On October 30 most of the local musicians gathered at the Downtowner to pay tribute to Cindy Terry, a woman who made a huge difference in our own music scene. Thanks to Greg Forest and The Music Office, we saw a video of Cindy singing a poignant song about time, death and memories. Some of the musicians in attendance were Greg Forest, Ronnie Leatherman, Louis Real, Jay Boy Adams, Debbie and Micky Rice, Greg Wall, Terry Penny, John Holt, John Woods, Tim Steele, Frankie Enloe, Turk, Paul Tennison, and more. Her older son, Jeremiah, was also in attendance. Kim came over from The Ol’Waterin’ Hole and all were sharing stories and songs. Debbie Rice told me, “Cindy was in town when I moved here. She was the only woman singing then. We became friends, and she inspired me.”

  I was moved to hear Mickey Rice sing, “Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away.” Death is a reminder to all of us that time is slipping away. And what are we doing with it now?

We heard Jay Boy sing a rendition of two of Cindy’s original songs, a moving performance by him. Dime a Dozen, the trio that included Cindy Terry, was often on stage with Jay Boy. They often shared the stage on Wednesday night at the Waring Steak Nite. Money raised from the sale of the cd’s and from a tribute to be announced will benefit the family and the expenses incurred. Call The Music Office at 896-0405 for information.

  Meyer Anderson is a group that appears regularly at the Inn Pub, the place for dancing away the night in this town. Both Craig Anderson and Tim Meyer are creative and interesting men. The band is close to releasing their own cd, another step on the music highway. They tour Texas and play many regular gigs. The evening at the Inn starts out with a set of country music, some originals and ends with rousing rock and roll. Every cowboy wants to rock, it seems. I recently heard them performing on a Tuesday night to a light crowd. Their rendition of “Pancho and Lefty,” a song by Townes Van Zandt, was excellent. I even got out on the empty floor to dance a little rock and roll with sister Carolyn. What fun. As we left the floor, I turned to her, laughing and asking,  “Did you ever think ‘at this age’ we would be dancing together?” Nuff said about that age thing.

   Sentimental Journey is booked for a New Year’s Eve dance at the Inn of the Hills. Venues and bands, send me your schedules. kat@maverickbbs.com I know that Mike Kasberg’s Jazz Quartet plays an early gig each Thursday at Francisco’s, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mike told me that the band starts out with traditional jazz and ends up with some hot jazz. Always good to have early gigs in a town this size. In fact, many more of us might go out if the gigs were early. Ha. More about that age thing.

  Hoping to be able to announce more house concerts, the perfect intimate setting for music. November 22, James McMurtry and Scott Miller return to John T. Floore Country Store to perform. James just keeps getting better, and Scott was a new discovery of mine at the Jack Ingram Americana Festival. Kevin McCormick plays the Turner Black Box Theatre that same evening, a bit closer to home. Casbeers, in San Antonio, showcases great Texas music, featuring a monthly performance by Earfood for a Sunday gospel brunch. Yes, Texas delivers music in many and varied ways. I still love to drive to the Taco Express, Sunday, on South Lamar in Austin, for the Harmonizers bringing some gospel and blues to the plate. In fact, often hard to make the choice. And sometimes I just want to stay home and play music on the stereo!

  Let me leave you with some cd news:  Dualtone released the final album of June Carter Cash on September 9. “Wildwood Flower” brings her full circle back to her roots. Rosanne Cash says, “This is more than a collection of songs…an autobiography, nearly cinematic in nature and completely comprehensive in the scope of June’s unique life.” If you enjoy class American folk music, this cd will excite you.

  Dualtone also released a cd called, “The Making of June Carter Cash Wildwood Flower Radio Special,” a compilation of interviews and music. This includes one of Johnny’s last interviews. The label is unique in its presentation of the cd, saying “It is with love that we present this to you.” Contact them at info@dualtone.com for a complete catalogue. I’ve discovered many interesting record labels in my research, labels that care about the artist and the music. Other great independent labels include Alligator (Genuine Houserocking Music), Sugar Hill (bluegrass and great songwriters) and Rounder (classic folk and blues). Texas itself has over 250 labels, many created for just one artist and just one cd. 

  Glad to see this publication featuring the many interesting stories alive in the Hill Country. Contact me with your music stories! kat@maverickbbs.com Free Leonard and down the road.