Wireless Fans.....

From the “Just When You Thought it was Over” department - seems I’m still attending live music events via cell phone! Oh, I’m not complaining, mind you! I think it’s an absolute joy; and as I’ve stated before, taking the time to call and share an event with a friend compromises the “live” attendee’s ability to enjoy the show with hands free and voices raised. An ultimate act of consideration!

Tonight, my dear friend Robin from Niagara Falls, New York is attending a show featuring Eric Church, Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley in Rochester, NY. Poor Robin - my bosom NASCAR buddy, my fellow Sadler aficionado and frequent traveler to Austin for spontaneous insanity (i.e., waffles, cheesecake and car parts) -- had to put up with over a month of my musical SXSW- and Who-obsessive behavior and distractions which left me racing-impaired! I tried to share the madness by calling her mid-gig from Rachel Fuller & Pete Townshend’s DirecTV filming – and tonight, she repaid the favor by calling me on HER cell to let me hear a few numbers from Lambert & Bentley live!

We’ve started something……. (Well, sort of!)

You see – the NASCAR bunch did it first! A few months back – during those dark, dreary, and dismal months that stock car fans refer to as the dreaded “off season” -- I got a phone call from Las Vegas, Nevada. At work. Where there are REALLY good speaker phones! I had a bit of advance warning, but it didn’t prepare me for the absolute THRILL of what I heard.

It sounded like this:

“ZZZZZZZZNNNNNNNnnnnnnnnuuuuuuuuu!!!! ZZZZZZZZZNNNNNNNNuuuuuu!!!

IT WAS CARS!!!! Testing at the Las Vegas Track! And not just ANY car, gang, ……… it was MY CAR!!!! The #19!!!! God Bless Merri!!! She took the time to brighten the dark days of offseason with a call to share the music that warms a race-fan’s heart like no other! HORSEPOWER! While Daytona was still weeks away – I felt like the green flag had already dropped and managed to keep my race-starved sanity intact until the real thing came along!

Of course, my co-workers were worried that I had completely lost my mind. “Her speakerphone is making a strange buzzing noise and she’s got tears in her eyes! Whassup with that?” They should have seen me during the Tampa2 Who Encore! (Thanks again, Burton!)

Sooooo – I’ve just realized that I’ll have an opportunity during the next few weekends to repay some precious favors! Thunderhill Raceway (our local 3/8ths mile asphalt) opens its season this weekend, and the BIG one – Texas Motor Speedway is only 15 days away. My phone is charged. Anybody wanna sound bite?

READY! AIM!! BLAME!!!

Folks in Sadlerville is at it again! The long, long fingers of blame are hunting a target – but it appears that the target keeps moving! Everyone has opinions, speculations, complaints, suggestions and downright remorse over the #19 Team’s performance at Bristol this past Sunday. What a heartbreaking turn of events we witnessed – as once again Elliott Sadler went from front-runner to keep-upper, and we now need a scorecard to keep track of the theories regarding what actually happened – and who is at fault!

I’m surprised at the number of fans who see this as a SINGLE problem, with a SINGLE culprit and a SIMPLE solution. ONE bad guy… ONE problem… and the insatiable urge to point that finger firmly in ONE direction and see the issue resolved by next Sunday. In this case, I’m afraid, we need to point a whole fistful of digits (and perhaps some toes, as well) at many contributing factors. As usual, at some point in the various Sadler camps’ blame games – the only targets actually hit are the fans themselves. We actually blame one another for blaming! Ain’t racin’ grand? Ain’t people funny?

I’m not immune, either! We ARE talking about human emotions here! If we didn’t get self-righteously indignant and hot-headedly vocal about our drivers’ (lack of) results – all our posts would look like this:

“The UAW Dodge Dealers’ Dodge Avenger failed to achieve the results desired this week. We shall endeavor to persevere.”

Or……

“I’m SOOOOOOOOO happy that we didn’t come in 28th!!!!!!”

Or……

“Drat.”

Sooooooo….. for the record, I think it’s a little bit the driver’s fault, a little bit the crew chief’s fault, a little bit the Team Owner’s fault, a little bit the pit crew’s fault, a little bit the COT’s fault, a little bit Brian France’s fault, a little bit of Bristol’s fault, a little bit of Goodyears’ fault; and a WHOLE lot of racin’s fault!!!! I’m hoping that this week, we get straighter rims, a track that allows some passing, a driver who’s LONG recovered from the flu, a Crew Chief who understands his driver (and vice versa), an owner who has spent some quality time with his progeny discussing improvement, and an audio feed that doesn’t leave a huge gaggle of opinionated fans without anything to base their speculation on during the crucial parts of the race!

