Ready to rock and roll? Head to Chili's Friday, May 9, for my favorite rocking band, Texas Wildfire. If graduation plans for Schreiner haven't consumed my weekend, I'll be there tambourine in hand. Hey, these guys do the Lynyrd Skynyrd version of "T For Texas," written by our own Jimmie Rodgers. Yes, he did live in Kerrville from 1929-1931 at Blue Yodeler's Paradise at 617 West Main. Bill Crittendon keeps the blue yodel alive!

I'm also having a great time taping my television show for Channel 2. Deborah Vetter, Barbara Baker and certain special students make the event joyful! The show airs at 8:30 each night. Ahead is a show with Dalis Allen, producer of the Kerrville Folk Festival, Sheriff Jim Wilson, cowboy poet/writer/editor and a reading of some of my own favorite writers. This show has turned into another opportunity for me to share my passion, and that is what my life has become -- living outloud!

Jim Haile is spearheading a wonderful project in the first free music rag in the Hill Country, Texas Rising Star. Another opportunity for me to write about people, music and books I love. Another opportunity for you to get the news as well as the schedules of many Hill Country venues. Some distribution points include The Mini Mart, KRVL, Chili's, Java Pump, Jo Jo's, Ol' Waterin' Hole, Hastings, Downtowner and more. Great opportunities for advertising in this rag, as well. A monthly issue, supplementing our weekly work here at the Kerrville Mountain Sun. Writer/editor Bob Gray and the folks at the Double D in Comfort are part of this team, and opinions do reflect those of the owners, managers and everyone who "agrees with us." Such fun.

News from out West. Sheriff Jim tells me, from Alpine, that on May 17 musicians are gathering at the Boat Dock (strange name) in Terlingua for a concert to benefit our own beloved Steve Fromholz. Now Steve is the quintessential Texas songwriter and raconteur. Playing here in Kerrville for eons, this man has also run the river out in West Texas as a guide.

He recently had a "little" heart attack and is in need of some help. His latest album is on his own label, Felicity Records (named after one of his daughters), and it was recorded live at Anderson Fair. This CD contains the Fromholz classics "I'd Have To Be Crazy," "Texas Trilogy," "The Lovin' of the Game," "Blue Would I be Without You," "Isla Mujeres," "The Man With the Big Hat," and more. See www.stevefromholz.com for more information. Remember when Steve and Steve Young played the September coffee house at Schreiner? What a night of great songs!

Eating a late afternoon snack at Chili's one day last week, I picked up their May schedule. Patricia Vonne will be back! Again, on a night I can't attend, May 24. Remember, I'm teaching in San Miguel de Allende from May 13-29. Jessica Shepherd brings her "Travellingirl" show there on Thursday, May 29. That follows Almost Patsy Cline on May 28. Now that's lots of estrogen! Go by, eat great food, enjoy the river and the music. Chili's is turning into another Texas venue in the Hill Country.

The new Journal of Texas Music History is out, Volume 3, Number 1. Gary Hartman at Southwest Texas State University is doing a great job with the organization, the projects and the journal! A must for every aficionado of Texas music, or history, or good writing! An annual subscription is only $10. Good grief Gary. Contact him at gh08@swt.edu or see www.history.swt.edu/music/texasmsic.htm. Let him know you read about it in Kerrville, home of the Kerrville Folk Festival, The Texas Heritage Music Foundation and lots of great Texas music venues.

Yes, school is in the final stage as you read this column. You can probably sense my energy level at this time. Lots of exclamation points. I recently had a great time at the new, revised, John T. Floore Country Store listening to a pre-birthday Willie concert on April 26, He turned 70 on April 30. My invitation came late that Saturday from none other than Sister Bobbie (Nelson), who is an important part of my current book manuscript. I couldn't turn down that invitation, and the angle of perception this time gave me another look at the godfather of Texas music. Willie is still gentle, sweet, caring and performing. Bobbie exudes grace and spiritual joy. Whew! What a duo. Plan on heading to Austin July 4 and 5 for the 30th annual July 4th picnic. Neil Young? The Dead? Pat Green? Wow. More on that later.

Free Leonard and down the road.
Contact Kathleen at www.texasheritagemusic.org

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