Back in the '80s, I used to joke that God couldn't possibly exist, because He had taken Frank Zappa and left us Michael Bolton. I'm feeling that way now, when He's taken Molly Ivins and left us Ann Coulter.

   There's been a Texas-sized outpouring of tributes to the greatest journalist ever to wear boots. Pick up the latest Texas Observer, for a keepsake which captures Molly in the words of those who knew her best. Me, I'm a songwriter, so I've put my feelings and observations into a comic and inspirational ditty, titled "What Would Molly Do?" You'll have three chances to hear it this week - and sing along.

   Friday night, I'll be playing a fundraiser for the Free Souls Project, a brainchild of Live Oak Unitarian pastor Chuck Freeman. Chuck's mission is countering the Christian right by getting spirituality back into progressive politics. When he's not in the pulpit, you can hear his show "Soul Talk" every Thursday afternoon on KOOP Radio. I'll be on the show this Thursday, and then I'll entertain on Friday, between videos of famous speeches and mouthfuls of Italian food.

   Saturday night, I'll be celebrating the frothy side of spirituality. It's back to B.B. Rover's, where Paula and I will entertain between beers. It's what Molly would do.

 

THURSDAY, FEB. 22, 2 to 3 p.m.

KOOP Radio, 91.7 FM

SOUL TALK, host Chuck Freeman, guest Steve Brooks

 

FRIDAY, FEB. 23, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

First Unitarian Church, Howson Hall

4700 Grover Ave.

$20 donation

More info: www.freesoulsproject.org

 

SATURDAY, FEB. 24, 9 p.m. to Midnight
STEVE BROOKS w PAULA HELD
B.B. ROVER'S PUB
12636 Research Blvd., 335-9504
Just north of Kerbey Lane North and Krispy Kreme, next to the Mongolian BBQ
No cover.