Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Abiotic is not like a needle in your ass
'Twas a very metal night before Christmas, when down on Sixth street
All the metal heads were stirring, they were all ready to meet
The bands W.o.B, Bury the Rod, and Abiotic
Damn straight, things were about to get hella Chaotic!
Okay, that has got to be some of the funniest shit I have written to date. But I like it.
Lucky me, Metal Blade records was hosting a show at my favorite bar ON 6th St. That's right. The Dirty Dog (https://dirtydogbar.com/). It's nice to know if there is a place you go to watch a show or get a beer, the staff there believes in and supports what their place of employment is about. What I am trying to say is this, I was at another metal show at a different venue earlier in the week (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/12/old-metal-heads-dont-die.html) and saw several of the bar staff from The Dirty Dog. So they don't just work at an Extreme sports bar with an attitude, they believe it.
Beyond the staff being pretty damn awesome (and if they give you attitude, look around at where you're at. If you have a problem with that, go to some martini bar and have a drink with your pinky finger up. I am sure the staff will give you the middle finger up as you leave) the venue is bigger than you think.
A large seating area street side, a pole for those brave souls who want to entertain, and the start of a very large "U" shaped bar. The bar wraps around to the stage side of the venue. The bathrooms are located behind the stage and there is a second bar stage left.
Bury the Rod (http://site.burytherod.com/) was on stage when I walked in. Surprisingly decent crowd for a Sunday night down town and Bury the Rod was making the most out of it. It wasn't til 3 songs in and I realized there was no drummer. WTF? It could be from the activity in the crowd, swirling in the pit to the bands blistering sound, or the bassist and guitarist thrashing on stage, but when I snapped to, it did crack me up a little bit. Just seemed out of sorts for a post hardcore, death metal band to do their thing sans a drummer. Don't matter. It worked and the crowd ate it up. You know it is a balls out crowd, ready for an ear bleeding evening when the most active person in the pit is wearing a cute panda ear muff hat. Very dangerous and no one fucked with him. I wouldn't have....you? Check out Bury the Rod on FB.
Whore of Bethlehem (https://www.facebook.com/wobethlehem) mounted the stage next. Unleashing their style of metal on the crowd was a pretty crazy thing to bear witness to. The lead singer was in every ones face down in front and they loved it. Seeming to scream out the lyrics as if he was calling you to hell with him, it was pretty damn intense! With the dual vocals, it is easy to see why these guys kept the crowd right where they wanted. Down in front and in the circle pit. The crowd picked up on this and started to throw their voices up to match the band. Louder and faster is how the Whore of Bethlehem moaned tonight.
Abiotic (https://www.facebook.com/Abioticfl) thanks to me over hearing a conversation one of their guitarist had with a fan after the gig, BAM, there is the name of this blog post. Hailing from Miami, FL and leaving a trail of deafened fans across the U.S.A We were proud that Abiotic made Austin their Halfway point. At first I thought it was interesting that the bar was starting to fill up with LOTS of women. my thought was 'Great! A band with pretty guys that aren't worth a shit.' Listen to me, I was stunned, mouth dropped wide open, and pulse racing when I heard these guys start to warm up.
It was as stunning as it was awe inspiring. My initial reaction is the two guitarists and the bassist have had training and are well schooled as Progressive Jazz musicians. W R O N G !!!! All three of these guys are just technically and insanely a trio of phenoms! Some guys have flashy guitars and amazing rigs that make you say wow and then aren't worth a shit to hear. These three fellas have gear that they know how to use beyond what your ears thought possible and what your eyes can't believe.
Oh yeah....and then they started playing! Yeah. Take that amazing Progressive Jazz musician, throw him into a blender, add some meth to whip it into a frenzy, and then pour it onto a red hot cast iron skillet. Yup! It was tough to be down in front shooting pictures. It was loud, the band was super intense, and the crowd was pushing, shoving and non forgiving. It was everything that crowd had been waiting on all night, unleashed into a searing metal ice pick...right through your ears. This is the type of metal that is so technically flawless and the type of performance that has so much going on, it would induce blindness. Happily and numbly I interviewed one of the guitarist (audio interview to follow) and went home this Sunday night in my car quietly, with me ears ringing and grinning....ear to bleeding ear.
