X marks the spot

Austin, Texas won the bid to host the X games  (http://xgames.espn.go.com/xgames/) for 4 years starting on 2014. Although there were no major reported problems with the event or locale, it did seem if X Games and the    Circuit of the Americas   (http://circuitoftheamericas.com/) learned and grew for 2015.

Events were much closer together. The main village (called the Galleria) was located in the Grand Plaza. Food and vendor booths abounded. Traveling to the Big Air or Skate Park event areas were close and there was much to see on your way to any event. The dirt courses were also very close to the central hub. So it seemed an overall and overwhelming kudos is on deck.

The music portion is what I care about. It was a varied and wide selection of genres to keep a broad spectrum of the crowd pleasantly entertained. The 360 Amphitheater  (http://austin360amphitheater.com/) was the prefect anchor for all of the sights and events. I only caught one act here. It was exactly who I wanted to see. Although there were several other amazing performances that happened throughout the weekend, I knew I had to pace myself for Saturday.

Phranchyze (http://www.phranchyze.com/) is one of Austin, Texas many outstanding hip hop performers and rappers. It was amazing to see him on the big stage and having the opportunity to strike. His set was fast paced and fun, Lyrically entertaining, and with some catchy hooks. I have seen Phranchyze on the small stage in a club set, this was UNDOUBTABLY a different experience aurally. By the end of his set, the crowd grew from several of us on the floor, to close to a hundred. This did not include the many people hanging around the upper edges of the Amphitheater.

It seems the lesson learned from last year's main act in a venue that holds ~15,000 people was solved. With the construction of the Super Stage on turn 11 of the Circuit of Americas track, more than 40,000 people... Not a problem.

  Metallica (http://www.metallica.com/) made their triumphant return to Austin on the Saturday of the Xgames. With years from their last performance in Austin, no relevant new album out, and not even currently on a tour (all of 3 shows scheduled in 2015) they proved what almost 30 years of music does to a fan base... It makes it Generational!
 

The Super Stage lived up to its name. With 2 huge screens on either side of the stage and the entire back of the stage being a giant screen. There was really not a moment to miss of Metallica's performance. Whether you were looking through a lens or not, the whole performance was dumbfounding. There was even a crowd of about 200 onstage that joined the band for the entire performance.

The use of lasers during Metallica's epic song, One, was timed perfectly and visually stunning. This is not to disparage the entire performance. It was completely complete! From start to finish. Opening with what is now their standard, 'Quest for gold' (including video from 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly') until the bitter end and what seemed to be 3 en cores.

For all of those in attendance, the ones who have never seen Metallica, those who have, and those who ARE Metallica, it was an EPIC near 2 hour performance. It left me wanting for no song in their catalog. In the time that has passed from this performance, I have not heard one complaint about a song they didn't do. Even listening to my Metallica CO'S again and realizing what songs they didn't do... It was metal head, metal mulisha perfection.

Here is the link to the full photo album from the XGames (https://goo.gl/photos/SqpxgTtTNtQskM6a6)

Laters

He's a cowboy baby

So I had a full amazing weekend of fun at the Circuit of the Americas  (http://circuitoftheamericas.com). Formula 1 is understandably one of the biggest sports in the world, outside of World Cup Soccer, for a reason. The fans are fanatical. The information they can tell you about the drivers, the cars, and the teams is mind boggling. The excitement of watching these cars blast around the world class facility that is the Circuit of the Americas is brilliant fun.

Being my third year at the F1 races I am every bit hopeful it will not be my last. Being able to take in the crowd, the excitement, and beauty of the cars is so worth the sunburn and exhaustion when it is all over. An interesting note is that on 2 separate years I have either had friends or family members go...their final thoughts were opposite to mine for the overall experience. Slightly saddening and disheartening, but happy the world crowd shows up to enjoy.

The Austin360 Amphitheater (http://austin360amphitheater.com)was recently titled as one of the best venues in the United States and one of the best NEW venues in the World! How lucky we are here in Austin. If you haven't been there yet, check out the calendar of events pick a show and a time, go, and be a part of that award winning facility. For me, over the year plus that the Amphitheater has been here, I have been blessed to see all sorts of performances here.

From country to metal, I have experienced a wide variety of music at the Austin360 Amphitheater. This evening it was rock...Kid Rock to be precise. Opening his set with Devil without a cause brought the entire crowd to their feet. As it should be at most any show, stand up and show the performer the love and joy of being their for the music and the show. And a show this was!

Kid Rock (http://www.kidrock.com) was energetic, all over the stage, and performed the show as if there was no tomorrow. I sure hope that every person in that crowd that brought their children knew what to expect. It was, in the performers own words, Mutha fuckin KIIIDDD RROOOOCCCKKKKK! The whole performance by Kid Rock was completely exuberant. Kid Rock sang and rapped. He did country, pop, rock, and metal.

Hearing the songs on the radio is one thing. Hearing the songs live and all together is a totally different experience. What I heard I didn't expect. Kid Rock does a ton of covers. He does them well. He re works them. Kid Rock puts his lyrical spin on them, but I never noticed or realized just how many songs really aren't his. It was very surprising and some what of a let down, but the show was just that...a great show!

