DEL NORTE — Wildwood Sounds, 850 Grande Ave., Del Norte, presents Texas in the Rockies Texas Songwriters Showcase on Friday, August 10th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 657-4757 or see wildwoodsounds.com.

Come join in an evening of Texas music, two and a half hours of Texas humor and musicianship on Friday, August 10th.

There is no scientific way to prove it, but Al Barlow may very well be the happiest man on the face of this big ol’ goofy world. You think this when you see him from across a room, when you listen to any of his songs live or on your home stereo, even when he’s just a big, sunny East Texas voice twanging on the other end of a phone line. Any way you encounter him, Al Barlow is pure, unadulterated and relentless Happy personified. And he knows it.

“I’ve never met anybody in my life that I would consider a happier person,” Barlow readily concedes. “I’ve met a lot of happy folks but I don’t know anybody more blessed than me. I’ve had my share of heartaches and grief, but I’m not gonna let that part of life dominate me. But not only am I gonna be happy, I’m gonna make sure that I try to make everybody else happy that I come in contact with.” He chuckles. “It’s just one of my mental problems.” 

And he’s one of the best not to mention the funniest -- American singer-songwriters you’ve likely never heard. You’ve certainly never heard songs quite like his before: quirky, mischievous little ditties about matchbooks and empty peanut butter jars and fishing and nosy co-workers that come on silly but rarely go on their merry way without goosing the heart by surprise.

Bob “Zen Bubba” Williford is from Dallas, Texas and sings songs of highways and truck stops, honky tonks and humanity.  Bob’s songs are more than just rocking dance hall guitar, belly laughs and a chorus that won’t leave your head.  It’s good to “lean across the dog house” with the Transcendental Trucker.

Jenni Mansfield Peal is a songwriter and singer, guitarist, accordionist, and mountain dulcimist. Her experience includes two tours of Northern Ireland, main stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival, numerous original productions and ensembles, and four independent albums. The Mr. Peppermint Show featured Jenni’s songs on multiple episodes that were syndicated world-wide for years, and her most recent recording is for children and families: Putting On the Old Folk’s Clothes. Jenni was named The Best Folk Song Writer in North Texas by CBS DFW in 2010.  Jenni also created and hosted the broadcast radio show “Everybody’s Folk” for KNON 89.3 FM in Dallas.

‘Twp Sisters Pass’ are two Texas kids, Jenni Mansfield Peal and Konnie Kennon who take their inspiration from the visionary heights of the Great Divide and the stately depths of the Ancient Valley. Guitar, drum, and harmonious voices lift up Jenni’s original songs of love, loss, and laundry.

Anni and Ean of Howe 2 bring a new wave and island vibe to Americana: Folk Music that you can dance to!  Partly country with blue skies predicted.

This is a sweets or snacks potluck. Bring a favorite healthy treat to share, with coffee and tea on the house.

Al Barlow, one of the happiest men alive, will be part of the “Texas in the Rockies” event at Wildwood on August 10./ Courtesy Photo