Just as I was thinking that the YO Social Club Party was loosing interest for me, Asleep at the Wheel took the stage. Suddenly I was transported to another era. The music of Bob Wills wafted through the air, a half moon was shining over this Texas ranch, everyone was swaying or dancing. Now that's a Texas-sized moment on the YO Ranch. Since the Schreiner family is an integral part of the history of Kerrville, and the university where I teach, I see the YO Social Club as an opportunity to keep sharing the history, if this group will carefully choose their performers.

The years I remember most are years we heard Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Geronimo Trevino, Dixie Chicks, George Jones and….well, the list is a long one because some part of the party is always about Texas heritage. I have not enjoyed the Nashville styled performers, but that's just my own taste in music.

I'll never forget the moving tribute to Charlie Schreiner, III. that flanked the stage on a big screen. I'll never forget Charlie Robison, last year, putting the American flag on his microphone and paying tribute to our heritage, both in the state and at a national level. Moving.

Frankie Enloe reported that the crowd at the stage poolside just stayed and stayed as Big Hands performed some classic music this year. I saw the band swaying to the swing of Ray Bensen as Asleep at the Wheel took the main stage. I also enjoyed the large band Geronimo Trevino gathered to play that Texas music. His book on Texas dancehalls is a reminder that he not only performs, but also does the research behind the songs. My suggestion, and they did not ask for my suggestion, is that the planning team for the YO Social Club keep our Texas heritage in mind as they bill performers.

A recent discovery of mine is a venue in Comfort, the Double D Biergarten. I knew Jim Haile was showcasing music at this restaurant; I did not know the outdoors venue was so compelling, not to mention the "best" hamburger I've ever eaten. I heard from Roger Moon that he's playing that venue on September 22 and September 29. His regular gig at Luckenbach on Wednesdays is still hopping. Head out to comfort to hear him.

I attended a drumming with Rita de Shield at the Unity Church in Kerrville. Now that's another way to experience music. They have a regular gathering on the first Friday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The Labryinth at St. Peter's Episcopal Church is another spot for drumming on the third Friday of the month. Celina Price tells me that she's starting a Native American Church (sans peyote) in the area. Music plays an integral role in almost all forms of worship. I'll be looking forward to that experience.
Don't miss Mark "Standing Eagle" Baez at the September 27, Texas Heritage Living History Day. Don't miss Jay Burditt, Maggie Meek and Etain Scott doing some Irish music and stories down by the river on that day. Tony Navarra will gather with E.C. Willmann, Hoppy Hopkins and Johnny Krause to pay tribute to Jimmie Rodgers at noon that day. In fact, this is a day for an experience of many different kinds of stories and songs.

Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines will be featured at the Literacy and Learning Concert on Sunday, September 29, at 3:00 p.m. at Schreiner University. Bett Butler will bring her jazz and blues to Schreiner on Octobert 2 at the monthly coffeehouse. Rod Kennedy is planning a Jazz Festival in November. Paul Camfield is bringing another evening of Americana Root music to the Pioneer Museum Complex on September 21. Don't miss that opportunity for bluegrass and more.

Austin Owen and Laran Snyder will be performing at Playhouse 2000 paying tribute to Irving Berlin, Thursday-Sunday, through October 4. Now that's quite a collection of songs, and the evening will be stunning. I've heard them both sing. Don't miss out. Austin and Patrick, two Schreiner students, also performed at the Spirit Wind Java in Ingram on September 14 for Second Saturday Art Trail. Heads up in October! Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

Click here to return to the previous page