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Classic Game Fest: More Than a Trip Down Memory Lane

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A variety of classic game controllers at Classic Game Fest 2019 (credit: Bill Tucker)

When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020, it devoured events like a termite chews through wood. The rash of cancellations made sense given the seriousness of the pandemic, but it still stung thousands of organizers, venue owners, and attendees. Classic Game Fest, a yearly celebration of all things retro videogames, was one of the casualties.

Now with the pandemic slowed and restrictions lifted, Classic Game Fest is on with no limitations to the fun. Bigger than ever before in both size and scope, this love letter to the games of old offers something for everybody. Whether you’re an NES junkie or an Atari nerd, there’s something for everyone this year.

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Black Fret Keeps Live Music Alive With a New Festival

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Nakia SXSW 2018 Black Fret
Nakia enlivened an amazing Black Fret showcase during SXSW 2018. (credit: Bill Tucker)

For more than eight years, Black Fret supported the Austin music community with an unstoppable sense of purpose and accomplishment. When COVID brought live music to a near standstill, many of us wondered who would step up and take a stand. Black Fret came to the table and their brand new music festival, “Keep Live Music Alive,” is the comeback party we’ve been asking for since March of 2020. And with news of the 2021 class of grant nominees around the corner, there has never been a better time to become a member and support the music.

Doing The Right Thing Since 2013

Matt and Colin Black Ball 2018
Colin Kendrick (L) and Matt Ott (R) pose before the 2018 Black Ball (credit: Bill Tucker)

Founded by Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott in 2013, Black Fret aims to support the local music scene through member support. Members pay a flat fee that goes toward yearly grants. In return, members get access to unique, intimate listening room style performances. Every year, members nominate twenty artists to receive either a minor ($5,000) or major ($20,000) grant. The year culminates in the Black Ball, a sensational awards show and concert blowout at the Moody Theater. I’ve been to multiple Black Balls over the years, and trust me. They are experiences!

And while COVID kicked the Austin live music scene in the gut, Black Fret fought back with the Happy Hour Concert series. The program paid out over $250,000 to over 150 musicians for playing shows for companies and businesses over Zoom. It’s that sort of innovation that helped Black Fret stay helpful and relevant during the pandemic.

How’s this for numbers? To date, Black Fret has awarded $2,000,000 to local musicians and $1,500,000 to Austin-area venues and music businesses. Every artist playing a Black Fret showcase gets paid as does every venue. And for the first time, this year’s season dues is $750. While that may seem steep, it’s a hefty discount from years past. And consider the amount of live shows you get exclusive access to, along with knowing you’re supporting the art that keeps Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World. It’s a donation worth considering if you have the means to do so.

The Keep Live Music Alive Festival

Buffalo Hunt during the Black Fret SXSW 2021 showcase.

Now that COVID restrictions are relaxing enough for Austin to dip its collective toe back into live music, Black Fret is launching its first membership drive of the season in the form of a festival. The “Keep Live Music Alive” festival will take place from May 14-16th at the Long Center Terrace. While the event is listed as members only, single-day tickets are available for non-members. But that’s not the point. With an incredible lineup to offer, becoming a member is the best way to experience this three-day extravaganza.

The jam packed schedule reads like a who’s who of new Austin music. While ATX staples like Ley Line and Darkbird make me smile, I’m dying to check out Zach Person. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this local up-and-comer. The full schedule is as follows:

Day 1Time
Eimarl Sol4:00
Darkbird4:45
Mike Melinoe5:30
Miggy Milla6:15
Zach Person7:00
Buffalo Hunt7:45
Nane8:30
Day 2
Night Blooms3:00
Motenko4:00
Ley Line4:45
Clarence James5:30
Lisa Morales6:15
Harry Edohoukwa7:00
American Dreamer7:45
Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy8:30
Jake Lloyd9:00
Day 3
Special Tribute to Bob Dylan11:00 AM
Jon Muq2:00
Casey McPherson3:00
Dom Fisher3:45
Pat Byrne4:30
J Soulja5:15
Matt the Electrician6:00
The Reverent Few6:45
Deezie Brown7:30

Looking Forward to the Season Ahead

Austin band Motenko performing during Black Fret’s SXSW 2021 showcase.

And the festival is a jumping-off point. On June 11th via a private event at the Moody Theatre, Black Fret will announce this year’s class of artists. After months of live shows, the season will culminate in this year’s Black Ball on December 4th. As a fan of this wonderful organization, it’s great to see it up and running as intended: promoting and stewarding Austin live music. And if Black Fret’s re-emergence is the goal, the Keep Live Music Alive festival is its proof of concept.

