(8/14) Preview: Mother Falcon at The Parish

Mother Falcon has been on my list of bands to see here in Austin for a long time, but I have to be in the mood to see something really relaxing in order to see them. When I go see a show, I usually need that live show experience to amp me up and get my blood flowing. If you read any of my online publications, you know that I always go see the hard stuff live and the listen to the slow stuff I review at home. I may make an exception Thursday night as this will be the last chance I have to see Mother Falcon before I start work for the fall semester.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Mother Falcon, they are orchestral indie collective of young musicians. When I mean collective, I mean collective. Here is the list of members and which instruments they play:

Laura Andrade - Cello
Rita Andrade - Viola
Italo Benavides - Cello
Diana Burgess - Cello
Kira Bordelon - Violin
Clara Brill - Violin
Nick Calvin - Cello
Maurice Chammah - Violin
Yun Du - Violin
Nick Gregg - Vocals, Cello, Mandolin, Guitar
Austin Harris - Violin
Tamir Kalifa - Vocals, Accordion
Matt Krolick - Trumpet
Gilman Lykken - Bassoon
Josh Newburger - Violin
Claire Puckett - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Matt Puckett - Vocals, Saxophone, Glockenspiel
Luke Stence - Bass
Isaac Winburne - Saxophone, Percussion, Piano

I often describe them to folks as sort of a young Balmorhea. These kids are amazing musicians and The Parish really is the ideal venue for them. The Parish has the sound, lighting and aesthetics suited for a small orchestra. Catching them Thursday night would also be good because they may be performing new songs off their new album they are currently recording. I'm looking forward to hearing it whenever it does come out. This Thursday's show is also the last show with their original line up. To get a better idea of what Mother Falcon looks and sounds like, watch this live video clip of them performing at Mohawk.




Doors are at 7:00pm. Advance tickets for this show are not available. Admission is $8 at the door. All ages are welcome. Also on the bill with Mother Falcon are Battle Bend and Little Lo. For complete details, visit The Parish online here. 

Mind of Adi Residency

This Wednesday marks the last of Adi Anand's residency at Mohawk this year, at least in the current format. Tomorrow also marks the birthday edition of Adi's series, so Happy Birthday to you brother Adi. For Adi's biirthday edition, there will be food provided by Cedar Door, drinks provided by Waialua Soda Works and cup cakes from Peaches Maggee. There will also be an art show by Deep In The Art of Texas.

While that's all cool, you know I'm about the music. Remember this is an early show for working folks and cool kids who just don't want to be out that late but still get the real Red River experience. Doors are at 6:00pm, the show starts at 7:00pm with Shallows AD. I've never seen them before so I'm looking forward to the new experience.Tow The Line go on at 8:00pm, which feature members of the groups Visitors and Recover.

Once again the headliner is none other than The Frontier Brothers. I saw these guys the last time Adi had them at Mohawk, on June 9th, and they were so good live. I loved their sound, their energy and the dapper prep school suits. If you enjoy good indie, then you should check these guys out. Here's their latest music video for their single "You Should Start a Band". I don't know what's up with the furry party, but it's a cool song. The Frontier Brothers take the stage at 9:00pm. 



Mohawk is located at 912 Red River, on the corner of 10th and Red River. For more info, visit Mohawk online at http://www.mohawkaustin.com/http://www.mohawkaustin.com/. Cover is $7 for 18+ and $5 for 21+. See you there!

Mini-cam Fun: Ollin and Bombasta in San Antonio

So this past weekend was my birthday weekend. As usual, I spent part of it in San Antonio and part of it here in Austin. I have friends and family in San Antonio I like to hang with. It is my second home. I admit that is has been too long since I last went down there for a show. Shame on me, as I know better than anyone that San Antonio has some serious musical talent.

I've written or blogged about Pinata Protest and Girl In A Coma, but that is just the tip of the ice berg in terms of San Antonio based bands I like. On Friday night I checked out another one of my favorite San Antonio bands, Bombasta, at The Limelight. They brought their from friends from Ollin (pronounced like O-leen) from East L.A. to play this show and some other Fiesta Week gigs.

