What a weekend, ya'll. Friday night saw plenty of Action, but not in the traditional sense. We had a dinner for a friend who is now liberated. In the course of the dinner, there was entertainment. And this entertainment was AWESOME! She came into our private dining room and the enchanting music started and then she started and I was mesmerized! Belly dancing is so exotic, exciting and appetite encouraging! She moved, swayed and smiled throughout the 5 minute set and we were enthralled and enrapt! She was amazing. The dinner was great and the company was fabulous: Paige (newly liberated), Paula, GLJ, Jennifer, Ethan, Talitha, Karri, and a couple others. What a night! If you're ever in Austin and you want some good Middle Eastern fare, go to Ararat. The food is great and the music never stops. Saturday was a fun day, though cold and rainy. Just worked inside all day with the Boss, doing Video stuff, you know? But Saturday night, well, that's a different story. Got a bottle of the finest and went with the Boss to the Alpine House (where GLJ used to live) for a great big old party! The occasion was the imminent departure of Jen, one of the gals who lives there. She is leaving for a year to study meditation around the country. But first, she's going to Mardi Gras. The party was fantastic! Such nice people and great music... Johnny and his son played Beatles' songs and then Austin Family Jewels played a couple 3 songs. Then there were some drums and then Johnny and one of the Eggmen played Beatles' songs for 2 hours and everyone was singing. Didn't get home til early in the AM and we slept til 11, had coffee for breakfast then GLJ went to work and I went to play. Not really play, in that I worked all day, just not at my regular job. Sunday night, went to Cafe Caffeine to see QTN play. Filmed that one and was blown away by Brian and his beautiful music. Was touched by his songs. They really moved me. And everyone else. Home via Polvo's with GLJ then to sleep shortly thereafter. What a weekend. And the fun never stops here in Austin. What are you doing tonight?

You know, I've lived here in Austin almost my whole life and am so happy that there are still so many things here that, A, I didn't know about and, B, are fun and exciting. I'm referring to a little place called TC's Lounge on Webberville Road in East Austin. We went there on Monday night to record audio and video for Little Elmore Reed Blues Band, a four piece made up of some local heroes who have come together from their various projects to play on Monday nights as this project. Oh man, what a band! And what a club! My friend and business partner, Tim the audio magician, was running sound and recording audio while I and the Boss were running camera. We caught the first set, which ended about 1130, and we were hooked. The style is blues and man, is it dirty. Never seen four white boys play blues with such skill and feeling. Indeed, these aren't just any four white dudes. These dudes know the blues. Check out their myspace place and you'll know what I mean. The club, though, is without precedent. You walk in and it's like you've gone back in time to a juke joint or a gin house. I mean, dancing, drinking, shit talking and big smiles! I didn't know and man, it was fun! Come on down on Monday nights to TC's Lounge to see Little Elmore Reed. You'll be glad you did. We'll see you there. Last night was Thursday and I went to Cafe Mundi to catch the Austin Family Jewels. Because it WAS warm, they played outside and were mic'd up for sound! This 6 piece always plays with such style and glamour and emotion. You can feel the experiences as the various singers sing their songs. Driving songs, loving songs, crying songs and fun songs. Austin Family Jewels has it all! Catch em next time. This weekend should be fun. Don't know about much music yet, but there are parties, events and dinners with great people. It's supposed to freeze or something this weekend, which, in Texas, never happens. Yesterday, it was 80 degrees. Today, it's COLD!! Doesn't stop us! The music keeps rolling and so do we! What are you doing tonight?

Yes, we have been busy. Here at Austin Music Tonight, we do music. But music comes in many forms. Rock, singer-songwriter, over the net etc. What we have been focusing on is how to intergrate all the various forms of music into one platform where folks from around the world, YOU, can access all that we have in the comfort of your own home. So, yes, we've been out to see a lot of shows lately, but we've been focusing on our website; trying to get it up and running with plenty of content for you to peruse. Will keep you updated on the progress there. So, back to live shows in Austin: Went to Ruta Maya for the first time the other day to see Jonathan Bird perform his unique and moving brand of songwriting, straight from the land of North Carolina. He apparently is constantly on tour and my girl, GLJ, heard he was coming and took us both to see him. He had two sets but we only caught the first. But it was enough. He has this quiet appeal, a man who knows what he wants to say, and says it. He sings softly, but with passion and a subtle intensity that brings one to the point of one's seat, waiting for the next line, the next verse, the next story. I couldn't find a website for him but his name is Jonathan Bird from North Carolina. A couple days after that, went back to Ruta Maya to see and film a trio from Austin and Houston called Household Names. My man Santos met up with these guys while they were on tour with What Made Milwaukee Famous a couple months back. These guys have a refreshing sound that's modern and upbeat. Being a trio, the power was there for the feeling and one could easily discern each instrument as it struck its next note. No crowding going on up there, no! Household Names, soon to be a household name! Two weeks back, saw Austin Family Jewels, the artists formerly known as Damnfinos. They played their regular Thursday gig at Cafe Mundi on the Eastside. Oh, such sweet, beautiful music these gals and guys make. This show was filmed and the audio was recorded so at some point, it might behoove us to make a video of this set. These folks are shooting stars, folks. Take note and go see this band. You will love what you find! Will keep you updated as to websites, new shows, new videos and new opportunities. We love all you guys. Oh, by the way, what are you doing tonight?