The music world returns to austin

In March the music world returns to Austin. Everyones attempted shot at "making it big" and getting the "record deal of a lifetime". Local bands, national bands, and even bands from around the world, throw the caution to the wind to via for that golden ring. Whether you believe the shot at glory and the record deal is worth it or all that is cracked up to be, the music world will descend on us.

The glory of this, being a music lover and fan of the live music scene here in Austin, is you get to experience so many different types of music and performances from all over. I thrill at this event as you should too. You don't need badges or wristbands to experience all the spring break glory of music in Austin during the second and third weeks in Austin. Downtown, East side, Southside you simply have to take the time and stroll around. Discover something new. This is the point of this post... ways to just go do it.
You can look up events at The Austin Chronicle and Do512. This is how I will primarily find my adventures and journeys. You can also follow some of your favorite local bands, go to their shows and you will invariably find and discover someone new.

Here are a few recommendations for out of town bands. These are bands I have seen in the past that should be making a return to Austin during this illustrious time of year. Bands worthy of your time and attention.

Sarah Shook and The Disarmers (http://www.disarmers.com/) - The female re incarnation of Johnny Cash. All of the attitude, a great voice and an amazing band backing her up. A sound and style that refuses a label. It's not rock, it's not country, it is just simply great. I saw Sarah Shook and the Disarmers at a Rachael Ray event last year, 2017. It was a spectacular performance. I looked them up and coincidentally they will be in Houston during that special time here, so I expect and hope Austin will get the pleasure of there re appearance again this year.

The Revenge Wedding (https://www.facebook.com/therevengewedding/). I will proudly say this was my "Holy Shit" moment of the whole week 2017. This band plays the type of music that would scare the shit outta your grandma. It's not your daddy's type of rock and roll either. For The Revenge Wedding it's not just about the music it is all about the performance also. At the show I experienced, some knucklehead in the crowd thought it would be funny to heckle the band...stupid idea. The lead guitarist wasn't shy and verbally laid into this guy, it was great! Oh, and don't try to defend your idiot friend wearing deck shoes without socks either, just as dumb. I am really happy to say they will be back here in Austin for the week of music 2018. Look them up, figure out where they will be at and go. I will see you there for damn sure.

Funk Shui Planet (https://www.funkshuiplanet.com/) If the previous review was about my Holy shit moment, this was definitely the "What the Fuck!" moment. I was at another event, and took a break to stroll around downtown Austin to see what else I could find, and there they were. Funk Shui Planet just chilling in a parking lot. I do believe they were supporting a skateboard company, Jelly. With their brand of funk and laid back rock, it is just an awesome style of groove and chill type music. This performance is the epitome of what you can find and discover during music week in Austin, Texas. No badges, just a good pair of shoes and the willingness to explore. All the great stuff has always been free.

Last, and certainly not least, was October Roar (https://www.facebook.com/OctoberRoar/). This is a Texas band I experienced on my Birthday right in the middle of it all! A metal band with all the attitude and a sense of humor about themselves to have you raising your beer, shaking your fist, and cheering at the top of your lungs. October Roar was great fun, and because it wasn't an official showcase it was so easy to enjoy their performance and still say 'Hi" after they were done. I suspect they will be here this year so look them up and enjoy.

There were so many more bands I got to see and enjoy. I hope you take the time out to make the most our of this special week yourself. Plenty of local talent to be seen and enjoy, but these are my picks I look forward to returning back to Austin.

If you have some of your favorite discoveries and are expecting them to return this year. Email me and let me know. I would love to start building my itinerary now.

Laters 

A Ray of sunshine

TV food personality Rachael Ray has made a temporary home here in Austin for the last several years. Usually around the second or third weekend in March. The line to get in for her Saturday festivities (called Rachael Rays Feedback - http://www.rachaelray.com/tag/feedback2016) borders on infanity (yes, you read that correctly)! Starting a 6 O'clock the evening before, fans of all ages start the wait outside of Stubbs. The food, the drinks, the frivolity, all lead to an afternoon of truly epic proportions. I was thrilled to have been at the event previously to shoot photo and talk all about the extravaganza that only Rachael Ray could put her stamp on. With her small stature and H U G E personality, there is no wondering why people wait for hours just for the opportunity to be a part of this. Even more thrilled to be able to do it again, and this time with my beautiful wife supplying some of the great camera work.

But did you know there is another event that is a 3 day lead up that culminates with the Saturday fun that is the Rachael Ray Feedback!?