The Dig and Port O'Brien live at The Parish

So this past weekend was all about getting down with Portugal The Man at The Parish. I knew they were going to be awesome because well, they are Portugal The Man. The biggest surprise of the night for my friends and I was the opening band, The Dig. I was caught by complete surprise. These dudes are ssssooooooo good live. Their album Electric Toys is definitely worth picking up. Here they are on stage joined by their tour mates, Port O'Brien. I'm not done talking about The Dig. I love this band, but I'll leave it at this short quick post for now.

Zlam Dunk Tour Video 09

Zlam Dunk Tour 09 Edit from Daniel Garcia on Vimeo.

The dudes from Zlam Dunk just sent this to me this morning and it got me totally stocked for what's happening on March 17th. More details to come on that very soon, or you can read the Do512 Blog and find out.The kids, they love Zlam Dunk. The kids, they go 'Zlam crazy!

Free Week at Mohawk 2010

Yes! The best week of the year in the entire country and world even, is Free Week. I'll be previewing some bands and making show pics, but for now you need to check out the following link to Transmission's website about what they have going on. I can't wait!

Transmission Entertainment Free Week post

We're finally doing it! Our first Austin Vida Showcase!

That's right! After a year of working our asses off to make Austin Vida what is today, we're throwing a party to celebrate. We hooked up with local Latin music experts, Conexion Rockera, to bring you some of the best from Austin's Latin music scene. I couldn't be happier with the line up we were able to put together for this one. Everyone of these artists will have people dancing and partying all night long. You're all invited if you're over 21. We don't do this often, but when we do, we plan on doing it big and doing it right. Here's some info about the performing artists.

Maneja Beto:

Maneja Beto is one of my personal favorites. Why these dudes never got picked up by a major label is beyond me. No one sounds like them. I can't really compare them to anyone you'd know other than maybe telling you they are sort of this unique hybrid or fusion band along the same lines as Cafe Tacvba or Aterciopelados. The genre they kind of go by and I use also is indie en Espanol. They fuse Brit-pop, indie, jazz, traditional Latin percussion, cumbias and  lately some funk even. They recently released their latest single, "Ofrendas", and plan on releasing one single per month. I'll make sure to keep you posted. I'm stoked they agreed to headline our showcase, as they represent the standard in Latin Alternative coming from Austin.

El Tule:


El Tule has been playing in Austin for around six years or so now, and now is the time to see them live. I don't think I wold have said that two years ago. I am not saying that to BS anyone, but they've gotten so much better live this past year. I am not sure what it is attributed to, but I think it is because they picked up the tempo and ditched the whole Latin reggae thing. When I saw them at Xemumba Fest in October, I was shocked and impressed. Their new album, Volumen II, was just released last week.

Did I mention that these dudes are mostly white dudes? Including the lead singer? You'd have a hard time finding someone more Mexicano that John Dell. His border Spanish is better than your high school Spanish II level education. He gets down too, trust me. He can have my brown card anytime. Like Asher Roth, Eminem or even Channing Tatum, he too proves being white is no longer an excuse not to get down. If only there were more people like you John Dell...

Este Vato:



Este Vato, translated "this dude', is one of the best new up and comers in the Austin music scene. I swear they came out of no where. I didn't even knew they existed last year. I first saw them at Trophy's in February. I remember my friends and Austin Vida crew members, Angela and Mari, went with me that night. We were all surprised that Este Vato were as good as they were. We expected worse to be honest. Is that fair to say? Probably not, but I'm just being honest with you here.

When Chano came took the mic and started rapping, I was like "aawwww shit!". He sure did. They play with a live DJ, drawing comparisons to Ozomatli or being called a young Ozomatli. I wouldn't go that far yet, but the potential is certainly there if these young vatos keep at it. I dig their cumbia stylings and overall swag.With their debut album in the works, expect big things for Este Vato in 2010.  More importantly, I expect to
 be getting down with Este Vato on December 19th at The Beauty Bar.

