Today is absolutely gorgeous outside. Blue skies, a few white puffy clouds and temps in the 70's. I'm working from home today and I keep taking my papers and planning materials out to the deck, occasionally popping inside to check my emails. This is the way to work!!
Tonight, I'm heading into Philadelphia to see the Lindsey Buckingham concert. Have never heard him solo, only with Fleetwood Mac. Friday, I'm heading back to the Philadelphia area to see one of my favorite "local" bands, Grey Eye Glances. I am looking forward to both concerts. Have to find something to fill my time now that Pete and Rachel are heading back to Europe.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
The Sun Has Finally Come Out
It's a beautiful day outside for a change. Yesterday was cool, overcast and intermittently rainy. Today is sunny, blue skies and very warm. Just came back from a brisk hour-long walk. My daughter is out playing soccer at a tournament and my son is out at the park with his girlfriend and other friends. Sitting here, I can hear the neighborhood children out playing and birds chirping.
Tuesday, I had to spend the day at SAP Headquarters in Newtown Square. With ok traffic, it is about an hour and a half from me. Unfortunately, there is seldom ok traffic in the morning - it is usually bumper to bumper for a fair number of miles adding on about a half hour. That day I left early and was making good time.
I wanted to stop at a convenience store and grab a soda, but kept passing stores instead of stopping. A few times I thought about turning around since most of the stores available to me were on the left hand side of the road. But I kept going and telling myself I would stop at the next one. This repeated several times, and then I stopped at a small store about 8 miles outside of Newtown Square. I thought to myself, why bother stopping now? They'll have coffee and drinks at the meeting. But I pulled into the parking lot and parked. As I got out of my car, a young man came up to me and said, "I've never done this before and I'm really embarassed, but could I ask you for $2 for gas so I can get to Newtown Square where I live? If you don't believe I need it for gas, you could go into the store with me and watch me pay for it or you could pay the store yourself." He looked like he was about 19.
I gave him the money and he thanked me. I followed him into the store and went to the cooler to get a soda. He met a guy he apparently hadn't seen for a few years at the counter. He told the guy that he was working at UPS and had just gotten his first paycheck that day, said he was living with his mom and dad since he came back from Iraq. While talking to his friend, he paid for his gas, thanked me again and went outside. When I heard he just came back from Iraq, I wanted to offer to fill his tank, but I didn't. He didn't mention to his friend that he had to bum money off me and I didn't want to embarass him. Guess I could have offered to do it and say it was a thank-you for being in Iraq but didn't think fast enough on my feet. When I got outside, he was gone.
Thursday night, I had a date after work. He was supposed to pick me up at 7:30 which would give me just enough time to get home, feed the kids and get ready. When I got to my car at the carpool dropoff point, I saw my tire was low. I headed back down the road to a Turkey Hill to put air in it. I tried putting air in it, but it seemed as if it was getting flatter rather than filling up. In principle, I know how to change a tire, but I've never done it in real life. So, since it was raining, I was dressed up, and I've paid for AAA for four years and never used it, I decided it was time to place that call. I called AAA and arranged for someone to come out to change my tire. I called my date and told him I would be late. Sweet guy that he is, he offered to come change it for me. It would have taken him a half hour to get to me so I just told him AAA was on their way. The tow truck driver came out within 45 minutes and changed my tire in less than five minutes. I had a nail in my tire. While he was there, a woman came up to me and asked if he was AAA. She said that her car broke down there earlier today but AAA refused to send someone out because she didn't know her exact location. That was a little surprising to me since we were at an intersection and it was easy to see the road signs. She had left her car there and gone home, coming back that night to call AAA a second time. Wonderfully for her, he was already there helping me and could tow her car for her.
I had a debate with someone a few weeks ago about my belief that things happen for a reason. He disagreed with me saying that life was chance or self-determination, that things didn't happen for a reason. That just because you think it was better that you went down one path instead of another, you really don't know because you didn't take that other path.
I could have very easily driven home on the low tire - I'd been putting air in it for a week and probably shouldn't have been driving on it as long as I did. It was unusual that I went to that side of the car to put my bags into the car - I usually go in the driver's side. My deciding to take care of the tire situation that day helped that woman out in taking care of her own car situation. When meeting that soldier who needed help, I passed many stores on my way and for one reason or another didn't stop until that particular store. Would he have asked his friend for money? I'm not sure - he didn't ask him for money to repay me - I think he was too embarassed.
I'm glad he came back home from Iraq apparently whole, at least physically.
Tuesday, I had to spend the day at SAP Headquarters in Newtown Square. With ok traffic, it is about an hour and a half from me. Unfortunately, there is seldom ok traffic in the morning - it is usually bumper to bumper for a fair number of miles adding on about a half hour. That day I left early and was making good time.
I wanted to stop at a convenience store and grab a soda, but kept passing stores instead of stopping. A few times I thought about turning around since most of the stores available to me were on the left hand side of the road. But I kept going and telling myself I would stop at the next one. This repeated several times, and then I stopped at a small store about 8 miles outside of Newtown Square. I thought to myself, why bother stopping now? They'll have coffee and drinks at the meeting. But I pulled into the parking lot and parked. As I got out of my car, a young man came up to me and said, "I've never done this before and I'm really embarassed, but could I ask you for $2 for gas so I can get to Newtown Square where I live? If you don't believe I need it for gas, you could go into the store with me and watch me pay for it or you could pay the store yourself." He looked like he was about 19.
I gave him the money and he thanked me. I followed him into the store and went to the cooler to get a soda. He met a guy he apparently hadn't seen for a few years at the counter. He told the guy that he was working at UPS and had just gotten his first paycheck that day, said he was living with his mom and dad since he came back from Iraq. While talking to his friend, he paid for his gas, thanked me again and went outside. When I heard he just came back from Iraq, I wanted to offer to fill his tank, but I didn't. He didn't mention to his friend that he had to bum money off me and I didn't want to embarass him. Guess I could have offered to do it and say it was a thank-you for being in Iraq but didn't think fast enough on my feet. When I got outside, he was gone.
Thursday night, I had a date after work. He was supposed to pick me up at 7:30 which would give me just enough time to get home, feed the kids and get ready. When I got to my car at the carpool dropoff point, I saw my tire was low. I headed back down the road to a Turkey Hill to put air in it. I tried putting air in it, but it seemed as if it was getting flatter rather than filling up. In principle, I know how to change a tire, but I've never done it in real life. So, since it was raining, I was dressed up, and I've paid for AAA for four years and never used it, I decided it was time to place that call. I called AAA and arranged for someone to come out to change my tire. I called my date and told him I would be late. Sweet guy that he is, he offered to come change it for me. It would have taken him a half hour to get to me so I just told him AAA was on their way. The tow truck driver came out within 45 minutes and changed my tire in less than five minutes. I had a nail in my tire. While he was there, a woman came up to me and asked if he was AAA. She said that her car broke down there earlier today but AAA refused to send someone out because she didn't know her exact location. That was a little surprising to me since we were at an intersection and it was easy to see the road signs. She had left her car there and gone home, coming back that night to call AAA a second time. Wonderfully for her, he was already there helping me and could tow her car for her.
I had a debate with someone a few weeks ago about my belief that things happen for a reason. He disagreed with me saying that life was chance or self-determination, that things didn't happen for a reason. That just because you think it was better that you went down one path instead of another, you really don't know because you didn't take that other path.
I could have very easily driven home on the low tire - I'd been putting air in it for a week and probably shouldn't have been driving on it as long as I did. It was unusual that I went to that side of the car to put my bags into the car - I usually go in the driver's side. My deciding to take care of the tire situation that day helped that woman out in taking care of her own car situation. When meeting that soldier who needed help, I passed many stores on my way and for one reason or another didn't stop until that particular store. Would he have asked his friend for money? I'm not sure - he didn't ask him for money to repay me - I think he was too embarassed.
I'm glad he came back home from Iraq apparently whole, at least physically.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
We Can't Make It Here
(James McMurtry sang this at the Rajiworld Party)
Vietnam Vet with a cardboard sign
Sitting there by the left turn line
Flag on the wheelchair flapping in the breeze
One leg missing, both hands free
No one's paying much mind to him
The V.A. budget's stretched so thin
And there's more comin' home from the Mideast war
We can't make it here anymore
That big ol' building was the textile mill
It fed our kids and it paid our bills
But they turned us out and they closed the doors
We can't make it here anymore
See all those pallets piled up on the loading dock
They're just gonna set there till they rot
'Cause there's nothing to ship, nothing to pack
Just busted concrete and rusted tracks
Empty storefronts around the square
There's a needle in the gutter and glass everywhere
You don't come down here 'less you're looking to score
We can't make it here anymore
The bar's still open but man it's slow
The tip jar's light and the register's low
The bartender don't have much to say
The regular crowd gets thinner each day
Some have maxed out all their credit cards
Some are working two jobs and living in cars
Minimum wage won't pay for a roof, won't pay for a drink
If you gotta have proof just try it yourself Mr. CEO
See how far 5.15 an hour will go
Take a part time job at one of your stores
Bet you can't make it here anymore
High school girl with a bourgeois dream
Just like the pictures in the magazine
She found on the floor of the laundromat
A woman with kids can forget all that
If she comes up pregnant what'll she do
Forget the career, forget about school
Can she live on faith? live on hope?
