SXSW 2010: Chuck Prophet Plays Past Curfew at Momo's

Did you go to SXSW in 2010? To paraphrase Mark Twain, one of the coldest winter days I ever spent was March 19 in Austin. Day temperatures did reach the 60s F, but lows dipped into the 30s. And as I recall, it was raw and windy much of the day. With visions of sundrenched Austin days, I had not packed for the weather.

Chuck Prophet at Momo's, SXSW 2010 (Mike Barzacchini photo)

Things heated up when I arrived at the now departed Momo's on west 6th Street. After a sizzling set by Jon Dee Graham, Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express took the stage at around 1 a.m.

Usually, SXSW showcase sets are a brief 30 minutes. Maybe because they were on last that night, Prophet and band delivered a marathon set by SXSW standards.

Along with his own great songs (Summertime Thing, You and Me Babe (Holding On), You Did (Bomp Shooby Dooby Bomp), Sonny Liston's Blues), he also paid tribute to Alex Chilton, who was scheduled to appear at SXSW on March 20 that year with Big Star. Unfortunately, he died on March 17.

Stephanie Finch, SXSW 2010 (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Prophet is an exhilarating live performer and he  more than delivered that night while draining every ounce of rock and roll energy from his audience. I staggered back to my hotel, smiling and exhausted at nearly 2:30 a.m., happy in the knowledge that I'd just experienced a rock show I'd not soon forget.

SXSW 2008: Pinetop Perkins at Nuno's

Remember that Tuesday night in March 2008 when we walked into Nuno's and Pinetop Perkins was playing?

Mike Barzacchini Photo

That's what I love about Austin and SXSW. Music everywhere and you never know who you're going to run into. What a kick to see Pinetop play in an intimate setting like Nuno's. Years before in either 1988 or 1989,  he came on stage to play a song or two with Bonnie Raitt at a show I attended at Riverbend in Cincinnati. But this, this was something else all together.

Now Pinetop and Nuno's are no more. But the music and memories live.

I won't make it to SXSW this year, so I'm coping by reliving memories from my past six visits (while I'm making plans for SXSW 2018).

Dash Rip Rock at SXSW: Best of 2016

I first saw Dash Rip Rock with my friend Kevin when the band opened for The Beat Farmers at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio, July 1986. My adrenline surges and smile widens thinking about that show.

Dash Rip Rock, Mojo's Mayhem 2016 at the Continental Club. (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

It was amazing when Kevin and I had the chance to see the band again at SXSW 2016. I spoke briefly with Bill Davis after DRR's Saxon Pub showcase. He not only remembered the Canal Street show, but told us that after the concert, Dash Rip Rock and the Farmers went bowling at a local lane. That would have been something to witness.

DRR's Bill Davis with the Butter-Spray Slide (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Bill Davis' Gator Guitar (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Long live Dash Rip Rock. Long Live Rock and Roll. Which is kind of saying the same thing.

                

More photos on my SXSW 2016 Dash Rip Rock Gallery on Flickr.

Rip Rock Official Website.

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Harts at SXSW: Best of 2016

Another great Aussie BBQ memory from SXSW 2016, Harts sending out sonic guitar riffs to a sunsoaked beer-blissed crowd.

Harts at SXSW 2016 Aussie BBQ (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Harts official website.

View my Harts SXSW 2016 Gallery on Flickr.

Stonefield at SXSW: Best of 2016

Sorting through photos, notes and memories from some of my top live shows of 2016. When I'm in Austin for SXSW, I try to not miss the Aussie BBQ. The event introduces me to new bands and sounds and the overall vibe in Brush Square Park is festive and fun.

My Stonefield gallery from the Aussie BBQ at SXSW 2016.

One of my favorite 2016 Aussie BBQ bands was Stonefield, four sisters who play beat-heavy, guitar-driven psychedlic influenced rock and roll. The band tore through a blistering 30-minute set, thrilling a few faithful fans and quickly converting the rest of the crowd.  Stonefield's music has a great summer festival feel. Hope they make many return visits to the states.

     

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SXSW 2016 Guide to New Artists

Still time to do your SXSW 2016 research? This guide should help. Who's on your "must listen" list? See you in Austin. https://readymag.com/503819

Bloodshot Showcase & Yard Dog Party SXSW 2016 Lineups Announced

Both lineups are packed with amazing Bloodshot Records artists. Luke Winslow-King, Banditos, Lydia Loveless, and much more. And of course it would not be a party without Waco Brothers. See you at the Bloodshot Records showcase and Yard Dog Art.

Our forever pals @lagunitasbeer are sponsoring our #SXSW Unofficial Day Party on March 18th at @YardDogArt! pic.twitter.com/UPdSrpmAiu

— Bloodshot Records (@BSHQ) February 18, 2016