APD drives through a dance crew. |
With the smell of skinny jeans and ironic 70's mustaches still in the air, things here in the Capital City are getting back to the normal "weird" as opposed to the SXSW "weird". Attendance records were shattered and parking was laughable. Some 2,000 (extra) bands were reported to perform at SXSW-sanctioned events, with hundreds more making the pilgrimage for the scores of non-affiliated goings-ons. Its a huge festival and conference - one of the largest. Around 200,000 extra folks hunkered down in the ATX for the festivities.
Red Gorilla 'fest at Blind Pig |
Mingo had a couple showcases during the week. We hadn't performed during SXSW week for a year or two, and felt like we ought to go out and represent the hometown a bit. First up was a spot at the Red Gorilla Music Festival on Wednesday. The Blind Pig in Austin was jumping all day with bands and by the time Mingo took the stage a little after 10pm the rooftop venue was packed out nicely. A lot of these showcases are quick, 30-45 minute sets. Go big and get off stage. No exception here. Although we did make it a point to throw some Billy Preston into the set. I wonder if we were the only band at the festival that played a Billy Preston tune? Ah, George Devore probably did "Will It Go Round In Circles". Dang...
Friday was the Gig•N•Austin Showcase at The Belmont. This show ran all afternoon and we were honored to headline the event. The new owners at The Belmont made some pretty big changes to the courtyard venue; knocking down some bizarre, useless walls that used to stand in defiance of logic and most notably, they made the stage significantly bigger. The horns didn't have to sit on each other's shoulders this time.The Belmont lineup saw some of our favorite Austin bands, DaHeBeGeBees & Karl Morgan among them. A great lineup and (after walking a couple miles to park) a very cool, positive and fun hang. We got a full 90 minutes to share with the fine folks who came out to support this lineup of Austin-based bands. We we're done before the sun went down and had to vacate so Nas and Snoop Dog could do their thing. Our thanks to Shawn Tuthill at Gig•N•Austin!
Headlining the Gig-n-Austin festival |
Many of our musical friends were in town for the week. The incredible Foy Vance had a showcase Friday morning which I missed because apparently I can't read a train schedule. Dane's good friend and bad-ass singer/songwriter Lyle Divinsky was in town for a BMI showcase. I missed him, too...same train. Some of the guys we know as the Rhythm Tramps were in town, albeit in a more animalistic role with Eric Burdon ... train. Dang it.
We left the city Saturday, St. Paddy's Day, for the hill country and the famous Luckenbach Dancehall. Mingo had played their blues festival a couple years ago but this was our first headline show at the historic venue. There's something special about those wood floors and walls... they've seen some things... Fun show and hope to be back soon! Don't forget to try the pulled pork sam'ich. With slaw of course.
Mingo starts ramping up dates as the temps are getting warmer. Check out "tour dates" for our schedule and stayed tuned... some very exciting stuff coming in the next couple weeks!
Peace & Chicken Grease!
- rog
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