High on Jesus or hooked on dope
When it's way too late to just say no
You can't make it here anymore
Now I'm stocking shirts in the Wal-Mart store
Just like the ones we made before
'Cept this one came from Singapore
I guess we can't make it here anymore
Should I hate a people for the shade of their skin
Or the shape of their eyes or the shape I'm in
Should I hate 'em for having our jobs today
No I hate the men sent the jobs away
I can see them all now, they haunt my dreams
All lily white and squeaky clean
They've never known want, they'll never know need
Their sh@# don't stink and their kids won't bleed
Their kids won't bleed in the da$% little war
And we can't make it here anymore
Will work for food
Will die for oil
Will kill for power and to us the spoils
The billionaires get to pay less tax
The working poor get to fall through the cracks
Let 'em eat jellybeans let 'em eat cake
Let 'em eat sh$%, whatever it takes
They can join the Air Force, or join the Corps
If they can't make it here anymore
And that's how it is
That's what we got
If the president wants to admit it or not
You can read it in the paper
Read it on the wall
Hear it on the wind
If you're listening at all
Get out of that limo
Look us in the eye
Call us on the cell phone
Tell us all why
In Dayton, Ohio
Or Portland, Maine
Or a cotton gin out on the great high plains
That's done closed down along with the school
And the hospital and the swimming pool
Dust devils dance in the noonday heat
There's rats in the alley
And trash in the street
Gang graffiti on a boxcar door
We can't make it here anymore
Music and lyrics (c) 2004 by James McMurtry
http://www.jamesmcmurtry.com
Vietnam Vet with a cardboard sign
Sitting there by the left turn line
Flag on the wheelchair flapping in the breeze
One leg missing, both hands free
No one's paying much mind to him
The V.A. budget's stretched so thin
And there's more comin' home from the Mideast war
We can't make it here anymore
That big ol' building was the textile mill
It fed our kids and it paid our bills
But they turned us out and they closed the doors
We can't make it here anymore
See all those pallets piled up on the loading dock
They're just gonna set there till they rot
'Cause there's nothing to ship, nothing to pack
Just busted concrete and rusted tracks
Empty storefronts around the square
There's a needle in the gutter and glass everywhere
You don't come down here 'less you're looking to score
We can't make it here anymore
The bar's still open but man it's slow
The tip jar's light and the register's low
The bartender don't have much to say
The regular crowd gets thinner each day
Some have maxed out all their credit cards
Some are working two jobs and living in cars
Minimum wage won't pay for a roof, won't pay for a drink
If you gotta have proof just try it yourself Mr. CEO
See how far 5.15 an hour will go
Take a part time job at one of your stores
Bet you can't make it here anymore
High school girl with a bourgeois dream
Just like the pictures in the magazine
She found on the floor of the laundromat
A woman with kids can forget all that
If she comes up pregnant what'll she do
Forget the career, forget about school
Can she live on faith? live on hope?
High on Jesus or hooked on dope
When it's way too late to just say no
You can't make it here anymore
Now I'm stocking shirts in the Wal-Mart store
Just like the ones we made before
'Cept this one came from Singapore
I guess we can't make it here anymore
Should I hate a people for the shade of their skin
Or the shape of their eyes or the shape I'm in
Should I hate 'em for having our jobs today
No I hate the men sent the jobs away
I can see them all now, they haunt my dreams
All lily white and squeaky clean
They've never known want, they'll never know need
Their sh@# don't stink and their kids won't bleed
Their kids won't bleed in the da$% little war
And we can't make it here anymore
Will work for food
Will die for oil
Will kill for power and to us the spoils
The billionaires get to pay less tax
The working poor get to fall through the cracks
Let 'em eat jellybeans let 'em eat cake
Let 'em eat sh$%, whatever it takes
They can join the Air Force, or join the Corps
If they can't make it here anymore
And that's how it is
That's what we got
If the president wants to admit it or not
You can read it in the paper
Read it on the wall
Hear it on the wind
If you're listening at all
Get out of that limo
Look us in the eye
Call us on the cell phone
Tell us all why
In Dayton, Ohio
Or Portland, Maine
Or a cotton gin out on the great high plains
That's done closed down along with the school
And the hospital and the swimming pool
Dust devils dance in the noonday heat
There's rats in the alley
And trash in the street
Gang graffiti on a boxcar door
We can't make it here anymore
Music and lyrics (c) 2004 by James McMurtry
http://www.jamesmcmurtry.com
Monday, March 19, 2007
RajiWorld Blogger Party at SXSW
Attic sign marking our spot
Charlie, Ashley, Tana's husband and son
Colleen, Lynne, Susan
Michelle, Cathy
Burton and Colleen dancing
Mother Truckers - awesome sound - she has a fabulous blues sound and he can make a guitar wail like you've never heard before
Michael Des Barres
Ian McLagan and the Bump Band
Nakia - awesome blues singer - plays weekly in Austin
Burton
Tana and her son
Charlie and Ashley (Susan's son and girlfriend)
Doing the Texas Two-Step
Charlie, Ashley, Tana's husband and son
Colleen, Lynne, Susan
Michelle, Cathy
Burton and Colleen dancing
Mother Truckers - awesome sound - she has a fabulous blues sound and he can make a guitar wail like you've never heard before
Michael Des Barres
Ian McLagan and the Bump Band
Nakia - awesome blues singer - plays weekly in Austin
Burton
Tana and her son
Charlie and Ashley (Susan's son and girlfriend)
Doing the Texas Two-Step
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Attic Show
Waiting outside for the doors to open
June holding spaces at the front of the stage
Lauren at her usual concert spot - front center rail
Rachel
Alexi Murdoch
Martha Wainwright
Mika
Willie Mason's brother, his drummer
Joe Purdy plays piano
Pete Townshend
June holding spaces at the front of the stage
Lauren at her usual concert spot - front center rail
Rachel
Alexi Murdoch
Martha Wainwright
Mika
Willie Mason's brother, his drummer
Joe Purdy plays piano
Pete Townshend
Pictures from Muzak Party
Our Austin hostess, Susan (AustinGal)
Rachel at the intro
Rachel shining at the keyboards
Pete reclaims his guitarist spot
Bloggers enjoying the music
Rachel's guitarist, Joleon
Rachel at the intro
Rachel shining at the keyboards
Pete reclaims his guitarist spot
Bloggers enjoying the music
Rachel's guitarist, Joleon
Last Day of SXSW
How to describe SXSW? An Austin native told me before I came down that SXSW was like Spring Break for grown-ups. In a way, it was. But, it also seemed to be spring break for quite a few of the college students that were here as well. Walking down the streets of 6th Street became more difficult as the festival went on. Tonight was very crowded - almost like walking through the French Quarter at New Orleans albeit with cleaner streets. (You don't want to wear nice shoes walking through the French Quarter.) People jostle you constantly and you have to weave in and out of the oncoming crowds.
Police are out in full force, mostly standing and watching, some on horseback. The crowds are generally good-natured. And, the people watching has been entertaining. I had wondered what type of clothes to bring and I've seen everything from women wearing bra tops and skirts, a man wearing only a zebra-patterned thong, a bright green kelly corderoy suit (not on St. Paddy's Day), hot pink hair, and more mohawks than I could count. I thought the mohawk had gone out of style? And, of course, an occasional cowboy hat and lots of cowboy boots in various styles.
Overwhelmingly is the sound of music. It blares at you from every doorway, from people sitting outside on the street corners playing their own instruments for spare change, and I even saw a group of people playing the metal fence, the trashcan and clapping their hands outside the parking garage tonight. Every style of music imaginable can be found at SXSW.
Our last day started with the Blogger party at RajiWorld. It was a beautiful day with the temps in the 70s, a nice breeze and a few clouds so the sun was not in full force. Susan and her family had spread out a blanket for us under the trees. The strong scent of rosemary was in the air since the party was being held at a nursery. There was an outside stage with lots of space around for people to put their chairs and blankets. The first act was not that impressive, but they got better. We heard mostly solo acoustic guitar, but we also heard some great bands, including the Mother Truckers and Ian MacLagan and the Bump Band. Other performers, I really enjoyed, included nakia (awesome soul/blues) and Jameson McMurtrie - he did some great folk-type songs.
