No ACL this year for me

I know.....I don't even want to talk about it, but ultimately I am looking forward to not having to deal w/the bike traffic during Austin City Limits Music Festival weekend or even having to figure out how to sneak in food to the festival so that way I don't end up spending over $100 trying to feed myself lunch & dinner for 3-days at the Fest.

Besides all that I have a great friend getting married on Sunday, Oct 10th, 2010 (10/10/10).  I wouldn't miss her wedding for the world so I decided to just skip it altogether and save myself ticket money, food money, and merch money as well.

I am however, seriously thinking about going to this: Ditch The Fest - local music festival in ATX. It takes place the weekend of ACL and what's best about this is that it's far away from Zilker Park!! woohoo! PLUS - it's free. You can't go wrong with this one.
Check out the full line up -

Be sure to RSVP - here.

 The event also has Tangled Shark Productions, Transmission Entertainment, and Lucy the Poodle booking that guarantees and hand picks the bands playing at Ditch the Fest on 4 rotating stages, a moon walk, vegetarian/vegan vendors, and even refreshments are promised! All of this happening at Cheer Up Charlies off of 6th street.

Public Service Annoucement : Superlitebike, Sour Bridges & Harmony Gritz to play this weekend

"And really knowing is half the batte!"...it really is folks!
Take a look:


And really if you were anything like me I am going to make sure to wear bright clothing as I bike downtown to check out what this Public Service Announcement is all about from 3 local bands this weekend. 

 I was invited over to Jackson's house sometime on a cold winter night to check out all of the three bands listed on the set flyer above. I was a little hesitant only because 1) i didn't know the guy, 2) i forgot to get singles ($1) so i could tip their friend who was pumping some free beer - who I ended up playing Caps the night after with (and getting slaughtered by him) and 3) i don't usually crash other people's parties but i heard really good things about Sour Bridges so I thought I'd suck it up.

I had never seen Sour Bridges before (members from both Superlitebike and Fatback Circus) and like any local music I made sure to listen closely.  Sour Bridges caught me by surprise. Don't judge them by their Myspace page - I mean really? Who uses Myspace these days anymore? (I am currently awaiting their friend confirmation via Facebook.)  You should see them play 1 night this weekend at The Scoot Inn AND guess what? They play with Superlitebike so you're kinda getting a twofer here....if ya know what I'm sayin'.

Last time I saw Superlitebike was their LP release, "Away We Go" at The Parish. I always love to see this band because of the raw energy and experiential sound they push out when they play live. Their album is very good respectfully but it's something about their live show that will not let you stand still even if you ain't drinking for the night and you're trying to play it cool (but really you're drunk and crunk).I had a great time and that Parish and show and it was awesome to watch all of their video flyers like this:

or this:
This weekend the boys (half of who make up Sour Bridges and some even dip into a little bit of Harmony Gritz) have 2 shows. Friday, July 16th Ruta Maya will host a night of good local music for 4 bands that has Superlitebike after La Guerilla (a fantastic latin-experimental band you should see!). Show begins at 8pm and goes til 2am. Cover is a cheap $5.

Superlitebike can also be seen at The Scoot Inn w/Sour Bridges the next night - Saturday, July 17th.

Harmony Gritz - the band is not like this other Harmony Gritz. I wish they had more style like that Harmony. I don't even know who that lady is...!
These boys are damn good and when I say 'damn good' I mean 'gotdamn good'. Members of Harmony Gritz consist of Fatback Circus, Sour Bridges, and Superlitebike. These here boys will be playing some really good bluegrass type of folk at Spiderhouse this weekend for the 1st Annual Bluegrass, Cuntry, Gypsy, & Gospel Jamboree. This event begins Friday, July 17th at 8pm and runs until Sunday, July 19th until 10:30pm. Tickets are available at Spiderhouse. Prices are Friday=$5, Saturday=$10, Sunday=$10 OR the deal maker here is for $15 you can go to see all bands from Friday - Sunday night. Music ends at 10:30pm all nights due to noise ordinance.
You can see bands like Clem & Clyde's Whiskey Business, Frank Smith, the Marmalakes, and more. (I will be here for sure.) More to come on this festival....