In the meantime, I’m going to practice a little old-fashioned cockeyed optimism and rejoice in the fact that EMS seems to have REALLY great motors (for the #19, anyway) this year, Elliott didn’t drop in the points order, he didn’t seem to be a fish-out-of-water in the COT, he’s had NO DNF’s! And most importantly:

Finishing 27th didn’t make him a BIT uglier!!

(now I’ll get some blame for THAT comment, for sure!)


AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT……..(but not really):

When disappointments occur, as they often do in any fan-based endeavor, it’s nice to see an online community rally to the support of those less-fortunate. This past week, I’ve been witness to some of the most INCREDIBLE camaraderie I’ve ever witnessed from a group of message-board/forum members. Yup – the Who-heads strike again.

The Who had to cancel a couple of U.S. gigs last week due to Roger Daltrey’s serious bout with a viral infection and resulting dehydration. The first was in Tampa, where several of our group traveled for a semi-official get-together, only to do an about-face and return home when the show was stopped mere moments into the 1st song. So many people expended time and money making the trip to Tampa – including several younger fans who had never seen the band live, and who had chances to meet Pete & Roger for the first time. (Race fans: Imagine the disappointment if you had traveled across the country to a race, had VIP seats & hot passes, only to have Elliott get sick and the race rain out 2 laps in!)

Instead of moaning, wailing, and gnashing of teeth – WhoTour forum members rallied around their fellow fans and provided the most sincere encouragement and moral support I’ve ever seen! The “tribe” managed (for the most part) to help each other re-group after SXSW and make the trip BACK to Tampa a week later and in return they provided those of us at home with the most incredible concert experience imaginable short of being there in person!

Each “live” attendee used cell phones, cell cameras, blackberries, etc., to stay in constant touch with those of us on the board, posting photos and a running commentary of the 2 final shows on the U.S. Tour, and took the time to call us on the phone during key songs so we could listen “live” to our band make their farewells to the US. They obtained setlists in advance so we could “cyber-synch” our experience with our own recordings of recent live gigs. We even got to share in the exuberance of Michelle getting a hug from Roger – AT LAST!! (high drool-factor!)

I recently learned how hard it is to really ENJOY a show while fiddling with cameras, cellphone, etc. You have to watch the show through a camera lens, you can’t “boogie” around lest you take shaky pics, and you certainly can’t “whoop and holler” or you’ll drown out the sound you’re trying to capture!! In a complete act of unselfishness – Burton Anderson called me on his cell at the beginning of the FINAL ENCORE of Tommy and let me hear the BIG farewell all the way from “Captain Walker” to “Listening to You!” Now THAT’S a case for sainthood, right there! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Burton!!!! That absolutely ROCKED!!

The Sounds of Sadler!

Well, I’ve waxed musical for a good bit – time to get back to hashing over the Holy Oval. No lack of “material” in the NASCAR world of late! Having spent a week or so hanging out in person with my OTHER group of online buddies (Who-heads, Attic-addicts, Bumpband-buds, Baba-brethren), I’ve noticed many similarities between the online communities that seem to spring up where and whenever a message board, blog, and a celebrity is involved! As diametrically opposed as intellectual/spiritual British rock-n-roll and American stock car racing appear to be – the FANS are much the same. As much of Pete’s work of late reflects the desire to see CONSTRUCTIVE relationships between fans and artists – it stresses equally the importance of the development of HEALTHY relationships between the fans themselves (that’s US, gang!) You can’t weave a complete tapestry with all warp and no weft, now can ya? I’m a lucky gal to have such delightfully engaging and spontaneous friends in TWO disciplines!

OK, nuf philosophy – let’s talk about Sadler!

Once again, technology has given us perhaps a bit TOO MUCH contact with our driver. No longer faced with having to “vote” each week for the privilege of listening to raceday radio contact between driver, spotter and crew chief – we have now have Raceview, Trackpass, DirectTV and other services beaming audio into our heads each Sunday. No longer satisfied with armchair critiquing what we SEE – we have now become experts at shooting holes in what we HEAR! Consquently, folks have been lambasting the communication skills of the #19’s driver AND crew chief – and the justifications run rampant!

Where do I sit? Simple answer here: I have no freaking idea! LOL!

