I'm writing this column after an invigorating day at the Texas Book Fair in Austin, invigorating because books and writers inspire me to consider my own commitment to writing. I attended the show on one day only, Sunday, November 17. Bill Crawford and Gene Fuller presented a vaudeville presentation around the book Border Radio, newly published (a revised version) by University of Texas Press.

We entered the room in the capitol building to the music of the Hillbilly Caballeros. Presenting a program laced with musical history, these authors made it clear that their research into the huge stations that dotted our border with Mexico, La Frontera, contained peculiar and fascinating aspects. UT Press (my press) is creating quite a collection of books on music. Call them for a catalogue if interested.

I also had a great chat with Steve Fromholz. He participated in a panel on the Craig Hillis book, Texas Trilogy, using the Fromholz song as a theme. Another UT Press book. I missed the presentation by Bill Malone, author County Music Today, newly published (second revised version) by UT Press. A review of that book will take the entire column someday. "Definitive" best describes his research.

A huge white tent filled the corner of 11th and Colorado. Alejandro Escoveda started off the afternoon, followed by Tish Hinojosa. Billy Joe Shaver thrilled an intense group of fans who could not express all their love for him. I was in that group! He delivered his set like he lived 'em, passionate and sincere. This poet laureate of the Texas music scene, couldn't have been smiling any bigger. After his show, as I gave him a hug, he said, "Go introduce yourself to Robert." I looked over at "Robert," a man of medium stature in a ball cap, and stuck out my hand. Here I was talking to Robert Duvall, whom I did not recognize at first, and he was telling me of a documentary film that his "lady" is producing on Billy Joe.

"We just filmed him preaching at a Pentacostal Church," Robert added. Then the crowds surrounded him, asking for his autograph and talking about The Apostle, a film of his that also used Billy Joe.
Jimmy LaFave rounded out the afternoon of song. Books and music go hand in hand in Texas. Kimmie Rhodes, Texas songwriter, shared excerpts from her new novella and cookbook (odd combination) under the reading tent. Fun to see her in another light. And the novella read well with the main character dying in the second paragraph.

Friday night I attended the Texas Wildfire concert at the Schreiner Fall Ball. And, I did get to bang the old tambourine on my body for a rocking version of "T For Texas," Skynyrd style. I have the bruises on my hand to prove that. Check out their website for a schedule of local performances. www.texaswildfire.com.

Saturday night I rocked to the music of Shelley King and her band at the Ole Waterin' Hole. Yep, I did a lot of rocking this last weekend. Her voice runs the gamut from blues to country to soul to gospel. I loved hearing the story behind "Call Of My Heart." After years of a recurring dream, she returned to Arkansas and found herself walking down the same path that showed up in her dream. The call of her heart is calling her home. Toni Price recorded the song, stressing the bluegrass sound. Shelley's band rocked, and the audience joined in. In fact, after crying out "We love you Shelley," the audience that night joined in on several songs. Another special Texas music moment. Another website to check: www.shelleyking.com

The first meeting of the Kerrville Songwriters Organization took place on Wednesday, November 20. Go to www.ksg.org for information and membership. Bill ward was the featured guest at this first monthly meeting. And he is playing the Jack and Barbara Fields House Concert on Saturday, November 23.

The San Miguel de Allende Jazz Festival is on Thanksgiving, and Brenda Boykin and Eric Swindermann have returned from San Francisco to perform. Some of the road warriors from Kerrville may remember their show several years ago. Let's think about another bus trip next Thanksgiving. Long ride for a short holiday, though.

Paula D'Arcey and Tony Navarra will open a show at Playhouse 2000 on December 5. Just as Paula's books provide a shift in perspective, so her first play will make a difference.

I'll make the column short so we can use two photos. Check out my new television show. Living Outloud, at 8:30 on channel 2. My guest this week is Cody Gage, senior art student at Schreiner. He also plays music!

Free Leonard and down the road.

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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