You ain't Know?

WELL NOW YA DO!

MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com/) has been wrecking the live music scene in Austin for a hot minute. The players he has walked with are stellar. The list of musicians he has influenced, worked with, performed on their stage, our shared his with, is mind blowing. He is humble about what he does and how he does it and he defends his friends, musical compadres, and the music scene with an  attitude and vigor that gives people a reason to be scared. A decades worth of music awards and a lifetime achievement award under his massive arms gives you a reason to pause and listen when he speaks, musically or literally.

The new, WAY over due disc by MC Overlord - 'You Ain't Know' (available on all platforms) is a thing to behold. Better than the rest and a definitive departure from his previous 2 efforts. You Ain't Know may prove to be his crowning jewel. With VMG behind this and a funky attitude and approach to the new music from the Legendary DJ Crash Da Scratcha (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009971946550), it should be a great source of enjoyment for anyone who touches it and listens to it. There is an intensity in this disc that out weighs the previous efforts. I can't put a specific finger on it, but it's there. Now, let me take the approach that you are unfamiliar with MC Overlords prior music, never been to a live performance, and don't know the accolades.

This is a hip-hop CD in it's purest, greatest form. It is head bobbing, in the car, turned up to 11, slipped down low in the seat, hip-hop music! The first time through provides some of those smile inducing moments as you listen. A chuckle for some of the song outros and some of the skits in between tracks. Then you listen to it, again. You play it again, and you listen to it, and again.

The production and the little samples and loops of some OLD O L D School funk reek of DJ Crash. It adds to the comfortable sound, wraps your ears around something that you think you have heard before, and makes you play it again. Then you hear it again, and realize the lyrical content, the storytelling, fun, funky, challenging, and ballsy is pure Overlord. Still and always clean, but a little on the edge of scandalous.

Then you realize the overall polish on the disc is only a finishing touch which is a VMG stamp. The players, guitars, and co conspirators on this disc is ONLY topped by a live performance.

I purposefully and willfully am staying away from talking about the individual tracks. I have some definite favorites and a couple that make me scratch my head. I can appreciate the talent that pours out of the speakers from everyone involved in making this one finally drop. I hope you enjoy and put it in your rotation.

If you haven't seen him live, and don't have a previous disc, the last line is simple to write..















YOU AIN'T KNOW!!!
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/mcoverlord3
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-aint-know/id1218637312




Laters

Let's talk about love

Back at my close to home hangout, Moontower (http://www.moontowersaloon.com/). 21 and up, ID upon driving in - and the bartenders will still card you if they want - Crazy amount of parking, and loads of space to play and have fun. With the tiny little house that represents the bar, a pool table, bathrooms, a couple of TVs, and some tables. Step outside onto the deck with another outside bar, a large TV, and more seating. Attached is also a smaller deck that acts as the stage. Out into the insanely huge yard that has tables, fire pits, food trucks, washer pits, more bathrooms, sand volleyball, another deck, and loads of fun.

But this particular nite hosted not the normal 1 band from 8 - 11, but 3 bands. NICE!

Opening the evening was Austin's darlings, and multi- award winning U-18 band, the          Tiarra Girls  (http://www.tiarragirls.com/). With their personal stamp and flair for the latin/rock genre, the Tiarra Girls completely rocked the yard, taking to school the two bands that followed, and that - I promise you - is not easy. I have had the pleasure of hearing them for the last 3 years and watch them grow as talented musicians and band. Crisp, confident guitar licks and solid vocals to a super tight back line (with one of the best and only female drummer in the Austin Music Awards top 10) is how these young women do it. So I really don't know how to say this any other way, but anyone that has the confidence to bust out bells and a clarinet during a rock show performance is worthy of your time and money. Enjoy the Tiarra Girls here in Austin now because they are on a trajectory that is soon to take them beyond us!

The second set was Evening Optimist (https://www.facebook.com/eveningoptimist/). Brand new to my ears and well placed in this set. Follow up the previous could have proved daunting to many other bands, but these Austin rock veterans had no trouble moving the night on. The crowd swelled in front of the stage, hips were moving, and drinks were flowing. Evening Optimist had that rock/pop/punk sound that was super enjoyable on this cool evening. The four piece which comprises Evening Optimist entertained us with the blazing lead guitarist and cool as ice lead singer, but the eyes seemed to be on the exciting bass player as he was the wild man! It was all fun and with a solid performance, you would definitely be happy you took the time on any night out and run into these guys on a stage here in Austin!