Special thanks to Carine from Metal Blade Records and from Anthony with Come and Take It Productions!
Laters
All the metal heads were stirring, they were all ready to meet
The bands W.o.B, Bury the Rod, and Abiotic
Damn straight, things were about to get hella Chaotic!
Okay, that has got to be some of the funniest shit I have written to date. But I like it.
Lucky me, Metal Blade records was hosting a show at my favorite bar ON 6th St. That's right. The Dirty Dog (https://dirtydogbar.com/). It's nice to know if there is a place you go to watch a show or get a beer, the staff there believes in and supports what their place of employment is about. What I am trying to say is this, I was at another metal show at a different venue earlier in the week (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/12/old-metal-heads-dont-die.html) and saw several of the bar staff from The Dirty Dog. So they don't just work at an Extreme sports bar with an attitude, they believe it.
Beyond the staff being pretty damn awesome (and if they give you attitude, look around at where you're at. If you have a problem with that, go to some martini bar and have a drink with your pinky finger up. I am sure the staff will give you the middle finger up as you leave) the venue is bigger than you think.
A large seating area street side, a pole for those brave souls who want to entertain, and the start of a very large "U" shaped bar. The bar wraps around to the stage side of the venue. The bathrooms are located behind the stage and there is a second bar stage left.
***********************************************************************************
Whore of Bethlehem (https://www.facebook.com/wobethlehem) mounted the stage next. Unleashing their style of metal on the crowd was a pretty crazy thing to bear witness to. The lead singer was in every ones face down in front and they loved it. Seeming to scream out the lyrics as if he was calling you to hell with him, it was pretty damn intense! With the dual vocals, it is easy to see why these guys kept the crowd right where they wanted. Down in front and in the circle pit. The crowd picked up on this and started to throw their voices up to match the band. Louder and faster is how the Whore of Bethlehem moaned tonight.
***********************************************************************************
Abiotic (https://www.facebook.com/Abioticfl) thanks to me over hearing a conversation one of their guitarist had with a fan after the gig, BAM, there is the name of this blog post. Hailing from Miami, FL and leaving a trail of deafened fans across the U.S.A We were proud that Abiotic made Austin their Halfway point. At first I thought it was interesting that the bar was starting to fill up with LOTS of women. my thought was 'Great! A band with pretty guys that aren't worth a shit.' Listen to me, I was stunned, mouth dropped wide open, and pulse racing when I heard these guys start to warm up.
It was as stunning as it was awe inspiring. My initial reaction is the two guitarists and the bassist have had training and are well schooled as Progressive Jazz musicians. W R O N G !!!! All three of these guys are just technically and insanely a trio of phenoms! Some guys have flashy guitars and amazing rigs that make you say wow and then aren't worth a shit to hear. These three fellas have gear that they know how to use beyond what your ears thought possible and what your eyes can't believe.
Oh yeah....and then they started playing! Yeah. Take that amazing Progressive Jazz musician, throw him into a blender, add some meth to whip it into a frenzy, and then pour it onto a red hot cast iron skillet. Yup! It was tough to be down in front shooting pictures. It was loud, the band was super intense, and the crowd was pushing, shoving and non forgiving. It was everything that crowd had been waiting on all night, unleashed into a searing metal ice pick...right through your ears. This is the type of metal that is so technically flawless and the type of performance that has so much going on, it would induce blindness. Happily and numbly I interviewed one of the guitarist (audio interview to follow) and went home this Sunday night in my car quietly, with me ears ringing and grinning....ear to bleeding ear.
Special thanks to Carine from Metal Blade Records and from Anthony with Come and Take It Productions!
Laters
Friday, December 13, 2013
Old Metal Heads don't die,
they just 'Rust in Peace'!
*PROOF* - Megadeth at The Moody Theater, Austin, Texas.
