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by Nick Paruch

 (photo courtesy http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com)

The inaugural KAABOO Texas music festival is scheduled for May 10-12 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. With more than 100 entertainment acts, 16 comedians, 11 DJs, artists and chefs, the event’s organizers are billing it as an “adult escape” and “multi-sensory festival event”. The music lineup will compete with the biggest festivals around (see below). The multi-stage event will take place both inside and outdoors of AT&T Stadium with a number of “bucket list” bands including: The Killers, Lionel Richie, Skynyrd, The Black Eyed Peas, Bush, Joan Jett, Garbage, The Avett Brothers, Lauryn Hill, Counting Crows, B-52s, Violent Femmes, Alanis Morissette and more.

Local bands- There are a number of great Texas bands in the lineup- we are excited to see Israel Nash (Austin), Lukas Nelson (Austin), Los Lonely Boys (Austin), Old 97’s (Dallas), and Blue October (Austin). Nelson, son of Willie, has really come into his own the last couple years and is a must-see set.

KAABOO’s Humor Me comedy stage is led by Saturday Night Live alum Dennis Miller, Everybody Loves Raymond’s Brad Garrett and stand-ups Demetri Martin and Garfunkel and Oates. BASK, KAABOO’s on-site Las Vegas-style pool club will feature sets by Chromeo, Le Youth and Paul Oakenfold.

According to Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President, “This is the first time anything like this will happen here in North Texas. Not only will there be music, there will be live artists painting on site with gigantic murals. Every step along the way is a new experience whether it be in food, or in dancing, or in comedy or in performance. All five of your senses are engaged.”

See our Sting photos from his last tour stop in Austin.

KAABOO offers a variety of ticket options from Lone Star General Admission 3-Day pass at $199.00 to the Ultimate Hang pass at $20,000.00 which includes: access to front row viewing areas and KAABOO artist lounge, exclusive meet & greet opportunities, unlimited complimentary beverages, gourmet meals curated by private chef and much more. Get more info.

by Jerri Starbuck

We’re excited for another year of Old Settler’s Fest in Tilmon, Texas (between San Antonio and Austin) y’all! If you love Americana music, Tejano, or roots or bluegrass, this fest will make you happy. This year’s lineup is incredible starting with Brandi Carlile coming off a stellar year with ACL Festival and numerous Grammy’s at last year’s awards. Look for that Saturday night set to be completely packed.

Headliner Jason Isbell with his 400 Unit, another Grammy winner is one of the festival highlights this year. Before his solo career took off, Isbell was best known for being in Drive By Truckers. Isbell has really hit his stride in recent years and his wife Amanda Shires is also on the lineup in her own slot. Isbell has been selling out his shows for awhile. Look for his Friday night set to be a unique acoustic version with a completely jam-packed audience. Check out our pics from his recent tour here.

Many great local bands round out the lineup including Wild Child, Hayes Carll, Black Pumas (Best New Band award), Paul Cauthen (toured with Elle King), The Last Bandoleros, Robert Ellis, The Lone Bellow, Calliope Musicals, Shiny Ribs (this year’s Austin Music Awards winners), and more. Find concert photos and reviews from many of these artists and more on Austin101Magazine.

The festival runs April 11th – 14th 2019. The daily schedule is here. We love that this camping and music fest benefits the future of Americana and Roots music. Find tickets and more info on the festival.

Jenny Lewis and Watson Twins – ACL’s Moody Theatre

by Dan Radin

Since her emergence as a child TV star, Jenny Lewis has enjoyed a steady and studded career in entertainment. Her fans have followed her from Corn Pops commercials to Growing Pains to Rilo Kiley to The Postal Service, and now into a solo career that both reminisces on and builds on her past successes.

The Vegas-born singer struck a pose early and often during her Saturday night set at Moody Theater. A silvery, glittery Lewis glided across a pink and blue patterned stage that could have dressed an ancient Aztec gender-reveal party. She carried the swagger of a calm career entertainer who had nothing to prove to her audience, confidently guiding her light pink mic cord with her free hand when she wasn’t holding an instrument.