And on to the headline performance. I have talked about them before, they were the headliners for a reason, and they are a band EVERY SINGLE other band should take performance notes from. Yes! Vallejo (http://www.vallejomusic.com/) rocked our faces off. With the massive amount of talent in front of them, Vallejo only had one way to finish out the night, and that was like every other other performance they have done...like EVERY SONG WAS A FINALE AND IT WAS THE END OF THE WORLD. Brothers AJ, Alex, and Omar, along with Alex and Bruce comprise the ultimate Latin/Rock musical experience of fun that can be had! To top it off they were joined onstage by the Amazing Kelly Green of the Texas K.G.B. (https://www.thetexaskgb.com/), just goes to prove you can't miss a show because you never know what will happen!

With over 2 decades of performing and hit songs there is absolutely no question Vallejo remains top of the food chain when comes to The Austin Live Music Capitol of the World and MUST see bands!









Laters

A shot of Whiskey

This post will be slightly different in the fact that I will not discuss or promote the venue.

AJ Vallejo.... Now this is someone I will discuss and promote. This guy is amazing and a treasure that the city of Austin should be proud of. Along with his two brothers they form the core of the Vallejo Music Group. With his hands in virtually every project in the city of Austin, you could venture to say he, and his band of brothers (blood and otherwise) in this town. Yes that is a bold statement. I know it. But just step back and look at that VMG Studios stamp... on everything. Even his own music projects are varied and pretty amazing. 

Of course there is the one and only Vallejo. How about Southtown. Then there is Love and Chaos and the wild Dead Love Club. But today I will tell you about...

AJ and The Whiskey Rebellion (https://ajvallejo.com). This is a rock/country hybrid of sorts. If you have ever seen AJ in any of his incarnations you already know. If not, let me illuminate.

AJ is a guitar playing, singing his ass off, climbing on everything, wild man of a front man. If you want all the energy of a contained nuclear explosion and all the fun of the happiest place on earth, you've got AJ.

Any performance is an experience and AJ and The Whiskey Rebellion is just that. It's that fun, loud, crowd singing along, stomping feet, hand clapping good time. With his longtime compadre and brother on the six string, Bruce,  it is really an adventure in music and entertainment. AJ and The Whiskey Rebellion is for everyone rock and country music lovers alike.

This is the good shit and everyone in the club had their beers up on command. Worth every minute of your time and worth the couple of bucks at the door any time you get a chance.

Laters

It's all in the presentation

Hehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEfq8LH0UPM&feature=youtube_gdata_playerllo to the new, old, new, old, new,, moved again Antone's (http://www.antonesnightclub.com). Can't wait for the next installment, somewhere back downtown I hear. We'll see.

I really won't spend any more time than this talking about the currently extinct Antone's.

Cheryl Murdock (http://cherylmurdock.com) was the first up. Now Cheryl's style is DISTINCTLY different than the other 3 bands playing later in the evening, but it is cool, happy, and very good. Perfect for the early crowd, making the happy hour bunch very happy. This performance proves all that is right about the Austin music scene. Cheryl is a great song writer, her show performance was clean and fun. The backing band was more of an extension of her voice and her guitar. One of those few flawless performances that keeps your ear bent the whole time she is on stage. Like I said, all what is right about the Austin music scene. Go see something new, go see something different, go trust that you will see and hear something wonderful in Austin that is Cheryl Murdock.





And then the 3 power bands. A flash back for most, a step forward into the past for others. Canvas, Podunk and Vallejo. With special guest MC's Loris Lowe and "You have to know what you're calling for to get it, Get It?" Johnny effin Walker himself, it was A W E SO M E!!!!!

I had a great time being a social media nerd this particular evening. With some special people who unfortunately were unable to make it (CandiLand and Father Rhyme to name two), I was happily snapping pictures and posting to Facebook and Twitter. Keeping it real time for the those folks.

Canvas jumped on stage and just kicked ass. Stunning and amazing seeing the original Austin line up back together. Not sure how this was pulled off, but DAMN it was hot. The set was nowhere near long enough, but just right for any fan of the great rock music that has been birthed here in Austin..PERFECT! I assume it was really perfect for the ladies in the house that kept screaming "We Love you Julian!" (re. - Julian Mandrake - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Mandrake).

