The first full SXSW night of showcases kicked off with almost 500 bands showcasing their music at close to one hundred venues. Since Edie Brickell was playing an eleven o’clock gig, I chose to go there early to be sure to get in. That also meant that I saw two bands before her that I have never heard before, nor knew anything about. (Photo above: The Waco Brothers)
This year’s Full Moon Barn Dance at Leeann Atherton’s house is my 18th since she invited me the first time in 1997. It has been one tradition I have really enjoyed, and this year as much as always. The music, the food, all the good people of South Austin and from around the world, plus the special South Austin atmosphere is a winning combination. (Picture above: Leeann Atherton and Torgeir Waldemar)
Wednesday night during SXSW is the night for the Austin Music Awards. The readers of the Austin Chronicle have voted for their favorite artists, musicians, venues, and what have you. In earlier years it was held at the Austin Music Hall but moved two years ago to a ballroom at the Convention Center. The show was sold out, and this year it was better and tighter than earlier years, even if the old venue had better atmosphere. After the show, I ran up to the Continental Club to see the end of JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, plus the Waco Brothers. (Picture above, Charlie Sexton, Scrappy Jud Newcombe, Alejandro Escovedo during the Ian McLagan tribute)
Maybe you have seen the Waco Brothers on stage? Or the Mekons? Or the Three Johns? Or maybe Jon Langford with his own band? All these bands have one thing in commen, and that is this British gentleman, living in Chicago. When he doesn’t play music, he makes art or writes books.
Artist Pictures Blog 
