Stephen Bruton: 1948-2009 Venerated musician, producer, entertainer, and inspiration, Stephen Bruton, quietly succumbed to his 2½-year battle with throat cancer Saturday, May 9. Bruton passed away peacefully in his sleep in Los Angeles, where he had been the last two months to work on a soundtrack with T-Bone Burnett and for treatment from two oncology specialists. The Fort Worth native got his break in 1971 when Kris Kristofferson hired him as a guitarist; Bruton kept that gig fro 17 years. Bruton also famously played in Bonnie Raitt’s band for many years. His résumé also includes production credits for Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Alejandro Escovedo, and Marcia Ball among others. His songwriting stature rose with a string of critically-acclaimed solo records on New West Records starting in 1993. Never one to let his A-list, arena tour credentials interfere with his salt-of-the-earth integrity, Bruton consistently played small clubs in Austin, including a weekly Sunday residency with the Resentments at the Saxon Pub. Those who knew Bruton talked more about his friendship and generosity than his musical accomplishments. For someone with such an impressive dossier, that says quite a lot.
Poodie Locke: 1952-2009 One of the truly great spirits in the fabric that makes Austin Austin passed on Wednesday, May 6. Randall “Poodie” Locke died of an apparent heart attack at age 56 in his home in Briarcliff (30 miles west of Austin). While Locke, known to everyone as Poodie, boasted the credentials of Willie Nelson’s longtime stage manager (34 years) and owner of the quietly legendary honky-tonk Poddie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill (in Spicewood), he was most known as a vibrant, colorful character, loved by all. With a grizzly bear frame and a pacifist’s ponytail, Locke embraced life with an infectious verve that spread to everyone in a room with him. Nelson’s official website features a number of odes to Locke, including the first, official announcement from May 6, which includes the request: “Poodie, put us on the list for a backstage pass in heaven!”  Photo: Cambria Harkey In perhaps the worst kept secret in music since…well, since the secret Metallica show at SXSW in March (the music world isn’t very good at this secret thing apparently)…Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys, Dave Matthews, and Ben Harper are indeed among the scheduled headliners for the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival, October 2-4. While there weren’t many surprises at the top, there’s a legion of ACL devotees who know damn well the gold is in the middle tier, and even lower rungs, of the lineup. A first take of a few lesser-known name... read more here... Austin City Limits Music Festival tickets go on sale April 7. Can’t wait to see headliner ___________? Dying to check out breakthrough artist __________? Curious if ___________ can live up to the hype? Get in line (figuratively) then, as ACL festival tickets go on sale at 10am Tuesday, April 7...long before any performers will be announced. The tickets will cost $160 for three-day festival passes, and that includes all fees and service charges. The eight-stage festival will be held October 2-4 in a rejuvenated Zilker Park, which is receiving irrigation updates from ACL organizers in an attempt to eliminate the Dust Bowl as hundreds of thousands of fans tromp across the field over the weekend. The official lineup will be announced April 28, or at least the first round of confirmations of the 130 (give or take) acts. About that time the ticket price will go up to $185. So you save $25 buying before you know the lineup. It’s gonna be good, so don’t worry ‘bout it. Tickets here. Tim’s Porch at The Backyard Grand Opening April 10-11. In an attempt to go back to its roots—and apparently confuse the hell out of everyone—The Backyard is reopening in a scaled down version just months after the panic-inducing announcement they were closing last fall…and the subsequent announcement over the winter The Backyard would open in a new location. The latest announcement doesn’t seem to change the notion that The Backyard will find a new location in Bee Cave. Tim’s Porch (named for owner Tim O’Connor of Direct Events) will take the original Backyard back to its origins as a small, intimate venue. The scaled-down amphitheater will be closer in size to the original venue before its explosive growth. The Grand Re-Opening (did it ever actually close?) will feature Asylum Street Spankers on April 10 and John Gaar & The Hopeful Souls (with Stweard Mann and the Statesboro Revue) on April 11. Party with the Band to benefit SIMS Foundation April 15. The band in this scenario is 11-piece funk/R&B powerhouse T-Bird & The Breaks, who play the high-profile party/gig at Copa Bar & Grill on April 15. The concert falls in line with SIMS new “I’m With the Band” campaign. The party will include special guests as well as silent auction items such as ACL Music Festival passes, SXSW passes, tickets to ACL tapings, recording studio time and much more. The event is 7-10pm; admission is free for “I’m With the Band” members and $10 otherwise. The SIMS Foundation provides low-cost counseling and other mental health services to Austin musicians and their families. Learn more and “join the band” here. Corporate Battle of the Bands set for April 21 at Antone’s. Photo: Callie Richmond The second annual Health Alliance for Austin Musicians battle between corporate axe-men—er, perhaps poor choice of wording—will pit eleven bands vying for four top prizes. The fundraiser for HAAM, which helps provide medical services to Austin’s music community who otherwise couldn’t afford care, features bands made from employees at high tech companies, law firms, ad agencies, and other corporations. A panel of celebrity judges (Terry Lickona, Marcia Ball, Guy Forsyth) will pick winners for Best Original Band, Best Cover Band, and Grand Prize Winner with a fourth award going to Fan Favorite. The battle will rage from 6-11:30pm on Tuesday, April 21. Tickets are only $5 to see the desk jockeys trade their ties for guitar straps.