This was the end all for me...I can die pretty damn happy now. Podunk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEfq8LH0UPM&feature=youtube_gdata_player) stepped into the light once again and it was wonderful. All of that pure Austin rock n roll sound went right through me and my soul was alive again. Without any question or hesitation (and I smile while typing this) "Dashboard Mary" spoke to me! Glasses up in the air, hands waving, the crowd soaked up every ounce of a classic Podunk performance like it would never happen again....DAMN! that hurts to type.

Taking the stage like they are the kings of Austin rock and roll, the royalty that they are, Vallejo (http://www.vallejomusic.com) took us to school. Playing everything old and Brothers Brew new, it was pretty much breathtaking. Even being joined onstage by Austin Hip Hop legend MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com) only made it bigger and better. 3 songs in, I finally came to realize what makes Vallejo such an astounding band to see live. It is how they treat AND perform EVERY SINGLE SONG IN THEIR SET! It is magical and it is genius, play every song as if it was the finale! Simple! Brilliant! Play them all like that. The power, the energy, and the enthusiasm. I have been watching and loving these guys for close to a couple of decades now (HA! you guys are getting old - and don't look a day over 20 something) and this epiphany hit me in December of 2013.  If you haven't been, then go and feel the energy and be alive. If you have been before, then think about it and agree with me! Any way about it, just have a drink of the Brothers Brew!

I think I have to join a witness protection program and retire now that I have given away Vallejos secret to the live show!

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 

Vallejo MC Overlord (NOT) Just another day

and the blog post for this performance is at http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-last-straw.html

The last straw

My final evening at SXSW 2013, and it was spent at the Heart of Texas Rockfest, located on the corner of 7th and Neches. It was free to get into, but a donation was requested. Two stages, side by side, and non stop rock and roll for hours upon hours. After leaving our Bungalow (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/03/it-was-rainey-for-sxsw.html) on Rainey St we made a quick pit stop at the corner of 6th and Red River to retrieve one of the cameras from Angel Skye (apparently the crowd was WAY to damn wild at the Woe is Me show.)

Walking into the Texas Rockfest (http://www.texasrockfest.com) was like a veritable Who's Who of Austin, Texas music royalty. There was a TV personality, Dave TeeVee (https://www.facebook.com/DaveTeeVee), his royal highness MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com), radio personality Patrick Davis ( http://www.atxafterdark.com), and the KINGS of Austin ROCK - Vallejo (http://vallejomusic.wordpress.com)! Pretty damn impressive AND WE DIDN'T NEED BADGES!!!!! I can't say that the music was diverse because it was, after all, Texas ROCKFEST!

We had the pleasure of hearing 5 different bands with styles ranging from 'what the fuck is this shit' to Mexican metal. I will write up the performances in the order we saw the bands and it starts with 'What the fuck is this shit?!'




Indofin (http://www.indofinmusic.com/) had just gone on stage when we arrived. Sounding like something between metal or punk and a little bit of confusion mixed in. My regular blog readers sometimes bust my balls for being 'too nice' or 'perpetually positive', well sorry, that's not gonna happen here. It didn't sound rehearsed, there was too much talking between songs, and just seemed like they weren't prepared. When a producer, a manager, and a videographer all remark (at different times and no where near each other) about the things I mentioned, about the quality, or musicianship...somethings up! I really don't know if these guys 'got it'. In the festival setting every band has their 30 minutes to bang out the performance, show the audience who you are and what you are about. That is the time to bring your 'A' game. I really did try to like them and really did try to hear something in the music that would make me tell you go see them or that I would want to see them again. Sorry Brother...not this one.

Liftoff (http://liftoffband.com/The_band.html) is from Canada and these guys really put on a performance. Using the full stage to their advantage with dancing girls on the speakers, lighting effects, and a front man who was pretty damn charismatic. This band really attracted your attention. There was not a lot of conversation in the crowd while they were onstage as it seemed the audience was pretty struck by them. There was, however, a little conversation at the end of the set. It seems there was a pretty interesting resemblance to the lead singer of one certain 'Green Day' band that didn't go unnoticed by some in the crowd. The music was not exactly the same as that, but definitely had the same kind of 'damn the man' feel to it.  Good stuff my friends, check them out.


