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The Gentle Grifters play Second Saturday Surf in Austin (Credit: Kim Yarbrough)
Started with the intention of bringing more awareness to surf music, Second Saturday Surf is now established as a home base for the Central Texas surf guitar scene. The monthly event at Knomad Bar has been going strong for over five years.
Ley Line (Credit: Thom Washburn)
When I think of Ley Line’s music, I instantly think of what it means to connect. This Austin band’s mission is to bridge the listener and remote parts of the world. Ley Line does this by creating a tapestry of sound that blends language, rhythm, and stories. In action, this multilingual group expresses a deep reverence for the traditions that inspire it.
Willie Nelson enjoyed every minute of his Austin City Limits taping on Nov. 19, 2018
(Credit: Scott Newton/courtesy of KLRU-TV)
As I stood at an upright table overlooking 2nd Street and Guadalupe on the Moody Theater balcony, a chilling thought ran through my head: I didn’t know much about Willie Nelson.
To Austinites with half an ear, the notion is blasphemy. How could any music reviewer worth his salt not know the King of Outlaw Country’s body of work? His statue is outside the dang theater.
Walking to my seat, I knew this was no longer a simple concert for me. It was a crash course on a living legend, plying his trade for the 18th time on the Austin City Limits stage. True to form, he did not disappoint. [Read more…]
Gina Chavez looking onward as she releases her latest EP “Lightbeam” (Credit: Juice Consulting)
It was love at first strum. Three years ago during SXSW 2016, Gina Chavez played an early evening set at Sidewinder. Knowing her reputation alone, I showed up as a newbie. An hour later, I walked away a fan.
With a stylish and exuberant brand, melding samba, cumbia, and Latin influences, Gina Chavez has rocketed to the upper echelon of Austin’s music scene. And with her first record in four years, she’s refined her sound into something groovy, moving, and magical. [Read more…]
Tomar and the FCs raise temperatures at SXSW’s Pandora Party (Credit: Robert Hein)
I dare you to go see Tomar and the FCs and not move your body. I’m convinced that’s impossible. This musical storm raises the roof and sets it on fire, night after night on stages across Austin.
Tomar, lead vocalist for the band, and Paul Kresowik, drummer for the FCs, shared their story with me. They talked about their love of music, how the group came together, and what’s on the horizon for this sublime talent in the Austin music scene.
Tito’s Stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival 2018 (Credit: Brandon Navarro)
Zilker Park has been reclaimed. The massive stages torn down, ticket booths folded up. Mountains of debris, discarded AMEX swag, and unused ponchos carted away as though they never existed.
All that’s left of Austin City Limits Music Festival 2018 is in the minds and memory cards of those lucky enough to experience it. From the incredible headliners to your new favorite band, ACL Fest has always held something for anyone daring enough to brave the crowds and take it all in.
With our signature focus on the hyperlocal, here’s how The Austinot team experienced this one-of-a-kind festival, through pictures and words. [Read more…]
Ms. Mack and the Daddies bring in da noise, bring in da funk on a regular basis at The Skylark Lounge
(Credit: Aubrey Lethbridge)
Looking for a night out with sizzling music and throw-down dancing at its finest? East Austin’s rollicking good time of a dive bar, The Skylark Lounge, beckons. Don’t hesitate. Take to the dance floor and shake it at Skylark, sooner rather than later.
The Skylark Lounge preserves the culture and diversity of East Austin, regularly booking phenomenal R&B, soul, funk, and jazz acts. This sultry bar delivers Austin’s stalwart musical talent with Ms. Lavelle White, Soul Man Sam, and Margaret Wright, as well as talented crowd pleasers like Brian Scartocci, The Soul Supporters, Ms. Mack and the Daddies, and Rochelle and the Sidewinders.
While Austin is home to many wonderful music venues, Skylark holds its own as an authentic, lively space to boogie. I wouldn’t lie to you. [Read more…]
Austin Symphony Orchestra always delivers high-quality performances, but there is extensive behind-the-scenes preparation for the big day, from determining musical selections each season to rehearsal (Credit: Brittany Ballard)
If you’ve attended an Austin Symphony Orchestra concert, then you’re aware how magical the experience can be. The notes seem to fly through the air to wrap audience members in an embrace and–in my case–gift tears of joy.
But while the general public counts down to the day of the show, there’s much more to the Austin Symphony Orchestra than what you see during a performance. Take a step backstage with me, to learn more about Conductor Peter Bay and the preparation required to deliver a high-quality, moving concert. [Read more…]
Guy Forsyth plays Celling Biosciences Showcase at Lustre Pearl (Credit: Amy Weiss Photography)
Many talented musicians call Austin home, and this city takes its live music seriously. Our great power comes with great responsibility to care for local musicians, by keeping them here and healthy. Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (commonly known as HAAM) is Austin’s one-stop health care resource for Austin’s hard-working musicians. [Read more…]
As an unabashed east Austin lover, I offer a warning to those who are making it their home: try not to fall in love with the neighborhood too much. Yes, it’s the most fun part of Austin. Yes, it has everything you need to live your best life. Yes, there are new bars and restaurants popping up every week that need to be tried. But, it’s still important to visit other parts of the city every once in a while. Maybe?
For the people flooding into the many, many new apartments and condos in the neighborhood, let me tell you it can be difficult to venture out. These days, I find myself lacking motivation to leave east Austin for even a few hours.
As my first year with The Austinot comes to a close, I’ve decided to pen an ode to my neighborhood, which doubles as a word of caution. What follows are the top 10 reasons you might find yourself never leaving east Austin. [Read more…]