Open letter to Moontower

Moontower Saloon (https://www.moontowersaloon.com/) stands on the far south edge of Austin. Located in Awesome, Texas, Moontower has become the standard to which any other outdoor venue in Austin should strive to be. Not all can accommodate the sheer amount of acreage this place has, so it would be impossible for everyone to copy the Moontowers winning recipe. They should all try though.

It is a 21 and up venue, but I think there is a money way for them to optimize that crowd slightly, other outdoor venues are doing it with success. Something there for Moontower to learn from. The parking is ridiculously plentiful. There are sand volleyball courts off in the distance, but not to far from the bar. A snazzy little outhouse to keep you close to the action...without having to walk through the crazy packed, small little farmhouse that is the indoor bar. A H U G E covered patio with an outside bar. Food trailers on the perimeter along with some horse shoe and washer pits an the far backside of the seating area for the stage and socializing. 

The stage is a small fare that is attached to the indoor bars building. Big enough for a 4 piece and a tight fit for most anything else. The seating for the crowd out from the stage allows for a small area to dance, if the music moves you, and lots of seating. With picnic benches lined up THE RIGHT WAY to allow folks on both sides of the table to socialize and watch the bands. Fire pits are scattered around with seating around them to keep warm and be social as well. A large deck springs up just off of stage left and is private from the masses, but still right there in the mix. 

In all Moontower Saloon has hit on the formula for out door music, fun, and people!

This particular musical evening was an accidental beauty. I went to see the crowd pleaser Bobby Bookout and was blown away by the phenomenal Robert Johnsons Soul!











Dear Moontower Saloon,

I am sorry that you double booked this particular evening. I know and understand that shit happens. Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com/) is one of Austins young guns that is blowing people away with his song writing and singing ability. Nice to have someone this young be able to respect the blues this well and have a band that bad ass back him. Looking forward to his new album coming out in 2016.

Robert Johnson's Soul (http://www.rjsoul.com/) is the epitome of "WOW!" and "What the hell did I just experience?" His talent with a guitar should not be surprising looking at all. The talent that Austin has had and is still cultivating, shouldn't be surprising, but Robert Johnson is! His mix of the rock covers are electrifying and his talent to pull out that blues rock is inspiring. Can't wait to catch another set from him and his devil be damned band.

But Moontower...you DOUBLE BOOKED! Take it from me and make this a lesson learned...
HOORAY FOR YOU MOONTOWER SALOON! Your accidental eff up was joy to all in attendance. I know this because I listened to all around me. The old and the new.

The fans from far away and close by. Robert Johnson's Fans were thrilled to see him...and when they asked about Bobby Bookout, they stayed, appreciated, and enjoyed. They found something new. The fans of Bobby Bookout asked, "Who the hell is this?" Then they shut up and listened when Robert Johnson's Soul began to play. The found something new!

So how about it Moontower Saloon? The Moontower Music Series sounds like a bad ass deal to me. Maybe you should try this more often...except without pissing off the bands with this type of surprise. Two bands with similar styles. Split the 3 hours...(because if you ask them they will say they can do 3 hrs, they will say they want to, but give them the option of a shared bill with some other amazing talent to showcase themselves and gain a new fan base...now that is very appealing. This is what the fans of the Austin music scene would love! And at a place where it is comfortable and easy to stay for 4 hours or more....

If you listen you can hear us lining up.



Laters

By the light of the Moontower

A couple blocks on the south side of the Slaughter Ln and Manchaca intersection, in Austin, Texas, there is a little ol' bar called the Moontower Saloon (http://moontowersaloon.com). Nestled among the trees, situated on a couple of acres with PLENTY of room to roam. Bring your dog, bring your friends, and bring on the good times, just don't bring the kids.

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 stage is just to the right of the bar, a fire pit for those cool Texas nights, and seating all around. This is a great spot to sit down and catch your favorite local band if you are lucky. If you are unlucky then you get to catch some great local talent anyway. It was a lucky night for me and a few friends as we drove up and parked there was a familiar sound rolling through the cool Texas evening air.


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

a slight return

I love my musical home away from home...the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com). It remains at the top of my list for venue, staff, location, and of course... LIVE MUSIC! If you haven't stopped in and checked out the place, you must. Yes! It is not part of the downtown entertainment district, but this should always be your jump off point, end point, or stay and kick the whole evening with great music and talent place. If you take a moment and scan their page for all of the amazing people that are always on stage here, you will definitely make it your place as well.

