Been awhile, eh? Well, I've been up to some things. Let me explain: Been working on a DVD and Menu for our production company and, well, we're not software programmers. The learning curve is steep on these programs and good things take time. Right? Right? Is this thing on? Have seen a couple shows in the past two weeks. First, Arab League played at a party on the South Side and it was aight... Not their best show but, as always, very entertaining. Then, this past Saturday morning at the Farmers' Market (downtown Saturday's AM) I was lucky and fortunate enough to catch The Damnfinos, a bluegrass outfit that have been together about 6 months. Formerly known as The Family Jewels, The Damnfinos braved the elements and with their beautiful music, coaxed the sun to come on out and join us in this wonderful city. At 10a, it was cold fingers on cold instruments. By 1130, it was sunny and warm and promising. I like to think their music had something to do with this evolution. I know that I was moved by their show. Led by Elizabeth and Gretchen, the charming and beautiful sirens of sound, The Damnfinos are an act to watch. They are getting it together to go into the studio and we hope that soon, the whole world will be able to share what the lucky people at the Farmers' Market got to experience on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon was fun. This past wknd was the East Austin Studio Tour, where 50 or 60 studios opened their doors and let the people in to see the art and how it's produced. Props and kudos to all artists, patrons, facilitators and enthusiasts. Saturday night was so much fun! Met up with GLJ at Gallery Lombardi for the ProperGander birthday event. PG is a 7 year old magazine produced down in San Marcos, TX. I believe it is a collaborative effort between several artists. It's a fine publication. Stayed there about an hour, saw some fantastic art, met several nice people and saw StoneLar (sp?), a band led by Furley, an old hand from the San Marcos days. They were exciting, with 3 guitars and Furley's hypnotic singing. We, me and GLJ, then went to Jovita's, a restaurant by day and club by night, down on S. 1st. The place was packed, not a table to be had. GLJ looked around coolly and said: "I wonder if we'll be able to get a table?" She was looking over my shoulder as she said this and then she said: "Oh, there's one." GLJ is golden. We got our table, some drinks and then talked. Soon we were joined by others: Reed, Paige, Elizabeth. Then, the reason we went to Jovita's took the stage. The Gourds are a fantastic rockabilly act that's been around a while. These guys brought it strong and though it was cold outside, it was sweat and t-shirts inside as the 200+ crowd danced and screamed and laughed! What a night! On a personal note, I didn't film any of the shows I just described. Strange for me, considering that I usually only get to watch the shows thru the lens of the camera. It was nice to not only see the show and enjoy it, but also to dance. Hard to dance with a video camera, as no one likes shaky footage, esp Santos.

What a weekend! Friday night saw the return of Tia Carrera to Room 710 and Austin. For those of you who don't know, TC is the premier 3 piece rock band with sound so powerful, no lyrics are necessary. That's right, with Jason on guitar, Eric on drums and Andrew (usually) on bass, the places you get taken leave you breathless and screaming for more. I believe they've been on tour, sharing with the rest of the world what we in Austin sometimes take for granted. To the guys in Tia Carrera: A profound thank you! Your music and passion are inspiring. Saturday we actually filmed a commercial for a glass blowing operation called Rynoglass. Never saw that process before and it was fascinating. It was hot in there, though... This week should be a good one for music here in Austin. I'll go see and report back to you. We report, you decide. Nice, huh?

Halloween proper was...neat. Feeling not too well, I decided to go see Attic Ted at Club de Ville. They were playing from 9-12, quite a long set, with a couple breaks. Also did a little walking on 6th Street, just to see what's the haps. The haps is, NADA. No one was dressed up. It was like a freak show, without freaks. BORING. Attic Ted was good, tho. Two other bands, Invincible Czars and Golden Arm Trio also played, but at a different club. Unfortunately, didn't get to see them. Went home early, actually, so as to rest and start to feeling better. Once more, tho, Arab League goes into the studio with Al Ayash. Tonight, the new CD will be finished. So for all you clamoring out there for the new propaganda, your wait is over. Welcome to the future of hip hop!