Nonpoint (http://www.nonpoint.com/) was most assuredly ON POINT! I had never heard them before, but the slowly filtering in audience received a hellified treat when Nonpoint took the stage. A quick grind of guitar, the house lights went down, hands went up and BOOM! Nonpoint was there. The audience absolutely thrilled at the non stop performance afforded by this group of guys. Not sure if the drums were set sideways because there was no room for Nonpoint as an opener, or that's their thing. It was an odd set up to say the least. That is my observation and has nothing to do with the kick ass performance Austin received. Hopefully, with the warm reception Nonpoint received from us, they will be back again.
Fear Factory (http://fearfactory.com/) was up next. With a larger, still filtering in crowd, they tried to bring the pain. It seemed odd to me from both the front of the house shooting photos and back of the house observing, something was off. Fear Factory was in the house, but the performance seemed a little lack luster. The larger crowd enjoyed the performance, but it was not the energy the smaller crowd had for the first band up. The guitarist and bassist were putting all their sweat and energy out there, but with a drummer (who visibly looked bored through the set) and a lead singer who felt like he wasn't all there...it was kind of a bummer. The crowd cheered. It was good, but just wasn't as energetic as expected.
Megadeth (http://www.megadeth.com/)...U N B E L I E V A B L E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! The title for this blog is both a tribute to the band and a tribute to the fans. As it may be for any band of great significance, the fans are devoted, will grow up, grow older, and will always support THEIR band. And so it is for Megadeth fans, but REMEMBER and think of this, these are not just fans of Heavy Metal music as it was born in the 80's...these are MEGADETH fans. One and all and the same!
*PROOF* - Megadeth at The Moody Theater, Austin, Texas.
So here I am, back at The Moody Theater (http://acl-live.com/) again. What is that you say...you haven't been there yet? One of the finest music venues in Austin. An all purpose facility that meets the needs of EVERY genre of music. From Country to Rock, old and new, The Moody Theater is smile inducing. Don't wait to go see a musical performance of some great band here, go and check out there collection pf memorabilia and photo galleries! There are some Epic moments of music history sitting right there at 420 Willy Nelson Ave (HA!).
So The Moody is arranged like this...up a flight of stairs to the main entrance. This level is one story up and open to the street. Here you can find an nice outside bar, occasionally some eats, and merchandise from what ever is happening behind the closed doors. The doors on this level lead to the floor of the venue, General admission, standing room only, or seating. Just depends on the performance.
From the outside terrace you go up some more stairs that lead you to the upper two levels. The upper two levels are where the aforementioned memorabilia and art is. These levels are indoors so no freezing or sweating your tush off. There are bars on both of the upper levels and there is NOT a bad seat in this house!
Megadeth hauled into Austin with Nonpoint and Fear Factory leading off the set.
Nonpoint (http://www.nonpoint.com/) was most assuredly ON POINT! I had never heard them before, but the slowly filtering in audience received a hellified treat when Nonpoint took the stage. A quick grind of guitar, the house lights went down, hands went up and BOOM! Nonpoint was there. The audience absolutely thrilled at the non stop performance afforded by this group of guys. Not sure if the drums were set sideways because there was no room for Nonpoint as an opener, or that's their thing. It was an odd set up to say the least. That is my observation and has nothing to do with the kick ass performance Austin received. Hopefully, with the warm reception Nonpoint received from us, they will be back again. 
***********************************************************************************
Fear Factory (http://fearfactory.com/) was up next. With a larger, still filtering in crowd, they tried to bring the pain. It seemed odd to me from both the front of the house shooting photos and back of the house observing, something was off. Fear Factory was in the house, but the performance seemed a little lack luster. The larger crowd enjoyed the performance, but it was not the energy the smaller crowd had for the first band up. The guitarist and bassist were putting all their sweat and energy out there, but with a drummer (who visibly looked bored through the set) and a lead singer who felt like he wasn't all there...it was kind of a bummer. The crowd cheered. It was good, but just wasn't as energetic as expected. 
***********************************************************************************
Megadeth (http://www.megadeth.com/)...U N B E L I E V A B L E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! The title for this blog is both a tribute to the band and a tribute to the fans. As it may be for any band of great significance, the fans are devoted, will grow up, grow older, and will always support THEIR band. And so it is for Megadeth fans, but REMEMBER and think of this, these are not just fans of Heavy Metal music as it was born in the 80's...these are MEGADETH fans. One and all and the same! 
