Many Texas musicians began their life of music in a church. Often they will tell of singing in a choir or of listening to church groups sing. Bobbie Nelson said her favorite thing to do is "sing gospel music with my brother, Willie." As I sat in the First Presbyterian Church at 4:00 p.m. last Sunday, all those stories went through my mind. And I remember my first time in New Orleans. You see, the Jim Cullum Jazz Band led a special worship service called "A Celebration of Psalm, Prayer, and Spiritual Songs Offered To God."

Playing to a packed house, as they do at The Landing in San Antonio, this seven-piece group began with "Deep River" and "Old Rugged Cross." I resisted the urge to sing along on the latter, having been brought up in a singing Baptist church. We did sing some of my other favorites, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," "What a Friend We Have In Jesus," and "His Eye is on the Sparrow." I did also have the urge to bring out my bones, tambourine and my black "musical egg." I didn't fulfill that urge.

This is the ninth consecutive year that the Jim Cullum Jazz Band has led worship at First Presbyterian Church. Over 200 services like this one have been offered at various churches around the state. The program reminded us "This service is intended to be worshipful and therefore full of both joy and awe in the presence of God."

The pastor, Ernie Williams, said, "There is more to us than our minds. We have depths of feeling that words cannot express. Music can touch us in places that words cannot." He told the story of Elijah, who summoned the musicians. As they played he entered a state of ecstasy and received revelations. I hadn't heard that story, and I'm glad I have it in my repertoire of stories.

Earlier on Sunday I spoke to the Unitarian Universalists on the Power of the Story. I enjoyed being with a group who know the value of stories and songs, and we spent some time interpreting stories together. It's in the sharing that community takes place.

I know each Sunday that music is moving the heart and soul of many people gathered in Kerrville places of worship. Frankie Enloe was out at the annual Cowboy Camp Meeting. Music is part of his ministry to Kerrville. I've sat in the congregation at Calvary Church and listened to Del Way, a minister with over 14 albums out. He shares his story ongoingly in song. With almost universal appeal, music is part of how we worship and celebrate.

Looking ahead, I see the Kerrville Wine and Music Festival as another opportunity to celebrate and even worship. Rudi Harst will lead the service on Chapel Hill at Quiet Valley Ranch at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1. He also leads The Circle Group in San Antonio. This years lineup of musicians is special in a distinct way, they are donating their fees to help pay expenses of the Kerrville Folk Festival. Now that's love! The opening day, Friday, August 30, will showcase our own Part of the Problem, along with Bill Ward, Albert and Gage, John McVey and a local favorite, Tom Prasada-Rao.

Saturday has many special activities with Dime a Dozen and Jay Boy Adams playing the evening concert. Slim Ritchie plays the 1:00 p.m. jazz concert on Sunday. The weekend closes with non other than Allen Damron, Shake Russell, Jack Williams and Ruthie Foster-all favorites with Kerrville audiences. Head out this year to share in Rod Kennedy's last festival. Pay honor to this man who has changed the face of music in Texas. He's part of our community.

The 3rd annual Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference will be held at the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel Sept. 5-8. Evening performances are open to the public. Check out www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com for more information on everything.

Texas Wildfire plays the Welcome Back Concert at Schreiner on August 21. The Jurassic Cowboys play Scenic Loop Café on Sept. 21, and they will soon have a great story of performing at a UT football game. Dr. Willmann will keep me informed. Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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