I dropped in for a special, and now becoming rare, performance form Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com). Currently working on his second studio album and taking a moment to remember his roots, Bobby took to the stage to perform his classic set.  Songs from the first album, some beloved covers, a few very well done new covers, and teasers of his new stuff, it was a great night.

Bobby kicked jumped right into the music and plowed through the set with some neat conversation with the audience here and there. I especially liked one of the new covers Bobby did. It is always a fun show and Mr. Bookout always makes it an amazing evening. I personally was blown away by the cover of Alex Clare's 'Too Close'. Pretty powerful stuff when an artist takes someone else's track, redoes it so that you love it and have that eerie feeling that you know the song, but just cant place it. That is what Bobby did here, if you are gonna cover it, make it your own, don't scareoke that shit!


The new tracks are something altogether different also. To me it seems less of the bluesy rock tracks from the first album and more of the roots rock sound, i.e. - the track 'Home' that seems very Johnny Cash-ish. It will no doubt be another awesome album.


While all in attendance were in receipt of some classic Bobby Bookout, some scorching blues licks and amazing guitar work by the inspirational Blake Atwell (https://www.facebook.com/blake.atwell.5) it is to be noted that Bobby is seeking and soliciting help from us all in trying to get the second album completed. If you feel so inclined to help out and be a part of something pretty damn cool (and maybe get something special from Bobby depending on your level of monetary assistance) jump to his page and email him.



Laters

R U Ready for this?

I located a link to my original blog page. After wrestling with user id issues and then more time trying to do a damn password reset, ALAS, I located a couple of posts.

This is the very first online post I did featuring Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com/) and MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com/)

It is copied straight from the page and unedited from 09/13/09.

Half eaten sandwhiches and pit bulls

YES, it was an amazing night at The Dirty Dog. Raptors in the Rafters lit up the club (damn shame the late night crowd missed this one). They were high energy, tight, and fun. Overlord said these guys have been performing since March of THIS YEAR, UNBELIEVEABLE! Say Ovey, put these guys in your stable NOW!..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Bobby Bookout was next up. It was an awesome performance. Very nice, Bobby definitely has got it going' on.  He has fantastic songwriting skills, an amazing performance persona, and superb use of  a 'special guest performer'. Dude, that was seriously some Muddy Waters, I can't wait to hear from Bobby for future shows. He definitely looks to be a powerful mainstay in the ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Austin music scene. Can't wait, can't wait, CANT WAIT!

AAAHHHH, and now the meaty performance of the night, half eaten sandwich and all. First of all I strolled in just after 9pm and Ovey was already chillin' in the club. WHAT? Overlord always makes an entrance right before stage time. "I'm hear supporting my boys from College Station [Raptors in the Rafters]".

Well when Overlord took the stage we all knew it was going to be a rare performance and a great night. Shame on me for not bringing my little video camera, 'cause this was a performance for the ages. Not only was the band feeling really tight, but Ovey was laughing, telling stories, owning the house AND the night.

New stuff, old favorites, and good times! You can say that Hurricane Ike couldn't stop that show, but anyone and everyone who was there on Sept 13th, witnessed something bigger than all of us!

Man I've got to get Ovey to my house for some Barbeque on any given Sunday.

Peace, Love, and ALL that Overlord music,

Laters 

That's a wrap

At the Dirty Dog ( http://dirtydogbar.com/ ) on a Saturday night. The streets are crowded, the clubs are packed, the music is playing, and Bobby Bookout ( http://bobbybookout.com/ ) is at home in front of the crowd. Sporting his new daddy bad-ass-i-ness with his beautiful young wife and son to be we were here to help with a music video shoot by enjoying some great rock/blues music.

An interesting night of some sorts as there managed to be 3 generations of Bookout fans in the audience. There were the first timers that were long time listeners...my dad and step mother as well as my daughter. Think about it...with me that would be 3 generations. There were long time, old time appreciators, Mike with a date along for that great 'Ultimate Date Music Band'! Mike was there with me when MC Overlord introduced me to Bobby several YEARS ago. In fact, I want to say that was my first blog I wrote after that show...hmmmm. OF COURSE the lovers and dreamers of Bookout performances, the beautiful young ladies that couldn't keep their feet off the dance floor or their hips from grinding (my girlfriend being one of the most ardent fans).

 

As always, Bobby was humble to be up on stage, but definitely commanding of the mic, stage, and sound. With Blake Atwell ( http://www.facebook.com/blake.atwell.5# ) on guitar (somebody should have called AFD, cause this kid was on fire) it was a great set. No stops to the music or fun. Bobby was even having a video shoot for a new song while we danced and were sweating the night away. The new track, to our surprise, had a very country sound to it. Even heard it compared to Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison, W O W! Bobby are you listening, that is some pretty impressive shit.

