I'm writing this on a sunny Sunday, celebrating yet another graduation moment at Schreiner University. Tim Snyder sang "Sing We a Joyful Song," and Charlotte Marrow played the organ. A beautiful moment when music makes a difference. Tim also sings in a county western band in the area, quite a jump from his experience today. Singing is praise and worship and celebration.

I head to San Miguel de Allende, and I'll be teaching there by the time you read this. My guest columnist next week, Greg Forest, was the first person to buy my book at South by Southwest in Austin. He has The Music Office here in Kerrville, and was the first to record a pilot radio show I created from my interviews oh so long ago. Greg and I have many stories to share-Mexico, Cannes, and Kerrville. He'll give you the inside scoop on his office and his band, Dime a Dozen (most requested band at local events, now also playing the Kerrville Folk Festival while Greg leads a seminar on the music business). I'll let him tell you the rest.

First, a past experience: I sat in the Watering Hole and listened closely to Mark Ambrose and Rick Smith perform on Saturday, May 5-Cinco de Mayo. I had missed the big celebration in the park, but I was determined to enjoy some local music. Mark, an old friend carefully described in the column last week, gave a great evening of original songs with a few old favorites thrown in. 

I asked him to play the title cut off his album, Shadow on the Moon, twice! I love that song. I invited him to perform at the annual Living History Day on September 28 (mark that date!), in Louise Hays Park. I want him to visit my writing classes next year. I just can't say enough about his writing (and I love his performance-straight from the heart!).

Next, I visited the Java Pump with John Ike Walton, Alice Delery, and Jack Ortman. Walton played with the jam on banjo and his own patented "Zulu" drum. I'm buying a wonderful wooden box from John Ike. Again, the Melody Corner is the hub for interesting music stuff. 

Rod Kennedy is celebrating his 30th year of the Kerrville Folk Festival. Now owned by Vaughan, the festival is still a tribute to the excellent taste of this Renaissance man so full of the love of music. Rod's book, Straight From the Heart, documents his rich life, but this festival is the crowning jewel he wears so well-I think!

Kicking off Thursday, May 23, with favorites, the Austin Lounge Lizards and Ray Wylie Hubbard, the festival showcases veteran talent and introduces new talent and gives lots of folks the chance to sing songs and tell stories. Dyanne Cortez documented her experience of the folk festival in a book that will be available at her booth in the crafts area. Be sure and add this story to your collection. Javier, her husband, has been seen for years with a tee-pee in the meadow. Some names and faces are synonymous with Kerrville Folk Festival. 

Clandestine will bring the Irish/Texan connection to life on Friday night, May 25, and Steve James plays blues like no other white man. A musicologist as well as a star performer, James, with his album on Antone's Record Label, has also performed at the university and at the Living History Day (when it was just a tribute to Jimmie Rodgers). Be sure and talk to these people. Accessible is a key word at this festival. Get autographs, buy CD's and books.

The emerging songwriters contest winners (about 40) will perform at noon on Saturday and Sunday (May 26-27). Hosted by Rod and Allen Damron (director and great folk/cowboy music performer), the afternoon concerts are at the heart of this festival-the songwriter rules!

Steve Gillette, author of a wonderful book on songwriting, will host "Texas and Tennessee," a song circle, each evening at 5:00 p.m. behind the main office. Sign up to perform a song and get some feedback from an expert-a soft and gentle man, though.

I will be back from Mexico in time to attend my favorite festival in the world. I own five lifetime tickets, which I bought as a fan years ago.

Don't forget the music series at the Arcadia Theatre. I'll miss the W.C. Clark blues Review on May 18, with Ben Beckendorf. Sponsored by many local businesses, this series is bring some great Texas music to Kerrville. June 23 is time for jazz with Dr. Dan Bacon and the Mystery Jazz Band, and July 14 is Western Swing with Clay Blaker and our own favorites, Part of the Problem Tickets are only $15 advance, including food and beverage. What a deal in historic downtown Kerrville. Call 895-3902 for details. 

I'll submit a column from south of the border in a couple of weeks. You know I always find good music there. And the trip (teaching for Schreiner) is good for my soul. 

Free Leonard and down the road. 

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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