It is called the Feedback House. Generally reserved for special guests and press. It takes place in a secret location. So sorry, I can't, and won't tell you about the location, but will divulge some of the beauty of this very small and intimate 3 day party.

The food is all Rachael Ray, just like the big event on Saturday. A special menu dreamt up by Rachael and her staff. There are beverages to enjoy. And this year, OH MY GOD, this year there was peanut butter! Lots of it! It was....to quote Rachael..."DELISH!" It was Peter Pan - Simply Ground. I am not a food critic. I will leave that to the professionals, but I do love me some peanut butter, and the peanut butter pretzel sticks with white chocolate chips was the BEST EVER!

























Ok, the music.

Hundred Hounds (http://www.hundredhounds.com/) rocked the stage at the Feedback House while I was there on one particular day. It was a stellar performance. In my opinion, way more deserving of a big stage on the Saturday event, but no worries, Hundred Hounds tore into the crowd at the the Feedback House like a pack of hungry wolves. I even overheard someone exclaim "Rachael's husband must have picked out this band." No matter, it was not good. It was EXCITING, ENERGETIC, GREAT, ELECTRIC, AND REVITALIZING... all at once.

Hundred Hounds took the small stage in front of only 50+ people (remember these all invited guests and press) and just pounded out some bad ass rock and roll. The lead singer was a charmer all to himself. Of course he has to be, he is the front man. He came out as an emcee to introduce the band, stepped off the stage, only to return a split second later as the lead singer who thanked the emcee for the introduction. At this moment, I knew Hundred Hounds were absolutely about the performance. Which is just what they did. Listening and watching them drive through their set was a blast. It really did energize the hot crowd. Hell it was exciting enough to make me miss another gig I had planned to shoot.



The only bullshit drama on this piece, as I write it, is Hundred Hounds hail from the upper east coast - New York area. Like most local bands the reap their fame at home. Hopefully the opportunity opens up for Hundred Hounds to lead their pack back Texas way and see how a crowd of a few hundred would bite into their style of rock.





As for Rachael Rays Feedback on Saturday, just stay warmed up listening to some funkadelic tunes to prepare for that review.




Laters

The Sun is rising on Sundown

The Rattle Inn (http://rattleinnaustin.com/). Located within the entertainment district known as 6th St, Austin, Texas. The Rattle Inn provides your basic needs in a honky tonk bar. It is a bar, it has a stage, and you can really enjoy some great music...up close. For a bar there is not a whole lot of BANG. An outdoor seating area as you walk up. A nice sized room when you walk in the front door. The stage is directly in front of you with the bar on the wall to the left. Some seating around the perimeter, but it's kind of obvious this place is a bar...with a stage.

And on the stage,this evening, was something new for me. Although some of the players were familiar to me, Sundown Revelry (http://www.sundownrevelry.com/) was a wonderful new experience. These guys came to play rock an roll, not metal, just Rock! With a song list of originals that was just as impressive as their live energy, these guys are easy to make you put your belief in the fact that Austin is live music!

The band is a 4 piece with the lead singer doing guitar duties as well. A drummer, a bassist, and another guitar player fill it out. And fill it out they do! Although this particular gig was a week out from the insanity that is SXSW, there was still a moderate crowd. The GREAT thing was Sundown Revelry had every persons attention right after the first song. Crisp guitar work, a lead singer with a great voice, Sundown Revelry is that rock band you wanted to go see, but didn't know who they were, or where. Now you've got the inside. This is one of those great bands to meet friends at the show, or center your night around the performance.

While plowing through an hour plus set, the band managed to do massive respect to the police as well as STP and a couple of other covers. The even had someone from the crowd cheering obnoxiously for a song from the SpaceJam soundtrack....shake my damn head. All the while belting out their originals and making every person in the house want more. What was terrible, is the band proving...when you are having fun time flies! It was such great music, performed well, and received by the crowd even better than that. Sundown Revelry positions themselves to be a great breakout beast here in Austin. Don't take my word for it, but take my word for it. Go catch them and be prepared to see the sunrise on Sundown Revelry!

Laters

Black is the new black

In the course of a year there are many things that can change. Even things that are the same can be different. For example, I saw the band Black4 at SXSW 2014 by accident. Getting to a show early to make sure we would be able to see a friends band. We got there early enough to witness this rock n roll genius and fun that is Black4.