 The Black & White Years
Winners were announced last night (3/28/09) at the Austin Music Hall for the 2008-2009 Austin Music Awards. The kickoff to SXSW combined great music from some dream team collaborations with the award ceremony saluting the best in Austin music. Alejandro Escovedo was a big winner (Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year), as was The Black & White Years who were the biggest winner with four awards (five if you count Best Producer for non-Austinite Jerry Harrison). Other mulitple winners were Carolyn Wonderland, Van Wilks, Bob Schneider. For a complete list of winners, with a little side of commentary, click here.
 The Steps are Playing in Traffic
Playing in Traffic record label will officially launch during this month during the SXSW Music Festival with an all Texas roster that includes Los Lonely Boys, indie power-rockers The Steps, young blues phenom Gary Clark Jr., captivating (and even younger) singer-songwriter Sahara Smith, and innovative pop band Speak. That’s a pretty heavy-hitting lineup for a new label. It helps that the label is the offshoot of Loophole Entertainment, which managed all the artists. Loophole head Kevin Wommack will helm the new label as well, along with partner Whitaker Elledge. If you’re reading between the lines, this announcement also means Los Lonely Boys will no longer appear on Epic Records. Playing in Traffic plans to release national debut albums this summer by Gary Clark Jr., The Steps, Sahara Smith, and Speak. Los Lonely Boys are eyeing the fall for their fourth studio release.
Continental Club Gallery Reopens
 Austin’s hip sector has cause for jubilation as the upstairs lounge counterpart to the Continental Club reopened on Friday, March 6 after a lengthy 11 months closed. The artsy, hep-cat vibe was directed by the nightly music entertainment, typically in the jazz and groove fashion, including frequent performances by B-3 maestro Mike Flanigin and jazz cat extraordinaire Ephraim Owens. The newly opened Continental Club Gallery will host live music nightly from 10pm-1am; doors open at 9pm. (First Thursdays are an exception, when it opens at 6pm.) There will be no cover charge Sun-Thur, with a $5 cover on Fridays and Saturdays. The art-decked walls, slick lounge seating, and upstairs ping-pong table all remain. The Gallery is two doors down from the Continental Club, then up the stairs.
 Photo: Rebecca Fondren
HAAM’s Carolyn Schwarz named Austin Under 40 Austinite of the Year
Executive Director of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Carolyn Schwarz was double-honored on February 27 at the 11th Annual Austin Under 40 Awards. She left the gala with two trophies: Austinite of the Year and Austin Entertainment Star. Schwarz was honored for her dedication, care, and enthusiasm in helping the city’s hard-working, but often un- or under-insured professional musicians gain access to low-cost healthcare services provided by HAAM. Since its beginning in 2005, HAAM has raised more than $1 million to fund the services and has enrolled 1400 member-musicians.
Million Musicians March for Peace, Sat. 3/21
For the fourth year in a row, Instruments for Peace reprises the Million Musicians March for Peace, Justice, and Truth. The 2009 march will be Saturday, March 21 from noon-4pm. The day includes a musical rally on the Capitol grounds from noon-1pm. From there, the musical march plays through downtown streets from 1-1:45pm, winding up at City Hall where a musical rally for Citizen Action is held until 4pm. There will be a lot of music, but also a call to action for peace and more accountable government and media coverage. Though a million may be stretching it, a couple thousand marchers will attend, including many heavyweight Austin musicians and even more hobbyist musicians marching with their instruments.
Anthropos Arts Cover Band Fundraiser
 The 3rd Annual Austin Tribute Band Marathon is set for Friday, March 27 at Emo’s. The blowout concert is a fundraiser for Anthropos Arts, the non-profit organization that provides professional music education and lessons to under-privileged and low-income Austin-area school children. (Read more here.) The concert will include Austin cover bands paying homage to Heart, The Buzzcocks, Devo, The Black Keys, Joy Division, Elvis Costello, and Nick Lowe. The all-ages concert (8pm-2am) will be $10 at the door.
SXSW Music Wristbands on Sale Now!
