Howdy,
Wednesday: Giddy Ups in Manchaca, TX. Country. As in you are in the country. Gracious hosts, cheap beer, decent crowd. Miss Leslie played first and we were joined by Robert Ellis who plays music in and around Houston. Great set of music and Leslie can really sing the hell out of a song. There are few performers who seem to really set it all out there and bare their souls every time they sing and Leslie is one of them. She is so technically good as a singer and fiddler and it is a joy to play with her.
Mike Stinson was up next. We played ok but I think the venue and the crowd sort of threw off the set list. Don't get me wrong - we played a good choice of tunes but the order was a little off. For the last 2 songs I would have done "Set Up Another Drink" (country shuffle) THEN "Take Out The Trash" (a rocker). We did it the other way 'round and it was o.k. but not face-numbing like it should be. At any rate the crowd, albeit small, really enjoyed both sets. Plus my parents and sister made it out so it was nice to see them. I wish there was something more excited to mention but like I said it was in the country south of Austin and far removed from the wandering freak show that is SXSW Downtown.
Thursday: Well we did it - we added another show at the last minute. It makes sense really if you think about it. Today is St. Patrick's Day so there are bound to be drunks at every watering hole in town therefore... why not play a Mike Stinson happy hours set at Ginny's? Alvin Crow is to follow us but I need/want to get down to Trophy's when we finish.
Tonight should be the killer set of the whole deal. Two Hoots and A Holler is playing at 11:30 right before the LeRoi Brothers which should be amazing on many levels. Rick is the actual host of the event so I am excited for him and excited to burn down that shithole that is Trophy's. This is one of those clubs that when you go to bathroom you don't even touch yourself. It's not as bad as that foulest of foul dumpsters from the other night but it is on my list of shitholes. (Another notable shithole was the boys bathroom next to the bandroom when I taught music at Westside High School but that's another bog.)
Anyway if Tuesday's show was any indication of how Two Hoots can "brang it" then tonight will melt faces and make people dance their shoes off. After tonight the rest of the weekend is a rollercoaster ride of music and gigs and facing "the pressure of time". Tonight's the night.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday - The Aftermath / Wednesday - The Preview
Welcome back. As I mentioned before we had to listen to a subpar band at BD Riley's before we played. They were very forgettable to say the least. However the drummer and the bass player were/are very nice guys who came to my Two Hoots show afterwards.
Many folks in the crowd knew Mike from his California days and they seemed to enjoy us, his new band. Mike mostly stuck to the more rocking' new tunes and we laid it down the best we could. I think we were a hit and the the audience enjoyed it very much. When it was over I had to pack up my stuff and haul it 2 blocks east to the Jackalope. (NOTE: Dude from California who sponsored the gig: It's very nice that you want to feed and drink the band however I would have appreciated a rented drum kit already set up for all bands to use. Maybe even a bass rig as well. 6th Street was an absolute madhouse at 4:30 and trying to get through was a hassle. So for next time: spend your money on gear and the bands will understand if their drinks aren't free.)
By the time we finished they had already started to close 6th street and the crowds were getting huge. The film festival was wrapping up and the music fest was starting that evening. Music was pouring from several clubs as Lance, Loren and I cart my stuff down the middle of 6th street (thanks guys). We get into the Jackalope and the place is already packed. The Moonhangers were setting up (thank goodness- real music) and getting ready to lay down their version of outlaw country. Matt met me and handed my me wristband for the party: he said it was a Tito's (TX vodka) party so who was I to argue? I got a vodka on the rocks and had a seat to prepare myself for the rhythmic onslaught that would be Two Hoots And A Holler.
The MHS finished (brilliant, boys) and we set up only to find that the giant P.A. system belonged to another band and that Rick was going to have to sing through a little amplifier. No worries. We kicked off with "Shotgun Blast" followed by "Rock n' Roll, Honky Tonk Ramblin' Man" and then he said "Times They Are A-Changing, boys." Really? Now? Third song? OK! We play the Bob Dylan classic as a train beat but our train is carrying TNT, gasoline, and 4th of July Fireworks as it careens down the steepest mountain pass at 300 miles per hour. The audience was stunned.
