Back, once again, from San Miguel de Allende and preparing to go again to teach for Schreiner from May 13-29. I do have a home in another culture, and it, too, feels like home to me. I have always known that “I contain multitudes.” (Thanks, Whitman.)

  My experience of Easter in San Miguel rearranged cells in my body just like an experience of music can do. Sift through your memories and find that time when music transported you to another place, and you returned a different person. I feel that each time I go in and out of San Miguel de Allende. The THMF just might take another bus trip to the November Jazz Festival there. Paula D’Arcy and I are planning a workshop there next January, and Schreiner is planning a semester in San Miguel the summer of 2004. Looks like Kerrville has a real sister city down in the hill country of Guanajuato. San Miguel has soul and spirit. Does Kerrville?

  Of course, I think so. Resting here on the banks of the Guadalupe, Kerrville contains the stories and songs so important in an artistic community. We do not line the streets with shops of crafts, rather we nourish our spirit and soul in these hills, on this river. The Virgen Guadalupe has a prominent place in the San Miguel and the nearby Atotonilco, place of hot springs and the revolution. It was there Padre Hidalgo picked up the banner of the Virgen Guadalupe, the symbol of the revolution. You will have to travel with me to get the rest of the story!

  Music is always central to the spirit. Someday, I’ll find that wonderful Rilke poem on the power of music. For now, I’m going to share some of my information on the Kerrville music scene. Around the world, if you say Kerrville, someone asks about the Kerrville Folk Festival. Living here, you might not realize that. But traveling the world, I get the connection in all places. “Oh, Kerrville. What a special place.” People don’t even distinguish the music from the place. When people say “Kerrville,” they often mean the Folk Festival.

  After the founder, Rod Kennedy, retired last year and started a Special Events Organization, his friend and longtime assistant, Dalis Allen, took up the reins. This is the year to buy a ticket, whether you’ve ever wanted to go or not. This is the year to support the work of this woman in music. This is the year to experience the spirit of this event. The first thing you will see upon arriving at Quiet Valley Ranch, a mere ten miles south of Kerrville on Highway 16, is a sign that says, “Welcome Home.” Yep, that’s what it has become to the thousands who return year after year. Beginning on May 22 and ending on June 8, this event is the reason I’m in Kerrville, Texas.

  Our community loves Ruthie Foster and Terri Hendrix; they have played several times at Schreiner University. Both women are important chapters in my manuscript on women in Texas music. Both  women play, write and perform from the heart. Stephanie Urbina Jones, a new discover for me, plays at the Sundown Concert at the Threadgill Theatre on May 27. Ruthie follows Judy Collins on Saturday, May 31. Yes, that Judy Collins. The one I first heard singing my favorite song, “Suzanne,” written by Leonard Cohen. Now I’m listening to her album of Bob Dylan songs in my car every day. Sister Morales and Susan Gibson, both chapters in my book, play June 1, the day I’ll be in Ft. Worth celebrating my dad’s 80^th birthday. And there’s an entire week with event for teachers, June 2-6! Don’t miss any part of this festival, if possible. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com or call 1-800-435-8429 to use a credit card for tickets.

  As I look at the schedule, available at any mini mart in town, I see that now I have a personal story for about 75% of the performers. Guess that happens when you attend an event with this much heart and soul for over 30 years. 2003 is the 32^nd Annual Kerrville Folk Festival. I started coming the second year Rod did this, in the Kerrville auditorium.

  Don’t forget our other wonderful venues. Chili’s is creating a stellar lineup of Texas music. The Java Pump keeps the quality high. The Ol’ Waterin’ Hole books Texas music. All venues have websites now. Check them out. Free Leonard and down the road.   

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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