Lewis’s experience was more evident by her musical maturity. Her seasoned mic technique made every word audible and red lipstick visible at all times. The sound was primarily carried by the steady drum set and Lewis’ relaxed voice. Her piano ballads felt just as solid as her upbeat foot tappers, thanks to a tight rhythm section and spot-on male/female backing vocals. Soft synths and strings added an extra Lana Del Rey vibe to acoustic songs that felt fairly representative of her new album, “On the Line.”

The gentler songs on the new album influenced the speed of the show, which slowed the pace a bit drastically at points. Lewis opened on the piano with soft-pop “Heads Gonna Roll” and “Wasted Youth” before bringing out “The Big Guns.” Lewis visibly delivered more effort on lyric-heavy “Hollywood Lawn,” which the audience clearly didn’t know but met her strong performance with high approval.

“We’re gonna play a new version of a song for you. Get out your vapes” Lewis joked during an opening reggae beat-turned “Voyager.” Wild clapping after the song carried into the intro of the following “Do Si Do.” Overheard by a fan: “She just did a reggae version of Voyager. That was f*cking awesome.”

Dozens of beach ball-sized pink and blue balloons dropped from the ceiling into the audience towards the end of the set. One of the night’s best moments came during Lewis’s long last note of Rilo Kiley’s “With Arms Outstretched,” as an arm-extended Lewis punched away a stray pink balloon with an amused downward grin.

In her encore, Lewis picked up the receiver of a ringing neon-lit rotary telephone on stage. On the line were Lewis’ friends and opening act, the Watson Twins. Lewis invited them back on stage to back her for a full-band “Rise Up with Fists!!” and “See Fernando.” After, another stage phone call came courtesy of Austin native (and Spoon frontman) Britt Daniel, who then appeared next to Lewis. All musicians gathered tightly around a single condenser mic to accompany Lewis on acoustic guitar, as they harmonized with a closing “Acid Tongue.”

Lewis didn’t seem like she was promoting a new album as much as she was continuing a conversation with people she’s known for years. The concert had some of her showbiz glitz, but in reality, Lewis was just on the line catching up with old friends.

SET LIST

867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone (recording)

Heads Gonna Roll

Wasted Youth

The Big Guns – Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

Silver Lining – Rilo Kiley

Head Underwater

Happy – Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

The Voyager

Do Si Do

She’s Not Me

Hollywood Lawn

Red Bull & Hennessy

Just One of the Guys

On the Line

Little White Dove

Born Secular – Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

With Arms Outstretched – Rilo Kiley

Encore:

Party Clown

Rise Up With Fists!!

See Fernando

Acid Tongue

by Diego Donamaria

by Dan Radin

A staple of the festival circuit in recent years, Hozier has gotten used to playing massive stages like Austin City Limits Music Festival when he comes to Austin. This time around, Andrew Hozier-Byrne effortlessly delivered an intimate performance that transformed the Moody Theater into ‘The First Church of Hozier’.

The sold-out venue fell under Hozier’s charm as he curated a serenely religious experience. The singer dialed in an even mix between favorites off his debut album, and new tunes from his sophomore effort, Wasteland, Baby!. While it was clear the audience favored familiar songs from earlier in his career, as told by moments like the joyous sing along during “Someone New”, Hozier never lost command of the room. All 8 of Hozier’s band members also contributed to his trademark choral texture as the youth led the service. The even blend of male and female singers and 3 up-front guitars built a full, shimmering wall of sound.

See all our photos on Austin 101 Mag.

The new songs were framed well by their back stories. Hozier shared his discovery of a carnivorous bird species, and how he “thought it was an appropriate theme for a love song” as he eased into the Celtic-flavored riff of “Shrike”. The singer further cemented himself as a hopeless romantic before “No Plan”, with a monologue about love and the end of the world. “No matter how bad it gets,” he said, “even if it was the end of the world, there’s so much worse things to look forward to.”