 The first round of SXSW wristbands go on sale today (2/18) at the early bird price of $129 (tax included). As usual, you have to be an Austin-area resident to get in on this action. Once the first round of 4000 wristbands are sold out, the price will go up (to be named later, but a birdie says $180). This first round is sold online only (go here, but expect their server to be overloaded). You can buy only two wristbands: one for you, and one for a friend. You must provide a name and email of this friend to make the purchase, as all wristbands are assigned by name and are non-transferable and non-refundable. You must pay with a credit card that has a local billing address, and has the name of one of the two wristband users. Unfortunately, despite living here and buying early, you must wait until SXSW Music kicks off (March 17) to pick up your wristbands with the masses.
 Meat Puppets Announce New CD
Legendary rock band and DIY heroes the Meat Puppets, who have relatively quietly adopted Austin as their home base the last several years, have recorded a new album, Sewn Together. Not scheduled for release until May 12, on Megaforce Records, Meat Puppets will preview some material from Sewn Together during a SXSW appearance at Stubb’s on March 19. The Meat Puppets heyday was in the ’90s, when their accessible brand of punk rock with bits of country and psychedelia influenced major breakthrough bands like Nirvana, Pavement, Stone Temple Pilots, and more.
 Ruben Ramos
Austin musicians were represented in six categories at the 51st annual Grammy Awards, and came out with the trophy in two. Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution took top honors in the category “Best Tejano Album” for Viva la Revolucion (nudging out another nominated Austin band, Tortilla Factory, along the way). A lifetime hall of famer on the Tejano circuit, Ramos added to his trophy case, which already included a Grammy he earned with Los Super Seven. Monster guitarist Redd Volkaert earned a trophy for his appearance on Brad Paisley’s song “Cluster Puck.” Paisley’s song (from his 2008 Arista CD, Play) won for “Best Country Instrumental Performance,” in which all the musicians on the track receive the award. To read about the rest of the Austin nominees, click here.
Photo: Callie Richmond
Leave your cubicle behind and get ready to rock. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians announces the call for entries for their annual Corporate Battle of the Bands, a fundraising contest and concert with a final showdown scheduled for April 21. Deadlines for bands to enter is Wednesday, March 25. Ten entries will be selected as finalists. Your band must be between 3-10 members, be a working professional (music is your hobby/side gig), and live in Austin. There will be prizes for Best Original Band, Best Cover Band, Fan Favorite, and Grand Prize, which includes a gig at Stubb’s and three-day passes to Austin City Limits Music Festival. All proceeds will benefit HAAM’s efforts to provide medical care to the often uninsured working musicians who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Complete details and registration form are here. You will also need to submit a music sample (via CD or web).
Teen-focused Booking Agency Launching in Austin, TX
Successful booking agency and tour consultant RajiWorld (A.J. Croce, Brownout, Rosie Flores, Nakia, Suzanna Choffel) announces the launch of a new division, ALTWorld, focused exclusively on teen bands. ALTWorld will be a full-service agency booking teen bands at all-ages venues and events as well as acting as “a homeroom,” providing assistance with auditions, rehearsals, gear discounts, industry connections, and more. ALTWorld will be helmed by Roggie Baer (RajiWorld principal) and Harper Ferguson. A first audition to join the roster will be held at Jovita’s on February 22. To register for the audition ($15) contact
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by February 15. (Late registration will be available until Feb 20 for an additional $15.)
 Photo: David Harvey
Austin’s resident classic rock legend, keyboardist Ian McLagan, heard the rumor that Faces (Mac, Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Kenny Jones, and the late Ronnie Lane) was reuniting so many times recently that he set the record straight on his website this week. “Don’t believe anything you read about an album in the works or a tour being planned until you read it here,” McLagan wrote. “I’ll be happy to announce good news, or any news, if and when there is some.” The rumor mill kicked into gear after Mac and the bunch got together in November for a little jam. In the meantime, Mac is currently gearing up his Bump Band for an East Coast tour starting in February as they continue to support his most recent release, the suddenly auspicious sounding Never Say Never.
Merle Haggard Coming to Austin, tix on sale Friday.
Direct Events announced today the Merle Haggard will play Austin Music Hall on March 11. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, January 30 at 10am. Tickets will be in three tiers: $35 for “obstructed view” seats, $45 for reserved, and $65 for premium reserved. There will be service charges, of course, which typically run $6-$10 for Direct Events shows. Tickets will be available at austinmusichall.com or by calling 1.866.443.8849.
 Bruce Springsteen is Austin-bound.
[UPDATE: THE SHOW HAS ALREADY SOLD OUT...DIDN'T TAKE VERY LONG]
While you’re at it, you might want to mark Saturday, February 7 on your calendar as well. That’s the day tickets go on sale (at 10am) for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, who, it was just announced, will play the Frank Erwin Center on April 5. Tickets are likely to sell out fast for The Boss, who is touring behind his 24th album, Working On a Dream. Tickets are in three tiers: $39, $55, and $89, plus whatever “convenience” charges they sock you with.
