Too old to Rock & Roll, too young to die... Ray Lomas
A number of years ago during SXSW here in Austin, Texas I was standing outside a club with a friend who worked as an A&R guy for a large record company waiting to see a band showcase. At one point he held out his hand and in it were the two biggest pills I had ever seen in my life! I looked at him and said, "Thanks man but I don't do that sort of thing anymore"! He just laughed, shook his head and replied, "Don't be a nitwit, These are EAR PLUGS , not pills"! OOPS...and yes, I was more than a little embarrassed. I love all sorts of music but admit I am partial to Rock and Roll and every once in awhile I like to crank it up and push the volume to (as they noted in Spinal Tap) 11... Yep, we are living the good life in Austin, Texas! For those of you who may not know, Active Rain's Community Manager and blogger extraordinaire Active Brad Andersohn is an accomplished guitar wizard, click on his name and you will be treated to a scorching guitar solo!!
As an avid music fan I like all sorts of music, hitting the shuffle mode on my iPod can be a confusing experience because you will skip from Metallica to Mozart, Gospel to Soul, Reggae, old school country, Blues and well... you see what I mean! I remember exactly when I got my first taste of LOUD Rock & Roll. In high school, I skipped class with some friends and ended up at a house where there were no parents during the day! It was a pretty boring experience until one the guys put on a new record (yes, I am talking vinyl here) and the track opened with some sustained feedback that crashed into some loud chords and I had my first experience hearing Jimi Hendrix! It's funny but I still get a chill to this day when I hear Foxy Lady. Music has a huge impact on people of all generations and you would have a hard time finding anyone who did not attach some song to many significant events in their lives. I am not saying that Music can save the world but it certainly has a significant influence. Think about the collapse of the Soviet Union, I know there are lots of people who would like to take credit for that but consider the influence of the Monsters of Rock tours in Moscow during the early 90's and the effect of the full on sonic assault from Texas band Pantera who called themselves the cowboys from hell! And as my friend Mark Varien also pointed out, Mikhail Gorbachev was a ROCKER!
I began listening to all sorts of other harder edged rock bands and I have never really lost my love for a whole range Rock & Roll styles over the years. My friend, Margaret Moser, an incredibly insightful and talented music writer for the Austin Chronicle describes our segment of the baby boom generation as "SONIC BOOMERS". I have to agree that her portrayal is very accurate. The last time I was at a ZZ TOP concert, over half the people there were older than ME! I recently read a post by fellow blogger Sharon Paxson about her attendance at a recent ACDC concert, the Rolling Stones are all in their 60's, many new rock bands pay homage to old school rockers of the 70's,80's and 90's. I am amazed that Ozzy Osbourne is still around and playing before huge crowds. Face it, loud music is not just the pastime and realm of the young. To this day whenever I enter a club or show and it's between songs I seem to always shout "TURN IT UP", no matter how loud the band is already playing! Another rather juvenile stunt I often pull is when I am in the car and I have the music cranked up, I will sometimes turn it up a bit louder and crack the window some so that the cars next to me at a stop light can get a taste. I usually do this next to older folks and often much younger just to see the reaction!
As most of the music loving universe knows, Austin, Texas is Live Music Capital of the World and as such has numerous live music venues. I've listed some of my favorite Rock & Roll venues here in town and though by no means comprehensive, they are all good places to listen to GREAT MUSIC! By the way, for anyone who might get the wrong idea, Rock is not my only music love and next week I might list my favorite boot scootin' dance halls or jazz clubs but this week It's only Rock & Roll but I like it...ENJOY!
Antone's is known as one of the premier Blues Clubs in the nation and world and I can teel you the volume can get very loud at times. Home to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Vaughn, James Cotton, and many others!
The Continental Club is another place that has been around for many years and play host to local and touring acts in a smaller more intimate venue!
Emo's is one of several clubs along Red River that cater to alternative, metal, and other fringe acts. The last time I was here was to take my son to a Butthole Surfers show. I know the lead singer Gibby Haynes and he left an envelope with passes and you guessd it Ear Plugs along with a note that said,
"WEAR THESE!"
