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Thursday, March 4, 2010
Weekend picks: Sweetly Weenish rock, benevolent burlesque and a head-banging benefit
Portugal. The Man at the Parish.Although they now live in Portland. The City, this band gained some notoriety from having originated in Wasilla, Alaska, the hometown of a certain former vice presidential candidate. The band’s 2009 release ‘The Satanic Satanist,’ which sounds sweetly Weenish at times, established that the band doesn’t need that footnote to make news. A new album, ‘American Ghetto,’ is supposed to be out this week. Portugal returns Saturday night, with the Dig and Port O’Brien opening both shows. 9 p.m. $12 to $15 214 E. Sixth St. parishaustin.com. — Michael Corcoran
Also recommended:
- Cruiserweight, Riddlin’ Kids at Emo’s
- Junior Brown at Antone’s
- the Gourds at Threadgill’s South
- George Porter Jr. at Momo’s
- Martin Crane at the Mohawk
SATURDAY OXJAM 2010 at the United States Art Authority. Eight hours of music from 14 of Red River’s best and brightest bands — that’s what a paltry $8 will get you Saturday night, as an all-star Austin lineup commandeers the United States Art Authority to raise money for OxFam’s efforts to aid earthquake victims in Haiti. With economics like that, you can’t possibly say no — meaning doing good has never been more irresistible or more head bang-inducing. With Lions, Tia Carrera, Ringo Deathstarr, the White White Lights, the Lemurs and more. 5 p.m. $8. 510 W. 29th St. unitedstatesartauthority.com. — Patrick Caldwell
Also recommended:
- Gals Panic at Emo’s
- Brandi Carlile at Hogg Memorial Auditorium
- Car Stereo (Wars) at the Beauty Bar
- W.C. Clark and Malford Milligan at the Saxon Pub
SUNDAY Nick Curran benefit at the Continental Club. It’s not often you see a burlesque troupe play a benefit, but an appearance by Red Light Burlesque goes well with Curran’s rockin’ new album ‘Reform School Girl.’ Unfortunately, Curran was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and he’s been undergoing treatments while, if justice prevailed, he’d be tearing up the countryside to support his guitar assault take on Little Richard. Such friends as Chili Cold Blood, Derek O’Brien and the Keller Brothers are playing this fundraiser, one of two this weekend dedicated to Curran. 1 p.m. 1315 S. Congress Ave. continentalclub.com. — M.C.
Also recommended:
- Warren Hood and the Hoodlums at Momo’s
- Heybale at the Continental
- Needtobreathe, Stephen Kellogg at the Parish
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Austin at SXSW: Dexter Freebish
You might know Austin quartet Dexter Freebish from their hit single ‘Leaving Town.’ This radio favorite launched the band to a national level and scored them a record contract with Capitol Records in 1999. However the road to success turned out to be as tumultuous as the band’s namesake — a Houston roller-coaster (now defunct) named “The Dexter Freebish Electric Roller Ride.” The partnership between Capitol and the band only lasted until 2004, which eventually led to the group taking a hiatus in 2005. The band regrouped in 2008, and bassist Chris Lowe informed us that this will be the band’s first appearance at SXSW since 1999. Welcome them back to the festival at their official showcase at Opal Divine’s Freehouse on Saturday, March 20 at 11 p.m.
Describe your sound. Pop, rock, dance, techno with melodic vocals, guitars & synthesizers.
What can SXSW attendees expect at your showcase? We’ve been on hiatus for close to five years, so we will be showcasing several of our new songs, as well as fan favorites from our past. Expect high energy, catchy songs, and weeping.
What other acts are you excited to check out? Shooter Jennings, She Wants Revenge, Jakob Dylan.
Are you planning to go to any panels? We never have before, but plan to this year. This is our first time to play SXSW in over 10 years, when we signed with Capitol Records at our 1999 showcase.
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? Go to Town Lake. Run 4 miles. Repeat.
Where do you like to hear live music, when it’s not SXSW? ACL, of course!
What’s your favorite ‘only in Austin’ thing to do? See live bands at great venues. While the Austin music scene has diminished somewhat from what it used to be (so many great venues that are gone…Liberty Lunch, Steamboat, Electric Lounge, etc.), we still have a great music scene compared to most cities. Such a diverse and great list of artists from Austin to see on any given night.
Finish this sentence: ‘Industry folks and visiting bands, while we love having you as guests of our city, please don’t…’ leave without spending all of your money. Help support the Austin economy & the Austin music scene.
Track and photo courtesy of Dexter Freebish.
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Austin at SXSW: Del Castillo
Latin rock band Del Castillo have won a total of 14 Austin Music Awards at SXSW festivals (from 2002-2007). Helmed by brothers and guitar virtuosos Mark and Rick del Castillo, the group has accumulated a national following by touring with acts such as Los Lonely Boys, Ozomatli and Don Henley. They have also collaborated musically with local celebrities Willie Nelson and film-director Robert Rodriguez, who featured the band’s music in several of his films. Swing by Kenny Dorham’s Backyard to catch the official SXSW showcase on Friday, March 19 at 11 p.m. In anticipation of their performance, drummer Mike Zeoli shared his plans and recommendations for SXSW 2010 with us via e-mail.