 Photo: Keith Carter
The young Dedringers duo, which has been a major buzz band among roots rock circles for the past two years, are taking a hiatus from the band to pursue separate musical interests. Jonny Burke and Sean Faires stress there is no drama behind the breakup: “Sean love Jonny. Jonny love Sean,” Faires quips. The two have been playing together since high school and they’re ready to graduate. They will unveil their new projects on February 4 at the Continental Club as they co-headline a bill with their new bands.
Devo Coming to SXSW
 BMI just announced that Devo will be headlining their SXSW showcase in 2009. Damn. Devo! This is great news for a number of minimalist indie outfits sprouting along Red River Pop quiz: what’s Devo mean? Answer: de-evolution. Co-founders Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale made statements as much as they made music, but don’t tell today’s fans that their albums were as much satire as anything. In retrospect, they were on to something. Surprised they’re still together? Don’t feel bad. October 2008 was their first gig together in 30 years.
Old Settler’s Early Bird Tickets On Sale
 The 22nd annual Old Settler’s Music Festival is slated for April 16-19, but if you want to get on the camping action, or just take advantage of lower prices, early bird tickets went on sale today (Jan 16). Held at Camp Ben McCollugh on the southern edge of Austin, Old Settler’s is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and great after-concert jam sessions in the campgrounds. The 2009 lineup includes The BoDeans, Hayes Carll, The Gourds, Fred Eaglesmith, The Greencards, and a whole lot more. Early bird pricing is $95 for three-day wristband, $115 three-day wristband with camping. (Camping passes will sell out.) Tickets are available here.
 Photo: James Minchin
The Texican band of brothers, Los Lonely Boys, start off 2009 doing something new: all-acoustic concerts. Already promising excitement, the bill gets better with added supporting act Del Castillo, Austin’s flamenco-rock guitar gymnasts. There are only three acoustic dates, and none are in Austin proper. Los Lonely Boys kick it off Jan 23 at Gruene Hall, always a great venue worth the drive. Other dates are Jan 24 in Conroe, TX (Crighton hall), and Jan 25 in Dallas (Granada Theater). They’ll resume their schedule of full-throttle Texican rock in February. The next scheduled Austin date is April 7 at the Long Center.
 Austin's Ike Instrument Drive
The Recording Academy Texas Chapter began an instrument drive in November 2008 (see story here) to replace music equipment lost due to Hurricane Ike at Galveston’s Central Middle School. When asked to contribute, Austin showed up, accounting for $9,000 of the total via a December 10 instrument drive. On Thursday, January 15, the Texas Chapter is presenting $30,000 in musical equipment and cash to the Galveston school in the pep rally to beat all pep rallies. In addition to the truckload of instruments and cash, the rally will include music performances by Texas rap titan Paul Wall and Michelle Williams, former member of Destiny’s Child.
The Backyard has a new home.
The nail-biting didn't have to last too long. The much-beloved Backyard outdoor concert amphitheatre has secured a new home, officially receiving zoning approval from the City of Bee Cave on January 13. The council's approval was met with a standing ovation from about 200 people in attendance. The new location will be off Highway 71, west of the 620 intersection, and consists of a little more than 35 acres. The frontage entrance will be adjacent to Bee Cave City Park, on the proposed Bee Cave Parkway extension. Groundbreaking will begin this spring. The new Backyard will increase its capacity from 5000 to 7500, and parking will all be on-site (a welcome change). Construction and design are being executed with the help of environmental advisors to ensure the Backyard is as green as possible. The original Backyard closed in October 28 after 16 years of concerts, reportedly because the encroachment of shopping malls and commerical development cramped the outdoor venue's style and feel.
Monte Montgomery fans lobby for Top 10 inclusion.
 We asked for it. When austin.com compiled our list of Top 10 Austin CDs of 2008, we closed by inviting readers to send us a note if we committed a crime by leaving someone out. Long-revered Austin guitar virtuoso Monte Montgomery had a self-titled release in 2008. While it didn’t blow our critics away, his live shows always do. And his fans apparently think the CD matches his sets, sending in a lot messages with a lot of bold type, exclamation marks, and ALL CAPS to say as much. Quite a few emails actually, from Austin, San Antonio, Indiana, and a good number with no locale mentioned. In our wisdom, we never said we would alter the Top 10, but offered to expand the list. So here it is. Monte Montgomery is the #11 CD of Austin for 2008. He can add that to his accolades among the 50 greatest guitarists of all-time (Guitar Player Magazine) and seven trophies for "Best Acoustic Guitar" from the Austin Music Awards.
Other additions to Top Austin CDs of 2008.
 Carolyn Wonderland
 Gary Clark Jr.; Photo: Ron Baker
SXSW announces first round of confirmed music acts.