This was an exciting performance. From the first chords through the grinding favorites...this was a visceral experience. The sound, the lights, the images on the screens, and the audience being one giant mass of voices and flailing limbs. What a great fucking show! Dave Mustaine is NOT the wild and crazy front man. He has that unmistakable growl of a voice. Is that really singing, or is he just telling us stories in his own melodic way! I think so. Even now writing this and think about it, makes my pulse start to race. Absolutely no doubt the crowd took in every bit of that performance like we could walk out of there, die, and it was all good and all worth it! It was!
I have said there is not a bad seat in the house at The Moody Theater, but you know what, I feel bad for any bastard that was not on the floor for this!
Laters
Saturday, October 26, 2013
By the light of the Moontower
There are washer pits (poor mans horseshoes) and I suppose there might be horseshoe pits also, but I haven't paid attention. There is a bar outside, a bar inside, a couple of food trailers and ample amounts of seating in the form of picnic tables and benches. There is also a stage outside for music on any given long weekend. For the most part there is decent parking, but be prepared to pay a couple of bucks in one of the satellite lots behind the Moontower Saloon.
The bar staff is good and attentive and there is ample security for the overindulgent. I will state this in the most simple terms. DO NOT FUCK AROUND and get to soused, they will throw your ass out and I promise you the local law enforcement is and will be waiting. Bring a DD (and I don't mean your girlfriend) have know worries and have a great time.
The rocking, blues sound of Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com). Whether you like rock, blues, or a hint of that Texas country sound, Bobby Bookout should be an audio destination for you. On this evening it seemed that there were more than a hundred folks hanging out and taking in that Austin sound. Bobby is in the middle of recording his second full length album and is very happy showcasing some of those tunes to an eager crowd. With some folks in the crowd that are military friends of Bobby's it is a wonder that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed songs like 'Guns Drawn' and the Johnny Cash sounding 'Home'. You really need to look up Bobby Bookout's web page, go to a show, and see what you can do to help support the creation of the new album and continue to support live, local Austin music.
Like the crowd on this cool Texas night, I left the Moontower, we all left happy. Bodies warm from the fires burning and our souls warm from some great music. Don't think ANYTHING will ever beat a great Texas night with some great Texas music. Stop into the Moontower and you tell me.
Laters
Friday, October 25, 2013
Death Metal lives...
in the hearts and soulless! and in this case, at Infest in Austin, Texas. The 'No Salvation' Tour, headlined by the death metal band Deicide, made Austin it's last stop on the tour. Lucky us! Although there was no throat slashing at the show in Austin, it was still pretty fucking brutal. With Disgorge, Disfigured, and Necronomicon on the bill as well, there was simply no Hope (no pun intended)!
I will start with Infest (http://www.infestaustin.com/) itself. Located on the corner of 5th and Lavaca in the Warehouse entertainment district. For anyone not familiar with the Austin downtown layout, but has heard of 6th St, Infest is only about 4 blocks from the heart of that vibrant, shot bar, drunken college student area. Pick your poison. The club itself has a sneaky little side entrance, but once inside and up the steps, it opens into a pretty massive rectangle shaped room that would easily hold more than 500. There is even a pretty sweet VIP area upstairs if you are so prissy as to not get sweaty, down and dirty with the crowd. Who am I to call you out. A side stage on the long wall, bar opposite that and the main stage at the end. I love the potential that the dual stage has and can't wait to attend a show at Infest that maximizes this layout.
Tonite was just straight, blistering, melt-your-fucking-brain, death metal, blasting-your-face-off from the main stage. I will sadly apologize to the opening bands for my inability to break free from my prior engagement, but you know what...DEICIDE was hell on earth, worth it!