Bloggers who attended were Susan (AustinGal), ColleenM, Michelle (LifeImitatesArt), Burton, Tana, Lynne, and Brandi (JunebugTX). Some brought their families and their partners. We had a great time talking and learning more about each other. We also talked a lot about Pete and Rachel - how they've built a community, the obvious love and respect that they have for each other, the encouragement and support they give each other, and the future possibilities we see growing out of this partnership. The bloggers got their picture taken with Ian MacLagan who is such a nice guy. We enjoyed his show every time we saw it here in SXSW. He plays every week here in Austin and also performs outside of TX. He will be in NJ in the Fall. Check him out if he comes to your area.
After the Rajiworld party, Colleen, Burton, Michelle and I went out for Mexican food. Then back to SXSW where we caught Alexi Murdoch and then Eliza Gilykison. Michelle and Burton then took off and we listened to a little bit of Peter Case. His music was solo guitar and we wanted something with a little more energy. We went back to 6th Street and waited for a band to set up. Their sound check was a little scary - "Check 1, Check 2, SCREAM" As they were ready to start, their lead singer came on stage - white puffy strapless prom-type dress and she had long black hair - she gingerly comes on stage and then the music starts: loud, angry, and lots of screaming. We stayed for the first song and then headed out.
We would like SXSW to be longer and are sorry to be leaving tomorrow. But, we are already making plans to come back next year.
In addition to the music, we have made some new friends in Austin. Susan has been such a great hostess to us. Brandi and Tanya - it was so nice to meet them and to get to know them better. Michelle and Burton - we had a lot of fun hanging out with them and hearing their stories of Who concerts and being part of their Austin Attic show. Lauren - she was always on the move with a clear agenda of what she wanted to see and do at SXSW and she had the best tips on how to get to first row, center. June had some great tips on bands to see at SXSW. It's late so if I've forgotten anyone, I apologise. Lynne - although she was busy working for Ian MacLagan, we still managed to run into her and see her a little bit.
Again, Rachel has made a new community. We're all connected on the grid, but it is so nice to meet people in person and to really get to know them.
Police are out in full force, mostly standing and watching, some on horseback. The crowds are generally good-natured. And, the people watching has been entertaining. I had wondered what type of clothes to bring and I've seen everything from women wearing bra tops and skirts, a man wearing only a zebra-patterned thong, a bright green kelly corderoy suit (not on St. Paddy's Day), hot pink hair, and more mohawks than I could count. I thought the mohawk had gone out of style? And, of course, an occasional cowboy hat and lots of cowboy boots in various styles.
Overwhelmingly is the sound of music. It blares at you from every doorway, from people sitting outside on the street corners playing their own instruments for spare change, and I even saw a group of people playing the metal fence, the trashcan and clapping their hands outside the parking garage tonight. Every style of music imaginable can be found at SXSW.
Our last day started with the Blogger party at RajiWorld. It was a beautiful day with the temps in the 70s, a nice breeze and a few clouds so the sun was not in full force. Susan and her family had spread out a blanket for us under the trees. The strong scent of rosemary was in the air since the party was being held at a nursery. There was an outside stage with lots of space around for people to put their chairs and blankets. The first act was not that impressive, but they got better. We heard mostly solo acoustic guitar, but we also heard some great bands, including the Mother Truckers and Ian MacLagan and the Bump Band. Other performers, I really enjoyed, included nakia (awesome soul/blues) and Jameson McMurtrie - he did some great folk-type songs.
Bloggers who attended were Susan (AustinGal), ColleenM, Michelle (LifeImitatesArt), Burton, Tana, Lynne, and Brandi (JunebugTX). Some brought their families and their partners. We had a great time talking and learning more about each other. We also talked a lot about Pete and Rachel - how they've built a community, the obvious love and respect that they have for each other, the encouragement and support they give each other, and the future possibilities we see growing out of this partnership. The bloggers got their picture taken with Ian MacLagan who is such a nice guy. We enjoyed his show every time we saw it here in SXSW. He plays every week here in Austin and also performs outside of TX. He will be in NJ in the Fall. Check him out if he comes to your area.
After the Rajiworld party, Colleen, Burton, Michelle and I went out for Mexican food. Then back to SXSW where we caught Alexi Murdoch and then Eliza Gilykison. Michelle and Burton then took off and we listened to a little bit of Peter Case. His music was solo guitar and we wanted something with a little more energy. We went back to 6th Street and waited for a band to set up. Their sound check was a little scary - "Check 1, Check 2, SCREAM" As they were ready to start, their lead singer came on stage - white puffy strapless prom-type dress and she had long black hair - she gingerly comes on stage and then the music starts: loud, angry, and lots of screaming. We stayed for the first song and then headed out.
We would like SXSW to be longer and are sorry to be leaving tomorrow. But, we are already making plans to come back next year.
In addition to the music, we have made some new friends in Austin. Susan has been such a great hostess to us. Brandi and Tanya - it was so nice to meet them and to get to know them better. Michelle and Burton - we had a lot of fun hanging out with them and hearing their stories of Who concerts and being part of their Austin Attic show. Lauren - she was always on the move with a clear agenda of what she wanted to see and do at SXSW and she had the best tips on how to get to first row, center. June had some great tips on bands to see at SXSW. It's late so if I've forgotten anyone, I apologise. Lynne - although she was busy working for Ian MacLagan, we still managed to run into her and see her a little bit.
Again, Rachel has made a new community. We're all connected on the grid, but it is so nice to meet people in person and to really get to know them.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Day Three - SXSW
It's hard to believe that SXSW is almost over. Colleen and I have been having a blast!
Today, we had lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse and then headed over to the Convention Center. We walked through Flatstock - exhibits of music artists - very creative folks. I understand that Austin music poster artists created the greatest poster art anywhere in the country. Some famous Austin artists include Michael Priest, Jim Franklin, Harry Gonzales and Gilbert Shelton.
Then we went through the vendor exhibits. There is supposed to be a great music blog at http://club.kingsnake.com. Haven't checked it out yet, but the vendor gave a great sales job about it.
After checking out the convention center and making sure we knew where Rachel would be performing at her DirectTV show, we headed over to Brush Square Park to the Muzak Tent Party where Susan (AustinGal)had set up a table. She decorated the table with Who targets and In the Attic symbols. Other bloggers who joined us were Burton, June, JunebugTX, and Lauren. We had a great time getting to know each other. The weather had cooled off some, but was still nicer than what I hear the NorthEast was getting - we heard PA and NJ were getting inches of snow.
A funny thing happened as we were waiting for Rachel. We saw a line forming and at the front of the line was a young attractive guy who looked like he was a lead singer in a band. People at the front of the line were talking to him and it looked as if people were lined up to talk to him. I wondered who this guy was and Burton said he would ask. He got up and asked the people in line what they were waiting for. He came back and told me "His name is John." Everyone was waiting in line for the PortaPotties. Burton is a good man!
We had a good time waiting for Rachel to arrive. Sitting outside, listening to the other bands, both at our tent and at the tent next door, drinking beer and margaritas and getting to know each other better. Susan brought an "In the Attic" sign and we all signed it with a message to Rachel.
Also, while we were waiting, Sean and Joleon (Rachel's guitarist) were walking around looking for the rest of the crew. I had a nice conversation with the two of them. Joleon had played with Rachel back in 2004 and ran into her at the Reno Who concert and she invited him to play with her at SXSW. He was very sweet and nice to talk to.
Rachel arrived and we went into the tent to watch her. All the bloggers were in the front row. She looked beautiful (pictures to follow when I get home). She played many of the same songs she later played at DirectTV - Cigarettes & Housework, Pleasure Seeker, Sir Walter Raleigh, Blue and Sunrise. As she walked off stage, we handed her our signed Attic sign.
After the Muzak Tent Party, Colleen and I went over to a place called Bourbon Rocks. It was fairly empty but we saw a good band called LoneLady. Because the place was pretty empty, we had lots of room to dance. We walked to the Rio after that to meet AustinGal, but by the time we got there, she had already left for DirectTv and we got a call that the line was forming so we headed over there. We got to the Convention Center, got in line for about 15 minutes and then headed into the studio.
Rachel was charming and on target for the DirectTV show. At the last Joe's Pub show, she said she had been told that her piano playing was tentative that night. She was not tentative on DirectTV. Her piano skills were very evident as were her singing skills. I was really surprised that she played "It's a Motherfucker" but she said that the TV had cut away for that song and it would be played at a later time. Rachel invited Pete to join her for the Sunrise song and he explained that he wrote that song for his mother, the first song that he had ever written. Martha Wainwright and Pete also joined Rachel for one of Martha's songs. I enjoyed the three of them better than when Martha plays alone. Rachel's piano playing added quite a bit to the song and it definitely was not tentative!