Be sure to make it out this weekend. There is a lot of great music to hear, see, and support.

And another PSA from David Lynch this time :)

Austin elementary kids singing/playing The Beatles

It was a typical Wednesday for me with these exceptions - I was listening to a Twin Sisters EP and Dylan's Blonde on Blonde over and over again.

Diana said she was going to go to Freddie's Place during lunch to see the student she tutored/mentored throughout this school year. She said they were going to be singing Beatles songs as a performance and asked if I wanted to go.

First I said no and then gave it more thought and realized I could definitely dig students singing the Yellow Submarine and Oh La Dee.

Here is proof  we went (look for us around the :15 second mark).

The kids were so precious to watch and it was such a nice day outside. It was also a relief to know that elementary music class includes one of the best bands in Becker Elementary's curriculum - The Beatles. :)

This is another reason why I love Austin and ALL of the kinds of live music/shows available to see.

Pachanga Latino Festival - another festival I won tickets too.

Twitter - i love utilizing you day, checking up on you in the morning/lunch/and all those unexpected i-feel-like it times, updating you with what I am doing, and allowing you to win me free tickets/contests and a keeping me updated on free cool shit around Austin. You truly are fun and I want to keep this kind of relationship going, please. I think I like you so much I might find other ways to have you (i.e. app on my phone, feed to this blog, etc, etc.)

i won tickets to Pachanga Latino Festival thanks to twitter and the austin statesman.

When I had the chance (and when I wasn't too distracted & mesmerized by the artists and their set) I took some pictures. Most of the time I was dancing so I could care less about my camera.


Girl in a Coma (San Antonio, Tx): 
Alright - I am a huge Girl in a Coma fan and have been seeing these gals...well...shit...since I remember seeing these girls play their first time at Cavalcade at Jefferson HS. I think I was there to see my sister perform (i had graduated a year after) and of course a Cavalcade wouldn't be complete with at least 3 or 4 bands that deprived of our friends/peers/students who went there. I even ran into an old high school friend at Pachanga Fest.

They played a very sultry stylistic cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" then later in their set included a Girl in a Coma version of "Come On, Let's Go" by Ritchie Valens and fast tempo cover of Selena's "Si Una Vez" (btw which i was singing my heart out on). AND they did "Walkin After Midnight" by Patsy Cline (which ended up as my favorite cover they played). They have a new EP out which are all cover songs including those 4 stated above. After contemplating why they would make an EP with just covers I read about it: Adventures in Coverland.

I also found this:

David Garza (Austin,Tx)
I saw David Garza about 5 yrs ago at the Continental Club during a happy hour on a Wednesday night. I had a date that we were to meet at Gueros and decided to calm my nerves across the street in a place I knew was comfortable enough for me and had live music. (I'm not a fan of Gueros - location is great but prices are laughable). I immediately drew to him because of his acoustic latin fused with classical guitar style and his poetry. He has a beat poet and a very bold and political lyricism in his music whether acoustic or electric. There were about 40 people at the Continental that day. He was amazing then and even now after seeing him open up (acoustic set) for Girl in a Coma he keeps rocking it like he did that happy hour I first saw him at.

I have a friend that waits on him (as in a waiter) at The Blue Star Cafeteria during the week. When he told me this I remember him pronouncing his name "Day-vid Garza" and when I corrected him and said "?.....oh you mean, DaVEEED Garza?", he turned beet red. I felt a little embarrassed I corrected him.

And he had a black eye too. Reason is unknown at this time.

It was pretty awesome to see David with a full band and his energy was addictive. he had me dancing and singing at this song. 

