Phoenix, Stubb's, April 29, 2010

Wow, this was an amazing show. First of all, Phoenix at Stubb's was the hottest ticket in town, but thanks to Twitter and @chelseabot, my last minute Friday meeting on the day tix went on sale did not ruin it for me! This band of adorable men from France have been blowing up the past few years, and are darlings in Austin, ever since their great performance at the last ACL Festival. Catchy, danceable songs and a great live show, with the occasional French-accent banter - doesn't get much better than this. Lead singer Thomas Mars is a charming frontman, and I love the way he breaks down the barrier between him and the crowd. You can tell these guys are riding high!















Lasso


Run, Run, Run

Old 97's, Sons of Hermann Hall, "secret show," April 17, 2010

I broke my post-SXSW music blackout with two shows from Old 97's this week. First, last Wed at Stubbs, which was an absolutely fantastic show, and then with a trip up to Dallas for their "secret" show at Sons of Hermann Hall. When I heard that Salim Nourallah and Buttercup would be opening, I couldn't resist this lineup of all the people I love! The 97's were in Dallas working with Salim on their latest CD, with plans to come to the Hill Country later this month to wrap things up.

It was a secret show (albeit not well kept), the 97's were billed at "The Roamin' Hitchhikers," which led to lots of jokes referring to them as the Roman Catholics, the Roman Candles, etc.

This was a fantastic show, great setlist, got to hear some favorites. The night was too big for one post, so look for the Buttercup/Salim photos & videos in the next post!

Rhett in mid-arm twirl

Jagged - thanks for the shoutout (ok, the whisper-out) Rhett!


Niteclub


Victoria


Nineteen

Salim Nourallah and Buttercup open at Old 97's "secret" show, April 17, 2010

Part II of my Sons of Hermann post. Salim Nourallah and Buttercup opened the show with the Old 97's. It was a great night, as if I ordered my favorite lineup!

















Salim Nourallah - The World is Full of People Who Want to Hurt You


Salim Nourallah - Western Hills


Buttercup - Always Alcohol


Buttercup - Betta No Better

Cosmo Jarvis, Sessions at OTN #13, March 19, 2010

I hadn't really planned to do any interviews during SXSW, and typically focus on local artists. But when I got the chance to interview Cosmo Jarvis, I jumped at it. Cosmo is a UK musician and filmmaker, whose short film "The Alleyway" was screened during the Film Festival. He's got a new album, with two discrete vibes - both playful and serious - in Humasyouhitch/Sonofabitch. This young guy has quite a future ahead, and it was a real pleasure to spend few minutes chatting with him at the SWAGG Cafe in the wine cellar of Moonshine.



Cosmo talks about writing songs and making films, a true creative.



Cosmo performs "Sort Yourself Out."

Old 97's at Stubbs - April 14, 2010

You should know by now that I rarely miss a chance to see my fave's Old 97's. So, when a billing with another fave Ben Kweller came up, it was a no-brainer. Except that I forgot that I teach on Wednesday nights. Being flexible, I did a power lecture for an hour, then rushed to Austin, in time to catch Ben's closing song Penny on a Track. I hate I didn't get positioned in time for any photos of him. He's so incredible in his solo show.

The 97's were on, as usual. They are recording a new CD, but didn't unveil anything at the show. It was vintage hit after hit. And the energy... oh, the energy. Just check out the sweat dripping off Mr. Miller in these photos. Delightful men, such a pleasure to photograph.