Not just a new single

but the song poses a whole new story.

I am talking about the new single from the Cody Bryan Band   (https://www.codybryanmusic.com/) 'Coast is Clear' (https://open.spotify.com/track/2SQJHYN0H55NTt1it9I50E). You can find it on Spotify pretty easy. You can also go to the bands page and support them buy buying the single and/or some merchandise!

So about this new single. It definitely has all the earmarks to be THE 'Song of the Summer'. Forget all the other bullshit in the world right now and just listen, just feel it. This is without a doubt a great summer song. Let me give your imagination a little nudge...

You are down at the beach or at the lake. You made the decision to just get away for the weekend. You need to relax, smell the beautiful air, have some nice beach drinks with friends...you know, the ones with umbrellas in them, yeah, that one! It's been a long, hot day at the water and now you are in a hammock at the cabin or the campsite. The sun is dipping, the moon is rising, and you are recharging for an even better evening. THIS is the song you are listening to!

I see you smiling. I did. Now the world just needs to make sure the 'Coast is Clear', sip some Mai-Tai's...because we all need a vacation!




p.s. - how is it a new story. After you checked, and the Coast is Clear, next it's Our House for the Weekend. Apparently it was a great time at the beach cause she's not drinking alcohol :)

It was Rigged

Right from the start I knew this was a Rigged event. I have been hearing about this guy for a year. "You gotta go! He puts on a great show. He even blew the power at the venue where I saw him last."

So on a warm spring night me and my buddy head out to The Old Coupland Inn & Dancehall. Let me tell you something...it is the OLD Coupland Dancehall for a reason. Not Kidding. Walking around the place with the creaking plywood floors and the dangling insulation from the ceiling it is old and rustic. The bartenders were great, no lines for the bathroom, and plenty of room to scoot around the dance floor. On this night, with this artist performing the dance floor was cut in about half with all the screaming girls down in front....It looked like an old video clip of the Beatles arriving in the U.S.

WHO IS THIS? You say out loud to the little screen in your hands as you read this. WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!

Sam Riggs (https://www.samriggsmusic.com). Yeah! it was a pretty spectacular performance. I will say between the enthusiasm of his fans...no joking it was pretty intense down in front... and his light show, Sam Riggs made it worth every dollar at the door. From his first song lighting up the stage with the whole band, to his last moment on stage with just him and his guitar, it was a great and fun performance.

If you know who Sam Riggs is and you haven't seen a performance you are doing yourself wrong.

If you don't know who Sam Riggs is, do your self a favor. Take a listen to 'When the lights go out'. My personal favorite. If you don't dig Country music, Outlaw Country music, or better yet, if you don't dig Texas Country music...just move on. But I dare you to take a listen.








It is great music performed well, with amazing enthusiasm, and a light show to make the stadiums jealous. Look up Sam Riggs and go enjoy Another Great Performance!

Laters

Who is this guy

is what I heard several times during the evening during the Paul Cauthen performance.

I was at Emos Austin. Located on Riverside Dr, about 3 minutes from downtown Austin. It has been a while since I was last here. Although the room itself hasn't changed, the aesthetics have. A fresh coat of paint, some new decorating around the perimeter of the venue, the addition of another bar, and it is still Emos. Don't take this statement the wrong way. Emos is a great place to go see a show. You walk in the door and only a few feet from the main entrance and you are standing in the giant room that is the venue. The sound has never left me wanting, always fast service at any of the bars, and big stage that can be seen from pretty much any spot inside those four walls.

This night was special for me. On the recommendation of my cousin, and some Divine intervention, I picked up a copy of Paul Cauthens debut CD release "My Gospel". After listening to this disc several times, I grew to really appreciate the song writing, the tunes, and overall vibe of the album. It is definitely a masterful piece of work.

Even better than the CD is finding out Paul Cauthen (http://www.paulcauthenmusic.com/) is coming to town. Without a hesitation I jumped on the chance to shoot photo for this lost sons return to Austin. NO, there was not a large, glamorous stage show. It was 5 guys on stage doing what they love, and doing it very well. It was exceptionally fulfilling for me to enjoy this performance from behind the lens for 3 songs - no flash. It was so much more when I stepped from behind the barricade and melted into the crowd. With Paul Cauthens big, booming voice carrying through the venue and the great time you could see him having on stage, it was glorious to be in the house.