To every one else reading, lets wish him well on the new baby, the new album, the new video...and collectively look for him getting back out into the live music scene so that we all can partake in this on a regular basis.

Laters

That's MR. BOOKOUT to you!

I love the thought of hanging out in a place where everybody knows your name....WTF?!? wait a gd minute, that's a song from a show about a bar. Dammit, I am a fucking living cliche, ehhh, oh well!

One2One ( http://www.one2onebar.com/ ) really is just the fuckin bomb when it comes to some of the best, hottest, newest music acts in Austin. Pick a night, go, take your beloved Fifi or Spot or whoever you furry four legged family member is and 'chill' (used loosely in the midst of a heat wave and drought) on the deck. Inside it's small and intimate and there is ALWAYS a great band playing. I could name some of them but then that would prove you haven't read any of my blogs. The bar staff is always on top of things and super attentive.

Fremen ( http://www.facebook.com/FremenATX ) opened the show this evening and I will simply differ any comments about their performance for their CD release blog (That coincidentally happened at One2One also). The one comment I must make is the joy that appeared on stage when one of the lead vocalists (Father Rhyme) strapped on an acoustic guitar and proudly played along with the band for a cover that went particularly well.

MR BOBBY BOOKOUT ( http://www.bobbybookout.com/ ) is now happily married and settled down from the hectic start to his year. Appearing for the first time since his recent nuptials, I was personally worried that he might have lost some of his mojo!

HHEELLLL NO! This boy has come back a man! I believe the correct term would be that he came back "a hoochie coochie man"! The music was tight, clean, and just amazing. Missing his genius lead guitar player was stupid cause the great great Blake Atwell just tore shit up on guitar! The sound was strong and vibrant and had everyone moving and grooving along. This was a performance that was meant to be felt! The passion Bobby gives out on stage with his performance is worthy of the IMA award he recently received.

Take a date, make the next date, and don't regret missing one. Check his website for upcoming dates and just do it! By all means make sure you do it with a date, really, utterly, and totally worth it

Laters

From a desert planet, Fought in the Desert

I don't get tired of telling you about the awesomeness of One2One ( http://www.one2onebar.com/ ). Just believe me, the bar is bad ass, the deck is uber cool, the staff kicks ass (there is that one woman behind the bar that has handled stacks of barfly's without a hitch), and ...of course...the music is ALWAYS right on the money. A few greenbacks at the door gets you a good time, EVERY TIME!

Tell Gregg or Destinee you read about them here...won't get you shit for saying it, but I like the sound of that anyway. HA!

Fremen ( http://www.facebook.com/FremenATX ) and Bobby Bookout  ( http://www.bobbybookout.com/ ), both of these artists have been done here before. There is not a lot of new to say...just good to say.

Fremen have never sounded so polished, clean, and tight. Apparently time in the studio has polished up their chops like you wouldn't believe. I am not to sure about that AC/DC song that they use for one of the tracks live, but the song lyrically kicks ass. All over all these are some busy ass kats and you need to get out and see them. With different projects going on, the single moments in time that they perform together are worth catching.

Bobby Bookout...IS GETTING MARRIED!

Okay, now that is out of the way, lets talk about the music. I can't truthfully say "nothing different here", Bobby does an amazing Muddy Waters, his guitarist, Cale, is UN FUCKING BELIEVABLE! The whole experience is very, very much something you have to share with a date!!! Bobby may have been feeling under the weather this particular evening, but as a testament to his belief in the performance and the music, those in the audience would have never known had Bobby not told us. Sacrifice the pipes for a great performance, damn y'all just gotta get up off yer asses and go!

Laters

It finally happened!

Look back and read any of my previous blogs about Bobby Bookout. My opinions and feelings about his performance and the feeling of the music should not require me to rinse and repeat! HOWEVER, now that I have had the opportunity to actually follow my own advice (look I tell ALL of you to go see any of these performers for all of the positive reasons I list - why should I have to do it myself!), It was AWESOME!

One2One ( http://www.one2onebar.com/ ) is still a happenin place to be, AND with a new stage arrangement it is just getting better! The rooftop deck kicks ass, great place to hang out on these cool Austin nights and the general vibe from the place is fun (put a TV feed on the deck for the live show downstairs or for watching some football and I might never leave Gregg)!

