Big Time fun

The last blog post of the year. Although I really didn't quite hit the circuit like I wanted or feel like I should have, let me end the year like this! At the One-2-One. With two amazing, Bad Ass bands. 

So let me refresh you. The One-2-One is on S. Lamar, Austin, Tx. Just 2 minutes from downtown. Free parking. Great sound. Why have you not gone after all these years of my writing about this place? Walk in the doors and you are greated by a very large stage directly opposite the door. The bar is to your right and extends half the length of the venue. It still has the best damn sound for a small venue in Austin!

A quick word, if that is possible for me to do, about 80H Project. These guys finished this night out with amazing music, laughs, family in the house, and friends onstage. 80H project is the brainchild of the one and ONLY Ady Hernandez. One of the most solid musicians, guitar players, vocalists, and harmonizing bands leaders in Austin... and we wish him well on his upcoming comedy career!  

Joining him onstage and making this project stellar, is an amazing line up of talent that are all spectacular on their own, but here... mind blown! 

80H Project is a fusion of Latin rock and music for the soul. About half way through the set 80 H was joined by one of the most multi talented, make you want to quit music, musicians Austin has the pleasure to call a son if the city, Kevin Flatt. Fresh off the road from Arlington, Kevin jumped up onstage to make the sound more than complete. 

Keep your eyes on the calendar and catch the 80 H Project for the few times they make appearances here or even in Nashville.

And now for the Big Time words, specifically Hector Ward and The Big Time. WTF! Although I have actually hung out with Hector on several occasions at a few different bars.... this was, shamefully, the first time I got the Big Time experience. What an experience it was! I sat and watched as Hector pretty much played the guitar without a pick. Just hand strumming the shit outta that guitar. Damn fine soun, and what a great voice. He was backed with a stellar horn section and spot on rhythm section. His rock/Latin fusion sound carried through your earholes, into your brain, and made your ass and feet move. 

It was great music, performed with smiles on stage and a vibe anyone could appreciate. This isn't a - back ground musical performance - from some band that is playing - while you have cocktails with friends, kind of band. Hector Ward and the Big Time demands your attention. The stories he tells in his music is worth every ounce of your attention. Best of all, just get up and dance. Dance like no one is watching, dance like you care about the music. But most of all, enjoy Hector Ward and the Big Times music. 

Happily I reported this to my wife when I got home. Explaining to her there was still tons of life and amazing music in the Austin music scene. And our new journeys, starting the new year, new decade should begin with Hector Ward and The Big Time.

I'll see you there! 

Laters 

Red-Green Blue-Yellow

It has a meaning. This means something to about 3 million people per year. It also means "Up and coming Kings of Austin Pop Punk scene!"

If you haven't had the opportunity to see the band Colorblind (https://www.facebook.com/Colorblindtx/), it is another must see band. Colorblind is comprised of brothers Tyler (drums) and Travis (vocals) and Nicholas and Justin on bass and guitar. Colorblind has this completely polished sound, with a pretty cool backing track, their shows are electric and very exciting. The vocals by Travis are stunning and perfect for their style of music. The fans they have are loyal and bring even more excitement to the performance. It may also be because of frontman Travis, as far as I could make out, from all the screaming girls.

I have seen the band a couple of times. Once at The Dirty Dog and then again at Come and Take It Live. Here is an interesting reflection of their performances.


The show at The Dirty Dog was a pretty packed house. Colorblind was towards the end of the bill that night, before the headliner. It was a great performance with tons of energy from the band and it was felt through the crowd. As I stood and enjoyed their set I was able to over hear some of the remarks around me....Yeah! It seems like the headliner that night was in awe of the performance by Colorblind.

















Move forward several months and Colorblind is on the opening side of a national tour show at Come and Take It Live. The first two or three bands up were cool. Not anything I would give blog time to. BUT Colorblind came on...I will tell you what, where there was almost no crowd all of a sudden swelled to a large crowd in front of the stage. It's just a truth for you to ponder on the band and the fans. Even better is when they launched into their hit song, 'Parting Words' (https://youtu.be/MaIC5L_h6x8) the crowd just went off.  BE WARNED - the video in no way evokes their live show performance...but it is simply a great song!

Follow the links to find the band for upcoming performances. Go see them and then meet them and say hi. Watch the video or go find the song on your favorite streaming service and put Colorblind in your rotation.



Laters

Hidden Empires

Well... don't know if I could make any kind of pun out of that or if you read the title and wonder what the fuvk I am hinting about.