Even more exciting was roaming through the crowd and seeing the faces lit up by the stage lights. The whispers of excitement from here and there in the crowd. I didn't hesitate to interrupt the conversations I overhead. When there was someone who would lean over to their friend, and just above the sound of Paul singing, I could hear them ask "Wow! do you know who this guy is?" I happily jumped on that moment and would exclaim "That's Paul, Paul Cauthen!" It was not sad for me to hear so many voices asking who this Johnny Cash sounding fellow was, it was thrilling to hear Paul Cauthen making fans as I stood there and witnessed.




Thanks to my cousin James Tompkins for anointing me.


Appreciate my photographer friends I rarely see, because my head is jammed up the local scenes ass so much I don't do the touring shows. Scott Moore and Katrina Barber are always two of the three best to bump into, always.



And thanks to the City of Austin for being Austin. I love doing what I do for nothing. I love giving respect and my time to the musicians that give their souls to the city for so little.




Laters

The WHOLE band is here

What I like about checking out the music scene in Austin is not just how plentiful it is, but the successes you see for some artists over time. Those success are not necessarily gold albums and world  tours, but in a smaller scale... The release of a video, a new album, or... In the case of Carter Hilltop Band... the addition of members to complete the project into becoming a full band.

I first saw the Carter Hilltop Band as a trio in Kyle, Texas as the opening act for another up and coming Texas country music act. Carter Hilltop Band was front woman Valerie and her brother on guitar and another guitarist who doubled as the bass player. Move forward more than a year and here I sit at the Rattle Inn.

With guitar, bass, and drums the core has been established. Vocals are spot on. With Valerie singing hi and sweet and her brother mellowing things out, it is a sweet trade off. Although their harmonies were pitched differently, it worked with the music. And the crowd loved it. From just me, myself, and I right before stage time to very full house by song #2, it was pleasant to see the support this young group is receiving so early on.

Where there may have been a song or two that would have worked for dancing, this is just good, sit back and relax music. It was country, but with something a bit deeper to it. My impression. The crowd loved it, every single song. I looked around at one point and saw phones up. The standard for how we judge what is liked in the current Internet, social media feed world. So if this is true, Carter Hilltop Band will do very well.

I must throw one bitch and gripping moan out there, it is the sound man. Good bless the band for kicking ass, cause the sound man was terrible. I think we listened to the stage monitors the whole time. Heads up Rattle Inn,... Vet your sound guy and make sure he gives a crap.

fresh refresh

Probably won't be the last post of the year, but pretty damn close.

This will be a review of some sort. I am going to diverge from my normal chatter about how much fun the audience had and how the band interacted with them. I am just gonna touch on two bands that I have reviewed before, but you will just have to read on.

I didn't do a review of The Warhorses (http://thewarhorsesmusic.com/) when the played recently in Austin at The Rattle Inn. Simply put, it was their last performance in Austin with Guitarist Sonny Bihl. Sad day, but spectacular performance. They just let Sonny call out the songs he wanted to do. It was fun and spontaneous. For now that really doesn't matter. In the (near) future I can hope we will get to see them again with a new line up and maybe some new tunes. I will try to keep up with them and let you know when Austin, Texas will get a first look at the new Warhorses. 'Til then here are some photos from that night. I'll post more to FB.

The other band I recently saw which I have previously spoken about at length is the Cody Bryan Band (http://www.codybryanmusic.com/).

It was another fun night with these guys. They were just coming off of a high note playing for a larger size arena with several other acts. This night was just a small intimate crowd. What was exciting and spectacular is hopefully a lesson for all. They changed up their set! It was fantastic and fun. Just like seeing them for the first time. There were many new songs they did. There were a couple of mainstay's they keep for the fun of it, BUT they threw in and mixed it up with many older tracks we hadn't heard in a while. Once again, made to be very proud of the local boys done good!