What am I hearing? To a casual listener (i.e., NOT an insider) – sounds to me like decisions on adjustments might be a bit vague and unfruitful. Sounds like Sadler is giving good information AT FIRST, but when adjustments fail to correct the problems he describes – he becomes frustrated and blows off steam with such things as “you’ve killed the car!” (NOT a succinct description – but then again, I don’t think it’s MEANT to be)! I hear Josh “mulling” over changes out loud, asking Sadler his opinion in many cases – usually when Sadler “has his hands full” trying to control an unruly car. Is this a good time for him to mentally diagnose the car? I doubt it.

BUT…..

Josh Browne has CC’d exactly TWO races this season after returning from his controversial suspension. Prior to that, we had Mr. Evernham himself (who had NOT CC’d a race in a month of Sundays). Is it too soon to level blame after 4 races? Perhaps. Have they had time to “get their communication” roles straightened out? One would think so, now wouldn’t one.

On the other hand, we have folks out there in the cyber-ether who have been privvy to radio convos between Sadler and his assorted CC’s for several YEARS. Some report that they are NOT hearing anything new. That Elliott has worked with CC’s who are able to be decisive, respond with quick changes, and take charge. The result? Loose in, tight in the middle, loose out.

I think it will take a bit more time to tell. In the meantime – I can manage to keep myself from NASCAR nervous breakdown by rejoicing in the fact that Elliott has managed NOT to DNF, that he’s stayed OUT of big ones, that he’s sitting “respectably” in the points standings – far above his team mates and OTHER “biggies” on the track who have found themselves in the garage early on. “Attababy’s” help my racing mental state, too! We’ve had some good Attababys even tho we’ve complained about the other conversations. Nothing has happened yet that makes me give up on the season – BUT…..

This weekend is Bristol. Will the COT be a plus or a minus for the #19? Will we be calling it the “Car of Tomorrow” or “Clusterf$%#$ of Today” come Monday? THAT’S the $64 question!

SXSW Pics

Here's the visual evidence!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7343066@N05/

Enjoy!

SXSW - The Last Day (maybe)

Springtime in Austin typically lasts 3 days. We go from TOO hot to TOO cold – but we DO get about 3 absolutely PERFECT weather days each year. Saturday was one of them! The Rajiworld party was held at “The Nest” – a small venue attached to Big Red Sun. Potted Rosemary plants lined the stage creating an aromatherapy experience each time a breeze would come by! Dave and I arrived a tad early to stake out a place to throw down the blanket and got a peachy spot by the stage. As if it couldn’t get any better, my son Charlie and his “girlfriend du jour” Ashley were able to drive up from Houston to join us. How can ya beat a day long music fest with the family in tow!

The catered food was wonderful! The "bizarre moment" of the day occured when Dave and I went to get an organic taco and were approached by Michael Des Barres who highly recommended the Pomegranite Lemonade! OKAY! Kinda like Carrie Nation recommending the Zinfandel with a Black Jack chaser! (BTW, Michael was right -- the stuff was delicious)! Pamela Des Barres MC'd most of the acts on stage -- I can't tell ya how many times I wanted to trade lives with her in the 70's!! She's an entire first-hand TGOM database of rock-n-roll! (NASCAR buddies will get that one)!

Sooooo many great artists! I’m sure I’ll miss a few but here goes…… AJ Croce opened with some INCREDIBLE ragtime/jazz piano! (no, he doesn't sound like his Dad) -- he's better! Next up was Billy Harvey who accompanied himself with some sophisticated instant recording equipment! My son, a budding musician himself, expressed an interest in obtaining whatever Harvey was using – and my checkbook cried out in pain at the thought! Danged if I can remember the name of the next singer/songwriter – he’s a new addition to Roggie’s group of artists and brought back memories of folk festivals in the 70’s!

The next artist was a complete surprise -- James McMurtry! And to hear “We Can’t Make It Here Anymore” live got my blood boiling and “Choctaw Bingo” was pure boogie heaven! I’ve met an Uncle Slayton or two back in New Caney in tha day!! James was followed by a wonderful blues wailer – Nakia, who reminded me of Joe Cocker. Chapparal from the Broken Spoke was up next, followed by the Hacienda Brothers who did a great version of the Box Tops “Cry Like a Baby.” Next up was Friends of Dean Martinez, who play some VERY trippy guitar instrumental. I looked around at one point and 99% of the audience was swaying back and forth with really blank expressions! LOL!

Next it was time for the Mother Truckers!! Our very own Continental Club kids! I rarely see my hubby get excited about a band, but I think the MT’s did the trick! We’ll be at the Continential on Thursdays from now on! Especially since Nakia will be playing this week with them!