DJ Chorizo Funk:



The showcase starts at 9:00pm with DJ Chorizo Funk (love that name!) spinning to get the party started. With a name like that, you know he's a bad ass. He has to be. I have to also give "kudos" to The Beauty Bar for letting us put on an all Latino showcase. Usually bands like Este Vato and Maneja Beto have to play with non-Latin bands in order to play a show there. Maybe it is because that is how the individual promoter has been booking shows with those artists, I don't know. Either way, it has been a long time since I remember seeing  an all local Latino band showcase there. I hope to see you all there. All are welcome. It's only $5 to get in if you're 21 or older. Feel free to send me an email with any questions. Thanks for all your support, for reading my blog, Double Stereo and Austin Vida.

New Video Interview with Eyes Set To Kill

Eyes Set To Kill

www.myspace.com/eyessettokill

One of the things we like to do at Austin Vida is shed light on the fact that Latinos, U.S. born or foreign born, play a significant role in many non-Latin music bands. We have proved that here in Austin and all over Texas, Latino musicians are making their mark in the mainstream indie, rock, punk and the heavy metal scene. Many Latino musicians do the same but in the national spotlight. Eyes Set To Kill is a perfect example of that.

Eyes Set To Kill are a hardcore-screamo outfit from Arizona that feature sisters Alexa and Anissa Rodriguez. The Rodriguez sisters were made famous last year when Revolver Magazine anointed them "The Hottest Chicks in Metal" for November 2008. Alexa is one of the main song writers and co-lead vocalist along with Brandon Anderson, who handles most of the screaming. Both compliment each other very well and are good enough to front a band on their own.

Me with Eyes Set To Kill at Emo's in Austin, Texas

Currently, the band is about embark on their first headlining tour in support of their latest album entitled The World Outside. Unfortunately, the tour does not stop in Austin this time around. They came through here twice this year at Emo's, which is where the live footage in the video interview was shot. The Texas stops include El Paso, Houston and McAllen. Even more impressive, the tour is sponsored by Revolver Magazine. It is evident that Eyes Set To Kill are stepping up their game and the constant grinding is paying off.

Check out the video interview we filmed for Austin Vida and familiarize yourself with one of the hottest young bands on the hardcore scene and two of the hottest Latinas in metal.

Feature Interview: Eyes Set To Kill from Austin Vida on Vimeo.

For more on Eyes Set To Kill, visit the following links:

Eyes Set To Kill Myspace

Eyes Set To Kill Official Website

Ocote Soul Sounds Return To Austin Tonight At Momo's !!!

Ocote Soul Sounds

www.myspace.com/ocotesoulsounds

Ocote Soul Sounds make their return to Austin tonight at Momo's with headliner Charanga Cakewalk as part of the KUT World Music Night. I first saw them live this year at Pachanga Fest back in May. Ocote's live set is really something, given all the talented musicians and great songs they have. Pictured above are Ocote members Martin Perna and Adrian Quesada. While both members are part of Ocote, both are members of other great bands here in Austin and Brooklyn.

Adrian Quesada is a guitarist for the Latin super group, Grupo Fantasma and the ultra funky Brownout. I know he's been busy lately with all the promoting of the latest Brownout album, Aguilas y Cobras. Be sure to pick that up if you haven't already as it is awesome from beginning to end. Tonight we'll get another look at Quesada with Ocote Soul Sounds.

Martin Perna seems to be a jack of all musical trades and down with every hip circle there is. A baritone saxophonist with the New York Afro-Beat funksters Antibalas, Perna has jammed with everyone in the sun. He's a founding member of Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings as well as being a classmate of Tunde Adebimpe who fronts TV On The Radio.