So, I know this guy. He plays guitar. He lives in Austin. He's in a band. Stop me if you know this one...

Actually my wife and I have known David Smith for about 10 years. David has a mind like a steal trap and a memory like an elephant so I am pretty confident he could tell you the day, date, AND time he met me. It was at a large insurance companies call center her in Austin for sure though.
David found out I like to go out and check out bands and take pictures. He even told me he has some friends in a band...(we all live in Austin and I though we all had friends in bands). David proceeds to tell me about this awesome band his friends have and I should go see them. Move forward a year or so and I am at a show at The Dirty Dog at the behest of the great MC Overlord (R.I.H.). While checking out his show there is this cool local band opening - Fremen. As I am listening and watching them David comes out of the crowd yelling at me - it was loud - "DUDE! This is the band I was telling you about. These guys are great. I know them." It was true, he knew them, they were great and I wrote a pretty cool blog post about the Fremen. The will always be my favorite Sunday morning hangover music.

Enough of the back story. Move forward in time ~~~~~~~ I am at my second home and the best damn sounding small venue in Austin, The One 2 One. There is someone I know on stage - seems like this is a recurring theme, and as I am enjoying the band finishing up their set (a blog about the live performance of Sim Ross to come shortly) who comes up to me out of the crowd...yeah! David Smith. "Dude! Will! Good to see you. What are you doing here? Are you gonna stay and watch my band?" It happened just about as fast as you read that too. Of course I will stay and watch your band. I would be a shitty blogger and lover of the Austin music scene if I didn't.

So up onstage I witness Hidden Empires (https://www.facebook.com/HiddenEmpires/). Two lead guitars trading off rhythm licks, lead singer and bandleader doing keyboard duties, bass and drums. with what seems like the guitars and keyboards all trading off vocal duties, Hidden Empires is a hidden gem in Austin music. Time and again I have used the term "that Austin sound". It's true, it does exist. You can hear it squarely in every chord and note played and sung.

Hidden Empires was bodies grooving on the dance floor, people swaying to the music good rock, Americana good. I am sure you could come up with some more descriptors on them, but it is so much easier if you get to experience all that Hidden Empires has to offer live.

I will happily say that I was not only taken back by the surprising expertise my friend David had on the guitar, but the bands whole performance sound and vibe. With one performance I knew I had to invite them on to come sit down and do an interview with me on my video blog Three Beers and a Whiskey. About an hour after I requested them come sit with me I got the enthusiastic HELL YEAH from the band












I will leave you with this glowing endorsement of the band.

My wife trusted me to book a band on the video show for an interview after one performance. After they did our video blog she was so blown away and impressed my wife had us out the door from a downtown venue we were hanging at a month later and there we were, in front of Hidden Empires for her first experience seeing them live. It was even better than the performance on our show. Don't be foolish, put Hidden Empires on your list of good, fun Austin music to go see and experience.

Laters

Dirty Doomsday

Playing host to yet another bad ass Austin based event, Come and Take It Live   (https://www.facebook.com/comeandtakeitlive/) continues to make their mark on the Austin music scene at the place to see and be seen.

Located on Riverside Dr in South Austin, just mere blocks from the hustle of the down town music scene sits this landmark of a venue.

As you pull up, the giant neon lit sign begs you not to know where you're at! Depending on the event, the parking can go from "Bad ass spot." to "Holy Fucking shit...get an Uber!" Outside is a very nice little seating area for smoking, conversation, and some good eats from the food trailer there. As you walk in the door you are greeted by a very nice divider that displays some of Texas' awesome history and an awesome piece staring you in the face. To your left, the club opens up to a large U shaped bar and the stage farther back against the far wall. There are 3 different areas to view shows; from down in front on the floor, a second level by the merch and sound booth, and then a loft - VIP area with its own bar.

This particular night Come and Take It was hosting an event a few months in the making and what seemed like what the rap/hip hop community seemed to be needing - Some validation.

George Vondoom vs Smackola

The artist thirsting for the title vs the lifetime acheivement

The rapper building brand and fan base vs The Brand not a band with fans that defy boundaries

I can make this very short, but probably won't. What I can say is this should simply be left up to those lucky people in attendance.

It was two completely different shows. There was no battle. The style of Vondoom and the style of Smackola are simply on two different planes. I will not go into the genre stylings between the two. I will just go to the performance.