Kid Rock showed his flexibility as a musician by not only using his voice, but was all over the stage playing other instruments as well. He played guitar for one song, then piano, drums, and even took his turn on the 1's and 2's for a quick DJ set. It was completely as it should be for everyone, entertaining entertaining, entertaining. It really was baww wit DA baw...bad ass. Explosions, fire, and fun it was Kid Rock.

For the crowd in attendance it was just as it should be, on your feet, singing along at the top of your lungs, cheering like a freak, and having just a plain old great time...with an American Bad Ass.

Laters

R.E.D.M.F.

The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival (http://rockstarmayhemfest.com)...what a mouthful, but what a show. The REDMF rolled into Austin, Texas on a beautiful triple digit day at the Austin360 Amphitheater (http://austin360amphitheater.com).  

The Austin360 is, no doubt, turning into Austin's premier entertainment facility. Not only for the outstanding concert venue the amphitheater is, but for the history making Circuit of the Americas track that encompasses it. All of the different music and entertainment events coming out will definitely put Austin on the map as a stopping point for many years to come. Although you may hear occasional complaints of parking prices or the location of the facility just outside of the city of Austin proper, the truth is, any major city you go to which has a world class facility like this is not much different.

For the Austin360 itself, it seems to me there have been some subtle improvements since the grand opening with Kenny Chesney (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/04/shared-experiences-kenny-chesney.html). The grounds and facilities are greatly improved with more lighting on common ways and more seating around the circumference of the amphitheater. When you get your opportunity to go here for an event, be prepared to be 'Wowed' and have a great time.

It is Austin, in the summer, so anyone who goes to an outdoor festival here and bitches about the heat is just stupid. I would love to thank all the bands that endlessly reminded the crowds of that triple digit fact. Albeit, the fans and crowds were insane for all of the bands who performed on the side stages at the REDMF, but for the purpose of keeping it somewhat concise, I will just be reviewing the performances from the main stage!

Amon Amarth (http://amonamarth.com) proudly stormed the main stage to kick off the final portion of the REDMF. With the giant, front end of a Viking ship center stage, everyone in attendance should have gotten the clue this was going to be intense. However, after blasting into their set, these Swedish rockers did pull out some tired cliches like, "Are you ready to Rock?", "This is the loudest crowd of the tour?" and "We know it's hot, but lets turn up the heat some more!" It doesn't matter! The crowd loved them. Swedish metal gods they are, with the themed songs that Amon Amarth is known for this crowd was up for the aural punishment! God I loved it. It was fantastic to be in the back on the grass and just watch the frenzied thousands in attendance down on the floor, in front of the stage, with their 'horns' up. There is never anything quiet like that Scandinavian metal to get the blood flowing on the concrete.

Mastadon (http://www.mastodonrocks.com) rocked the stage next. With their killer bass and guitar riffs from Atlanta, Ga, Mastadon had no problem grabbing the audience by the horns and stomping their collective ears into the concrete...and the crowd loved it. Commenting on the (unfortunately small) size of the crowd, but acknowledging the rowdiness was proof enough of how much this crowd enjoyed their power. Mastadon did appear to be the favorite for local rockers Vallejo, as two of the Vallejo members were spotted backstage rocking out as the band powered through their set. Mastadon's set was just long enough to make the audience realize it was too damn short!

Five Finger Death Punch (http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com). Oh Yeah! HELL YES! The sun went down, it was STILL triple digits, and Austin got a dose of FFDP right to the groin. Being down in front when the deep, DEEP, Bass tone started to emanate from the speakers, was completely numbing to your head, and damn near heart stopping. It was the signal. The black curtain dropped and FFDP exploded onto the stage with EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THEIR FEET. With one of the most distinctive voices in the current metal world, Ivan had the Austin360 Amphitheater completely at his beck and call. At one point playing a game of "Ivan says" (simply because his mom didn't name him Simon), and gave the audience a few laughs. Then it was off through the music again. The story told leading into the song 'Bad Company' is simply too much to repeat here, it has to be experienced at a show. The amazing control that FFDP had over the audience was evident in its purest form when I beheld a sight rarely seen now a days....REAL lighters in the air. EPIC!

As if all of the above was not enough, Rob Zombie (http://robzombie.com) set the stage on fire to finish off the night. Once again, the black curtain fell, revealing a massive stage set up with risers, l.e.d. screens,and pyrotechnics you felt 100ft away...Unholy Hell! If you are going to put on a show, dammit man, doing it Zombie style is the way to go. It was better than expected and more powerful than that. The audience, 'smallest of the tour' as Rob reminded us, went crazy with the largest mosh pit I have witnessed in 13 years. People poured down from the lawn, flooded through the rails (through them, over them, under them), and basically stormed the floor! Security be damned, IT WAS ON!

