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).

Ben Caplan at Canadian Blast, SXSW 2015

Ben Caplan's set at Canadian Blast was one of the highlights of my SXSW 2015.  Incredible energy and stage presence. Outstanding songs. Left me wanting more.

Finally, I'll get my wish. Just purchased my tickets to see Caplan and the Casual Smokers, Wednesday, March 29 at SPACE in Evanston. Until then, I'm still grooving on the fumes of his 2015 SXSW performance.

Ben Caplan at SXSW 2015, Canadian Blast (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Ben Caplan at SXSW 2015, Canadian Blast (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Ben Caplan at SXSW 2015, Canadian Blast (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers, SXSW 2015

Dash Rip Rock at the Continental Club, Mojo's Mayhem 2016

Couldn't resist posting one more, this collage I put together for Instagram this morning. Such a great set of live music. Still zooming of its fumes.

You can follow me on Instagram at @mjbarz78 

Music. Food. Nature. And lots of dog photos.

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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Who has more fun than Steve Poltz?

Steve Poltz at SPACE in Evanston, June 19, 2012

I don’t remember my Grandpa Fred. He died when I was young. Though I understand he had a saying, one my dad would repeat after I’d come home from a long night of misadventure and have to rise and shine the next morning:

“Who has more fun than you?”

It’s become a mantra question for me. One I routinely ask my wife, my son, other family members and friends as we continue on this messy adventure called life. Usually, I don’t get a verbal response. Depending on the circumstances, I may come away with a smile, grimace or groan.

Now, after almost 56 years of searching, I have my found the answer:

“Who has more fun than you?”

“Why Grandpa, that would have to be Steve Poltz.”

I first saw Steve perform a hyperkinetic set at the 2008 Guitartown/Conqueroo Kickoff Day Party. Immediately hooked, I learned that it was Steve’s tradition to play a zillion times during SXSW week. My SXSW experience ended that year during Mojo’s Mayhem where I witnessed Steve nearly get a haircut from the Continental Club’s venerable ceiling fan while surfing the crowd after a graceful stage dive.

I’ve been hooked on Steve Poltz, his music, humor and indomitable spirit since. I followed him around SXSW two more years and witnessed three original and captivating shows at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois. 

Me and Steve and Jonathan, SPACE in Evanston, Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Even better, through Steve’s Instagram feed, Facebook page, blog and other digital smoke signals, he lets me and all his fans in on his ongoing adventures, including weird signs, what’s for breakfast, freaky-cool socks, insta-songs, unique people met along the way and wholly original insights on culture and life.

So it was with great anticipation in 2015 that I started planning my SXSW adventure by trying to figure out all the bars, hotel lobbies and laundromats where Steve would perform that week.

That’s when I learned that Steve wouldn’t be coming to Austin in 2015. Instead, he’d be in Australia -- for more than a month! I figured SXSW must be cancelled. I mean you can’t hold the festival if the unofficial mayor is out of town.

Because of my selfishness (“Why can’t I see Steve perform in Austin?”), it was temporarily painful to follow Steve on social media that spring. But finally, I figured it out:

Why take over a town for a week when you can charm an entire continent for a month or more? See, Australia loves Steve too. They have for years. And in Australia, Steve has found a land vast enough for the enormous fun he radiates.

Have I missed him in Austin these past two years? Sure, but  here’s the best part: I may never make it to Australia, but through Steve’s messages in various Internet bottles, I’ve traveled along like I’m tucked in a secret side pocket in Smokey Joe’s guitar case, experiencing the people, food and places.

Steve wraps his latest Aussie takeover today with a performance at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne. Up next he’ll sing the National Anthem on Thursday, April 21, at PETCO Park in San Diego before his beloved Padres take the field. 

Welcome back to the USA, Steve. Thanks for taking us along to Australia again this year. Hope to see you at SPACE in a few weeks.

And seriously, “Who has more fun than you?”

P.S: Steve, if you’re reading this, please let me know where I can buy my “El Poltzo for President” trucker hat. There’s at least one contested convention coming up and I need to represent.