Exactly one day after the first week of the new year, and exactly ten weeks before the South by Southwest Music Conference kicks off, the first official list of bands has been announced, with 135 confirmed acts. Just about 900 more to come. Austinites listed in the first wave are Arc Angels, Bavu Blakes, Ben Kweller, David Garza, Explosions in the Sky, Gary Clark Jr., Grimy Styles, Hickoids, Shawn David McMillen, and T-Bird & The Breaks. You can check out the whole list here.
Malford Milligan is Milwaukee bound.
 One of Austin’s longtime stalwarts of the blues scene is soul/rock singer Malford Milligan, but come January 9, 2009, Milligan is making a move to Milwaukee. His raspy yet deliciously soulful voice has earned comparisons to Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, but around her you simply need so say “Mal,” and everybody knows. The Taylor, TX, native broke on the Austin scene in 1994 fronting the practically legendary Storyville (David Grissom, Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, David Holt). Milligan has since recorded or toured with just about everyone including Marcia Ball, Eric Johnson, B.B. King, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Alejandro Escovedo, and a laundry list of notables. If you missed his New Year's Eve performance at Nuno's, his last show in Austin (although, we suspect a road trip here and there could be in order) is one final Blue Tuesday at Antone's on January 6. A host of friends will surely stop by. Anyway…much luck to Mal, but a bummer to see such a great talent go.
Emo’s Free Week is now Red River Free Week.
 A tradition that started at Emo’s about 2003 (nobody can really remember, you understand if you’ve ever been) is now taking over most of the Red River scene as Mohawk, Club de Ville, Red 7, and Beauty Bar join the Free Week fun. It’s pretty simple: a week’s worth of multiple-bills every night of free live music from many of Austin’s notable, and soon-to-break indie rock and punk bands. The expansion comes courtesy of Transmission Entertainment, which now books (and in the case of Red 7, owns) these clubs. Transmission’s Graham Williams started Free Week when he worked at Emo’s. Williams has always said he just assumed other Red River venues would follow suit and join in, but they never did. Now, he can change that single-handedly. “I’ll certainly be glad to see it grow to the size I always wanted it to,” Williams said. “It’s almost like a free, local-only SXSW for all the folks in town.” Bands like Riverboat Gamblers, Loxsly, Til We’re Blue or Destroy, The Laughing, Golden Bear, Shapes Have Fangs and a hundred or so more will play free sets to packed crowds in what would otherwise be the slowest time of the year. Check the nightly live music listings at austin.com to stay on top of things.
 David Banner photo: OG Photography
Billboard and PDN (Photo District News) held an open submission for their Ultimate Music Photo Contest to cap off the 2008 year. Judges selected a handful of winners from more than 2,000 submissions. One of those winners was Austin media photographer Oscar Garcia, who works simply as OG. He took his winning photo (right) of Mississippi rap titan David Banner during the 2008 SXSW Music Festival in Austin in March. OG is a noted photographer who frequently works with heavyweights in southern rap, including Chamillionaire and Austin's Bavu Blakes. The David Banner photo is featured in the December issue of PDN magazine and is included in online galleries of both Billboard and PDN.
James McMurtry and Alejandro Escovedo on USA Today Top 5 Albums list.
 James McMurtry
Austinites nab 5 of the top 10 Americana albums of the year.
 Not that we don’t already know it, but Austin is clearly the hub of the ever-burgeoning Americana music scene. Once again, the proof is in the pudding as five Austinites (or currently Austin-based) landed in the top ten most-played Americana albums of 2008, including the number one and two positions. Hayes Carll landed at #1 with Trouble in Mind (Lost Highway); James McMurtry at #2 with Just Us Kids (Lightning Rod Records). These beat out the Robert Plant & Alison Krauss combo as well as Drive-By Truckers, Old 97’s, Steve Eale, and other big names in 2008. Ryan Bingham was the #6 most played Americana album on radio with Mescalito (Lost Highway); Band of Heathens sit at #8 with their self-released eponymous studio debut (after two live recordings); and Alejandro Escovedo rounds out the top ten with Real Animal (Manhattan/Back Porch Records). If you’re so inclined to look through the Top 100, you’ll see Austin bands throughout the list, including Reckless Kelly, Belleville Outfit, Gougers, Jesse Dayton & Brennen Leigh, Seth Walker, Walt Wilkins, and many more. The list was compiled by the Americana Music Association.
 Marcia Ball
Blues Foundation Nominees Announced
Another in the year-end awards nominations, The Blues Foundation, based in Memphis, TN, announced the contenders for the 30th Blues Music Awards (formerly W.C. Handy Blues Awards). Austinite Marcia Ball is up for two awards: Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year and the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player, both of which she earned in 1998. Ironically, the chap whom the latter award is named for didn’t get a nod. Also earning a nomination is Ruthie Foster for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year; while that award would surely be welcome, it might have fit better in 2007 after the appropriately named Phenomenal release. Survey on legal issues facing musicians and industry professionals.