I have know doubt that everyone was pumped and primed for Deicide (http://www.centurymedia.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=215) because there wasn't a dry body in the house. Everyone was bathed in sweat and whipped into a frenzy from the moment Deicide hit the stage. Really and truthfully playing like the soundtrack to Hell, horns were raised for the whole damn show. Interesting enough is the pit down in front must have worn itself out with every other band, because I have seen finer mosh pits at a rap show. I know it's not about the size of the pit, but how you use it. There was not a whole lot of talking or storytellers happening, Deicide just turned it on with all they had.
It was definitely apparent that the fans mean a lot to this band. Fans were not only getting on stage for the obligatory stage dive, but towards the end, lead singer and bassist Glen, even allowed a fan to get on the mic for some screams and gutturals of his own. That was very cool to see happen without somebody getting punched or body tackled off the stage. The best way to end the tour in Austin was the greatest way to end the night. Calling the members of the other bands on stage, all joined in for the last blast to send the crowd on it's way.
Outside after the show I stopped a group of people, asking about the show and venue. All 4 were interestingly enough, from El Paso. Probably the best city in Texas for a real metal crowd, and after a previous show, pretty damn dangerous. The concert goers unanimously chimed in about the "Awesome performance" they had just experienced. One of the young ladies in the group did a great job of steering away from any comparisons of the two cities, but stated there was no doubt she loved Infest, loved the Deicide performance and was excited for the next metal show peeking just around the Helloween corner!
I, myself, had the pleasure of meeting Deicide lead guitarist, Jack Owen. Although it was probably all of 5 words from Jack, I will declare it was a pretty awesome moment. Anytime a band hangs out after a show and just bullshits with the fans, has a smoke, or has a drink, it shows massive amounts of respect. From Cannibal Corpse to today, Jack Owen kicks ass as a guitarist and owns it as a human being!
Laters
I will start with Infest (http://www.infestaustin.com/) itself. Located on the corner of 5th and Lavaca in the Warehouse entertainment district. For anyone not familiar with the Austin downtown layout, but has heard of 6th St, Infest is only about 4 blocks from the heart of that vibrant, shot bar, drunken college student area. Pick your poison. The club itself has a sneaky little side entrance, but once inside and up the steps, it opens into a pretty massive rectangle shaped room that would easily hold more than 500. There is even a pretty sweet VIP area upstairs if you are so prissy as to not get sweaty, down and dirty with the crowd. Who am I to call you out. A side stage on the long wall, bar opposite that and the main stage at the end. I love the potential that the dual stage has and can't wait to attend a show at Infest that maximizes this layout.
Tonite was just straight, blistering, melt-your-fucking-brain, death metal, blasting-your-face-off from the main stage. I will sadly apologize to the opening bands for my inability to break free from my prior engagement, but you know what...DEICIDE was hell on earth, worth it!
It was definitely apparent that the fans mean a lot to this band. Fans were not only getting on stage for the obligatory stage dive, but towards the end, lead singer and bassist Glen, even allowed a fan to get on the mic for some screams and gutturals of his own. That was very cool to see happen without somebody getting punched or body tackled off the stage. The best way to end the tour in Austin was the greatest way to end the night. Calling the members of the other bands on stage, all joined in for the last blast to send the crowd on it's way.
Outside after the show I stopped a group of people, asking about the show and venue. All 4 were interestingly enough, from El Paso. Probably the best city in Texas for a real metal crowd, and after a previous show, pretty damn dangerous. The concert goers unanimously chimed in about the "Awesome performance" they had just experienced. One of the young ladies in the group did a great job of steering away from any comparisons of the two cities, but stated there was no doubt she loved Infest, loved the Deicide performance and was excited for the next metal show peeking just around the Helloween corner!I, myself, had the pleasure of meeting Deicide lead guitarist, Jack Owen. Although it was probably all of 5 words from Jack, I will declare it was a pretty awesome moment. Anytime a band hangs out after a show and just bullshits with the fans, has a smoke, or has a drink, it shows massive amounts of respect. From Cannibal Corpse to today, Jack Owen kicks ass as a guitarist and owns it as a human being!
