I'm a newby when it comes to blogging, so bear with me.

I just returned from a dreamlike trip to Austin. I played five gigs in three days at some of the fringe-SXSW music activities. As many of you know, SXSW is a HUGE music/film/etc. conference. Over the years, other more roots-oriented musical venues have piled on, including one organized by my friend John Conquest, which he calls (Not)SXSW. I won't try to describe it all, but picture perfect weather, friendly people, and a steady stream of solid music for free for five days. I hadn't been there since 2006, so I was overdue.

After a horrendous day of airport frustration -- I arrived in Austin at 10 pm instead of 10 am -- I checked in at the house of my friends, Tom and Elizabeth Pittman. Great people and great hosts! The next day, Thursday, I drove around and scoped out most of the venues where I would be playing, and parking. A wise move, as it turned out.

I then made my way to Opal Divine's at Penn Field, a large bar/restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio for music, located on South Congress. I enjoyed an inspiring set by my friend Mary Battiata and her Little Pink band before I played. I was apprehensive to be apparently the only solo performer among a sea of excellent bands, but I guess I held my own. I dedicated "Broken Moon" to John Conquest.

My next stop was the G&S Lounge on South First Street. It's a real bar bar, with pool tables and pinball machines wall-to-wall. The owner, a nice fellow named Jimmy, had just added a music room out back, though, and it turned out to be a fine venue. I arrived in time to hear Brennen Leigh and her band do a thoroughly entertaining and down-to-earth set of mostly her original material. Two acoustic guitars, stand-up bass, sibling harmonies, and old-style country songs. My kind of music! My set went fine. I dedicated "Read 'Em and Weep" to Brennen, as it is very similar in subject to her song "The Box."

That evening, I met up with Elizabeth and we went to Jovitas, just up First Street, to eat dinner and hear the Cornell Hurd Band -- an Austin institution and a must-see everytime I come to town. It was two-steps and shuffles all night long, and one of the finest steel players I have ever heard. And Mexican food. What's not to like?

On Friday, I played on a little garden stage out back of a vintage clothing store called Amelia's RetroGroove. I was the first act of the day, so the crowd was a bit light. But everyone was there to hear me, so I had a loyal and appreciative audience. Elizabeth requested "Bohemian Boys."

After leaving for lunch, I returnd to Amelia's and caught a couple of sets, including Brennen Leigh with a different group. I ended up piling in with Brennen, her brother Seth, and their father Don, and going to Threadgill's to hear Miss Leslie (Sloan) and her Juke Jointers. A special treat was catching a couple of numbers from legendary guitarist Red Volkhart (sp?). I then went out to eat with Brennen, Seth, and Don and had a nice visit. Brennen is a huge Louvin Brothers fan and actually plays with Charlie Louvin when he comes to Texas. I enjoyed our conversation.

The musical highlight of the week -- which is saying something -- came Friday night at Opal Divines when Bill Kirchen tore it up with his band and guests. Bill is such a great performer and guitarist, but he was channeled into something cosmic that night. Maybe it was the cool evening breeze, or the dancers, or the smell of springtime in the air, or the beer, but his version of "The Times They Are A-Changing" brought me to tears -- the good kind.

Saturday was a busy time. I played Flipnotics at 2 pm. This is a hip java joint on Barton Springs Road, with an outdoor stage. The act before me was Tiny Tin Hearts -- an eight-piece art/rock ensemble squeezed into a minute space. It was interesting music, if a bit overpowering at times. They took most of the audience with them when they left, but my friend Bonnie Mallot came to hear me, so I had some support. I played mostly new songs.

After Flips, I went to the parking lot of the G&S Lounge for an outdoor dose of Western Swing from Cornell Hurd and guests. Lucky for me Tom and Elizabeth had staked out a shady spot on an equipment trailer, as it was a sunny day. I really felt like I was in Texas that afternoon.

I then went back to Flips and joined Bonnie Mallot to hear her son, Ben Mallot. She's bragged about him for years, so it was nice to catch a set. I enjoyed it very much, unexpectedly, I must admit. Ben is a good writer and singer with a tight band and a receptive audience. Nice guy, too.

I left Flips and rejoined Tom and Elizabeth at Threadgills for some Sacred Steel from the Lee Boys. Reminded me of the Campbell Brothers. Rollicking, moving stuff. Tom, Elizabeth, and I then went to Artz Ribs for some BBQ. There was music, of course, this time sponsored by the Kerrville people. We listened to Sally Spring and her group. Nice contemporary folk music.

Then it was time for me to get down the road to Giddyups, my fifth and final gig. Giddyups is a real Texas honky-tonk, out on the edge of town. It was a different world from anywhere I had been. The band before me was called the Redneck Boys, and that they were. They had the crowd yelling for more. I was nervous, just me with my little acoustic guitar. Before they left the stage, though, their guitarist did a marvelous version of "What a Wonderful World," just him and his Telecaster. What a nice touch, and the perfect transition to my set. I did the most honky-tonk, barroom, two-steppingest set I could muster, and it guess it worked out all right. I mostly played my own songs, but I think the audience liked "Smoke Smoke Smoke" and "Mind Your Own Business" best of all. It was quite an experience!

On my way back into town, I stopped by the Broken Spoke on Lamar and caught the last set from the Derailers. The Broken Spoke is a treasure, and the dancers were a sight to behold. I was a little unimpressed with the Derailers -- enough of the corny schtick and fake accent between songs already! -- but it was still a memorable end to a memorable day.

Before leaving town on Sunday, Tom and Elizabeth met me back at Artz for bruch, where we were met by Nancy Fly and Seymore Gunther. It was good to see them again. Nancy is a booking agent and had just signed the Truva throat singers from central Asia. She was excited!

My trip home was smooth and uneventful. Which was a good thing, since I don't think I could have handled any more excitement.

Well, that was a good deal more than I planned to write about Texas, but people have been asking me for blogs about my trips and adventures. If you enjoyed this, or if you have any comments good or bad, let me know.

Later!
JL