Music Archives - Page 33 of 36

Can Austin Music Foundation Continue to Serve Our Local Musicians?

December 10, 2013 by Brittany Highland 2 Comments

Austin Music Foundation changes the lives of Austin musicians with free consulting and events

Every person in Austin should be familiar with the Austin Music Foundation. This amazing non-profit provides free consulting and resources to local musicians who are trying to earn a living pursuing their talents.

I’m not talking about shallow, generic advice given over a couple of sessions together. You’d be shocked and impressed by the lengths that Austin Music Foundation goes to for their (non-paying) clients, and the years of proven experience their team members bring to the organization. You can learn more in an article we published on Austin Music Foundation over the summer.

When Austin Music Foundation asked the Austinot to help spread the word about their building campaign that’s going on through December 19th, I didn’t hesitate. With nine days to go, they’re getting extremely close to their $20,000 “tipping point” goal. Everything helps at this point.

So What Is This Money For?

Up until now, the good people at Austin Music Foundation have been [Read more…]

Insider Pass to ACL Taping with Dale Watson and Kacey Musgraves

December 9, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Kacey Musgraves wraps up the 39th season of Austin City Limits (Photo credit: Scott Newton)

Austin, Texas in the 1970’s was not a lot unlike what we’re experiencing here today. Musicians and songwriters were fleeing the corporate music interests of Nashville to come to a city known for fostering a creative culture, yet struggling with rapid growth.

So it’s fitting that Austin City Limits wrapped up its 39th season by welcoming an up and coming country artist, Kacey Musgraves, and local favorite Dale Watson, who has made a career by staying true to his old school country roots. The night was a perfect blend of honky tonk country music you can dance to, along with the more contemporary, moody songs from Texas native Kacey Musgraves. [Read more…]

Live Music Picks for the Overwhelmed in Austin

November 19, 2013 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

Fellow Austinites, you already know that we’re fortunate to have quality live music surround us on a daily basis because we live in this beautiful city. Sometimes there is so much of it that we don’t know where to start. Isn’t that amazing? TOO MUCH good music. I take this for granted time and again, but I always circle back to appreciating the unbelievably talented music scene Austin has to offer.

Below are a few of my favorite local music picks that won’t let you down.

Elijah Ford & the Bloom

Elijah Ford & the Bloom on Stage (Photo credit: Coy Koehler)

After leaving Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses, Elijah Ford went the solo route and has been serenading the city with his own brand of rock and roll for the last couple of years. As the son of former Black Crowes guitar virtuoso Marc Ford, Elijah’s no stranger to the music industry. [Read more…]

Join in the Big Sing at Blanton Museum of Art

October 14, 2013 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

The Blanton Museum of Art (Photo credit: BlantonMuseum.org)

Have you ever been caught singing in public, in your car, in the grocery store, at work? Now’s your chance to belt out melodies in participation with the Austin community, at Big Sing – where the audience is the choir!

Grammy-nominated Conspirare will be hosting this season’s first Big Sing event on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 6:30 PM. The free event will take place at The Blanton Museum of Art, located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Big Sing & Carillon 09 034 - Copy sm man & music fr back

Photo credit: E. Stuart Phillips

Emphasizing the current installment of artwork on display at The Blanton, this edition of the beloved and free Big Sing event invites Austin locals to participate in the singing of songs from the German Renaissance era, featuring Hans Leo Hassler, Johann Walter, and Martin Luther.

There will also be popular music featured from other times and places. In the past, Big Sings have included familiar rounds, spirituals, Beatles songs, the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and popular 20th century standards from the Great American Songbook. [Read more…]

The Gents: Folk Rock and Then Some

September 26, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

The Gents (Photo credit: The Gents Facebook page)

This guest blog article is by Joana Ortiz.

I’ve been itching to write about these guys. Two buddies from Richmond, Virginia (Matthew ‘Matty’ Blissard and Kevin Manship, both on vocals/guitar), plus a Texan (Tyler Jordan, bass/vocals), plus a Montanan (Martin McCain, drums) performed their first show as The Gents in mid-2012.

Since then, they’ve been playing all over town and have even been guests at the Do512 Lounge.

Like George Michael Always Said: Jitterbug

I’ve seen The Gents perform in the past, and the best way to describe their show in a nutshell would have to be “jitterbug.” I’m not referring to 1940’s secret dance clubs. I’m talking upbeat tempos that make you move like ants are seeking asylum in your shoes. That’s definitely what you’ll see with Matty, who’s crowned as the shuffler on stage. [Read more…]

Made in Austin: Affordable Customization from Moniker Guitars

September 3, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

A Moniker guitar made here in Austin

This guest article is by Kyle Bailey.

