Given my previous history with SXSW, Thursday is built for the Americana Music Association showcase at Antone’s. This year had a ton of hype in the local press since they were doing a tribute to the great Doug Sahm. We landed over at Antone’s about 45 minutes ahead of the start time to ensure we could get in. I never pick up wristbands/badges for SXSW since I’ve never had an issue getting into shows. This year was a bit different! The line for un-badged people wrapped around the building. The way it works at SXSW is if you have a badge, you get priority over everyone else. We made it to the front door as they told us “We’re at capacity” and keep in mind this is 15 minutes before the first band even came on stage. We got in the doors about 30-45 minutes later, so it wasn’t a big issue.
As far as the show goes, this night was amazing. The Doug Sahm tribute lived up to the hype! The show featured artists like Jimmie Vaughn, Sarah Borges, Dave Alvin as well as the Texas Tornadoes playing for a full hour. The stage was led by Doug Sahm’s son, Shaun Saum. Out of all these artists, I’d have to say Sarah Borges knocked it out of the park with her two covers of Doug’s work. The Texas Tornadoes lit the stage up as well with a full cast of amazing musicians including Augie Meyers and Flaco Jimenz!!! That was a real treat. They mentioned they would be doing some tours later this year, so keep an eye out.
At 10PM, the official SXSW showcase started up with Carrie Rodriguez taking stage. I’ve been on the record since the start of how much I dig Carrie although over the years have felt she never transformed her energy of her first album to her live show. That all changed with this show. Carrie was on a mission and brought energy coupled with some damn fine musicians. I’m not much on fashion but Carrie looked great 
At 11PM, Justin Townes Earle took the stage. Originally this slot was for Buddy Miller however for obvious reasons he didn’t make it down to Austin this year. Justin Townes took the stage with his sideman Corey (I think that’s his name?) and put on my favorite set of the night. These two commanded the stage and Justin has come into his own with such a unique style that harps back to the original Hank Williams. I can’t get enough of this sound and Justin’s humor really ties the performance together.
At Midnight, Raul Malo took the stage fresh off his Jay Leno performance last week. Let me preface this with the fact that I was a huge Mavericks fan. The past few years, I’ve seen Raul dress up in suits and belt out slow songs with his wonderful voice. The slow stuff is what I can never get into but luckily this show. Luckily, Raul obviously heard me 
This show was upbeat and a lot of fun to be a part of. He played a few Mavericks songs along with some tunes off his new album “Lucky One” which is just my style. The whole vibe had a pulp fiction feel to it with all the ladies dancing which was pretty cool.
At 1AM, my boys The Band of Heathens, took the stage. This group of guys have worked so hard over the past few years and deserved to close out this tremendous night of music. The guys were dead on with their tremendous harmonies and full sound. It was the first time I’ve seen them with a dedicated organ/keyboard player which enhanced the sound even more than it already is. The Band of Heathens took “Best Band of the Year” last year at SXSW and have played our past three AmericanaRoots.com showcases. Obviously, I’m a huge fan of these guys and have yet to see a show that disappoints.
Overall, another stellar night at South By Southwest although tonight we will top it with our Friday night AmericanaRoots.com/Galleywinter.com showcase at Waterloo Ice House I am so ready for our show which includes Two Tons of Steel, The Doc Marshalls, Jason Eady, Scott Miller, Wrinkle Neck Mules, Modern Day Drifters and the Josh Grider Trio. Come on out and enjoy some great music!! It’s free and they have a great beer garden setup out front.
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