University of Texas School of Law students hope to create a free clinic staffed by attorneys and upper-level law students. The free clinic would provide free legal advice to musicians, arts, and entertainment professionals who otherwise would not have access to consult an attorney. The law students are conducting a free survey to gather information on how they can best provide legal services in a manner that is genuinely useful for those who need it. It takes roughly ten minutes, and is well worth your time. Click here to take the survey.
Robert Earl Keen tribute CD coming early ‘09
 A slew of talented Texas/Americana artists gathered last winter to honor Robert Earl Keen. The result is Undone: A MusicFest Tribute to Rober Earl Keen, a double CD set for release early February 2009. (MusicFest is the annual winter pilgrimage to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a combination ski trip/Texas music festival rolled into one.) Artists like Walt Witkins, Reckless Kelly, Doug Moreland, Cory Morrow, Randy Rogers and more gathered for a special concert, all caught on tape. Keen himself adds five numbers to the 27-track collection; they’re his songs after all. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Undone will benefit The Center for Texas Music History. Fittingly, the release (Right Ave. Records) will coincide with the 20th anniversary of Keen’s most enduring single, “The Road Goes on Forever.”
Anthropos Coffee Hour 12/20
Anthropos Arts is a wonderful non-profit in Austin that provides high-quality, professional music education to low-income public schools, including workshops, private tutored lessons, master classes and more. All of it is free, providing a valuable asset these youth wouldn’t otherwise have access to. This coffee hour (and literally, one hour only) at the Austin History Center will give a chance to meet some of the students, hear them play, and learn about Anthropos’ plans for the future. As Anthropos likes to point out, children who play musical instruments are proven to perform better on test scores, not to mention the boost in discipline and self-confidence. So they are working toward a future where every child has access to high-quality music education. To read more about Anthropos Arts, click here. The Antropos coffee hour is Saturday, 12/20, from 10:30am-11:30am at the Austin History Center (9th & Guadalupe). Coffee will be served. This is a meet-and-greet, not a fundraiser.
The Oaks is Closing
 The short-lived but much-loved music venue just outside Manor, Texas, announced this week that it’s closing its doors. The Oaks exuded a down-home, friendly feel. Many said it was a slice of old Austin. The Oaks hosted top-quality, local and regional roots music for three years, the likes of Marcia Ball, Asleep at the Wheel, Buckwheat Zydeco, Billy Joe Shaver, Beausolei. Owners Deb Fleming and Steve Dean offer a litany of reasons The Oaks is reluctantly closing: excessive ASCAP demands, noise complaints (despite closest neighbors more than a mile away), rising costs, bad economy. Ultimately, the source of The Oaks charm may have also played a part; its distance from downtown Austin offered a lovely, scenic venue, but unfortunately, beer and booze often go hand in hand with live music, making the drive out to Manor a challenge for some. But here’s hoping a rebirth may take place somehow, somewhere in the near future. Quincy Jones Named Keynote Speaker for SXSW 2009
 Photo: Greg Gorman
Jewel Caught Cheating at the Driskill
The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, has a starring role in Jewel’s new video for the single “Til It Feels Like Cheating,” released this fall, the third single from her latest album, Perfectly Clear. The video was filmed on October 10, and released December 2. Both The Driskill and Jewel look quite stunning in the video. The only question is: What happened to Jewel? The singer-songwriter whose 1995 debut, Pieces of You, went platinum twelve times over bears little musical resemblance to Jewel today. The move to country music isn’t surprising; just a shame it’s the over-produced, pop-version of the Nashville machine. After all, she resides in Central Texas now, she should go see some real country music and embrace that. Though, a two-stepping rhythm and a fiddle solo would’ve ruined her chances of being invited back to “Nashville Star.” Grupo Fantasma, Marcia Ball, Redd Volkaert, among Austin Grammy Nominees  Photo: La Pistola Photography The nominations for the 51st annual Grammy Awards were announced last night, and seven Austinites are up for a golden gramophone. For full story, click here. But here’s the quick rundown. The 10-piece Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma earned their first nomination in the “Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album” category for Sonidos Gold (Aire Sol Records). Queen of the boogie, swamp blues, Marcia Ball earned another nomination in “Best Contemporary Blues Album” for Peace, Love & BBQ (Rounder). Nonagenarian Pinetop Perkins hopes to add another “Best Traditional Blues Album” trophy for Pinetop Perkins & Friends (Telarc). Two Austin bands are up for “Best Tejano Album,” Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution are up for Viva la Revolucion and Tortilla Factory for All That Jazz. Monster guitarist Redd Volkaert could win a trophy in “Best Instrumental Performance” for his part on Braid Paisley’s “Cluster Puck.” Finally, Austin’s world-class choral ensemble, Conspirare receive another nod in “Best Choral Performance” for their part on Tarik O’Reagan’s Threshold