Hozier’s humility shone as the overriding presence throughout the evening. From modestly hinting flashes of his guitar prowess to calmly revealing stories behind his songs, Hozier’s humbleness always struck the right angle. There aren’t many artists who so genuinely introduce their entire band, let alone thanking the entire production team- sound, lights, tour manager, guitar tech and opening act, the supreme Jade Bird. “I want to thank you for giving her the reception she deserves,” Hozier added in his Irish accent.

Bird opened the night with a well-received solo acoustic set. Her raspy high notes on songs like “Lottery” brought a youthful edge that complimented Hozier’s energy to a tee. Bird also drew a line the length of the mezzanine when she made an appearance at the merch booth for “hugs and things.”

The flashiest, yet one of the most revered moments of the night came as Hozier jumped into the pit and joined the front row of the crowd to lead a full hand salute of “Amen” in his radio smash, “Take Me to Church.” He graciously accepted roses from fans before jumping back on stage for the night’s highlight- an acoustic “Cherry Wine” -and then finished out the encore with “Work Song”.

Hozier is a rare modesty in a flashbulb world. It’s easy to see why his fans place him on an altar.

SET LIST

Would That I
Dinner & Diatribes
Nina Cried Power
Jackie and Wilson
Someone New
Talk
From Eden
Wasteland, Baby!
Shrike
No Plan
To Be Alone
Nobody
Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)
Almost (Sweet Music)
Movement
Take Me to Church

Encore:

Cherry Wine
Work Song

Another SXSW has come and gone and many people are still recovering. This year we had a laser focus on the music festival and conference with some fun film screenings and reviews to round things out.  Although the weather was a bit weird and cooler this year we were lucky to not have any major storms or cancellations. Things were pretty much smooth sailing, despite the electric scooter epidemic in downtown Austin.

(David Byrne)

Overall the vibe was good, the weather was decent, and the music was incredible-with a nice focus on up-and-coming artists and not as much on A list or big name acts. There were still some big draws like Miguel at the Long Center music and meditation, David Byrne (film screening), Nathaniel Rateliff at Luck Reunion,  Joan Jett at Stubb’s, Mavis Staples, De La Soul, and also X-Ambassadors, Big Boi, and Patty Griffin at the Outdoor stage for the free lake concert.

Here are the best things we saw for live music at SXSW this year (not in any order):

1. Cautious ClayA Brooklyn kid with a soulful, deliberate voice and a multi-instrumentalist, Clay was all over the fest this year as many buzz artists typically do. He started with a really cool music and mediation event at the Long Center called Pure Golden Hour – ‘a mindful experience balanced with curated performances by Miguel, Bishop Briggs, and Cautious Clay’. He sang, played flute, and saxophone. We also caught him at Rachael Ray’s annual feedback party on the North stage at Stubb’s Amphitheater and people flocked to see his set. He was on our ‘Must See Music’ list for our SXSW preview and he fulfilled all our expectations.
2. Angie McMahon

This Aussie singer-songwriter played many showcases including Rachael Ray’s Feedback party and Willie’s Luck Reunion and was one to watch on many lists prior to the fest. You know they are something special when they are included in both these exclusive events. She pokes fun at how people always assume she’s British. She got a break touring with Bon Jovi and is now getting lots of buzz after playing a Sofar Sounds set in London and being featured on Apple Music. We love her sultry deep voice and guitar chords- many songs are on the sad, contemplative side and totally relatable. Her sound that’s a little like KD Lang was influenced by classic folk/rock.  She’s not just another pretty girl with a cool guitar. She’s got something special.

3. J.S. Ondara

A young guy with an angelic and serene voice wasn’t even on our radar before we caught him at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion out in Spicewood on Willie’s ranch. Another newcomer invited to both Luck and Rachael Ray’s Feedback party, Rolling Stone magazine called Ondara ‘an artist you need to know’. He played in the chapel to an intimate crowd and people were mesmerized by his voice and his songs. Born in Nairobi he only moved to the states 6 years ago and obsessed with Bob Dylan, taught himself guitar- this kid is a rising star in the folk world. He says he is the guy playing sad songs for now. He is totally unique.

