I sat at Chili’s with a group of women from out of the state. One was looking for fireflies as the sun set, one was watching the light on the river as it changed each moment. Kathryn Dawn came over and introduced herself. This is one way I like to experience music, up close and personal.

  First, a comment on the venue. I love the atmosphere as well as the huge helpings of tasty food. The patio provides a Texas ambiance that includes a smooth river lined with huge trees. And the stage brings all kinds of Texas music to the area.

  I met Kathryn at the Double D in Comfort, Texas, about a year ago. She was part of a “Girls and guitars” show, and even then she was praising the other women on the show. At Chili’s, Kathryn showcased a woman serious about her music and her writing first, Barbara . Then 17-year-old Ashley Rose took the stage, and I mean she “took it.” We not only heard a strong performance, but we heard some original songs as well.

  Then Kathryn let her hair down and took over with her band. Wave still accompanies her with all kinds of percussion instruments (the job I wish I had!), and the guitarist, drummer and bass player all added to the unusually tight sound we heard. Sometimes my appreciation for Kathryn and who she is overshadows my listening of the music. This woman exudes such strength and joy. Don’t miss her next time around.

  Patrice Vonne will bring another great show to Chili’s on August 8, her second time on this stage. She integrates her life as a dancer, her experience with Flamenco and her songwriting to deliver another amazing evening at Chili’s.

  I’ll have a tough time with choices. A new venue out in the country is bringing the honky voice of Pauline Reese to our area on August 8. I first heard Pauline at the Broken Spoke in Austin. This young woman carries the history of honky tonk in her voice and in her performance. With her sweet husband as manager, Pauline carries her show around the state. Beaux Hickey’s is  10.5 miles out exit 505 off I-10. Turn right on Fiedler Road and go 3.7 miles. At that time you enter the ranch, formerly called the Living Water Ranch. One of my favorite bluesmen, Ben Beckendorf, plays there August 9. Hey, will I ever get to stay at home?

  More news. “The best beergrass band in the world is returning to headline the next ‘Fredericksburg Saturday Night:  American Music in the Texas Hill Country” on Saturday, August 16, at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg.” That was the blurb on the release. The Onion Creek Crawdaddies were founded in 2001 and set out to play traditional bluegrass instruments in a new way. Paul Camfield, director of the Historical Society, says, “The premise for this show is that music in its purity is pure entertainment. Music was what people did.”

  I know the new Hill Country Opry has several shows coming up. Albert and Gage play August 8, and I’ve heard a rumor about Ray Wylie Hubbard. I’m waiting a news release on their schedule. Another great opportunity for the Texas Hill Country.

  I missed the grand opening on August 2, of The Bandera String Company at their new location on Sidney Baker, but I know the owner, and this is one hot music store.  Bruce is known far and wide for his uncanny ability with guitars. And he performs music as well. Stop by their new place and get to know him. I traveled to Salado on Saturday, August 2, to attend a book sale at the art show there.  

  Ahead is the Kerrville Wine and Music (not cheese) Festival on Labor Day Weekend. The lineup is special this year as Dalis Allen continues creating her vision as director of this event. Thumbs up to Dalis! Ahead is the September 3 coffee house at Schreiner University featuring Jimmy LaFave, and the Living History weekend September 26-28, all on the Schreiner campus now. I’ll be moving the THMF office there soon. Seems like an educational facility is the perfect place for me to express my own vision.

  Also ahead is the “13^th Annual Country Cruise” with legendary Freddy Powers, the songwriter and jazz guitarist par excellence. From Galveston to the Western Caribbean you can travel with the music on the largest cruise ship ever to sail from Galveston from November 2-9.  Call Accent Travel at 512-338-2828 for more information. I’ll bet Catherine, Freddy’s wife, is behind all this. She’s another woman who makes things happen.

  Free Leonard and down the road.