Austin Music City

We Need To Get Our Sense Of Humor Back

2010-11-14T09:12:00.001-08:00

Now that the elections are over and we've figured out that the Democrats hate the Republicans, the Republicans hate the Democrats and the Independents hate both of them, I think it's time to try to recoup and get a handle on our attitudes. I was watching some YouTube videos of some comic stuff from the 70's the other day and it occurred to me that while most of it was very funny, it wouldn't be allowed on TV today because of political correctness. I wonder at what cost comes PC? It seems to me that when people become overly sensitive and litigious, the rest of society begins to want to find ways to get rid of them, or at the very least, become suspicious and have hateful attitudes toward them. Have we lost the ability to laugh at ourselves?

I think that could be the reason why movies like Jackass 3D do so well. It's the one time where you can just laugh at stupidity with no constraints, at least for now. While it's not my cup of tea, I'm not going to protest, set up a special committee to investigate the "real meaning" of Jackass, recommend a congressional investigation on whether there were any crimes committed or laws broken by the film or any of that. I'm just not going to watch it. Very simple. It's a choice I can make as an adult and a citizen of a free society. Or at least, that's the way it's supposed to be.

As the holidays approach, I hope everyone can take a deep breath, look around and try to find a little humor and good times in their lives, maybe focus on things that would help someone out, do things that make you laugh, celebrate a little. Decorate something. It doesn't have to be serious business all the time. It really is true that laughter is the best medicine. Next time you see me, I'll be the one with the Santa hat on.

Pawn Stars

2010-09-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

I have a new addiction. It's a TV show called Pawn Stars that airs on the History Channel. Basically, it's a reality show about the Gold & Silver Pawn shop located in Las Vegas Nevada that's owned by Rick Harrison, his son Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, and the 68 year old patriarch of the family, Richard Harrison, also known as "The old man". They also have an employee, Austin "Chumlee" Russell, that is a little on the slow side and provides a lot of the show's humor.

The basic plot of the show is that people bring items in to the store to either pawn or sell and the owners have to determine the value of said items to put a figure on what to allow for them. That's what makes the show so interesting, like Rick Harrison says "you never know what's going to come in the front door". There's been everything from rifles from the revolutionary war to old Playboy magazines and it all has a price and whatever that price is has to make both parties happy for a deal to transpire.

When an item is brought in they have a description that comes up on the screen that has some bullet points on what the item is and background info that brings insight to what the item might be valued at. So it's educational as well. I've learned a lot about all kinds of things by just watching this show. It certainly makes history more interesting. Many times, people will bring an item in that they think is worth a lot of money that turns out to be a fake. The shop has several expert advisors that they call on from several different fields of expertise that help them determine the true value of what they are appraising.

And then there's Chumlee, sometimes just the look on his face is pure comedy. The rest of the crew pick on him relentlessly and he just lets it roll off his back.

It's a lot of fun and it's also interesting and by all accounts, hugely successful. It's one of the most popular shows on the History Channel. Check it out when you get a chance, I think you'll like it.

Maybe they'll give Chumlee a raise soon, but I doubt it.

The Rumble Begins

2010-03-10T19:09:00.001-08:00

It's already begun. After the Academy awards show last Sunday night where Jeff Bridges won for best actor and Ryan Bingham won for the song "The Weary Kind", the inquiries started rolling in. People are beginning to pick up on what's going on in the Texas Music scene and especially around the Austin area. The talent pool around Austin is by and large well known to the film community both in Austin and Los Angeles, no secret there, producers and directors have been coming to Austin for quite some time and are very familiar with the artists and singer-songwriters that live here. But nationwide, to a larger audience, the music scene in Austin and Texas music in general is not all that well known though it has made some inroads in the last 10 years.

But with the worldwide exposure that a film like Crazy Heart has received, you can bet that Country Music, Texas Music, Austin Music, all of the above will be getting a lot of attention in the next few months. Ryan Bingham caught my attention quite awhile back, with a sound that is so far removed from the norm, the gravelly voice, unique production and edgy songs, it's just so different from the pack. I figured he would find an audience but I never suspected he was headed to where he is now. What a ride.

