Kathleen Hudson Column for March 11, 2001 "Drew Ryan at Solid Gold; Kennedy; Tony Galluci"

Last Saturday I joined up with a fellow road warrior, whose name remains anonymous, and we attended an international poetry reading in Austin. Reunion Road provided music for the eclectic group of performers. Thom the world poet was host of this event, and he is a constant request for self-expression. A 90-year old woman took the stage and became a poem by Pablo Naruda while her daughter played piano behind her. Whew.....such a transformation with the words. I kept thinking of my favorite quote: "Your choice of words is your choice of worlds."  We explored many worlds in that one Saturday night performance. We heard from an award-winning performance poet from England. We heard Tony Galluci read a poem in Blackfoot dialect and English. Now, Tony shows up on many a creative playing field. He'll be leading a writing workshop at Schreiner University on April 17, from 4-5:30. Space limited so call 792-7409 for a reservation. Tony arrived with his collection of flutes carefully wrapped in a blue towel. He played his own introduction on an eaglebone whistle.  We heard two young girls sing and rap "Amazing Grace." One man performed his own story of his search for meaning. He ended his poem by saying, "If you love someone, and they love you, then you have something that lasts forever." Thom the World Poet handed me several of his handmade chap books, reminding me to keep spreading the word. He hosts a weekly poetry gathering at Café Mundi on Wednesday nights in Austin and the monthly gathering called "Expressions" on the first Saturday of each month. In between he finds places to read, write and gather creative people.  By now Rod Kennedy's radio show on the Internet had aired. Monday, March 5, the show brought music to the air, handpicked by Rod, from 7-9 p.m., and you can access this show (and the archives of previous shows) at www.kerrville-music.com.  The show will be on the air Monday-Friday. Now that's an international perspective for the Kerrville Folk Festival and for Kerrville's creative arts. Good job. Last Thursday I took my class to Buzzie's for some jazz and country music. As usual, the place was packed, and my creative class wrote some interesting interpretations. I'll share on in this column next week. Lone Oak was packed on Sunday afternoon. Seems that spring is really in the air, and folks are getting out. I missed the Friday taping at Schreiner for From The Top, a classical music show featuring young talent. I do have to head home on some nights. I have received great reports on the show, and know that it will air on April 21. Another way to get the Kerrville arts scene out in the world. I met an intern who works with Lone Star Music in San Marcos at the Guy Clark show. Last week I talked with founder, Chad Raney, who literally dreamed up this business while recuperating from a wreck. Check out www.lonestarmusic.com for information on over 200 Texas artists, marketing and distribution of CD's, and a newsletter that now features an interview with Guy Clark. My son, Clayton, called this week, and he was rejoicing in the discovery of this site, saying, "Mom, they cover all the great independent artists. It's about time all this talent found a home." Chad said they host websites for the artists as well.  Remember, March 20, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., the Institute of the History of Texas Music is hosting a free concert at Southwest Texas State in San Marcos. Featured artists include Tish Hinojosa, Ray Benson, Joel Guzman, and more. Jimmy LaFave has a new album coming out on Bohemia Records the week South by Southwest brings thousands in the music business together in Austin (March 14-17). He graced my English class once, and I've invited him to return again. Don't forget the Texas Music Coffeehouse in the Cailloux Center on Wednesday, March 21, featuring Debbie Walton Trio.  I heard a great new band (new for me) at Solid Gold on Thursday night, March 1. After Chad, Ryan, and J.C. set the stage with an acoustic performance, Drew Ryan and the Out on Bail Band brought some great songs to the packed house. The college kids have discovered them, for sure. We heard Jack Ingram songs along with Charlie Robison and some originals. Drew can be heard on KRVL (what a voice!) acting as DJ. Other band members include Gary Cox and Paul Grody on dueling guitars. Rob Grody plays drums, and Mike Fiedler (a veteran country dance band performer) plays bass.  The band is young and going places. Gary also has a DJ spot on KRVL. Sunday nights at Solid Gold, run by our man about town Big Earl, features Grupa Loma playing Tejano music at 9:00. Free Leonard and down the road. Kathleen kat@maverickbbs.com www.texasheritagemusic.org Click here to return to the previous page