As I enjoyed the International Jazz Festival in San Miguel de Allende, a group of fortunate people were enjoying the second appearance of Stephanie Urbina Jones, a diva in the Texas music scene, at the Hill Country Opry. Now housed in a permanent home on Sidney Baker between The Sunday House and McDonald's, this venue has a slate of Texas artists that will rival any venue. Ray Wylie Hubbard played to a sold out audience. I had to catch that great story from my sister since I was out of town then. She discovered the magic of Ray that night; I had known of it for over 20 years. Now we share that story.

I did enjoy a quiet evening with Brian Young and Ronnie Leatherman, two local favorites. In fact, Janice Kennemer told me the story that "once," all the women in town wanted a "Ronnie" doll, due to his unbearable sweetness. Yep, I really like Ronnie too! This duo sang a set of great covers, including some Dylan. Yep, I liked that.

Ahead in December is a show with another hometown favorite who has gone into the big lights, Monte Montgomery. Since the venue is small, this is a chance for up close and personal with artists who also play for thousands. Now that's a treat for Kerrville. Shake and Dana return December 12. Ben Beckendorf plays December 13. Expect some good blues. I love Noel and Hollin McKay. Sporting a new Cd produced by Gurf Morlix, who also produced Ray's last Cd, "Growl," the McKay Brothers will being an excellent show to the venue on December 19. And our own Kinky Friedman will hold his Governor's Ball there on December 20. Take a rest over Christmas and join Ponty Bone on December 27. Guess we music lovers could just move in at the Hill Country Opry!  Tickets are available at the Family Sports Center, Main Liquor Store and they sell out quickly. Check www.hillcountryopry.com for details.

Last December Jack and Barbara Fields, Kerrville House Concerts, presented Tom Prasada-Rao. He returns to play this same venue on December 14 this year. "We may be starting a new holiday tradition. This is his fourth Christmas show with us," Jack explained. Tom, and his litany of awards beginning with winning the Kerrville New Folk Contest in 1993, brings an eclectic show that includes songs both personal and topical. Born in Ethiopa of Indian parents, Tom has become an ambassador for good will and good music. He always delivers a great show. Tim Steele opens at 6:30. Bring a dish for the pot-luck dinner and $10 for the performer to 1025 High Pointe Dr. above the Shalako subdivision. Call 367-5709 to make reservations. This too shall sell out.

I attended my first performance of the Hill Country Symphony thanks to the insistant invitation of Laran Snyder, a Schreiner student who has become the emcee for the coffeehouse series this year. After the invitation, I discovered that the concert was dedicated to "Rising Stars." Now that is right up my alley.

I entered the Kathleen Cailloux Performance Theatre early and found the house packed already. And I was thrilled to see two of my fellow professors on stage, David Byrne (violin) and Charlotte Marrow (harp), along with several students. My own work-study, Kristen Jetton, was on the back row, playing French Horn. Erin Tate, a student who studied with me in Mexico last May, was elegant holding her violin.

I couldn't help but notice the ambiance in the theatre and the warm glow of the wooden instruments amongst the black and white formal attire. A visual delight. This symphony is a real tribute to community as this group, including performers from San Antonio, delivers classical music in this elegant setting.

The tribute on Sunday, November 23, to Cindy Terry was a huge success. I heard Shelley King sing her songs acoustic; I heard Barbara of Cosmic Dust Devils sing out her rock and roll heart; I heard Greg Forest and the Texas Tune Stranglers play some music new to me! Tom Robinson on sax was a delight, and my old high school friend, Gary Wimmer, also played in this band. Monte Montgomery was slated to play, along with many others. I had a rare symptom, a stomach ache, and had to leave early. Janice and Tony told me the show kept on being great.

School is out December 9. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Dr. David Pillow for giving me a huge gift, a cabin to use for my writing. I had it delivered last Saturday, and I'm excited about having a sacred and special place in which to write. Thanks Dad!

I'll be teaching creative writing at Schreiner next semester. The class, running from 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, is open to the public for auditing. Call Schreiner and talk to the registrar, Darlene Bannister. Might be fun to mix up these ages.

Rod Kennedy and The Special Events Organization are bringing Michael Martin Murphy to the Cailloux Performing Arts Center on December 18. Rod's black and white brochure is, itself, a work of art. He promotes the venue as well as the production. Billed as "A family Christmas celebration in a setting of western art with wine and beverage service," the ticket prices range from $30-$50. And it will sell out the moment the ads run in San Antonio. Call 830-792-9830 for tickets, available only by phone or mail order. Kennedy is also starting a series at 1550 Art Gallery that features pianists (like David Webb and Floyd Domino) performing the songs of classic American composers. Now that's a special series, fitting from the huge imagination of Rod Kennedy.

Free Leonard and down the road.