RedEyedFly is a very cool smaller venue also in the Red River District! They just celebrated their ten year anniversary and have enjoyed a variety of shows here including a couple I've attended with my daughter! I would also like to thank the owner for helping me when I locked my keys in the car the day I took this picture!
Stubb's Don't be fooled by the quaint stone building. In the back is a large open air theater that has hosted road shows from all over the world. Stubbs was the place I took our son for his first concert when he was eleven. It was a around Thanksgiving and it only cost some canned good for the local chapter of the Food Bank. Nickelback and Saliva headlined the show; this was before they were playing arenas and my son was pretty excited by the whole experience. This is s great venue to see touring shows if you don't mind standing while you rock! They also have an incredible Gospel Brunch on Sunday's.
La Zona Rosa is a club just west of downtown that has been around since the early 80's. I have seen so many rock, reggae, blues and assorted bands here that I cannot name them all. Although it's been awhile the last show I saw here was a tour by Robin Trower !
Austin Music Hall is in a brand new remodeled building just south of the 360 Condos. A large number of road shows and tours stop here and again the music performed covers a very wide range. About 10 years ago I attended a Motley Crewshow here with a friend who is an architect. We did not have time to go home and change and just showed up wearing suits and ties much to the chagrin of many of the fans who just did not know what a couple of "suits" were doing at a heavy metal show. They must have figured we were cops or extremely bad-A fans and everyone gave us a rather wide berth!
The picture below is from the back of one of the stages currently under construction this week for a little party that happens once a year in Austin known as the ACL Music Festival where several hundred thousand music fans (OF ALL AGES) will gather to hear an enormous range of music representing almost every genre being played these days. It is one of the largest music events in the world and of course, it's right here in The Live Music Capital of the world. I am planning to catch a few shows and if possible will try and catch Pearl Jam ...another band that likes to CRANK IT UP!
Well that's about all for now but before I go I want to tell you one more thing...my daughter came home the other day and told me, "Dad, you know when you pull up next to old people and crank up the tunes?" "Sure," I replied. "Well, my friends and I like doing that too!" I guess it does run in the family, Rock on!!
It's a Good Life in Austin Texas!
"You're never too old to rock and roll if you're too young to die! ~ Tull
:)
Candice, you managed to make a comment on this post before I was actually finished. I accidentally posted it public instead of draft and you were quick on the draw!
BTW you get bonus points for know that the phrase came from the Jethro Tull Album by the same name! Very Cool!
I think I am going to go deaf because I still listen to music way too loud.
Russell - It looks like I missed the hot spots on my last (and only) visit to Austin. However, I would add a plug for the spasmodics who play in a courtyard somewhere in the Second Street District. Austin is definitely the live music capital - if you can't tell I had a blast in Austin.
Russell, this is a great post but don't pull up next to me at a red light and crank it up, I might run over you! :)
Russ Oh man I am so glad to see that there are more of us who actually admit this (I see lot's of us at many shows!
Ryan Austin is a heck of a lot of fun and next time you are in the area give me a call, I always enjoy meeting fellow Rainers!
Ricki I promise I will not do that to you and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Russell, I would love to come to Austin sometime and hear the music. Your story about the earplug-drugs cracked me up!! I suppose for all of us old rockers who don't hear very well anymore- since we blasted our eardrums out long ago, would probably need to utilize ear plugs ---- but what's the fun in that!!!???
OKAY for a lot of people who read my blog, I know that you don't really care for as much noisy music as I do and I want to assure you that this loud ROCK is only a portion of the music I love and listen to on a regular basis!
In the interest of the public well being please remember:
It's only rock and roll but I like it. Wow, you have taken me back through the years of music and great memories with this post, thanks Russell and thanks for including me with your list of legends and musical greats. I'm not worthy. :-))
Hey, you left out the Irwin Center where you took me to see my first show, THE BEASTIE BOYS! That was really cool and thank you to you and Mom for the tickets to ACL Fest, it is going to be a blast!