Treetop Sailors (http://treetopsailors.com/band.htm) sailed onto the stage next. I have been asked several times to go to a show of theirs. I have, sadly, never really made the opportunity to go. As fate would have it, the best part about seeing them here, I was with my heartbeat...and she LOVED them! No doubt about it, these guys are freaking awesome! The lead guitar is pretty fucking outstanding and the lead singer/keyboard player is, well to be frank ...get the fuck outta here! Blues rock with a heavy, HEAVY, accent on the rock portion of that statement. It is a kind of raw and grungy sound, but so unbelievably polished. DUDE! Really, the amount of talent to make yourself sound raw while being that tight is mind boggling. My girlfriend was just amazed with the lead singer, his look and the sound of his voice. While I was sneaking around and took pictures, I did manage to slide up next to her at one point during their set. She grabs my by the arm and shakes me "Oh My God! These guys are great! Why didn't you tell me about them before?" AHHHHH the excitement and enthusiasm. Thankfully they are a local (for now) Austin band, so now I get to go to more of their performances with the stamp and arm shake seal of approval from Ms Cruz. Watch out guys, we'll be seeing ya!

Vallejo (http://vallejomusic.wordpress.com/) are The kings of fucking Austin, Texas Rock-n-Roll! This band is the epitome of fun, excitement, energy, and enthusiasm. They DO NOT know how to stop once they get on stage. They are the utmost professionals and they are musical divas onstage. Absolutely and unequivocally! They mug for all of the cameras in the audience, while they are doing their set. They will point you out in the audience, acknowledge you and make you feel like the rock stars they are up on stage. The music is non stop infectious with their Latin infused grooves underlying that rock and roll blood as they pump it through the crowd. This has been and will ALWAYS be one of the 2 premier rock bands to go see in Austin when it comes to a GREAT live music experience. I have always taken every opportunity to go see them, I have not seen them near as much as I have wanted to, and now I beseech you...GO! Seek out the fun and rock and roll that is Vallejo! and if you can't then here is a video from that show to hold you over http://youtu.be/3GDgwqSis_g.



Seis Pistos (http://www.seispistos.com/) was the final band we saw before an early, but exhausted exit from Rockfest. With the lead singer doing a lot of Spanish speaking and really horrible broken English, I thought it was a joke. HELLLL NO! These guys are straight up from Mexico, but they are great proof that rock music has no boundaries. The music had this definite and irreverent 'I don't give a fuck' attitude, but they were serious. Mixing some old classics with their new style, it was actually impressive. I really liked it. In fact, I would say that I loved it. Metal is metal no matter where you go in the world. Nope, I couldn't understand a damn thing the singer was saying (even his hilariously shitty English), but it was great. It was great in every way that rock music should be. Powerful, driven, and in the end, gracious that you were there to witness it and appreciate it. They were kind enough to pour their souls out for us and I will definitely be kind enough to go see them again!


Laters

The best fourth of july on the 3rd, EVER!

I just found this from a couple of years ago. Thought it would be fun to re post as it was in my 'drafts' bin. The FYI for this is the new incarnation of the band with a more country flair and sound is called the Cody Bryan Band  anyway...enjoy!


Alright Guys So This Is Angel Skye. I'm The Daughter Of The Original Blogger Here, Will! So I Haven't Really Ever Done This Before So It's All New To Me. My Dad And Doc (Cody From Aimless Gun's Father) Had Some Weird Epiphany That I Will Write The Blog For Aimless Gun's Show At The 3rd Of July Beach Bash. So Please Guys, Don't Be Too Harsh. Or I Think I Would Have To Put Some People Through Windows. Ahaa, Just Kidding! (; So I'm Gonna Try To Make This As "Colorful" As Possible. Wish Me Luck. . .

    I only have one word to say about the performance, AMAZING! This was my first time seeing Aimless Gun perform. Sure I had listened to a few tracks here and there whenever my dad would show 'em to me but,  I had never actually seen them perform. Missed opportunities I guess you could say. I'm now truly a HUGE fan!