Bombasta (San Antonio, Tx)  

This band first caught my eye first as I read the small description of Bombasta from the Pachanga Fest map and schedule: "...the sound of a generation who grew up on both hip hop and cumbias, Rocksteady and rancheras, soul and salsa." And from San Antonio, eh? 

Yes. There was a trumpet player that brought the mariachi flare & sustained high notes, a trombone player, 2 guitars, a bass, a dj mixing table, keys, and drums. These guys were awesome! I think there might have been a saxophone too. I hope to catch more of these guys in the future. I caught the tail end of their set and was definitely proud there was another sound deriving out of San Antonio that isn't horrible cheap metal.

Grupo Fantasma (Austin, Tx)

These guys sell out every time they have a gig at Antone's & every time they play at Waterloo Records for an in-store performance it is packed to the back of the DVD section. 

Grupo Fantasma played to a overcrowded patio at Pachanga and had everyone, I mean, everyone dancing their day away. There was not one person NOT moving their head, shaking their hips, or swaying side to side. Every time I go to a show of theirs I cannot explain to you what comes over me - I just gotta move and shake it as hard as I can. They are leaving Texas to tour their new album "El Existential".

Hacienda (San Antonio, Tx)

These guys are another proud moment I had while at Pachanga. First off these guys opened up for Dr. Dog and The Black Keys. They were discovered by Dan Auerbach when their 6-song demo landed in his hands. Their cover of "She's Got a Hold on Me" was definitely a highlight for me since for awhile this was the only song I had of Hacienda. Read more about their starting points here. 

Think The Beach Boys meets The Black Keys and a little bit of Jimi Hendrix. :)

Bomba Estereo (Columbia)
This band caught me by surprise. I read a really good interview of Bomba Estereo about 3 wks ago and head one song by then at that point - Fuego. When I saw they were headlining at Pachanga I started flooding myself with all of their songs and youtube videos. I couldn't wait to see them. They put on one of the best live shows I have seen in awhile. Li Seumet, vocalist, reminds me of a Colombian Salt-n-Peppa mixed in 90's female rap essence along with a bass drowning psychedelic funk.
They have a cumbia feel that just feels natural and smooth with all of the different guitar harmonies. The drummer was too good!! With the fast tempos, slows & stops the drummer was changing styles, sticks, and sequences so often i thought that surely not every single drum beat was being composed by him. It was such a diverse Colombian sound. Seeing this band live blew my mind. I kept dancing until my hips were sore and although we all wanted another song and shouted "Orta, orta" (even after they played their whole album) we didn't get one because of the Travis Co noise ordinance.  

They play one last time before heading back to Colombia at end of an ear today at 5pm! You better go. You won't know what you're missing.

the music that makes me say "holy shit, this is good!" as i drive the music i find - part I

I had to load up the MP3 player and anytime riding or driving I am listening to new stuff all of the time. I have a few to share with you. Listen and enjoy because if you haven't heard of this stuff yet then you need to.

Little Fish - I read about this band here Stark Online. I was impressed of the sound & the voice of the singer, JuJu (Julia Sophie) - she reminds me a little of Juilette Lewis mixed with the lyrical attitude of Courtney Love with that Patti Smith poetic flare. It's great stuff.  An album, Baffled and Beat, is due out sometime in May. I recommend hearing "Darling Dear" a few times and tell me what you think. You can get the link from here. Sounds a little like the White Stripes, a bit of of Dead Weather, and Patti Smith most definitely.

Megafaun - I started off searching for Megafauna and ended up finding out about Megafaun in as pure accident. Megafauna is a local Austin female led group that sounds similar to Joanna Newsom with some hardcore Black Sabbath and Metallica local flare. I dig their sound and have enjoyed 2 of their local shows. Megafaun is a different band...made of mostly men and 1 female trumpeter (along with other odd instruments at times too) that have more of a folksy North Carolina guitar feel good band. Check out a couple of live tunes here. My favorite video is Volunteers.

