If you read this September 8, you are reading this on the birthday of the Father of Country Music, a man who chose to build his dream house in Kerrville, Texas. Blue Yodeler's Paradise still stands tall at 617 West Main, much loved by the present owners. And Jimmie Rodgers goes down in history as the only performer in every Hall of Fame.

The annual Kerrville tribute to Jimmie will take place on Friday, September 28, at Louise Hays Park. Tony Navarra will be Jimmie and 53 other performers will celebrate our Texas heritage using stories and songs. Thursday, September 27, a Rodgers' party takes place at the Ole Watering Hole, featuring Mark Ambrose, Tim Steele and other performers who want to pay tribute.

My special birthday moment came high on a hill near Comfort as James Allsup recited some new lyrics to me. "Dream In Blue" is not only a tribute to Jimmie but a reminder of the power of language. When Allsup writes "Between the glitz of Vegas/ And the greed of Tennessee, My dear child, blue country/ Turned its back on me," a treatise on the current state of country music opened up. Allsup is having music put to the lyrics; I'm envisioning a time when he recites these words-a spoken word moment. His day job includes teaching classes at Schreiner University.

I did end up in tears at the end of his recitation, the blue hills near Comfort beckoning to me out his wall of windows. I remembered, once again, the power of Rodgers' music and story. How he called out to me the first time I heard his music in Kerrville at a celebration at the Old Depot. Now I have a host of friends and connections through sharing the music. Dear Roland Davis, still tending his goats near the highway, became a local voice that inspired me to keep on keeping on. Call me if your organization would like a program on this important part of our local heritage. Joe Herring and I do share a love of the story!

I ended last weekend under a full moon listening to Jimmy LaFave, Tish Hinojosa and Ian Moore at the finale of the Kerrville Wine and Music Festival. Jimmy sang the most beautiful love song I've ever heard, Tish was beautiful as she reminded us that some things are said better in Spanish, Ian delivered unique songs about Ocean-Size love and Elephant tears. I was entranced as the show came to an end. These three voices represented three ways of seeing the world. I loved being in all these worlds. So did the audience-quiet and entranced as well. It's always good to sit on the front row.

September 15, at the annual YO Social Club Party is an evening featuring Texas music. I first heard Charlie Robison at the Cabaret in Bandera. He rocked with that rough Texas edge I love. And his lyrics tell good stories. Just ask the folks in Bandera, his home town.

Geronimo Trevino, who has just completed a massive project (book and video) on the dance halls of Texas, will kick off the evening. His research into Texas music makes him a real musicologist as well as a man true to the spirit of Texas music. More on his project in another column.

Mark Chesnutt, a Beaumont native who made his way to Nashville and succeeded at the commercial country music game, will bring his own Texas brand of honky-tonk country. I wonder if he was influenced by Janis Joplin or Johnny Winter?

My hometown, Ft. Worth, provides the closing band, the one that plays until breakfast. The Hi-Roller Band brings rock and roll and oldies. A great choice for those who choose to stay up late.

My last memory of the YO Social Club Party was seeing Charlie and Carol Schreiner sitting near the lodge, grinning and greeting folks. Coming from Ft. Worth and a world of rodeo and barrel-racing, I saw my meeting with the Schreiner family 16 years ago as a bridge between worlds. I adjusted to Kerrville quickly after my first trail ride with them. And as I teach, I get a reminder on a daily basis as I drive into Schreiner University.

Ahead is a concert at the house of Jack and Barbara Fields on September 22, featuring the very interesting duo Lady Jane Grey. Call 367-5709 for tickets. Ahead is a concert with Terri Hendrix on October 6, sponsored by Old Number Nine and held at the Waring General Store. Call Jenny at 830-995-3552 for tickets.

Today, September 8, gospel singer Bruce Carter will appear at Western Hills Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. celebrating the church's 10th anniversary. What a way to celebrate community.

And today, September 8, I'll be at the Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock reminding all the cowboys that Jimmie loved Texas and the cowboy.

Free Leonard (and happy birthday on Sept. 12) and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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