P.P.S: If ya’ll haven’t bought Steve’s new CD, Folksinger, yet, I honestly don’t know what you’re waiting on. It’s loaded with heart-warming, -breaking, -persevering songs and a belly full of laughs, too.

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

And there's more at Yard Dog during SXSW: Thursday and Friday Day Party Line-Ups

Yard Dog is one of the coolest places to hang during SXSW week. Always amazing music during their two day parties. This year is no exception.

On THURSDAY, MARCH 17 (Happy St. Patrick's Day!) Brooklyn Breweries presents:

The Baby Robot Media/ Smiths Olde Bar/ Plowboy Records/Nine Mile Touring Day Party. See the full line up.

On FRIDAY, MARCH 18, is the Bloodshot Records Annual Day Party Sponsored by Lagunitas, The Loar and Recording King. See the full line up.

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

Susan's song of the day for me: Garland Jeffreys - Love is not a Cliche

Great pick, Susan. I've been all in on Garland Jeffreys and his music since first hearing "Escape Artist" from first cut to last on a road trip from Dayton to Athens, Ohio when it debuted in 1981. Fortunate to see Garland perform at SXSW in 2006 and 2012. Amazing artist and live performer.

Garland Jeffreys - "Love is Not a Cliche"

Garland Jeffreys performs Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

Garland Jeffreys on tour. 

My 2015 SXSW Must-See List

Of course, I won't see them all. And they'll be some not on the list that I will see along the way. With that disclaimer out of the way, here's my 2015 SXSW Music Must-See List. Who's missing from my list? Who will you see at SXSW 2015?

1	Count this Penny
1	The Family Crest
1	Irene Diaz
1	Madison Ward and the Mama Bear
1	Aisha Burns
1	Ben Caplan
1	Fantastic Negrito
1	Courtney Barnett
1	Soak
1	LuLuc
1	Amason
1	Family and Friends
1	Ruby Jane
1	Steve Gunn
1	Waxahatchee
1	Jorma Kaukonen
1	Ray Wylie Hubbard
1	Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
1	Jitterbug Vipers
1	The Lowest Pair
1	Del Barber
1	James McMurtry
1	Jon Dee Graham
1	Asleep at the Wheel
1	The Lowest Pair
1	JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound
1	Bill Kirchen
1	TV on the Radio
1	Jon Langford
1	The Zombies
1	Chuck Prophet
1	Giant Sand
1	Chip Taylor
1	Bill Carter
1	Prettiots
1	Wild Child
1	Grand Analog
1	Tuxedo
1	Whiskey Shivers
1	The Mastersons
1	Doug Seegers
1	Leon Bridges
2	Ibeyi
2	The Stray Birds
2	Kaleo
2	Charlie Belle
2	Baptiste Hamon
2	Kristin Diable
2	San Fermin
2	Lila Anne
2	Big Phony
2	Cleopatra Degher
2	Della Mae
2	Jesse Moore
2	L'Aupaire
2	San Tanveer Brothers
2	Skinny Lister
2	Pirate Canoe
2	American Aquarium
2	Delaney Davidson
2	Elsa Cross
2	Velvet Caravan
2	Strong Like a Horse
2	Laura Marling
2	Bobby Bare Jr.
2	Spoon
2	Jeff Austin
2	Heartless Bastards
2	Julianna Barwick
2	Call Me Lolla
3	Meg Mac
3	Austin Basham
3	Strawberry Runner
3	Oxford & Co.
3	Jukebox the Ghost
3	Summer Cannibals
3	Houndmouth
3	Alvvays
3	Hanne Kolsto
3	Emmy the Great
3	Wilson
3	The Dove and the Wolf
3	Humming House
3	The Last Bison
3	Magic Giant
3	Tom Brosseau
3	Vandaleez
3	Portugal, the Man
3	Twin Peaks
3	Waco Brothers
3	Robert Earl Keen
3	Freedom Fry
3	The War On Drugs