In case your curiosity has been sparked now, check out this live video of Ocote Soul Sounds from Fiesta gardens this past May. I also posted for you a couple of helpful links about Ocote Soul Sounds and tonight's show.While you're there be sure to pick up their new album, Coconut Rock.

For more on tonight's show, check out the show's post on Do512 here.

also...

Austin Vida interview with Martin Perna by Ajay Miranda (includes more live video!)

Sunday Night Show Pick: Driver F at Emo's

Driver F is one of the best young bands to come out of Austin in a long time. They were all the buzz last year when their album, Chase The White Whale, was receiving much critical acclaim. Critics young and old seemed to enjoy the pop punk sounds of these young Woodlands natives who now call Austin home. They lost a little steam this year in terms of buzz, but not in terms of energy or winning over new fans. Having been so busy with other projects, I have yet to make it out to one of their shows this year. Shame on me indeed.

Driver F in the studio

www.myspace.com/driverf

I admit, I know of couple of the Driver F dudes personally. Tyler and (W)Andy were classmates of mine at St. Edwards. In fact I sat by Tyler almost all year before I figured out he was in a band. I got wind of it when checking out information for a Cruiserweight show, another local favorite pop punk band of mine here in town. It was funny because 1) I had no idea Tyler was a rock star, even though he has the perfect personality for one and 2) the video for their single, "Two Words Mr. President: Plausible Deniability", nearly had me spit out my drink as I was watching for the first time. What's up the song title you ask? I have no idea. They just picked random stuff and named their songs that way I guess. It is still one of their best songs and it gives you a good sense of what Driver F sound like. Think pop punk with brass, but not ska brass. Check it out:

Driver F - Two Words, Mr. President: Plausible Deniability from dane hurt on Vimeo.

To learn more about tonight's show and about the other bands on the bill, check out the post on Do512 here. You'll also enjoy Zlam Dunk. They're dance punk craziness is one of the best live shows around for those who like young, loud and crazy.

Driver F is currently in the studio working on a new album due out next year. When I asked lead singer Tyler Welsh about it, he said "All I can say is we are really working hard on demoing new songs right now and getting ready to record to have a new album out before next summer. Who knows we might play a couple of them at the show". There you have it. Check 'em out.

Helpful Driver F Links:

Driver F Facebook

Driver F official website

Driver F Merch on Double Stereo

Saturday Night Show Pick: Alex Cuba at Stubb's

 

Tonight at Stubb's indoor is your chance to check out one of my favorite Latin artists, Alex Cuba. I first learned of Alex Cuba through my friend Angela's program, Latino USA on NPR. Hostess Maria Hinojosa interviewed Alex and then played a couple of songs. Having loved what I heard, I got the album immediately. At the time it was his latest album called Humo de Tabaco, which translates to Tobaco Smoke.

It was funny because my favorite track on the album that I couldn't stop jammin' to was a song called "Dramatica Mujer".What is funny to me is the song features American pop star, Jason Mraz. I'm not into Mraz really, but he's tolerable at times. I loved Mraz's his recent rendition of a song he did with Mexican pop star, Ximena Sarinana, called "Suerte". It was a Spanglish remake of the same song with Colbie Caillat. If Mraz keeps pulling this Latin duo act, I may end up liking him one day.

Anyway, back to Alex Cuba...

He's no stranger to Austin. He's performed a buzz worthy set during SXSW in 2008 and did the Studio 1B performance at KUT. I have yet to see him live and look forward to tonight. He is touring to support his latest album, Agua Del Pozo. It is an amazing album, full of Cuba's signature Latin soul, jazz, funk and traditional Caribbean music stylings that won me over the first time I heard his music.

If Alex Cuba is completely new to you, then let me give you a brief background. He was born in the small Cuban town of Artemisia, right outside of Havana. He now lives in Canada, where he won a Juno award in 2006. he has his record label, called Caracol Records. For those of you who have the latest Nelly Furtado album, Mi Plan, he had a hand in that (pun intended). There's plenty of great and interesting info I left off, but you get the idea. 