Hey Russell great blog. If you are out and about thurs come hear my Band Thumbs Up at La Fuentes 630-10. Maybe not as hard or loud as you are used to but we are a lot of fun. Mike C PS great tex mex.
Hey there, thanks for sending mre the link to your blog. I was laughing, thinking about some of the shows we attended together over the years and it was all good. Thanks for the followup on some of the places still cranking the music!
Hi Russell,
I've been to all of those places!! Favorite Gospel Brunches were at La Zona Rosa with the Asylum Street Spankers! I have all of their CD's...... We have a 3-day pass to the ACL Fest this weekend......you goin'???
Mary Austin is definitely a great place to spend time listening to all inds of music and I have to say that the ear plugs have helped with the ringing in my ears after some of the louder shows! I actually have several friends who are musicians who are partially deaf in one ear. Usually the one that faced the amps as they played from numerous stages!
Brad Thanks for stopping by and you are too modest, I was very impressed with your guitar work! Kepp on rocking my friend!
Mattie You are so right, I did leave out the Irwin Center home of all the major touring acts and I did enjoy that Beastie Boys show with you. Have a good time at ACL Fest too!
Mike Campasso Hey there my friend, I am glad to hear you are still playing and will ttry and come see your band in the near future!
Joe So good to hear from you, we have been to more shows together than I can possibly count, thanks for stopping by!
Francie I think most people who really enjoy music will make an appearance at these hallmark places once in awhile. Yes, I plan to make it to ACL Fest for a couple of the days and maybe we will see each other along with several hundred thousand others!
Russel, I am definitely a product of the '60's...I like a lot of music but absolutely love R&R...LOUD! Once a week I have a music night at my house where I pick out cut by cut a tune that I want to hear...I'm my own DJ for an evening.
Never been to Austin but, plan on visiting some of the places you mentioned.
Candice used the right quote!
You forgot to mention the amazing shows of Blackie White and the Halftones!!! Rock On!!!
oh yes, you conjure up fond memories Austin Texas, I recall eating some of those earplugs in 1983, I think maybe... if I recall correctly, it was on a Cold Night for Alligators...
Liz King
You forgot to mention all the blues players we talked about!
Russell: This would have made a great series in the challenge Bob Stewart hosted earlier in the summer. The rockin' spots of Austin, TX.
Russell great job with you review of all the great places to listen to a good band. I am a fan of blues myself.
Hi Russell,
What a great post about our live music capital in Austin!! I like Mary loved your story on the ear plugs! It will be a rocking city this week-end and I'll be thinking of you cranking it up @ "Pearl Jam!!" I didn't know Brad Anderson played the guitar so learned something new today. Thanks for sharing a great info..your post rocks!!
Nick You and I are cut from the same cloth when it comes to music and I like your idea of having listening time as your own DJ!
BTW you are right, Candice nailed this for sure!
Jimmy That's cool that you mentioned us, I just wish some of the very cool places we played were still open! When are you coming to Austin again?
LIZ I knew you would return and I also remember "Cold Night for Alligators" Rocky Ericson started every show with that song and always just after midnight!
Allen you are cracking me up because I just remembered I need to include a little "SHREDDING"...here is some just for you!
Turn it UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris Ann Nice to see you, I wish I had known about the contest but I was so busy working this summer I barely had time to be at active rain!
Bill I too love blues and you would love the place I mentioned in the post, Antones!
Dorie It's a funny story and very true. I was also pleasantly surprised at Brads excellent guitar work and he is very modest about his abilities. I do hope to see Pearl Jam, they are planning a two hour set!
Good post and great info for the next time I am in Austin. It is a fun place...
Great post my friend!
You see, this is what I love about ActiveRain. You just really don't know about people until you read their blogs and discover they're way cool!
Tie by day...Tie-Dye by night?
Rock on!
