What a day of great music I experienced on Father's Day. I'll just call that day a tribute to my dad, David Pillow, who was up in Colorado camping with Annabel (mom) and two of my siblings. I was invited to go on the trip, but my road schedule got in the way. By the time you are reading this, I've been in San Francisco and Monterey, presenting a paper on the power of stories to the Young Rhetoricians' Conference. I've also been at the Monterey Blues Festival. 

Back to my Father's Day moment in Kerrville. After sharing stories with a wonderful group at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center (surrounded by a local art exhibit), I headed out to the Hunt Store. If you haven't had that experience, you haven't really experienced the Hill Country. Billed as Jr. Pruneda and friends (2-6 p.m.), this event is at least part of the heart of Texas music. The band includes a crew of musicians with hundreds of years of great experience among them. 

Each had a story to tell. "I started playing with Gene Fuller years ago," one musician said. Jr. reported, as he introduced Larry Nowlin, "I began playing in this band--Larry Nowlin and the Bandits." Johnny Way reported that his son, the young Johnny, just won a truck on a radio songwriting contest in Nashville. I hope this opens some doors for this young talent! I first heard him playing with dad and Wayne Kennemer at the Inn of the Hills--oh so many years ago. The Hunt Store alone is a treasure chest of great musician's stories.

I drove in to Chili's and, with the Guadalupe shimmering in the soft light of evening, I heard the rest of the heart of Texas music--Harris and Ryden. Carrying an extra guitar player this time, this band rocked out even more than the last time. They write great Texas songs. They have the wild fiddle player, the stand-up bass, the drums played by our own Kerrville lad, Blake Lindley, and songs, oh those songs.

I am all about the words, even though the rhythm certainly makes my blood race. Again, Texas music is graced with "nice" guys. I mean, guys who care about what they do, and they care about their audience. I run into this over and over in Texas music. Cory Morrow (who plays the Cabaret on June 30th), Pat Green (who is running the roads now in a big bus performing to huge crowds), Darrell McCall (who just keeps the country in Texas music), Billy Joe Shaver (a legend in his own time), and the list goes on. Nice guys! 

As Chris Ryden sang my favorite, "Night Rider's Lament," I remembered how my dad declared once that he, too, loved this song. I was surprised because I didn't know he even knew it. They rocked on their own tune, "Peace of the Gypsy." "The Real Ones," is another favorite of mine, and I know KRVL has "Texas Bound Again" cued up for requests. The place was packed. An enthusiastic crowd shared food, stories and songs. That's Texas.

Another upcoming voice in the world of Texas music is Drew Ryan. As I introduced him to Stephen and Chris (Harris and Ryden), I imagined a wonderful showcase of these two bands here in Kerrville. Drew Ryan and the out on bail band play Latitudes on June 30th. DO NOT miss the chance to be with a real gem in the crown of Texas music. (Ah, those metaphors keep rolling.) He could be another piece of the heart, but the image seems to blur a bit. Drew also deejays on KRVL--you know his voice. He has a killer band with two hot young guitar players, one who also plays sax. Again, their niche is not country, not rock, but TEXAS.

Ahead in this community is another great night of music at our own Arcadia-another venue worth checking out. Dan Bacon is a favorite, and jazz is the theme on June 23 at the Arcadia. A buffet with Schlotzsky's Deli is part of the $15 ticket price. Call 895-3902.

News Flash! A new venue opens up at CW Steakhouse (I saw the flyer.) as the Hill Country Opry kicks off Tuesday, June 26, with an evening including Josh Peek, cowboy poetry by Jimmy Counts and other variety acts. Dinner and show is $20. Call 895-5344 for more information. What a great idea, eh? Tuesdays at CW Steaks.

Johnny Nicholas takes his big band rhythm and blues sound to the Cabaret in Bandera on June 29th. We all know what Johnny brings to the story. He's amazing.

I have a stack of new CD's to talk about, good ones. I'll save that for next time. Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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