5. Yola

British born songstress, Yola was a big buzz this year playing tons of showcases around the festival. Everyone we talked to was raving about her- she has a beautiful presence and voice singing and playing guitar. Her Dan Auerbach–produced album is “a contemporary twist on a traditional sonic tapestry of orchestral strings, fiddle, steel, and shimmering tremolo guitars”. Singing about heartache and love, she is one of the top emerging UK artists today.

6. Mavis Staples

Miss Staples was at several SX showcases this year but her standout performance was at Luck Reunion where she headlined the all-female ‘Stronger’ stage and was backed by her amazing band. Her time-proven message of freedom and empowerment ring with a fresh relevance. Staples seemed genuinely surprised when the stage’s all female lineup joined her on stage for a soulful ensemble version of “The Weight” Staples closed her set with another unexpected guest Nathaniel Rateliff. The duo performed the blues classic “When Death Comes Creeping in Your Room” cementing Staples’ position as the crowd favorite at the Luck Reunion.  The highlight was “Freedom Highway” where she reminisced about walking in the company of Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1965 Selma marches. We never wanted the set to end and Staples was by far one of the top highlights of this year’s SXSW.

7. Rachael Ray’s 12th Annual Feedback House and Party

Ray outdid herself this year for her annual parties. They are always much anticipated and only announced within a week or two of the event. It’s free and open to the public so fans line up early in the morning at Stubb’s BBQ to sample her amazing food, free drinks, and stellar music. This year her lineup was as eclectic as ever with our favorite sets by Bleachers, Big Boi, Mike D., Palm Palm, Cautious Clay, Angie McMahon, Billy Raffaoul, Yola, Lukas Nelson, The Cringe (Ray’s husband) and J.S. Ondara. We’re happy to hear she has signed on for another year at SXSW. The Feedback house is the low-key chill version of the Stubb’s party and is held in a small house on Caesar Chavez street with a cool vibe and intimate music performances. It covers 3 days/nights and had a great lineup with memorable sets from Jamie N Commons, Syml, and Cold Irons. See our photo highlights from the feedback party

8. Lukas Nelson

Austin local Nelson has had a stellar year with his music and heightened visibility with his work on the award-winning film A Star is Born. Playing several showcases such as Lucy’s Chicken, Rachael Ray, and of course his family’s Luck Reunion out at the family ranch, Nelson is really coming into his own as an artist. He often looks deep in thought and emotion as he plays. His performances are consistently entertaining and we love the stories about heartache leading to some of his biggest hits like “Georgia”. “Just Outside Austin” he says was written about Luck and the family ranch. Nelson and his band have a ball and always do big jump shots and manage to not hurt themselves. At only 30, his songs and sound are maturing and are totally relatable. He is unique, even if he does sometimes sound a little like his dad in some songs, which is awesome, he truly has is own rock n’roll sound and is becoming a great picker. We can’t wait to see what big things he does next.

9. Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters)

How lucky that we got to see this solo project of legendary Foo Fighter’s guitarist on a tiny stage inside the saloon at Luck Reunion. This was true rock and roll with big sound in a small space that could only fit about 50 or so. Shiflett seemed right at home as a lead singer/guitarist in his own band. He is versatile and his sound is energetic and upbeat and different from Foo. Shiflett is on tour and releases his new album ‘Hard Lessons’ this summer. Free drinks were flowing and it was one of the best sets of the day. Except for host Willie Nelson, of course. No words can describe the feeling of seeing this legend perform on his own stage on his own ranch at 85 years old. Everyone there treasures every second of it.

See our complete festival coverage and other event photos at Austin101Magazine.com

by Jerri Starbuck

From a beautiful drive in the rolling hills of the ‘hill country’ just west of Austin appears an amazing and special place called LUCK, Texas. It’s basically a sprawling ranch (complete with homes, recording studios, golf course, horses, and parties) just outside of Austin (famous lyrics) in Spicewood. This is Willie Nelson’s estate that uneducated passers-by on Bee Creek road, would have no idea about. Of course, when he bought it, there was no major highway or new neighbors. On this day, we got ‘lucky’ with the weather as it was clean and warm unlike previous days and weeks of gray and wet.