I wrote that review (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2014/04/piece-by-piece.html) and was lucky enough to be contacted by the band with gratitude (I don't do it for that, but it's damn nice). We had continual contact for the next year, joking around, and even helping them try to find some extra gigs for their upcoming return to SXSW for 2015 - to no avail, which is everyone else's loss.


Lucky for me and all who attended, Black4 got a return spot to perform at The Aquarium on Saturday for SXSW15. Even better is I happened to be downtown on the Thursday of SXSW15 at The Fader Fort. After some messaging back and forth and missing the mark, one of the guys in the band invited me to their rental spot to hang out for a bit. GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE! Hell Yes! I am not stupid, or maybe I am. I found their rental place off of Oltorf and Congress and walked around to the back where I heard laughing, clanking of glasses, and music blasting from a cell phone speaker.












There I was face to face with the members of Black4 and their entourage. It was a surreal and amazing moment. Meeting these guys casually was not just awesome enough, it was having the lead singer jump up out of his chair and giving my a huge hug and exclaiming to everyone, "Will Tompkins! HOLY SHIT! You ARE fucking real!" How funny that the internet brings people so close and into our lives, but it is only that moment you meet them face to face it is no longer virtual reality...it is reality.












I was, and am, so humbled having the opportunity to share some personal time with these guys. Share some drinks with them (Lonestar it was!), and even share meal (bbq it was). The words I write about my experiences at different venues seeing different bands I do for the love of Austin, and the hopes that some one out their reads a review and decides to see that band or go to that club. To be taken into the fold and treated like family was stunning. Some point in time I will probably write more about this evening.

Don't get me wrong, I hang out with lots of guys here in Austin, but it is always at shows. I can think of only one time I have been invited to someones home to hang out and drink (and man did I get FUUUUCCCKKKEDDDD UP - thanks to MC Overlord and the guys from Aimless Gun/Cody Bryan Band).

Back to the show, believe it or not, there is a performance review in here.

The Aquarium is located on 6th St, Austin, Texas. Right in the middle of the entertainment district. Just a few blocks off of Congress Ave. It is a long bar. As you walk in the door the stage is in the corner immediately to your right, and there is some seating to the left. Ahead of you is a long bar that runs the length of the right wall and in wall fish aquariums run the length of the left wall. In the back are the bathrooms and some stairs that take you to an upstairs area for hanging out as well. I don't think the stage is set up for night time musical performances because there was absolutely no stage lights...just a neon beer sign in the corner above the stage.

Doesn't matter. The band that was onstage before Black4 was GRABBER (https://www.facebook.com/grabberatx). By admission of their lead singer/guitar player, it was probably their 4th live performance. These guys were really good, with that hard Southern Hard Rock kind of sound. I really hate throwing out comparisons ('cause I know damn well this is not what you will hear, but I heard Molly Hatchet in their sound). They were loud, they were entertaining, and they were just damn good. I would not have a problem hanging out at a venue where these guys will be performing again.

Black4 (http://www.black4band.com) took the stage and proceeded to tear that place down. By the 3rd song the Aquarium was packed. There were people in there that seemed to show up for something else, were surprised at the energy and sound, then stayed for the whole performance. Yup! some folks weren't expecting this at the Aquarium on a Saturday night and left, too bad because Saturday night got slayed!



















With such a small stage the bass player and guitar player kept taking turns stepping off the stage and right into the crowd. The guitarist, Curtis, just kept is head down and commenced to punishing his guitar for the love of it. The bassist, Jason, now that was an entertaining and different sight. Being that he was on the corner of the stage next to the door, he would step off the stage and to the door, entertaining the hell out of the crowd outside.

All the while the drummer sat tucked in the corner killing it and flinging sweat everywhere. and there, There in front, Bryan, belted out the vocals in the most vicious and fun way. Smiling at the crowd like some kind of barker from a side show carnival, Bryan held no bones to entertain the crowd. Tales of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll between songs, and a wicked voice to carry them music right through your eardrums.

It is not just a pleasure meeting these guys, but a rockgasm watching and listening to their performance. I was lucky enough to catch one of the songs from that evenings performance, check it out here (https://youtu.be/CpV3_qv9meM).











Best wishes and healing speed to the guitarist Curtis, as I write this he is currently recovering from a motorcycle accident that left him hospitalized. He is on the mend and recovering, but best wishes to you Curtis!



































Laters

SXSW2015 addendum

Day tripping.