Rachel explained at the DirectTV show that Pete had helped her overcome her stage fright about singing. And, Pete said that Rachel used special sign language to talk to old deaf rockers. They talked about how they wrote the In The Mix song for Pete's 59th birthday. They sang it together, with Rachel away from the piano singing and using "sign language" along with the song. For example, she tapped the inside of her elbow when saying he was her fix.
As we left the studio, we saw on the monitor that Rachel was being interviewed but we were not able to hear it. For some reason, they have big TVs outside the DirectTV studios, but there is no volume. People were sitting outside watching concerts they were unable to hear. Why, I don't know.
Burton, Colleen and I headed back to the clubs but because Burton did not have a badge, we were not able to get into the first club we tried. So instead, we went to a margarita place and sat out on the deck with margaritas. SXSW is a good place for music, but it is also a good place for people watching. Rachel - people need to listen to your Fashion Tips webcast!
After our rest and a margarita, Colleen and I headed back to Bourbon Rocks. We saw a great UK band, Ron Sexsmith. JunebugTX had told us to go see them and she was right. They had a great sound and I am going to look them up on iTunes. The next band was from Chicago and we were told they were a Beatles band. They looked like the Beatles, but in no way, did I think they sounded like the Beatles. Their name was The Redwalls and they were also very good. Colleen and I danced for two hours before the lights came on and we had to head home.
Blogger party tomorrow afternoon as well as a full slate of other bands and activities. But tomorrow is the last day for me as I go back home on Sunday. I think there are a few events Sunday night that I will miss but for the most part, SXSW ends tomorrow. Colleen and I are already making plans to come back next year.
Today, we had lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse and then headed over to the Convention Center. We walked through Flatstock - exhibits of music artists - very creative folks. I understand that Austin music poster artists created the greatest poster art anywhere in the country. Some famous Austin artists include Michael Priest, Jim Franklin, Harry Gonzales and Gilbert Shelton.
Then we went through the vendor exhibits. There is supposed to be a great music blog at http://club.kingsnake.com. Haven't checked it out yet, but the vendor gave a great sales job about it.
After checking out the convention center and making sure we knew where Rachel would be performing at her DirectTV show, we headed over to Brush Square Park to the Muzak Tent Party where Susan (AustinGal)had set up a table. She decorated the table with Who targets and In the Attic symbols. Other bloggers who joined us were Burton, June, JunebugTX, and Lauren. We had a great time getting to know each other. The weather had cooled off some, but was still nicer than what I hear the NorthEast was getting - we heard PA and NJ were getting inches of snow.
A funny thing happened as we were waiting for Rachel. We saw a line forming and at the front of the line was a young attractive guy who looked like he was a lead singer in a band. People at the front of the line were talking to him and it looked as if people were lined up to talk to him. I wondered who this guy was and Burton said he would ask. He got up and asked the people in line what they were waiting for. He came back and told me "His name is John." Everyone was waiting in line for the PortaPotties. Burton is a good man!
We had a good time waiting for Rachel to arrive. Sitting outside, listening to the other bands, both at our tent and at the tent next door, drinking beer and margaritas and getting to know each other better. Susan brought an "In the Attic" sign and we all signed it with a message to Rachel.
Also, while we were waiting, Sean and Joleon (Rachel's guitarist) were walking around looking for the rest of the crew. I had a nice conversation with the two of them. Joleon had played with Rachel back in 2004 and ran into her at the Reno Who concert and she invited him to play with her at SXSW. He was very sweet and nice to talk to.
Rachel arrived and we went into the tent to watch her. All the bloggers were in the front row. She looked beautiful (pictures to follow when I get home). She played many of the same songs she later played at DirectTV - Cigarettes & Housework, Pleasure Seeker, Sir Walter Raleigh, Blue and Sunrise. As she walked off stage, we handed her our signed Attic sign.
After the Muzak Tent Party, Colleen and I went over to a place called Bourbon Rocks. It was fairly empty but we saw a good band called LoneLady. Because the place was pretty empty, we had lots of room to dance. We walked to the Rio after that to meet AustinGal, but by the time we got there, she had already left for DirectTv and we got a call that the line was forming so we headed over there. We got to the Convention Center, got in line for about 15 minutes and then headed into the studio.
Rachel was charming and on target for the DirectTV show. At the last Joe's Pub show, she said she had been told that her piano playing was tentative that night. She was not tentative on DirectTV. Her piano skills were very evident as were her singing skills. I was really surprised that she played "It's a Motherfucker" but she said that the TV had cut away for that song and it would be played at a later time. Rachel invited Pete to join her for the Sunrise song and he explained that he wrote that song for his mother, the first song that he had ever written. Martha Wainwright and Pete also joined Rachel for one of Martha's songs. I enjoyed the three of them better than when Martha plays alone. Rachel's piano playing added quite a bit to the song and it definitely was not tentative!
Rachel explained at the DirectTV show that Pete had helped her overcome her stage fright about singing. And, Pete said that Rachel used special sign language to talk to old deaf rockers. They talked about how they wrote the In The Mix song for Pete's 59th birthday. They sang it together, with Rachel away from the piano singing and using "sign language" along with the song. For example, she tapped the inside of her elbow when saying he was her fix.
As we left the studio, we saw on the monitor that Rachel was being interviewed but we were not able to hear it. For some reason, they have big TVs outside the DirectTV studios, but there is no volume. People were sitting outside watching concerts they were unable to hear. Why, I don't know.
Burton, Colleen and I headed back to the clubs but because Burton did not have a badge, we were not able to get into the first club we tried. So instead, we went to a margarita place and sat out on the deck with margaritas. SXSW is a good place for music, but it is also a good place for people watching. Rachel - people need to listen to your Fashion Tips webcast!
After our rest and a margarita, Colleen and I headed back to Bourbon Rocks. We saw a great UK band, Ron Sexsmith. JunebugTX had told us to go see them and she was right. They had a great sound and I am going to look them up on iTunes. The next band was from Chicago and we were told they were a Beatles band. They looked like the Beatles, but in no way, did I think they sounded like the Beatles. Their name was The Redwalls and they were also very good. Colleen and I danced for two hours before the lights came on and we had to head home.
Blogger party tomorrow afternoon as well as a full slate of other bands and activities. But tomorrow is the last day for me as I go back home on Sunday. I think there are a few events Sunday night that I will miss but for the most part, SXSW ends tomorrow. Colleen and I are already making plans to come back next year.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Day Two - SXSW
Colleen and I headed back into Austin between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Once there, we found a great little Irish Pub, Fodo, for lunch. At the restaurant, there was a singer/guitarist named Frank Turner who was pretty good. We ate outside on a small patio enjoying the sunshine and the warm Austin weather. Yesterday had been overcast and rainy. Today is supposed to be the warmest day of the week. We heard it was snowing or supposed to snow in PA and NJ even though yesterday it had been 75 in PA.
After lunch, we walked down to the Attic site. It was about 4:00 p.m. and there were two other bloggers already waiting, Michelle and Burton. They did not have badges or wristbands, but were hoping for a general admission ticket. We went around to the other door to start forming the line. It was a warm day standing in the sun and the guys came to start setting up the crowd control barriers. While they had the gate open, we took the chance to move into the patio area and get out of the sun. It felt much nicer under the shade! Burton was kind enough to go get some waters for Colleen, Michelle and me.
Lauren and June arrived shortly thereafter and more people started drifing in. Lauren took charge of the situation and was directing people where to stand in the different lines. The manager kicked us back out into the sun and the lines got longer. We had a line for badge holders, a line for wristbands and a line for General Admission. As the time got closer to 5:30, the lines got longer but everyone was fairly organized and pleasant.
At 5:30, they opened the doors and started letting us in. We went right to the rail by the front of the stage and sat down on the floor leaving space enough for Michelle, Burton and one other gentleman who did not have badges. As Lauren will tell you, and she told us several times, you need to sit down and spread out to reserve enough space around you so you are not crushed up against the rail and have room for the others to join us later.
Our spots were ideal for the show even with the numerous photographers in the pit in front of us. I won't get the order right because it is too late, but Pete started the show off with a song. He was in a good mood and was cracking many jokes and clowning around. Willie Mason's band was excellent although we swear that his drummer was about 10 years old. His drum set even looked like a starter drum set for a child. Willie, himself, didn't look like he had started shaving yet, and their violinist looked about 16. But they didn't play like teenagers - they were very good. I had not heard them before.
Joe Purdy played and it wasn't until his last song when he had Pete and Willie Mason and band join him, that I saw the Joe Purdy I saw the night before. When Joe played solo, he stood still and was very laidback. When he had others on stage with him, he was doing a two-step and really got into it. He seems to feed off the energy of others on stage.
Mika was introduced by Rachel as a number one artist in the UK. His style was very different. I could see his songs being used for commercials and other jingles, and I liked it but I don't think I would buy his album or listen to his music on a regular basis. He was funny and comical on stage, and used his voice as a comedic tool.
