Saturday, February 23, is the time for a special recognition of Paula Underwood, the woman who wrote down an oral history called The Walking People, a woman who has changed the lives of many in this community. Her work has been supported by Jeanne Slobod, who decided to help put wings to Paula's vision of stories as a tool for learning. Based in the Iroquois, an educational program emerged called Past is Prologue. For many years Schreiner University has hosted a workshop. Paula died in December 2001. The panel discussion, art display and ceremony for Paula takes place Saturday, 1-6 p.m. at the Cowboy Artists of America museum. If you are interested in health, welfare, education or personal growth, this is the place to be. And there will be music during the ceremony.

Also on Saturday, February, Asleep at the Wheel is playing at the Cabaret Dance Hall in Bandera. No better Texas moment than to hear the music of Bob Wills performed by Ray Benson, a converted Texas, and his swing group. Call 830-796-8166 for tickets. Dance begins at 9:00. Better to arrive early and have dinner at the Cabaret, specializing in aged hand-cut beef and fresh Gulf seafood. Thurman does know his stuff!

Ahead on the calendar, Blue House will be appearing at the Kerrville House Concert hosted by Jack and Barbara Fields on March 2. Bring food and $10 donation for the artist. What a significant way to enjoy music. In this intimate setting (limited to 50), the artist truly shares herself/himself in a way that enhances the music.The next intimate coffeehouse experience at Schreiner University takes place on Wednesday, March 27, with a showcase of Ruthie Foster. Karen Wells, a songwriter of Native American descent who hails from San Antonio, will open the show. Get your calendar out and mark it!
March is Women's History Month.

We do seem to take many of the special attributes of Hill County living for granted. The Farm Country Club has been a special venue in the area for years. I received their newsletter and realized just what they really offer. Not only do they take care of large groups, conferences and conventions, they also offer a venue for good music and dancing to the entire community. Located on FM 2828 (off 173 going to Bandera from Kerrville), the location is easily accessible to Bandera, Kerrville and Medina.

Luckenbach has The Luckenbach Moon (a monthly newsletter sprinkled with fascinating information), and the Farm Country Club has the Farm Country Chronicles. See www.farmcc.com for more information. Get on this mailing list. Upcoming on March 16 is the 2nd Annual X-Tattoo Cowboy Gala.
For all you jazz lovers, I just received a CD produced by Jazziz that pays tribute to September 11 with a collection of music that "heals." Producer Michael said, "Since I decided to select music that seemed to capture the mood of America, you'll hear sad yet beautiful expression from the heartland that provide a soundscape attesting to America's strength under any conditions….it is intended to evoke memories while it soothes." The proceeds from the sale of the CD go to the American Red Cross. See www.jazziz.com for more information on this beautiful project. I've listened, and music does heal. You don't have to be a jazz aficionado to appreciate this music!

My joyful music experience last week was the Saturday I attended the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. I walked up to the Junkyard Dog Saloon, a venue inside the area reserved for cowboys and Indians, and there on the schedule was Regina Matthews. I first heard this fiddlin' champion when she was about 8 years old and won a fiddling contest at the September to Jimmie Rodgers, held then at Schreiner University. Now she is 17 and began her show with "Fiddlin' Frenzy." I've never seen such showmanship on a young person. Her smile is bright, she's playful even as she fiddles great tunes, she dances while playing fiddle behind her back, and she'll even pose for the camera now and then. Playing to a full tent, she not only got us all smiling and tapping out boot toes, she plays with a solid country band that gets folks up dancing the Texas two-step. I had a wonderful afternoon listening to Regina. We need to showcase her in Kerrville before she hits the national road, and she will hit that road in a big way. This girl is already a super star.

Coming up I want to tell you about Wiley Alexander's new book out on the country music stars he's been writing about for 30 years. I want to let you know about all the music festivals coming up in Texas (Larry Joe Taylor does it again!). Always more to say about Texas music.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com
www.texasheritagemusic.org

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