So brace yourselves music people, they are coming. They are coming to Texas, they are coming to Austin, they are coming through the web, they want more. And they are going to find what they are looking for. The time is now.

The Texas Country Reporter

2009-08-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Recently I have become enamored with a tv show that has been on the air for over 35 years. The Texas Country Reporter started in the early 70's and it features stories on people in Texas that are special in some way or just plain interesting and I have to admit that I haven't watched it in several years but now it has become an obsession. The host, Bob Phillips, does a fantastic job of interviewing the people featured on the show and it's just the combination of the production, the music, the whole process that grabs you and holds you until the very end.

One show that I recently saw featured a local Austin restaurateur, Lola Stephens of The Nubian Queen Restaurant. Now Lola has a very intersting story. She carries nearly as much food as she cooks for her patrons sitting on the inside of her restaurant out the back door to the homeless people that come by throughout the day, knowing that they can count on Lola for a little kindness and a hot meal. This is one of the hardest working people I have ever seen, arriving very early in the morning and continuing until late at night and it's a labor of love. I will be venturing down to Lola's myself next week to check things out because not only is this one of the most interesting people in this town but it appears that she is also one of the best cooks in this town as well. A great story indeed.

And on it goes, story after story about interesting Texans with none of the hype, overproduced editing or just plain lies of your normal reality tv. I love it. The show comes on several of the local cable channels or you can go to http://www.texascountryreporter.com/ for the schedules.

Cris Love Jr. Golf Tournament

2009-05-22T11:38:00.001-07:00

Cris Love Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
Cris Jr. passed away June 14, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cris graduated from Round Rock High School in May of 2000 and received a football scholarship from Iowa State University where he played quarterback. Cris graduated from Iowa State in August 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Performance. He had a passion for fishing - in particular fly fishing - and he was an avid golfer.Cris' parents, Cris and MeLynda Love, created the scholarship fund with the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation to memorialize their son. The scholarship fund has already had an incommunicable effect in the Round Rock community. In the last year at Round Rock High School, three overly deserving individuals received scholarships to assist in making their collegiate endeavors become a reality. Cris, Jr. is remembered by many for his character and willingness to give to others. Following the passing of Cris Jr. Iowa State Head Football Coach Dan McCarney said, "More than anyone, Cris was an example of selflessness and the epitome of a team player. I have often told my players that 'if you forget yourself, you won't be forgotten'. No one in my 30 years of coaching personifies that philosophy more than Cris Love."In addition to the scholarships provided by the fund, the memory of Cris has also moved many individuals in a number of different ways as his memory serves as a beacon to encourage others to be a team player and give more to others than self. To contribute to the Cris Love Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund and to the educations of Round Rock's youth, send checks to the address below, call with credit card information or or pay online at this link: Online Donations Cris Love, Jr. Golf Tournament To be held: Monday, June 1, 2009, 1:30pm. The majority of funding for the scholarship fund comes from corporate & private sponsorships. Descriptions of each sponsorship level and benefits to you in addition to your worthy contribution are below: Tournament Underwriter-$5,000 or more Benefits include special tournament recognition at announcements, prominent display on main tournament entrance banner, sign on tee box, opportunity to include business info in tournament bags, sponsor list recognition and 3 complimentary teams of golfers. Gold Level Sponsor - $2,500 Benefits include display on tournament banner, sign on tee box, opportunity to include business info in tournament bags, sponsor list recognition and 2 complimentary teams of golfers. Silver Level Sponsor - $1,000 Benefits include sign on tee box, sponsor list recognition and 1 complimentary team of golfers. Bronze Level Sponsor - $500 Benefits include sign on tee box, sponsor list recognition and 50% discount for 1 team of golfers. Hole Sponsor - $200 Benefits include sign on tee box and sponsor list recognition. Donations of products and/or services are always welcomed as these items are provided as gifts to participants in tournament bags, and used to raise money through the sale of raffle tickets for these prizes. Please call to arrange for pick-up/shipment of items.The annual tournament is held at Avery Ranch Golf course in Austin, TX as a 4 person scramble. Costs includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, and golf towel. All for only $400/4person team.