“Black Fret is all about supporting our local music as the art that it is and we thank the Long Center for hosting our first ‘Keep Live Music Alive’ festival,” said Matt Ott, Co-founder of Black Fret. “COVID knocked our music community on our collective ass and it is time for us all to come together to support our artists, venues, and vendors that create our amazing music ecosystem in Austin. Joining Black Fret is a great way to accomplish that.”

When the music community was sucker-punched by COVID over a year ago, it hit everyone hard. From artists to venues and everyone in between, it was a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Despite it all, Black Fret continued to do what it does best—provide a lifeline to Austin’s cherished and storied music scene when it needed it most. And with this weekend’s celebration, the Austin music community hopes to turn the page on the year that was, and look forward to a great season of sounds ahead.

To become a member and attend the festival, visit https://www.blackfret.org/klma/ for everything you need to do so.

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Ever been to a Black Fret event? Tell us about your experience!

Austin Gilgronis Rugby Brings Intense Action to Bold Stadium

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As a life long East Coaster turned Austinite, rugby’s been a mystery. Outside of catching a match at a British pub at 11:00 AM or the rare highlight on TV, this punishing yet fascinating sport has been lost on me. And I think if I took an informal poll, most locals would feel the same way.

If so, y’all are missing out! Last week, my wife and I had the chance to check out Austin Gilgronis (AG) Rugby’s home opener at Bold Stadium. We found a sport well suited for our Longhorn loving city. Hard nosed, aggressive, and exciting, the lads of AG Rugby are bringing good times and great play to Circuit of the Americas.

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Top 5 Personal Takeaways From SXSW Online 2021

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JaRon Marshall performing during the KUTX The Breaks showcase at SXSW Online 2021

And just like that, it was over. Rather than a ten day marathon of sights, sounds, and showcases, SXSW Online 2021 concluded in five. It was different and while I still long for the traditional SX experience, this year’s event was full of innovations that made it feel like home. In fact, some of these should stick around for years to come.

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10 Must-see Austin Artists at SXSW Online 2021 Music Festival

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Electric guitar resting on an amplifier, overlayed with the title "Top 10 Must-See Austin Artists at SXSW Online 2021".

With SXSW Online 2021 only days away, it’s time to celebrate the local artists who keep Austin well represented in the music showcase schedule. Due to the restrictions of the online format, there are 280 artists on the roster, 32 of which hail from the 512. And while each artist will get limited time due to the condensed showcase, it will be a great opportunity to take in a wide variety of music in a small amount of time. As I do every year, here are my Top 10 must-see Austin artists at SXSW Online 2021. But first, some notes!

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Everything You Need to Know About the Music Side of SXSW Online 2021

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This will be a strange one for me. For the last five years, I took four days off from my 9 to 5 and ran around downtown Austin listening to music. Day parties, Black Fret showcases, 2 AM listening sessions. All exhausting, all exhilarating, all inspiring. It’s the journalistic highlight of the year.

This year, I’ll be doing the same from the coziness of my computer. While checking out a showcase, I’ll be able to burp my six month old. Instead of ducking into my favorite sanctuaries for meals, I’ll hit the fridge. But rather than be bummed, I’m intrigued and excited. In service to the artists who made the festival what it is today, SXSW is delivering innovative ways for musicians to perform in what’s hopefully a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Here’s everything you need to know to join in on the fun.

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Mobley’s Newest EP Wraps Powerful Themes in Fun, Danceable Music

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Mobley's newest EP, "Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme"
(credit: Mobley + Juice Consulting)

I love watching artists evolve. When I first met Mobley in 2016, he was a bubbling-under one man pop powerhouse. Exuding charm, charisma, and musical chops to spare, Mobley turned a rain-soaked Spiderhouse anniversary show into a mad dance party.

Five years later, Mobley has grown from man with the music to man with a message. Philanthropist, activist, and social commentator, this dynamic artist is using his influence and talents to not only create gorgeous music but say something meaningful with it. And his latest six-song opus, “Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme,” is the next evolution for one of Austin’s brightest stars.

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Vote in the Austin Chronicle 2020 Music Poll

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Austin Music Awards 2020
Cast your vote in the 2020 Austin Music Poll.

When we think back on the local music scene in 2020, it’s easy to be disheartened. The ongoing pandemic crippled the live music scene. Venues closed, artists suffered, and while a steady stream of in-house livestream concerts helped soften the blow, there’s nothing like experiencing music with a crowd of people.

But take heart! Austin music remained strong and prolific in the face of COVID-19. New music from nearly every beloved artist flooded our fair city and what better way to celebrate than Austin Chronicle’s yearly Music Poll? A great opportunity to not only vote for your favorite artists but discover new ones, this year’s poll is a who’s-who of local favorites. As a primer, here’s how to get involved, some of the key categories, and five of my personal picks. The choice is yours!

