"West Coast trip, Shemekia Copeland, Willie Nelson Picnic"
We have only had two trips together in our adult lives, one to South by Southwest in Austin in March, and this one. What a joy to spend time with a sister who was so much younger growing up that I didn't even know her. Most 12 year olds don't hang out with 5 year olds. Now we're celebrating her 51st birthday out here on the West Coast. She's enjoying a new camera; I'm enjoying introducing her to people I care about, a conference I love and a blues festival.
Yes, after the conference where I represented Schreiner University, we're attending the Annual Monterey Bay Blues Festival. Shemekia Copeland, daughter of the late Texas Twister, Johnny Copeland, will bring her houserocking music to the stage. She's an artist with one of the top independent labels in the country, Alligator Records, based in Chicago. Their roster is strong with blues and includes some Texas bluesman. Johnny Winter did one of his favorite albums with Alligaor, saying, "I love the way the owner, Bruce Iglauer, lets me have a say in my own music."
Shemekia is a sassy, smart and scintillating woman! She struts on the stage (Yes, I've seen her here before), and challenges the audience to listen up. She speaks of women and their rights. She defies men who choose not to respect women. She speaks up!
Ahead in Texas is the Willie Nelson Picnic in Austin. He's expanded the show to two days and added some national acts that are a rare site in Texas. I've never heard any version of the Grateful Dead so I'm looking forward to the drumming of Mickey Hart and the new version of The Dead. Neil Young has always been a favorite since I first heard Crosby, Still, Nash and Young. I'm a Lucinda Williams recent convert and look forward to hearing her distinct sound. Another woman who speaks up without hesitation. Shawn Colvin, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Pauline Reese, Paula Nelson are just a few of the spectacular women who are appearing. Reese, a beautiful young blond woman, sings honky tonk music as if she lived it. Paula Nelson does the same with the blues. I wonder what she would say about the influence of her dad?
Stephanie has won a solid following in the Hill Country, splitting her time between Nashville and Texas. This woman tours and visits radio stations with each CD she produces. On the road with Stephanie will lead you to this picnic. A fan of Billy Joe Shaver, she wrote a song using a line from one of his songs, "God Loves It When You Dance." I'm anticipating the reception she'll receive at this event. Ray Wylie Hubbard, another Texas treasure, is touring with a new CD on Philo (Rounder) called "Growl." Gurf Morlix, producer and lead guitarist, helps keep the edge on this collection of new songs.
Support live music. Chili's is giving us a venue on the river, as is Jo's Jo's Bar at the boat place once called The Dry Dock. I saw on the sign that Scott Roghe has been playing there on weekends. Java Pump has changed hands and now serves food. Great food, I've heard. The Ol' Watering Hole keeps bringing in the Texas music on the rise. You can dance at the Inn of the Hills and jams occur at the Elk Club on Wednesdays, Both Buzzie's on Thursdays and Lone Oak Store and Hunt Store on Sundays. Check websites for schedules for The Cabaret in Bandera, John T. Floore in Helotes.
Free Leonard and down the road.