Crystal Antlers, Team Robespierre, The Death Set; 6/27/08

-Austin, Lamar Street Pedestrian Bridge

One of Austin's after-hours-spots hosted the party I missed; the F-Yeah Tour with Matt & Kim, The Death Set, Team Robespierre and Crystal Antlers at Mohawk. And although I didn't get to see Matt & Kim (they put on amazing shows, so definitely catch them if you can), I was glad to at least join in on the loud fun with one of the best backdrops of the city that is available.

Gulf of Mexico, Legs Against Arms, Corto Maltese, Oh No! Oh My!

-Austin, Emo's Jr. 6/27/08

Friday nights are always difficult in Austin, Texas. Deciding what to do in a city where there is so much to do is definitely a blessing in disguise. Especially if you have amazingly talented friends in bands (which I'm sure we all have at this point). Thanks to my lovely friend Bruce (member of Legs Against Arms), my decision was made to head to Emo's Jr. for a night of indie-rock overload.

(Gulf of Mexico)

Locals, Gulf of Mexico opened up the show with up-tempo beats and standard indie sounds (which consisted of all the instrumental elements; guitar, bass, drums and a MIDI keyboard). The low-keyed vocals were hard to hear over lead guitarist Joey Koehl's shredding , but his sounds were definitely more entertaining.

(Legs Against Arms)

Austinites, Legs Against Arms took to the stage next, beginning their set with a fresh song from their newly established group. Their experimentation with an instrumental song was a good opener for them, allowing the audience to stay for more. Between switching vocalists, tempos, and even instruments (at one point, three of the four switched during a song), all four member's energy never left the stage.

Color & Light, The Soldier Thread; Jack's Patio Bar; 6/20

-San Antonio

Austin bands Color & Light, The Soldier Thread and Sounds Under Radio, all joined guitar forces for a show last Friday at Jack's Patio Bar. Thanks to a wonderful friend of mine, I was able to hitch a ride just in time to see Color & Light take the stage.

The Austin Live Music Task Force

The Austin Live Music Task Force is collecting information about the problems faced by members of the music community that the City might be able to help with. We need your help and input by June 30! Please complete survey today.

Currently, Austin public officials are trying to create more affordable housing throughout the community. The City has some limited resources to provide business loans to bands and music businesses, and the City also lends a financial hand to private organizations like the Austin Music Foundation. In the future the City could serve as a center for providing information and help on many issues, including where to find affordable housing, low cost health insurance and health care, job training, studio space and equipment, education loans, business loans, legal help, business advice, tax help, cheap transportation, etc. This short list could be expanded and firmed up if we receive enough information about the needs of musicians, employees in music venues, employees in record stores, composers, booking agents, venue owners, and others involved in supporting the creative arts who are challenged by rising costs of living in Austin. Our aim is to collect information on both needs and priorities in the community while we assess what resources the City can bring to solve problems and help folks.

Please complete the survey by June 30th, come to our public hearings, send us email, and spread the word to your friends that we need input from as many folks in the music community as possible. Your input will enable us to make informed recommendations to the city council on behalf of the music community. Thanks!

To fill out the survey please click here: (it only takes a few minutes)
www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=6PTM5iTkCnWiI8WeyR_2b1qA_3d_3d

For more information about the Live Music Task Force:
www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/livemusictaskforce.htm