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.

[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…]

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…]

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…]