Poodie Locke

2009-05-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

I just heard on the news about the death of Poodie Locke, Willie Nelson's road manager for more than 34 years. I really can't believe my ears, this is such an incredible loss that it's hard to put into words. Poodie was one of those people that you thought would be around for a hundred years, always quick with a joke and just a fantastic person all around, he was a huge part of the music business in Austin and I just can't imagine what a loss this is for Willie and the Family, they are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

Another true Austin legend has passed that's for certain, he had more stories and jokes than anybody and always seemed to be up to something. The last time I saw him was at Freddy Powers pickin' party last month and he seemed fine, the same old Poodie. I would never have thought in a million years that would be the last time I saw him. You just never know.

His Hilltop Grill on highway 71 was such a cool little place and I always tried to stop in when I was in the area, there was always something going on and it was a place where new artists could get a gig when it was tough to find work in Austin. He was always trying to help the new guys out.

Several years ago he had a place on sixth and Red River called the Red River Saloon and one day we were talking about it and he told me that it used to be a bottling plant for the Orange Crush soft drink company many years ago and every now and then he would still find bottle caps lying around with the Orange Crush logo on them. He thought it was funny that little things like that could linger on through the years and keep popping up in odd places.

Rest in Peace my friend, you'll be sorely missed.

Music Hating Loft Dwellers

2009-05-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

I recently saw a story on the news about the citizens of downtown Austin once again complaining about the noise level of the clubs in the area and they always show someone holding a decibel meter measuring the level to make sure it doesn't go over 75 decibels or whatever it is and then they pan the camera over to the latest high rise loft to show how close the club is to them. Every time I see one of these stories I'm reminded of just how short the time is for musicians in this town. It's amazing to me to see the changes that have occurred in just the past few years in the skyline of the city and how it has impacted the local music scene and overall feel of the music business in the capital city.

I wonder, what is it that people really want in this town now? And if it isn't the music, history, college sports and general charm of the original Austin, then what is it? It might be easier if we knew who it is that dwells in those lofts reaching for the sky and what do they desire for the city of Austin? If they don't like the music that was here when they got here, then what is it that they want?

Surely it isn't the bicycles and trails that they want, but is it? Should we tear down some more historical landmarks so they can have a place to ride their bicycles in their new spandex shorts and matching helmets? I know I just love waiting for a pack of them to move along some of the busiest roads in the city at rush hour at a snails pace while everyone in cars pokes along behind them. We should ask the loft dwellers and just see exactly what it is that they want. I'm curious myself to see what would make them happy, if anything.

Maybe some of them will inform me just what it is that they want for the city of Austin.

I'm curious.

Cash Bash Is a Total Smash!

2009-03-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

To say the 3rd annual Johnny Cash Birthday Bash held February 27th at the Continental Club in Austin was a success would be an understatement of epic proportions. It was a total blowout from the word go and it goes to prove that if there's one person in Austin who knows how to throw a party, that would be Martin "Rowdy" Tijmes of 91.7 Koop Radio. I knew from the moment I parked and walked up to the Continental and saw that line stretched from the front door of the club all the way around the block that this was going to be something special. Hundreds of people, all dressed in black, waiting to get in to join the hundreds that were already inside to help celebrate the birthday of one of the true music giants of the 20th century, Johnny Cash. With over 13 bands scheduled and numerous special guests, this was a night to remember for quite a long time.

And I've got to say the Continental Club can really take a beating because not only was it packed with wall to wall people, there was a mammoth amount of sound coming off the stage as well filling the place with an amazing energy from the front to the back of the club where there was a silent auction featuring numerous items up for bid.

With a Barnum Bailey atmosphere, Rowdy Tijmes kept the machine moving at a quick pace with barely a moment to breathe while never missing a beat and making sure all the bands and equipment got on and off the stage.