Laters
Monday, October 21, 2013
Dia de los Muertos Austin 2013
for the Easter Seals Central Texas (http://centraltx.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=TXCA_homepage)
I had the fantastic opportunity to join a few thousand other folks on a beautiful Saturday for the 1st Annual Dia de los Muertos festival at Fiesta Gardens in downtown Austin, Texas. The beautiful grounds to walk around on, moving from the Fiesta Garden stage across the bridge to the Festival stage. Everything was set up well, with food booths, merchandise vendors, and two stages set up for non-stop music and fun. You just can't beat good music, family, and fun on a beautiful Texas fall day. With all sorts of good food to eat, souvenir shirts to remember the day with, awesome face painting, music and dancing for all, it was a can't miss day.
Austin Samba school (http://www.austinsamba.com) was kicking up their heels on the Festival stage when we arrived and was showing everyone a great time. The rhythm of drums was powerful and driving, the dancers were moving on the floor and through the crowd. All of this building up wonderful join in and dance along! Just check out the photos and a quick video here http://youtu.be/1TuQ0W82eH8
Moving through the festival, down across the bridge, and to the Fiesta stage where I caught DaHeBeGeBees (http://dahebegebees.com). These guys put the soul in Latin rhythm without a doubt. DaHeBeGeBees are a staple in the Austin music scene and can be seen regularly at many of Austin's fine music venues. When you get a chance you will not be let down at the good times and great feelings you get listening to them. In fact it will probably be the only time you can say you were happy to get DaHeBeGeBees! My personal favorite is 'Hurts to Hate', that is some powerfully fun stuff there. Check out these photos and video from the festival. http://youtu.be/ORO-obOfM4Q
Running back across the grounds was so worth it to see Flaco Jimenez (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flaco-Jimenez/187073768014785), Rick Trevino (http://www.ricktrevino.com), and Los Texmaniacs (http://www.texmaniacs.com) on the Festival stage. WOW! All that grammy award winning talent right there on one stage. It was great and the Tejano dancing crowd couldn't have completely agreed more. I will be happy to admit that I am not thoroughly familiar with all of their music, but that has nothing to do with how much fun the crowd was having and how great Los Texmaniacs were on stage. We will see if the 2nd annual festival can top a great gathering of talent like this.
Back across the grounds, to the Fiesta stage, I caught some of the performance of another of my Austin Favorites, El Tule (http://www.eltuleband.com). I first caught this band a few years ago at the Hot Sauce festival and darn glad I did. This group has that Latin sound with a cool horn section and a smoking hot rhythm section. It was completely and utterly uptempo. El Tule had people in the crowd moving to the groove. Loved It!
Now for the last time, I made it back across the grounds to catch the utterly amazing and incomparable Dale Watson (http://dalewatson.com/index.htm). Are you kidding me! This, for me, was the greatest thing. Dale Watson has had the people in Austin doing the 'quick quick, slow slow' (C'mon ya'll - the Texas Two Step) and the 'quick, slow slow' (HELLO - the Waltz) for years. I was thrilled to death when OUR Dale Watson made his recent appearance on national television on The David Letterman Show. All of that doesn't matter though as Jonas Schwartz, Chairperson of the Board, Executive Chair for Easter Seals Central Texas proudly introduced Dale Watson to the stage! My goodness you don't understand, a fan of Dale Watson for many, MANY years and I have not one darn good excuse for not going to see him at The Broken Spoke or any other place in Austin, or the central Texas area....and here he was. It was every bit worth the wait. The audience definitely agreed with me as it got really crowded and EVERYONE seemed to be dancing and singing to EVERY SINGLE SONG. The crowd even loved every second of Dale's Lonestar commercial, in the middle of his set. Here are some photos from his performance.
To finish off the evening on the Festival stage, on his 73rd birthday, Little Joe Y La Familia (http://www.littlejoeylafamilia.com). This looks like the event that the crowd was holding out for. Everybody up on their feet and on the floor. It was definitely a celebration of music and good times. With an epic history of making music and performing, it is undoubtedly the best way that the Easter Seals Central Texas could have capped off their 1st annual event.
I look forward to next year and hope to see many, many more people there. Remember it is not all just good times, but for a great cause!
Special thanks to KOKE FM for allowing me this opportunity to tell everyone about this special event!
