The music world returns to austin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laters 

Happy for the tears

Of most any place for someone to choose to have a show in Austin, the One2One should be top of the list. To have a goodbye show...definitely. Unfortunately I have been to two to many.

As usual I will start with a description of the venue. It is all about the stage and the sound at the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/). You walk in the door and BAM there it is...in your face. The sound is amazing, bar service is great, bathrooms, seating, and good times. Look, for sound this is one of only a very few places in Austin that cater to the local musicians and the local crowds with a top of the line sound system.  Go to their page and check it out for yourself. Pick a night and a band and GO!

Although this was a BonVoyage/Farewell show for one Jack Burton Trio (http://www.jackburtonmusic.com/), it is not a pointless review. No, this is to tell you of the joys of good music, and the inevitable return of the white James Brown! Jack and his family are going off on a sabbatical to connect and enjoy his family, experience something new, and see the world. Something we should all look up to and aspire to want to do for ourselves. 

But the music. It is here to stay forever. It lives in our ears, in our souls, our memories, and not soon enough...on DVD. The Jack Burton Trio does funk link few others. Their spin on funk, Motown, and R&B is smile inducing, and feet moving. The band proved it, not just on this evening, but the last time I saw them. The show was changed up a bit and this is what made seeing it again great. Beyond this, I had the pleasure of sharing the event with my daughter, Angelina. We have not shot a show together in way to many years. To see her smiling and grooving to The Jack Burton Trio's music was uplifting. Music does heal the soul!

The crowd was thrilled at the performance, Jack did not ham it up, he played for the crowd, he played for the joy of the music, and  played for the love of it all. THIS is what you can expect and will get at a Jack Burton Trio show. Let the world have him on borrowed time, we know he will come home and he will entertain greater than what I write about now.

In the end, Jack sad his good byes to the crowd and took time for every single person that wanted to say goodbye. He and his wife greated and hugged everyone. It was such a joy to see so many people crying and saying their temporary goodbyes. This simply means that the Jack Burton, his beautiful wife, and amazing family will be missed. They made an impact. 

And that, my friends, is a reason to be happy for the tears.

Jack....we will see you soon.

Laters

Soul Giants

Battling it out with friends in Austin, Texas on any night, trying to figure out where to go listen to live music, is the greatest thing. I took my preferred route and Dave TV () took his. Nothing but love in watching, listening, writing about, and supporting live and local!

So off to my happy home away from home which never lets me down, The One2One Bar (). Tonight was a double feature for me. Two great local bands with whom I know the players, I know the game, but have never seen perform. BAM! Doing it right tonight.

But first quick nod of respect to The One2One. This is a GREAT venue for music located in South Austin. It is a brilliant design of a club. 4 walls, a great stage, and a bar. How about that? The thing is you don't get it unless you go experience it. This place was built for the performance! NO apologies here for short words on a great venue, I have written about this location before and will again. Look back at some of my previous posts if you really want to see the great things I have said about The One2One...otherwise read on.

The Jack Burton Trio () is fronted by Jack Burton and his beautiful wife. Jack plays the guitar and his wife does the co vocals duties, but his voice is the "WHOA". For that funky, soul, rock, type of music, Jack's James Brown-esque voice is right on the spot. His lively personality throughout the entire performance only begged for people to be dancing and having a great time. The interactions that Jack Burton has with the rest of the band and the high amount of respect he has for his bandmates just pours out into the crowd. It is a performance which overflows with excitement and enthusiasm.











Oh! "Bandmates?", you ask. There is Jack Burton and his wife...one more would be a trio. NO! This is Texas math and all you have to know is that it sounds great, it feels good, and it is fun! Quit counting members and count on a great time with The Jack Burton Trio. With residencies around town, there seems to be no reason or opportunity for you not to take of piece of this soul mans giant voice and personality home with you, weekday or weekend.

Following up to a performance like was the properly placed Curtis Lee (). The man with the silky smooth voice and the bluesy sounding soul music which just pulls at your heart, your tears, and then makes you smile. His lead guitarist, here, is the talented and every moving Ady Hernandez. This duo is pretty damn potent. Curtis Lee probably doesn't need a PA for his voice as it carries and carries and carries. Curtis Lee music is a little more on the soulful side, but it is bursting with life and pulls your feet ahead of you onto the floor.



This was another performance where the crowd couldn't stand it and danced the night away. As the music of Curtis Lee and his band ebbed and flowed, the crowed moved on his vocal directions and his interpretation of life...through music. This was a seriously powerful and moving performance. Curtis Lee, like Jack Burton, knows his band and knew the crowd. Letting the power of his performers lead the crowd through the solos only left everyone breathless enough for Curtis Lee to wrap up his performance in stellar fashion. An uptempo tune about a girl, love, and the crowd singing along.

For the city of Austin and the music scene as it stands, it is diverse and attractive. It is fun, it is multi cultural, and it is always happening. And these guys are Soul Giants for what they do, how they do it, and what you feel like when they are done.

Laters


p.s. - Thanks Cari Hutson St. Marie for supplying me with the title on this one.