One of my favorite songs by Ray Wylie Hubbard is “Crimson Kings,” and that’s what is playing on the stereo right now. I’m in Austin, Texas, writing this, after a big weekend of Texas music. Seems like a long time since I’ve haunted the Austin music scene, and my weekend was filled with many magical memories. And, I made a few new ones!
I spent Friday morning talking with the Freda of Freda and the Firedogs (Marcia Ball). We talked about my research project, women’s voices in Texas music, and she checked out her Christmas tree ornaments. Yes, women can do more than one thing at a time. I followed her around the house, holding my little tape recorder. That same day the Austin Chronicle carried a story of the significance of Freda and the Firedogs (70’s band) and a new “vintage” release that is now available. Ah, synchronicity again.
  Before I left Kerrville, Sandy Wolfmueller took me to the new ambulatory care center to show me some paintings by Marcia’s husband, Gordon Fowler. He told me later that he painted “en plein air” in the Hill Country. The colorful impressionistic paintings provide the right window of color on light rock walls. Beautiful.
  Gordon was fixing a cabinet in the kitchen while Marcia and I talked. “Finally, after about 15 years, we get this squeak fixed,” he explained. Marcia Ball, one of the strongest threads in the tapestry of Texas music, had a story to tell. My next book will carry the complete text.
  After viewing the display of Texana at Wolfmueller’s and the specific display of books on Texas music, I left with a jar of Kinky’s hot sauce, peach brand. Now we have a songwriter and musician, turned mystery writer, turned columnist fixing up hot sauce. It’s a little sweet and a little Kinky! What next?
  George Dolis and Ingrig Weigand have a stunning home in South Austin where I parked my things for the weekend. Both have been involved in the music business through video and production, and they have wonderful archives of the life of Townes Van Zandt. Saturday morning George and I attended a writing workshop with Thom the World Poet. Held at the Manchaca Library the first the third Saturday’s of the month, this workshop is about writing and reading. I was surprised at what came out of me.
  I also explored the new exhibit on Texas music at the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum. This museum is worth at least a day in Austin. Not only did I learn new facts about Texas music, but I also saw some video footage that brought back many good memories. I also saw a photo of Charlene Arthur, a West Texas women who turned rocker. I had read about her in my research.
  My adventure Saturday night reminded me why I do what I do. KSG radio hosted a free concert featuring three artists on their new CD, “Broadcasts Vol. 10,” a fundraiser for the Sims Foundation, dedicated to providing mental health care for Austin musicians and their families. The CD contains 21 songs recorded at a visit to the radio station and produced by Jody Denberg, and includes songs by Rodney Crowell, Beaver Nelson, Saffire, Shawn Colvin, Cowboy Junkies, Raul Malo, Caroline Herring, Patti Smith, Billy Bragg, Willie Nelson, Darden Smith, The Flatlanders, Norah Jones, The String Cheese Incident, Michelle Shocked, Dwight Yoakam, Ray Benson, Billy Joe Shaver, Ray Wylie Hubbard and more. What a buy at $15. Check out www.kgsr.com for information.
  I stood on a concrete floor at Antone’s from 7:30-1:30 a.m. listening to one discovery, David Baerwald, and two favorites, Michelle Shocked and Ray Wylie Hubbard. All three thrilled me. Michelle presented her life in story and song, rocking away solo on her white electric guitar. Gurf Morlix joined her for the last few songs. What an electric delight! I discovered a new guitar hero in Gurf, and I’ll be checking out the tribute to Blaze Foley Sunday afternoon, after interviewing Sara Hickman at Flipnotics Coffeehouse. Whew….what a weekend.
  Michelle rocked and Ray Wylie brought down the house. Both have been in my music memory for years. In this short column I cannot do justice to their performances. Might save the details until later. Oh well, just a few: Michelle told her story in her own words, each song highlighting a moment (when she was kicked out of the private mental hospital, while still full of psychotropic drugs); Michelle asked us to sing along on “Amazing Grace”; Michelle’s question—why do those who are victims of racism sing of joy and forgiveness?
  Ray Wylie also invited us to sing along. Darcie Deaville played rock and roll fiddle leads while Gurf added the edge of his guitar to the sound. Ray said later, “Gurf is my favorite guitar player.” Ray's new album comes out on Rouncer Philo in April. The evolved rocking Hubbard sound will thrill all his longtime fans. I’m one, and I know!
  No more details for now. Just know that a weekend in Austin is worth your time and money. Look ahead to New Year’s Eve. Music holds that holiday together, for sure. I’ll be off to teach in Mexico December 27. Free Leonard and down the road.

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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