Bobby Bookout ( http://www.bobbybookout.com/ ) has always entertained and been fun, but OMFG! It was really true. Take a date, go have dinner. There is nothing like that bluesy kind of groove that Bobby makes with his music. Cale (Bobby's guitarist) absolutely melted the panties with his licks (oh! pun intended!!!). It was described as, "His music is definitely panty droppin'! I absolutely loved it!"

You know there is really NOT a whole lot more to say about 'The Ultimate Date Music Band" than that! I couldn't have and wouldn't have said it any better myself. Thanks for a great night, thanks for the great music, and thanks for being a great person....as for the rest of you, NO EXCUSES - JUST DO IT!

Laters

Dillard n Bookout...this has too happen again!

A nice little evening on the quiet side of town, a scream, a gunshot, the wail of a siren...WAIT A GD minute...wrong story, LOL! This was a great night for the live music scene, as one of Austins newest rising young misdemeanor stars and another up and comer, with an album, dropped some panties and made'em swoon!

The One2One ( http://www.one2onebar.com/ ) will remain a favorite of mine. Good company, great staff and the size of the bar makes it a great place to see live local talent but add that intimate feel to the performance.

Michael Dillard ( http://michaeldillardmusic.com/ ) hit the stage first. After an interesting night (and making some of his PR people sweat) he stepped up to the mic and totally let it go. Another fun night, and fun time. The big man himself, MC Overlord, stepped up onstage to cap off the Dillard performance. To have everyone just outta their minds at the end of your set is the best way to know you left that impression and will see them again, they'll tell two friends, and they'll two friends, and so on and so on and so on....

Here is the link for the kick ass fucking cover that Dillard does of Gnarls Barkley 'Crazy'! I'll try to get his Kings of Leon cover next time (that one is astounding as well). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAVOLZKfw3s

Bobby Bookout ( http://www.bobbybookout.com/ ) is so adapt at controlling the crowd, it is wonderful! His mix of rock, and some groove tunes still makes me very happy to sit in the audience, at any venue, and watch the women get down when Bobby tears it up and breaks it down. This gig was no different than any of the others...I was there WITHOUT A DAMN DATE!, lol. Please, take the time, take your girlfriend, your fiance, or you wife (really?) and enjoy this performance. Without a doubt, good music for all to sit and enjoy and stand and move too!

If any of us get the opportunity for this type of match up to happen again just go do it...screw the office if you have to work tomorrow. Life is TOO DAMN SHORT. Live it, love it, and most of all BE A PART OF IT! No sideline crap.

Laters

as I wandered in

Friday night 07/02 and I'll cruise DT and meet and ex-neighbor to have a couple of drinks and check another old friend on stage tonite, Bobby Bookout.

Like I have said before (and recently) you wander into a new place or an old favorite and you will be bound to find something different and great here in Austin. Tonight it was different and great! Found a new band based out of El Paso/L.A., Tommy Mora ( http://www.myspace.com/tommymora ). GD what a good night!

Tommy Mora and his group pulled out a sound that I haven't heard in an Austin club, say short of Antiones and touring band blowing through! Completely rocking sound, a harder edged Santana, or a latin power sound that will refuse to let you sit in your seat the whole time they are on stage (Hell I never sat down myself)! Decent crowd, both in size and attitude, cause everyone there was enjoying the performance thoroughly.

Now because these cats are from L.A. via El Paso, and after speaking with the bass player it seems like the rest of you are just gonna have to check out his MySpace music page (follow the link I provided above) to see if and when we, here in Austin, will be lucky enough to have them cruise through again. No matter what, remember the name and enjoy his game because Tommy Mora is some serious shit. Find him in L.A., out on the road, in El Paso, wherever you can find him and enjoy  some great rockin sounds, I did and so did everyone else tonite.

All of you here now about my friend Bobby Bookout ( http://bobbybookout.com/ ), just had the CD release party and now he's is back grinding it out on stage. Somehow the moniker "the ULTIMATE date band" music seems to be sticking (nice to here other people make this reference before, during, and after the performance). And this is a great thing....Hell, I HOPE I'm gonna have the pleasure of taking a beautiful woman to one of Bobby's shows sometime soon. Still just fun, fun, FUN...has the edge to make you enjoy, lyrics that are striking and have you singing chorus' that you didn't know you knew....and OOOHHHWEEE he can make the women get up and groove it out. Swear to ya Bobby, when I go out on my next first date you damn well better be playing, cause THAT is the first impression I want to make.

Laters

The party of the Year?