Here's a little video taste of what his style sounds like. Plus, check out that amazing 'fro. It is his signature look. The video for the title track to Alex Cuba's latest album, Agua Del Pozo.

Here are some helpful links regarding Alex Cuba and tonight's show:

Alex Cuba Myspace

Alex Cuba Official Website

Alex Cuba Concert information on Do512

Wednesday Night Show Pick: The Boxing Lesson at Mohawk

Tonight at Mohawk, three cool bands will be taking the stage. Austin's own The Boxing Lesson will be playing with Sian Alice Group and My Education. Mohawk is one of my favorite venues in town, but inside can get a little crowded sometimes. Damn those noise ordinances!

I have not seen My Education live yet, as I only recently got a hold of some of their music. They seem cool, but definitely a band I have to be in the mood for. I feel the same about The Boxing Lesson, although I admit they have gotten better since I first started seeing them live. They have definitely grown on me and I look forward to new recordings coming up from them in the near future.

Sian Alice group is the headliner, as well they should be as they are the touring act coming all the way from The U.K. I have some of their songs on file and dig their sound when I'm writing late at night or just wanting to hear something calm in the background. Their sort of art-indie rock is just soothing at times. I'm looking forward to checking them out live.

I posted some links for you to give a listen to and educate yourself. You could just take my word for it...and I wouldn't blame you. Mohawk is where you want to be tonight.

Sian Alice Group(photo by Ben Rayner)

www.myspace.com/sianalicegroup

The Boxing Lesson (photo by Manuel Nauta)

http://www.myspace.com/theboxinglesson

My Education (photo by Farley Bookout)

www.myspace.com/myeducation

Check out this great song from Sian Alice Group for their song, "Close To The Ground". You can find more specific show info here at Do512.

Talking About Austin with Girl in a Coma drummer, Phanie Diaz

Girl in a Coma (photo by Adam Stockstill)

I caught up with Girl in a Coma drummer, Phanie Diaz, for a brief chat. I wanted to pick her brain about what Girl in a Coma does when in Austin and why they love it here so much. Austin certainly loves them and so do I. I will be sure and post more show info coming tomorrow.

Click here to read the Phanie Diaz chat on Austin Vida and see an exclusive live video performance.

Maneja Beto: More Than Just My Friday Concert Pick

I really don't even know where to begin when it comes to talking about one of my favorite bands ever, Maneja Beto. They aren't an internationally signed, although they should be. They are from right here in Austin, although that wasn't my first guess when I saw them for the first time at ACL Fest in 2005. They don't sound like anyone else, known or local. That's what I love about them. They truly are an original in every sense of the word. I feel at times, they might even be ahead of their time. They sound so far evolved from most Latin radio music out today. It is as if they took the best from traditional Latin music, indie, jazz, electronica and rock and created a completely new genre.

Every time I'd have people listen to their music or bring them to one of their shows, they gained a new fan. It didn't matter of it was one of my hipster classmates from St. Ed's or my mother even. They were all impressed. From 2005 to about summer 2008, they were always around. Their normal spots were Club DeVille, Mohawk, etc. I always took them for granted and didn't realize it until they went on a small break, or what I refer to as their "hiatus" last year. It was weird not seeing them around.

Well this year they made their return at Austin' s best new festival, Pachanga Fest at Fiesta Gardens in May. Everything suddenly felt normal again, only this time I wanted to make a point to use my editorial power to do everything I could to help them succeed. I want so badly for them to "make it" and never take another break. I know that sounds rather "fanboy" of me, but so be it. I'd never say that on anything but my blog, but it's all true. They're such talented dudes and their members play in other great bands around town, including Mitote, The Escondido Project, Mice and Rifles and Pack Of Wolves.



I want you all to get to know them and hear them live. I want you all to buy or download their albums. First and foremost, I want you all to go check them out live tonight as they play at The Mohawk with a DJ Chorizo Funk, Black Cock, and a great band from San Antonio, Bombasta. Doors open at nine. Get there early. You'll love Mohawk if you haven't been before.