Raising tons of money, putting on a great show and throwing a party that I'm sure would have brought a smile to the face of the Man himself, it was definitely one of the best shows of the year and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Thanks Rowdy.

Goodbye, Paul Harvey

2009-03-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

As I read the news that Paul Harvey had passed away I was surprised at how sad I really felt, as if I had lost a member of my family and then it came to me, I actually had. For as long as I can remember, there has been a Paul Harvey on the radio. Growing up in Wichita Falls, we got Paul Harvey on KTRN and I was struck even as a child at the humor and interesting stories that he told in that familiar voice and it was comforting to me. And as the years passed, while stations came and went, and tv shows came and went, there was always the unwavering fact that there was Paul Harvey, steadily progressing along through the years with his familiar views and opinions.

Growing up in the 60's and 70's, I took for granted just how much talent there was around me on the tv and radio. The comedians I grew up with were the standard bearers in the business and will go down in history as the finest of this century. There was Johnny Carson, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, Red Skelton, and my all time favorite, Jonathan Winters. Not to mention Carol Burnet, Bob Newhart and many others of the era that we took for granted.

With Paul Harvey we had that midwest view of things and the wonderful way he used the language with colorful descriptions and warm candor. I don't think there will ever be another like him and he will be sorely missed. With radio in the condition it is in today with cutbacks, working skeleton crews and just trying to keep bases covered, there's just not a place for a Paul Harvey to be discovered. And his shoes would be too big to fill anyway.

Thank you Mr. Harvey for all the wonderful memories you gave us

I am Santa Claus

2008-12-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

I had a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas this year as in most years but I did something this year that I have never done before and it turned out to be a very rewarding experience. I decided that I wanted to try the Blue Santa delivery day here in Round Rock so I contacted Vinnie Cherrone, the President of the Round Rock Blue Santa organization and committee member Sandy Wright to get the schedule of the date and time for the delivery of the packages to the families in the Round Rock area.

The day was Friday the 19Th of December at 8:30 am. We were to arrive at that time to get our maps and paperwork along with the packages for delivery. On arrival one of the first things I noticed was how neat and clean the area was where all the packages and boxes were staged for delivery. Perfectly aligned as if placed on a chalk line and every box was labeled and lined up in rows along the doorways of the large warehouse. Volunteers were everywhere and everyone was in a jovial mood, some wearing Santa hats and other Christmas attire, coffee and doughnuts were served along with soft drinks and other beverages, it was a very festive atmosphere but everyone there knew there was work to be done and they were there to get it done.

With over 500 boxes set for delivery it was important that the boxes get out of the door and on their way as soon as possible. And that's exactly what happened. At 9:00 after brief announcements and instructions from Vinnie, the vehicles started lining up to load and it was on. After loading boxes in my car and getting the paperwork and maps, I was on my way. With Christmas music from Majic 95 blaring loudly in my car loaded with boxes, I started toward my destination. I felt just like Santa Claus himself, in fact, I was wishing I had a bigger vehicle so I could get more boxes in it or maybe a huge sleigh with a bunch of reindeer, something like that.

It was a great feeling to deliver those boxes to the families in Round Rock that badly needed them. And humbling too. You realize a few things when you're doing something like that. You realize how lucky you are to have what you have and how great it is that there are organizations like Blue Santa that work as hard as they do to do these things for the community. Hundreds of hours went into the collection, wrapping, and distribution of those packages and it was done by people with generous hearts and boundless spirit. It was great just to be involved in a small part of it and something that I will definitely be involved in next year.

Christmas 08

2008-12-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly realizing that I'm right in the middle of one of the most historic times since this country's inception. No matter how you wanted the election to go, the fact of the matter is that it was one of the turning points in the political realm and an important milestone. I was there. I got to vote in that election. I watched as wildfires burned up people's homes in California and winds of 75 mph. ripped through canyons, carrying fire and destroying people's belongings. I grieved for those people and I can only imagine what that would be like. I have watched as the economy of this country has faltered and brought panic and concern to it's citizens who have lost jobs, savings, retirement, and their sense of security. I was there. I'm witnessing that very thing every day, just like everyone else.