Vondoom (https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeVondoom1/) had a performance, artistic piece of his show set. The long intro with the mysterious figure and his dog. The epic entrance from Vondoom and into his set he went. The whole set, overall, was more of an artistic expression. Either you got it, or you didn't. But what he did do was keep the eyes turned towards him as he plowed though each of his songs in his 45 minute set. He was like a man possessed.

Smackola (https://www.facebook.com/SmackolaDWZ/) came out on stage, checked himself in the mirror and then just threw down. He was the man called out. He was the champ. He didn't have to prove himself, he simply had to to entertain. He did. This was not an artistic set. It was the "I'm gonna come out and do my damn thing!" He did. But remember this is a different style, beat and tempo. It can't be compared. Just can't.

Depending on your expectation and your personal preference and taste  one would suit you better than the other.



Yeah Smack is the lifer and has built a brand from his band. The fans have a name, his music has the heart and soul of that old school rap, with the new world edge.



But Vondoom, 20 years in the game persistance, polishing of the craft, and some kid is gonna by knocking on your door.

I will qoute both of these damn fine artists and performers...nah..I'm gonna steal the remark.

If this was a Rap battle

The City of Austin Texas, the fans of hip hop, and all those in attendance were the winners.




Laters

Always fun at One2One

Located on S Lamar just minutes from down town, sits a small strip center in a rapidly developing corner of Austin. Housed right smack in the middle this area is the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/). This hot little place houses one of the best small stages in Austin. The sound in the room is amazing, the stage lighting is fantastic, and the bar staff is on point. The room is a rectangle shape room, as you walk in the bar runs about halfway down the right wall with the stage at the end of the room opposite the door. The bathrooms are on either side of the stage...and yes...the men and women restrooms are on OPPOSITE sides of the stage.

Another night at the One2One brought several different sounds from 3 different acts.

Joe George (http://www.joegeorgemusic.net/) from Chicago was a solo acoustic set. Spinning his tales between him, his guitar, and the crowd. Joe George entertained us and kept the mood warm in the room. I don't have a problem admitting a whole lot of attention was not provided by myself to his set. It was enough and smile inducing enough to give you this description. Joe George did however, provide a surprise just a little later in the evening that wowed us all.

The Reverent Few   (https://thereverentfew.com/) was a smashing combo. The glorious lead singer showered us with her powerful voice from her small frame. The lead guitarist regaled us with his fine work on the fret board as well as his vocals. I was mesmerized by the bassist.  To my surprise, soloist Joe George,  joined them on stage to bring it all to glorious peak -what a musician and entertainer! As a whole ensemble, The Reverent Few surprised the damned many that stood before them this evening. It really was grande performance with vocals in quite a fashion. Hearing one of my peers and long time fixtures in the Austin music scene exclaim 'My God! How are these kids from Austin and I am just now hearing about this!?' Just like the music of The Reverent Few and their performance...just damn fine!

Jelly Ellington (http://www.jellyellington.com/) was whom I came to enjoy. Although the other performances before Jelly were crowd pleasing, it was this man's night and he was fresh from touring for his new release "All In". It takes the causal person in the crowd no time at all to realize it is not just the album title, but his approach to music and performing. With a great line up of musicians behind him, Jonathan Ellington, known to all as 'Jelly' not only can he play guitar at a level that makes you want to burn your guitar (even if you don't own one or play) but can sing with a smooth powerful voice. It is definitely a performance with catching anywhere, anytime, day show, evening show, or late night. During the week or on a weekend you should go "All In!"

I do want to take another moment to talk about the new CD - so let me enlighten you:

"All In" is an amazing piece of work. The opening hand claps of 'Set Me Free' proves to be a roof raising rocking anthem which promises to drive everyone into a frenzy of good times. The strumming guitar work and keys with the vocals and rhythm just makes you keep turning it up - and wait until you hear it live. You are able to drift away with track two 'Sunset'. But then the slow fade in of the keys and that haunting sound on the guitar roll in on track three's 'Let Go'. This is a track that uttelry mesmerizes you as it continues to build. Track four 'Crosstown' comes right back with that funky groove and Jelly's voice that is passion laden and smoldering - vaguely giving you that feel of Jimi taking over. Oh..and then 'Hard Times Coming Down', wraps you up in its warmth. The organ sounds and the keys back fills this track to make the story Jelly tells so much more interesting.