    The perfect Lake music. What do I mean by that? I mean simply, the music they have is so, relaxing, calming, not to hard, not to sot, but perfect. It's the kind of music that makes you want to get on a boat, ride out to the lake and just chill with friends and family. I could honestly say that these guys were really meant for the big stage. They seemed to have fun on a big stage with more "leg room" then what they normally would have in the small bars downtown. The sound seemed to attract more people, and while the show carried on the crowd began to make their way to the beach to see what band was creating such a great sound.

    When you look back on the crowd and you see people moving and swaying along with the songs, a beer in their hand, on a hot, sunny, Texas July 3rd afternoon, it couldn't have seemed to fit the music any better. I think EVERYONE their was dedicated to the music. Just to stand in the humidity proves that the band was way more than worth listening to. Aimless Gun seemed to have a good time playing the music for everyone there. I had a great time at the show and I personally loved the "Summer Time" vibe that seemed to be emanating from the band.

    Vallejo couldn't have picked a better opening band. The show was great all around and I think anyone in the audience could tell you that. I actually look forward to going to plenty of other shows, and I can tell that each time I go, it's just gonna get better and better. (: Everyone look out, cause this band is gonna be doing great things, real soon! So, whenever you can, check out one of their shows! I promise, you wont regret it! (;

 Love&&Rockets,
AngelSkye(;

    
   

Up a tree without a mic

Baby A's ( http://www.babyacapulco.com/ ) is jumping into the live music game and it's not a bad idea. The location at 183 by the Arboretum is awesome! The parking is fantastic, the food is bad ass, the drinks are purple and great, AND the stage orientation is un-fucking-believable! Just outside of the patio, great access for the crowd to be up close and personal. You wanna sit down just inside of the patio, go for it because you can still here and see the band. Don't wanna jack with it, go sit inside, still plenty of seating there to enjoy a meal (or don't go on a night they are having a band).

My one bitch and complaint is the shitty ass drink service! REALLY...plan for a big ass crowd, staff your bar appropriately, have plenty of wait staff. Drink service outside during a show would be great (and I am not talking about a beer trough). I waited 27 minutes to get a drink while standing at the bar (in a line). Unacceptable anywhere! That sucked! At least I got to enjoy 7 of the bands songs while standing at the bar, while my date was outside,...classy.

Vallejo ( http://www.vallejomusic.com/band.htm ) lit a fire outside on this particular night. Proud that they call Austin home for so many years now. Glad that I have had a chance to meet two of the brothers. They are gracious and amicable, courteous and kind. I have seen them perform several times and there is an unstoppable force behind them when they start rocking. Having a great time on stage with each other, calling fans out, calling up special guests. Vallejo plays their music, plays music that is known and MAKES it theirs. They do the rock thing like only Vallejo can do. Take some songs, make'm theirs with some Spanish lyrics mixed in and it only makes you want to smile and sing along.

AJ swinging from the scaffolding or a nearby tree is always a funny and entertaining sight. Make sure you are prepared to take the pics to throw on your FB page or shoot the video for YouTube. Omar is always laughing, playing around with the audience and winking at the girls (or at least I hope he wasn't winking at me!). The band as a whole puts on a show that makes for an unforgettable night.



This performance was no different, but was totally unique at the same time. In the small area designated for the stage, it was PACKED. Seating to stage left and people standing all around shows that Austin loves for these boys. Mi novia encantó la actuación y la banda tanto, declaró, "Oh Dios mío, mi grupo favorito nuevo!" I was proud and glad that I was able to create a new fan for the band.

Check out their schedule, make it a point as they are always around. Pay the price for admission and have a helluva time.

Laters

the other half of the 3rd

So, as reading this, you realize and know that Angel Skye (my beautiful and talented daughter) wrote up the Aimless Gun performance from Carlos n Charlies 3rd of July Beach Bash. If you didn't read it or didn't know, your a douche bag and should now stop reading this, scroll back to the earlier post, and check it out. Because Angel Skye was so diligently watching ALL of the performances she will be assisting me with this entire blog, so enjoy and see if ya can tell where her input is vs mine.

Aimless Gun, The Will Evans Project, Eyes Burn Electric, Mothers Anthem, Hebegebee's, and Vallejo. REALLY, and you weren't there. C'mon y'all it was the 3rd of July, not the 4th. None the less it was a hot, humid day on the beach, the sun was out and the crowd was beautiful. People on the upper outside deck, the lower outside deck, and a few brave souls out early on the beach. As the evening drew on, the crowd did get bigger on the beach right up to the Hebegebee's, then the fireworks, and then (OF COURSE) Vallejo exploded onto the stage. The selection of music was so different and eclectic that everyone HAD TO have a good time. An amazing day turned into great evening.