And yet, I'm looking at all this and I'm really not all that worried. I don't worry because it is wasted effort actually, the act of worrying. You can learn a lot by watching the creatures of nature that live around you. I heard the statement the other day that "birds don't know how to worry". Think about that. Have you ever seen a bird wringing its wings or slamming it's beak against a tree because another bird took it's food or if it is raining or if it didn't agree with another bird's song? I didn't think so. They are born with a purpose and they know what it is and everyday of their lives is spent on that purpose. They may get shot, run over by cars, electrocuted on high wires, sucked up in airplane engines or eaten by cats, but at least when they got up that morning they were not worried about anything. They just know they have a purpose.

I'm very excited about Christmas of 08 and the year that will be following it. I have so many blessings to be thankful for it would fill up this whole page and then some. I've also had my share of hardships and problems, just like everybody else. But I would like to think of myself as more of a bird than a person and I think the average bird is going to have a very good year in 2009, no matter what happens.

So have a very merry Christmas and happy new year and just keep in mind that it will all get better if you keep moving, thinking, living, loving and caring.

Watch the birds.

The Country Music Awards

2008-11-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

After watching the CMA awards show this year, two things were very obvious. One, it seems the business is now almost totally committed to the youth market which, in itself is not so bad but it would be nice if they had more artists that could actually sing. I don't think I've ever heard so much off key singing on one awards show ever. Given the fact that sound systems and mikes are hard to handle at live events it was still shocking to see the standard that modern music has adopted for vocals. It was a little embarrassing actually.

Second, it would appear that any mention now of any artist over the age of 30 or anyone that's not on the charts as of the last five minutes is taboo now. It's like there has been a policy made that no artist or singer from the past will have any respect paid to them unless they are working with another new artist and even then it will be short and sweet. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we should dwell on the past and there should certainly be a limit as to how much prime time exposure is given to historical references but to totally ignore them is highly disrespectful and wrong. There should have been more than two minutes spent on the life of Jerry Reed for instance. Here is a man that revolutionized the way sessions are made and guitars are played and it was like they couldn't wait to move on to something else. Hurry along, the kids may decide to play a video game if we linger on this too long. Strange.

But overall, to be fair, I thought the awards that were given were pretty much dead on. George Strait as an artist deserves any award he gets and is certainly a great choice for the categories he won in. The same goes for Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood. They are great artists and have worked their butts off to get where they are. No qualms with that.

But I think you will start to see the business changing soon. There are many "splinter groups" that are forming now that represent many listeners around the country and around the world. There are artists from right here in Austin and around the state of Texas that are fully capable of putting a lot of the new talent out of Nashville under the carpet on any given night at any given location. They are gathering large groups of fans and listeners without the help of labels or radio stations and they represent a ton of download and music sales. You more than likely will never see them on a network television show and yet they are some of the most powerful people in the business. Change is coming, believe me.

That is all I have to say for the time being but there will be more to come and I really hope that in the future, on national broadcasts they will be a little more respectful of the pioneers and giants that have come and gone that have contributed so much to the business. And if not, keep your mouse ready, there will always be somewhere else to go where they do.

A Day Without A Musician

2008-11-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

I've been following the progress of an organization here in Austin called "Save Austin Music" that is trying to bring about change in the way musicians are paid and treated in general as well as engaging city leaders in forums and meetings on ways to change how the music industry is viewed in Austin. Troy Dillinger is spearheading the organization and has literally moved heaven and earth to make his case for both the well being of the city of Austin and the musicians that make the city their base of operations.

In order to fully appreciate what musicians bring to the city, imagine if you will a day without a musician in Austin. A couple of years ago there was a movie entitled " A Day Without A Mexican" in which it was depicted how life would be for the populace if there were no Mexicans to do the work that most people either can't or won't do. While it may have been politically incorrect and offensive to some, it was a stark realization to say the least and I think the same could be said for the city of Austin if there were no musicians for one day.

