As the 31st Kerrville Folk Festival comes to completion with the traditional sing-along of "Heal in the Wisdom," on Sunday, June 9, I will be part of another ceremony in San Miguel de Allende, my wedding. Bobby Bridger, the performer who wrote "Heal in the Wisdom" years ago, will also be present on Sunday, along with veteran performer Allen Damron. This year the grand finale takes on even more significance as we see the need for healing and the need for wisdom all around us in the world.

I've had many healing experiences at the Kerrville Folk Festival. This particular gathering is unique in the love and transformation that are present in the face of the music. Generosity abounds as campers, camped absolutely one inch from the next person, create a community and culture all their own.

Even the highlights of my own folk festival experience take far more room than this column allows. I attended the tribute to songwriters last Saturday afternoon, showcasing Karen Abrahams, Bill Ward and Michael Fracasso. I picked up Michael's new album, produced by Charlie Sexton (who is playing guitar in Bob Dylan's band) because I heard that edge in the music that I do so love. Bill Ward opened with a nostalgic song about seeing cowboys in Dallas, but not from the 22nd floor. And Karen Abrahams rocked, even in her role as a solo performer.
I had to say that because as we talked later, she said, "The one thing I hear a lot is that 'Karen rocks.'" I see a woman on stage totally present to the moment, no focus on creating any persona, just a woman real and ready on stage. She had two children and experience divorce before the age of twenty, and her performance reflects a woman complete and wise.

We talked afterwards for my next book on woman, and she continues to play in spite of the fact that the music business is not exactly kind to older women. Karen has carved out her own niche, playing in a big blues band and opening for Johnny Winter at one time, I first heard her at Old Settler's Reunion this year, with her rocking band.

I heard Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox in Aztec on Friday night. When I talked to Sarah later, I got a glowing story of a woman who creates music with her life's partner, Joel. I was present to strength.

Greg Forest has the contract to video and document the Kerrville Folk Festival, and Kevin was working at a backstage interview spot when he offered, "Why don't you just join in with us here and ask the questions you need? Then we won't be doubling up on our interviews." Once again, generosity of spirit.

As I enjoyed the festival, the full moon, the great food, the wonderful weather, I took many opportunities to talk with the women. I heard many stories of strength, love and relatedness.

Tish Hinojosa didn't disappoint any of her fans as she played through a set of her lyrical music. We talked afterwards and confirmed her appearance on the Schreiner campus on Sunday, September 29, for a fundraiser for Families and Literacy and the Wayne Kennemer scholarship fund for the Texas Heritage Music Foundation. Seating limited, better get the tickets early. She said, "My parents took me to the library every two week. I check out six books each time. They did not have an education and knew that reading was very important. I've always been a reader." I've always enjoyed knowing that Octavio Paz and Sor Juana de la Cruz were influences on the writing of Tish Hinojosa, a woman willing to make a stand. Her encore included a song for the journey, a song conveying the importance of healing and forgiveness.

Other highlights of my time at the festival include the Tuesday evening show with Ruthie Foster, Cyd Cassone and three other women. "Get ready for some estrogen," Ruthie said, beaming, as the show began. I think this may have been one of the top five performances of any kind that I've ever seen in my life! Again, these women were fully present on stage. No one was hiding out.
I had talked with Ruthie and Cyd earlier in the day, and I saw that my own appreciation of the performance was enhanced by the stories I had heard. These two women are not just trying to sell music, they want to write and perform their own hearts out for us. I like that!

I loved hearing Jay Boy Adams, a performer living close by, rock out with his friend Leroy Parnell. Dime a Dozen (Greg, Cindy and Ronnie) backed them up, a stage full of good vibes. I loved hearing the Irish music of Clandestine for the first time and hearing a Bodhran solo (Irish drum) for the first time. I loved introducing this to Daria, a Czech student who is heading to York, England, for graduate school.

I joined Peter Yarrow and a host of his friends on stage during one of his traditional sing-alongs. We sang, with tears streaming, "We shall overcome." He also hosted the concert last Sunday of New Folk winners, saying that Peter, Paul and Mary include many of these songs in their own new recordings. For the first time, I heard Aengus Finnan, a Canadian songwriter born in Ireland. Another moving moment, as we heard a song that came as a "gift" to him when he was looking at headstones in a cemetery. Look forward to Aengus visiting Schreiner next January. Check out www.sheltervalley.com for more information on him. I can't say enough here.

Sunday, June 9, the Sunday series begins with the Alamo Jazz Band in Louise Hays Park. Sponsored by Bank of the Hills, this gives us another opportunity to come together as a community and share music. (Remember, I'll be getting married in San Miguel on that day!)

Chili's is showcasing music again. See the Thursday listing in the Kerrville Daily Times for all the varied opportunities to hear music here. New restaurants often bring new venues for music. Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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