Alexi Murdoch played and he was also good. I love his song, Orange Sky. The song he chose for his finale was a mournful song. He is also a solo artist and as I see more and more bands at SXSW, I've been really noticing how the band members feed off of each other's energy. It is unusual for a solo performer to get the energy up and to pull the audience in to that sense of excitement.
Martha Wainwright did not wear the horse pajamas this time. She wore a short dress that showed off her beautiful legs. Rachel had been joking about how she did the Attic shows so she could kiss all these young men, and when she introduced Martha, she said she also liked the girls. When Martha came on stage and kissed Rachel hello, she grabbed her ass. Martha played great as usual.
Rachel also played and sang well - she replaced her normal guitarist, Pete, with a new young guitarist, I'm not sure what his name was, but it sounded like Joelin. Rachel played It's a Motherfucker, Walter Raleigh, Blue, and Pleasure Seeker.
Pete played In the Ether and Can't Reach You, but his set was cut short because they ran out of time. He performed with each of the artists as did Rachel.
After the Attic show, we headed over to see the rest of Ian McLagan and the Bump Band's set. Again as yesterday, they did a great show. The club was packed but we pushed our way forward to the front of the stage. Lynne was there and we got a chance to say hello to her.
From there we went to another club and saw the end of the Hacienda Brothers, definitely a country band. I haven't seen anyone play the accordian in real life, only in movies or tv. We then saw the Mother Truckers and let me tell you, that guitarist made his guitar wail like I've seldom seen before. I had heard they were good but had never seen them before. I'd like to see them again. Speaking of a band feeding energy to each other, this band was rocking and having a blast with each other.
We tried to go see the Frattellis after that, but ended up going down to West 6th St instead of East 6th St, and then ran into a new friend. By then, their set would have been over.
It was a long night, but extremely fun. I did take pictures but unfortunately did not pack my cable connection so cannot download them from my camera. I will post them when I get home.
More to come tomorrow. My feet hurt :-(
After lunch, we walked down to the Attic site. It was about 4:00 p.m. and there were two other bloggers already waiting, Michelle and Burton. They did not have badges or wristbands, but were hoping for a general admission ticket. We went around to the other door to start forming the line. It was a warm day standing in the sun and the guys came to start setting up the crowd control barriers. While they had the gate open, we took the chance to move into the patio area and get out of the sun. It felt much nicer under the shade! Burton was kind enough to go get some waters for Colleen, Michelle and me.
Lauren and June arrived shortly thereafter and more people started drifing in. Lauren took charge of the situation and was directing people where to stand in the different lines. The manager kicked us back out into the sun and the lines got longer. We had a line for badge holders, a line for wristbands and a line for General Admission. As the time got closer to 5:30, the lines got longer but everyone was fairly organized and pleasant.
At 5:30, they opened the doors and started letting us in. We went right to the rail by the front of the stage and sat down on the floor leaving space enough for Michelle, Burton and one other gentleman who did not have badges. As Lauren will tell you, and she told us several times, you need to sit down and spread out to reserve enough space around you so you are not crushed up against the rail and have room for the others to join us later.
Our spots were ideal for the show even with the numerous photographers in the pit in front of us. I won't get the order right because it is too late, but Pete started the show off with a song. He was in a good mood and was cracking many jokes and clowning around. Willie Mason's band was excellent although we swear that his drummer was about 10 years old. His drum set even looked like a starter drum set for a child. Willie, himself, didn't look like he had started shaving yet, and their violinist looked about 16. But they didn't play like teenagers - they were very good. I had not heard them before.
Joe Purdy played and it wasn't until his last song when he had Pete and Willie Mason and band join him, that I saw the Joe Purdy I saw the night before. When Joe played solo, he stood still and was very laidback. When he had others on stage with him, he was doing a two-step and really got into it. He seems to feed off the energy of others on stage.
Mika was introduced by Rachel as a number one artist in the UK. His style was very different. I could see his songs being used for commercials and other jingles, and I liked it but I don't think I would buy his album or listen to his music on a regular basis. He was funny and comical on stage, and used his voice as a comedic tool.
Alexi Murdoch played and he was also good. I love his song, Orange Sky. The song he chose for his finale was a mournful song. He is also a solo artist and as I see more and more bands at SXSW, I've been really noticing how the band members feed off of each other's energy. It is unusual for a solo performer to get the energy up and to pull the audience in to that sense of excitement.
Martha Wainwright did not wear the horse pajamas this time. She wore a short dress that showed off her beautiful legs. Rachel had been joking about how she did the Attic shows so she could kiss all these young men, and when she introduced Martha, she said she also liked the girls. When Martha came on stage and kissed Rachel hello, she grabbed her ass. Martha played great as usual.
Rachel also played and sang well - she replaced her normal guitarist, Pete, with a new young guitarist, I'm not sure what his name was, but it sounded like Joelin. Rachel played It's a Motherfucker, Walter Raleigh, Blue, and Pleasure Seeker.
Pete played In the Ether and Can't Reach You, but his set was cut short because they ran out of time. He performed with each of the artists as did Rachel.
After the Attic show, we headed over to see the rest of Ian McLagan and the Bump Band's set. Again as yesterday, they did a great show. The club was packed but we pushed our way forward to the front of the stage. Lynne was there and we got a chance to say hello to her.
From there we went to another club and saw the end of the Hacienda Brothers, definitely a country band. I haven't seen anyone play the accordian in real life, only in movies or tv. We then saw the Mother Truckers and let me tell you, that guitarist made his guitar wail like I've seldom seen before. I had heard they were good but had never seen them before. I'd like to see them again. Speaking of a band feeding energy to each other, this band was rocking and having a blast with each other.
We tried to go see the Frattellis after that, but ended up going down to West 6th St instead of East 6th St, and then ran into a new friend. By then, their set would have been over.
It was a long night, but extremely fun. I did take pictures but unfortunately did not pack my cable connection so cannot download them from my camera. I will post them when I get home.
More to come tomorrow. My feet hurt :-(
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Day One - SXSW
I got up at 3:00 am this morning (actually, yesterday morning) to finish packing and head off to BWI to catch a flight to Houston and then to Austin, TX for SXSW. Trip to the airport went well. Security, even at that hour, was a little backed up and I have to say they were not so thorough in their screenings. Get on the plane on time and everyone is ready to go. The pilot, however, announces that we have to wait because they forgot to put fuel in the plane. Since I have a very short layover, 45 minutes, in Houston, I'm a little concerned about this delay. Thirty minutes pass before we take off and get on our way to Houston. Somehow, we still manage to land in Houston 15 minutes before we were supposed to arrive. My connecting flight is on the other side of the airport so I make my trek over to that gate where we should already have been boarding. It is another 15 minutes before we begin boarding what will be a very full flight. Lots of guitars and other musical equipment are carried on board the plane and it is obvious, we are heading to SXSW.
The pilot for the Austin flight announces that we are going to have a very bumpy ride and that we are to keep our seatbelts on and that the flight crew will not be serving drinks due to the expected turbulence. The flight to Houston had been bumpy near the end. However, we have a very smooth flight and no turbulence at all.
I meet Colleen at the hotel and we head off to AustinGal's parking garage where she has thoughtfully provided a parking space for us. She gave us maps and showed us around the general area. We head off to the Convention Center to register thinking it will be quick and we can head back to the hotel and get ready for Pete's keynote address. Over an hour later, we finally get our badges and can head back to the hotel. Took us longer than expected because traffic was heavy and we unfortunately got off at the wrong exit and circled around for awhile. We arrived back at the Hilton at 6:00 p.m. with the keynote to start at 6:30. We had feared crowds that would prevent us from seeing Pete's talk, but we were able to get seats in the 8th row. The Ballroom filled up by 6:30 so Pete had a full house.
As Sully posted, Pete talked about the differences in the band's interactions based on the different personalities; his realization one day when he heard the Who's music on the local radio station that he was not an artist anymore, but rather was a something he couldn't describe, (a celebrity, a persona, a performer, ...); his early vision of The Method and his long wait for it to be realized; his new joy at performing live at small venues like the Attic shows - to have the freedom to play as he wants, not how others want him to play. It was a wonderful exchange between Pete and his "interviewer".
We hadn't really planned on it, but Colleen and I then went to the Music Awards. We were so happy later that we did, because there were some awesome performers at the Awards, including Pete who did a surprise appearance with Ian McLagan and the Bump Band. I say surprise, but there were lots of rumors flying around the room that Pete was going to play with Ian. When we saw Alan setting up his guitar on stage, we knew the rumors were true. They obviously enjoyed themselves during their performance and as Pete described in his Keynote, they were in the Zone.