Aimless Gun was up first (see http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2010/07/greatest-4th-of-july-on-3rd-ever.html ) and then Will Evans Project ( http://www.willevansproject.com/home.html ), here again we have some unassuming guys take the stage and really light it up. Will Evans Project has more of an Alt rock feel than Aimless, but very fun. They really came onto the stage and proved how eager they were to play for the crowd by firing it up right away. What made them so impressive was that they didn't seem like they were playing for the crowd but for the love of playing the music. More great tuneage for hanging at the lake (or on a boat as Angel Skye so eloquently put it earlier). Here we really got to see a little more of the early evening crowd that enjoyed Aimless swaying and rockin to the beat of WEP. Good thing that the beer was a flowin this evening because DAMN! it was getting hotter with the music and the sun. Check out the Will Evans Project page for club/appearances in Austin and the surrounding area. Here is a link to the video shot from the show ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPMu3JO0uRo ).

Eyes Burn Electric really stepped it up another notch with their performance. Not really hard rock but was something with more of an edge to it. This is where the audience really started participating singing along and dancing to the music. A few covers thrown in with their upbeat groovable originals, but the performance was the hook that proved these guys are audience worthy (undoubtedly). The power of these guys were enough to have the rain gods let it all out after their rendition of 'Billie Jean'. And like some signal from the unknown, it poured (damn the rain felt good too)  but right on Que it stopped with the end of their performance...these guys are Voodoo good.

Mothers Anthem - in Angels humble opinion, they brought in the biggest crowd of the evening (outside of Vallejo). The energy and intensity of the lead singer was contagious and showed that they were about the show and performance for the audience. To leave the stage and have everybody remember their name really seemed like their goal. "And i think they did a great job because they had tons of people lined up at the merch booth getting autographs and taking pictures." The lead singers voice was powerful and smooth, almost an "edgy R&B sound" and it's proven in the song "God Save the Queen". These guys really rounded out the evening for the first three bands to this. I think that whenever they perform here in town you HAVE TO check out a show AT LEAST one show, then maybe more if you really get the fever for Mothers Anthem.

Now for the real Latin rhythm and performance, the Hebegebees just stole it from the other kids and didn't give back the lollipop. The dual vocals were so perfectly matched it can't even be described, an R&B Latin mash up that you can't wait to hear. The crowd now filled the beach and swayed to such a smooth groove, here is where ya danced with the ladies!

OK! This is written after the fact. I saw the C & C fireworks and then saw the fireworks @ Auditorium Shores. UHHMMM, C & C was way WAY better...and I am just talking about the fireworks, nothing to do with performances just the fireworks presentation...WOW!

and now for the meat of the evening, a first for both Angel Skye AND me! Vallejo!!! From hearing these boys practice in South Austin, listening to the albums, watching the video performances, and hearing friends talk shit about how great they are live....HERE WE WERE! Got to spend some time hanging out with Omar during the day, great story teller and a genuine and friendly guy (you know the truth is he's with Vallejo and is a Vallejo so he could be a dick, but uh-uh!). Angels description was almost in tears. The music is so amazing, the performance is so energizing, the audience participation is there. They ARE showman! and not just front man A.J., but all of them, hamming it up, laying it out, and baring their souls to all of us. The variety and selection of music is breathtaking and stunning. Shit you know, stuff you didn't know you knew, and new things to make you believe in music and live performances again! Angel described that being down in front (and she was literally DOWN IN FRONT) was so powerful an that she really had to fight back the urge to jump onstage. WHOA girl, daddy ain't got bail money for a 14 year old stage crasher, LOL. To sum it up for the Vallejo performance, it was something for the generations...in fact THREE generations to be exact as I found my father in the audience enjoying the show, my daughter at the stage, and I was just grateful to be there.

Thanks Omar and A.J. for a lifetime of memories!


photos by: Angelina Tompkins and her daddy
special thanks to Angel Skye for her invaluable input in the writing of this piece. Love you baby girl.

Laters