I've been to Chicago and back since last I wrote. First, I fell in love with this beautiful city as I watched the skyline light up at dusk from the top of the ferris wheel on the Navy Pier. I attended a national meeting of composition teachers talking about writing and how to teach writing. Steve Earle, played the Metro on Saturday night, and Bruce Iglauer, owner of Alligator Records based in Chicago, said, "You won't even be able to get in to the show. This is a real Steve Earle town." I was glad to hear that Chicago loved some of the same songwriters I've loved.

And now for some local news: Saturday, March 30, the Mike Kasberg Jazz group become an Rhythm and Blues quartet at Francisco's for some late night music. The line-up includes Van Cook and his son Tyler (remember Delta Blues?), Jeff Ballard on vocals and drums, and Denny Hardy on sax (not to be missed!). This free concert begins at 7:00 and extends until midnight. Don't miss this rare opportunity for R&B in Kerrville with some excellent musicians and singers.

On Wednesday, April 3, a new venue opens up. The Guadalupe River Club becomes a site for an evening with Adam Carroll, a young Texas songwriter making waves around the state. Beginning poolside at 6:30 p.m., this evening will provide yet another way to experience great stories and songs. Adam is known for his witty storytelling and country-folk blues hybrid. I know a former student of mine, Benny Pena, has a hand in this event. Benny toured with another Texas songwriter, Roger Creager, playing bass. He's pursuing his education now and working at The Vision Source. Tickets can be purchased at the Family Sports Center (thanks Brad for having the vision to do this), The Vision Source and The Java Pump (another venue for Texas music). Visit Adam's website at www.adamcarroll.com for more information.

Thursday, April 4, The Cary Swinny Trio will play at the Cabaret beginning at 9:00 p.m. Billed as "Lubbock's scariest songwriter," I first heard of Cary from Thomas, one of my students. He handed me a CD, saying, "This is great Texas music. Take a listen." Thomas and I are hoping to get Cary to Schreiner next year. I love music with an edge, and Cary does have that edge in both his writing and his music.

Saturday, April 6, the Hill Country Crisis Council will sponsor a trail ride and dance at the YO Ranch. I've attended this event, and it's a real Texas thing. The band will play a cross-section of good music. I just wish my remaining horse, Brownie, could handle the rocks on the YO Ranch. It is a tough trail ride, and I'm ready for one. Even without a knee.

That same afternoon Susan Bright will be leading a writing workshop out at the Hill Country Meditation and Sculpture Garden. I haven't heard of music at the event, but Tony Galluci (who plays music) will be reading at the 7:00 p.m. poetry reading, along with David Breeden, Lana Book, Chris Caldwell and others. The reading is open to the public. Come celebrate the poetry of the Hill Country-the music of language.

Another option on April 6 is to head to Fredericksburg to attend the CD release for Michael Fontenot's group, The Jung and the Restless. Fontenot practices medicine in Kerrville, and practices his music wherever he can.

In a conversation we had over coffee at the Java Pump, Michael conveyed his passion for music. "I took two years of classical guitar at the University of North Texas and completed a Masters degree at Yale. I was looking around for work-teaching and playing-and the opportunity did not open up. Medical school was looking for broad backgrounds in music, and I decided to go that way. I was also a pre-med major in school." He also did a stint in the Peace Corps. One of his influence's was composer Charles Ives, who said, "If you listen too closely to the notes, you might miss the music."

Fontenot's goal is to ultimately sell songs. He also enjoys performing with his young and exceptional band. His son, Andrew, plays bass, Rob Grote, another high school student, plays drums, Erin Jung is the amazing vocalist and Daniel Tiemann plays keyboard. The CD release will be held at TJ's in Fredericksburg with 20% of all proceeds (over charge of $5 and CD sales) will benefit The Boys and Girls Club of the Texas Hill Country. TJ's Deli is at the corner of Main and Adams. Call 830-990-0168 for information.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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