Gene Fuller played with Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. He was taken aback with the news of Chet's death even though he knew it was impending. "He was a good friend. We picked together, and he was my teacher," Gene said with emotion on the front porch of CW Steaks.

The newest venue in town is the Hill Country Opry, held on Tuesday nights at CW Steakhouse. Jimmy Counts provides the cowboy/inspirational poetry, and an "Opry" band provides the backdrop for featured entertainment each Tuesday.

Producer Kelly Dooley has a dream, "I toured as a singer for years with a small record label. I played Opry's all over the country. I want to have this opportunity in Junction, Harper, Bandera -- all over the Hill Country." Her challenge will be to schedule the music weekly. The added perk for musicians is the added support of KRVL and Mike Kagle. Each Saturday morning on KRVL a show features the upcoming Opry guests. Great promotion for local artists.

Tuesday night, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. the Opry band, consisting of Bob Argo (KDT columnist from Bandera), Greg Hollinsworth, Tooter Ripps, and Denise Lidelle on fiddle, kicked off the evening with a run down of classic tunes: "Red Wing," "Faded Love," "The Other Woman," San Antonio Rose," then "Orange Blossom Special," featuring Johnny Way on a twin fiddle moment.

Dooley Entertainment says this kind of Opry show is available for RV parks, private parties, community events and more. We got a choice of several meals, including the good CW steak and two hours of music for $20. 

Gene Fuller, Milton Smith and Johnny Way played in the feature spot, with Graham Warwick (of Comfort Little Theatre fame) providing a spot of folk music and a classic Townes Van Zandt joke: "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like bananas." Classic!

Gene played "Rosalie" as a tribute to his friend Chet. Mike Kagle kept saying, "I've never heard guitar playing like that!" Gene smiled modestly. He says he can't tell all his stories about where he's been-ex-wives might find him! A joke.

Kelly announced her marriage to cowboy poet Jimmy Counts. "We got married last night," she said beaming. This Opry is yet another opportunity for the community of Kerrville. I'll be talking to Phi Beta Kappa on July 19th on stories and community. Our music venues are an important part of our community.

The Java Pump has a full schedule for July, including Lady Jane Grey on July 14 and Terry Penny and David Holt on July 27th. I know the Watering Hole keeps featuring Texas music on the weekend. Candace Kunz hosts a songwriters circle on July 14th. I'll be in Alpine, exploring the west, that weekend. Hate to miss that since I was there when Candace decided to get serious with the music. I was there when she played at the Easter Festival in Kerrville, after producing the showcase of local talent. I was there when she joined Tony Navarra on the tribute to Jimmie Rodgers in September. Way to go, Candace.

Nelson City Dance Hall in Waring is showcasing Texas music on the weekends, even featuring bands from our neighbor to the south. The Arcadia has a Western Swing tribute on July 23, featuring Clay Blaker and our own Part of the Problem. Don't miss out on these opportunities.

Back to California for a moment: Little Richard walked out on the stage of the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, wearing a sequined silver jacket and black satin pants. Make-up in place, grinning from ear to ear, he looked out at the audience with his classic, "Shut up," and stepped up on his piano bench, bowing gracefully. The crowd surged to the stage, wanting to be close to this legend at this time. We rocked through "Tutti Frutti," we sang along, we remembered where we were when he heard him first. He said he was 68 years old; some said he was 70. I loved the show, and I'm glad I went.

More local venues include Big Earls' successful Solid Gold at the EconoLodge, The Inn Pub (longest running club in town), jams on Friday at the Rowdy Resort between Inram and Hunt and more. Always more.

Free Leonard and down the road. 

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

Click here to return to the previous page