Oh yeah...I almost forgot. We (Austin Vida) just launched and uploaded a new video interview with all the guys from Maneja Beto which you can now view on the home page. You get the story behind the name, the reason for their "hiatus", and get to hear from them how they craft their sound. Before you view that, check out this live clip we shot at Stubb's this summer.




For more on Maneja Beto, check out the following links:

Maneja Beto Myspace

Maneja Beto on Double Stereo

Maneja Beto Website

Check out the Maneja Beto video interview on Austin Vida:

www.austinvida.com

Wednesday Night Show Pick: Suzanna Choffel at Momo's

If you are in search of something to do tonight, then let me suggest you head down to Momo's to catch one of my absolute favorite artists. That artist is none other than Austin's own Suzanna Choffel. You may have seen her on M.E. Televison if you are here in Austin and have cable. Otherwise, I doubt you've heard of her unless you're live music junkie like myself.

Often compared to Nelly Furtado, Choffel is an RnB songstress posing as a singer songwriter. Perhaps it is because she's white that she shocks so many when she starts to sing. Ask anyone that was at the Solange Knowles concert at Antone's last spring, they'll tell you. Her music is amazing and she truly crosses boundaries within different audiences when given a chance.

Choffel has shared the stage with some of Austin's best, including the incredible David Garza. She is a often taken for granted I think, as she is a staple at Momo's. She seems to play regularly and is always around. The same can be said for September, as she has three shows at Momo's this month. After September, you will have to wait a bit to see her as she doesn't have anything in the books for Austin in October or November. Check your calendars and go see her perform. Take my word, you can thank me later.

She is scheduled to go on tonight at 8:30, but get there early and stay late as there are some other good bands on the bill with her. Momo's is right above Katz's on 618 W. 6th. For more info, check out the links I posted below. First, watch this live performance from M.E. Live of my favorite Suzanna Choffel track, "Hey Mister".



For more on Suzanna Choffel, visit the following links:

Suzanna Choffel on Myspace

Suzanna Choffel Website

Suzanna Choffel on YouTube

Charanga Tuesdays at Momo's in September

Tuesday nights in September just got better Austin. One of the best Latin acts I have ever seen on any level, Charanga Cakewalk, has five shows at Momo's in September. Headed by the talented Michael Ramos, Charanga Cakewalk is a brilliant Latin Fusion band like no other. They blend jazz, cumbia, Norteno accordion, salsa and whatever else you can throw into the equation into their music. I have had the privilege of seeing them live on many occasions, mainly with my dad as Charanga Cakewalk is his favorite local band. That's also the appeal of Charanga Cakewalk. They can transcend generations. The music I have from Charanga Cakewalk, including their Chicano Zen album, is something even my grandparents enjoy. I think it is because above all else, their music is very danceable. Others who are not Latino or do not speak Spanish will appreciate Charnaga Cakewalk for the creativity, originality and sweet Latin rhythms. KUT was smart enough to sponsor this series or September residency. Charanga Cakewalk has five shows on the following dates:

Sept. 1

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

All shows are at Momo's located on 618 W. 6th Street above Katz's Deli. If you eat at Katz's before or after the show, I suggest ordering the Yankee Potroast. It's excellent.

For those unfamiliar or interested in Charanga Cakewalk, check out this video for my father's favorite song, "La Negra Celina"



For more on Charanga Cakewalk, visit their Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/charangacakewalk

A Great Night For Indie In Austin

Tonight one of my favorite new local indie bands, Western Ghost House, plays at Mohawk. Austin Vida featured them recently and I am hoping, as Editor in Chief, that we garnered some new interest for them. I have always said that seeing live music during the week is the best time to really discover something new. Since Monday night football has not started yet, come out and join my friends and I at Mohawk.

Also tonight at Mohawk, is my friend Andrew's band called "Isle of White". He's been on me about coming to see them play and tonight it is finally going to happen. I haven't made a judgment on them yet, simply because I haven't seen them live. Either way, I'll have a cold one or two with Andrew.

