In a little over a week, the Netroots will converge on Austin, TX, the live music capitol of the world! When the location was announced, I wondered if there would be some sort of music-related event organized for the convention, and thanks to Daily Kos, I was not disappointed!
You see, long before I became a political junkie, I was already a passionate live music junkie (with tastes ranging from punk and psychobilly to traditional Balkan folk music, and everything in between and beyond). Nearly as soon as I clicked the button authorizing my registration for this year’s Netroots Nation, I was scanning the Internets to see what kind of music was going to be available during my visit.
In this post, I thought I might share the results of my research, in case there are others looking for similar musical opportunities during the convention.
Of course, in a city like Austin, there are a bazillion different options, and there are surely many more great choices than the ones I’m offering.
My focus in making these recommendations was to find something that is representative of several distinctly American musical styles for which Austin is well known. I also looked for the promise of quality that would transcend the particular style to appeal to the uninitiated as well as the hardcore fan. And finally, I looked for potential appeal to a left leaning audience.
Naturally, my first stop was to check to see if one of my two favorite Austin bands, the Asylum Street Spankers or The Gourds, would be in town (No such luck!) I then started checking the Austin Chronicle Music Listings for the full array of options, and have periodically returned to that site, as well as some favorite clubs’ sites in order to fill in the calendar for any night that I might have the urge to get out and listen to some live music.
So without further ado, here are my live music recommendations for the (extended) weekend of Netroots Nation:
Wednesday 7/16
Continental Club: James McMurtry – The son of western novelist Larry McMurtry, James is a wonderful singer/songwriter in the classic storytelling tradition, with brilliant guitar playing and lyrics dripping with sadness, joy and, often, irony. Opener, Jon Dee Graham, is a local legend with a gravelly voice that is as suited to belting out Tom Waits covers as it is to his own original creations.
Thursday 7/17
Since this is the first formal night of the convention, and a time for serious schmoozing to ensue, it is perhaps fortunate that I didn’t find anything on a par with my recommendations for the other evenings, so if you are feeling anti-social and in need of some ear candy, here are the choices. You’re on your own!
Friday 7/18
Maggie Mae’s: DKos Party – What more can I say! Chubby Carrier will have the place jumping! Ladies who arrive with their Zydeco dancin’ shoes ready to move should be advised to look for me (Of course, some might say looking out for me is the more salient advice!)
Broken Spoke: Dale Watson – In case you don’t get in to Maggie Mae’s and you desperately need a "Plan B," you could do a lot worse than to cut a rug to the honky-tonk songs of another local legend (who’s also playing at the Continental Club if you are sticking around for Monday evening!)
Saturday 7/19
Threadgills (South): Austin Lounge Lizards – These guys serve up a mix of American styles (Bluegrass, Country, Folk) with a dramatic flair and featuring topical, insightful, lyrics that will probably end up covering a number of convention topics before the night is through.
Broken Spoke: The Derailers – A fine honky-tonk country band with enough crossover cred to play rock and alternative clubs. Last time I saw them, they opened for themselves while dressed, incognito, as a rock band.
Continental Club: Dave Gonzales & the Stone River Boys – This was supposed to be a Hacienda Brothers show, before one of the founding members, Chris Gaffney (best known for his work with Dave Alvin’s band) succumbed to cancer right before the tour. This is a benefit for Gaffney’s family, led by Gonzales, formerly of the rockabilly group, The Paladins. Definitely worth supporting, and Dave is an amazing guitar player who also happens to be one of music’s all-around nice guys!
Saxon Pub: W.C.Clark – This looks like one of the best blues shows in town, at a classic venue.
Sunday 7/20
Saxon Pub: The Resentments – This local supergroup, in various combinations, form a regular Sunday night residency. Featuring a who’s who list which includes former players with Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Marcia Ball, Poi Dog Pondering, and Cracker, as well as John Dee Graham (see Thursday 7/16)
As I said, I’m sure there are plenty more great shows that I missed. If you know of one of them, have at it in the comments!
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