After the awards ceremony/show, Colleen and I went to see Joe Purdy. He and his band, particularly Brian Wright (guitar/singer) and Albert (keyboards) were also in the Zone. Joe appears somewhat laidback and more quiet in the Attic shows. With his band, he is all over the stage and very alive. I had bought his album after seeing him at the Attic show, but this was a new Joe Purdy that we experienced. He and Brian had a tremendous amount of fun in their set and played off each other's energy.
After Joe's band, we saw Ari Hest who has a small band, but tonight played by himself. I have never heard him before but I was very impressed. He would make a great Attic performer! He has a new album coming out in May and is from NYC. I would recommend all of you checking him out.
It is after 1:00 am and the music is still going on at SXSW, but we decided to come home and post quickly before crashing. More to come over the next few days.
One thing I do want to mention is that Susan (AustinGal) told us that the Grid that Pete talks about is not only between Pete/Rachel and their fans, but the Grid connects the fans to each other. I have met a lot of great people through the Attic and she's right. We are all connected to each other, even though we may not have met each other in person.
The pilot for the Austin flight announces that we are going to have a very bumpy ride and that we are to keep our seatbelts on and that the flight crew will not be serving drinks due to the expected turbulence. The flight to Houston had been bumpy near the end. However, we have a very smooth flight and no turbulence at all.
I meet Colleen at the hotel and we head off to AustinGal's parking garage where she has thoughtfully provided a parking space for us. She gave us maps and showed us around the general area. We head off to the Convention Center to register thinking it will be quick and we can head back to the hotel and get ready for Pete's keynote address. Over an hour later, we finally get our badges and can head back to the hotel. Took us longer than expected because traffic was heavy and we unfortunately got off at the wrong exit and circled around for awhile. We arrived back at the Hilton at 6:00 p.m. with the keynote to start at 6:30. We had feared crowds that would prevent us from seeing Pete's talk, but we were able to get seats in the 8th row. The Ballroom filled up by 6:30 so Pete had a full house.
As Sully posted, Pete talked about the differences in the band's interactions based on the different personalities; his realization one day when he heard the Who's music on the local radio station that he was not an artist anymore, but rather was a something he couldn't describe, (a celebrity, a persona, a performer, ...); his early vision of The Method and his long wait for it to be realized; his new joy at performing live at small venues like the Attic shows - to have the freedom to play as he wants, not how others want him to play. It was a wonderful exchange between Pete and his "interviewer".
We hadn't really planned on it, but Colleen and I then went to the Music Awards. We were so happy later that we did, because there were some awesome performers at the Awards, including Pete who did a surprise appearance with Ian McLagan and the Bump Band. I say surprise, but there were lots of rumors flying around the room that Pete was going to play with Ian. When we saw Alan setting up his guitar on stage, we knew the rumors were true. They obviously enjoyed themselves during their performance and as Pete described in his Keynote, they were in the Zone.
After the awards ceremony/show, Colleen and I went to see Joe Purdy. He and his band, particularly Brian Wright (guitar/singer) and Albert (keyboards) were also in the Zone. Joe appears somewhat laidback and more quiet in the Attic shows. With his band, he is all over the stage and very alive. I had bought his album after seeing him at the Attic show, but this was a new Joe Purdy that we experienced. He and Brian had a tremendous amount of fun in their set and played off each other's energy.
After Joe's band, we saw Ari Hest who has a small band, but tonight played by himself. I have never heard him before but I was very impressed. He would make a great Attic performer! He has a new album coming out in May and is from NYC. I would recommend all of you checking him out.
It is after 1:00 am and the music is still going on at SXSW, but we decided to come home and post quickly before crashing. More to come over the next few days.
One thing I do want to mention is that Susan (AustinGal) told us that the Grid that Pete talks about is not only between Pete/Rachel and their fans, but the Grid connects the fans to each other. I have met a lot of great people through the Attic and she's right. We are all connected to each other, even though we may not have met each other in person.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Rachel Fuller Events at SXSW
Rachel Fuller w/Special Guests - *BADGES/WRISTBANDS ONLY* - (and Gen. Pub. if ANY room is left over.) - Thursday, March 15th, 6:00 pm. La Zona Rosa - 612 W. 4th Street Austin, TX
MUZAK North by Tent Party w/Rachel Fuller - Friday, March 16th, 5:00 pm - Brush Square Park, 5th St. @ Neches - Free margaritas & taco bar - bring a blanket and sit on the grass! Also featuring The Alternate Routes, The Hot IQs, Scott McCurry, Andy Zipf, and Sarah Marince. This is an RSVP event -- go to www.muzak.com/sxsw and email a "RSVP".
Rachel Fuller @ SXSW Live - Friday, March 16th, 10:00 pm - Lone Start Lounge area at Austin Convention Center. *COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL FESTIVAL ATTENDEES AND GENERAL PUBLIC - SPACE PERMITTING* - (which means line up early). These 40-minute performances are being filmed for broadcast on DirectTV - so check your local listings!!
MUZAK North by Tent Party w/Rachel Fuller - Friday, March 16th, 5:00 pm - Brush Square Park, 5th St. @ Neches - Free margaritas & taco bar - bring a blanket and sit on the grass! Also featuring The Alternate Routes, The Hot IQs, Scott McCurry, Andy Zipf, and Sarah Marince. This is an RSVP event -- go to www.muzak.com/sxsw and email a "RSVP".
Rachel Fuller @ SXSW Live - Friday, March 16th, 10:00 pm - Lone Start Lounge area at Austin Convention Center. *COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL FESTIVAL ATTENDEES AND GENERAL PUBLIC - SPACE PERMITTING* - (which means line up early). These 40-minute performances are being filmed for broadcast on DirectTV - so check your local listings!!
Ian McLagan Events at SXSW
Wednesday, March 14 - Austin Music Awards (7:55pm)
Austin Convention Center
Thursday, March 15 - Lucky Lounge (8pm) - FREE!
Four guys walk into a bar... Join us for 'Happy Hour' with the Bump Band.
*NOTE: Special late set for SXSW week only from 8-10pm.
Thursday, March 15 - Whiskey Bar (1am)
Official SXSW/Rajiworld showcase
Friday, March 16 - SXSW Trade Show Events
Austin Convention Center, Trade Show & Exhibition
South By Bookstore signing with Ian McLagan (2pm)
Mac will be meetin', greetin' and signin' copies of his highly acclaimed CD, Spiritual Boy, An Appreciation of Ronnie Lane and his rock 'n' roll biography, All The Rage. Don't miss out!
Hosted by Barnes & Noble.
Studio SX featuring an interview with Ian McLagan (3:30pm)
Studio SX is located at the northeast corner of the Music Trade Show & Exhibition.
Visit SXSW.com for more details.
Saturday, March 17 - Big Red Sun (Bumps 8pm)
Rajiworld +1 party (3-9 pm)
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us! Featuring performances by Adam Carroll, A.J. Croce, Billy Harvey, Hacienda Brothers, Jeff Hughes & Chaparral, The Mother Truckers, Nakia, Miss. Pamela Des Barres, Skyrocket featuring Kathy Valentine, and our very own Ian McLagan & the Bump Band. Come on down!
Austin Convention Center
Thursday, March 15 - Lucky Lounge (8pm) - FREE!
Four guys walk into a bar... Join us for 'Happy Hour' with the Bump Band.
*NOTE: Special late set for SXSW week only from 8-10pm.
Thursday, March 15 - Whiskey Bar (1am)
Official SXSW/Rajiworld showcase
Friday, March 16 - SXSW Trade Show Events
Austin Convention Center, Trade Show & Exhibition
South By Bookstore signing with Ian McLagan (2pm)
Mac will be meetin', greetin' and signin' copies of his highly acclaimed CD, Spiritual Boy, An Appreciation of Ronnie Lane and his rock 'n' roll biography, All The Rage. Don't miss out!
Hosted by Barnes & Noble.
Studio SX featuring an interview with Ian McLagan (3:30pm)
Studio SX is located at the northeast corner of the Music Trade Show & Exhibition.
Visit SXSW.com for more details.
Saturday, March 17 - Big Red Sun (Bumps 8pm)
Rajiworld +1 party (3-9 pm)
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us! Featuring performances by Adam Carroll, A.J. Croce, Billy Harvey, Hacienda Brothers, Jeff Hughes & Chaparral, The Mother Truckers, Nakia, Miss. Pamela Des Barres, Skyrocket featuring Kathy Valentine, and our very own Ian McLagan & the Bump Band. Come on down!
Yee-Haw - - Blogger Party at SXSW
Bloggers in or near Austin, TX on March 17:
We are meeting at the Rajiworld party on Saturday, March 17, from 3-9 p.m. AustinGal will mark our spot with a flag with an Attic symbol(s) on it. Look for us near the stage. Party is open to all, regardless of whether you are a conference registrant or not. $10 donation requested at the door to benefit GenAustin.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Breakfast, Anyone?