Here's a look for you at Western Ghost House. It's a video that was shot for their Austin Vida feature, both filmed and written by my friend Ajay Miranda. For those of you who were out this weekend at Mohawk getting your face ripped off by The Sword, check out the drummer. He may look familiar to you.



For more on Western Ghost House, check out their Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/westernghosthouse

For more in Isle of White, check out their Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/isleofwhite

New Interview with La Guerrilla on Austin Vida

On July 29th at The Mohawk here in Austin, some of my team from Austin Vida and I checked out local Latin Fusion Band, La Guerrilla. My friend and Austin Vida staff writer, Sarah Vasquez, knew the lead singer from a previous band he was in a few years ago. I had heard of La Guerrilla before but never got a chance to see them live. In Austin, with so much music everywhere you turn, it is difficult to catch everyone on your list of bands to see.

After I got wind of them opening for Grupo Fantasma recently, I knew I needed to make them a priority on my list. When we saw them at Mohawk that night, I realized that this band was numerous in members. They had the usual guitar, bass, and drummer, yada yada yada. What I didn't know until that night was that La Guerrilla also has a brass section, an extra percussionist, and a violinist. It made for a great live sound collectively. Take a listen to La Guerrilla here on this YouTube video my friend and Managing Editor, Ajay Miranda, shot for Austin Vida:



Click here to read the interview with La Guerrilla by Sarah Vasquez on Austin Vida

Many thanks also to our girl Chantel Clopine for taking some great live shots!

Joe Strummer Birthday Bash at Flamingo Cantina Saturday!

This Saturday night at The Flamingo Cantina is a Joe Strummer Birthday Bash put on by Conexion Rockera and is my Saturday pick. Yes, you can still catch this show after Bat Fest to keep the party going. If Bat Fest isn't for you, this is your show.

There are some cool bands on the bill, but the real treat for me is Austin punk rockers, The Sweethearts (pictured above). I have seen them a few times, both Emo's and Stubb's indoor. Their style of punk is reminiscent of early No Doubt with more of an edge. I think even the casual punk fan would dig The Sweethearts. Give them a listen on their Myspace. I have some info and links for you below on the other bands on the bill as well. Happy Birthday Joe Strummer!

Visit The Sweethearts on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sweethearts


Clampdown is a Joe Strummer/The Clash tribute band. I haven't seen them live yet, so I'm curious to see or hear what they sound like.

Visit Clampdown on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/clampdowntexas


The Jungle Rockers are a garage rock band from right here in Austin, Texas. I have seen their name listed plenty of times walkign down Red River. The Austin Chronicle and Austin Sound have shown The Jungle Rockers some love before. From what I heard on their Myspace, it sounds very 1950s greaser, Rat Fink era rock. It's not my usual musical preference but it isn't bad. I'm glad to see people keeping that sound alive and well.

Visit The Jungle Rockers on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thejunglerockers

Venue: Flamingo Cantina @ http://www.flamingocantina.com/

Meet The Morakestra on Austin Vida

I first saw The Morakestra last year. What I saw and heard was a group of talented young Latinos doing some fantastic indie rock worthy of everyone's ear. This year I reviewed their latest album, Witness To Connection, for Austin Vida. I thought it was solid album with only a few songs that made me go "huh?".

Originally from El Paso, the Austin based Morakestra is steadily becoming a regular Austin staple around Red River. When I got word of their CD release show, I made sure my Austin Vida team and I included The Morakestra on the website somehow. I am very happy with the way everything turned out. Ajay Miranda shot great video once again, and Sarah Vasquez gave us an insightful interview to help those unfamiliar with The Morakestra get acquainted.

Here is a YouTube video from the Austin Vida YouTube Channel that did not get published with the article that will give you an idea of The Morakestra's look and sound.



Click here to read the full interview and check out our Exclusive Austin Vida live video for "Goodbye".