Moniker Guitars is a boutique guitar maker in Austin, with a twist. With a name like Moniker, you kind of expect that there’s more than meets the eye, but I’ll get to that.

If you play electric guitar, you probably have a favorite. Be it Les Paul, Strat, Tele, Paul Reed Smith, or something else, electric guitars fall into two main categories: single coil and humbucker (the history here is fascinating, but alas, no room! Google shall deliver thee from thine angst). It’s all about the tone you want, and each category has its pros and cons.

Now, what if you want a Les Paul looking body with a single coil setup? Not possible (off the rack)…until now. [Read more…]

Red Bull Sound Select Showcases Local Musicians in Free Monthly Concerts

August 1, 2013 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

It’s fabulous when big companies choose to support our local scene, so I’m all about Red Bull’s recent expansion into Austin with their Red Bull Sound Select program. Red Bull Sound Select is hitting cities around the country, using national music acts to increase fan support for local musicians.

Red Bull Sound Select concerts will take place in Austin monthly through December 2013. The latest show happened this past weekend at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater. The Dandy Warhols of Portland and hip-hop artist Theophilus London headlined, with Austin bands Gentlemen Rogues and The Sour Notes kicking off the show. Local rapper Zeale emceed.

Red Bull Sound Select shows are free, but attendees have to earn their way through the gates. If you want to go to an upcoming show, you need to log onto RedBullSoundSelect.com, create a profile, and request a ticket. [Read more…]

New to Austin, The Chorderoys Are Old-Westerners at Heart

July 25, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Clockwise: Band members Jeremy Newberry, Andrew Simmons, Jon Deen and Greg Denn

This guest blog post is by Joana Ortiz.

Prepare to swoon, Austin. Just a couple of weeks ago, I had a date with four guys. Okay, it wasn’t a date, but you must meet The Chorderoys. The Americana quartet, composed of brothers Greg and Jon and their mates Andrew and Jeremy, were kind enough to have a chat with me over dinner at the Austin staple, Stubb’s, before the start of their gig. (Quick plug for Stubb’s: BBQ upstairs and quality live music just below? Sold.)

You can find The Chorderoys at popular venues in town with black ties, black vests, Sunday shoes, and charming smiles. But before I dive into their current affairs, let’s talk history. [Read more…]

Expert Guitarist Redd Volkaert Still Innovating After 40 Years

July 23, 2013 by Guest Blogger 2 Comments

This guest blog post is by Kyle Bailey.

In a city known for live music and GREAT players, Redd Volkaert stands as one of the true giants. It’s always fun to discover a hidden gem in this wonderful nook-and-cranny-filled town of ours. So I invite you to enter The Continental Club (Austin legend in its own right) at about 3:30 on any given Saturday afternoon and prepare yourself. You’re about to meet a legend.

Playing professionally for more than 40 years, he started playing in bands long before he was old enough to drink with them. Names like Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Johnny Paycheck, Kenny Rogers and Eric Johnson mark the long list of artists he has shared the stage with (the list is longer, a LOT longer), and he just keeps on going. “I’m always searching, never happy with my sound; I still listen for new licks. There’s always somebody better, and I can learn from them.” [Read more…]

Summer Nights the Austin Way: Sound and Cinema at the Long Center

June 19, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Sound & Cinema at the Long Center

This guest post is by Edgar Barguiarena.

Austin has Wednesday figured out. Instead of being driven indoors during 100+ degree weather in the thick of summer, we flock towards the siren call of free, live outdoor events.

Fortunately, we’re blessed with a multitude of public parks and outdoor event centers that facilitate this addiction. KGSR has spoiled us over the last 23 years with their Blues on the Green series featuring live music at Zilker park, with the majestic Austin skyline as a backdrop, every other Wednesday over the summer. Alamo Drafthouse has us covered with Rolling Roadshow, featuring classic movies at a unique Austin locale, shown on a huge inflatable screen with top-of-the-line sound system. Even the venerable Austin Symphony has jumped in, showcasing their free “Concerts in the Park” series at the Long Center on Sunday nights over the last 11 years.

Most world-class cities would be fortunate to have even a few of these options. But Austin and Austinites don’t stop there. I mean, what are we supposed to do on the Wednesdays that Blues on the Green isn’t running? What other outdoor events are out there? [Read more…]

So What Is This Money For?

Elijah Ford & the Bloom

Like George Michael Always Said: Jitterbug

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