Back from leading a women’s writing retreat at the Aristos Hotel in San Miguel de Allende. Back teaching the spring semester at Schreiner University. Back in the saddle again, tracking down music within reach of my energy and vehicle.

  First, let me tell you about an exciting and unusual evening of music at the Angela Peralta Theatre in San Miguel. Billed as Flamenco music, the evening featured Pablo Rentiria. We also heard another guitar, a bass, drums and a wild violin. We heard the Flamenco guitar duel, note for note, with the violin. Immanuel Macias, long hair flying, danced across the stage, dropped to his knees, set aside his bow, and plucked the violin strings. We, the audience, wanted to leap to our feet and cheer loudly. At least, that’s what I imagined doing. Wild electric fusion mixed with haunting gypsy guitar. I have never seen or heard a musical expression quite like this. And I loved it!

  On some pieces hands blurred with the speed. The drummer took the lead on a box drum that was under him. All the fingers of the guitar player were making music, sliding up and down the neck of the guitar. Reminded me of a Monte Montgomery performance at time. I believe Dionysus may have taken part in the wild celebration of sensuality and inspiration that took place on that stage. We did see “flashing eyes and waving hair.”   

  After the show, I asked, “Do you ever play Texas?” Paco replied, “Not yet. We do play Los Angeles and would love to come through and play.” I think that’s a great idea. See www.pablorentiriaguitar.com for more information. Let’s get them booked at an interesting venue. Maybe the Arcadia Theatre in downtown Kerrville.

  That was the last experience before heading to bed on Saturday in San Miguel. I boarded a plane in Leon at 7:00 a.m. the next morning, musical notes coursing through my veins, still. And as I remember now, the excitement returns.

  Back in Kerrville I planned a weekend at the Hill Country Opry, a weekend that featured Shelly “I’m drivin’ by myself” King with Floramay Holliday and then Mike Blakely, on two separate nights. Barbara Maltese also gave us some Janis riffs as the Cosmic  Dust Devils played the Ol’ Waterin’ Hole on Saturday. I see music advertised at the newly-opened Java Pump on Water Street. Jack and Barbara Fields of Kerrville House Concerts are bringing Darden Smith back on Saturday, January 24. Check out the bulletin board at the Family Sports Center, a good community space for announcements in the arts.

  Ahead in February is a Valentine’s weekend scheduled by Rod Kennedy and the Special Events Association of Kerrville. What a lineup, thank you Rod Kennedy. Friday at 8:00 p.m. attend a concert with four different groups, including a favorite with the Kerrville crowd, Tom Prasado-Rao. Saturday brings “In the round,” with stellar songwriters Chuck Pyle and Jon Ims (“Fat in the Backyard”) along with sister Carolyn’s new favorite, Celeste Krenz. I’ve heard that beautiful voice many times driving down the road in Carolyn’s big red truck. And now listen to this! Saturday night a Valentine’s dance with two great bands, Floyd Domino Band and Sisters Morales Band. And you have to return Sunday from 11-1 for the Brunch with Ruthie Foster. She has a growing fan base in the Hill Country. Expect her show to be heart warming and show stopping. Not to mention the great food. All of this at the Inn of the Hills. Advance reservations recommended. Call 792-9830. Yes. We do love this lineup. A tribute to the taste of a local music guru who is known around the world, Rod Kennedy.

   Time for me to go down some new roads. I remember years ago doing some research at the Lopez Club on the Bandera Highway, a local tradition for Cumbia, Nortena, Tejano and Onda Chicana music. I am ready to find another Saturday night for that tradition steeped in the sounds from south of the border. Yes, time for me to head to the Lopez Club.

  February 4 is the Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University. Featuring two members of the Schreiner community—Ricky Sparks (student from Corpus Christi) and Barrett Taylor (admissions counselor from Austin) and the First Annual Poetry Slam with Gary Mex Glazner performing and a tribute to Black Heritage Month, the Wednesday evening should set some creative sparks a flying. Shelley King will return for the March 4 show, and Ghandaia (world music at www.ghandaia.com on Friday, April 2. Mark your calendars for these free shows at the Cailloux Student Center.

  Now for some information on Ruthie Foster. The following comment is from a Schreiner class visit that Ruthie made on her history with music:  “Well, growing up in a Southern Baptist Church, sometimes you have a piano player, and sometimes you wouldn’t. And a lot of times you wouldn’t. And what my grandmother and her sisters would do is sit in their “amen” corner with these heels on, and they always had these heels that would just bang on a wood floor. So when they were singing then they would start clapping. Well, sometimes they’ll clap and sometimes they just hit on their purse. And that’s how we’d start. And that’s how you start fellowship.”

  If you have heard Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone, you, too, have experienced this fellowship. Buy your tickets now for a Valentine’s weekend in Kerrville.

Happy Trails and down the road.  

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