The first week of January is a special time for the Austin music scene, musicians and music lovers. "Free Week," January 1-9, 2011 is here. It's like an extension of the Christmas Holidays and if you're like me, I don't have a lot of money left over from all the gift giving. So Free Week comes at a perfect time. Free is the key word. "No Cover Charge" to get into many of the clubs or venues in downtown Austin, Texas, "The Live Music Capitol of the World." There are nine days of music, 100 plus local and regional bands playing nightly, all types of music to please every musical taste and it's FREE. It's like a mini-music festival which doesn't require standing in line for a costly wrist band or confined to a fenced in area. You have an open downtown area with most of, if not all, the clubs within walking distance of each other. The weather should be good, not like last year's freeze, and the atmosphere festive.
This will be my third Free Week and I have already planned the dates, times and the bands that I want to see for the week. So if you live in Austin, show your support or if you're outside of Austin, you're welcome to come for the music and fun.
The first year, one of the clubs I ventured into was Beerland and saw The Flame Trick Subs. I really liked them and their "psycho-billy." Check them out.
The second year, I was at Red 7 for some hard ass Punk. The Lower Class Brats was one of the bands that night. Hardcore, check it out.
An excellent link to see all the week's activity is do512.com. Check it out.
Monday, January 3, 2011
FREE WEEK January 1-9, 2011 in Austin, Texas
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Afrofreque CD Release Party at Momo's
Last night was the Afrofreque CD Release at Momo's presented by Bemba Entertainment. This is the third time I've seen Afrofreque in the last 30 days and still want more. I saw them recently at the Birthday Felabration for Fela Kuti at Red 7 and at the Funk Freak Halloween Ball at ND at Studio 501, also produced by Bemba Entertainment, and last night at Momo's. They just won me over immediately. They are Funk, Soul, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B and more. All the people at Momo's last night were definitely moved to dance, bounce or sway to the music. I purchased Afrofreque's new CD,"Jewels and Gems," so I get to hear them anytime I want.
I do have to thank Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment for continuously producing numerous themed showcases like the Birthday Felabration and the Funk Freak Halloween Ball which have been great events and experiences. Brandon has the knack of selecting the right musical talent, the right venue and the ability to create a unique experience that people want to attend and then look forward to the next event.
The musical line up last night included Dawni McCray, Adam Rodgers, Soulkitchen, Afrofrique and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. I did get to record video of Soul Kitchen, Afrofreque and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. It was an exceptional night for music.
To find out what Bemba Entertainment has planned check out the Bemba Calender.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Free Week 2010 in Austin, Texas: Red 7
Every January for the last several years, the Red River District has "Free Week." Basically there is "No Cover" to get into the clubs and see tons of bands for 10 days. It is a huge event for music in Austin and many other clubs, not on Red River Street, have joined the annual event. I love Free Week because I can go to the clubs and see the bands that perhaps weren't on the top of my "must see" list although I do want to see them. This year one of the clubs I went to was Red 7 to see three local hardcore Punk bands: Sober Daze, Krum Bums and Lower Class Brats.
I've gone to see a couple punk bands before but this event was the most raucous. I'll usually stay as far back from the stage and the pit because it can get really rough. This time around I decided to get closer to the stage to take a few pictures when all of a sudden I felt someone pushing me into the pit. I turned around and got some kid in a headlock. I looked at him and he looked at me and I then pushed him into the pit. I quickly proceeded to the rear of the club and stayed there.
The bands were great, the music was hardcore and the audience generated a fantastic energy. This blog is definitely late but the videos were just recently downloaded by Red River Noise. Check out the video and see what I saw and experienced.
Note of Caution: the Pit is not for the meek or weak of heart. The possibility of getting kicked, punched, pushed around and getting hit with a beer bottle is extremely great.
