I’m still reeling from a weekend at the Hill Country Opry listening to Guy Clark, one of the strongest voices in Texas songwriting. In fact, he’s a writer in all aspects of the word. Playing to a packed house of 95 (sold out both nights), he just kept delivering those classic songs we all love so well. Hearing “Texas 1947” completely reshaped a program I gave on Texas songwriters for the Texas Historical Association. I introduced Guy by saying that I see myself in many of the songs he writes. As he tells a specific story about “backsliding, barrel riding, Rita Ballou,” I remember how my life felt on the barrel racing circuit around Ft. Worth. I invited the audience to find themselves in his songs. Going from the specific to the universal, that’s what a great writer can do.

  Guy is the ultimate storyteller, and his performance was stunning and mesmerizing. Every song on his new Sugar Hill album, “The Dark,” is a gem. Careful or I’ll start raving! I was getting ready to move out to Aledo, Texas, and I was standing at the little country store, the wooden boardwalk out front had benches for afternoon conversations. It was a hot Texas day. A small child ran in, saying that the train was coming. Yep, those tracks ran right through Aledo, about 25 miles west of Ft. Worth. I remember feeling like I had entered a Guy Clark song, “And it’s late afternoon on a hot Texas day/somethin’ strange is goin’ on, and we’s all in the way….So we already knowed it, when they finally said ‘train time’/you’d a thought that Jesus Christ his-self was rollin’ down the line.” You Texas music fans know the rest. We usually singalong on the chorus.

  Verlon Thompson is the perfect partner for Guy, and he played a coupe of his own songs for us. And this man can play and write. Do not miss the opportunity for an intimate evening with great music. See www.hillcountryopry.com for schedules.

  Ahead is an evening with Slaid Cleaves. Touring and supporting his new album, “Wishbones,” on Philo/Rounder Records, he is creating new fans on a daily basis. I first heard him at the Kerrville Folk Festival (coming up in May), and rushed backstage to find out more about him, this man with haunting voice and compelling songs. His first album, “Broke Down,” was a hit with critics and fans alike.

  Slaid says, “I felt like I’d finally achieved something with this dark, folk-tragedy thing….I knew the next record would have to go in a new direction.” He teams up with producer/multi-instrumentalist Gurf Morlix on his hardhitting album. You might remember Gurf as the musician I’ve raved about as he plays the Sunday gospel and blues show at Maria’s Taco Express in Austin. Or Gurf producing  “Growl,” the latest Ray Wylie Hubbard album. He also toured and produced with Lucinda Williams, my newest hero in the tough woman category.

  Get this album. Head to the Opry for an evening with Slaid on March 26. Before that enjoy the birthday bash at Antone’s on March 12-13 featuring many of the blues greats who have played there. Antone’s in Austin has a history of providing a home for the blues in Texas…the best home thanks to Clifford Antone. Rod Kennedy’s show with Sentimental Journey is selling out fast for the dance and the jazz brunch at the Inn of the Hills this weekend. Might call for ticket to that! 792-9830.

  South by Southwest is fast approaching, a convention that showcases over 1,000 bands, panels of music industry leaders, networking opportunities, record label showcases and more. Austin become one big rhythmic and pulsating stage from March 17-21. At least get a wristband ($95) and wander from venue to venue. At best, get a full access badge and enjoy the musical journey. See www.sxsw.com for details. I see where they are interviewing Joan Baez, now that’s a part of my own musical past. She turned me on to folk music as I attended T.C.U. in Ft. Worth.

  A heads up…Old No. 9 in Waring is bringing Peter Rowan to the April 23-25 songwriting weekend. Better call now for reservations. This facility for the arts and education was created by Jenny Waggett and now is the dream of Kricket Rogers, creating more opportunities for audiences and songwriters to get together. Peter will perform a concert for the community on Saturday during the workshop. They have Terri Hendix and Lloyd Maines returning October 1-3.

  The Shelley King Band rocked the Schreiner Coffeehouse on March 3. Playing to a packed snack bar, she, too, is great interacting with audiences of all ages. Her song, “Call of My Heart,” was voted best song in the Austin Music Awards. Now that’s an honor! We taped an interview to play for my creative writing class. Now that was fun, having her address the class and talk about writing!

My favorite performing dentist, E.C. Willmann, reports that The Jurazzic Cowboys have a hot spring schedule, playing March 12, from 7:30-10:30 at the beautiful pavilion at the Guadalupe River Resort on the Junction Highway.  For only $10 you get a classic swing dance featuring Branson, Missouri, star, Levi Mullen. He's been fiddler, guitarist and vocalist with Johnny Bush! Now that's Texas music. They also appear at the new Mountain Home Opry on March 26.

Happy Trails and down the road.