of Night (Harmonia Mundi). Invincible Czars go Nutcracker Nuts  Holiday time in Austin, Texas, means our favorite Russian-classical-inspired punk band, the Invincible Czars, transform from underground, Red River, late night instigators to bearers of family-friendly holiday cheer. The accomplished musicians perform a perfectly wacky, and musically challenging, version of The Nutcracker Suite every holiday season (think Mannheim Steam Roller meets Trans-Siberian Orchestra meets The Stooges meets Tchaikovsky). The schedule thus far includes the Downtown Austin Alliance Holiday Stroll (12/6 on Congress Ave.); Fox 7’s morning TV, “Good Day Austin” (12/7); a Jovita’s kids show (12/13, 2pm, $7adults, $4 kids) where costumes and props are encouraged; at the Trail of Lights (Post Office Stage, 12/14); a loud set for the adults at Mohawk (12/19, w/ Golden Arm Trio, 10pm, $10); and a chance to skate along with The Nutcracker at the Whole Foods Market rooftop ice rink (12/20).  Noise Revival Orchestra Experience Strap a ship to your head and shorten your petticoats for a chic Rococo Punk Renaissance celebrating the EP release of chamber music experimentalists Noise Revival Orchestra Experience at the Beauty Bar this Friday from 9pm-2am. The Rock Me Amadeus masquerade ball promises a night full of diversionary dissipation in high court fashion. In addition to the Noise Revival Orchestra—a 13-member ensemble experimenting with ambient indie rock embedded in classical motifs and structure—the stage will be filled by a smorgasbord of acts including the burlesque troupe Jigglewatts, the go-go-dancing, face-paintring Jezebelles, and Paul Banks and the Carousels. And because no court is complete without a jester, Bric-A-Brac Vintage Vaudeville Variety Show’s Baptiste the Clown will be emceeing the event. With performance art, French chocolate tasting, Marie Antoinette’s photo-taking boudoir, tasty treats, and a host of party favors (gift certificates, spa treatments, more), the ruckus may be enough to rouse Mozart himself for an encore. No proof of royal lineage is required, only $5 at the door. Ben Kweller EP offers sneak peek at his new, country side.
 Buzz has been heavy since Ben Kweller wrapped up recordings for his first new release (Changing Horses, due Jan. ’09 on ATO Records) since his self-titled 2006 mega-hit, and first since becoming a full-time Austinite. Much of the hype revolves around a new, rootsier side, with pedal steel, dobro and the spirit of Gram Parsons playing heavy roles. If you can’t wait, Kweller is issuing a limited edition EP, How Ya Lookin’ Southbound? Come In…, offering a more than just a glimpse. The seven-track release includes three cuts from the upcoming full-length. For those quick at math, that means this special release includes four songs not to appear on the album. The EP is available on tour (in Europe through the new year) and apparently one record store in NYC, which offers it for order online here.
 Randy Weeks readies first new disc since move to Austin.
L.A. roots/Americana mainstay up and moved to Austin following his last critically lauded release (Sugarfinger, 2006). Though he’s said hello to Austin musicgoers in clubs, Weeks is setting to release his first recording spawning from his new Austin environs. Going My Way (Certifiable Records) is slated for 2/17/09, and features longtime guitarist Tony Gilkyson along with a new stable of locals, Eliza Gilkyson, Cindy Cashdollar, and producer Will Sexton. Weeks falls squarely in the Americana stable…maybe. Musically he brings to mind JJ Cale though vocally he’s not as sedate, and a bit more nasally. In addition to his peer-praised releases, Weeks is known for penning Lucinda Williams’ “Can’t Get Go” from her Grammy-winning Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.
 Scott Biram
The fiercely intense one-man-badass-band of Scott H. Biram will get a little bit of help on his next release on Bloodshot Records. The Black Diamond Heavies guest on one track, a cover of Muddy Waters’ “I Feel So Good,” and the Heavies’ John Meyers adds some keyboards on a new Biram tune, “Why You Give Me Such a Hard Time?” The newest collection of Biram’s John Lee Hooker meets Motörhead romp through rural blues is slated for release next April. His labelmate with Bloodshot, Wayne “The Train” Hancock, is earmarking time in the studio with “The Professor” Lloyd Maines once again at the helm. Hancock, who typically cuts his records in hours, will wax his signature swingabilly with his current touring band at The Zone in Dripping Springs, adding another tally in his personal war against lame country music.
Gurf Morlix finishes fifth studio album (of his own).
 The Austin, Texas, based musician has put the final touches on Last Exit to Happyland and set a release date of February 17, 2009. The noted producer to the Americana elite (Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen, Slaid Cleeves, Ray Wylie Hubbard, to name a few) joins his own company in front of the mic. Morlix plays all instruments on the record, save for drums (Rick Richards), and finds some backing vocal support from Patty Griffin, Ruthie Foster, and Barbara K. Morlix captures a blurred line where the various Americana idioms intersect, a musical junction he likes to call “muddy.” Last Exit to Happyland will be released on Rootball Records, and puts an exclamation point on his evolution from sideman (Lucinda Williams’ guitarist for eleven years) to acclaimed producer (add Ian McLagan, Tom Russell, Hot Club of Cowtown to the above list) to first class singer-songwriter in the spotlight.