Last night, I took my son and five of his friends to our church for Open Gym Night. He won the prize for bringing the most friends. We are trying to grow our Youth Group back up to where it used to be in the past. (Another story sometime is how our church imploded on itself a few years back and we lost half our membership and our pastors in a theological split.)
Anyway, the kids had a great time playing basketball, eating snacks and listening to Christian rock. Don't think they paid much attention to the music, but our eventual plans are to have some praise worship mixed in with the Open Gym.
Two of his five friends slept over and this morning, very early for them since they were up all night, I dragged them out of their sleeping bags to go serve breakfast to the homeless. His two friends had not gone before and I learned afterwards by listening to their comments, they had been worried about going. Luckily my kids and their friends do not censor their comments (well, I'm sure they do), but they seem to talk about everything in front of me and I can learn a lot by quietly listening to their conversations.
We ran by McDonalds for a quick breakfast before heading to the church we serve breakfast at, not our church, but a downtown church. The boys set up the tables and put supplies out while the adults cooked sausage, pancakes and scrambled eggs. We scrambled 36 dozen eggs and cooked over 500 sausage links and everything was set up and ready to start serving in 45 minutes. The line for breakfast starts forming by 8:00 am and we have the doors open by 9:00, but we open early if we are ready.
The boys rotated between three stations: handing out trays to the people as they entered the serving line; serving orange juice; and serving sausage. I had pancake duty.
People are so appreciative and thankful for the breakfast. Not all are homeless, but most seem to be. Others, I think, are trying to stretch their grocery dollars. There are some children present, but the majority are adults and of the adults, most are male. A few have obvious handicaps, but most seem able-bodied. They wait patiently in line for breakfast, sit at crowded tables we have set up in a small all-purpose room in the basement of the church, and eat in a slightly smoky haze that develops from the kitchen's inadequate ventilation system. Many of them return for seconds and even thirds. One told me this morning that he hadn't eaten for quite a while and was very happy to get breakfast that morning.
Ages seem to range from late teens/early 20's to older people in their 60s. All smile while in line and thank us profusely for their food and for our service. One little boy, who was probably my son's age, came up for his third serving. He spoke very quietly, so quietly, I had to lean over close to hear him and even then it was difficult.
'My' boys, as we left the church, spoke about how amazed they were at how nice the homeless were to them. I think they had been expecting strange scarey people who would be far different than themselves. They had lots of questions for me afterwards about how you eat when you are homeless? how do you sleep? where do you stay? how do you keep warm?
They had fun and felt useful at the same time. I think it was a good learning experience for them and for me even though I've done it before.
Anyway, the kids had a great time playing basketball, eating snacks and listening to Christian rock. Don't think they paid much attention to the music, but our eventual plans are to have some praise worship mixed in with the Open Gym.
Two of his five friends slept over and this morning, very early for them since they were up all night, I dragged them out of their sleeping bags to go serve breakfast to the homeless. His two friends had not gone before and I learned afterwards by listening to their comments, they had been worried about going. Luckily my kids and their friends do not censor their comments (well, I'm sure they do), but they seem to talk about everything in front of me and I can learn a lot by quietly listening to their conversations.
We ran by McDonalds for a quick breakfast before heading to the church we serve breakfast at, not our church, but a downtown church. The boys set up the tables and put supplies out while the adults cooked sausage, pancakes and scrambled eggs. We scrambled 36 dozen eggs and cooked over 500 sausage links and everything was set up and ready to start serving in 45 minutes. The line for breakfast starts forming by 8:00 am and we have the doors open by 9:00, but we open early if we are ready.
The boys rotated between three stations: handing out trays to the people as they entered the serving line; serving orange juice; and serving sausage. I had pancake duty.
People are so appreciative and thankful for the breakfast. Not all are homeless, but most seem to be. Others, I think, are trying to stretch their grocery dollars. There are some children present, but the majority are adults and of the adults, most are male. A few have obvious handicaps, but most seem able-bodied. They wait patiently in line for breakfast, sit at crowded tables we have set up in a small all-purpose room in the basement of the church, and eat in a slightly smoky haze that develops from the kitchen's inadequate ventilation system. Many of them return for seconds and even thirds. One told me this morning that he hadn't eaten for quite a while and was very happy to get breakfast that morning.
Ages seem to range from late teens/early 20's to older people in their 60s. All smile while in line and thank us profusely for their food and for our service. One little boy, who was probably my son's age, came up for his third serving. He spoke very quietly, so quietly, I had to lean over close to hear him and even then it was difficult.
'My' boys, as we left the church, spoke about how amazed they were at how nice the homeless were to them. I think they had been expecting strange scarey people who would be far different than themselves. They had lots of questions for me afterwards about how you eat when you are homeless? how do you sleep? where do you stay? how do you keep warm?
They had fun and felt useful at the same time. I think it was a good learning experience for them and for me even though I've done it before.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Acts of Kindness
Busy day yesterday and things did not quite work out as I had planned. Isn't that how it usually goes?
I started the morning with my son's play-off basketball game. It did not go well. His team was keeping even with the other team, but the refs seemed to be playing for the other team. No fouls, even blatent fouls, by the other team were called. One of our coaches got yelled at by the other league's coordinator and one of our spectators was told to leave the gym. Testosterone was flowing in full force, but all calmed down. We lost, but our boys felt they had played well and they had played honestly.
After the game, I had told my son that before his friends could come over, I needed to do some errands. I dropped him off at the house quick so I could make one stop. As I was coming back, I saw one of his friends going into the house. That's not allowed for starters - having friends over when I'm not home. As soon as I got inside, he had arranged for another friend to come over. "But, Mom, I didn't know that's what you said that I had to wait until later..."
My daughter then arrived home and was able to watch the boys for me. My house is usually full of 11-year old boys on the weekends. I generally don't mind since I work too many hours during the week to host them here then. I ran out to start my errands. Shortly there after I got a phone call from home saying I needed to come back home. My son had a 3-inch splinter in his hand. I thought my daughter was exaggerating, but no, it was a 3" splinter - biggest splinter I had ever seen. I should have taken a picture of it. I could not get it out and I knew even if I got part of it out, that part would still be left in his hand.
Act of Kindness:
I called my doctor but he was not on call. He had a referring doctor covering his calls. I was picturing about 5 hours sitting in the ER waiting to be seen. But, this doctor opened her office for me to bring him in. She was so nice and helpful. My son was worried about how they were going to take this chunk of wood out of his hand, but she made it very easy for him. Still took about 3 hours, all said and done, since I had to take his friends home and drive 30 minutes to her office.
Act of Kindness:
After he got home, he went off to show his war wound to his friends. I went outside to try and chip ice off one of my sidewalks. I was not making much headway when my neighbor came out and offered me the use of an ice chipper. I had been using a flat metal shovel. His tool made things much easier even though I did not get it all off. I did make a path at least for people to get through. I have blisters on my hands though!
Act of Kindness:
I've been exchanging emails with two fellow Who fan/bloggers about the SXSW festival. One who lives in Austin has offered Colleen and I so much hospitality and advance information, it is overwhelming! Both have gone out of their way to give us inside information and to help us prepare for what is going to be an awesome time in Austin. We are so looking forward to it. Susan has offered us help with parking, to show us the city and to introduce us to some historical music figures in Austin. The best way to see a city is with someone who lives there! We have never met and she has gone out of her way to help us out.
It's snowing again. I was out on the deck with my dog Britney watching the heavy snow thinking about all the acts of kindness I've seen or been part of in the last few days. Bloggers holding vigil for Hotel Cafe tickets even if there was no chance of their attendance - they were looking out for each other. Neighbors helping each other. A sister looking out for her younger brother, comforting him and calming him and his friends down. A doctor opening her office on a beautiful Saturday afternoon so I didn't have to go to an emergency room. Coaches who spend their free time teaching young boys and girls the art of sportsmenship. My son who went out willingly and tried to shovel some of the ice off the sidewalk. Too many more to talk about here. We all make a difference in each other's lives.
I started the morning with my son's play-off basketball game. It did not go well. His team was keeping even with the other team, but the refs seemed to be playing for the other team. No fouls, even blatent fouls, by the other team were called. One of our coaches got yelled at by the other league's coordinator and one of our spectators was told to leave the gym. Testosterone was flowing in full force, but all calmed down. We lost, but our boys felt they had played well and they had played honestly.
After the game, I had told my son that before his friends could come over, I needed to do some errands. I dropped him off at the house quick so I could make one stop. As I was coming back, I saw one of his friends going into the house. That's not allowed for starters - having friends over when I'm not home. As soon as I got inside, he had arranged for another friend to come over. "But, Mom, I didn't know that's what you said that I had to wait until later..."
