March is Women's History Month. As Jesse Breeden said, at the March 5 Coffeehouse, "When do we get white man's month?" That's a question my students often ask as we look at the calendar with months designated as a focus for many different groups. Then I have a conversation about "dominant" culture.

Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone rocked the Schreiner Cailloux Snack Bar on March 5, with some new songs, some old rhythms, and a lot of smiling. This duo is being hailed as the "new wave" of Texas songwriting talent. They are not short on performance, either. A packed house heard the rhythmic poetry of Sam Steist, an open mic consisting of many new poems and songs by students, and the deeply moving music of Ruthie and Cyd.

Ruthie and Cyd were headlining the Austin Music Awards on March 12, and showcasing their music during South by Southwest, the wildest assortment of music folks to gather in Texas at any one time! I'll have some stories about that week later! I plan on attending the Austin Music Awards, the tribute to the Cosmic Cowboy Revolution, the Willie Nelson show, The Lee Ann Womack performance, performances by Rosie Flores, Susan Gibson, Terri Hendrix (at the morning radio show at the Sheraton Hotel), Eliza Gilkyson, Sara Hickman, Abra Moore and more! Yes, the list is heavy with women because I'm writing a book on woman in Texas music.

Earlier on Wednesday, March 5, Ruthie and Cyd visited my technical communication class. Telling their stories in this class gave students many new ways to look at communication. "We are very aware of our presentation," Ruthie explained, "and we chose the cover of our new cd, RUNAWAY SOUL, to convey the atmosphere of the small Texas town where we had a photo shoot." Check out www.ruthiefoster.com. This website not only capture the flavor of their music, but also provides you with an opportunity to purchase her music.

Stephen Dyer will give a talk to this class on Wednesday, March 19. His story includes his vision to create educational presentations, to continue working on his series of adventure stories for children and to share his story with others.
The next coffeehouse on April 2, features Oliver Rajamani and the Schreiner International Club. Sam Steist will be the featured poet, and you don't want to miss this Wednesday evening of powerful stories and songs.

Add another venue to your March 29 calendar -- Seth Weatherford, Mark Jackson and friends at the Java Pump again. I've already raved about this music so just show up around 8:30 or so. The Old Settler's Reunion is ahead of us April 17-20 at the Salt Lick Pavilion at Camp Ben McCulloch. Yes, you guessed it. Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone will be performing, along with a stellar lineup that includes Shelley King, Slim Ritchey's Dream Band, Del McCoury Band, Patty Griffin, Peter Rowan and many, many more. Go to www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org for details. Call the hotline for tickets -- 512-370-4630. Expect a variety of activities, workshops, concerts, crafts, food and camping. Kids are welcome. I've attended this festival many times, always discovering some treasure of Texas music. And lots of great food!

Closer to home -- Comfort's Best in Texas Music Festival takes place from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. in the Comfort Park on April 12. The talent contest (heads up!) takes place at 10:00 a.m. with performances by Tracie Lynn, Josh Peek, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Django Walker, Sisters Morales and Cooder Graw. We could devote an entire column to each performer! See www.comfortmusic.com for more information. Advance tickets only $10 for the day.

In the mail: The tribute album to Waylon Jennings, produced by Dualtone Music Group, underlines the powerful and enduring influence of a legendary artist.
Due in the stores April 15, "Lonesome, On'ry and Mean" presents 15 impassioned reding of some of Waylon's famous and not so famous tunes. The album contains songs performed by Norah Jones (unusual?), Robert Earl Keen, Dave Alvin, Radney Foster, Nanci Griffith, Guy Clark, Alejandro Escovedo, Junior Brown, Carlene Carter, Henry Rollins, John Doe, Kris Kristofferson and John Doe. I've already had a listen, and the renditions are the perfect tribute to a man who's music and persona covered it all.

I have a stack of wonderful cd's to write about. And this column is short for me! Don't forget to send me your stories. Free Leonard and Happy Trails.

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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