Dear Russell,
This post could not be more perfectly timed with ACL this weekend! Your "ear-plug" story cracked me up! BTW- You are not alone, I too still have some vintage vinyl. Our musical taste is surprisingly similar. No wonder we are friends. Maybe I will see you at one of the shows this weekend!
Betina
Oh yea did I love the ol Rock n Roll.. My problem was I was trying to live out the lyrics..
My mantra was "i am here for a good time and not a long time."
Now it is "if I knew I was going to live so long, I would have taken better care of myself.."
Russell you always write the best articles about local Austin places of interest and with your own peculiar twist! Too funny but also an excellent look at local music venues! Great Job!
Russell - If it's too loud, then you're too old! I have a feeling it's never too loud for you, my friend. Brad was wailing on that guitar in the YouTube clip, eh? Good stuff. I like the wall of amps behind him, too. I love the fact that you bring your own "peanut gallery" of commenters with you, like an entourage whenever you post. I know you enjoyed the Cowboys game last night - let's grab lunch sometime in the next week or two.
Russel - you have just put Austin on my bucket list. I also remember hearing Foxy Lady for the first time. Wow. I am still amazed at how many old farts enjoy the music that I do, until I look in the mirror and see that they are me.
Oh man Russell, I was laughing out loud when reading the about the pill/ear plugs! My husband asked what in world I was laughing at and related the story to him.
Well I always wanted to see Traffic jam live but I was too young to go and had to be contented to listing to them on vinyl! I still listen to some old blues and jazz on vinyl.
I haven't seen any live rock shows for a long time, the last one was Robert Cray opening for Clapton!
Russell, I have pulled into the parking garage behind you in the past and you can hear the boom of your speakers even with the windows up! I am just glad it's not Rap music, you truly are living the good life in Austin Texas!
In my corporate days I traveled to Austin frequently...the music and the downtown area I really miss. GREAT CITY!
Pat Thanks and come on down, Austin is a place that can keep you having fun for a long time!
CraigI completely agree that we learn more about each other (and potential clients too) here than in any other venue. And I love your tie dye metaphor. Come to Austin and you can "Tie one on" anytime!
Betina I was waiting around to tie it in for a Localism post and really enjoyed putting this one together! I am not surprised that we have similar music tastes and it's great to live in a town with enough of us that we can always enjoy some live! And yes, it's another reason we are friends, maybe we will see you next weekend!
Buster Up until ten years ago, I tried to live it out myself and it just plumb wore me OUT! We are still in decent shape though and will do just fine in the future!
Allysoun Thanks so much, I really try to do my Localism posts abit differently and having lived in Austin Texas for so long I can draw on some really fun (and sometimes bizarre) experiences! I am truly living: The Good Life in Austin Texas
Jason That is very funny and sometimes the paenut gallery expands beyond my regular "entourage" Of course I am just a big of fan of the blogs of those commenting here, including yours! And you put the bookend quote to Candice's:"If it's too loud, then you're too old!"
Hey, I will call you later this week and look forward to lunch with you next week!
Mike I laughed so hard at your comment because I am always amazed at the strange older dude in MY mirror! Keep Rocking!
Cynthia I really enjoyed your comments! I did not see Traffic but still have some vinyl and it includes "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys"! I will say that I remember the Clapton/Robert Cray tour. It was a long time ago but was incredibly good! If your ever in Austin, you should check out Antone's a place for incredible blues!
Scott Alright, I started laughing at your comment because I have sometimes waited until you stopped and parked BEFORE turning off the music! HAH!
Lisa That's pretty cool that you could see our town on an expense account! Come back anytime!
Russell, couldn't agree with you more that Austin is certainly a music mecca. Great overview.
Russell, You and Bobo need to get your band back together. Ya'll could do some open mic stuff. Maybe you could integrate-in, some of your stand-up routine. What would you call the new band?
Russell,
Good post. Now I know who is the expert on the Austin music scene. I was fortunate enough to grow up just south of Austin in San Marcos, Texas. I had the opportunity to go to a lot of those places you have listed to listen to various artists. What a great place to work and call home. Thanks for the info and bringing back memories.