There was a huge contingency of Norwegians there - all friends from Rick's many travels to that country. Also there was many folks from my last gig there who seemed to be digging it. We played 2 sets and rocked the house and then unloaded out the back next to one of the foulest dumpsters I have ever laid my nostrils on. See folks - it's not all rock n' roll, free drinks and adoring fans. Sometimes it's sweat, worn out muscles, and a stench that would kill a yak in 8 seconds.
TODAY: Two country sets with the lovely and amazing Miss Leslie followed by a more honky-tonk set with Mike Stinson at Giddy Ups in waaaaaaaaaaaay south Austin. I hear the place is huge and a real shit-kicking good time should be had by all. At least it's away from the insanity that was downtown. Today is looking like an easy load in and 2 great shows. I'll let you know how it all turned out.
Many folks in the crowd knew Mike from his California days and they seemed to enjoy us, his new band. Mike mostly stuck to the more rocking' new tunes and we laid it down the best we could. I think we were a hit and the the audience enjoyed it very much. When it was over I had to pack up my stuff and haul it 2 blocks east to the Jackalope. (NOTE: Dude from California who sponsored the gig: It's very nice that you want to feed and drink the band however I would have appreciated a rented drum kit already set up for all bands to use. Maybe even a bass rig as well. 6th Street was an absolute madhouse at 4:30 and trying to get through was a hassle. So for next time: spend your money on gear and the bands will understand if their drinks aren't free.)
By the time we finished they had already started to close 6th street and the crowds were getting huge. The film festival was wrapping up and the music fest was starting that evening. Music was pouring from several clubs as Lance, Loren and I cart my stuff down the middle of 6th street (thanks guys). We get into the Jackalope and the place is already packed. The Moonhangers were setting up (thank goodness- real music) and getting ready to lay down their version of outlaw country. Matt met me and handed my me wristband for the party: he said it was a Tito's (TX vodka) party so who was I to argue? I got a vodka on the rocks and had a seat to prepare myself for the rhythmic onslaught that would be Two Hoots And A Holler.
The MHS finished (brilliant, boys) and we set up only to find that the giant P.A. system belonged to another band and that Rick was going to have to sing through a little amplifier. No worries. We kicked off with "Shotgun Blast" followed by "Rock n' Roll, Honky Tonk Ramblin' Man" and then he said "Times They Are A-Changing, boys." Really? Now? Third song? OK! We play the Bob Dylan classic as a train beat but our train is carrying TNT, gasoline, and 4th of July Fireworks as it careens down the steepest mountain pass at 300 miles per hour. The audience was stunned.
There was a huge contingency of Norwegians there - all friends from Rick's many travels to that country. Also there was many folks from my last gig there who seemed to be digging it. We played 2 sets and rocked the house and then unloaded out the back next to one of the foulest dumpsters I have ever laid my nostrils on. See folks - it's not all rock n' roll, free drinks and adoring fans. Sometimes it's sweat, worn out muscles, and a stench that would kill a yak in 8 seconds.
TODAY: Two country sets with the lovely and amazing Miss Leslie followed by a more honky-tonk set with Mike Stinson at Giddy Ups in waaaaaaaaaaaay south Austin. I hear the place is huge and a real shit-kicking good time should be had by all. At least it's away from the insanity that was downtown. Today is looking like an easy load in and 2 great shows. I'll let you know how it all turned out.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
B. D. Riley's -The First Show
My thoughts about the band before us: Guys it's seriously ok to tune. If you've done it before it takes very little time and we, the audience, would appreciate it. Very much. Other than that they are boring as hell. At least they will be done soon.
BD's is one of those places where the stage is open to the street behind you so everyone gets to look at your backside as they walk by. I promise no performance or appearance of the plumber. I played here once a while ago with someone named Seth Walker. It was a Saturday night and the most memorable thing about the whole gig was that U Miami came back and beat the Florida Gators. That should tell you how interested I was in the gig (Seth's music is pretty dull.)
FER CHRISSAKES WOULD YOU TUNE THAT GODDAM GUITAR!!!
BD's is one of those places where the stage is open to the street behind you so everyone gets to look at your backside as they walk by. I promise no performance or appearance of the plumber. I played here once a while ago with someone named Seth Walker. It was a Saturday night and the most memorable thing about the whole gig was that U Miami came back and beat the Florida Gators. That should tell you how interested I was in the gig (Seth's music is pretty dull.)
FER CHRISSAKES WOULD YOU TUNE THAT GODDAM GUITAR!!!