Dirty Dog ( http://dirtydogbar.com/ ) on a Sunday night in the Heart of Austin, Texas, U.S.A. The end of the R.O.T. rally, and obviously the beginning of of something new for Bobby Bookout ( http://bobbybookout.com/ ).

So after approx two years (give or take) I saw this kid open for MC Overlord ( http://www.overlordmusic.com/ ) at the Dirty Dog on a Thursday night. Enamoured by his performance then, stunned now, it was Bobby Bookout.
Ovey did do a knockout job, best GD performance from him and the boys I have seen in years. They really did have fun onstage this night, even did a track I don't believe I've heard him do before.

Fast forward and this is why MC Overlord is not the godfather of Live Austin Hip-Hop music, but the pimp daddy of all that is hot and new in Austin. He paid if forward and opened for Bobby Bookout on his night of nights.

The debut CD dropped on this night (Sunday, June 13th, 2010) and although I have been to the Dog on many occasions (even on Overlords CD release party) this crowd was un-effin-believable. I did my part and invited some friends, and they were absolutely blown away by Bobby's performance (looks like you have some new fans Bobby).

See, I tell all of you about these guys, and do ya'll listen... SO, for those in attendance, THANKS, it is appreciated by all! I won't bore you with talk of the show, it was what it was and everyone in attendance knows and enjoyed. The crowd was stellar, lots of local talent supporting like always, the women were beautiful (Gianna was in the house). The guys were all pimpin the hats (happy I wore my new top...although it looked WAYYYYY better on Matt Slagels gf - HOT).

This was really a great time and fun for all. We even snuck away for a few minutes to go visit the Aimless Gun boys down the street (sorry Bobby), which was fun in itself and I think much appreciated by them. (Thanks for the shout out Cody - you guys got some new fans as well from my entourage [Mike and Steve]).

My hope is that I write this shit, and you read it, dig it, and can picture it in your head. If you were there I hope you remember it and/or see it from someone else's perspective, if you weren't I hope you can picture it in your head and wish you had been there.

My friend from The Fremen, William Harris, did a good job busting my balls in reference to writing about the same bands over and over again. Yes, I know, and do you know how hard it is to make it fun and interesting every time I do this. Ehhh, I love it anyway! Thanks for checking me on that William. I do plan on hitting up some new stuff. So all be prepared and be forewarned, gonna try and take this to the next level.

All of your help is asked and appreciated. Forward this link to someone, anyone...post on your bands page (under media - tour - band info, fuckin whatever), post it on your FB or MyspaceMusic.

Later

Saturday night and Bobby Bookout's ALRIGHT!

I have had this co-worker bugging me for about a year, "You gotta see these guys I know, the band is called Fremen (from the book 'Dune'). They'll totally blow your mind." This is the exclamation from David (props). So Saturday night I rambled on down to the Dirty Dog to see my friend Bobby Bookout and wouldn't ya know who was opening...Fremen. Leaned over to my best friend Danny, who checked into the club with me, and said "I've heard about these guys, but never heard them."

Fremen ( http://www.facebook.com/FremenATX ) Their sound is definitely some Sunday morning, waking up from a sick hangover, kind of music. The sound is very mellow, laid back, with enjoyable rhythms. I even heard a Latin island kinda sound in there. The duel vocals were such a different sound, one slow and smooth, the other on the rapid attack. The vocal blend to the music is decidedly unexpected, so now that I have heard the Fremen, I love the music.

...and now for an after dinner late, LATE night snack...Bobby Bookout ( http://www.bobbybookout.com/ )! Now that was a kick ass opening to the set, fast and fun, hot damn I wish my wife was here (she would've died with all the damn cigarette smoke though). I remain thoroughly impressed as it was pretty damn near a packed house and as soon as Bobby hit the stage there was actually a push forward. WTF?!?

The lead guitar seemed to have that Memphis blues sound as he played some of his licks and as I sat there looking around at everyone enjoying the music, I came to the stark realization that this is just simply BAD ASS date music. Now hear my out before you laugh to hard (and before you get pissed Bobby), but it's like this...dinner, maybe a movie, and then a nice live performance, "warm it up before you take it home" kind of music, ha! There I said it!

It's rocking enough for the guys to like and smooth enough to make all the ladies squeal and yell. Bobby even has a couple of pantie droppers in his repertoire, and I am telling you all the ladies were on the dance floor, down in front dancing and swinging away. This was repeated a second time right at the end of the set and this time the ladies were dragging the men out onto the floor and grinding it out. NOW do ya see what I mean by "date music".

Thanks Bobby Bookout, look forward to the next one. I think i'll take a date and we'll have dinner on our way to the show ;-)