Exercise Your Right to Choose

Like everything during the pandemic, this year’s Austin Music Poll needed to adapt with the times. The Chronicle team slashed the normal slate of categories from the usual 50 to a trim 20. The team also jettisoned the genre categories (except for best Hip Hop) in favor of 2020-centric awards like Best Livestreaming Artist and Best 2020-Themed Song.

Polling is open until February 1st and can be done via their official website. And some of my picks are…

My Five Cents

Singer Eric Burton of Black Pumas singing at ACL Live in 2019
Singer Eric Burton of the Black Pumas performs during the Austin City Limits taping at ACL Live on August 28, 2019 in Austin, Texas. [Suzanne Cordeiro for AUSTIN360]

Band of the Year

  • …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
  • Black Pumas
  • Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy
  • Ley Line
  • Sit Woman

My Take: While Black Pumas will most likely walk away with this one (that Grammy nomination never hurts), I would love to see Ley Line take the gold here. This year’s “We Saw Blue” is a sensational collection of soul-stirring world music incorporating influences from a dozen cultures and climates. Ley Line is the embodiment of what we need as a society right now. Sounds and rhythms from around the world combined to create something beautiful and welcoming.

Musician of the Year

  • Gina Chavez
  • Jake Lloyd
  • Walker Lukens
  • Mobley
  • Jackie Venson

My Take: AlthoughI adore every artist in this category, you can’t deny what Jackie Venson did this year. She released four albums, performed on ACL Live, and pioneered weekly livestream sessions when COVID hit. All the while, successfully fighting for social equality in the Austin music community by curating an All Black Blues on the Green concert. And she’s still one of the best guitarists in Austin. An exceptional woman who more than deserves this honor

Blackillac playing on the VRBO stage at the 2019 ACL Music Festival.
Blackillac dominated the VRBO stage during ACL Fest 2019 (credit: John Cabuena/Flipintex Fotos).

Hip Hop Artist of the Year

  • Blackillac
  • Deezie Brown
  • Kydd Jones
  • Magna Carda
  • The Teeta

My Take: This is an insanely tough category. You could make an argument for every artist on this list, but I’m going to buck tradition and go Blackillac. ZEALE and Phranchyze’s one-two lyrical punch is one of my favorite musical tricks and this duo pulls it off beautifully. Plus “6 Ringz” is a straight-up banger.

Album of the Year

  • “End the Summertime F(or)ever” – Botany
  • “Candy Blue Like Screw” – Deezie Brown & EC Mayne
  • “Welcome to Hard Times” – Charley Crockett
  • “2020” – Eliza Gilkyson
  • “Primates” – Greyhounds
  • “We Saw Blue” – Ley Line
  • “My Love is a Hurricane” – David Ramirez
  • “Skeleton” – Skeleton
  • “The New Sounds of Late Capitalism” – Star Parks
  • “Trinidad” – Sweet Spirit
  • “The Quarentine” – The Teeta
  • “Vintage Machine” – Jackie Venson

My Take: Why oh why must you give me 12 choices! Taking away Ms. Venson and Ley Line, as I already picked them for an award, I’m still left with a wealth of good options. Despite some wavering, I keep returning to Star Parks for my best album of the year. Laid back, lo-fi, and steeped in late 60’s Brian Wilson-esqe songcraft, “The New Sounds of Late Capitalism” is a fantastic listen front to back. But, this is an incredibly good list to pick from.

Mobley's new single, "James Crow," is a must-listen.
Mobley’s latest single, “James Crow” will be the cornerstone of his new record, “Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme,” due out 2/19/2021 (credit: Juice Consulting)

Song of the Year

  • “Revolution” – Heartless Bastards
  • “IDK” – Tameca Jones
  • “James Crow” – Mobley
  • “Karen O” – Sun June
  • “Walk with Me Austin” – Adrian Quesdada w/various artists

My Take: With love to all the nominees, this one’s no contest. The first time I heard “James Crow” from Austinot favorite Mobley, I knew it was a keeper. It’s a prime example of everything he does well. Take emotionally charged subject matter, wrap it into an addictive dance jam, and attach a world-class video to the whole ensemble. The result is an instant earworm that, in a fair and just world, would be a Top 40 hit.

“Walk With Me Austin” is important, and “IDK” absolutely slaps, but “James Crow” ticks all the boxes as a standout track in an uncertain year.

And the Winners Are…

In a normal year, the winners would be announced during the Austin Music Awards as a kickoff to SXSW. Although it’s unlikely an in-person event will be possible, the Chronicle promises something special to celebrate the deserving winners.

Whether that’s a traditional livestream or something with a bit more flavor, there’s no doubt the capstone to an incredibly odd year for the Austin music community will be one to remember. Make sure your voice is heard: Vote today!

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Who are you voting for in this year’s Austin Music Poll?