Showing his skill at song writing and musical genius, Jelly give us the track 'Getaway'. A back seat riding song with the windows down, and having that cool country feel, it is whiskey sipping track. We finally roll into a point where it feels as if Jelly is just sitting on the stool singing to you. Just him and the beautiful sound of his guitar playing. As you you wrap yourself in this track you realize and feel the warmth of the strings filling in. All of this culminates in the explosion horns with the funk filled end tack 'New Day'.

An album well worth having, enjoying, and spreading the work about. Grab this from his website here - http://smarturl.it/jellyellington_allin - turn it up load, and find a show to see an album performed better than it sounds!


I am out.



Laters

another SundayFunday

I hold firm to the belief music soothes the soul. If you are feeling down or just not yourself, bummed out and depressed, or just simply tired. The difficult thing about dealing with these things is just the simple fact to get up and do something.

Not feeling a 100% didn't stop me. My beautiful wife caught me just sitting on the sofa late on a Sunday morning. All I heard was simply "...and The Nightowls?" I looked up at her as she was smiling. "Oh! They are on the road." I responded.

"No. They are at Icenhauers today. You wanna do a Sunday Funday?"

...And off we went.






















The parking downtown, near the lake and Rainey St. is pretty ridiculous. Especially at 3 in the afternoon. We circled twice and then snuck into a spot that was open. Took a stroll down Rainey St. It was a nice afternoon. Not to hot. The sun wasn't out cooking us, it was simply nice.  Strolling up to the line in front of Icenhauers (http://www.icenhauers.com/) was not really a surprise. The Sunday Funday here has been epic for about as long as they have been open. I can think of four different bands that have set crowds dancing shoes on fire since their beginning.

From Eagle Pritchard Murray Band, The GoodNites, The Jack Burton Trio, and now...                                                 The Nightowls (http://wearethenightowls.com/). Icenhauers on a Sunday afternoon is pretty much the definition of SundayFunday. I believe if you look it up in the Urban dictionary there is a picture of this place. OH! It is crowded. Ridiculous! Jam packed - body to body - bumping - jumping - hands up in the air - don't go anywhere because you cant move - kind of crowded. It is great! The music from The Nightowls are out of this world, Motown reincarnated in Austin, Texas good!

With all the great music, with the energy of the crowd, and the fresh air. It was simply the best way to feel good (and the Allisons didn't hurt either). Even for the short length of time we were out, it was all good. Another Sunday Funday in the books. Maybe you should try it too.


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

CCP

Since I live down in South Austin, Texas and  Moontower Saloon  (http://www.moontowersaloon.com/) is a couple of minutes away. This allows me the joy of hanging out at Austins original, bad ass, outdoor venue. With a 21 and up policy, it allows for a great time to be had by all. With a ton of parking, there is o need to fret, and if you have had to many, don't worry, they are cool with you leaving your car to make it safe for everyone out there on the road.

The facility consists of a small house that is the main bar and building, a huge outdoor covered deck with another bar and a large TV for your sports viewing pleasures. Another small deck attached to the back of the house which works as the stage. Tons of table seating, fire pits, washer pits, cornhole, sand volleyball courts in the distance. There is another satellite deck that works as a VIP area. 

To enjoy music pick your Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and go. Be surprised and be entertained, always.

Knocking down a tic mark on my Austin music bucket list this night was the  Chris Castaneda Project   (https://www.facebook.com/ChrisCastanedaProject/). What an outstanding group. Even better than just the CCP electrifying the crowd with his wicked guitar skills, super tight band, and great singing voice, but a special guest, Rojas - El Guitarrista,  stunning us all on the acoustic. This performance simply proved what I always preach - go out and catch some live music in Austin. You will NEVER know who you will see and what performances you will experience. 

The Chris Castaneda Project mixes originals with classic and iconic covers. The crowd stayed tuned and drawn in while Chris played, sang, and the band performed. The sound was a little bit rock and a heavy Latin influence, it is a group you have to catch. An evening performance, and afternoon festival or fair, it doesn't matter, you will be thrilled and enjoy the performance like every person in the crowd did during this set.

Joining Chris and the CCP on stage was  Rojas - El Guitarrista (https://www.facebook.com/caleb.s.rojas). This is was the special, unexpected, joy of this performance. Something new and freaking bad ass. Rojas was a stunning fill with his abilities and talent on the guitar. Although I had never seen the Chris Castaneda Project before this evening, it was stellar to take in the whole performance with this special guest. I was not aware of how lucky all of us in the crowd were until my dad saw Chris the next night. He was blown away by the performance, but was surprised when I asked him about the acoustic prodigy of Rojas. My dad indicated the performance was sans Rojas talents. 

