Book and music are complementary expressions of the human mind and spirit. Just look around at Wolfmueller's Books and Records downtown. Notice the combination in Hastings. Kinky Friedman carries that combination one step further. After years of recording and performing music, he switched to writing mysteries. Then he spent some time performing his music in clubs, then signing his books for that same audience. Now his Guide to Texas Etiquette explores another realm of self-expression.

According to a new York Times Book Review, "The world's funniest, bawdiest, and most politically incorrect country music singer turned writer" is Kinky Friedman. Backroads Books in Bandera hosted a booksigning for singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen several weeks ago. Keen has put together a collection of photos to accompany his successful song, "Merry Christmas To The Family." In fact, some of those very family members were in attendance at the local booksigning. I enjoyed taking photos of Schreiner students who showed up to take advantage of this opportunity to be with Keen.

Last Saturday, I drove my new wheels (tired of the old one breaking down) out I-10 for that dramatic ride to Alpine. Gallery Night drew more than a thousand people to this quiet little town on the edge of Big Bend Country. As one of four featured writers at Front Street Books, I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday night in Alpine. I drove up to Balmorhea and visited old friends after the event. We didn't sing many songs. We did listen to Robert Earl's new CD, Gravitational Forces, and talk about music.
Mostly we ate great food cooked by a self-pronounced chef named Stephen. He also lays bricks during the week. I enjoyed a family gathering on Sunday. All my activities seemed to be related to the Texas music scene. My friend, Arnulfo, had several guitars sitting around. This scene did not reflect the Keen song, but it had its own distinctions. After several great meals in one day, I took the t-tops off my new car and headed back on I-10. My weekend included a few of my favorite things: spicy food cooked over a campfire, books and music, friends and family. Next time I'll head up into the hills and ride horses!

Janice Kennemer called me with news of an exciting event on December 9, at Francisco's downtown. Billed as Christmas and All That Jazz, the Sunday afternoon gathering will include great food and a chance to learn more about jazz. The Mike Kasberg Quartet will take some traditional Christmas songs and jazz them up, giving us the story behind the interpretation as well. Space limited. Call 257-2084 for reservations. $20 fee.

Head out to Schreiner at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 2, for the most ambitious performance ever performed by a combination of community and Schreiner singers. Don Crandall has been rehearsing Handel's Messiah, saying, "You know, this was not written for piano. That makes this production even more challenging."

Christmas will bring our community many music performances at the local churches. Read Jeanette's column on Thursday for regular happenings. Nelson City Dance Hall is hosting a fundraiser for the Red Cross on November 24. I'll be exploring San Miguel de Allende from November 21-25. I'm sure I'll return with music stories.

And now to close with a Kinky perception: "The final arbiters of what is a cowboy should be God and small children." I'll be enjoying the new exhibit at the Cowboy Artists of America Museum as I lead a writing workshop for some students on November 27. The exhibit, "Romancing the West," has inspired me to include a little surprise for the group.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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