How Austin Musicians Are Riding Out the Pandemic with Creativity

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Ms. Mack and the Daddies spent time apart so they could do a short livestream together last month.
Ms. Mack & the Daddies spent time apart so they could do a short livestream together last month (credit: Ms. Mack & the Daddies).

2020 has beaten us all up. Most of us are exhausted, struggling in one way or another, physically, mentally, or financially, and Austin musicians are no different.

Without live music shows or venues to play in, how have our local musicians made do? How have they stayed afloat and on their fans’ minds? How have they dealt with releasing long-awaited albums without a tour to support it? How have they flexed their creative muscle?

I’ve asked a few of my musician friends these same questions. Hopefully, their answers can inspire all of us or introduce you to some fabulous new music and performers that shone brightly in 2020, despite the all-too-familiar obstacles that this year has placed in their way.

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ACL Fest 2020 Rises From the Ashes and Goes Virtual

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When COVID knocked out SXSW back in March of this year, I was crestfallen. Seven months later, my sadness seems petty, but at the time, it was crushing. And as we all know, everything else live music related fell along with it, including the other marquee music event of the year, the Austin City Limits Festival.

Luckily, the ACL Festival team refused to stay down and crafted a weekend long virtual event that both pays homage to the past while keeping an eye towards the future. All without the need for masks, social distancing or even tickets.

A Blast to the Past

Spoon ACL Fest 2017
Spoon performing at ACL Festival 2017. (credit: John Cabuena)

This year’s event will run from October 9th to 11th exclusively on YouTube. The virtu-show starts at 7 p.m. each night and will feature iconic performances from past festivals. From last year’s headliners Billie Eilish and Gary Clark Jr to Phish and LCD Soundsystem in 2010, a decade’s worth of ACL Fest memories will be on offer.

But it’s not all “re-runs” of classic ACL Fest moments. Determined to keep the lineup current, the festival will feature a variety of new content and recorded performances featuring some of Austin’s finest talent. One of the coolest examples of old meets new is an animated video of Willie Nelson’s 2016 ACL Fest performance of “On the Road Again” presented by Texas Monthly.

New Content with a Local Flair

Melat at ACL
Melat stole the show during her stunningly sultry ACL 2017 set. (credit: John Cabuena)

Like the in-person event, this year’s edition leans heavily on both local talent and organizations. Yearly sponsor, Austin Parks Foundation, will showcase local artists performing in unique locations around Austin:

  • Melat from the Zilker Botanical Gardens.
  • Jackie Venson from Pan Am Neighborhood Park.
  • Los Coast from Zilker Clubhouse
  • Otis the Destroyer from the Heath Eiland and Morgan Moss BMX Skatepark.

Another long time sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, hosted a series of brand new performances from the Black Pumas, Mobley, and Paul Cauthen which will be broadcast throughout the weekend. And as they do every year, Tito’s will match all donations to the Austin Parks Foundation up to $10,000 made during ACL Fest 2020.

More Than Just Music

A special thank you to the Austin Parks Foundation for keeping Zilker beautiful throughout two weekends of musical madness! (credit: John Cabuena/Flipintex Fotos).

Anybody who’s been to ACL Fest will tell you the weekend is more than epic live music. It’s a gathering place, an innovation showcase, and sometimes a social call to arms. ACL Fest 2020 continues this important piece of the festival puzzle in this year’s virtual format.

In the conversation department, Salesforce has partnered with ACL Fest 2020 to create the Make Change initiative. Matthew McConaughey will host two sessions, one starring tennis legend Andy Roddick and a group of community focused entrepreneurs while the other will center on providing educational assistance to underserved high school students. While these smaller sessions often get swallowed by the music, please make a point to attend these enlightening and important sessions.

Other sessions and partnerships include:

  • Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to changing the American electoral landscape by ensuring everyone is registered and empowered to vote.
  • The Equal Justice Initiative, committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishments in the American penal system.
  • The All Together ATX Relief Fund, a joint partnership with Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin designed to combat the economic impact of COVID-19 on already vulnerable neighborhoods.

New Location, Same Energy for ACL Fest 2020

Jumping from the ACL Fest picture frame is a yearly tradition (credit: John Cabuena/Flipintex Fotos).

And the list of awesomeness goes on and on! When many festivals packed it in and said, “see you next year” when COVID struck, the Austin City Limits Festival team dug in and found a new way to celebrate. While it won’t be the eight stage, 400,000 person extravaganza we’re used to, this year’s virtual edition is a thoughtfully curated and planned event that does more than make the best out of a challenging situation. ACL Fest 2020 uses the limitations to create something different but equally impactful.

Enjoying some of the best moments of ACL’s past from the comfort of your couch for free sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening. Try to do so at least once this weekend!

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Do you have a favorite ACL Fest performance? Tell us about it!

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