That's what I call it. When you are out and about, checking out the music scene. Listening to bands, going into bars and venues, and the sun is still bright. Whether it is during SXSW or some other, random, vacation time of the year and you decide to explore our beautiful central Texas city, you will be amazed at the difference between the daytime views and the nightlife amusement.

Will I took a short break from the Rachael Ray event that had taken over Stubb's. Sean and I found our way to check out three other spots and three other bands. So here you go.

Flamingo Cantina (http://flamingocantina.com/), located right there on 6th St, pretty much in the heart of everything is this interesting little gem. Something of a reggae bar and a Rastafarian hideaway, The Flamingo Cantina has been entertaining those in the know for many, many years. My opportunities to drop in here have arisen and then passed. Today was my lucky day.

The Flamingo Cantina has a small entryway. As you enter to your left, it opens up into what would almost appear to be an open air venue. The stage is immediately in front of you towards the back. There is a bar to the right hand side wall and bleacher, type seating along the front wall, wrapping to the right side, and then on the other side of the bar going to an outside back area. There is a DJ/soundboard set up at the top o the seating area in the corner as well. By no means is this place big. It is small, down right small, but the Flamingo Cantina does the most amazing job in maximizing the seating in here. AND, this place is straight up from music. There is no hanging out at the bar. Grab you dink, shut up, get out of the way, sit down I want to see the band kind of place. Not in a mean or aggressive way, simply put..it's small in here.

The performer onstage when we walked in was Isaac Tauaefa (http://www.isaactmusic.com/). Here it was, the most stunning, mind blowing performance of SXSW2015. I tell you this happens every single year. It is not the bands you plan to see. It is not the bands you hope to see. It is the one band you didn't know existed, and weren't planning on hearing or seeing that turns in the must mind blowing performance. Here was Isaac Tauaefa! There were no pyrotechnics, no dancing girls, and no video screens. Isaac with his voice and his guitar, and two other guys joining him on stage with a percussion box and a bass.

In this little non decrepit bar, this kid stood onstage and tore through the crowd with his smooth, sweet, and hauntingly innocent voice. It was not rock and roll, it defied genres and only was limited by the 4 walls that contained it. I will make sure this praise reaches him, because the greatest gift you have is even better when you share it. Every person sitting there that Saturday afternoon was blessed to have been in Isaac's company.

Okay! next stop was a side, parking lot stage which was set up in on Red River St, in between 6th and 7th St's. I have no idea who this band was. We caught their last 2 songs before they had to get off the stage. But not before I got some cool ass shots of their female bass/lead singer! If you know who this is, let me know. I would love to forward them some photos. It seemed like an epic daytime set, but alas...so sad too bad!

Finally there was this set we caught at Elysium (http://www.elysiumonline.net/), Trashy and The Kid!

Elysium itself is located on the corner of Red River and something. The inside set up almost defies description. The stage is to your left as you walk in the entryway. There is a large bar ahead of you and seating all around. There is a pool table in a corner and a patio out front. It defies description because the layout is turned oddly from front to side as the bar is on an intersection corner, and the entry is in a corner on the other side of the street corner.

Anyway...Trashy and The Kid (https://www.facebook.com/trashyandthekid) were here doing a SXSW show. And a show it was. Here was that stage show with the lights and smoke. A charismatic lead singer that worked the crowd from all parts of the stage. He moved and drew the crowd with him, leaning over the edge of the stage and getting right down in the faces of the crowd. It was punk music, rock music at it's noisiest, most arrogant style. But these guys were good. It was good enough to have the folks in attendance banging their heads, and moving around on the open floor in front of the stage. This was a Friday night is all right for a fight type of band and music. Another simple statement here, I LOVE ROCK AND ROLL!





Laters.

Ain't no sunshine

when she's gone.

The first SXSW in many many years without Pat Tompkins at the helm. Organizing, mapping, and planning. Pat made an art out of going to see the best and biggest local bands and stars. Getting into events I could only dream of as a music lover in this great city that was her home for decades. Pat, herself, had many fans in the music community as well, her family and all of friends new this. During SXSW it was best to get in and drift along behind her or get the hell out of the way. My daughter, Angelina, had the pleasure of joining her on occasion. I was lucky enough to run into Pat, once, during her many adventures during this amazing week of music in Austin, Texas.