Jeremy Williams
Keller Williams Realty NE
Kingwood, TX
www.williams4yourhome.com
And now I am back to see the finished product. ROCK ON!!!
Russel, you definitely are a rocker. Whenever I make it to Austin, I'll call you and we can hit those great places mentioned in this post. Great post and very interesting.
My husband gets angry when the "youngsters" have their music turned up...it is just screaming as he calls it. But, he will turn up one of his favorite rock and roll tunes in a minute....of course, I do the same...rock on my friend, rock on.
Russell - thanks for a great post here and like you - my music tastes are also diverse. I love country, hard rock, Queen, and Taylor Swift just to name a few. I love the oldies and am blessed my daughter does as well, shes fun to go to concerts with.
This is an excellent post about the music venues in your area. Looks like you have many options for local venues. We have one here in Newport called the Blue Beet - in fact that is where the last REBar camp was held!
Thanks for the mention too! Have a great day!
Gary I appreciate your compliment, I try to do something a little different for my Localism posts and thanks for stopping by!
Brudge as much fun as we had in that wild band, there are so many really great musicians here in Austin that it would be even harder to get play these days! Thanks for stopping by my friend!
Jeremy That's cool that you grew up in San Marcos, it's just down the road and is a very nice place to live with the added benefit that it's only a short distance from Austin!
Candice I am so glad to see you returned and thanks again!
Rebecca Okay, my son listens to some rap and a few others that could be labeled screaming but I can actually enjoy some of it now and then but your story about your husband is very funny! If you all ever make it to Austin, call me up, maybe we can even get Jason to go along too! We all need to keep on rocking!
Sharon Thanks for stopping by and I have to tell you that your post about attending then ACDC concert was part of the reason I wrote this one. I love seeing fellow music lovers attending live music events! BTW I already have tickets to see ACDC when they are in Texas in November!
Liz King here is some Rocky just for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKu6Q4Vv4b8&feature=related
Man, oh Man!! I can't believe I had to pass on a trip to Austin this past August!! You could have shown me the town! Great story! xxoo
Russell,
You're a rocker? Who would have guessed? My taste for music covers a pretty wide range too.
Russell, and I thought Cleveland was the home of Rock n Roll! Have you visited the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame?? It is a great place to spend an afternoon!
Hey man, see you at ACL this weekend!
Hey there, thanks for sending me the link to your blog, as usual it ROCKS! We have one passes for Sunday and will be shaking it to the B-52's!
I am just as well rounded (except Metallica, blech). I can jive to anything and I LOVE the live music opportunities we have in our town!!
You Rock!! Have fun this weekend
Susan I hope you do get a chance to visit someday. It would be a blast showing you our great city!
Cynthia don't let my silver hair fool you! Actually a lot of my favorite musicians have silver hair now too, if the have any at all! HA HA HA!
Caren I have always wanted to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of fame, you should do a Localism post on the subject!
John Thanks, maybe we will see each other in that huge crowd!
Lynne You are very welcome. you can also sign up to subscribe to my blog without being a member by clicking on the orange button below my signature picture, I also plan to see the B 52's!
Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album proclaims on the cover... "To be played at maximum volume." Wham bam thank you mam!!!
You are an awesome writer! Thanks for the great blogs!
Renee I figured you would enjoy any type of music and if you ever visit Austin, I will avoid putting on any Metallica!
Candace Hey girl, thanks for stopping by, it was great seeing you at the Blood center yesterday!
Rell Great quote and as a fellow long time music fan in Austin, I hope we see a lot more music in the future!
Leslye Good to see you here and thanks for dropping by!
Russell- per usual, you have your finger on the PULSE!
And Ryan Shaughnessy- I LOVE the Spazmatics!!!! They play every Wednesday night at Cedar Street.
Russell really does ROCK, and we all get to work with him. What a hoot THAT is!
Suzy, I am jealous! I would love to work with Russell!
Russell You Rock - Love the music scene here in Austin!