Tuesday - And So SXSW Begins
I believe I am more anxious for this year's activities more than the past few years. Perhaps it's because there are so many shows to cover or the fact that I am living in Austin this year. The last 4 years I was in Houston and I felt more relaxed about the whole affair. Even in 2009 where, on a Saturday, I backed up the Oldies Band, The Twang, Roy Head, Barbara Lynn and Andre Williams in one day - hectic day but a very calm Eric. (BTW - We backed up Andre 3 times that one Saturday. By the end of it all we were all in another state of mind.)
Please understand: when it comes time for the shows to actually start I will be as cool as a summer day in Point Barrow. But I do feel the anticipation growing... Here is today's schedule and I will conduct a post mortem on each of the shows.
Tuesday, March 15: Mike Stinson and The Working Stiffs will be taking it deep at B.D. Riley's on 6th street at 5:00 PM. The previous sentence is a conglomeration of what I like to call "witty band banter". Although we have been called many things "The Working Stiffs" is what Lance came up with. He is always up for a good (or bad) penis joke. The phrase "taking it deep" is our way of saying (jokingly in this case) that we will have a rough gig. I am 100% confident that the show this afternoon will be fun and musically exciting even though it is on 6th street.
Then it's time for Rick Broussard and Two Hoots And A Holler at The Jackalope also located on 6th street about 2 blocks away from Riley's. We start at 8:00 and play until 10:00. I am not exactly sure how Rick did it but this is an actual paying gig. On 6th Street. On a Tuesday. Rick.... you Rock! Two Hoots has never been a disappointment - the band simply kills every single gig.
The plan for today is to walk my gear from club to club since they are only 2 blocks away from each other. I guess that is a blessing of 6th Street. Check back later and I will let you know how Tuesday panned out.
Ps. I have heard that the Jackalope has very good hamburgers. We will see my friends, we will see.
Please understand: when it comes time for the shows to actually start I will be as cool as a summer day in Point Barrow. But I do feel the anticipation growing... Here is today's schedule and I will conduct a post mortem on each of the shows.
Tuesday, March 15: Mike Stinson and The Working Stiffs will be taking it deep at B.D. Riley's on 6th street at 5:00 PM. The previous sentence is a conglomeration of what I like to call "witty band banter". Although we have been called many things "The Working Stiffs" is what Lance came up with. He is always up for a good (or bad) penis joke. The phrase "taking it deep" is our way of saying (jokingly in this case) that we will have a rough gig. I am 100% confident that the show this afternoon will be fun and musically exciting even though it is on 6th street.
Then it's time for Rick Broussard and Two Hoots And A Holler at The Jackalope also located on 6th street about 2 blocks away from Riley's. We start at 8:00 and play until 10:00. I am not exactly sure how Rick did it but this is an actual paying gig. On 6th Street. On a Tuesday. Rick.... you Rock! Two Hoots has never been a disappointment - the band simply kills every single gig.
The plan for today is to walk my gear from club to club since they are only 2 blocks away from each other. I guess that is a blessing of 6th Street. Check back later and I will let you know how Tuesday panned out.
Ps. I have heard that the Jackalope has very good hamburgers. We will see my friends, we will see.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday - The Calm continues
I do have a day job. My wife and I run a Bed & Breakfast in Austin and although it is not the most "rock n' roll" of jobs it does keep a roof over our heads and does allow the freedom to be a full time musician. Today is Monday and that means that after breakfast gets served up (courtesy of yours truly) I will be in the yard working. But it looks like rain so... I could get a much needed haircut but my boy Jake does not work on Mondays.
However there is other gig prep work to do. I need to piece together a drum set for use at Ginny's Little Longhorn this week as I have a gig there Friday from 5-8:30 and then again on Saturday at 9:00 PM. I will be getting to that Saturday gig a little late due to an 8:30 show with Mike at G&S. Rick was kind enough to hire Chris Staples to fill in for me until I get there so I need to have a drum set there for ease of facilitation. I am a little nervous about leaving my equipment somewhere and not having it with me. After all these instruments are expensive and I have had 2 drums stolen from the back of my truck in the past. I am sure they will be fine when they are sitting at Ginny's. Plus Sharon says she wants to play them and if they are sitting around the bar I certainly hope she does.
