Austin (Music and Friends)

I love the Austin live music scene. My friend Gordy and I ended our road trip together with four nights in Austin before he flew back to Ohio. I then spent 2 more solo nights. We booked tickets for 3 shows prior to arriving in Austin. These were 1) Jimmy Vaughn, at Austin City Limits Live (Moody Theater), 2) Ray Wylie Hubbard’s birthday bash at the Paramount, and 3) Red, White, and Blues (four acts) at Stubbs. While in town, we also stopped at the Saxon Pub and caught two acts.

Day 1

We set up camp at Pecan Grove RV park, had yummy BBQ at Terry Blacks and headed to the Saxon Pub for a good night of music. We were entertained by the Wagoneers and Rob Baird.

Day 2:

From the RV park, it is an easy walk around Lady Bird Lake and to the downtown area. We toured both areas including Waterloo Records, the Steve Ray Vaughn / Willie Nelson Statues, and the Austin City Limits (Moody Theater) location (making sure we knew where to go later that night).

After returning to the RV park, we received a visit from Brian (a friend who lives in Austin). He pulled up on his bicycle and surprised us. After finishing off a significant number of brews and a couple shots of Patron, Brian headed home and we headed downtown for pizza at the Taverna before the show.

What a great night of music with Jimmy Vaughn and guests, including Booker T.

Scooters have taken over the city! Some love it and others hate it.

Jimmy Vaughn with Booker T. on the keyboards. Pretty cool.

We walked back pretty late after the show and the city was lite up.

Day 3:

Our goal for day 3 was Franklin BBQ, an iconic Austin eatery. It is located a fair distance from the RV park, so we Uber’ed. The driver was great and gave us the scoop on Franklin’s. He told us that people wait in line for 2 to 4 hours for service. We decided to check it out anyhow. When we arrived at 1:30, we saw no line and thought we hit a lucky day, only to find out that they were sold out for the day. We asked an employee what a good time to come to minimize lines while assuring food. He said 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. What????????

Oh well, we decided to walk to Stubbs for BBQ and then check out the capital area. I chose the 3 meat platter, more than enough.

This pic was taken after I ate about half of the platter. Yow.

Somewhat early night.

Day 4:

Long Day — We started the day with a pre-pre-show at Uncle Billys.

Next was pre-show at the Chili Parlor Bar for Mad Dog Margaritas in honor of Guy Clark. Guy mentioned the joint in one of his songs. You can check it out on Youtube.

After two, I felt like a mad dog, ready to howl at the moon or for whoever would listen. We then walked toward the Paramount for the Ray Willie Hubbard show. Our walk took us through the backside of the capital on the way. Did not know that a “tiny” statue of liberty was located there.

After the show, we stopped at Shiners Saloon and then back to the RV park. We had brews until Gordy left for the airport via Uber, around 3:00 a.m. No sleep that night for Gordy.

Day 5:

Sleep in type of day. The weather turned cold and rainy. Hung out at camp until the Red, White and Blues show at Stubbs (outdoor venue). What a fantastic evening. Four acts (Nightowls, Black Pumas, Shinyribs, and Samantha Fish). I liked each of the acts, good music. I am a big fan of Samantha Fish, great blues music. I have seen her play in the Colorado Springs area many times. She just gets better each time I see her.

Being outdoors in the cold and rain, the attendance was impacted.

Walked back to RV park and quick to sleep.

Day 6:

More cold and rain. Stayed close to campground doing camp “chores”.

Day 7:

Weather finally improved. I met up with Brian and Summer (Austin friends from previous visits). We rode our bicycles around South Austin and then had brews back at the van and caught up with each others lives. Always a good time with them.