What a week! Let me begin at the end (thanks, T.S. Eliot) and talk about Sunday, March 28, at Texas State University in San Marcos. Gary Hartman successfully created his fourth “Texas Music History Unplugged,” featuring Ray Benson (with Jason on fiddle) as emcee with Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone, The Sisters Morales with David Spencer, Joel Guzman, Chris Wall and Lars (Norway). Ten stools in a semi-circle with Ray in the middle, asking questions and telling stories.

  The hall was packed before the first song with over 450 students and music lovers. Gary had delivered several plaques to sponsors then gave Clifford Antone a special award for his lifelong contribution to the field of blues. Ray began with a story that quoted T.S. Eliot (the poet I’m teaching in my world literature class right now) as saying, “Quit writing? Oh, you can?” He then launched into an instrumental called “I Ain’t Chet, Yet.” As the evening progressed, sitting next to Rod Kennedy, I heard many comments worth quoting. My favorite occurred when we were both in awe over the accordion work of Joel Guzman as he joined in with each artist, in each different style. “Joel not only knows two languages, French and Spanish, but he knows the language of nuance.” I loved that, knowing just what Rod meant.

  Ruthie said, “I mix my blues with gospel,” and off she went, taking the house by storm on each and every song. Ruthie does that. Chris Wall sang a story song first, then added his classics, “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight,” and “I Like My Women Just A Tad On The Trashy Side.”

  We heard originals by the Sisters Morales in the folk genre, with David Spencer adding tasty slide and lead guitar. Lisa told the story behind one song, “I was trying to get pregnant, and we noticed everything. That spawned this song.” Chris reminded us, “I’m here to knock some of the sensitivity off the stage.” Ray added “Remember The Alamo.” The Sisters Morales sang one of my favorites, “The World Goes Round and Round,” a song about divorce.

  All the musicians were intent on each other, leaning forward to be part of every performance. Ray kept the evening moving, an evening of stunning music, strong songs, and great people. Ray talked a little about the Kinky Friedman campaign to “dewussify” Texas and told of his campaign promises. Then he sang “Miles and Miles of Texas.” Ruthie ended up singing, “I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom.”

  At that point several of us on the front row just had to jump out of our seats and begin that dancing that only Ruthie can inspire. Soon the entire hall was moving.  Gary Hartman also had the three volumes of a CD on Texas music, offered by the Center for Texas Music History as a way to raise funds and preserve the music. See www.txstate.edu/ctmh for more information.

  I spent Saturday with my entire family at the 80^th birthday celebration of Annabel Lee, my mother. Now that was an evening of stories. Brother David created a DVD that told of my mother’s life and her values. What a gift.

  I also attended the 4 C’s conference in San Antonio, taking a dear friend from California to Tycoon Flats and Casbeers on a Wednesday night. I met Lesti Huff at the Flats. She sang some great songs with a voice that has the edge I like in a woman’s voice, beginning with a song called “Sweet Solitude.” Her interpretation of a Grateful Dead song was inspired, then she moved to a Rolling Stones song. Delbert Clinton would have loved her version of “I Want To Love You.” Yes, this woman has an attitude, and she delivers. We need her playing at a venue in this community. See www.thelestihuffband.com for more information.

  Ahead is the 17^th annual Old Settler’s Music Festival April 15-18. Ahead is Meltdown Mondays at the Inn of the Hills. Beginning April 12, Randy Rogers will host a song swap with a new guest each week. Running from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. each Monday, this promises to bring yet another level of songwriting showcase to Kerrville. KRVL is part of the promotional team so listen in. Brandon Rhyder is the first guest, followed by Peter Dawson on the 19^th and The Lost Trailers on the 26^th. April 17 Billy Joe Shaver plays The John T. Floore Country Store, followed by Guy Clark on April 23rd, James McMurtry on the 24^th,  and Little Feat on the 29^th. May brings us The Fredericksburg Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow on May 7-8. The Kerrville Folk Festival kicks off on Thursday, May 27 with Peter, Paul and Mary scheduled for Friday, May 28.

Happy Trails and down the road.