Resurrection, rebirth, and new beginnings are in the air today! My memories of Easter always revolve around music. In fact, growing up in a Baptist church where music was central to worship, I had a hard time not "worshipping" my choir director. When he started singing "Low in the grave he lay," and ended with a rousing "He arose!" I knew the meaning of worship. I know many of the churches in Kerrville have wonderful music programs. I just want to sing "How Great Thou Art" again. 

Friday, April 6, Roland Carver led a combined Schreiner/community choir in an hour of spiritual music. His life is dedicated to preserving the spiritual, which evolved from African-American roots as communication.. In fact, we participated in a call and response number along with several other songs. His enthusiasm in leading the group spilled over the entire audience, and we were transported to a new understanding of what we think of as spiritual music. Solos by Corrie Desmuke and Tim Snyder enhanced the show! Tim is a veteran on the stage and deserves an entire column devoted to his musical career. 

Saturday, April 7, I attended the Old Settler's Reunion. Once a traditional bluegrass festival, this event has moved from Round Rock to the Stone Mountain Event Center in Dripping Springs and become a more eclectic, acoustic music festival. The ghost of the Kerrville Folk Festival was present (no, not you Rod!), and the spirit moved again!

The highway barriers and parking signs all had KFF written on them. A sign of a cooperative spirit. I sat in on a song-writing workshop with Jim Lauderdale, Gary Ferguson and Sally Love. The writers told the story of writing a song then performed the song. They were available for questions throughout the workshop. Jim, an award-winning writer based in Nashville, told us his approach, but reminded us that no one approach works for everyone. When I saw hard-core bluegrass fans, The Willmanns and the Burditts, enjoying the day out, I knew I was in the right place for great music.

Peter Rowan and friends performed traditional bluegrass music at their workshop. Knowing Peter played with Bill Monroe enhances my appreciation for his huge talent. During his evening set on the Hill Country Stage, the big stage, we heard reggae rhythm and some Rowan originals. 

Terri Hendrix, complete with Lloyd Maines, Paul Peacy on drums and Glen Fukanaga on bass, delivered a rousing set after being introduced as now synonymous with Texas music just like Willie and Lyle. She did live up to the introduction. She had us all up and dancing by the last song. She just keeps getting better, and she was good at the beginning!

Nickel Creek delivered an amazing performance, giving evidence for their Grammy nomination. On one of my favorite labels, Sugar Hill, this group also has a video on regular rotation on CMT-country music television.

Closing down Saturday night, Jim Lauderdale and his band brought country, alternative country, and some bluegrass to the big stage. Known for the number of great hits he has written for others, Jim showed us that he's also a performer. Earlier in the day he had told us that opening for Lucinda led him back to the drawing board at home with his own writing. A good writer always listens. 

As the music ended, I headed to my van, out for its second camping trip. It was better for me to be curled up sleeping in the back then sleeping in the car as I drove home. I didn't stay for the Sunday morning performance of gospel music. I would have loved it! 

My morning drive through a blooming hill country was awesome. I spent the afternoon back out at the Hunt Store, listening to the Segovia Senators. I even played along on one song!

Looking ahead: James McMurtry and Tish Hinojosa will be featured guests at the Texas Writers Conference, April 17, 7:30 p.m. at the Cailloux Center. Reception at 6:30. Public invited. Two workshops will being at 4:00 p.m., poetry with Tony Galluci and The Story with Donna Robertson. Remember Billy Joe Shaver will be at Luckenbach on April 21. In Kerrville, Ted Connerly and Sentimental Journey Orchestra will play a Hanger Dance for the Kerrville Air Festival on April 21.The Kerrville Folk Festival kicks off on Thursday, May 24, the day I get back from teaching in Mexico. I'll be there opening night. April 29, from noon-6p.m., the Bowie Street Blues Festival at the Institute for Texas Culture reflects on the diversity of Texas music by presenting a showcase of different styles. Check out www.texascultures.utsa.edu  for more information.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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