mtibber
1 post
Aug 15, 2011
5:26 AM
|
Hi.. am a UK blues harp player.. headed to Texas and New Orleans for a couple of weeks in September (15th-30th), firstly for a friend's' wedding, and secondly for a quick road trip in which I hope to catch some great live music. I have to go to Houston and Waco first, but was then thinking of heading down to Austin and then on to New Orleans. Was wondering if anyone had any advice re: things must do, bands/harp players must catch live, clubs must visit, etc. I've been to New Orleans before (a long time ago), but will be totally new to Texas so any advice, blues, harp or otherwise would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance..
Last Edited by on Aug 15, 2011 5:28 AM
|
LSC
66 posts
Aug 15, 2011
7:39 AM
|
If you make it to Austin pick up a copy of the Austin Chronicle, available free at just about every restaurant, gas station, corner shop, or look it up on line.
Most Mondays the Austin Blues Society has an open jam at Antone's. It gets bumped on occasion for a special event so do check before going down. Sign up early so you can get on early, have a knock then head over to TC's Lounge.
TC's is a genuine East Austin blues dive. Every Monday is the Elmore Reed Band, a rotating line up of some of the best traditional blues players you'll find anywhere. It's become kind of trendy for the graduate school set which is a good thing. The place is normally packed by 10:00.
Also a must is Blue Tuesday again at Antone's. The support act changes but from 10:00 Derek O'brian and friends are in residence. Derek is world class by any measure and is joined a changing group including Malford Milligan (Storyville), Riley Osborne, Denny Freeman, David Grisman, and the like.
Earlier on Tuesday there is an open blues jam at Baby Alcapulco from 5:30 to 8:00. The night is usually hosted by Tom "Bluesman" Hunter. Tom is the brother of Long John Hunter and is the real deal.
The first Wednesday of the month is a harmonica jam at El Leon Bar Cesar Chavez in East Austin. I've not attended yet so can't comment but might be worth checking out.
The Blues Specialist do a Happy Hour at The Continental, my favorite club. Can't recall which night.
Harp players to look for are Jimi Lee, Greg Izor, and if you're lucky, Kim Wilson of course.
----------
LSC
|
WeHarpin
2 posts
Aug 15, 2011
11:03 AM
|
In Houston the Big Easy is the place to see for blues in general. Check out their website -www.thebigeasyblues.com - calendar is up to date. I've been several times and haven't seen a bad act yet. Great place.
|
HarveyHarp
291 posts
Aug 15, 2011
11:17 AM
|
Here in New Orleans, we only have good music on days that end with Y. Email me when time gets closer
----------
HarveyHarp
|
JTThirty
138 posts
Aug 15, 2011
2:38 PM
|
I'll second The Big Easy recommendation. Not sure who is playing in September, but they have a jam every Wednesday night. If you're still in Houston on Sept. 30th, John Nemeth is playing Dan Electros Guitar Bar and he is a must see.
----------
Ricky B
www.bushdogblues.blogspot.com
RIVER BOTTOM BLUES--a crime novel for blues fans due out 2012
|
mtibber
2 posts
Aug 15, 2011
3:27 PM
|
Many thanks for the recommendations.. hope to fit in as many of them as possible. HarveyHarp: your comments certainly ring true with my memories of the place. Can't wait!
|
mtibber
3 posts
Sep 11, 2011
10:23 AM
|
Sounds like TC's lounge in Austin is closed. Is this right? Gutted.. sounds amazing..
|
LSC
85 posts
Sep 11, 2011
2:23 PM
|
TC's Lounge is under new ownership and not closed but I suspect it might as well be. New owners always think they can do it better but have usually missed the point or they wouldn't have bought it in the first place. These treasures are never recognized until they're gone.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DIVE.
P.S. I wouldn't bother with Baby Acapulco. However, Matthew Robinson I understand is fronting a blues jam at The Victory Grill on Mondays, 9-12. Haven't been out myself for this particular event but Matthew is the real deal. The Victory Grill is a historic venue which was renovated a couple of years back but retains most of the original interior features.
----------
LSC
Last Edited by on Sep 11, 2011 2:30 PM
|
