Austin Vida is presenting a very special Free Week Showcase at Stubb's indoor stage this Saturday. Although this is the first year Austin Vida has presented a Free Week showcase, they have a very successful track record of very exceptional and creative shows. This showcase is special because first, it's Free Week, second, this showcase features four very exceptional bands made up of very talented Latinos and third, this showcase has a local, regional and international reach. The bands are no strangers to the Austin music scene, they definitely have a presence and a fan following. See you there.
Venue: Stubb's Bar-B-Q 801 Red River Austin, Texas 78701
Cost: FREE/No Cover Charge
Other Details: Doors open at 9:00 PM, Inside Show, All Ages welcome
Musical Line-up:
Sour Soul - Mexico City, Mexico - Psychedelic/Rock/Soul
The Young Maths - McAllen, Texas - Garage/Indie/Punk
Hydra Melody - Helotes, Texas - Experimental/Progressive/Rock
Vinyl Dharma - Austin, Texas - Alternative/Electronica/Indie
do512 provides an excellent link to all of the Free Week Events. Check it out.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Best Free Week Pick is Saturday January 8, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
FREE WEEK January 1-9, 2011 in Austin, Texas
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.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Free Week Pick for Friday January 7, 2011
The Beauty Bar is presenting a fantastic show for Friday of Free Week in Austin, Texas. No Charge to get into most venues and clubs during January 1-9, 2011. What a deal! and it is a big deal when you've got the premier bands in Austin on a Friday night.
The music for this event will cover several genres. Este Vato will bring the Latin Fusion element, Roxy Roca brings the Soul sound, Maneja Beto brings the "Indie en Español" mix and Brownout drives the Funk sound home.
This show is one of if not the best show of Free Week.
Venue: Beauty Bar located on 617 E. 7th Street Austin, Texas 78701.
Other Details: No Cover All Week. 21 years old and up. More details at do512.
Musical Line-Up:
Este Vato
Roxy Roca
Maneja Beto
Brownout
Free Week Pick for Tuesday January 4, 2011
Red River Noise is presenting a showcase at The Parish this Tuesday of Free Week here in Austin, Texas. Free Week means there is no cover charge in most clubs and venues from January 1-9, 2011.
Venue: The Parish located at 214-C 6th Street Austin, Texas 78701
Musical Line-up:
Doors Open at 8:00 PM
-Final Exam at 9:00 PM
-New Roman Times at 10:00 PM
-MoTelAviv at 11:00 PM
-Stereo Is A Lie at 12:00 AM
Cost: No Charge
Other Details: All Ages, more details also available at do512
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Kicks Ass!!!
The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band was in town this weekend "Kicking Ass." They performed on Saturday December 18, 2010 at Stubb's Bar-B-Que Indoors in Austin, Texas.
I first heard of The Reverend Peyton back in May when someone gave me a copy of their latest album, "The Wages." That individual was aware of my diverse taste in music and thought I'd like it. Well, I listened to the album and just liked the hell out of it. The Big Damn Band has an interesting sound and is high energy. Their music mixes bluegrass, hillbilly and alternative rock into a sound which, for me, is reminiscent of a 60's group called Canned Heat. Canned Heat performed a song titled, "Rollin' and Tumblin'," at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival 1967 which caused a deja vue moment. But, good music is good music regardless of time.
Stubb's indoor venue was packed and the crowd was anxious. If you've heard The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band's music, then you would understand the anticipation. When the Big Damn Band came on to the stage, the crowd cheered, yelled and hollered. Below you get a taste of what the audience saw and their reaction to bands showmanship.
"Clap Your Hands"
"Everything's Raising"
If you have a chance to see The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band perform, by all means go to a show. Here's the show link: Upcoming Shows
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
BRASIL MEETS COLOMBIA! with Anne Simoni, Kiko Villamizar and Frederico 7
Both countries meet at the Flamingo Cantina on Friday December 10, 2010. The line up from Brasil includes, Anne Simoni and her band, Frederico 7 & the Hashashin and from Columbia, Kiko Villamizar Orquestra. These three Austin bands represent the best of both countries and will definitely give you a taste of their musical cuisine. Anne Simoni performs tradional Brazilian rhythms including samba, bossa nova and baiao and Frederico 7 performs Brazilian music but with more of an upbeat, smooth bluesy feel. Lastly, Kiko Villamizar performs modern Columbian cumbia with a traditional folk influence.
Deciding what to do this Friday night shouldn't be too difficult with such an exceptional musical line up. Flamingo Cantina is one of my favorite Sixth Street venues because it always books great shows and this show is definitely one of the best.
Flamingo Cantina is located at 515 East Sixth Street in Austin, Texas. Doors open at 9:00 PM and cover is $5.00.
Anne Simoni:
Kiko Villamizar:
Frederico 7 & the Hashashin:
I want to wish all of those individuals that take the time to read my blog, a Happy Holiday Season.
Monday, November 22, 2010
I Survived the Mexican Stepgrandfather "OCCUPIED STATE" Album Release Party
I drove to San Antonio Saturday night to specifically see the Mexican Stepgrandfather perform at club Limelight. This was the first time I had been to Limelight, located on North Saint Marys Street, and I really had a great time. I would definitely go back again although the sound system could be better. I also enjoyed the eclectic but friendly crowd and the atmosphere was electric.
All the opening artists were great but the Mexican Stepgrandfather ruled the house. He did have full band and DJ support Saturday night although the new album uses more drum beats and live music rather music samples. The message is still political and very pertinent to the current anti-immigrant sentiment, social plight and relationship issues. OCCUPIED STATE has more featured artist than the first album, ESTERE-ERE-O, and less music samples which highlights Mexican Stepgrandfather lyrical skill.
When Mexican Stepgrandfather came out for his set, the crowd was anxious and happy to see him. They were cheering, jumping and dancing. Mexican Stepgrandfather poured out his heart and soul for the crowd that night and they gladly accepted the gift. At the end of the set, the crowd still wanted more. I wanted more. I can say we all left happy and content because we all had shared the same incredible experience. I extended the euphoria by listening to the OCCUPIED STATE CD on the way home.
Check out this video of "Falling Down" at Limelight.
Also check out "The System" off OCCUPIED STATE.
