New Year’s Eve and we’re celebrating together. Not sure where I’ll be, but with a trip to Mexico ahead on January 5, I’m sure I’m close to town here. Willie plays The Backyard in Austin on January 3. That might be my first big concert in 2004. I’m planning on tracking down his favorite band, Los Lonely Boys, to hear in 2004. I caught a brief moment with them at the July 4^th Picnic this year, and their CD gets better each time I listen to it, and I loved it the first time.

  Worth celebrating in 2003 is the publication of The Handbook of Texas Music, produced by the Texas State Historical Association in cooperation with the Center for Studies in Texas History at The University of Texas at Austin. Edited by Roy Barkley, Douglas Barnett, Cathy Brigham, Gary Hartman, Casey Monahan, Dave Oliphant and George Ward, this handbook makes it possible to look at the great diversity of musical developments from the state all in one place. Featuring fabulous illustrations, this handbook also serves as a beautiful visual history of music from the state. I’m not sure why some things were included and others left out. Is is not definitive or “complete,” but it is a beginning for an entire series of books. And Texas music is a worthy subject.

  As I look back at the year, I realize that my commitment to research on women in Texas music has led me down some new roads of understanding. As I look back and remember, I am also looking ahead in anticipation. One day I hope to be traveling around Texas with my tape recorder and camera, documenting the local music that shows up in small towns across Texas.

  Tonight, on the access road to I-10 at exit 27, about 21 miles west of Kerrville, the Mountain Home Opry is having its grand opening. Featuring country music, the authentic kind that people like Frank Taylor and David LeStourgeon play, this new venue will be open Friday-Sunday, with an afternoon jam on Sundays. Fritz Morquecho has already added his accordion into that mix. Expect to hear great renditions of classic country songs.  If tonight is sold out, then head out on a Sunday.

  The Don Strange Ranch is having a gala complete with the signature great food and many of the musicians that have appeared at the Wednesday night steak night in Waring. Each club in the area has a base family and a distinct atmosphere. Dance away the evening with Sentimental Orchestra at the new conference center at the Inn of the Hills. Or dance away the evening on the small wooden floor at the Ol’ Waterin’ Hole. At time of writing this, I have not made up my mind.

  Some new CD’s have shown up in the mail. Slaid Cleaves, whom I first heard at the Kerrville Folk Festival, is now being described in the New York Times as, One of the finest singer-songwriters in Texas.” Recorded on Philo and distribute by Rounder Records, the CD, “Wishbones” is a worthy follow-up to his career break-out album, “Broke Down.” His voice, his lyrics, his performance are imbued with  the confidence and maturity that evolved from four years on the road.  I loved Slaid the moment I first heard him sing at Kerrville. “Wishbones” will be released on March 4.

  The song titles tell a lot:  “Wishbones,” “Road Too Long,” Drinkin’ Days,” “Sinner’s Prayer,” Tiger Tom Dixon’s Blues,” “Below,” “Quick as Dreams,” “Horses,” “Hearts Break,” “Borderline,” and “New Year’s Day.” If that sounds like a collection of short stories, you have the flavor. Slaid is a storyteller. He did not originate in Texas, but I’m glad to see that he’s connected through his stories and styles.

   I missed the final weekend at the Hill Country Opry and the Kinky Governor’s Ball due to illness. I guess I tempted fate as I insisted on kissing the sick granddaughters in Kansas. “I have such a great immune system,” were the words echoing in my ears as I went down for three days with an upper respiratory virus. The experience was worth price I paid, and I’d do it again. I heard rumors about the show. Glad Little Jewford showed up. I did enjoy watching the DVD on Kinky, one that I purchased at Wolfmueller’s Books and Records. The Wolfmuellers have quite a collection of music books on a shelf in the middle of the store. Steve Earle, Kinky (of course), my own book, and many more.

  Been thinking it’s about time I headed out the Bandera Highway to The Lopez Club on a Saturday night. It’s been a long time since I practiced my Cumbia, and I love the music there. Family-owned, this club provides a gathering place each week for people who share a love for the culture of Mexico. I certainly fit it.

  As I finish this column, Slaid’s song “Sinner’s Prayer,” reminds me that I am fortunate to be able to say “No Regrets,” and that could be a song title. Might be. I’m thankful for 2003 and excited about 2004. I’ll be leading a workshop for women and writing in San Miguel de Allende January 7-11. Call me now for a space. Happy Trails and down the road.