Rob Zombie was an entertainment extravaganza. The lights, the sounds, animatronics, costumes, AND the music, soul satisfying heavy metal rock and roll! This is EXACTLY what every single, sweaty, tired ass body was here for, came to see, and got! Every song that every Rob Zombie fan wanted to hear, was performed, including the unexpected treat of The Guess Who's classic anthem 'An American band'. The whole set was beyond epic as Rob Zombie made complete use of the visual and aural elements to just stun the crowd. Maybe not stun, how about whip the crowd into a frenzy. With bodies flying in the pit, slamming into each other, slamming into the ground, and even seeing chanclas (look it up if you don't know what it means, but by definition this is the epitome of Austin keeping it weird - chanclas in the pit at a metal show) flying in the air. It was a show that will not soon be forgotten and hard to top.

 

Laters 

"Shared Experiences" - Kenny Chesney

What a great Grand Opening event for the Austin360 Amphitheater (http://austin360amphitheater.com). With Kenny Chesney and the lovely Kacey Musgraves performing, all I can say is 'it was a perfect night.' With a beautiful crowd, and one Helluva good time, I am new citizen in the 'No Shoes Nation'.

Gotta talk about the venue first.

I was here in November for Clay Walker (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2012/11/off-starting-grid.html) during the inaugural F1 races, from then 'til now the grass has grown, the permanent stage went up, and all the seats went in. Perfect! The set up is pretty sweet. The Grand Plaza has all of the eats, drinks, and swag you need. There was also a giant tailgate party to kick off the grand opening event, which was fun, and a great idea. To top it off, there was a stage in a large grassy area off the Grand Plaza. Here, Mickey and The Motorcars kept us entertained while everyone drank, ate, and took in the whole spectacle. -More about Mickey and The Motorcars performance in a separate post-

Once past the Grand Plaza courtyard and into the body of the amphitheater there are more food booths and drink stations. With plenty of spots to grab something, there are virtually no lines for food or drink. The staff from Sodexo that were assisting the patrons with food or drink were all great, friendly, and smiling.  In one location it was set up like an outside bar with nice, high top tables and comfortable stools. This was so cool to grab a drink (and maybe a snack), sit down next to the railing, and enjoy the music with a side view of the stage. Very nice!

I would like to see a little improvement to the lighting around the concourse of the amphitheater. Once it got dark, it was pretty damn difficult to see where you were going. Some sort of path lighting or l.e.d.'s would make a huge difference and not affect the ability to see the show. Although there were plenty of restrooms (thank you folks for getting that right), there was no type of lighting by the portable bathrooms, making that an experience I would have rather not accomplished.

Inside the actual Austin360 Amphitheater is were all the excitement really came out. The gates opened and the crowd raced in to get the best spots on the lawn for a great view of the show. As I walked around, during the Kacey Musgraves set, it seems there isn't really a bad seat in the house and the sound is just fantastic everywhere. With a couple of announcements, an intro by none other than Red McCombs himself, an explosion of streamers, and a toast to the future...it was showtime!

Kacey Musgraves (http://www.kaceymusgraves.com), what a special honor for her and a good time for us. She will forever take with her the honor of being the FIRST artist to have performed on this stage. And take it she did, she just strolled out onstage, picked up her guitar and off she went. Pushing through her songs with little fan fare, there was no doubt of her confidence onstage and in front of the crowd.  From the distant point of where I was standing, not only could you see her smile but you could hear her smile in her performance. It was also nice to see quite a few people in the crowd that had already taken their spots enjoying her tunes. To my surprise she broke out with one of her personally written songs ('Mama's Broken Heart') that is currently catching massive radio airplay from a different female artist. It was a nice performance from Kacey and a great opening for the Austin360 Amphitheater

And then there was Kenny Chesney (http://www.kennychesney.com/home.php)! The flag (No Shoes Nation) was hung, the music started, and then the flag went up, exposing what seemed to be a pretty simple stage set-up. Oh! I was wrong! The massive wall of video screens completely engulfed the back of the stage and came to life playing an intro video that was digitally and visually stunning. With folks like Willie Nelson and Matthew McConaughey welcoming all to the 'No Shoes Nation' and the Austin360 Amphitheater, it was pretty damn cool. Then, in a split second, the wall of screens rotated for a blinding explosion of light that really kicked things off. I mean this thing just lit up the night! There was also a large screen above the stage so you didn't miss the performance as it happened. No matter where you were, it was like a full on television production. That made it every bit worthwhile to be in the audience and experience this! Mariza Cruz has seen Kenny Chesney previously in San Antonio, and although she loved that show and the performance, this was the cake topper. Not only was the Austin360 venue exciting, but the performance was pulse pounding and rhythm inducing. She was happily dancing to everything Kenny Chesney performed.

For me it was about enjoying the music, liking what I heard, and the smile inducing feeling that came over me. Kenny proudly performed his set and made it easy for the audience to take it all in. There was not a seated soul in the house. In the cool Texas night air it was a sight to behold, thousands of people on their feet and feeling the music. There were a couple of songs that I had hoped to hear, but can understand, with a 15 album catalog, that would not be possible. Not even in the two hours that Kenny was on stage, and that time flew by!

Thanks to the Austin360 Amphitheater for this night and opportunity, I look forward to many more.

Laters