Three men watched intently as Kevin McCormick played his classical guitar on Saturday, August 23. And entire room of interested faces also watched, but these three men had a special interest. Kevin is their guitar teacher. They were hosting a special way of enjoying music, a house concert.

Dr. Tobin Tilley may have built this large room overlooking a Hill Country valley in order to share the music he loves with friends. This was the perfect setting for a house concert, the wall of windows revealing an enticing view of the Guadalupe River in the distance and the lights of Kerrville slowly popping into view.

I was especially moved by our hosts, the Tilley’s, the Hagemeiers, the Barkers. These three families all share a passion for the music of Texas. Before the show began, Tobin Tilley said,”Yes, we love doing this, and our wives are actually doing most of the work!” Bob Barker, with eyes shining, said, “We want to share music in an intimate setting, one where people are actually listening. This coming together of so many walks of life also creates community. There is nothing like this.”

He’s right. The quiet evening (with lots of great food supplied by the guests) was a real tribute to the power of music.

Last year I attended another house concert at the Borchers’ house. Karl Hagemeier was then showcasing his guitar teacher in Austin, David Hamburger. I remember when Karl was the doctor on call at the Willie Nelson Picnic in Luckenbach. He does love music.

Bill and Carol Tiffee have had several house concerts at the Hilltop Bed and Breakfast in Ingram. In fact, after Steve Fromholz and Steve Young play the September 4, Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University, they will then play a house concert for Bill on September 12. Those who hear them on the 4^th will definitely want more!

Jack and Barbara Fields, with the Texas Heritage Music Foundation, started having house concerts here several years ago. Shake Russell visited a Schreiner University class then played the gig. That was the beginning of another way of showcasing music in Kerrville. Kerrville House Concerts presents Shake Russell again with Beth Williams on October 5. Bill Ward will play November 23, and Tom Prasado-Rao on December 15. 

Can’t write about innovation without talking about Rod Kennedy. Now director of the Special Events Association for Tourism, Kennedy is bringing music into new venues. I attended the ice cream social for the car rally last Sunday and heard an exquisite jazz singer performing with her husband, Joel Dilley. Haven’t heard music like this in the National Museum of Western Art in a while. You can always count on Rod Kennedy for great taste in music.

Bett had many beautiful things to say about the relationship between performer and audience. Since she performs with her husband, who plays standup bass, she had noticed that learning and creating music together creates a space for the same kind of cooperative spirit to work in the personal relationship. He said, smiling shyly, that they share an intimacy on stage that makes this easy. She hailed “listening” as an important and crucial part of any communication. See www.bettbutler.com for more information. I invited her to participate in the October 2 Coffeehouse at Schreiner. 

I found out that Bett also writes about the jazz scene in San Antonio and began as a theatre major. Her interest in Billy Holiday shows in the way she is drawn to improvisation. Watching her standing alone, behind her keyboard, and singing, accompanied only by a bass, was a beautiful sight. She wove a musical tapestry together with her voice, hands, eyes and movement. I really loved “Blackbird, Bye Bye.”  

Kennedy is also producing a Jazz concert November 15-17, featuring Bett Butler on the Friday night  opening dinner at the YO Hotel. Remember John Adams Trio from the two jazz concerts the THMF held at the Point Theatre with the HCAF? That band that held us through the rain was the John Adams Trio. I’m thrilled to see them back in Kerrville.

Benny Pena is creating a unique venue, by the side of the Guadalupe River at the swimming pool. He has a Young Guns Concert Series, and the next featured performer is Owen Temple September 19. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. $10 cover charge.

Don’t forget that Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines will play the Literacy and Learning Concert, to be held at 3:00 p.m. in Dietert Auditorium on the Schreiner University campus. Proceeds will benefit Families and Literacy and the THMF scholarship fund.

The $15 ticktets are available at Wolfmueller’s Books and Records, The Java Pump, The Melody Corner, F&L, THMF,.5 K Laser, Mi Ranchito, and Schreiner University. She is also playing a Valentine’s Day special event that Rod is producing. More ways to bring people to town.

Enjoy some good music in our local scene as you celebrate Labor Day Weekend. The Kerrville Wine and Music Festival is the best deal in town! Head out there. Free Leonard and down the road (to Mexico again, for me)

Kathleen

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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