After an exciting coffeehouse featuring Bett Butler and Joel Dilley along with some original music by Cindy Terry on Wednesday, October 2, I headed for Kansas on Friday. No, I wasn’t chasing music this time, only family. I got to attend the christening of Angel Marie Jones, my second granddaughter. Since my daughter was born on my birthday,  October 2, 1967, we have always celebrated our day of birth together. Now we have even more to celebrate in October. What a great weekend of family and love I experienced in Wichita, Kansas.

  The coffeehouse became a surprise birthday celebration for me, after some wonderful women brought cakes and tied balloons to all the chairs. I had spent the afternoon in my class with Bett, listening to her story about the power of music. Once again I was reminded that the story does enhance my appreciation for the entire performance.

  She told my students of her love for music and her willingness to listen to music she may not like in the hopes of discovering some that she does like. Her tastes are eclectic, and she advocated being true to yourself, no matter what you do in life. I was glad for my students to hear this! After all, this class studies Joseph Campbell, and his message is “Follow your bliss.”

   We were thrilled to hear all the students at open mike, and Cindy’s performance brought us some new songs. “I haven’t performed my own music solo before,” she said, smiling as she took up her guitar. I enjoyed watching the appreciation that was present in the room.

   On my way back from Kansas, I called a music scout I know, Janice Kennemer. She told me of the events I had missed in Kerrville. “I attended the dedication of the B.T.Wilson Sixth Grade School,” she explained. “We were all moved by the emotions expressed by friends, students and family members.” I first interviewed B.T. for a Sesquicentennial Program in Kerrville. He told me of his song “Chicky-mo” that Louis Jordan recorded. He told me of other musicians, and he told me stories of the Kerrville music scene. The Texas Heritage Music Foundation showcased him several times, once in 1995 at the Tribute to Jimmie Rodgers. Being in his presence was being in the presence of music. We were thrilled when Tony Young recorded our 1996 festival and suggested, “Let’s add a recording of B.T. Wilson playing piano and singing a song.” We added this to the recording, now an archival piece in the THMF office.

  On Sunday, October 6, BT. Wilson’s Jazz Friends joined together for the dedication of this school. Janice told me that Clifton Fifer paid him tribute, along with a group of musicians that included Dan Bacon, Jeff Ballard, Vern Hatch, Gary Hatch, Ted Connerly and John Maglioni. All but John had played with B.T. at one time. Wilson came to Kerrville in 1940 and established a school. Known for his dedication to education, he was always teaching and learning. Janice said about the afternoon, “It is so uplifting to go where these emotions are displayed.” I know what she means, and I wish I had been there. He is part of my own story in Kerrville.

  As is Red Steagall, who played our first Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fundraiser. Red was in town Saturday night, October 5, along with nine band members, to play another fundraiser. This time the recipient was the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theatre, the renovation of the Kerrville  Auditorium. Specifically the proceeds were to help fund an acoustical shell for the theatre, one that will enhance the sound coming from the stage.

  Again, I had to rely on a fellow road warrior for a report. Janice said Red not only gave the good Western music he is known for, but he also shared some of his poetry. I wish I had been there.

  This weekend is the farewell party for Rod Kennedy, now underway at the YO Ranch Hotel. Head up there and see what tickets are still available. The lineup is spectacular. Tonight, Saturday, October 12, Shawn Colvin is playing at the Rio Encatado Series at Camp Waldemar. Karen Wells and Band play a t Double D Beirgarten in Comfort at 8:30 October 12. She played at my booksigning in San Antonio in 2001, and her original songs are beautiful. October 18, Pauline Reese brings her honky tonk band to the Double D. Too many options? Hey, I also missed the Harvest Moon Dance at the Star last Saturday night. Yeah, too many options.

  Call me with your stories at 830-367-3750. Free Leonard and down the road. Flash! Tom Wells is bringing a film on Leonard Peltier to his Speak Truth to Power Series at the Cailloux Theatre on the Schreiner University campus at 7:00, October 22. See you there! 

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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