Although this isn't about Pat, this particular event seemed to be her crown jewel and she so dearly loved to go to it, have a blast, and tell everyone all about it...until the next year. When the opportunity arose for me to finally experience this event, courtesy of Sean Claes from INSiteAustin  (http://insiteaustin.blogspot.com/), I dove at it headlong. With only a small twinge of sadness, but a massive smile in my heart and on my face, I finally was able to experience Rachael Ray's Feedback. It may have been dreary, wet, and muddy, but it was fitting...like I said, Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.

So here's how the event was set up. Rachael Ray's Feedback  (http://www.rachaelray.com/tag/feedback2015)  is held at Stubbs BBQ right there on the corner of Red River and 8th. There is the inside stage, the permanent large outside amphitheater stage, and opposite of that was a large outside stage. The food service was on one side of the Amphitheater yard, in between both outside stages. With doors at 10 A.M. and music starting almost immediately inside, the challenge was on.

Music from Australian performer Cody Simpson (http://www.codysimpson.com/) started the morning off right at the inside stage. His style was decidedly more pop/country than anything else, but labeling good music other than saying it was 'good music' is crazy. He was good to watch on stage. No electric personality and flashy show, but he was just the perfect start for the day. ESPECIALLY with a cold Blue Moon beer in hand.

After shooting some photos of Cody Simpson, it was the mad dash to get outside for the introduction of the main stage kick off. The return of the one and only Bob Schneider   (http://www.bobschneider.com/home) Rachael Ray loves Bob and so does Austin. With the introduction by Rachael herself, Bob Schneider took that stage. The thoughts of the wet weather and muddy ground simply vanished with the music from Bob. Just great rock and roll. Fun, smart, and slightly irreverent with his sometimes naughty lyrics or subject matter, Bob Schneider once again proved day or night he can pack the house, turn your head, and make your body groove. I am thrilled that Rachael Ray has the courage and willful knowledge to have Bob kick this event off every year!

So while I went to shoot photos of the band Reptar (https://www.facebook.com/reptarmusic) on the back, outside stage, Sean managed to stand in line and grab two plates of the wonderful food from the bad ass menu RR had created. A chicken slider, a chicken taco, a hot dog wrap, and some corn in a cup. I am so downplaying the amazing plate of food RR, herself, should be insulted at my lack of descriptive gratitude. Look up the food and the recipes on the RR Feedback website I linked above. Hey...I am not a food critic, I am a music performance blogger, but that food, my friends, was THE BOMB!!!

After shooting Reptar on the back stage... which drew some of the crowd towards them, it appeared most were waiting by the main stage. Here RR introduced husband, John and his band The Cringe  (http://thecringe.com/). And perform they did. IT was pure radio rock n roll gold. Exactly what you hear on rock radio now was what they offered up. They did it well, they did it in an entertaining fashion, and they did it with all the ballsy pride you would need to stand in front of the thousand or so in attendance, and make the crowd smile. It was really good rock-n-roll!

We dashed inside for another band which was along that Hony Tonk/Rock sound. Banditos (https://www.facebook.com/BANDITOSBAND) were belting out their songs to the joy of the crowd that was dry and inside, it was a stellar perfomance. Seeming to enjoy being there on that stage in front of the crowd, Banditos performed and bounced back and forth with the vocals and the multiple folks on stage, all seeming to really enjoy what they were doing. There was no way you could be in the crowd for this performance and NOT have the desire to sing along. What? You don't know the songs? It doesn't matter, have another beer, raise your glass up, and cheers to a good time band.

After a short break we took for ourselves, we caught the last two performances before our time was up.

The surprise performance for me was seeing Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts (http://www.scottweiland.com/). Oh man it was awesome! Even after seeing the line up for the day, it didn't click that I would have the opportunity to see and hear him perform. In fact, it was probably two or three songs in when I snapped and realized I was in the presence of, and enjoying a performance from Scott Weiland. Man that shit was awesome for me! Any and all of his addictions and issues aside, nothing bad for me to say about this performance. It just simply KICKED ASS.

Before we left, the last performance seemed to be one that Rachael herself was the most thrilled about. Barely even able to contain herself to the point of forgetting to introduce the starring act (she left that up to special guest MC and the Blue Moon brewmaster himself).

 Raekwon (http://www.raekwonchronicles.com/) took the stage. Just thrilling to see a live performance where the crowd is so deftly into it. Pushing up to the stage, singing/rapping along. It was like the crowd got turned up to level HYPE in an instant. Here again, was a smashing performance that set the crowd in motion and had every one completely forgetting the weather.

We were all there for the good time. One was had...and one was missed.

Laters