"Well I wished I was in Austin
In the Chili Parlor Bar
Drinking Mad Dog Margaritas
And not caring where you are," - Guy Clark, "Dublin Blues"
"I have worn out my welcome
In certain small circles
In Spanish bordellos and Confederate states," - Ray Wylie Hubbard, "The Messenger"
I was standing in line to buy my brother and I some cold Shiner Bocks last night when I looked around and smiled.
At the front of the line stood an aging hippie with a gray pony-tail. He was flanked by two women in their early 20s with tattoos and piercings and peasant dresses. Behind them, stood a guy wearing khakis, a polo shirt and boots. The man behind me wore a large cowboy hat with a fringed vest.
We were all there on a Monday night to see Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard, two of the finest singer/songwriters working today.
It was a great time, an excellent venue and the whole experience solidified once again just how much I enjoy living in Austin where on a random Monday in June, you can draw a completely diverse crowd of a thousand people who appreciate artists and their music.
My brother and I stood near the back, an area behind the rows of chairs where you could still see the stage very easily and yet boasted a clear line to the bar and the bathroom - which is pretty much the best seat in the house in my eyes.
For three hours, we were able to listen to music and stories while alternating Shiner trips and subsequent pit stops to empty the brewery holding tanks in the restroom. It was more fun than a Monday night has any right to be.
I realize that Austin is not the only city where this type of thing happens, and neither is a songwriter's showcase everyone's idea of a good time. But whatever constitutes an enjoyable experience should be available wherever you call home. Convenience cannot be overlooked. Neither can the potential for random occurrences that provide opportunities to utilize your time in ways that matter.
If every little decision and every path we take leads directly to the present, a notion I am somewhat comfortable with, then I felt satisfied with where I was last night for a few hours and that is a very good feeling because it doesn't happen all that often.
{Editor's Note: The feeling could also be explained by the six or seven Shiners consumed, and as a conclusion to last week's post - I finally got that Blackberry shake from Jack In The Box and it was awesome.}
-BDS
'Blackberry Shake' sounds like a yuppy blues song.
I got the blackberry shake,
My knees they quake,
My boss is a fake,
Oooh yeah, I got the blackberry shake!
My baby she left me,
She didn't bother to tell me,
Then I noticed my voicemail
From my blackberry shake.
Oooh yeah, I got the blackberry shake!
That sounds wonderful. It says a lot about their music to draw such a diverse crowd.
My sister used to get all her musician friends together at a coffee shop, and we'd all jam and sing...hearing everyone's new songs. It was such a feeling of..I don't know how to describe it, just pure joy I guess.
Ok, that was sappy, but anyway....glad you got your shake!
Cross-eyed Kiwi Clinton - That's some serious creativity for so early in the morning. I appreciate it, and I have to admit that it sounds rather catchy.
Jlee - Sappy works. These things happen. Ha. It's a lot of fun when those things happen, wherever and with whomever and it's always a good feeling.
I've heard from friends who live in Austin that you actually DO have incredible music. This just proves it. ENVIOUS... but mostly of that shake.
Yay Blackberry Shake!!!
Austin sounds much like Toronto in that there are many things to do on any given night. Festivals, bands, plays and it's not just reserved for weekends. Now I just need to move there :)
Anonymous Boxer - It's called the Live Music Capitol of the World, which is only a mild exaggeration (sp?). But you should be able to catch the shake at your nearest J in the Box. And it's worth it.
Miss Ash - I've heard good things about Torono from others as well, although admittedly my experience is limited north of the border. And you should come visit at the very least, just not during July or August because it's hotter than hell.
Sounds like a fun place!!
Yes, the feeling might have been caused by the Shiner Bocks ~ but I doubt it. Nights like those tend to create it, even without an alcoholic nudge.
Glad you got your shake!
Nobich - Very good venue. Excellent sound and good pathways are always optimal conditions.
Bostonpobble - Just a little nudge adds to the whole thing, but alcohol was by no means the main agenda of the evening. The shake was finally conquered.
Anybody decked out in fringe is okay with me..
I just remembered the show "Austin City Limits". They've had a lot of great musicians on that stage.
Yay for the shake!
Congratulations on the shake and the show. Once, in Victoria, BC Canada, I saw BB King in a little bar called Harpos (I don't think it's there anymore). It's the only time I can think of that may compare.
Kayla - ACL is still around, and they get some really good acts, although I've never been to a taping before. And yes, the shake was finally conquered.
Getoffmylawn - I prefer the smaller venues like you mentioned versus the stadium shows, and that King concert sounds like a good gig.
Sounds like a great evening. It is amazing to me how one song or story can attract a large variety of people that one would never expect to see together.
Sarcastic - Very true, and I always like when that happens. It was a lot of fun.