Laters
I had the fantastic opportunity to join a few thousand other folks on a beautiful Saturday for the 1st Annual Dia de los Muertos festival at Fiesta Gardens in downtown Austin, Texas. The beautiful grounds to walk around on, moving from the Fiesta Garden stage across the bridge to the Festival stage. Everything was set up well, with food booths, merchandise vendors, and two stages set up for non-stop music and fun. You just can't beat good music, family, and fun on a beautiful Texas fall day. With all sorts of good food to eat, souvenir shirts to remember the day with, awesome face painting, music and dancing for all, it was a can't miss day.Austin Samba school (http://www.austinsamba.com) was kicking up their heels on the Festival stage when we arrived and was showing everyone a great time. The rhythm of drums was powerful and driving, the dancers were moving on the floor and through the crowd. All of this building up wonderful join in and dance along! Just check out the photos and a quick video here http://youtu.be/1TuQ0W82eH8
Moving through the festival, down across the bridge, and to the Fiesta stage where I caught DaHeBeGeBees (http://dahebegebees.com). These guys put the soul in Latin rhythm without a doubt. DaHeBeGeBees are a staple in the Austin music scene and can be seen regularly at many of Austin's fine music venues. When you get a chance you will not be let down at the good times and great feelings you get listening to them. In fact it will probably be the only time you can say you were happy to get DaHeBeGeBees! My personal favorite is 'Hurts to Hate', that is some powerfully fun stuff there. Check out these photos and video from the festival. http://youtu.be/ORO-obOfM4Q
Running back across the grounds was so worth it to see Flaco Jimenez (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flaco-Jimenez/187073768014785), Rick Trevino (http://www.ricktrevino.com), and Los Texmaniacs (http://www.texmaniacs.com) on the Festival stage. WOW! All that grammy award winning talent right there on one stage. It was great and the Tejano dancing crowd couldn't have completely agreed more. I will be happy to admit that I am not thoroughly familiar with all of their music, but that has nothing to do with how much fun the crowd was having and how great Los Texmaniacs were on stage. We will see if the 2nd annual festival can top a great gathering of talent like this.
Back across the grounds, to the Fiesta stage, I caught some of the performance of another of my Austin Favorites, El Tule (http://www.eltuleband.com). I first caught this band a few years ago at the Hot Sauce festival and darn glad I did. This group has that Latin sound with a cool horn section and a smoking hot rhythm section. It was completely and utterly uptempo. El Tule had people in the crowd moving to the groove. Loved It!
Now for the last time, I made it back across the grounds to catch the utterly amazing and incomparable Dale Watson (http://dalewatson.com/index.htm). Are you kidding me! This, for me, was the greatest thing. Dale Watson has had the people in Austin doing the 'quick quick, slow slow' (C'mon ya'll - the Texas Two Step) and the 'quick, slow slow' (HELLO - the Waltz) for years. I was thrilled to death when OUR Dale Watson made his recent appearance on national television on The David Letterman Show. All of that doesn't matter though as Jonas Schwartz, Chairperson of the Board, Executive Chair for Easter Seals Central Texas proudly introduced Dale Watson to the stage! My goodness you don't understand, a fan of Dale Watson for many, MANY years and I have not one darn good excuse for not going to see him at The Broken Spoke or any other place in Austin, or the central Texas area....and here he was. It was every bit worth the wait. The audience definitely agreed with me as it got really crowded and EVERYONE seemed to be dancing and singing to EVERY SINGLE SONG. The crowd even loved every second of Dale's Lonestar commercial, in the middle of his set. Here are some photos from his performance.
To finish off the evening on the Festival stage, on his 73rd birthday, Little Joe Y La Familia (http://www.littlejoeylafamilia.com). This looks like the event that the crowd was holding out for. Everybody up on their feet and on the floor. It was definitely a celebration of music and good times. With an epic history of making music and performing, it is undoubtedly the best way that the Easter Seals Central Texas could have capped off their 1st annual event.
I look forward to next year and hope to see many, many more people there. Remember it is not all just good times, but for a great cause!
Special thanks to KOKE FM for allowing me this opportunity to tell everyone about this special event!
Laters
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