Flanfire

October - That's Jon Dee Graham's month. I missed his show tonight with Alejandro Escovedo, but I look forward to hearing all about it from pals. Last night, though, I did make it down to Jovita's for the grand reunion of the Original Shelley King Band - Shelley and Perry plus Kyle Judd (the guitar stud - and if you have ever heard him, you'll know why he has the moniker) and the inimitable Anthony Velasco on bass (and on the bass amp at times). Baby Clark was in tow, as was the Judd baby - and other women (unnamed) in the house were beginning to look baby hungry themselves. Shelley attracts a broad audience, and one family had three generations on hand for the show (that Eileen really rocks).

Later I waded into the far reaches of North Austin (north of my own home) for a jam that included super hero Steve Gavigan (who's off to New Orleans to celebrate Halloween soon) and some of his pals - and up and coming guitar goddess Tahni Handal. Tahni has a new CD of her singer songwriter songs coming out in the near future, and she has scheduled a CD release for December 5 at the Ruta Maya Coffeehouse. Details and players to be named later. Tahni, for the record, began her rock and roll career as lead guitarist with the all-girl heavy metal band Tantrum a while back, then got herself into some blues bands and other venues before settling in the Tahoe area for a few years. Three years ago she and her baby daughter packed up their gear and trekked across country to Austin, Texas (as have many other musicians seeking a place to be). She's been working on her music out of the spotlight ever since, but now this woman is getting her chops back in shape and is ready to explode.

Earlier in the week I had the distinct pleasure of joining many of Austin's finest musicians to pay tribute to (and get to hear) Buddy Miller debut his new CD at Waterloo Records. Not at all surprisingly, Gurf Morlix joined him on bass - no surprise for the magic man of music, as he once joined Buddy on tour on the spur of the moment after a Buddy and Julie gig at the Continental Club in which Gurf was in the house but NOT on stage. Showing their fine taste in music, Kim and Karen DesChamps, all of the Greencards, Troy Campbell and others too numerous to mention (plus Greg Adkins of the Gospel According to Austin project) - and me - all got to hear Buddy promise some longer gigs coming in Austin in November. Details to follow.

Then Thursday night, the wife and I joined our daughter, grandson, and her in-laws at Shady Grove to eat hamburgers and hear Terri Hendrix (them for the very first time live). Terri had a full band, with Riley Osborne joining her usual suspects to provide a fuller sound. Terri brought out her first "country" song, about a macho guy who "sits to pee" and likes to shop when he comes to Austin. It was a RIOT! Now Shady Grove is a fine place, but the sound outdoors was a little tinny in the far reaches, and at times one could hardly hear Riley and Glen even in the middle of the standing only area. All vocals were up, though - and the weather was great. Caleb was dancing on the table -- he's a big Terri Hendrix fan -- or maybe he was just having such a good time because all FOUR of Lloyd Maines' grandchildren (including the new one not yet three weeks old at the time) were in the house, along with ONE of his two daughters. Now, this is a guy who puts his grandkids' photos on his guitar!

The prior weekend we also missed a fabulous Jackson Birthday Barn Dance to be in Louisiana with my mother as she celebrated her induction into the Springhill High School Hall of Fame. Movie starlet (and one-time wife of the late George Peppard) Sherry Boucher was the mistress of ceremonies, and my former street basketball teammate (who has coached her own daughter, now at Ole Miss) choked up as she recounted her own days in my mother's English classroom. Our little high school has produced some amazing people, including CEO's of major corporations and a Heisman trophy winner.

I keep hearing about a new live music venue out west of town - Backstage Steak House on State Highway 71 past Poodie's. Apparently the place is run by folks who used to cater to the stars. The food is reportedly great and well worth the drive.

My friend Bill Groll reported this week on the passing of his father - who taught him to love country music and then lived to see Bill actually begin to do so. Check out www.austinamericana.com for Bill's weekly updates and more if you are not already on his list.

Finally, Kelly Coleman, who played at my daughter's wedding and has been my other daughter's best friend for more than a decace, is in hospital in San Antonio with a blood clot in her lung. This is serious stuff, and she needs our prayers.