What makes me most nervous about this week is time. I just finished Paul Schaffer's biography "We'll Be Here For The Rest Of Our Lives" (which was given to me by rock music nut Bill Engel) and he mentions a phrase he calls "the pressure of time". With so many gigs and so many people in town there could be some real traffic snafus. I will travel light and by the back streets and luckily some of the back-to-back gigs are fairly close to each other geographically. But if the showcases start running late then I will be in trouble... I will be facing the pressure of time.
However there is other gig prep work to do. I need to piece together a drum set for use at Ginny's Little Longhorn this week as I have a gig there Friday from 5-8:30 and then again on Saturday at 9:00 PM. I will be getting to that Saturday gig a little late due to an 8:30 show with Mike at G&S. Rick was kind enough to hire Chris Staples to fill in for me until I get there so I need to have a drum set there for ease of facilitation. I am a little nervous about leaving my equipment somewhere and not having it with me. After all these instruments are expensive and I have had 2 drums stolen from the back of my truck in the past. I am sure they will be fine when they are sitting at Ginny's. Plus Sharon says she wants to play them and if they are sitting around the bar I certainly hope she does.
What makes me most nervous about this week is time. I just finished Paul Schaffer's biography "We'll Be Here For The Rest Of Our Lives" (which was given to me by rock music nut Bill Engel) and he mentions a phrase he calls "the pressure of time". With so many gigs and so many people in town there could be some real traffic snafus. I will travel light and by the back streets and luckily some of the back-to-back gigs are fairly close to each other geographically. But if the showcases start running late then I will be in trouble... I will be facing the pressure of time.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
SXSW 2011 - How many gigs is that?!
It's the calm before the storm; the pause that refreshes; a moment to reflect before it all begins again. Today is Sunday, March 13, 2011 and the day is fairly pleasant. I am coming off 3 gigs in a row with Mike Stinson and enjoying the break knowing full well that when Tuesday arrives the brunt of this year's SXSW festivities will begin and sleep and sobriety will become elusive for the next 6 days.
I am lucky to be living in Austin where there are gigs and musicians plentiful. I play drums with Rick Broussard and Two Hoots And A Holler here in Austin and I also drum for Houstonian Mike Stinson (transplanted from L.A.) I have been playing at SXSW since 2002 when I played 1 show late Saturday morning during "Mojo's Mayhem". As the years have gone by I've played more shows with more bands. 2005 was a memorable year working with Elizabeth McQueen and my one and only Rue's Antiques show with the Allen Oldies Band. Each year has had its share of wackiness and great gigs. This year should prove no different as I am playing 17 performances from Tuesday through Sunday with 4 different bands. Here is the breakdown:
Allen Oldies Band - 1 gig
Miss Leslie - 2 gigs
Two Hoots and A Holler - 6 gigs
Mike Stinson - 8 gigs
(there may be an added show on Thursday afternoon with Mike @ Ginny's... stay tuned)
While most shows are 30-45 minutes there are a few 3 & 4 hour shows - pacing is the key especially since Two Hoots likes to play the warp speed tempos. Last year my hands were blistered by the end of it all. A job well done.
As the week goes by I will attempt to write about each show to keep you informed of the show, the music, and the people at SXSW. Thanks for reading.
I am lucky to be living in Austin where there are gigs and musicians plentiful. I play drums with Rick Broussard and Two Hoots And A Holler here in Austin and I also drum for Houstonian Mike Stinson (transplanted from L.A.) I have been playing at SXSW since 2002 when I played 1 show late Saturday morning during "Mojo's Mayhem". As the years have gone by I've played more shows with more bands. 2005 was a memorable year working with Elizabeth McQueen and my one and only Rue's Antiques show with the Allen Oldies Band. Each year has had its share of wackiness and great gigs. This year should prove no different as I am playing 17 performances from Tuesday through Sunday with 4 different bands. Here is the breakdown:
Allen Oldies Band - 1 gig
Miss Leslie - 2 gigs
Two Hoots and A Holler - 6 gigs
Mike Stinson - 8 gigs
(there may be an added show on Thursday afternoon with Mike @ Ginny's... stay tuned)
While most shows are 30-45 minutes there are a few 3 & 4 hour shows - pacing is the key especially since Two Hoots likes to play the warp speed tempos. Last year my hands were blistered by the end of it all. A job well done.
As the week goes by I will attempt to write about each show to keep you informed of the show, the music, and the people at SXSW. Thanks for reading.
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