When Johnny Rodriguez sang "Cuando Caliente El Sol" at the house of Randy Willis in Austin, Texas, I sat on the stairs close by, feeling that for that one song all my experience in life and in music came together in one radiant point. I was sharing the moment with Carolyn, my sister, and I knew she was having fun meeting people who make music and understanding the spark that each person carried. We were in a room that honored Darrell Royal. Sonny Throckmorton hosted the event, an Austin cable channel filmed, and some of the stars of Texas music lined up to sing their songs. We heard a set by Sonny Throckmorton and Bruce Channel ("Hey Baby"), followed by a short set by 15 year old Kimarie. My sister has reserved us a room in Austin on October 31, just to hear Kimarie at Randy's club, Roper's.

As Carolyn took photos and short video clips, I shared stories with old friends. Freddy and Catherine Powers were there, a couple to envy for their great love. Freddy has a long-awaited album coming out, one produced by his long-time friend and partner, Merle Haggard.

I saw a woman who has long been described as "someone I look like," Karen Brooks. When she finally took the chair at the front of the room, I heard a passionate performance of some tough songs, songs that I liked along with the delivery. Yep, I'm a new Karen Brooks fan. She now lives in Nashville.

Rodriquez, along with all the other performers, paid public homage to Darrell Royal, saying, "I love you, coach." Darrell replied, "I love you Johnny." Now that's an intimate aspect of a house concert, authentic sharing.

After a full day of teaching on Thursday, we headed out to John T. Floore Country Store for the Willie Nelson concert. What an evening. I decided not to be tired and pushed my way to the middle of the crowded concrete dance floor. Willie sang the litany of his classics, traded hats many times, truly looked joyful playing his music, gave sister Bobbie her leads on piano, and delivered songs from his newest albums, as well. The huge screen on the side revealed close-ups of the lines on his face as well as his guitar, his fingers picking the nylon strings on Trigger. I stood in front of the big screen, next to a speaker and close to the stage. Another moment for me when all my experiences in music and life came together in one moment. Willie does indeed travel with a family and gather a family at every venue. Floore's in Helotes seems to be special.

Friday we headed to the Inn of The Hills for an evening with Meyer Anderson (Craig Meyer and Ted Anderson). They began by singing county, sprinkle in the originals and end with blazing rock and roll. We all danced, and we all loved the evening. What a party.

The PIP workshop on Saturday gave sister Carolyn and me a chance to study ourselves through the story "Growing Woman." I then headed for the house for a much-needed rest. Sunday found us at the Cowboy Church listening to cowboy gospel songs. Dale and Oliver Meyers, along with brother Lynn, have the regular band. Standing out under a shelter on a rainy morning with wood chips scattered beneath the new wooden pews and oil lamps hanging near the coffee pot and over the preacher's head, I felt at home in this place of worship. Music can always do that to me. Bobbie Nelson has said that playing gospel music with her brother is her favorite thing to do. I remembered that on last Sunday morning.

Don't forget to put November 5 on your calendar to attend the Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University. The last in the fall series, this performance promises to be unique and rare. Patricia Vonne brings world of experience to the stage. I anticipate a bit of Flamengo dancing as well. She has a song in brother Richard Rodriquez's film, "Once Upon A Time In Mexico," a film that takes me back to the streets of San Miguel de Allende and Guanjuato.

Join us at Roper's in Austin for the October 31 gig. I'm sure Chili's and The Watering Hole have some good Texas music in Kerrville, as well. Freddy Krc and The Shaking Apostles, return to Chili's to celebrate Halloween. B.B. King comes to The John T. Floore Country Store on October 25. How about that! The Downtowner still holds forth at the best local gathering of musicians each Thursday night. Music reigns at Francisco's each weekend. Kevin McCormack played tasteful classical music as I showed sister Carolyn a great place to eat in town. Ahead is the Johnny Nicholas Big Band Bash on November 15. Marcia Ball plays at Casbeers in San Antonio on November 8. Goliath, a jam band from Austin, plays Jo Jo's on November 7. Plenty to do!

Free Leonard and down the road.