I recommend stopping by Spiderhouse Coffee Shop just north of the University before your stay in Austin is over. Spiderhouse sells beer, Italian sodas, and delicious coffee concoctions with a sprawling backyard seating area. Oh, and for all of you fellow bloggers, they have free wifi.
Dr Dog is playing a free show today at 1:30 pm at Mr & Mrs T and Rachel Ray’s Feedback Fest at Stubb’s. Dr Dog has consistently proven to be one of my favorite bands live, so if you find yourself free around that time, make seeing them a priority.
Then, Auditorium Shores is alive and kickin’ into the night with sets by When You Awake favorites Dawes at 4:00 pm, Deer Tick at 5:00 pm, Justin Townes Earle at 7:00 pm and She & Him at 8:00 pm.
To end the evening, I plan on heading over to Antone’s to check out the Alex Chilton/Big Star Tribute show. Big Star members Jody Stephens, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer will go forward with the group’s originally planned show, paying tribute to the band’s frontman, Alex Chilton, who passed away earlier this week. The surviving members will serve as the “house band” for musicians like R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, the dB’s founder Chris Stamey, John Doe, M. Ward and others. The show is an official showcase, which means that badges and wristbands get preference (though you can usually talk your way in with a little money if there’s still space at the venue).
Amos Milburn - Bad Bad Whiskey
Houston, Texas musician Amos Milburn singing his 1950 hit “Bad Bad Whiskey.”
I recommend starting off your day at the original Kerbey Lane Cafe (on Kerbey Lane) in Central Austin. It’s 100 times better than the one on Guadalupe (next to the university) and serves up some mighty delicious pancakes. I never leave Austin without a stop at Kerbey Lane.
Music-wise, today is jam packed with amazing bands you can see for free! First off, we have Gorilla vs Bear/ Mexican Summer’s day party at Klub Krucial. One of my most anticipated bands of SXSW, Mountain Man, takes the stage at 12:45 pm with Best Coast and the Sandwitches playing sets later in the day.
At the same time, When You Awake favorite Justin Gordon will be performing at the Trailer Fire Records Party at Shakespeare’s Pub at 12:30 pm.
At 2:50 pm, San Antonio- based band Hacienda is making their ONLY SXSW appearance at the annual free festival Mess with Texas. Hacienda counts Dr Dog and Dan Auerbach among its fans and has long been on my list of bands to see. LA-favorite Lissie will also be gracing the stage at 6 pm.
The perfect way to cap of the evening is at the CODA Agency’s SXSW Offical Showcase at the Ale House to check out the brand new super group, MG&V at 1 am. MG&V is made up John McCauley (frontman of Deer Tick), Taylor Goldsmith (frontman of Dawes), and Matt Vasquez (frontman of Delta Spirit). Very curious to see what this thing is all about. The show is an official showcase, which means that badges and wristbands get preference (though you can usually talk your way in with a little money if there’s still space at the venue).
Roy Orbison Only The Lonely
Vernon, Texas born singer Roy Orbison in a very rare sunglasses-less performance. Even though it’s black and white, I’d say his hair (which was usually dyed a deep black) looks almost blond in this video.
Each day of SXSW, I will be choosing a couple of my choice show picks + suggest at least one non-SXSW thing to do. SXSW is amazing but you have to pace yourself and step away from the hustle and the bustle every once in a while. That said, I recommend easing into the festival and stopping by the Barton Springs Pool for a refreshing morning swim. It’s absolutely beautiful there and you get a really cool view of downtown Austin while floating in all natural spring water. Not to be missed!
Then, mosey on over to Lamberts for Aquarium Drunkard’s No Jacket Required Party. I will be DJing there and have put together a real nice set for you including tunes from The Band, The Beach Boys, Waylon Jennings, Ike & Tina Turner and oh so much more. Best of all, it’s a free party (no badges or wristbands needed) and there’s no annoying RSVP list. Noon- 6 pm. Come on by and say hello!
Lastly, Los Angeles’ own Leslie and the Badgers will be performing their first official SXSW showcase tonight. They will be taking the stage at 9 pm at B.D. Riley’s on 6th Street. This is an official showcase, which means that badges and wristbands get preference (though you can usually talk your way in with a little money if there’s still space at the venue).
Alex Chilton, the lead singer of Big Star and the Boxtops, passed away yesterday at the age of 59. He was set to play this year’s SXSW Music Festival and the loss is greatly felt. RIP Alex!
The Boxtops- The Letter
13th Floor Elevators - Your Gonna Miss Me
Austin, Texas-based band 13th Floor Elevators with their tune “Your Gonna Miss Me” featuring Roky Erickson on lead vocals.
This latest When You Awake mixtape is dedicated to the great state of Texas in honor of my trip to Austin this afternoon for SXSW. With the exception of Mr. Bobby Bare (an Ohioan by birth), this mix features some of my favorite sons (and daughter) of the Lone Star State playing their very distinctive brand of Texas-fried rock and roll. Part Two, with Freddy Fender, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Ernest Tubb, Roky Erickson and more will be coming soon. Oh, and in the words of my favorite tv show Friday Night Lights, “Texas Forever”! Mixtape is after the jump.
(more…)
Willie Nelson and the Texas Troubadours- My Window Faces The South
Willie Nelson performing “My Window Faces The South” live on the Ernest Tubb Show. He’s backed by Tubb’s band the Texas Troubadours with Leon Rhodes featured on lead guitar. Check out more videos of the Texas Troubadours after the jump. Best pickers this side of the Mississippi!
The Texas Troubadours (feat. Buddy Charleton and Leon Rhodes)- Cool It
(more…)