Just think about it for a minute, what would there be to do here? There would be plenty of bars open for sure, just like Dallas or Houston or any other city in America and they would be playing music of course, recorded, canned music just like everywhere else. And you could go to the movies or plays or sporting events just like any other city in the country. And that's what you would have. The same thing that every other city in America has.

So, what would Austin be known for then? Why is there a statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn on Town Lake? Why is Antone's famous the world over? Why is Austin City Limits one of the most popular and enduring shows on television? Why does Willie Nelson live here? Why are there so many recording studios here? Why is there so much movie and television production work done here? Why is South By Southwest done here?

I hear people complain sometimes about the noise level in downtown Austin and to me that sounds the same as people that move next to an airport and complain about the noise the planes make. Did you not see the clubs there when you bought your condo? If the image of this city is altered and homogenized to become like every other city in America then get ready to see the value of that condo drop dramatically because then you will just own a condo in a large city with a huge tax bill. Good luck on selling that one.

I think it's time to wake up people, there are things that can be done to save the music scene in Austin and it's a no brainer that it's a very important part of the culture in this city even if you have no interest in the music business personally. It's just part of our fiber, our history, and our economy.

Go to http://www.saveaustinmusic.com/ for more details. And do it today, I can hear musicians unplugging their amps as we speak.

Hurrican Ike Victims

2008-09-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.redcross.org/

As you all know, hurricane Ike left a devastating path of destruction across the Texas coastline and the need for food, clothing and necessities for the victims is in mammoth proportions. Musicians and artists all across the state are organizing benefit concerts and fund raisers. Please give anything that you can and look for donation centers for the Red Cross. There is a link posted here and more will be coming as soon as we get them.

There are untold numbers of families involved and many have small children. Day after day there are more stories being told of people being forced to evacuate with just a few dollars in their pockets and no other means of getting food, water or clothing. FEMA and other organizations are doing what they can but sometimes the wheels of government agencies move too slowly and needs are not being met. It will be up to the generosity and good will of fellow Texans to get these people through this situation and they are coming forward to meet it head on.

Right now, can goods, paper products, water and things like diapers and child care products are what's most desperately needed.

So do what you can and the links and schedules for the benefit concerts will be posted as they come along. http://www.redcross.org/

Thanks.

Remembering Cliff Antone

2008-05-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Ron Baker

I've been thinking a lot this week about Cliff Antone who passed away on May 23rd 2006 and wondering what the city of Austin is going to do to honor the man responsible for bringing so much music and recognition to the city. For Stevie Ray Vaughn there is a statue on the banks of Lady Bird Lake and it is a grand testament to the life and career of one of Austin's more famous residents. So what to do for Cliff? I'm proud to say he was a friend of mine and I can still see him in my mind with his funny habit of standing on one foot then the other while swinging his arms in conversation, especially if he was excited about something, a song or singer or an old record he was listening to. I was also proud to be one of the first graduating students in his History Of Rock N' Roll class, still have my "diploma" on the wall in my office.

I always thought he was under- appreciated for all that he had done and was responsible for and I always felt like the city was paranoid over the prison thing (he was never mentioned in the Austin American Statesman without a referral to it and he hated that) and it seems to me that a memorial or statue or anything else that might honor the man is slow in coming, too slow for me.

So what shall we do? What are the city's plans if any, to honor this man for his achievements in bringing it to the forefront of the music industry and making it famous all over the world?

Let me know what you think would be the best thing to do to honor Cliff and I'll certainly pass it along.

Brotherhood (And Sisterhood) Of Musicians

2008-03-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Now that SXSW is over, I wanted to point out something about the community of musicians that lives in Austin. Everywhere I went where the myriad of entertainment was going on, there was a common thread that ran through all the events. It was the willingness of all the musicians to help each other. Each show I went to, up on stage there were people helping all the bands with their equipment, "Do you need anything?", "I've got some extra cords if you need them" "A buddy of mine has some extra mike stands you can use". Everywhere, at any time of the day, they were willing to do what had to be done to keep it moving and sounding good.

