09/21/11

Austin Country Great Dale Watson Comes to Rock 'n' Bowl

When Kermit Ruffins is in the room, you know you’re at the right party. Clubs that book him are sure to get a good crowd, and that’s part of the reason why he’s in such high demand for local fundraisers and benefit events. His music is instantly accessible, fun and identifiably, undeniably New Orleans.

Dale Watson fills much the same role for his own hometown. But that town is Austin, Texas, so instead of jazz he’s a master of honky-tonk style country music. He’s the real deal, a consummate performer and the old-timey antidote to modern country acts that sound (and, increasingly, look) like glorified pickup truck commercials. 

If Kermit Ruffins at his best channels the spirit of...

Posted at 05:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/07/11

Partying and Previewing at Culture Collision

The weather that arrived in the wake of the stormy holiday weekend was so nice people were shutting down their air-conditioning units, throwing open their windows and all but bursting into song. But one friend of mine actually took offense. “It’s just a tease,” she protested, after the umpteenth person commented about the sudden temperate glory. “The season hasn’t changed yet, really. We’ll be sweating again soon.”

She’s right of course. But rather than a tease, I prefer to see it as a preview. Fall will be here for real in a matter of weeks, with all the busy schedules, double-booked events, annual festivals, football weekends and general seasonal gratitude the coming autumn augurs. That means another season is about to begin:...

Posted at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1