As a fan of the local music scene and many different bands, it was just a great feeling to have something new and fresh thrown at me (the crowd). I don't know how hard it is to do a different set list regularly, but as a paying (and sometimes not) member of the crowd (and usually a fan of someone I am going out to see)...I DON'T CARE. The best bands in Austin become lame as shit when it is the same damn set list each time you see them.

For the crowd and and fans of the Cody Bryan Band it was inspiring and refreshing to enjoy a performance for what it was...Live Music! I appreciate and loved the performance for what seemed like a whole new band. I hope some of my other friends and members of bands around town might read this and take heed. We, the crowd and audience, will ONLY love you more for it!


Laters

Solo show, good show

I was not sad to be hanging up in Pflugerville, Texas for an evening. My time here waiting for my wife let me chill at this cool little spot on the side of IH35 called Wagner's Backyard (http://www.wagnersbackyard.com/). Super cool place with room indoors, outdoors, or out on the deck. Wagner's is not hard to find, but it is a little tricky. Located behind a small used care dealership and tucked away in the front corner of the theater parking lot is where they make their home.

The bar itself, on the inside, is the home to a lonely pool table, some hi-top tables, bench tables, and a decent size bar right in front of you on the back wall as you walk in. Wagner's also houses plenty of TV's to catch the game. As you step outside onto the very nice deck, you will find more seating as well as some more TV's. Down the steps you go and out into the yard.

As you go down the steps you can't help to notice the really big stage. This is pretty impressive for the location. The arrangement of the stage and the seating in the back yard is great. Plenty of picnic style seating, logs, stumps, benches all allow ample area to sit and enjoy the music. Of course you can't help but notice the sand volleyball court right there as well. I only question the actual square footage and the body's they can add if it wasn't there. But this is only weighing the ability to put more people back there for bigger acts. It is possible.

There is also a nice bar in the very back. It is stocked well and the bartending staff is killer. So here is where I planted my ass to enjoy the conversations around me and some good whiskey poured by my friend. It wasn't very long before for I was drawn to what was happening on the stage. A single figure, standing there and doing his damndest to entertain the early Saturday crowd.


I try to write about the crowds reaction to a performance, but Jacob Essary (https://www.facebook.com/jacob.essary) was on early and there were distractions in the yard. Not me! I was captivated. Jacob was doing his covers of country favorites, old, new, and some a little off the beaten path. He even casually was tossing in some of his originals. He was great. For one man and his guitar he was holding my attention well.

As the sun went down, the evening grew longer, my wife dropped in. As soon as she got her drink she asked me "Who's this guy?" She was intrigued and entertained. She is the country music fan more than I, and she had high praise. "Oh my God! He is so much fun." It wasn't to long after that when I noticed that Jacob had taken on the crowd. All though the applause grew after each song, it was not too long before it was over.










Look Jacob up. Check him out for a happy hour show. Hell!, we might even get lucky and get to see him down in way south Austin for later evening performance. This was good stuff. I am happy Jacob Essary took some time away from me and left me with an impression.



Laters

no need to start a war

This is part of the thrill I have about the music scene in Austin, sharing it with someone. My wife joined me this evening for a great double bill. After checking out the first band for the evening we took a 45 minute drive and headed BACK into Austin for some super bad ass late night sounds.

The venue is the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/). Built for sound, built for the show. The One2One is the premier small venue in Austin. Located just 3 minutes from the electricity of the downtown entertainment district, The One2One is located on S. Lamar in an unassuming little strip mall. But boy is this place anything BUT unassuming. Owners Gregg and Destinee Ware have built what many local musicians praise as the legacy to The Austin music scene of old (think Steamboat - if you don't know you don't get it don't worry about it). Just pick any night and you are sure to be thrilled by a performance and the great sound.

I didn't just randomly pick this night. Oh No! After seeing two of this bands members do a small acoustic set, I knew I had to check out the whole package. And not only am I happy I had the opportunity, but doubly thrilled my wife could join me. The band…ahhh well they are The Warplanes (http://www.thewarplanes.net/).

