I spent two glorious days at South by Southwest, better known in print by its acronym, SXSW, at some free concerts. On Thursday, March 17, the venue was Maria’s Taco Xpress for The Ruby Stardust Lounge, presented by Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund and Ruby James. There’s nothing like sampling sounds from multiple bands without ever leaving your seat. It’s almost like speed dating. You get just enough face time to get a sense of the band’s personality, style and voice, then they move on and another group takes the stage. While most were attractive and appealing, my three favorite performers were Deadman, Randy Weeks, and Ruby James.
On Friday, March 18, I did the moving around, paying a visit to three venues. The day started at Opal Divines Freehouse on 6th Street at around 1: 15 p.m. Rice Moorehead Band was in the middle of their set as I grabbed a table and ordered a Buried Hatchet draft (love that stout from Southern Star Brewery in Conroe, TX). I didn’t get to focus much on them, but what I heard was good. Next up was Horse Opera, a country band from the honky tonk mecca of the south, none other than Austin, TX. I’m not a country music regular, but this group made you take notice with their sound and their vocals. Next up was a newly-formed band, Both Feet. Fronted by two artists from Anchorage, the fellas were playing together in public for the first time. The group is composed of veterans of the live music scene and that experience evidenced itself in their performance. What a sound! As these guys coalesce and expand their repertoire, they’ll only get better and their reputation and followers will grow.
After Both Feet completed their set, I walked up 6th Street to The Belmont. Sponsored by Nokia, a sizable stage on the ground level was the platform for Vanguard Records acts. I had the thrill of seeing well-known Austin band The Gourds. What fun to watch these guys live for the first time. They sure know how to entertain. Next up was Matt Nathanson, a favorite amongst the ladies. Talk about understanding how to work the crowd, Matt loves to tell stories using the most colorful language. It wasn’t a smattering of f-bombs, it was more like a blitzkrieg. His fans loved it though, and he rewarded everyone with an energetic short set of selected hits interspersed with new songs. He promised to return to Austin soon for a full concert, which delighted the crowd.
I closed the day with a return to Maria’s Taco Xpress for the express purpose of seeing Deadman again. It was SRO as Shurman belted out their Austin flavor of rock-n-roll with a strong country undertone. A palpable energy consumed the crowd as Deadman took the stage. These guys are gifted singers with complex and rich harmonies that wow the ear. Their music is their own and it is original and compelling. As musicians, these boys can play with a verve and skill that enthralls. Do yourself a favor and listen to Ain’t No Music. There’s a rich and urgent energy in the ballad that compels. It draws you in and holds you rapt until the last hushed chord gently releases you. I love that song!
Two days, sixteen bands. That’s SXSW. You have to see it, hear it and be it to appreciate it in Austin, Texas, the undisputed Live Music Capital of the World.