Describe your sound. What can SXSW attendees expect at your showcase? I think SXSW attendees who come out to see Del Castillo for the first time can expect to see and hear the celebration of a new genre of music we are calling, “NUEVO AMERICANO.” Our sound is a unique expression of many different influences and mostly an expression of joy to be doing what we love to do. Our songs are very danceable and upbeat with positive vibrations filling the room and flowing back and forth. At the very least it’s great therapy so get your booty out to the show and feel good!
What other acts are you excited to check out?
I’m not aware of the schedule yet, but I’m anxious to make my list of who I want to catch.
Are you planning to go to any panels? Again, I’m unaware of any of the panels, but I hope to get more info for online marketing strategies. I think as a business person in today’s age it’s foolish to not have your online game high and tight. There’s a lot I don’t understand and appreciate hearing other people’s stories and experiences in the music business.
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? Well, if they’re here for SXSW then I suggest taking advantage of the pedestrian friendly streets of downtown Austin. There are tons of great restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, museums, etc. If it’s getting too hot and you have a couple hours and love swimming, then visit Barton Springs pool. It’s Austin’s oasis!
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? I love the cozy, down home, cosmo vibe of MOMO’s and ANTONE’s too.
What’s your favorite ‘only in Austin’ thing to do? Drinking free Live Oak at the Waterloo Release parties and spending my grocery money on new music!
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‘Garden Party’ lineup released
Annually one of the biggest SXSW day parties is “The Garden Party” which always takes place on the grounds of the French Legation Museum the Saturday of Southby.
We’ll post times when we get them.
‘The Garden Party’ is free and open to the public.
Laurel Collective (London, UK)
Malachai (Bristol, UK)
Villagers (Dublin, IE)
Admiral Radley (Sherman Oaks, CA) - feat Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) & Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart)
The Kissaway Trail (Odense, Denmark)
Gruff Rhys (Cardiff, Wales) - of Super Furry Animals
Karen Elson (Nashville, TN)
Sweet Apple (Cleveland, OH) - feat. J Mascis and Tim Parnin
YACHT (Portland, OR)
Frightened Rabbit (Selkirk, Scotland)
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Austin at SXSW: Scorpion Child
Austin rockers Scorpion Child will contribute their interpretation of ’70s rock to the mixture of musical offerings at this year’s SXSW festival. The group has toured with the Reverend Horton Heat, Godsmack and the Cult, among others. If you need more ‘doomy riffs’ in your diet during the fest, go to the official SXSW showcase on Wednesday, March 17 at 11 p.m. at Encore. The group also will play a second show at Emo’s Jr., the date and time to be announced. Aryn Schwartz responded to our SXSW questions via e-mail.
Describe your sound. Early ’70s Heavy Psyche, and yes, done with a modern twist:)
What can SXSW attendees expect at your showcase? A heap of fun with a mixture of doomy riffs, high energy sweat rock, and unforgettably infectious melodious chants.
What other acts are you excited to check out? Cheap Trick (next best thing to Big Star, whom I missed a few years back).
Are you planning to go to any panels?Don’t know if there’s enough time.
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? Polvo’s margaritas, End of an Ear records, Charles Whitman’s UT tower.
Where do you like to hear live music, when it’s not SXSW? Mohawk. Emo’s Jr., Parish (pre-Bikini’s ownership), still wishing Red Eye Fly had a more diverse vibe because the stage is rad.
What’s your favorite ‘only in Austin’ thing to do? Greenbelt flowing! 80-85 degree temps.
Complete this sentence: ‘Industry folks and visiting bands, while we love having you as guests of our city, please don’t…’ Act a fool.
Tracks courtesy of Scorpion Child. Photo (above) by Alexandra Valenti.
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Read SXSW’s contract with City Parks Dept.
SXSW organizers would pay the Austin Parks & Recreation Department about $20,000 for use of Auditorium Shores for the free concerts Thursday March 18 through Saturday March 20. But there’s a note that a fee waiver from the City Council is pending.
UPDATE. As reported in the Statesman last week, the City may waive $48,591 in fees that SXSW would normally have to pay, including $7,386 in street closure fees and more than $17,000 in permit and parking permit fees.
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16 D, Trail of Dead play free SXSW day party
Here’s another one, folks. A newly reunited Sixteen Deluxe will play AasimFest ‘10! Friday March 19 at The Independent at 501 Studios, E. 5th & Brushy noon - 6:00 p.m. It’s free and open to the public.
12:00 Candi & the Strangers
1:00 Ringo Deathstarr
2:00 Ume
3:00 Migas
4:00 …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
5:00 Sixteen Deluxe
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Grupo Fantasma releases fourth album May 11, debuts new song
Photo by Daniel Perlaky/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Prince-approved, hard-working Latin rock band Grupo Fantasma will release their fourth studio album “El Existential” May 11 on Nat Geo Music. The album is the follow-up to 2008’s Grammy-nominated “Sonidos Gold” and comes less than a year after spinoff Brownout’s justly acclaimed “Aguilas and Cobras.”
The album was recorded in a three-bedroom rental house in Austin, and includes guest turns from pianist Larry Harlow and an unexpected appearance from the Meat Puppets’ Curt Kirkwood.
Listen to the insistent and groove-filled fourth track, “El Consejo,” below, and check out the full track listing after the jump.
“El Existential” track listing
- Realizando
- La Conozco
- Sacatelo Bailando
- El Consejo
- Hijo
- Juan Tenorio (feat. Larry Harlow)
- Montañozo
- Calor
- Reconciliar
- 25
- Telaraña (feat. Curt Kirkwood from The Meat Puppets)
- Cumbianchera
- Araña Cuña
