Just say "Floramay Holliday" three times. That is what first grabbed my attention, her name. I was walking through an exhibit hall in Austin at South by Southwest several years ago, and someone gave me a guitar pick, "plectrum," that said "Floramay Holliday." And they invited me to her showcase. I didn't go hear her play then.

Next encounter was at Jovita's after my booksigning in Austin. Jack Ortman and I went there for Mexican food and a quiet talk about books. As I left Jovita's, I noticed the striking blonde on stage, wearing a straw cowboy hat and singing some soulful country.

Listening to KFAN Radio (103.1 or 107.9) I heard that Floramay Holliday was playing the Watering Hole in Kerrville on June 29. I called her for an interview and found out she was playing the weekly Ladies Lynching League showcase at Luckenbach on Friday, June 28. Her warm invitation to the show included a glowing recommendation for Shelley King, also on the bill with her.

Nothing more Texas than an evening at Luckenbach with Maggie Montgomery on stage singing "Night Rider's Lament" or "Angel From Montgomery." After Maggie warmed up the stage, Floramay and Shelley took charge. We heard two distinct and striking voices singing the blues, wailing some country, and rocking the house. Distinct is the key term here. Both are soulful, sultry and even soothing at times. They each have another band that travels with them, and they are both playing together in a newly-formed all girls group called "Sis Deville."

Floramay is named after her grandmother, the first Miss South Carolina. She headed to Austin with her bag of songs about five years ago, searching for the gold in the music business. Her father was from Houston, and Austin was a household term and synonymous with "music." She found her tribe and made a CD, giving credit to the friendship and support of Clifford Antone. "He introduced me around and invited me to his club. I'm grateful for all the support he gave me."

I noticed that her songs are thoughtful and philosophical. She told me that one of my favorites, "Mystery," was her first song to write (at about 15). She sings of love and family and even her big red setter, Cody. Her CD reveals this same focus, with her own photo as an exhuberant young girls blowing on her toy trumpet (many poses) featured throughout the lyric sheet. Don't miss her website either: www.floramay.com.
I had first heard Shelley King at Old Settler's Reunion several years ago. I was stunned by her energy then. She is touring with a second CD now, and won best song of the year in Austin with "Call of My Heart." I first heard Toni Price sing that song with an edge of bluegrass at Camp Waldemar Rio Encantada Music Series. Shelley sings the blues version, except when Floramay harmonizes, the high lonesome becomes evident once again.

Saturday I headed into the Old Watering Hole, stopping at Arceneaux's for some shrimp. There I heard my favorite rock and roll band, Texas Wildfire. Nothing like classic rock and blues with the Guadalupe River, the blues sky and the green trees as a backdrop. Nothing better than a huge plate of food and some southern rock! Just ask Lydia Kahualapi, the new English Professor at Schreiner University. I was introducing her and her husband, Buddy, to some Kerrville culture.

Floramay Holliday and I met at the picnic table outside the Watering Hole (after I had strolled down to the Java Pump for a moment at the Saturday Songwriter's Circle), and we continued our talk. She loved her English class in school and always wrote poetry. I was thrilled to hear that! She is not only articulate, but she exudes the same positive attitude that she wants to convey with her music. She wants to make a difference, and she loves what she does.

We heard some sassy songs by a woman on her own and some songs that explored the nature of life. Hard to pull that off in a bar, but Floramay Holliday holds her own wherever she plays. Her second album will be out soon. Watch for it.

Mike Kasberg's R&B Review playa at Francisco's on Saturday, July 6 at 9:00p.m. Remember, the list of venues in the area is multiplying. I know you can get good barbecue and good music on Friday's at the Roddy Tree Ranch. And Faye told me that the jam on Wednesdays is going strong at the Elks Club, another place to dance too. Come at 7:00 p.m. and enjoy Ira and Michael. Haven't made Armadillo on the River yet in Comfort, but their website reveals quite the Texas lineup. Willie Nelson will be back in the area in August at Verizon Theatre in San Antonio. Stay tuned for the details or check his website. Our favorite Dixieland jazz band, the Bandaids, played a concert at the Point Theatre July 5 & 6. Dr. Bacon is certainly a favorite in this community. Sunday, July 7, Kim (Old Watering Hole) is holding a fundraiser for K'Star. Shelley King, Cosmic Dust Devils, Tim Steele and Geronimo Trevino are a few of the performers. Call me with your music news. (830-367-3750).  Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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