Sleighbells - I discovered this band on Record Store Day  via a Coachella sampler CD that Waterloo Records had in their free section. "Crown on the Ground" got me through my Wednesday this past week. I heard it at least a dozen times while running. It kept me going with the bass and it was just an addicting song to listen to as you are trying your best to hit 3 miles after a long dreadful day from work. It doesn't look like they will be coming through Austin anytime soon but they are on tour with Yeasayer and just that fact alone should make you want to check out this band. They've been playing in my stereo non-stop for weeks.

Other tunes that keep playing on and on: Tallest Man on Earth, electrelane, Harlem (new Hippies album) and Local Natives which are coming to Waterloo Records for an in-store show (free) on Friday, April 23rd at 4pm. Get there early if you plan on going.  

Citizen Cope - tonight - SOLD OUT SHOW @ Stubb's

....my (paid) Spring Break begins today after 3pm and I am pretty stoked!


I am starting it off with Citizen Cope tonight at Stubb's. I am amazed that this show is sold out tonight. I have yet to pick up his latest album, Rainwater LP, but according to our receptionist at work, Melissa D, she says it's "great!". I am going to take her word for it. She snagged tickets for the show too.

(Pic by Manuel Nauta  - the great IT guy where I work) 

Besides having a girls weekend with my best friend, here are the other places I plan to be at (a few pre-SXSW stuff).

Friday March 12th: 

Where: Moonshine Patio & Grill - Nokia SXSW Party
Why?  "Free beer and snacks" claims Do512.com

Where: SXSW New Media Boutique Crawl in the 2nd St District
Why?  Great discounts, champagne, goodies, chocolate covered strawberries, some pre-lunch, y mas!

Where: Girls in Tech at Fogo de Chao
Why?  Chat it up with like-minded woman while sharing appetizers and drinks. I am in!

Where: @ Red7 - Hive Awards - RSVP required
Why?  Awarding those unsung internet heroes. This might be interesting and it is right by Stubb's!

Where: @Malverde - "Computer Luv" SXSW Interactive Party
Why?  I love computers and this place is swanky! Its free too, no RSVP required.

There are a few options lined up for us.

Check back tomorrow for tomorrow's schedule!

SXSW Round 4: RSVP for free parties - there are a ton! Dr. Dog, Minus the Bear - all free to go to!

Okay, I am fallen behind in providing you the RSVps that I have been signing up for. So catch up and RSVP to these now!

here is a great website by Austin360 with a breakdown of what day parties are/where, and even links to RSVps. Check it out.

When: Thurs. March 18th 
What: Billions & Ticketfly Presents Fat Crooked Unwound
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Where: The Mohawk
$?: None
What's Promised: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings! + many more!

When: Wed. March 17th & Fri March 19th
What: BD Rileys Music From Ireland
Time: 8pm-1pm on March 17th & 11am-5pm on March 19th
Where: BD Rileys
$?: None
What's Promised: great Ireland bands & probably free beer too. Just show up.

When: Wed. March 17th
What: Terror Bird Media & Force Field 3rd Annual SXSW Day Party
Time: 12pm-6pm
Where: Red 7
$?: None  but show up early - this show will reach capacity fast!
What's Promised: Neon Indian, Real Estate, Oh No Ono, etc

When: Thurs. March 18th
What: Full Metal Tx 2010
Time: 12pm-6pm
Where: Emos Main & Emos Jr (right across from Emos on Red River)
$?: RSVP here  but show up early - this show will reach capacity fast!
What's Promised: preview of Black Sabbath & Rush's new DVD, Iron Age, etc & special guests that they won't release til the week of.