HAAM Benefit Day raised $150,000.
The numbers are in on the third annual benefit day for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Nearly 200 local businesses, including presenting sponsor Whole Foods Market, pledged 5% of their proceeds from October 7 to HAAM, cumulating in the total of $150,000. The day also featured 104 live music performances; the musicians way of saying thanks. HAAM helps provide medical, dental, and mental health care to the city’s hard-working, low-income musicians who otherwise would have no care. Services are provided through Seton Family of Hospitals, St. David’s Community Health Foundation, and the SIMS Foundation.
 What Made Milwaukee Famous
Austin indie-pop quintet What Made Milwaukee Famous are releasing SugarHill Sessions as a free digital EP through their label, Barsuk Records. The five songs were recorded in the famed SugarHill Studios (Houston, Texas) in one take, no overdubs. WMMF have been praised for their hummable melodies that put ‘70s rock, power pop, and folksy indie into one musical palette. SugarHill Studios is the oldest continually operating studio in Texas. Legends from Lightning Hopkins to Willie Nelson have made contributions to Texas music at the studio. The SugarHill Sessions will remain free until November 17 only, so get on it now.
Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings’ ACL debuts released.
 New West Records continues its Live From Austin, TX series releasing two more offerings from the “Austin City Limits” television show’s archives. This time, digging a little deeper in the vault, shaking the boot dust off debut performances from Merle Haggard (1978) and Waylon Jennings (1984). The releases are available in both CD and DVD. The Haggard release features a dozen different songs than a previous Live From Austin releases (from 1985) and stands out with four Bob Wills tunes with Haggard leading on fiddle. Meanwhile, the current “Austin City Limits” schedule hits a strong streak of new airings from concerts recorded this summer, including Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings/Carolyn Wonderland (11/08), Aimee Mann/Iron & Wine (11/15), Gnarls Barkley/Thievery Corportaion (11/22) to finish out the season on PBS.
Choffel goes Cosmo and scores big at YouTube and CMJ.
 Austin pop soulstress Suzanna Choffel continues to garner eyes and ears her way by the thousands. Most recently, she was chosen as one of the ten finalists in the “Cosmopolitan StarLaunch Contest for the Next Female Rockstar.” Music industry judges culled the field from hundreds of gal rockers; the vote for the winner is now up to the public (vote here). The fashion magazine’s exposure is likely helping in Choffel’s current YouTube success, as her video for “Raincloud” scored more than half a million views on 10/27. Choffel and her band were in NYC showcasing at the annual CMJ conference (think SXSW but stronger emphasis on college radio) when the video lit up and were reportedly “amazed by this phenomenon.”
Alejandro’s Animal is set loose live.
 Nationally praised balladeer and punk rock forbearer (yes, we mean both) Alejandro Escovedo is releasing Live Animal, a five-song EP featuring live versions of standouts from his June full-length, Real Animal. The EP (EMI/Manhattan/Back Porch Records) will be released 11/11 and will feature the single hit “Always A Friend,” which Escovedo performed live with Bruce Springsteen (see it here), “Sister Lost Soul,” recently performed live on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and “People (We’re Only Gonna Live So Long),” the song Escovedo performed live at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. “Chelsea Hotel ‘78” and “Real as an Animal,” two cuts paying homage to his earlier punk side, round out the EP. All tracks were recorded in New York City at the Sirius Satellite Radio Studios.
Mother Trucker Josh Zee featured in Guitar Player magazine.
Guitar shredder Josh Zee of The Mother Truckers is featured in a three-page spread for the November issue of Guitar Player magazine (due to hit newsstands early October). Noted for melding high-flying, heavy-metal-worthy slashing with shuffle and twang, Zee’s guitar antics have helped catapult the roots rockers from a local Austin act to a nationally known draw. Of course, austin.com knew that some time ago. (Read here.)
Ray Benson to be honored with Les Paul Award.
 Chalk up another accolade for the venerated Asleep at the Wheel founder, as Ray Benson joins Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Brian Wilson and more to be honored at the annual Technical Excellence and Creativity Awards. The Les Paul Award is bestowed for lifetime achievement in creative use and application of recording technology, logically named in honor of Les Paul, who began the advent of modern recording with breakthroughs such as multi-track recording. The award will be presented in San Francisco on October 3 during the Audio Engineering Society Convention. “Ray is a gifted musician and producer whose contributions to the world of music are unprecedented,” said Henry Juszkiewicz on behalf of the Gibson Foundation, who sponsors the award.
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