Since I love words, I had to explore the origin of "Fais Do Do," the name of a party I attended at Luckenbach, Texas, last Saturday. I knew enough French to recognize the verb "faire" (to make) as part of the phrase. Johnny Nicholas said, "In Southern Louisiana when you thrown down a party you fais do do." And what a party we had.

First, the buffet. We lined up outside the dance hall, plates in hand, for generous servings of pork and ancho sauce, gumbo, dirty rice and salad. The weather was nippy outside on this February night, but the dance hall gave us a warm spot to gather and eat. Masks and beads adorned each wooden table, reminding us that Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, was upon us. By the time you read this, Lent has begun, that time of giving up something. Raised protestant, I had lots of questions about the significance of the "party" before Lent.

Johnny and the Texas All Star took the stage at about 8:30. Laissez le bontemps roulez (Let the good times roll.). Ils sont partis (off and running). That French I studied in graduate school comes in handy. The All Stars consist of a group Johnny first gathered for his annual fundraiser in November for the Fredericksburg High School music program. Ernie Durwawa holds the rhythm on drum, Jack Barber on bass accompanies Floyd Domino on keyboards, Kaz Kazanoff and John Mills carrying the sax leads and Johnny, of course, of guitar and vocals. Each of these musicians has a long history in Texas music. The next Fredericksburg event in Saturday, November 16. Put that on your calendar now!

I had to dance a bit. In fact, left my blue beaded earring on the wooden dance floor somewhere. The evening was poignant for me as I carried the memory of Rio, Johnny's son who tragically died while attending college in Colorado. This loss was fresh for all of us. Johnny told me, "I played for the first time last night in San Antonio. I was glad to know that the music can still carry me. What a great night we had. I'm hurting, but the music can provide some comfort."

My heart went out to him as the dance floor filled on each song, and he knew that the music he makes does entertain and make people feel good. Thanks, Johnny, for bringing your music and your life to the Hill Country. His café, Hill Top, on the Mason Highway out of Fredericksburg has been a Hill Country treasure for a long time.

The song list took me down memory lane: "Let the Good Times Roll," "Jambalaya," "What Am I Living For?" "Route 66," and "Heartache Number One" were some of my favorites. Nothing like Floyd Domino taking the ivory lead on "Route 66."

Sunday morning in attended Calvary Church in Kerrville. I knew Del Way had about 14 Christian music CD's out in the world, I'd heard his radio show in the past. This church begins with a program of praise through music. The women in red suits stood before a realistic Hill Country backdrop showing sheep wandering up to a wooden cross. Music as praise and worship takes me back to the story of David in Psalms. In fact, as a kid I found Psalms (songs) to be my favorite book in the Bible. That was before I knew I'd be documenting music in all forms in our Texas heritage.

I have a great collection of Texas songwriters on a CD released on the Sugar Hill Label. I"ll save that story for the next column. Texas Wildfire, a classic rock 'n' roll band, practices at the Buckin' Chute in Center Point about two Sundays a month. Call and get their next appearance if you want good rockin' blues.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com
www.texasheritagemusic.org

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