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This guest post is by Joana Ortiz.
It was 32 degrees last Tuesday night. For the veteran Austinite, that’s “am I wearing enough layers” kind of cold. I didn’t know what to expect as my friend and I walked up towards a pretty empty E. 6th Street.
We arrived at Cheer Up Charlie’s: a familiar, friendly, and cozy spot for those who frequent the relatively new strip of bars and restaurants.
The eve of ACL 2012 had security’s panties in a knot, as long lines formed outside Stubb’s back lot. Despite the warm invitation from the Wheeler Brothers’ publicist, our Canon 7D became a liability and Eric and I wondered whether our established threesome would make it through the gates.
The five members of the Wheeler Brothers opened their set while we jumped through hoops outside. But with a photographer wristband attached firmly to Eric’s wrist, we earned our entrance and he edged his way toward the stage. As he positioned himself for close-ups, security approached again. Photos were only allowed during the first three songs.
Fascinated that our Austin musical events have adopted such an excess of legislation, my faithful photog used his powers of persuasion effectively. He talked his way into [Read more…]
This guest blog post is by Janet Jay.
It was a late show, but October 4th saw the Continental Club packed to the rafters to see Ben Kweller and Joe Pug perform. The two artists share many similarities: both live in Austin, both are multi-instrumentalists, both draw from blues and folk in their music.
It makes sense that the place would be packed. These are local boys, and many of those in attendance grew up listening to Ben Kweller. And really, Kweller grew into adulthood right along with his fans. While the Greenville native saw success when he was in his early teens, Kweller’s solo career began with the hit album Sha Sha at age 19…though he looked about 12. (Sorry, Ben.) Now at 30 [Read more…]
Quiet Company at Stubb’s in Austin
Ever been to a watch a band not knowing what to expect, and then been blown away?
Stepping into Stubb’s on Red River, we didn’t know what to expect from Quiet Company. Great articles have been written on the band, and their accolades are widespread.
We expected something special, but we had no idea how electrifying the performance would be.
The crowd was gathered in anticipation, and there was a palpable [Read more…]
Austin, Texas is the place small-time bands go if they want to become big time… so long as they’ve got talent.
As such, music-loving Austinites have to wage a kind of bet when going out to hear live music.
Coffee shops, venues and bars – every cover charge is a bet on whether or not you’ll be the person who “saw so-and-so before they made it big.” Play your cards right, and you’ll be filthy rich with hipster cred by 2015.
Personally, I tend to break even on these gambles. Sometimes I lose. Occasionally, though, the investment pays off and I see a band who has the talent and drive to make a name for itself. This is one of those times. Let me introduce you to Skirt the Issue. [Read more…]
Bright Light Social Hour photo upload on Vivogig
You’re at a show. The band decides to come down from the stage and stand in the middle of the crowd to play an acoustic number. All of a sudden, they’re two feet away from you.
What do you do? Pull out your phone and take a close-up. [Read more…]
I always worry about going to see a band for the first time. After taking the time to get all dolled up, make my way downtown and find parking, what if the show lacks energy and the music just isn’t my style?
For the hardcore local band fanatics, disappointment comes with the territory. They’ll discover some good shows; they’ll find some bad ones. It all balances out in the end. [Read more…]
Bon Iver tickets
In a musical era where artists all start to sound the same, Bon Iver shatters the mold, breaks new ground, and trailblazes their own way into uncharted territory.
I could live a thousand years and perhaps never experience anything like the Bon Iver Austin City Limits taping.
Let me set the scene for you. As I walked into the venue, the buzz of excitement was subdued, yet authentic – sort of like Bon Iver’s music. It was almost as if the vibe of Bon Iver’s style had been transferred onto the audience. [Read more…]
KLRU: Inspiring Austin for 50 years
Everyone has heard of Austin City Limits, but few know much about the origins and long history of this Austin icon.
This article has “juice.” This is simply a term I use as a blogger to refer to an article that has not only general information, but also useful information. You know, things like the answer to the question, “How do I get a ticket to an Austin City Limits taping?”
But before we get to tickets, let me entice you with a little Austin City Limits history. [Read more…]
Calliope Musicals CD release at Skinny’s Ballroom
What was planned as an 11 o’clock show time stretched to midnight, but that didn’t suck the energy from the crowd.
Skinny’s Ballroom was crammed, as fans of Calliope Musicals gathered to celebrate the release of the Austin band’s first full-length album.
As lead singer Carrie Fussell glided through their set, I sensed a heavy influence from 60s and 70s music and even conjoured up some mental images of flower power. I wasn’t too surprised to find out that the band has compared their sound to The Mamas & the Papas, Paul Simon, Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones and Janis Joplin. Singer and guitarist Matt Roth even bounced up and down a bit like the boys on the Ed Sullivan Show back in the day. [Read more…]