Heading into Women’s History Month and finishing a book on women and Texas music, I am overwhelmed by the contributions of women to my own life. Beginning with my own family, mother and sister Carolyn, then spreading out to my daughter, Lisa, who is moving to San Antonio in May with her three daughters. Wow. Am I excited to be moving into a whole new groove being a grandmother with the children closeby! Jessica, my twelve-year-old granddaughter, joined me last June at the Kerrville Folk Festival as I interviewed Terri Hendrix, one last time, for this book. What fun to share my research and interests with my family.

  I also had a chance to speak to thirty honors scholars in Jackson, Mississippi, in February on the role of Jimmie Rodgers in the history of country music. Professor Steve Davis from Kingwood College spoke on Elvis Presley. Together we created a program on the importance of music in a study of pop culture. Then I attended the Southwest Pop Culture Conference in New Mexico, sharing my interview with Emily Robison at the women’s studies session.

  The key word in all this talk is “share.” As human beings we long to share ourselves and our stories. Even those are call themselves “shy.” Even those who think they are not interested. Even those long to share. It is in the sharing that we build family and community. Just ask any of my classes at Schreiner University. The world literature class shares information on various authors. The 1301 writing class shares ideas on various subjects, leading to an essay assignment. When we withhold information we can build walls and obstacles.

  This column is my opportunity to share my own thoughts and feelings with a wider audience. I recently received the new Ray Wylie Hubbard CD in the mail, “Delerium Tremors.”  Produced by Gurf Morlix, as were the last two Hubbard CD’s, this one takes Ray’s music in some new directions by bringing back an old style. Stark and lean, the cuts showcase the songs. Moving beyond or away from the rock and roll that has characterized Ray a while, this CD brings back his own interpretation of each song, The introduction explains the conversation he had with Gurf Morlix, deciding to record some of his favorite songs by other songwriters he respects. He then invited them to perform on the CD. I love watching James McMurtry rock out on “Chocktaw Bingo.” This slower version gives James a chance to join Ray, even adding a raw guitar to the mix.

  I have huge respect for both of these men. I first heard Ray Wylie when I lived in Ft. Worth and drove to The Rubyiat on Maple Street in Dallas to hear some of my first live folk music. There, Ray and Terry “Buffalo”Ware performed “Driving Wheels,” a song I grew to love and request. It was years before I realized that David Wiffen wrote the song, not Ray. The CD includes several songs I heard during that time in my life. “Dallas After Midnight” brings back memories, as well as “Dust of the Chase.”

  Ray has visited my classroom at Schreiner several times, and he is good in the Ilsclassroom. He has also played the Texas Music Coffeehouse series several times. Maybe we can get him to come back soon.

  Others on the CD include James McMurtry, Slaid Cleaves, Eliza Gilkyson, Patty Griffin, Jack Ingram, Ian McLagan, Kimmie Rhodes and Bob Schneider. That’s a team!

Ian played at the Hill Country Opry stage on February 19. Friend and THMF board member, Janice Kennemer, reports that the show was exquisite! Head out to the newest venue in town for both lunch and dinner. No matter who is booked, the show will be great. Just know that. I’m heading back out to lunch soon.

  The new THMF office on the Schreiner campus is planning an open house sometime in April. If you have ideas or suggestions, give us a call at 830-792-7409. We want to welcome Kim to the team. She is a Schreiner student working part-time in the office. Tim Wilton is gearing up for the 2005 Living History Weekend. Give us a call if you are interested in participating.

  The THMF coffeehouse series showcases Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines on March 2. Patched will open for her.  And the Josh Murley Trio will open up the April 8 coffeehouse (Friday). Featured performer TBA. These shows in the Cailloux Student Center Snack Bar are free and open to the public. I want to thank Ron Jackson for stepping up and helping out with sound. 

  I am working on getting a donor to help create a Texas Songwriting Chair at Schreiner University. I am working on a performer for the Literacy and Learning Concert in September. Anyone who wants to volunteer and help out, the THMF office is located on the Schreiner campus now, near the Robbins Lewis Pavilion. Call and make an appointment to visit us. See www.texasheritagemusic.org for details.

  Don’t forget to support live music by heading out to your local venues. Lots of opportunities for musicians to jam. KINKY FRIEDMAN AND BILLY JOE SHAVER will be signing and singing at Wolfmueller’s book on Saturday, March 5. Call 257-READ for more information. And, if you have information for this column, contact me at kat@maverickbbs.com

    Ils sont partis and down the road. KH