Tuesday, March 20, at Southwest Texas State University, the new Institute for the History of Texas Music presented an "unplugged" version of Texas music at a free concert from 2-4 p.m. at the Evans Auditorium. Dr. Gary Hartman introduced the program, saying it was the first installment of a series. The featured artists included Tish Hinojosa, Ray Benson, Terri Hendrix, Lloyd Maines, and Joel Guzman.  They gathered onstage at the same time, Ray Benson took the lead, and we were off and running through the history and heritage of Texas music. Each song was accompanied by a story, each story opened up a way to understand Texas heritage.

Ray's jokes kept the afternoon rolling. He described himself as an immigrant who moved here 30 years ago. "What I've loved about Texas music is that it's never the same." He asked Tish to take the lead, and with a surprised look, she began with a Lydia Mendoza, saying, "My mom sang this in Mexico." Tish pierced us with her voice and her song.

Ray welcomed Rosetta Wills in the audience and said, "Why not begin with some Bob Wills music," and we heard "Miss Molly." Lloyd Maines joined in with some steel guitar leads, and Joel took leads on the "Stomach Steinway," his accordion. Terri Hendrix followed with a story about Susie and the goodtime van. By now we had experienced many threads in the rich tapestry of Texas music. More followed!

Ray told us all about Cindy Walker of Mexia, Texas. He told of meeting Townes Van Zandt at the Second Fret in Philadelphia. "Townes set the standard," he said. And we heard Ray sing Pancho and Lefty.

Tish gave us some western swing and Joel took over with "El Rancho Grande." The afternoon was festive and celebratory even as it was educational.

Terri, a former student at SWT, provided the fresh songs. Tish told of meeting Bill and Bonnie Hearne in New Mexico. "I learned country music from them," she said. We heard a song written by Diane Johnston of Ft. Worth (Her son, Bob, produced Dylan and Cash.) called "Miles and Miles of Texas," a song that has become a theme song for Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel..

I loved discovering a new phrase from Tish, "Echando Flores," She compared this expression with a cruder one that originated in Texas. "When people say things they don't mean," she added. 

We heard a tribute to Willie Nelson as the show ended with "On the Road Again." The Evans Auditorium emptied out, the Institute had a compilation CD for sale, featuring 18 different songs by Texans, and I sat out front with my book. Whew......what a day in San Marcos.

For information on the Institute, call 512-245-3744. 

Looking ahead. Don't miss Ray Wylie Hubbard and Merle Haggard on March 31, at John T. Floore Country Store. Make plans for the Old Settler's Reunion at Stone Mountain in Dripping Springs, April 6-8. The lineup includes the Charlie Daniels Band, John Hartford, Terri Hendrix, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan and the beat goes on! This event has several stages, arts and crafts, and family activities. Check out www.bluegrassfestival.com for information. A few tickets remaining. What a great Hill Country outing. I've been. It's great.

Music in Kerrville just keeps happening. The Ole Watering Hole and the Java Pump on Broadway keep showcasing great Texas music. I hear that I missed a great show at the Hole on Saturday night! I spent the weekend resting and dusting my house. I needed that.

April 11 is an evening of world music at the Schreiner Texas Music Coffeehouse featuring Oliver Rajamani and the Schreiner International Club. April 17 we will feature Tish Hinojosa and James McMurtry at the Texas Writers Conference at Schreiner. Call me at 830-792-7409 for information and reservations. We have two workshops at 4:00 p.m., space limited. The evening reading is at 7:30 with a reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Cailloux Center. Mark your calendars.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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