Next was our buddy Ian McLagan & the wonderful Bump Band! Mac explained that he was playing on a borrowed keyboard, as he had managed to bring his own but left a crucial patch cord at home! Suddenly I didn’t feel as stupid for leaving my cell phone at home on Wednesday – thanks, Mac. Danged cords & cables!! The Bumps played an an impeccable set and managed to pull off “Kutchy Rye” without “HIM” (their special guest guitarist from Wednesday night LOL!) – and what a kick ass version it was! Always a treat to see Mac, Mark, Scrappy Judd & Don play!

The final act was Skyrocket with Kathy Valentine from the Go-Go’s. What a time warp! Interestingly, in the middle of the gig my wonderful hubby revealed that he went to school with Kathy! They got to say Hi after the gig!

What a great day – and such a treat to have all the bloggers together in a more relaxed environment. Burton & Colleen can certainly “cut a rug” – and I’ve got video to prove it (small, unmarked bills will be fine, guys). Thanks to Burton for fetching refreshments for all and for being a real peach all week! We had a great “meet & greet” with Mac afterward, and I finally scored a signed copy of “All The Rage” which I’m devouring – especially since I now understand why the ducks were being “nice.” LOL! Somehow, I wound up with Tana’s camera in my bag, but that merely gives us an excuse to get together again soon and swap stories (and perhaps make some new ones)!

Hopefully, Roger will heal quickly and the band can reschedule San Antonio so we can add a few postscripts to our SXSW stories! It’s hard to complain about a cancellation, especially since Roger’s health is much more important than a gig – AND – since we had such wonderful music to surround ourselves with for a week! I’ll try not to pitch too much of a fit if they don’t reschedule (who am I kiddin – I’ll have a yeller-cat conniption. A short one.) Pete, Rog….. for my hubby’s sake, reschedule San Antone!! He’s the one who has to live with me if I miss out on a gig! LOL!

Thanks to all who came to Austin to visit! It’s so nice to put faces with names and avatars! Take care, all! And stay in touch!

(now….back to my regularly schedule bitching about NASCAR!) THREE WEEKS TIL TMS!!

SXSW - Day Three!

Somebody should figure out a way to get paid for being a fan. If wealth equaled admiration, I’d be a bazillionaire! Oh, well….. I started the day at work, desperately trying to concentrate on the mundane while music was playing mere blocks away. Three o’clock couldn’t arrive soon enough, but at last I was out the door! (and remembered to bring my cell phone this time - incommunicado no more)!

I had made it only a block when I caught a familiar tune! The Seeker! Apparently, Friends Club was hosting Townshend Rewind – a gathering of bands playing Pete & Who tunes. Of course I had to pop in for a listen, and the band did an excellent job. The band that followed promised to be interesting, mainly due to the distinctive bass backing track they were sound checking. If they ever have a “Who Name That Tune” show – I’ll win. I can peg ‘Eminence Front’ in 1 note! Alas, the band elected to rap to the song. I’m old and crotchety and can’t do rap music for very long, so off down the road to the Muzak tent party I went! I’m a purist – HA!

The Muzak folks were as accommodating as could be – and I was able to stake a claim at a table near the tent entrance. Good thing, too – as the caterers arrived with the chow the lines and crowds thickened! Was soon joined by Cathy, Colleen, Lauren, June, Brandi, LJ, Tana & our chaperone Burton (who STILL cannot wipe the silly grin off his face from the La Zona Rosa meet up)! We managed to snag some great Tex Mex before it was all gone and had plenty of time to chat and complain about the sudden weather change – it got chilly and really breezy!

The cosmos smiled on us once again, as we were able to enjoy Rachel’s set from the very front row! Blessings and thanks to Burton who managed to secure chairs for all of us (who are still recovering from non-sensible shoes from 2 days before). To say that Rach was stunning is a supreme understatement. Wearing an elegant green velvet ensemble (and me in a Who T-Shirt and my trademark goofy cowboy hat – Oh my! – I’ve violated some international fashion laws again – I just know it!) We were treated to Cigarettes & Housework, Sir Walter Raleigh, Pleasure Seeker, Blue and Motherf*&%er. (which is now stubbornly stuck in my head – I’ll be in trouble for humming THAT one under my breath at work this week)! Pete joined Rachel for Sunrise – pure joy to watch those two perform together. W e managed to present Rachel with a ‘signed sign’ (Department of Redundancy Department). Tana, Burton and I hung around after the set and managed to “run into” Pete & Rachel at their limo for a few quick thanks before the DirectTV filming.