Luck Reunion is a one day music festival that isn’t just about country-far from it. It’s sort of SXSW or anti-SXSW- however you want to look at it. Far from the 300K people in downtown Austin during the 10 days of the annual SXSW festival, there were only 2,000 sold tickets to Luck this year which made it feel incredibly intimate and special. There were noticeably fewer people than last year, and it was enjoyable to move around the grounds freely from stage to stage.  The chapel is probably the most unique of the stages as it only seats about 20 people with only a bit of standing room beyond that. Most people try to get a glimpse through the many chapel windows.

The lineup was special this year with lot of amazing newcomers like standouts J.S. Ondara, Angie McMahon, Yola, Mountain Man, and Bonnie Bishop. Plus the super fun band Low Cut Connie played a wild set. There was plenty of star power too with Nathaniel Rateliff, Staples, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters), Lukas Nelson, Willie Nelson, Hayes Carll, and Steve Earle. Plus our locals Paul Cauthen and Shakey Graves are awesome. Of course we love them but we were blown away by the Marcus King Band, The Cactus Blossoms, Billy Strings, and J.S. Ondara (an angelic, sublime voice). See the full lineup full lineup

The stages ranged from a small outdoor stage in the beer garden to a tiny dark stage inside the saloon to the mega main stage with epic lights and sound and great production. We like the added ‘Stronger’ stage this year that was comprised only of female performers with headliner Mavis Staples-who pretty much stole the show and gave an especially soulful finale as she was joined by Nathaniel Rateliff and the other female performers (Yola, Angie McMahon, Mountain Man).

Yola

Chris Shiflett

Nathaniel Rateliff

Mountain Man

Lukas Nelson

Marcus King Band

Dylan LeBlanc

View our photo gallery from Luck 2019 and 2018.

You see plenty of Willie around the grounds- from the Weed store to the new Willie’s Reserve CBD coffee. There are shrines with candles, flowers, and photos in tribute to passed-on musicians from Amy Winehouse to Tom Petty, Waylon Jennings, and legend Aretha Franklin. The buildings look like an old western movie set complete with working saloon, distillery, chapel, general store, and  homestead. The fake town was originally built for Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger film. Did we mention it’s free drinks all day thanks to sponsors like Titos Vodka and Jagermeister?

We got a special treat this year as we were invited to attend the listening party for Willie’s new album coming out this summer, “Ride Me Back Home” where his wife Annie and other friends were also gathered in the main building, the ‘World Headquarters’. You could also try Willie’s new hemp-infused coffee and jagermeister punch.

photo courtesy Luck Reunion/@jjamesjoiner

With a tradition of the Nelson family closing out the final sets of the night on the main World Headquarters stage- first Micah, Paula, then Lukas & his Promise of the Real, Willie is last and brings the crew on stage together for several iconic songs. Willie with his long time guitar, braids, hat, and jacket and iconic mannerisms- the finger in the air, the hand to his ear for a listen, and a peace sign or two- and he sounds good at 85, hopefully we have many good years ahead to see this legend.

We love that the website has to mention “absolutely no entry by ticket holders until 10am on 10/14”! They must have had experiences of people wanting to crash early or even overnight. Except for the obvious corporate involvement from big sponsors like Southwest Airlines and Titos Vodka, it’s really a commune-feel- almost like you’re back in the 60’s where people are free, fun, and buzzed. Everyone is chill and just wants to eat, drink, smoke, and listen. The merch is unique too and our favorite item is the “Don’t be an asshole” t-shirt.

Luck is about more than just the music, it’s also a fundraiser for Farm Aid (Potluck) and a way to help up-and-coming artists get some high-value visibility. Plus it’s the best people watching on the planet. The only downside we saw the entire day was the long wait to get out of the parking lot. Other than that, things just looked to be smooth sailing. Read more about Luck.

Luck is a tradition we’ve only been to the last couple years but plan to never miss in the future. There is truly nothing like it and you feel like one of the cool kids and ‘lucky’ ones just to be a part of it- part of the ‘Luck family’.