Some Music Lyrics to Ponder:
My uniform is leather and my power is my age. - KISS (Russell must be POWERFUL)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine. - REM (They must be taking Russells ear-plug pills)
Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da, life goes on - The Beatles (OK, I know they ate the ear-plug pills)
Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution - AC/DC (enough said)
Shine on you crazy diamond - Pink Floyd (Keep on rockin' Russell)
Hi Russell - great job!
Rick Thanks man...I can always count on you for some of the absolute MOST INTERESTING comments and once again you do not disappoint! Thanks my friend, it is a privelage working with you!
This story was a walk down memory lane for me. So many bands..so little time. I can go back further than you to the New Orleans Club: the Lavender Hill Express, Charlie's Playhouse: the Jets (think Otis Day and the Knights), The Jade Room: Shiva's Head Band, the Hungry I: Rusty Weir...those were the good ol', underage days. :)
Rock on..Always!
Dana
Russell WOO-HOO this one really took off, I don't really know about a lot of the bands you have mentioned but Austin certainly has something for everyone when it comes to LIVE MUSIC!
AMEN Russell! You're NEVER too old or too young to Rock N Roll! Enjoy yourself this weekend and watch out for the wierdos... wait.... thats what makes Austin #1, Keep Austin Wierd! Party on my friend. :-)
Holy Moly! How DID I miss this post?! Russell, you outdid yourself here--excellent Localism and I'm flagging for a feature! (I miss those featured Localism posts, don't you?!) And, NO, you're NEVER too old for Rock 'n Roll!
Have a fabulous Friday...glad to see you're 'back in the saddle!'
Russell, I am coming to Austin soon to teach a class and am going to print your blog to take with me so I can hit some of the hotspots - what a great blog for your city!
Russell: I'm gonna let you go on out and listen to the music and report back to me. I will be at my computer trying to learn all that you taught me about blogging last week - whew!!!!
Martha I forgot to mention Cedar Street, though it's not as loud as those mentioned here, the music is GREAT!
Suzy I like that but frankly I have a blast working ith you and the others in our great office!
Susan You would enjoy our office, although diverse it's an incredible place to work!
Sibyl I appreciate your comment, thanks for stopping by!
Dana Wow, Shiva's Head Band is the only group I saw in the past that you mentioned. What is really cool is that I have heard of some of the others from some of my more dedicated music fan friends and I would have loved seeing "the Jets (think Otis Day and the Knights)" You area true Austin original and I think it's funny because you had to be underage for much the time you've talked about here. You definitely ROCK my friend! Thanks for stopping by!
Allysoun I think lots of people everywhere identify with music even if it's not then range of Rock & Roll I've talked about here. And it's fun to share about the great aspects of living in Austin, Texas!
Lindsay Thanks and you are right, it's really about attitude and yes...there will be plenty of reasons that people will see this weekend to convince them that we do keep it WEIRD here in Austin!
DEBE Thanks so much for the compliment, I always appreciate kudos from a fellow blogger, especially one of your caliber. I do agree and enjoy good Localism posts and frankly wish we saw more because it's a great way to learn about other markets aa well as something of the personality of the agent writing the post. For me, that is one of the best aspects of Active Rain. The ability to establish relationships with other agents across while at the same time blogging about and for my particular part of the world!
Joanne Give me a call when you come to town and we can have coffee, I always enjoy meeting fellow Active Rainers. As far as the list here, it's mostly for a range of Rock & Roll places but there is even more available in any style and genre!
Anne Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. You are going to do well at this blogging thing, it will just take a little time so don't let it worry you. I am always around when you need a hand!
Hi again, Russell! You know, that's a great point--I think the feaured Localism posts did help bring our attention to other markets AND, those that were featured gave us a good template from which to learn how to even write them! Hmmm...you just gave me an idea for a post!!
Have a fabulous Friday...
