The Big Band Bash in Fredericksburg turned out to be the best concert in the Hill Country, bar none. I knew most of the musicians, I loved the music. I was still surprised at the way each years just gets better and better. Perhaps the fact that I danced for about an hour with a good dancer who had rhythm influenced my perceptions a bit. Perhaps the fact that I gave Jimmie Vaughan a copy of my book containing an interview with his brother Stevie influenced my perceptions. I was able to open the interview to the line where Stevie says, "I am looking forward to playing music with my brother Jimmie." Or maybe I enjoyed it even more because I was accompanied by sister Carolyn, still visiting heavily in the Hill Country.

Proceeds benefit music in the schools programs, music camps and even mentoring by some of these great performers. Jimmie Vaughan was a new face on the scene. He proudly took that microphone and delivered music that rocked and rolled. His rendition of "Flooding Down in Texas" brought "another blues player back home," and his delivery of his own song, "Six Strings Down," beginning with "Alpine Valley in the middle of the night," were the highlights of a spectacular evening. I loved dancing to "She's Tuff" and "Bad Intentions."

Danny Levin added wild and rhythmic fiddle as Ernie Durwawa kept beat on the drum…for each set. How many stages have seven horns gracing stage right? Al Gomez taking a trumpet lead is another reminder of the world of music in the room that night. Rocky Morales brought in sax leads that carried the world of his experience. Kaz Kazanoff once played music with Vince Ballestri, at Schreiner, doing a two-hour show on the life of Jack Kerouac. Spontaneous all the way. Dr. John Mills, director of UT jazz studies added another spectrum. And we had all the layers in between. Just the list of grammy winners associated with this event may be a record. I keep wanted to just gush this out on the page, because the evening affected me in a way to cause gushing. The best! Spectacular! Memorable! Not enough words to cover.

I have heard from many folks who attended and praise was high and heavy for this show. Marcia Ball always delivers. Cindy Cashdollar came down from her steel guitar corner and added dobro playing to a duet with Johnny Nicholas. Her work has shown up on a Bob Dylan album! And she's played with Dwight Yoakum, Willie Nelson, Rosie Flores, The Dixie Chicks, LeeAnn Womack and many more. What a woman.

Stephen Bruton, who produced Marcia's latest album on Alligator Records, purple blazer coordinating well with his music, added guitar riffs to each individual performance. And he sang a few of his own songs. I love watching him play!

Joe King Carrasco did end up standing in the middle of one round table, playing guitar and singing. His signature leap into the audience did not take place; he jumped off the stage and ran through the audience, all the time playing and singing. Carolyn loved getting those shots.

Floyd Domino, a veteran of this gig, has played with Asleep at the Wheel, Waylon Jennings, Townes Van Zandt and beyond. His stellar boogie-woogie piano has been heard on dozens of #1 radio hits. What a thrill to watch Marcia and Floyd share the piano during the grand finale.

The Mexican Roots Tio featured Sarah Fox, Joel Guzman and Max Baca. Sarah, stunning in black, began with "Malaguena Salerosa," a song I learned once on the piano and no longer play. Joel stretched the accordion out as Sarah sang. Got me ready for my Thanksgiving trip to Mexico.

I"ll be attending the annual International Jazz Festival in San Miguel de Allende for the sixth year. This festival features performers from around the world, with a focus on good jazz and a variety of styles. After the evening concert, performers show up at many of the great restaurants in town for some after-hours performing. Rattlesnake Annie will join me there. She is living in Spain, studying Flamenco, and writing songs, a perfect chapter in my book on women. I look forward to hearing her in San Miguel.

Ahead on December 18 is the 4th Annual Michael Martin Murphy Cowboy Christmas Concert produced by Rod Kennedy with the Special Events Association of Kerrville. All $50 seats are sold, but other good ones remain. Call 792-9830 to make reservations. The event takes place in the Kathleen Cailloux Performing Arts Center at 8:00 p.m. One of my favorite songs is "Wildfire," a song about a lost horse. My son Clayton loves this one as well. Murphy is also known for "Carolina in the Pines," "Geronimo's Cadillac," and hundreds of cowboy songs. Don't miss out on this special Christmas event, a tradition in the western world.

Free Leonard and down the road.