Saturday, October 6, head out to Quiet Valley Ranch for the Texas Uprising, an annual event hosted by Robert Earl Keen and featuring a group of distinct voices in Texas music. Or, head out to the Waring General Store for an evening concert with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines.

A new venue that I recently discovered lies along Main Street in Fredericksburg. I was drawn to the name-the Double Ox Cantina. As I entered the stone walls of a small patio, the wooden bar flanking the back wall and neon lights blinking out the name "Dos XX's" beer, I watched some old friends of mine setting up, The McKay Brothers. I met them years ago as two brothers from Bandera County that started a group called Laughing Dogs. After years playing the Austin music scene, transforming as they grew, they now have a trio playing classic Texas songs (Guy Clark, Terry Allen) and still performing their own originals.

Noel started out with a Guy Clark favorite, harmonizing with his brother, Hollin, just like brothers do. After hearing Bruce and Charlie Robison in Comfort the week before, I was tuned in to the brother harmony. Jeff, playing a small snare drum, often added a third harmony. This would be a great group for a coffeehouse or for a house concert.

I requested two of my favorites during their second set, "It Doesn't Rain Anymore" and "Guatamala Man." After playing his rain song, Noel added, "That's one of the first songs I ever wrote." I knew it was one of the first I had ever heard. And I liked it even more last Saturday night eating Mexican food, sitting in pig skin chairs and enjoying a Mexican Cantina in German Fredericksburg. I've always enjoyed the German/Mexican connection in Texas heritage. That accordion sound came from Germany through San Antonio and down to Mexico….then back to Texas.

The club has a strong lineup of Texas songwriters. Harris and Ryden were booked October 5. Nathan Hamilton has played the venue. Call them for a schedule. What a wonderful place to hear music.

Kinky Friedman celebrated his new books on Monday, October 1, at his headquarters, Wolfmueller's Books and Records on Water Street downtown. The gathering around Kinky is always interesting, and this time was no exception.

I'll be at an Texas Book Round-up in Wimberley on Saturday, October 13. Jim Wilson will sing songs by the songwriters in my book; I'll tell the stories. Dyanne Cortez is telling stories from her book on the Kerrville Folk Festival. Over 50 writers are gathering in Wimberley that day.

Tony Galluci has coordinated a Book Fair in Kerrville at Schreiner University on Saturday, October 27, after the Past is Prologue Workshop. I'm coordinating that workshop from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., an opportunity to use the Native American story as a tool for learning, growth and personal tranformation. Call Wolfmueller's for information on this event.

The list of what I've missed in Kerrville rivals the list of what I've done. I do want to end this column with a big thank-you to the 50 plus sponsors of the Living History Day, to the 80 plus performers and to all the volunteers. This community event celebrated the power of stories and songs. Put September 27, 2002, on your calendar for next year! Yep, I've decided to do this ONE MORE TIME-at least.

Support live music in Kerrville. The Java Pump has music every Friday night, with a jam on Saturday. I heard Raylene, Frank Taylor, Janie and a whole crew at Lone Oak last Sunday-singing a Jimmie Rodgers tune. That's a regular Sunday gathering out on Hwy. 479. The Inn brings music and dancing to town every week. Chili's features music from time to time. I heard Debbie Walton played out there not too long ago. Now, she's a favorite of mine. Too much to keep up with. Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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