Walking in the doors of the One2One at midnight and being happy the band hasn’t started might seem like an oddity to you, but you are just going to have to come to Austin and see what this is about.

The Warplanes dove onto the stage minutes after midnight. The music is ridiculously hard to pigeon hole, much like many other bands in town. If you are not straight up country or rock/metal or rap then you have that “Austin Sound”. The Warplanes embodied this with the group of guys on stage. A lead guitar, an acoustic guitar wielding lead singer, a keyboard/rhythm guitarist, bass, and drums. It wasn’t quite country, it had a kind of rock edge to it, sweet harmonies, and a front man with attitude. Yes Sir! The Warplanes are pure Austin.

They were exciting to watch. They were fun to listen to. The crowd was entertained and fixated, and the crowd stayed for the whole show - a super hard thing to do for a band playing that midnight slot. The Warplanes had all of us dancing at one point. On command the lead singer had us clapping along. The lead singer was playing to the crowd and enjoying it like a little kid on Christmas...all smiles. He was climbing on the drum riser, jumping, and singing. It was amazing fun for a late night out.

With my wife, with some friends, with family, or solo, I will attend a Warplanes show any chance I get. Guess you should too. Look them up.

Laters

Two guys and a guitar

It's been a while, but I feel like I have some performance reviews to share with you.

On the request of a friend, I went to a local sports bar called Doc's Backyard (http://www.docsrestaurantsunsetvalleytx.com). It is a nice sports bar with seating inside and out, and of course plenty of televisions. The food is good and the prices are to be expected for a sports bar, but the food is very good! Outside, the seating is mainly near the bar. However there are some tables farther away from the bar, near the very large playground. That's right! Bring your pets AND your kids. Watch the game, have some good eats, and let the kids run, play, and wear themselves out.

In a small area, just between the table seating in the bar area and the table seating by the playground, is stage. Quite unassuming, if no one is up there using it, but perfectly placed if there is entertainment.

This particular early evening was Aric Garcia and Issac Routh. Two of the four members of a local band the Warplanes (http://www.thewarplanes.net). Doing a little set with Isaac on guitar and lead vocals and Aric on percussion, harmony vocals, and working the board. These two guys filled the air with fun and great sounds.

Even though a large part of the crowd dancing and having a great time were under 4ft tall, there was no doubt the great tunes and harmonies from these two guys and a guitar were resonating through everyone listening. Aric and Isaac rolled through many familar songs with their own slight twist and flavor. and the originals were as electric as you can get without the full band experience.

Aside from all of the love the kids gave Aric and Isaac, this was not a kids show. It was just the perfect music for a beautiful Friday evening during Happy Hour! No questions about it. Look these guys up on Facebook or under the whole bands name, The Warplanes. Seek them out and find them around the town. GO see some GREAT, inspiring, live and local music. Without a doubt I will make a point of finding them doing this type of set up again and I hope to enjoy it with you. I plan on sharing it with my wife and my dad next chance I get.

For a small taste check out this small clip of Aric and Isaac doing a mind, blowing and stunning acoustic version of Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd.





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

Willards got Skills

Pflugerville has really started to pick up the live music scene recently. With the new additions and remodels, PTown is offering more options for the locals to catch some good music almost any night of the week and every weekend you can definitely find something worthy of driving up the road from Austin, or out your front door if you live there.

Wagners Backyard (http://www.wagnersbackyard.com) is one of these places. Not only providing a pretty damn outdoor area to hang out in, but play some yard games and card games. With a very respectable stage outdoor you would almost not realize there is a stage inside also. Just as you walk in the front door of Wagners, the stage is immediately to your left. Although it would be great if the stage faced towards the back yard or was arranged in a slightly different fashion, it still provides humble little spot for a band to kick it and a few folks inside to enjoy.

My wife and I purposefully wandered in this particular evening to catch the Zach Willard Band (http://zachwillardband.com). I believe these guys hail from the Cedar Park area. We were surprised and pleased they were hanging out and playing some music this evening. With an extremely pleasant, large, building sized doorman working and chatting with us, The Zach Willard Band provided the music for great evening.

