Canadians at SXSW

So out of the blue the other day my old buddies Katie Moore and Josh Doglin (aka DJ SoCalled) give me a ring to tell me that they at the SXSW Conference site and are literally begging to be picked up and "rescued." This is not an uncommon experience for me actually, so I have a game plan all laid out for the out of town guest who has become overwhelmed by the crush of the conference. I haven't see either of these folks since they were on the bill with me in Krakow last summer, so we have a lot to catch up on.

The enchanting Ms. Moore wrote of the evening's hi jinks at her blog at the Montreal Gazette entitled "Drive By Mariachi" and Josh at "Austin Heats Up."

For the record, it's Sam's BBQ, Mariachi Relampago, and James Invelt sat in for the ailing Dale Watson.

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