3/28/07

Old-Time Music: Better Than It Sounds


Well, once again my writing makes the cover of the Austin Chronicle. That's 2 for 2 thus far, not to gloat. This time I try and explain the phenomena of Old Time music here in Austin across the generations.

The tag line is not my conceit however, but that's what happens in the editing process. I wrote 5000 words for this piece, but there was only room for 2350, which really helps me understand better how this whole writing gig works. You have to tell you story clearly and concisely, 2 things those of you who have suffered my drunken story telling can certainly attest.

(Next article, if they let me, should be on the explosion of hip Cajun culture in South Louisiana.)

3/18/07

March Against the Iraq War, 2007

Well, by golly, we lead the parade again for this years "Million Musician March" from the Texas State Capitol to Austin City Hall. The Jericho Brass Band, for which I am only the nominal leader-organizer, ably lead by trumper Oliver Steck sounded wonderful and numbered maybe 50 pieces this time out.



I even convinced a few out of towners who were in Austin to perform for SXSW to attend, like my Klezmer Brass All Stars pal trombonist Curtis Hasslebring. (He played a great set with his band Golem that night. But got a fine sunburn on the march.)

More pictures of the event can be found posted here.

Let's pray that there will be no need to march next year as well.

3/12/07

Last Minute SXSW Showcases + Peace March

To qoute the Godfather, "but they just keep pulling me back in..."

The Ridgetop Syncopators will be holding down a 7-9pm slot at Threadgills Original Old No.1 on N. Lamar (walking distance from my house as it happens) which we hope to make a regular occurance. No wristband, no badges. Come hungry as I think Chicken Fried Steak is the special for the night.

Then as a last minute fill in for a band that couldn't clear Homeland Security for SXSW, I'll be playing bass with Kamran Hooshman's 1001 Nights Orchestra on a World Music showcase Friday evening at the Copa nightclub (2nd & Congress.) We'll be doing a lively mix of Arabic, Armenian and Persian musics.




Saturday at noon however I recommend you join me and the Jericho Brass Band as we lead the parade against the US War in Iraq.
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower