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On The Road

September 2016

Stayed a little closer to the home place this August. Enjoying new horse energy at the Dancing Star Ranchita. Nietzshe said “Chaos gives birth to dancing stars.” I like that. Missing my summer trip to San Miguel de Allende but looking ahead to another trip soon. I am faculty in February at the San Miguel de Allende Literary Conference, a stellar event that I would not miss even if not faculty! I once studied with Tom Robbins there, and then heard Barbara Kingsolver stun us with her perspective on writing. Cheryl Strayed told us her story there before we watched the movie. Wild. And lest you think I have gone on a wild tangent, Texas music has created a space in San Miguel de Allende. Delbert McClinton has a home there; Marcia Ball visits regularly; and Carrie Cameron has been producing Magic Town Music showcasing some great Texas music. Yes, Texas and Mexico. Sisters!

Now back to my road across Texas. I spent an intimate evening with Mike Blakely at the 290texas series in Johnson City. Stories and songs entertained us in the spacious living room of Steve and Gail Bartlett. The essence of this series is intimate performances. Sept. 19 we return to Johnson City with Jon Hogan and Maria Moss and Scorch Folk. That means Jimmie Rodgers tribute and some great information on the Carter Family.

I also gave a workshop at the women’s retreat hosted by Terri Hendrix and her non-profit, Own Your Own Universe. I also donated a scholarship in the name of Katherine “Peanut” Burton, a dear creative young woman who left us too early. I was moved by this group of women exploring many aspects of creativity, and met a songwriter from East Texas names Heather Little. Seems she had a few cuts by Miranda Lambert! Her story, so humble, inspired me as I led the women through some writing exercises. And my story on Heather ended up in Texas Heartbeat magazine published by Greg Forest and Karen Utterback. The Fall issue. Pick one up in the Hill Country.

The Kerrville Wine and Music Festival is labor day weekend, just missing this deadline. It is always great, always has a few surprises for even the veterans, and always opens up my heart a little more. Ray Wylie Hubbard plays on Sunday.

Los Texmaniacs had a surprise concert weekend at Roddy Tree in August, showcasing Flaco Jimenez Jr.! Pruneda plays there each Sunday, but the season is coming to an end. History keeps being made at that special Hill Country venue.

Hans Bauer, photographer, is working on a series of portraits of working Hill Country musicians. I watched him in action at Luckenbach, and I must say he creates the art right in front of us and adds to it as he publishes the portrait on facebook in about 24 hours. I am amazed, and the work is splendid. Looking forward to the day the THMF can showcase a photo exhibit for him. In the future.

Ahead: Sept. 27 at Rivers Edge Gallery Jon Hogan and Maria Moss will provide a preview of the Heritage Music Day for the students I have and the public. Join us at 5 p.m. that day. Tuesday.

September 30 is a big day with over 50 performers spread out around the Robbins Lewis Pavilion on the Schreiner campus. Some highlights include a gospel hour at 9, a tribute to Hispanic heritage with Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs at 10. Florin Sanchez and Stephanie Urbina Jones will join us. George Ensle will emcee the songwriters and tribute to Jimmie Rodgers at noon. Join us. Volunteer? Find new sponsors? Remember…we are already working on the 30th anniversary in 2017

Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines are our special evening concert on Sept. 30 with a reception hosted by sponsor TPR at 6:30. Admission by donation so join us! Cailloux Student Center on the Schreiner campus. Be sure and check out the new nonprofit…Own Your Own Universe. Terri is doing great things with only 3 years of history. I have invited her to be our songwriter in residency next April at Schreiner. See our website for details at the beginning of the year. A heads up.

Thursday, Sept. 29, Lee Duffy and the Austin Songwriters Group will host a tribute to Merle and Jimmie at the YO Hotel bar. 7 p.m. Join us! Lee is a songwriter, director of the ASG, and has some great Merle stories!

Dylan plays El Paso on Oct. 19 and Lubbock Oct. 20. Road trip?? Tickets are outrageous, but the experience seems worth it to me. Dylan, Texas and Jimmie Rodgers. A triangle of influences.

Just too much to talk about.

ILS SONT PARTIS

Kathleen Hudson is the founder and Executive Director of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation based in Kerrville. Today, she shares a few of the awesome events coming up in the Hill Country this month. As you watch this video, be sure to have your cal

Kathleen is the founder and Executive Director of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation. In this edition, she fills us in on some exciting stories and some really cool venues. Be sure to check it out. For a complete listing of Hill Country music and ev

Kathleen Hudson is the Founder and Executive Director of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation. There's some really cool stuff coming up in July, and Kathleen tells us all about it.Be sure to visit www.TheHillCountryCalendar.com for a complete listing

Enjoy this months video blog

On the Road

June 2016

The Kerrville Folk Festival is ahead of us until June 12. Many great acts to choose from. I have attended every festival except the first one, even working for one year with the late founder, Rod Kennedy, as we promoted his songwriting foundation. Memories flood over me as I drive south on Highway 16, memories of Peter Yarrow playing Puff The Magic Dragon at a campfire with my kids in his lap, memories of Townes Van Zandt playing ball with my kids in the meadow as I camped out there, memories of Guy Clark donating a sponsor fee he received to my own foundation, The Texas Heritage Music Foundation.

I met and interviewed many of the songwriters in my first book at the Kerrville Folk Festival. When traveling, I was curious to see that the name “Kerrville,” represented the festival in other places, not the city. “Are you going to Kerrville this year?” was not a question about destination, rather about the event. I lived in Ft. Worth with my husband and family when I first attended. We saw an ad in the Star Telegram, loved folk music, and made the drive. Some years we camped. Several times I stayed the entire 18 days while my husband, Benny, drove back to work. I have had the experience that last night singing that last song, “Heal In The Wisdom” by Bobby Bridger, of standing and swaying with a group who could say, “We have been here the entire festival.”

I went through a divorce at the time I was receiving my Ph.D. and Rod Kennedy asked me, “Why don’t you move to Kerrville and promote my music foundation.” I asked my kids, they said yes, we moved away from our place in Aledo, Texas. Rod Kennedy and his festival were the call. As I promoted the foundation, I also took a job teaching part-time at Schreiner. Then an emergency position opened up in August, and I said yes, putting my new Ph.D. with a focus on rhetoric and composition, to work. I have never lost the magic I felt the first year I saw in the audience listening to someone share their words, music, stories and songs from that stage. I have seen the growth, the new theater, the new bathrooms, but nothing replaces the fullness of spirit that overcomes me each time I sit and listen.

June 11 I will head up to Johnson City to the Walnut Springs Preserve to hear Red Young and Sylvie perform. The 290Texas series is the vision of Paul Sumrall and a collaboration with the THMF out of our commitment to showcase the heart of Texas music. When I met Red, his reputation preceded him. I knew his name as a renowned keyboard player, and we had a conversation at the opening of a Texas Music Museum project in Austin. At that moment, I knew I wanted to get him in front of new audiences. He has also played Magic Town Music in March in San Miguel de Allende. There we talked again, and I loved his talent, his history, but even more I loved his spirit. His wife, Sylvie, a singer from France, adds some international texture to his performance. I saw them again at the marriage of Dahlia, daughter of Aschi Maurer, a Swiss man who produced the Frutigen Songwriter Festival, an international experience for me as I suggested the Texana Dames for the show then ended up traveling with them and writing a story for the San Antonio Express News. Sylvie ended the night with “La Vie En Rose,” her specialty. Now Red and Sylvie will perform for an intimate house concert. Attendance is by rsvp, and you are invited! www.290texas.com

Last entry before submitting column: Carrie Rodriguez and Luke Jacobs at the Friday night KFF! I had done some research in preparation for an upcoming interview for my next book. I listened to the sound check. I still was not prepared for the effect her performance would have on me. After the show I told her, “I could feel you pulling something up from inside of me, something beautiful to feel.” Not sure what that means, but I did have a visceral experience of her performance. Yes, she ended a heart wrenching song in Spanish with an Appalachian fiddle tune while honoring her aunt who originally performed this song in Spanish. I do love juxtaposition of opposites and the energy that creates. Her encore of two songs gave us the chance to hear Luke sing a song that became a conversation with her eyes and her fiddle, as she responded to his lines. I have never seen a duet quite like this. Simple but moving. Yes, I like spoken word so might have gotten hooked on the performance aspect. They both bring a strong presence to the stage. Knowing they are also a couple in life with a 7 month old at home did influence my listening. I am sure. On one of her songs, I started feeling Patti Smith in the arena. After the show I asked her if she knew Patti’s work. “Of course,” this young performer answered. But she had never been compared. I was not talking about looks and style, rather about some substance in the words. “I bend, I don’t break. If I want, I just take. If I’m cut I bleed. If I bleed, I don’t cry. I cry for love.” Those words, that rhythm with the violin/fiddle crying. Dalis Allen, producer, was appropriately looking very sad, as Carrie sang her last song, a tribute to Andy, a friend that died on his bicycle at 25. Watching the producer watch the act she had chosen was my reminder that Dalis (like Rod) is choosing people she cares about and people that move her. One more special part of this festival celebrating 45 years. I have attended 44 of these festivals in Kerrville.

Today, May 28, Shelley King plays at the Waterin’ Hole celebrating an anniversary of 19 years. Yes, I will be sure and stop by as one special moment for me was hearing Shelley sing “I’m Driving By Myself,” as I danced wildly in this late night club in Kerrville.

Memories! Ils sont Partis.

On the road For Sept. 1, 2015

My road through Texas in August was also a time to add ideas to the next Texas Studies course I am teaching at Schreiner. Let me take you on the journey with me: I started August 1 at Cheatham Street Warehouse with a Jenny Finlay appreciation party, featuring some of the artists she works with. Two songwriters, Paul Hilliard and Boone Holding, were with me on the trip, and a highlight of the evening was hearing Curtis McMurtry with his cello player followed by his dad, James McMurtry. Boone also invited me to be a guest on his Tuesday night radio show, Texas Music Hour, on KFAN from 7-8. We talked about my first book which also includes an early interview with James. He had written 5 songs when I met him in San Antonio oh so many years ago.

The road led back to Austin on August 9 for a fundraiser at the Nutty Brown for Wimberly flood victims. I read that over 100,000 was raised at that event. A highlight for me was hearing Ray Wylie Hubbard and his son Lucas. Yes..I see a theme developing on this road trip. Both James and Ray are chapters in my first book. The venue was packed, the silent auction raised money, Turk Pipkin gathered money in the audience, and a great time was had by all.

August 16 I drove to Trader’s Village in San Antonio. I used to run my barrel horse at the one in Grand Prairie and shop after the jackpot was over. I was always training a young one, my kids always helped out, and we had great family moments. The San Antonio version is set up for music, and a big crowd gathered for Little Joe y La Familia that hot afternoon. The last time I heard Little Joe was here in Kerrville at the 1997 tribute to Jimmie Rodgers and fundraiser for the Kennemer scholarship fund, a THMF project. He was playing right before Willie Nelson that day. I loved hearing him again with a 9-piece band, carrying the musical history into the future. In the audience were old, young, dancers, cameras and phones, and lots of people singing along. I had to ask Louis Ramos, standing next to me, for song titles, as it seemed he knew them all. Little Joe told stories and performed each song as if he meant it right in that moment, putting his hand over his heart in the precious places of the song. I was swept away with that energy and those songs, many love songs. He grew up in Temple, Texas, and I remember visiting him at a museum there years ago. Now he will be part of my new oral history project. “I’m a Redneck Mexican Boy” seems to please the crowd. And the horns! John Ontivares has been with him ten years, and the leads he took were chilling. Tony Matamores was there, an original Latinaire with Little Joe. Their history spans the history of Texas music beginning in the 50s. At one time Louis standing next to me said, “If I cry, ignore me.” Joe’s voice is still huge, as he sang, “I wish you bluebirds; I wish you love.”

August 22 I drove back to Austin for the Ham Jam House concert (www.hamjamhouse.com) where Daren Appelt has create a special venue in his house that is booked through 2016! “I just opened my house for these concerts, and musicians have been contacting me ever since to perform here. And they do it for the tip jar.” Well, his house is a gorgeous space, filled with art, and welcoming. Daren designed a “red dot” piece of equipment for guitars that musicians love. Bianca DeLeon was there, a songwriter who often tours Europe and has her own outrageous story to tell, and the featured artists were Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox. Bianca and I just had to dance when Sarah, with a voice like Etta James, began a cumbia. Time to dance! Synchronicity rules, and as Joel told his story and talked about the Latin threads in the music, I remembered he also started playing in the band with Little Joe y La Familia. Joel leads accordion workshops, often in Europe, has a business degree, and is also going to be part of my next book. And Sarah Fox, his life and musical partner, has her own story to tell. Their son, Joel Gabriel Guzman, added guitar, and Glenn Fukanaga held down the bass. Yes, a house concert with keyboard, drums and full band in the living room area. I will return!

August 27 I headed out to John Spencer’s birthday party at the Hunt Store featuring his guest, Rockabilly star (from Dallas), Kim Lenz. The place was packed, and I love this new venue close to home. Expect to hear Joe Ely at the Hunt Store, along with James McMurtry and Ray Wylie. Well, they are on the wish list! Time will tell. John Dunn, owner, is doing a fabulous job with great food offerings as well as the setting, a classic Texas store on the river in Hunt, Texas.

August 28 I stopped by the Ridge on Harper Road to hear Marcus David Kennedy perform his songs as well as a tribute to Billy Joe Shaver. More great food and music with a spectacular garden area outside. Billy is doing a great job there, with music every Friday and Saturday. Early too! I like those events that start at 6.

August 29 I was Roddy Tree Cantina with the Living Legends show put together by owner Keith and James Harvey, a fundraiser for the THMF too. At dusk we saw a film on the Sir Douglas Quintet playing in Kerrville at Cedarberry’s in 1990. Fun to watch myself dancing across the floor several times in that film. And moving to realize the Augie Meyers, a founding member of the Texas Tornados (coming to Kerrville Oct. 17) and friends with Doug Sahm since Augie was about 12, was also in the audience watching before he performed with Bo Porter, T.Gozney Thornton and Joe King Carrasco. I interviewed Bo, talking about his experience with the Jimmie Rodgers guitar Ernest Tubb had and talking about songwriting. I interviewed Joe King on the music he plays, his love of Mexico (and mine), and his view on the writing. Augie and I will talk soon in San Antonio. A great night of fun, laughter and dancing was had by all. Jr. Pruneda plays every Sunday afternoon at 4. His history is an entire book in itself.

Ahead in September: Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs plays the coffeehouse on Sept. 16, 7-9, in the Lion’s Den at Schreiner. Sept. 19 Johnny Nicholas will perform and pay tribute to Jimmie Rodgers at the 290Texas house concert (rsvp for directions to www.290texas.com). September 22 Scorch Folk with Jon Hogan and Maria Moss at Rivers Edge Art Gallery in Kerrville at 6:30. Open to the public and a special night for my creativity class. September 24 Johnny Nicholas and Jimmie Dale Gilmore will pay tribute to Jimmie at Hilltop Café on the Mason Highway. I am sure the musicians in town for the September 25 Texas Heritage Music Day will be jamming at the YO Ranch Hotel bar also on Sept. 24. I get to clone myself that night. And finale time…..Sept. 25 from 9-1:30 the Texas Heritage Music Day featuring over 50 performers including Terri Hendrix this year. AND the grand finale is a concert Friday evening, Sept. 25, with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines in the Schreiner University ballroom. Want to volunteer? Want to JOIN the THMF? Like us as a group and as a page on Facebook, go to our website and join the group! 2017 is our 30th anniversary, and we are already making plans.

October dates include a coffeehouse on Oct. 7 with Jon Hogan and Maria Moss, and the annual PIP workshop featuring the daughter of Paula Underwood on Oct. 17. Also on Oct. 17 is a 12-hours concert in Lousie Hayes Park ending with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Texas Tornadoes. I now Jake Ames and his brother Lucas will be playing about 2:45 in the park, according to dad Big G!

Welcome Diana Burkett to the office. Welcome new Schreiner students. ILS Sont Partis. KH

A sighting of Kathleen, and a big one. Kathleen Hudson, Executive director of THMF, was interviewed by Boone Holding on the Texas Music Hour on KFan Radio Station. Shout out to KFan and the rest of the Texas Rebel Radio group for their support of THMF

On this day in 1933 the great Jimmie Rodgers passed away. Today we have come a long way, but Texas music would not be where it is with out him.

Remember, for more information on Jimmie Rodgers or information on how to get involved with THMF, visit our webpage www.texasheritagemusic.org

Today's the day. Remember to get out and GIVE BIG through The Big Give SA. #BGSA2015 #strongertogether http://thndr.it/1NzcQez

From left to right, 2nd place winner Martha, 1st place winner John, and 3rd place winner Savannah after the poetry slam on Tuesday night!

#THMF

kathud13

MAGIC TOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015, BOB DYLAN, SHANNIE, LUCKENBACH PICKERS CIRCLE, THMF AND APRIL, AND MORE

Writing this as I head to San Miguel de Allende, my favorite road trip. Or maybe that West Coast trip each June. I just can’t decide so will begin with a quote by Catherine of Sienna (where I...

#thmf

Kathleen tells us about some upcoming events in April and some of her adventures. Don't miss it!For a complete Hill Country calendar of events, visit www.Hill-Country-Visitor.com/events.

#thmf