Last week I declared I'd be writing about Johnny Greenberg this week. My plans changed drastically when my daughter Lisa called me, saying, "Mother, I'm in labor now." So, I turned the car around and headed for Austin. I had the ultimate experience for a mother and grandmother; I experienced (with my nine year old granddaughter and my son) the birth of another granddaughter. I mean, I "experienced" the birth. Hospitals are so civilized now, not like when I was giving birth and being rolled into an operating room for delivery. This time we all shared a birthing room, we all shared the experience.
I could have attended the Townes Van Zandt birthday party at the Cactus Café on Thursday, March 7, but I was just too tired. Angel Marie was born at 3:17 p.m. on March 7 in Seton Hospital in Austin.
Leave it to grandma to make the music connection. Angel not only shares a birthday with Townes, but also one with Roxy Gordon. Saturday, March 16, I'll be in Coleman, Texas, home of Roxy, and have a booksigning with Rike Sikes, Sonny Throckmorton and John Beam followed by a Texas dance at Boot Scooters (owned by Travis Gray). I'm excited to have yet another significant story in my life about March 7. Roxy would love to know an angel was born on his birthday.

For those who do not follow the full underground story of Texas music, both Roxy and Townes are no longer with us. Townes left first, followed a year later by his blood brother, Roxy. Both men set the standard for living a creative life. Both men suffered for their sensitivity to the world.

I'm sure the Friday night gig at the Java Pump with Johnny "Gringo" and possibly Mike Blakely was a true Texas moment. Sorry I missed it. Sunday night, March 10, Flaco Jimenez celebrated his birthday with a huge party at the Farmer's Daughter in San Antonio. The guest list included Johnny Rodriguez, Augie Meyers, Shawn Sahm (Doug's son), Joe Ely, Ray Benson and more. The exciting announcement came when Flaco dedicated the proceeds from the party to the Hill Country Youth Ranch. He had played accordion on the original CD produced at the ranch that included poetry and songs by the children. He consulted with them on the purchase of some accordions. And, according to Carol Priour, "Flaco is such a generous and gentle spirit. He didn't want to have a birthday party just to celebrate his life. He wanted to make a difference with these kids. I really admire him."
I, too, have my Flaco stories. I missed the event, but I can almost write about it from what I know about these performers. I'm sure many a heartfelt moment was experienced on that Sunday night in San Antonio. I wish the party had started earlier in the day.

Michael Fontenot is having a CD release party at TJ's in Fredericksburg on April 6. I'll share the story of that CD, and the fascinating Renaissance man who wrote the songs, in a later column. Calling themselves The Jung and the Restless, this family group will be singing many inspirational songs from the new album, "Columbus Never Came." I was there when Michael declared that he was not only going to practice medicine (which he does in Kerrville), but he was also going to follow his bliss (and his previous training in classical music at Harvard) and play music.

Don't forget to celebrate Women's History Month in Texas on Wednesday, March 27, by attending the Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University. Held in the Cailloux Snack Bar from 7-9 p.m. and open to the public, this event will feature Karen Wells bringing her Native American heritage to her strong songs and Ruthie Foster, who excels in writing and performing blues, gospel, soul and other types of Texas music. Do not miss this special moment in Kerrville. Ruthie has quite a fan base in the area after playing main stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival. I first heard her at a Willie Nelson Picnic at Luckenbach.

I must pause for a moment of remembrance for Bob Slobod, the life partner of my dear friend and mentor, Jeanne. This couple have contributed in mighty ways to the creative spirit in Kerrville. His memorial will be Sunday afternoon, April 7, at the UU Meeting Hall.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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