The Zach Willard Band is a 4 piece with Zach doing vocals and guitar work, he proved to be an entertainer. There was a large group sitting at the table in front of the stage and having a great time. It was great how Zach worked the crowd and made this show special and unique. Obviously I can't say if the band has performances like this every time they hit the lights, but I will tell you to go find them and enjoy this style of uptempo country music.



For me, the thing which left the biggest impression about the show was one little portion, where front man Zach Willard was soliciting info from the crowd. He the crowd to  several different things to him. Location, events, sports teams...you get the idea. He then proceeded to weave together a song right in front of the crowd. It was fucking awesome!

Stop by Wagners Backyard, drink a beer, play a game, watch a game, and if you plan it right enjoy and support live local music.

Look up the Zack Willard Band and have a fun time, sing along, and make memories.


Laters

Steadfast and rattling it

Back at the Rattle Inn (http://rattleinnaustin.com) for this double header.

Located just off of 6th and Nieces, west of Congress Ave. The Rattle Inn is in a nice little corner that provides access to food and entertainment.

The double header this evening was the Brandon Steadman Band from Ft. Worth and the Cody Bryan Band.

The Brandon Steadman Band (http://brandonsteadmanband.com) had the early slot and a packed house. With his Texas Country sound, the crowd ate it up. I don't know how long these particular guys have been playing together, but they were tight and on point. It could be told in the crowds reaction as well. Pretty much from the first song to the last, the minimal dance floor was occupied. With folks twirling and two stepping it made the performance all that more fun to watch. Brandon is not one of those artists that regales you with tons of conversation. It was just straight country music and playing. And from the reaction of the crowd thought the performance and to the last song, it seems like it was a performance I am glad I got to capture.

Whether it is Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, or any point on the map, if you love that Texas Country sound and want to kick up your heels, The Brandon Steadman band will do rather nicely.

The Cody Bryan Band (http://www.codybryanmusic.com) was born and bread right here in Austin, but it seems like they are getting harder to see and catch in the area. Constantly evolving, and really never putting on the same show twice, The Cody Bryan Band is definitively that Texas country band to catch every time you get the chance. With new songs in their performance and even new additions to the band (the guitar player has now incorporated fiddle into his repertoire), there are plenty of reasons to catch this stellar group of guys.

For an early daytime show at a fair, to a late night performance, The Cody Bryan Band can fill your need and desire for four feet on the floor - that's you and your dance partner!

Laters

Sunday, Bloody....Mary?

Kicking it at The Moontower Saloon (http://www.moontowersaloon.com/) in far, south Austin. For those who don't know it's like this.

First - It is 21 and up.

Second - Moontower Saloon is located just off of Slaughter Ln in south Austin, Texas. I think they even had themselves incorporated and renamed that spot of land Awesome, Texas! Whatever they call it, you should go visit. Visible from the road with a single long driveway leading into the venue/park/facility. There is ridiculously ample parking in several lots behind Moontower. You really never have to worry about parking, or leaving it overnight. The staff and management is very considerate when it comes down to the safety of all.

As for the bar/venue - It is a very small house with a moderate sized bar, restrooms, a few tables, and a pool table. Step out of the bar onto the gorgeous covered deck that has plenty of seating and another bar. Stepping out from the deck into the yard reveals a small, but nice stage, attached to the back of the bar and a HUGE seating area. Rows of tables, fire pits, and a satellite deck with more seating, flow outward. Farther away from the stage, moving away from the bar towards the street, you find a play area with games such as washers, corn hole, and horseshoes. There is also another nice pair of restrooms out there. Off to the side of the bar and behind the facility are a couple of very nice, sand volleyball courts. For all it is worth, this is your day drinking, fun with friends, night time, hang out spot to end them all!



On Sunday the 21 and up is lifted during the early afternoon hours. This is great for those that want to enjoy the company of friends and family in a social environment. Maybe watch some football...and maybe enjoy the amazing Bloody Mary bar! This thing was awesome!
Get your glass of Tito's and scoot up to extavagant, fix it any way you want it-season it-spice it-dress it-load it, Bloody Mary bar that can't be topped this side of Las Vegas! You have to see it to believe it.