When: Sat. March 20th
What: ALTPRESS SXSW Day Party
Time: 12pm-6pm
Where: Emos Main & Emos Jr (right across from Emos on Red River)

$?:  this show will reach capacity fast! Look at the lineup!
What's Promised: Circa Survive, Sum 41, The Rocket Summer... find more here


When: Thurs. March 18th & Fri. March 19th
What: Other Music SXSW Lawn Party
Time: 1pm-7pm
Where: French Legation Museum (802 San Marcos St)

$?:  free and there might be free Magic Hat beer since they are listed as the sponsor
What's Promised: Thurston Moore, The Antlers, etc.

When: Tues. March 16th
What: The Mind of Adi & Couch Professor Ent - Day Party
Time: 8pm-?
Where: Chupacabra

$?: $3 entry w/RSVP at DO 512 website / Free Lonestar
What's Promised: Peter & The Wolf, Car Stereo Wars, The Frontier Brothers, etc. Read flyer

When: Thurs. March 18th
What: Consequence of Sound Indie Party
Time: 12pm-7pm
Where: The Compound - East Austin

$?: Free admission & no RSVP required
What's Promised: Surfer Blood, and more - read flyer

When: Wed. March 17th
What: Paste Magazine - Day Party 1

Time: 11:30a-5:30pm
Where: The Galaxy Room - 507 E. 6th (I think its the old Bourbon Rocks place)
$?: Free admission & RSVP required- SHOW UP EARLY - this will be a packed show
What's Promised: Fightened Rabbit, Roxy Erikson & Okkervil River, Roman Candle, Giver, etc

When: Thurs. March 18th
What: Paste Magazine - Day Party 2

Time: 11:30a-5:30pm
Where: The Galaxy Room - 507 E. 6th (I think its the old Bourbon Rocks place)
$?: Free admission & RSVP required- SHOW UP EARLY - this will be a packed show

What's Promised: Shearwater, Fanfarlo, The Middle East, etc

When: Thurs. March 18th
What: All Your Friends Are Here - Supply Demand Music Presents - Day Show

Time: 1pm-6pm
Where: Dominican Joes - S. Congress
$?: Free admission & RSVP here- I am excited about this show!

What's Promised: Dosh, Paleo, and more

When: Fri. March 19th
What: Hexadecagon Show w/Octopus Project

Time: Shows at 7:30pm & 9pm
Where: Rooftop at Whole Foods Market - S. Lamar location
$?: Free admission- this show looks awesome!
What's Promised: Octopus Project surrounding an audience of 600 people (that's the max on the rooftop) with 8 speakers & visual performances. I am down! read more about it here

When: Sun. March 14th
What: Buffalo Exchange SXSW Day Party

Time: 12noon - ?

Where: Buffalo Exchange - 2904 Guadalupe St

$?: Free! 
What's Promised: No bands listed at this time but they always have free beer & great local bands.

When: Wed. March 17th & Thurs. March 18th
What: Gigacrate SXSW 2010

Time: 9pm-2am

Where: Beso Cantina -307B W 5th St
$?: Free! RSVP here now!
What's Promised: Bands, bands, and more good bands!

When: Thurs. March 18th
What:Banyan Branch - SXSW Day Party
Time: 3pm-6pm

Where: Max's Wine Dive
$?: Free! RSVP here

What's Promised: Some good bands & probably good drinks!

When: Thurs. March 18th
What: Muzzle of Beers - SXSW X MOB Day Party
Time: 11am-5pm

Where: Habana Calle

$?: Free! You gotta email Muzzle of Bees for entry.
What's Promised: Milwaukee's finest indie music! :)

When: Fri. March 19th
What: Gorilla V Bear - SXSW 2010 Mexican Summer

Time: 12pm-7pm

Where: Emos

$?: Free! Show up early, you gotta .
What's Promised: awesome bands - see flyer

When: Thurs. March 18th, Fri. March 19th, and Sat. March 20th
What: Filter Magazine SXSW Day Parties - Showdown at Cedar Street

Time: 1pm-6pm

Where: Cedar Street Courtyard

$?: Free! Show up early, you gotta .Look at the lineup! RSVP
What's Promised: Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, Minus the Bear, Mike Snow, and more