Head up to Fredericksburg today, November 9, for a spectacular concert hosted by Johnny Nicholas and held at the Gillespie Fair Grounds, proceeds benefiting music in education. Johnny has dedicated the concert to the memory of his son, Rio, who died in a tragic accident at school. Many of my favorites will be there: Marcia Ball, Cindy Cashdollar, Floyd Domino, Rocky Morales, Stephen Bruton (ah!) and, of course, Johnny. I mean it, folks, this is a great event!

I have lots of ranting and raving to do in this column. I spent an afternoon having tea with Les and Nella Harrison. We played bones, told stories and drank tea. His British heritage shines, and his stories shine. Looking forward to having him in my mythology class, along with having a story from Nella. What a treasure in this community!

On the first Friday, November 1, I attended the monthly drumming at the Unity Church. Led by Rita DeShields, this heartbeat of the earth soothed my soul on a cool rainy evening. Show up next month, guests are welcome. The Episcopal Church also hosts a drumming at the Labyrinth one Friday a month. Call them for details.

I missed a wonderful concert by Justin Harper and Texas Attitude at the Double D on Friday. Jim, producer, tells me that Justin’s dad sang with him, his band came from Florida and Colorado, and his next CD will be out in January. An appreciative group of friends gathering in the dark mist to hear the music—country, rock and blues.  I have the joy of having Justin in my technical writing class. Only good reports about this concert! Sorry I missed it.

Saturday morning I headed to Austin for some more drumming. This time at the Austin ISD Pow Wow. The voice of John Trudell, humanitarian and activist poet, was calling me. He performed at 4:00. A dedicated group of about 30 of us stood out in the rain to be part of his invitation to feel and think. Joined by his band, Bad Dog, he gave a riveting performance of words that matter. One a leader in the American Indian Movement, Trudell has made a difference wherever he performs. He was also in town to speak at UT before a showing of the film Thunderheart, a film that shows some of his own concerns about NativeAmerican life and perspective. I did get to say hello during the sound check. I first heard him at Rod Kennedy’s show called Festival of the Eagle. He and Quiltman made quite a statement.

On this day I heard him say, “My heart doesn’t hurt anymore, but my soul does. Maybe that’s what the soul is for/ To take the hurt a heart can’t take.” Joined by Mark Shark on guitar and Rick Eckstein on drums, this group provoked young men to squat in front of the stage, rain running off their hats, entranced. The words and music evoked dancing and trancing. Some just stared inward. All the while, the light rain fell. I am glad I was there!

Then we headed up to Central Market for an early evening with Oliver Ragamani. I’ll have to devote an entire column to his talent, spirit and vision.  

Sunday, another gray and wet day, we headed for Comfort. I had heard of Armidillo on the Creek from my road warrior friend, Janice, and from Jim at Double D. What a great venue! Usually billed as Sunday picking on the porch, the event took place inside this renovated bowling alley. Owner, Judy and Rick Smith, have created a spot for music, fellowship and food. And, you can still bowl a line or two. Built in 1860, the building exudes stories and songs of other days. (www.PickinOnThePorch.com)

I heard Stephanie Urbino Jones for the first time. The synchronicity of it all includes the fact that her guitar player was Florin Sanchez, the first scholarship recipient of the THMF. Just off a recording session for a Christmas album, she entered the room warm and enthusiastic. “I didn’t think I had time to do this project, but the doors kept opening, and I realized that I’d better follow the calling.” She says things like that, “I know spirit is leading me in this direction.” Her strong faith, her deep sense of who she is, her willingness to be present were moving and inspiring to me. I, too, have a strong listening for “spirit.” We both spent time in San Miguel de Allende, and she weaves her own Mexican heritage into her music. I had a brief conversation with her between sets (Yes, she’ll be in my next book on women in Texas music), and her Uncle Rudy filled me in on even more background. I was impressed!

Stephanie spent years in Nashville as a staff writer for Sony, came back to her roots (San Antonio and Fredericksburg) to perform and chose to take huge risks to live her dream. I commented on her beautiful press kit, and she shyly answered, “Thanks. You know how it is with independent artists. I did that myself.” I’ll be using it in my technical writing class as an example of how to communicate! The choice of a red flower, opening into its black center, spoke to me about the passion in her music and in her voice. She is an excellent writer, singer and performer. What else is there? Oh, yes, the business. She’s a professional there, as well. Visit www.Stephaniejones.net to order her debut CD. Oh yes, Rudy, her uncle and promoter, said she is also the first woman to break into the top five place on the Texas Music Chart (Shane Media). I can’t pick a favorite, but I love “God Loves It When We Dance,” (a Billy Joe Shaver connection), “Train of Thought,” and “I Am Home.” Hey, I love them all…and the stories that accompany the songs. Don’t miss this woman next time around. She shows up in the area because she loves Texas!

You’ll have to read my book for the rest of the story. Looking ahead, put November 10 at the Armadillo with Mark Monaco and David Varnell, John Arthur Martinez on November 17; put November 21 on the calendar for the next Symphony of the Hills Concert at Schreiner; and mark November 30 for the Farm Club Christmas Ball. Ake wancinyankin ktelo and Free Leonard (November is Native American Heritage Month)

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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