My daughter then arrived home and was able to watch the boys for me. My house is usually full of 11-year old boys on the weekends. I generally don't mind since I work too many hours during the week to host them here then. I ran out to start my errands. Shortly there after I got a phone call from home saying I needed to come back home. My son had a 3-inch splinter in his hand. I thought my daughter was exaggerating, but no, it was a 3" splinter - biggest splinter I had ever seen. I should have taken a picture of it. I could not get it out and I knew even if I got part of it out, that part would still be left in his hand.
Act of Kindness:
I called my doctor but he was not on call. He had a referring doctor covering his calls. I was picturing about 5 hours sitting in the ER waiting to be seen. But, this doctor opened her office for me to bring him in. She was so nice and helpful. My son was worried about how they were going to take this chunk of wood out of his hand, but she made it very easy for him. Still took about 3 hours, all said and done, since I had to take his friends home and drive 30 minutes to her office.
Act of Kindness:
After he got home, he went off to show his war wound to his friends. I went outside to try and chip ice off one of my sidewalks. I was not making much headway when my neighbor came out and offered me the use of an ice chipper. I had been using a flat metal shovel. His tool made things much easier even though I did not get it all off. I did make a path at least for people to get through. I have blisters on my hands though!
Act of Kindness:
I've been exchanging emails with two fellow Who fan/bloggers about the SXSW festival. One who lives in Austin has offered Colleen and I so much hospitality and advance information, it is overwhelming! Both have gone out of their way to give us inside information and to help us prepare for what is going to be an awesome time in Austin. We are so looking forward to it. Susan has offered us help with parking, to show us the city and to introduce us to some historical music figures in Austin. The best way to see a city is with someone who lives there! We have never met and she has gone out of her way to help us out.
It's snowing again. I was out on the deck with my dog Britney watching the heavy snow thinking about all the acts of kindness I've seen or been part of in the last few days. Bloggers holding vigil for Hotel Cafe tickets even if there was no chance of their attendance - they were looking out for each other. Neighbors helping each other. A sister looking out for her younger brother, comforting him and calming him and his friends down. A doctor opening her office on a beautiful Saturday afternoon so I didn't have to go to an emergency room. Coaches who spend their free time teaching young boys and girls the art of sportsmenship. My son who went out willingly and tried to shovel some of the ice off the sidewalk. Too many more to talk about here. We all make a difference in each other's lives.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Joe's Pub, Show #3
The third time is the charm! What an awesome show, totally amazing, as so many of the other bloggers have said. Their postings on Rachel's blog or on their own sites are far more eloquent than I can be. Found two new artists to add to my ipod collection - Rachael Yamagata and Amos Lee. That's one of the best things about the Attic shows. I always hear an artist that I might not have found otherwise. Even if I was familiar with the name, I may not have heard their music.
Again, it was a very intimate show. This time I didn't have a front-row table, but I stood in the back by the door. I had a perfect view of the entire stage and a counter to lean against and put my drink on. It was also not as crowded in that section so we had room to move around. One benefit of not being at a table! At the tables, you really had no room to move your chair and have any space.
I didn't recognize many celebrities in the table section, but I heard Matt Dillon was there. I wasn't spending much time looking for celebs though, was more interested in the music. Jimmy Fallon was great and I understand he went on Conan this week and talked about the show. Would have liked to hear that clip. There was someone behind me that must have been from the music industry. People kept coming up to him asking him if he was ok and if he was enjoying the show.
Pete played some classics and his partnering with Lou Reed and J Mascis was fantastic.
Off to the SXSW festival in March. I am really looking forward to that and hopefully the Austin Attic show!
Again, it was a very intimate show. This time I didn't have a front-row table, but I stood in the back by the door. I had a perfect view of the entire stage and a counter to lean against and put my drink on. It was also not as crowded in that section so we had room to move around. One benefit of not being at a table! At the tables, you really had no room to move your chair and have any space.
I didn't recognize many celebrities in the table section, but I heard Matt Dillon was there. I wasn't spending much time looking for celebs though, was more interested in the music. Jimmy Fallon was great and I understand he went on Conan this week and talked about the show. Would have liked to hear that clip. There was someone behind me that must have been from the music industry. People kept coming up to him asking him if he was ok and if he was enjoying the show.
Pete played some classics and his partnering with Lou Reed and J Mascis was fantastic.
Off to the SXSW festival in March. I am really looking forward to that and hopefully the Austin Attic show!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Bob From Sesame Street!
Went to NYC for the weekend. On Monday, I went to the Barnes & Noble store in Lincoln Center where Melissa Riggio, Rachel Fuller and Bob from Sesame Street did a show to highlight Down's Syndrome. I forgot how much I loved Bob from Sesame Street!
The show went really well. Melissa was nervous at first - who wouldn't be? All those people staring at you and a microphone stuck in your face. I remember the first time I had to talk to a crowd of over 100 people. Public speaking had never been much of an issue, but I stood in front of about 600 people and I totally went blank and my opening didn't go as smoothly as I had planned. It happened once again when the group was about the size of about 130 people.
The show went really well. Melissa was nervous at first - who wouldn't be? All those people staring at you and a microphone stuck in your face. I remember the first time I had to talk to a crowd of over 100 people. Public speaking had never been much of an issue, but I stood in front of about 600 people and I totally went blank and my opening didn't go as smoothly as I had planned. It happened once again when the group was about the size of about 130 people.
When she was with Rachel, though, singing, she began to relax and I hear when she did the TV interviews, she was very eloquent.
After the event, it was great having lunch with Jon, Lisa, Lin, Colleen and Bryan. We were all heading to Joe's the next day. And, everyone was psyched because they had the opportunity to speak with Pete and have their photos taken with him. Despite having some woman hand him a pile of albums to sign, Pete was in a relatively good mood and very gracious to the bloggers.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wild Winter
We got snow Tuesday night into Wednesday, followed by sleet and then more snow. Couldn't make it into the office Wednesday so worked from home. Thursday, I also worked from home. I usually work from home on Fridays so it will be three days at home. School was cancelled Wed & Thurs. as well. Friday and Monday are holidays, so the kids are enjoying a 6-day weekend.
Spent way too much time shoveling, but the kids are really enjoying it. The neighborhood boys have been in and out, spending many hours outside sledding down the hills in our neighborhood. They don't mind the bitter cold or the blowing snow. They are having the time of their lives.
I leave Saturday to go up to New York. I'm going to visit my aunt, uncle and cousin on Long Island for a few hours. Then I'll leave my car at their house and take the train into the city. An old friend of mine is in town for work so I'll spend a few days getting reacquainted. Monday is Rachel's event at Barnes & Noble. My cousin works there so I'll see her there. Tuesday, she and I are going to the Attic show at Joe's Pub. We'll meet up with ColleenM and have dinner before the show. I'll head home sometime on Wednesday.
Sorry to say that three, and hopefully all the mice, have met their end. Gave up on the Havahart trap and used the old-fashioned spring loaded traps. My son was not happy but he accepted it.
Hope everyone is surviving the cold and staying warm.
Spent way too much time shoveling, but the kids are really enjoying it. The neighborhood boys have been in and out, spending many hours outside sledding down the hills in our neighborhood. They don't mind the bitter cold or the blowing snow. They are having the time of their lives.
I leave Saturday to go up to New York. I'm going to visit my aunt, uncle and cousin on Long Island for a few hours. Then I'll leave my car at their house and take the train into the city. An old friend of mine is in town for work so I'll spend a few days getting reacquainted. Monday is Rachel's event at Barnes & Noble. My cousin works there so I'll see her there. Tuesday, she and I are going to the Attic show at Joe's Pub. We'll meet up with ColleenM and have dinner before the show. I'll head home sometime on Wednesday.
Sorry to say that three, and hopefully all the mice, have met their end. Gave up on the Havahart trap and used the old-fashioned spring loaded traps. My son was not happy but he accepted it.
Hope everyone is surviving the cold and staying warm.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Mouse in the House
At least I am hoping it is a mouse - could be several mice, could be a rat or some other type of rodent. I haven't seen it, but we've heard it and we've seen the droppings. We used to have a cat so I've never had to deal with a mouse in the house before. Our cat, Freddie, developed diabetes and while I tried very hard to keep her healthy with the condition, I could not keep her blood sugar levels stable. She was a very brittle diabetic. I used to have to test her blood several times a day, give her insulin shots and she still seemed to be in pain or sick. So we finally put her down. The dog does not seem to know there is a mouse in the house.
My daughter is terrified of the mouse - she is rather dramatic about most things and this is no exception. My son has thrown my own teachings back into my face. But, Mom, you said that we should treat all living creatures with kindness and respect. You can't kill the mouse. We have to catch it and let it free outside.
We went to the hardware store and instead of spending $2 for a simple but deadly mouse trap. I spent over $20 for a HavAHart trap. So far, however, the mouse is winning. He or she has taken the bait and not been caught in the trap. I'm using peanut butter. And the trap seems very sensitive to me, but apparently not to the mouse.
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