Tomorrow night, December 18, Michael Martin Murphy performs at the Cailloux Performing Arts Center. Rod Kennedy has been showcasing Michael and his Christmas show in Kerrville for four years. Michael has been doing a special Christmas show in many different places for many years. In fact, for some, this western Christmas has become a tradition. Rod reminded me, "I first showcased Michael when he was just out of high school at a show at Zilker Park in Austin. He was part of a group called Dallas County Outpatients Jug Band. Steve Fromholz was also part of that group." Kerrville Special Events Assocation, a non-profit tourism group, was founded by Rod Kennedy, former producer of the Kerrville Folk Festival, my musical stomping grounds.

Tickets, if any are left, will be available at the box office on the day of the event. Or you can call 792-7830 before and reserve tickets. Murphy's "Cowboy Christmas" is a reminder of deeper values associated with Christmas. Other events in Kerrville are also reminders, like Christmas in the Hills on December 19-20, at the Hill Country Arts Foundation.

I used to attend a pageant produced by North Richland Hills Baptist Church each Christmas. Our music director then, Paul Paschall, had also been my youth director when I was a teenager. This pageant grew from an evening in the church to a two-week production in the community, created by volunteers. Years after my youth in that church, I attended the pageant, watching one of my students play the part of Jesus. Yes, that is an important part of my memory of Christmas.

I almost decided not to put up the tree this year when a friend inspired me by putting it up for me. I was attending the Hill Country Opry and watching a soulful performace by Monte Montgomery. When I moved to Kerrville in 1985, I heard of Monte, a young man with great guitar prowess even then. He's 36 now, playing with a tight trio, and giving up music from his heart. Janice Kennemer has been listening to him longer than I have. She said, "He used to perform in a way that showed off all his talent. Now he seems to just be who he is, and the talent is even more evident!"

Of course, when she asked him during the break if he cared about fame and fortune, he said "Yes!" And she was sure he would say no. We laughed along with his mother, Maggie. She was sitting beside him as we all bought cd's and got them signed. I was disappointed not to hear the third and newest member of his trio on the cd, the bass player. Both cd's that I bought were duo's between the drummer (a bandmate for 12 years) and Monte. The bass player we heard Saturday night, December 6, was, indeed, a strong addition.

Playing to a packed house, Monte kept showing great appreciation for all the old friends who showed up. He has performed at festivals for thousands, but this intimate gathering at a venue that has a limit of 95, revealed even more about his music. And soulful is a good start at describing it. His guitar technique is unique in the world of guitar players. He does Hendrix and Stevie Ray, but he sounds like Monte. I told him later that I did actually feel his special relationship to his instrument (the guitar, not that specific guitar), and he nodded in understanding. The relationship defies words.

The music he played was pure rock and roll, often building to great heights only to crash at the feet of each listener. Some of the songs moved us all in the same way. We noticed this as we looked around when he finished. He sang a beautiful tribute to his mother at the end of the evening, acknowledging her for the guitar in his hands, the song in his heart and the love in his heart. That's how I heard it.

I was glad to remember that several times I had asked Monte to play for the incoming freshman class at Schreiner University, once at the YO Ranch during a rain storm. He stood, alone with his guitar, amidst the group of students, and played wonderful songs.

When I arrived home after the Monte show, I had lights and a tree. A good surprise. As I drove in from my Midway home, I saw a crowd of people at a new building on the access road to I-10. Then I discovered that the Mountain Home Opry was going to have a grand opening on New Year's Eve. They are open at noon Friday-Sunday for hamburgers. And Sunday is a day for a music jam. The new stage was adorned by red poinsettas and held a piano. Lots of white tables surrounded the stage with a small dance floor. Another venue within 30 minutes of Kerrville. Just head out I-10 until you take the 479 exit, heading west on the access road. Easy. Try the Sunday jam.

Last, let me take you back to the Opry for an evening with The McKay Brothers on December 19 and the Kinky Friedman Governor's Ball on December 20. Just spend the weekend. I showcased the McKay Brothers at Schreiner University about ten years ago on a program showcasing "creativity." Nolan played his white guitar behind his head, and Hollin held down the bass leads. Together, they were a great example of brothers. What fun. Gurf Morlix, producer of "Growl" by Ray Wylie Hubbard, also produced these guys. Joel Guzman is on the recording, playing accordion. Ian McLagan plays B3 organ.

The Kinky Friedman Governor's Ball is on Saturday. Not much else to say about this except to encourage you not to miss Kinky in his element. I'm off to Ft. Worth for Christmas on the 23rd. Mexico is the next destination, January 7-11, for a women's writing retreat (spaces available). Where will we spend New Year's Eve? I wonder. Happy Trails and down the road.