David Byrne came to Austin for this year’s SXSW 2019 Film Festival (although he is an obvious music-film crossover) and we were fortunate to hear him speak before and after the screening of his epic film “True Stories” originally released in 1986. The movie has been remastered and is being released in new 4K version-even better than the original. The iconic venue Paramount Theater on Congress ave was the setting and it was perfect. More event details at SXSW Screening.

photo SXSW

David Byrne is a Scottish-American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, artist, actor, writer, and filmmaker who was a founding member, principal songwriter, and lead singer and guitarist of the American new wave band Talking Heads (1975–1991).  Best known for hit songs ‘Once in a Lifetime’, ‘Wild Wild Life’, ‘This Must Be the Place’, and more.

You don’t have to be a huge Heads fan (but we are) to enjoy Byrne and his infamous creativity in music and film. We got to cover his tour last year where he wore a silk suit and was barefoot as he held up a large brain as he sang.  See our concert photos. All it takes is a google search for music videos in the ’80s to see his amazing creativity and bizarreness at a time when MTV was just launching. The film soundtrack is of course, mostly Talking Heads songs and the band has cameos in the film and people were noticeably dancing and singing along in their seats throughout the screening. The songs are fun, goofy, whimsical, and parodic. Byrne is a true artist in every sense of the word- using both his intellect, visuals/imagery, and lyrics to tap into emotions and provoke audiences to think or act differently.

Although the film wasn’t highly reviewed at the time (although well received in Europe), it has become quite the cult classic and is super entertaining. The film was so wild for its time and now watching it again today, it’s a hilarious throwback and fun to watch both Byrne and John Goodman in their youth. The setting is a fictional American small town Virgil, Texas. Byrne narrates, directs, and stars in it and takes us for a ride in a classic car dressed as a slightly nerdy cowboy while Goodman searches for a wife. Most of the film was shot around Dallas.photo Jason Bollenbacher

Making fun of corporate life and suburban America, Byrne often interjects his anti-corporate messages and political issues-part of what makes his music so meaningful. The script was basically created from his weekly news clippings. We love that Stephen Tobolowsky had an influence on the script working with Byrne-his quirkiness fits right in. We are amazed at how much of the topics in the film are still relevant today-and even Byrne has talked about how the boom of computers and tech (and in Texas) has dominated so much of the economy today (although most of the tech industry takes place in big cities and not small towns, the movie really holds a lot of truths). Sadly, malls have become like dinosaurs and they have all but closed down since the boom of online shopping. It’s fun to remember those times when going with your friends to the mall was a HUGE deal and the start of one’s independence in youth. Byrne is a true genius. We’d love to have even just a few minutes inside his brain.

The film is presented as a series of vignettes centered around Byrnes character where he observes the citizens as they prepare for the “Celebration of Specialness” to mark the 150th anniversary of Texas’ independence. The event is being sponsored by the Varicorp Corporation, a local computer manufacturing plant. The lip sync contest for Wild Wild Life was hysterical and even better watching this time around.

Film characters include:

-Louis Fyne, (John Goodman), a country-western-singing clean room technician at Varicorp who is unlucky in love,
-Civic leader Earl Culver (Spalding Gray), who never speaks directly to his wife, Kay (Annie McEnroe),
-Miss Rollings (Swoosie Kurtz), who never leaves her bed,
-Mr. Tucker (Pops Staples), Miss Rollings’ personal assistant, a kindly voodoo practitioner whom Louis hires to help him find love,
-A conspiracy theorist preacher (John Ingle) whose shtick owes a great deal to the Church of the SubGenius,
-Ramon (Tito Larriva), a Tejano singer who claims to hear tones from people,
-“The Lying Woman” (Jo Harvey Allen), who recounts fantastic episodes from her life to anyone who will listen.

Only in a film screening setting do you get to see an iconic film/music performer and hear stories about the making of the film, how it was cast, how the sets were built (sometimes with big Texas storms wiping them out), and all the fun they had making the film. It was one of the highlights of the entire festival for us. The only thing that could have possibly made this evening any better would have been an appearance by Mavis Staples who was in town at the same time for several SXSW showcases and Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion.

Denise Enriquez

Bailen

Bailen

SYML