Russell, an amazing cover band that plays GREAT 70s superhits is "Skyrocket". I heard them at Cedar Street recently (they play there about once a month - next date is Oct. 9). When they started cranking on Zep's Whole Lotta Love, I got chills! Our group started pushing toward the stage as if we were in high school again and Robert Plant was singing! Thanks for bringing back some great memories with your post. Susie
oops forgot to logon before I posted...Susie
Russell you better get out there soon, it looks like there might be rain over the weekend. Of course a little rain never stopped the hoards of music fans in Austin from having fun! Have a good weekend!
Russell you better get out there soon, it looks like there might be rain over the weekend. Of course a little rain never stopped the hoards of music fans in Austin from having fun! Have a good weekend!
Russell,
This is why we live in Austin, where else can you get such a diverse music scene, centrally located? What a great post!
First time I've read your blog, Russell.I really loved your references to great places to hear live music. Having been affiliated with Liberty Lunch for many years, in the past, your post made me nostalgic for all of the clubs that are no longer. I learned my lesson long ago to carry earplugs in my purse at all times. In Austin, you never know when you're going to run across a rockin band,day or night, at which point I am compelled to stop and listen.I think it's something in the blood.
First time I've read your blog, Russell.I really loved your references to great places to hear live music. Having been affiliated with Liberty Lunch for many years, in the past, your post made me nostalgic for all of the clubs that are no longer. I learned my lesson long ago to carry earplugs in my purse at all times. In Austin, you never know when you're going to run across a rockin band,day or night, at which point I am compelled to stop and listen.I think it's something in the blood.
I never would have guessed that you're the guy cranking up the tunes at the red light! You're so lucky to live with all that great music right at your fingertips! Funny story about the ear plug/pills! Keep on rockin' in the free world!
Debe Another thing is the fact that I really enjoy show casing businesses and events in our city! I am looking forward to your next posts as always!
Susanne Thanks for the mention about Cedar Street, and you are right some classic songs always get us up an dancing!
Scott I skipped Saturday because I am not all that in to dancing in the mud and rain but it did not discourage over 65,000 from doing so!
Hey I came back to leave a another comment because i thought it was so funny seeing all the people we know posting so many pictures of them selves at the ACL Festival, Even though it was rainy (and muddy!!) on Saturday, it turned out to be another great series of shows!
One thing I do miss about not being home in my Native Texas is the music scene in Austin. Well, that and Sixth Street -- LOL. I don't miss the teasips, though. Gig 'em, Aggies!
Never too old to rock and roll! Really enjoyed this post, Russell - if I get down to Austin any time I am going to look you and your wife up - we can go out to a show!
Susan I agree that we are very fortunate to live in a city that not only attracts so many musicians from all over the world but the music scene continues to be supported by our citizens, clubs and the local City Council!
Barbara I really appreciate you dropping by. As a person involved in the scene for years, you were smart to employ earplugs sooner than most! Both the Continental Club and the Old Liberty Lunch are two of my favorite places. Liberty Lunch was open so many years and hosted a large variety of different types of music! Like you I still listen and find new music that still gets my foot tapping!
Georgina Yeah...I am that guy and it's even funnier that my children have adopted the same silly practice!
Allysoun I was amused seeing a lot of people I know from all walks of life posting pictures from different days at ACL. What is even funnier were the pictures on Rain Day and everyone seemed to be having a thoroughly good time!
Russel Yu would have a great time if you ever get the chance to return. Here is a little known fact: Austin is supposedly home to more Aggies than any other city in Texas so you would have plenty of company!
Emily I hope you do get the chance to visit someday, we would love seeing you and showing you our great city!
Hi Russell! I don't know how to blog...but, enjoy your writings!! How are you doing? As well as I thought I knew you, I had no idea you were still Rockin' and Rollin'!!! I thought I was about the only Rock and Roller around!! Are you going to AC/DC?
Connie Thank you for dropping by! I wish I could see ACDC and have actually seen them three times in the past! Once with Bon Scott when he was still alive (and this was before I discovered earplugs).
Here is one of my fave Bon Scott era songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy0I9WKWp44