Vinyl records were stacked in groups of threes with small candles glued on each level. Everything was black and white. Wooden cut-outs of musicians adorned the front of the stage, painted black and white. The decorations for the 5^th annual Big Band Bash in Fredericksburg were stunning, but the array of musicians who joined up on the stage Saturday, November 9, at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds carried hundreds of years of music history, each musician a Texas treasure!

  Dr. Charlie Gray, music aficionado, had saved us two seats at a table close to the stage. I could reach out and touch the wooden figures; I could watch the eyes of Stephen Bruton as he intently followed Joe King Carrasco’s moves. I could see Rocky Morales take up his sax at just the right moment, responding to a faint nod from Stephen. Cindy Cashdollar, decked in pink and black, played steel for the “big band,” 7 horn players sat stage right, Floyd Domino and Marcia Ball rounded out the keyboard row at stage left. Ernie Durwawa held the beat for each performance, and Bill Campbell held the bass. Al Gomez played his classic trumpet solo. Stephen Bruton sang my favorite, “Big Top Hat.” I had to dance and dance I did. What a show this year!

  Dr. Gray told me that he missed the energy of the student performers who had played in the auditorium at the Bash for the last 4 years. I found the show, which ran from 8-midnight, to be a true houserocking roadhouse of Texas music. Johnny announced that he’d get the kids back on next year. After all, funds raised at the event go into a new foundation that supports music and education, The Fredericksburg Youth Music and Theatre Arts Foundation. They give a $1000 scholarship in Rio’s name each year. See www.rionicholas.com for information.

  Since I bear the middle name of “eclectic,” the lineup thrilled me! Imagine hearing Johnny Nicholas, then Stephen Bruton, then a trio consisting of Joel Guzman, Sara Fox and Max Baca doing traditional music from Mexico. Then Johnny Bush takes the stage and croons his classics. I may be the only person in the audience who had not heard Johnny, the man who penned “Whiskey River.” A beautiful spirit was present in the room.

  Dedicated to Johnny’s son, Rio, the show became significant with memory. I know Johnny’s last song, “Before I Grow Too Old” was full of Rio’s memory, I could feel it.

  The evening ended, after a raucous performance by Joe King Carrasco and after the soulful performance of the Mexico Roots Rio, with a version of “All Night Long” that gave every band member a solo. I can’t say enough good about this well-produced evening of spectacular talent. Texas music is a rich mine, and the gold showed up in Fredericksburg last Saturday night.

  My plans for next year include a new project:  let’s charter a bus and head to Fredericksburg on November 8. If you want to be on this ride for the best show in the Hill Country, call me soon at 367-3750. We’ll just fill it up now! Ask Charlie Gray for his testimony!

  Another kudo goes to the person or group who put together the program. It stands as a contribution to music history, including bios, photos and credits. Reads like a “who’s who” in the field.

  After a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the country, I drove to Boerne to hear Kathryn Dawn and Wave at Java Jazz. This perfectly matched duo of guitar and conga contribute to the history of women in Texas music. Her voice rocks out, and the percussion is a perfect compliment to the songwriting ability of Kathryn.

  Kathryn is also producing a show at Double D in Comfort, showcasing musicians “on the verge.” For only a $10 ticket price, you can see six acts throughout the evening, on the verge. Contact Double D for more information.

  The Farm Country Club is also showcasing some significant women at the annual Country Christmas Ball on November 30. The Almost Patsy Cline Band consists of Vicki Gillespie (a woman who always remembers my birthday) and Lannette Pennell. Purchase tickets before November 20 to enjoy the prime rib, pork tenderloin, unique Christmas decorations (Did I say bears?) and, of course, dancing. Call 830-589-2276 for reservations.

   I’m heading to Mexico for my traditional Thanksgiving meal south of the border. November 21 is the next concert for Symphony of the Hills, held at Dietert Auditorium on the Schreiner University campus. Jay Dunnahoo is directing.

  Bill Ward is returning to the area for the first meeting of the Kerrville Songwriters Group (KSG) on November 20. Call Sara Mayor for directions to her stunning log house in the woods close to town. Check out the website, www.ksg.org Ward also plays a house concert for Jack and Barbara Fields (Kerrville House Concerts) on November 23.

  Free Leonard and down the road. Remember, I heard John Trudell at the Austin Pow Wow. Mark “Standing Eagle” Baez will be a guest on the Schreiner campus Tuesday, November 26, from 10:50-noon. Join us in the quad.

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

Click here to return to the previous page