home, rode the Mexican pony Brownie, regrouped for the October 31, Willie Nelson show at Helotes. More on that later. I’ll also be reporting on the first conference for the new Americana Music Association in Nashville (November 10-11).

Free Leonard and down the road.

eMail Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

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