And it wasn't just musicians either, there were bartenders, waitresses, club owners, taxi drivers, students, bikers, people coming from everywhere just to help make sure this thing worked. It's an amazing thing to watch, all this humanity coming together for the sake of the music. People just want to be a part of it and they realize that it's an event that will change lives for many of the fans that are in the audience. It's a huge reunion for many that brings old friends from all over the world together for the few days that it lasts and for many musicians, one of the few times a year that they get to see some of the others that are participating.

It was just a great thing to witness and a source of inspiration for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it all, even the traffic was tolerable (most of the time) and it was a time to reflect and ponder the possibility of what could happen if it were like this all the time and if everybody, politicians included, could take some pointers from the musicians in this town and "Just get along".

I'm ready for next year.

No clubs in Williamson county

2008-02-07T21:24:00.000-08:00

So I saw a news report that stated the "tough on crime" stance that's taken by law enforcement in Williamson county, just north of Austin was coming under scrutiny. It is true that crimes like drunk driving, speeding, and other offenses of that nature usually come with the maximum fines and punishment and the county in general tries to seperate itself from the "liberal" community that Austin has become. In doing that for the fine citizens of Williamson county, there now is a stigma put on any and everything that resembles live music or clubs.

And while there are a few small clubs here and there, there really is nowhere to go to hear name bands and entertainers perform. The population of Round Rock is now nearing 95,000 people and I think the time has come for someone to step up and open a club that features live music. It is, of course, a huge pain to get anywhere in Austin on IH 35 at just about any time of day now from anywhere north of 183 and that area has become a "no man's land" for entertainment for anyone over the age of say, 14.

So someone needs to consider opening a place in the Round Rock area that features good live music and grown up beverages for those of us who don't want to go on safari everytime we want to hear some good music.

Any takers?

Radio Stations

2008-01-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be adding a radio station to the site soon and I was wondering if I could get some opinions on just what is the best station in Austin for Country Music. I know what my personal preferences are but just what is everybody listening to now? There is the standard Am Fm stations that have been around for years, then there are the satellite radio stations that have become so popular in recent years, and now there are several internet radio stations that have popped up recently, some in just the past few months.

So who are your favorites? Who deserves the title of "The Best Country Radio Station In Austin"? Or is the hottest station for Country Music even in Austin?

You tell me.

No smoking

2008-01-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

So now that the smoking ban has been passed in Austin, all the non-smokers from out of state and the resident tree-hugging bicycle riders have all flocked out in droves to listen to and take advantage of all the live music in Austin....right? No? You bet, it's a resounding no. Club business is down all over town and clubs are closing right and left. For a town that's known (or used to be) as the Live "Music Capital Of The World" this is not good news. It seems to me that everyday the music seems to be losing it's importance to this town and the people that run it. High rise condos and "business friendly" atmospheres are all the rage now. I was intrigued to see that the Broken Spoke was "protected" from being torn down and obliterated from the landscape by the developers that are taking over the property in that area. How long do you think that will last?

I'm all for change and I understand that things cannot stay as they are forever but I still wonder why the history and lifeblood of a community has to be extinguished and a new order brought in just to appease the wishes of a selected few who, in truth, view musicians as a "subclass" of people, much like an organ grinder views the monkey.

It's already to the point that if a musician that lives in Austin wants to make any money, they have to travel to other towns, sometimes hundreds of miles away to do it. Our mayor is concerned with keeping Austin in the forefront of environmental issues and wants everything "green" and while that's a noble cause, it's just not the top of the list concern for me.

I know it's tough to balance it all out and make it work in a town this size but sometimes you just got to "dance with the one that brung you" and recognize the fact that what has made Austin famous the world over is not the rail system or the bike trails or the condos or the hip shopping malls, it was the music, first and foremost. So where do we go from here?