Lucky for all of you Rojas performs regularly all over the place as does Chris Castaneda Project. 

Go out support live and local, and tell both Chris and Rojas I sent ya!

Post Script - I Saw The Castaneda Project one more time at Moontower as a trio. It is frigthening how bad ass these guys are. I had to look twice to believe there was not another guitarist on stage with Chris. There sound is full and exciting....and just wait, maybe Chris will do the National Anthem - Hendrix style for you!

Laters

The Rebellion lives

Dozen Street (https://www.facebook.com/DozenStreet/) is located on...Well...12th St. On the corner of 12th and Chicon in Austin, Texas. As a tourist I don't believe you would wander in here unless it was purposeful.

Dozen Street Bar is located in a row between a couple of other businesses and is a Shotgun style bar. As you walk into the narrow room, heading towards the back, you pass a couple pool tables and the restrooms on the right. The wall on your left is an interesting collection of 12x12 tiles of all different sorts which have to see in person to appreciate it. As you progress farther into the club, the bar is also on your right past the bathrooms and the stage is to your left in the back corner with a seating /lounge area directly in front of it next to the bar. The is also an out door area for smoking or relaxing away from the music of you so choose.

This night's musical selection was a two piece out of New York, SIRSY (http://www.sirsy.com/). Comprised of Melanie on Drums and vocals, as well as backing herself up on bass and flute... Yes! You read that correctly. The band is rounded out with guitarist Rich Libotti, who does bass as well. They tour constantly and traverse the U.S. like champs.

The first thing I noticed about SIRSY is Melanie's beautiful smile! It is absolutely infectious and fantastic. Smiling and laughing throughout the entire performance. She just makes you happy you are there.

SIRSY's music is pop/rock based. Libboti's grooves and guitar work is uncompromising! Mixing his pedal work with his rhythm and lead solos are solid. The frightening thing is how great Libboti's work is and it takes back seat to Melanie and her performance work. By the way, the title of this blog is a nod to Libboti's guitar itself - go see them perform and you might get the back story! 

Although it was a small intimate crowd, SIRSY'S performance was even more stellar than the first time I saw them on a short set and large crowd. Every single person in the house tonight laughed with the band, cheered, clapped, and danced in their seats or across the small space in front of the stage. Although they did play a cover or two, the crowds enjoyment came directly in response to their amazing originals. It was an exciting performance to behold and for just two people to pour their hearts, souls and sweat out for this crowd like they did, I can't imagine you having a better time than a SIRSY performance!

Oh my God... And that smile!

Laters

in the garden of good music

The Oak Garden at Guero's Taco Bar (http://gueros.com/) on South Congress is a must do on any one's list. On a nice Saturday in downtown Austin, Texas you will always find some great local music starting at around noon. The Oak Garden is located right next door to the restaurant. With plenty of parking street side or in the parking garage behind the garden, there are only good times to be had. Under the beautiful oaks with plenty of seating, people watching with a nice cold beverage and great music is the back drop to a perfect Austin weekend and life!

On two separate occasions I have had the joy of taking in amazing local music with family and friends. Nothing but love and joy in my heart because this is what it should be like all the time.

At one point in the recent past I caught The Brew (http://www.brewmusic.com/) here at the Oak Garden. Nothing but masters at their craft, The Brew can do nothing but inspire your feet to move with their Latin infused rhythms and sounds. Whether it is acoustic, unplugged, a jazz set, or with guest singers, The Brew never cease to amaze and put smiles on the faces in the crowd. This particular Saturday afternoon was no different as it was again the stellar guitar work of Michael Rodriguez making pulses pound and feet move. Young and old, The Brew will always be a must see. Whether you are an Austin resident or visiting from out of town, with their many residencies around the city your are sure to find The Brew... and have a great time!

Yet on another occasion, I found myself purposefully and willfully at the Oak Garden on a gorgeous Saturday for Jelly (http://www.jellyellington.com/). Fronted by rock guitar virtuoso and vocalist Jonathan Ellington and backed with a stellar crew, Jelly always knocks it out of the park with his brand of bad boy blues and rock! Having seen many Jelly performances, it never gets old. Taking your father to a Jelly performance and watching the excitement grow on his face as Jelly just owns every piece of every song. Covers and originals, watching someone else enjoy this young rockstar is even better than seeing him a dozen times. Here is another faithful and wonderful performer you can gaze upon, evenings in Austin, just about anywhere. Look Jelly up and enjoy the jams!



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