The Grand Ole Opry is alive an well in our new venue, The Hill Country Opry. Located on Sidney Baker near I-10, our Opry showcases talent that is significant in Texas. In a wooden building with a high ceiling, the raised stage is surrounded by a semi-circle of chairs, thus providing each member of the audience with the closest seat possible to the stage. The arc of the semi-circle brings a fluid sense to the room and a reminder of people gathering around a fire or a radio to listen to music. Family. Intimate. And, our Opry does bring NEW talent to the stage as well as the tried and true.

  At the recent Shelley King, Floramay Holliday show, James Harvey announced that Guy Clark would be on stage Februrary 26-27. Jay Adams will open the 26^th, and the McKay Brothers will open the 27^th. Guy Clark, the man who wrote “Desperados Waiting For a Train,” is part of a triumverate of Texas songwriters that includes Billy Joe Shaver and Townes Van Zandt. James also announced the appearance of Savoy Brown during February. Stephanie Urbina Jone brings her stunning show to the stage on February 6. The month also has some early Sunday shows! Go to their informative site at www.hillcountryopry.com for details. 

  Friday, January 16, the Opry stage was graced with beauty and talent as Floramay and Shelley commanded the evening. We heard this duo of strong women sing “Love’s Gonna Find You,” a song they wrote cruising to Luckenbach one day. I loved an image they created of love, “cruising up behind you in a coup de ville, sweep you off your feet and take you for a ride.” How many of us have taken that same ride? Shelley King returns March 3 to play the Schreiner Texas Music Coffeehouse series and be part of a tribute to Women’s History Month. They both play The Ol’ Waterin’ Hole from time to time.

  I ended that Friday evening dancing to Les Harmon, at my sister’s suggestion, at the Inn of the Hills. When I heard the band playing Lynyrd Skynyrd as I walked in the door, I knew I was going to dance. The Inn of the Hills, with live music throughout the week, is the place where people gather to dance on a regular basis in Kerrville.

  Remember Ben Beckendorf? I first heard him when I moved to town 17 years ago. His trio of tough blues and jazz recently played a blues lunch on Saturdays at the Hill Top Café. On Sunday, January 18, he provided a grand finale for the Second Annual  “Windows on Texas” weekend, produced by KFAN, Texas Rebel Radio of Fredericksburg. Held at Turner Hall, the Sunday night show began with a set by songwriter Jay Sims. We heard many great acts, including Pauline Reese singing “Night Life” dressed in her working cowgirl clothing. Her voice holding a note for longer than possible, brought the audience to their feet, clapping wildly. Johnny Bush played a set, as did Chris Taylor and Corrie Rodriquez. I kept waiting for the trio of blues so I could let go with my own blues finale! Dancing.

   Jeff Walker brings a dramatic flair to the drums, and John Gammili drops that red bass to his knees, playing it like a lead guitar player might. I love a Texas trio playing music. The Ben Beckendorf Band does not disappoint. Mike Baudat, road manager and friend, always has a complete stock of CD’s for sale, vintage Beckendorf reissued now. My recent favorite is “Bennie B’s Blues Buffet: Live! At the Hill Top Café.” Recorded last summer, probably when I was there, this CD contains “She’s Crazy,” “Nuthing But A Thang,” “Mop Top Mama,” “Dog House Blues,” “Gone,” and more.

  Looking ahead at Valentine’s Day weekend, we have the opportunity to participate in a heart-warming indoor winter folk festival at the Inn of the Hills. Produced by Rod Kennedy and the Special Events Association, the event features Tom Prasado-Rao and a reunion of  The Sherpas on Friday, Chuck Pyle, Jon Ims and Celeste Krenze at 1:00 Saturday, and a dance that evening with Floyd Domino (piano lead) and Sister Morales. I’ll be dancing!

  The weekend ends with a brunch featuring Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone. All in the beautiful new grand ballroom, the event is billed as Music From The Heart. The perfect Valentine’s weekend. Call 792-9830 for tickets.

  February 4 is the Texas Music Coffeehouse at Schreiner University. Featuring Ricky Sparks and Barrett Taylor (both on the Schreiner campus), the evening also brings the First Poetry Slam to Schreiner, with a guest performance by Gary Mex Glazner. Several students will read, paying tribute to Black Heritage Month. Call me at 792-7409 for details. Public invited at no charge.

Click here to return to the previous page