Aah, March in Austin. It's sunny...it's cool...music fills the air and people hit the streets once again. My bike has been calling to me all week, and I think she'll get a little tune up this weekend to prepare for the many rides to come. What a wonderful time for my little outdoorsy heart! So, for today...3 things:
1. Red's Porch is the new Uncle Billy's. Okay, here's the thing...I LOVE Uncle Billy's. They brew their own beer (and make a damn good pale ale), they are walking distance from my condo, and they allow my awesome dog on the patio. It's great if you want to share a locally brewed pitcher on the patio with your favorite pooch. Even though I'm not a big fan of BBQ (especially overpriced BBQ) the beer is so good, I was even willing to overlook the fact that they blocked me on Twitter (I wasn't stalking them...promise!). Then, I made a discovery - Red's Porch on South Lamar. No, I can't walk there (but I can drive and only have to go through 1 stoplight), and Pacer can hit the porch with me. Add the outstanding view, super yummy spinach salad, and the fact they have New Belgium's Ranger IPA on tap...and I'm completely sold. I'm not saying goodbye to Uncle Billy's for good...we just need a break. And, Red's Porch is my rebound.
2. SXSW - no, you don't need a wristband. The truth? I've never purchased a wristband for SXSW. I know, as a self proclaimed music junkie, I should be ashamed of myself! But, here's the thing...you really just don't need one. Sure, I was disappointed last year when I couldn't see St. Vincent play at the awesome church venue that everyone was talking about...and yes, I'm sure I missed out on loads of other shows. But...this is Austin, people...and the bands you missed out on will surely come back soon to play a $15 show at Emo's or Mohawk, anyway (with longer sets!). I can still spend 4 days riding my bike downtown, enjoying copious amounts of free music and beer (the day shows at Club Deville and Mohawk have yet to be topped I must say) without an official wristband. From Spoon to Ice Cube...the Rosebuds to Port O'Brien...and my favorite little Swedish gem, Jens Lekman...I've seen it all without spending a dime on entry fees! This year, I'm stoked about Saturday's lineup on Auditorium Shores! With bands like Deer Tick and She and Him...what more do you need? I'll be on the hunt for free shows featuring Rogue Wave and Surfer Blood, as well. And who knows...the best shows are sometimes the ones you stumble upon randomly while in route to find a slice of pizza to help soak up the free beer you've been drinking all afternoon. Keep your wristbands...I'll go my own way.
3. Surfer Blood - my springtime crush. I'm going to be completely honest here...I stumbled upon this band by mistake. I had just returned from Hawaii, and I'm completely addicted to Amazon mp3, so naturally I was online searching for Hawaiian music to fill my iPod and take me back to the island where I was engaged. So, when I came across an album by a band called Surfer Blood, I was immediately drawn in. While the music is definitely not Hawaiian, the name took me back...way back to January and the 5 minutes or so I spent attempting to surf before deciding that I'd rather lie on the beach with a beer in my hand. I can't seem to stop listening to this amazing indie rock alblum. Those who know me know that I don't have a knack for describing music...just listening to and collecting it. When I hear this band, I think a little Animal Collective (but more catchy), and maybe some Rogue Wave and early Weezer. Just take my word for it people...it's super cool, and the perfect addition to your iPod, just in time for Spring. And, best of all...you can download it for only $5.99.
With that...I'm signing off. Going to crank up the SB and get back to work...and before you know it, happy hour will be here (and maybe Red's Porch, too). xoxo