Now, even though I was in awe of the Bloody Mary bar and enjoying myself with that, there was also music. Lucky for us the musical portion started around 4pm. Very important as kids are exiled at 6pm.










Carson Alexander (https://www.facebook.com/carson.alexander.16) and Jarrod Johnson (https://www.facebook.com/jarrodjohnsonmusic) provided the musical entertainment on this particularly beautiful Sunday afternoon. Now from what I understand, these two fellows are not actually a duet and they did not play as such, but their individual distinctiveness kept it fresh the whole time we listened.


Each would alternate singing a song and the other would play rhythm or solo. The different voices played well. Jarrod was definitely the more country of the two. Playing and singing more of the country that is loved and not the "Bro/pop" country that is haunting the radio. Carson, on the other hand, sounded like he had the full choir behind him with his harmonizer. Playing tunes that were a little more Americana, Carson had an edgier sound to him.

For everyone gathering around the fire pits, enjoying their drinks, it proved to be the perfect background music to an stellar day. The conversation flowed beautifully among strangers and the music kept everyone smiling.




Cheers to a Bloody Mary the next Sunday, and hope I see you there.


Laters

On a blues note

a slight return

One 2 One (http://www.one2onebar.com/) is realistically the home of all that is good in Austin music and the live music scene. Yes! There are many other great venues, older and newer, but for all that is right about the Austin music scene, Gregg and Destinee do it right! With a venue that was designed for sound and stage, if you haven't been there to hear and experience what I am talking about, you can't say you have had the Austin music experience.

When you walk in the door you are faced with a very nice sized, rectangle shaped room. On the far end is a beautiful stage. Just the right height to see from any spot in the room with a full house. The bathrooms are located on either side of the stage. There is also a large bar on the right side, running about halfway down the long side of the room. Service has never been an issue at the bar and they are always friendly and smiling.

It was a spectacular start to the New Year at the One2One. Might not have been their first show if the new year, but it was stunning. Even better is after all the time I have spent sitting at the bar or roaming the crowd, here or at the original location, my dad joined me for this night of great music.

The big voice and personality of Lisa Tingle (http://www.lisatingle.com/) kicked things off in smashing fashion. Lisa started things off fast and only built the show from there. Lisa Tingle is one of the strongest voices, male or female, in the Austin Blues rock scene. With a backing band able to handle the performance, the crowd was on their feet throughout the whole performance. The Lisa Tingle catalog of music encompasses everything you would want to feel in good rocking blues music! Belting out the songs with her voice and the accompaniment it is best described as "being taken to church!"

Van Wilks (http://vanwilks.com/) was up next on stage. Not only did he proceed to slay the audience with his own brand of "21st Century Blues", but I have to say, I have NEVER seen so many camera personnel in the One2One shooting at once. Vans performances are always electric, satisfying, and really leave you wanting more. His sound is familiar and fun, but at the same time clean and providing you those moments of 'WOW'. The best thing about his performance is being in the crowd. By the end of his set everyone was on their feet and and the crowd in front of the stage was proving the thrill of live music transcends ages!

Andy Macintyre (http://www.macintyre.rocks/) came up next. Not knowing what to expect and thinking about the two stellar performances right before him, Andy laid it out in blazing fashion. Another guitar talent on stage before us, would make any one think they grow on trees down in Austin. But we know the truth, it's in the water. Not only was Andy Macintyre's performance ridiculously fun, but his voice in song was just damn spectacular. Paying a little tribute to a local guitar legend we recently lost (JT Coldfire - and if the song wasn't so damn good I would've cried at the tribute) and the music worlds loss of David Bowie, Andy completely owned every note he played. All of those in the house that remained after the previous gig were treated to one the brightest and best new talents - and he's been six stringing it for years!

Having both Van Wilks and Andy Macintyre perform on the same stage in one night was just damn mind blowing. Having Lisa Tingle start the night out made it unbelievable. Having this last band be our night cap was just plain old, toe tapping goodness.

The Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php) was a last minute addition. It is also proof to go out, listen to some live, local, music. Find a great spot to listen to music. pick a night and a band you are interested in. Go, hang out, watch the fun, be a part of something great, and see who else walks in the door.

For the late night folks that just couldn't get enough of a good thing, The Cody Bryan Band did all of us alright! It is fun, toe tapping, sing along, Texas Country, at about it's finest. Seeing this band grow through the years is beyond a great thing. Seeing this band on stage tear it up like there was an audience of 50,000, makes me know these guys are doing it right and doing it well. No doubt you can catch The Cody Bryan Band band near you soon, as they are touring extensively supporting there new EP 'Small Town Noise'. It is a great performance that will have you on your feet and swinging your favorite partner to the beat.

and for all it is worth, the great performances, the amazing music, the fun shows that I talk about....it doesn't mean a damn thing if you don't go out and support the music in our beautiful city.

Laters

Day of the Dead 2015

Central Texas Easter Seals Foundation (http://www.easterseals.com/centraltx/) is a wonderful organization. Not only are there some great people doing some great things, but those people they support and help are even more wonderful. For the last few years, Central Texas Easter Seals Foundation has had a fundraiser during the spookiest, fun part of the year...Halloween. Celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos the best way possible, with music and fun here in Austin, Texas.

I have had the pleasure of attending the events each of the previous years since it started and was there again this year with my wife has joining me, and our 9 year old. The celebration is most definitely fun for all. Vendor booths, food, and fun for the kids in the H.E.B. kids zone, this is definitely a celebration of life! But the most fun of all....is the music and dancing, of course!

For me the celebration starts with the Dia de los Muertos parade featuring The Austin Samba School and Las Monas. There are drums, costumes, dancing, and it is just one big Fiesta! Even kids of all ages are invited to join in at one point. This is one of the most exciting things to watch and my wife and I have always looked forward to it.

On to the musical portion. First of the 4 bands on the main stage this evening was Kinski Gallo (http://www.kinskigallo.com/). This was a 3 piece that was the perfect warm up for the late afternoon crowd. With the crowd slightly growing, it was evident Kinski Gallo was the right type of energy to have some folks get up, move up, and start to dance.

Next up (and this is what I love about live music in the capital city) was the very popular, and thrilling La Vida Boheme (https://www.facebook.com/LaVidaBoheme). My surprise of the festival. I love going into an event and not knowing all the bands. It leaves the biases to go out the window and leaves the door open for new experiences. La Vida Boheme was that.

This quartet out of Venezuela was thrilling to say the least. They left no question about their popularity, not just by the cheering crowd down in front, but the Latin/Pop rhythms that blew me away. It was go, go, go from La Vida Boheme's first song to the end of their set. Everybody was so excited and we could here the crowd chanting 'OTRA!'

Next up, and not surprisingly decked out for the event, was Son De Rey (http://www.sonderey.com/). Austins own Latin super group. A highly entertaining and charismatic front man leads this band with his moves and his voice. Not to downplay his female counter-part, this duo knows how to entertain. The music is a mix of covers and originals, and none of it disappoints as it all provided the fuel to bring in more of the crowd to the dance floor.









The great thing with Son de Rey, they are based here in Austin, Texas. So, if you live here in town and want a thrilling musical experience with your margaritas at happy hour or later, look them up. If you are from out of town and want that fun Latin vibe you can dance your drinks away to, look them up as well.

Known mostly by his first name, but loved infinitely by the country/Tejano legions of fans in the U.S. and Mexico...Emilio (https://www.facebook.com/EmilioNavairaMx) was the headlining act for Dia de los Muertos 2015. Oh, and now the crowds came out, moved forward, and there was lots of dancing! Emilio and his band started out just a little tame, with some slower Tejano songs. Then he rolled into his country music, building into his big upbeat Tejano hits. This seems to be what the crowd was dying for all day (get it dying for - Dia de los Muertos)!

Emilio proved to be the king of Tejano this night in Austin. What a great performance from a great entertainer.








Lets see what this next year brings!

Laters