I had the roller coaster ride of my life last weekend. On Saturday, I toured the back roads of the Hill Country, exploring new vistas, on the back of a Kawasaki. We ended up with 1000 Harley's at Luckenbach during the Hill Country Run. Billy Joe Shaver was the featured artist of the evening. I missed that show, heading home early, tired from this rare ride. Well, I came home to a horse curled up and sick in my pasture. After walking him all evening, I had to make a decision Sunday morning. He was suffering-probably colic-and not getting better. I had to say goodbye, again, in April, to a dear horse friend. "April is the cruelest month of the year," says T.S. Eliot. I wonder what made him say that? I lost Jesse James to lightning last April. I guess I shall take to heart Kerouac's advice, "Accept loss forever."

On a lighter note, the Texas Writers Conference at Schreiner University on April 17 gave us the chance to hear inspiring words from Tish Hinojosa and James McMurtry. 

James gave us a new story and song, "Choctaw Bingo," one his father, Larry, had already recommended to me. "I tried this exercise," James explained. "I wanted to use all the weird and unusual sights along Highway 69 through Oklahoma in a song. And, notice the repetition of 'Big ole...'" Not only did the song tell a great road story, the music rocked and rolled just like a road trip. We also heard "Levelland," a song taken to the masses by Robert Earl Keen. James is starting a tour this month, ending up at Railroad Blues in Alpine on May 26th. I'll be there.

Tish told us what it feels like to be the only artist to go Quadruple platinum in Korea. "I think these use my song, "Donde Voy," as the theme song for a soap opera about someone on a quest." She took my request of "Manos, Huesos y Sangre" and talked about her upcoming concert with the Fredericksburg Children's Chorale on May 5, in Luckenbach, Texas. At 4:00 p.m. she will sing a concert with the Children's Chorale, free will donation requested. At 7:30 she will present a concert of her own music. Adults $10/children $3. Doc Mason will take the stage at 7:30, along with The Texas Music Men and Bart Trotter. For information on the Children's Chorale, which began in 1985 as an organization committed to instilling a life-long love of singing in its members, contact chorale@fbfg.net.  Tish also has a website at www.mundotish.com for bio, discography, mail orders and tourdates. Remember, she'll be closing down the 30th annual Kerrville Folk Festival with the David Amram Orchestra on Sunday, June 10.

This anniversary brings so many varied opportunities to this community. Not only is the festival broadcast on the worldwide web, but each evening a show of Kerrville Folk Festival music runs from 7-9. What a good message to send to the world about the lively creative spirit in Kerrville, Texas!

Dr. Gary Hartman discussed the Institute of the History of Texas Music on April 17th, inviting people to join up and enjoy their many programs. Housed at Southwest Texas Stage, this organization is young and growing. Find them at www.history.swt.edu/TexasMusic.htm

I visited the Friends of the Library group in Victoria, meeting lots of folks interested in history and music. Henry Hauschild presented me with a book documenting the FIRST music publisher in Texas, Hauschild Music Company, which was based in Victoria. He told me I was too young to know the importance of Mexican and German music. I'll be interviewing him for a story! 

The newly renovated courthouse was basking in new lights on the square, and I had a real sense of Texas heritage just being in Victoria. I did visit a Texas radio station (www.texasmix.com), a group who showcase great Texas music in Victoria, and I had a great conversation with DJ Rick Shaw. They even have a Texas music store in the front of the station. 

I think it's about time for me to take off, tour the state, and report on the small towns of Texas. Wonder when I could do that? 

Tony Galluci, SevenBullsBoy, led a writing workshop on April 17th, and he gave participants a package that includes another informative website that should be available in May at www.SevenBullsBoy.com.  He's putting together information on important creative events in this community. Whew, lots of opportunities.

The Kerrville Folk Festival kicks off May 24 and runs until June 10. Highlights for me include the David Amram Orchestra, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Songwriters School, The Blues on Memorial Day, evening concerts at the Threadgill Theatre (newly renovated), the moon coming up over the stage, the trees rustling in a breeze (trees I knew as babies over 20 years ago), music around campfires, the eclectic arts and crafts exhibits (I always buy more jewelry and a drum), the artists signing their CD's in hospitality, and that's not all. Stay tuned in weekly to my report here.

April 29 is the annual Bowie Street Blues at the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio (www.texancultures.utsa.edu)

I'll be sending stories from San Miguel de Allende after May 8.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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