Craig Marshall, Sessions at OTN #18, Feb. 13, 2011

Sorry that it has been so long since I've done an interview. Where does the time go? But I finally got motivated when I ran into Craig Marshall at some shows a few weeks ago. Craig is an Austin singer-songwriter who has worked on several projects, including the jazz combo Lucky Strikes and his own solo pop music. He's known as a prolific songwriter and you'll often see him out at shows supporting other Austin artists. Enjoy learning more about his background and inspirations.




Easy Way Down



I Want to Tell You a Secret - a new song that Craig is working on with Robert Harrison of Future Clouds and Radar



Radio Girl

Antones, then Stubbs - Future Clouds & Radar and more, Feb. 11, 2011

Wrapping up my week in rock was four acts, one night. I accompanied a student to interview Troy Campbell about his SXSW panel, and he was discussing his House of Songs project, a collaboration of Austin and Danish musicians. We went to Antone's to see Jens Lysdal, one of the Danish partners in the project, after the interview. Jens is an amazingly talented musician and the House of Songs is a wonderful endeavor. Check out the next showcase.

Next up, I headed over to Stubbs, seemingly to see Future Clouds and Radar. But when I arrived, Dark Water Hymnal was playing, and I noticed that one of my former students, Andrea Couch, was the violinist. Yay Andrea! She's extremely talented and the band is great. Check them out.

Then it was Future Clouds and Radar, a local favorite, featuring Robert Harrison, and now including my friends Joe Reyes and Jason Garcia - truly a power lineup.

Another local band, Wiretree, closed out the show. I hadn't seen them before and was impressed. A great lineup for the evening! So, that concludes my pre-SXSW workout. I think I'm ready. Check in here during that week for coverage of music.

Quiet Company and Fastball, Mohawk, Feb. 10, 2011

I think it shows true dedication when you go to an outside show in sub-freezing weather, a true commitment to the art of fandom, right? That's what happened when two of my local faves played Mohawk this Thursday. Not sure who thought it would be great to book the outdoor stage in early Feb., but it was still a great time. The bands powered through with frosty fingers and tune-challenged equipment - but both giving an enthusiastic performance to a pretty sizable crowd.

Sheboygan, Real Heroes, The English at Mohawk, Feb. 8, 2011

So, I saw nine bands this week. Apparently I can still do this, so bring it on, SXSW. I just need to be quicker in getting my photos and videos posted. Here are some from Tuesday at Mohawk with The English, Real Heroes and Sheboygan, three great local bands who share lots of the same players. Stay tuned for posts from Thursday, again at the Mohawk, with Quiet Company and Fastball, then Friday with a show at Antone's and then Stubbs with Future Clouds and Radar and others.

The English

Real Heroes

Sheboygan