Soul Circus, a funk band from Austin, provided the perfect finale to the first Snow Ball Event sponsored and produced by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill County, some generous underwriters, and a group of volunteers. Showcasing the work of 37 local non-profits, the event is the first of its kind, a community effort to provide some additional funding for all the groups who chose to participate. I already anticipate a huge success next year. Like the program says, "We are your Community Foundation. For good. For ever."

The evening began with the music of a string band. After dinner and an auction Ridge Floyd played and sang with Kevin McCormick on guitar, Valene Klatt on Cello and Jennifer Kersey. Her soprano voice gave new meaning to one of my favorite folk songs, "The Water is Wide." I do have story about that one. It was the first song I learned to play on the guitar Camp El Tesoro in Grandbury, my summer camp experience for over ten years. Jennifer's delivery of the song quieted the full and overflowing room.
Soul Circus delivered some familiar songs with a distinctly unique style. I call it funk; it got everyone under the white tent in front of the Cailloux Student Center up and moving. The addition of sax leads to the stunning voice of both lead singers, delivered a wonderful evening of yet another aspect of Texas music. Don't think we're all about country. The variety in this community is enough to remind you otherwise.

I had visited Skooter's Roadhouse in Fredericksburg on Friday, January 25, to hear Delta Ryde, recommended by a friend and former student. Smooth blues! Roy Crawford was singing some real soul when I arrived about 10:00 p.m. He later told me that he'd been an RCA recording artist and lived up the road in Stonewall. "I just come in and sing with various groups," he explained. I though he'd been with the band for years!

I discovered that they play regular gigs in San Antonio, and John Ralston, the drummer, drives to all gigs from his home in Carrizo Springs. "I just love playing," he explained.
I got a call last week that said, "The ghost of Jimmie Rodgers will be playing at the Watering Hole on Friday night, February 1." I happened to recognize songwriter Mark Ambrose, who did, indeed, capture the imagination of the crowd paying homage to Rodgers years ago in September. His first CD is a tribute to the spirit of Texas music, and he's written some amazing songs. Tune in next week for that story.

Tonight, Saturday, February 2, the favorite sons of Bandera, Charlie and Bruce Robison, will be swapping songs at The Cabaret in Bandera. This is an evening of Texas songwriting not to be missed. These interesting brothers have very different careers, yet they've decided to tour together this year and really promote the writing. Both are local heroes as well as a accomplished recording stars. Ahead at the Cabaret is The Derailers on February 8, Clay Blaker on February 9, Billy Mata on February 16 and Asleep at the Wheel (only $20 advance) on February 23. Thanks Thurman for the great music!

I have many new CD's to talk about. I'll choose the new Tim Steele recording. I first heard him when Schreiner students wanted him to play the coffeehouse about four years ago. He helped create the Texas radio story on KFAN for several years, then this man of steel joined up with Part of the Problem. Recorded and mixed by Larry Nye in Kingsland, the list of players is a who's who in Texas music. The late Champ Hood (Uncle Walt's Band) plays fiddle and mandolin, Paul Pearcy on percussion, Eddie Cantu on drums, Donnie "Walk the Dog" Price on bass, Lloyed Maines on pedal steel and dobro, Larry Nye on lead guitar, Steve Edwards (formerly heard here with Jimmie Rodger's grandson, Jimmie Dale Court) on accordion and organ, Joe Forlini, Michael O'Connnor, John Greenbert, Brent Malkus, Mike Blakely, Rusty Weir and more and more. How did Tim round up a crew like this? Guess I better ask.

He thanks Kim (Watering Hole owner) for showing him what love is, and that list also includes KFAN, Luckenbach, Lady Jane Grey, Dime a Dozen and….well the list is long. This bit of local color is a must for any collector. He can be reached at www.timsteelemusic.com.  Check out the variety of music styles on the collection. Check out the good songwriting.

Don't forget the usual great lineup at the San Antonio Rodeo, including Ramon Ayala, Leeann Womack, Clay Walker, Martina McBride and many more. Don't forget the music around St. Valentine's Day. Can't celebrate love without good music. Don't forget that Bob Dylan plays the Frank Irwin Center in Austin on February 24. I'll be there.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com
www.texasheritagemusic.org

Click here to return to the previous page