Attending the DirectTV gig was much like going to watch Trackside (my NASCAR buds will grok that) – except that seeing Rachel in her resplendent velvet against a backdrop of Armadillos, beer ads, barbed wire and neon was downright surreal! She repeated her set, but after confessing to us at the Muzak party that she wouldn’t be able to swear on live TV we were surprised when the cameras broke away and she repeated MF! (which is now indelibly burned in my brain and is certain to come out of my mouth at an inopportune moment at work this week – but they deserve it)! Martha Wainwright joined Pete & Rachel for “Factory” and the gig finished off with Rachel OUT from behind the piano!

What an incredible night! I had to take my leave after the filming because I had to be at work at 6:00 am the next morning! (SXSW is “hell week” in the Parking biz and it’s also flu season! – we’re shorthanded!). Made it home before I turned into a pumpkin and fell asleep humming “MotherfuY**&$”! Hubby Dave thinks I’ve lost it!

SXSW - DAYS 2, 3, & 4

It's hell to get old! My habit of shufflin' off to bed at 11-ish was broken bigtime this week! I'm one tired unit, but as blissfully happy as can be after 4 days of incredible music and wonderful friends. I fully intended to blog each day before retiring, but the universe conspired to have me work during the festival and I had to show up at the butt-crack of dawn. Hence, I hit the hay each night and will catch up on SXSW all at once! Here goes:


SXSW - Day Two!

I started the day with a Senior moment! Left the cellphone plugged in and charging away at home! Lot of good it did me there! First (and only) stop for the day was one near and dear to my heart - Roky Erickson's Psychedelic Ice Cream Social at Threadgills. This is the fifth annual Social and each one gets better - musically and spiritually! The weather was absolutely perfect and the vibe incredible!

This year, the Social honored those who have survived Electroshock "Therapy" (an oxymoron if I ever heard one). I would urge everyone to investigate for themselves and to form your own opinions, but it's obvious now that the State of Texas has gained a reputation for using agressive ECT to involuntarily "control" those it considered unruly, particularly in the 60's & 70's. Testimony from such visionaries as Michelle Shocked, Jim Franklin, Jack Blood and Leonard Roy Frank reveal the frightening truths about the use of ECT, and a concerted effort to prohibit it's continued use as a treatment methodology in Austin is underway. Roky's story of ECT survival is well known, but here are a few links for those who want to investigate and learn more about ECT and Roky's story.

http://www.endofshock.com/

http://thehighgroove.yuku.com/topic/354

Sumner Erickson (Roky's youngest brother, former guardian, and de factor savior) opened the event. Sumner was followed by JT VanZandt (who is the spittin image of his late father - and extremely talented in his own right). Next up was Robyn Hitchcock (who I now recognize and no longer mistake for Nick Lowe) with Peter Buck. I must admit I've not paid sufficient attention to Robyn's career after the Egyptians, but after listening to his amazing lyrics and VERY esoteric stage banter, I'm off to iTunes to download! He reminds me much of Frank Zappa but with a beautiful voice!

Tommy X Hancock was up next! Half expecting a tent-revival, gospel tune or two from the kindly looking old white-haired cowboy, we were treated to a rousing version of "God Will F&*(K You Up!" OKAY! Moving right along....... (it was hilarious, tho).

Powell St. John was a highlight of my whole week! Powell wrote many of the early 13th Floor Elevators songs and was the man who convinced a shy, homely Janis Joplin to take a trip to North Austin one day to play at Kenneth Threadgill's honkey tonk. Powell wrote "Bye Bye Baby" for Janis, and shared it's origins with the audience -- he had written it after a break up with his girlfriend. He performed "Kingdom of Heaven" and I've still got goosebumps! He was nice enough to chat with me for a bit after his set, and I scored an autographed CD that I'll treasure.

Michelle Shocked was teriffic, but went into a rant about audience members taking pictures during her set. She turned her back on the audience and sang over her shoulder - refusing to turn back around until all the cameras were put away. OK, she has a good point - but I think a benefit/celebration is probably not the best place to lecture about the evils of bootlegging. The whole episode reminded me of Pete's recent blog comments regarding the willingness to play without recompense. Recording devices - digital cameras and recorders are as common as air nowdays -- and not everyone who is taking pic intends to violate copyright. Some just want memories and today's technology makes it possible. Michelle finally put the soap box away eventually, and her "Anchored Down in Anchorage" had everyone on their feet.

Although I'd heard the name of the next band -- Spoon -- I had never taken the time to learn much about them or have a listen. OMG. These kids are incredible! Funny, I have to chuckle whenever I see a young musician using feedback to create a soundscape. "Wonder where THAT technique came from???" heh heh. These kids do the founder proud!

Sumner again took the stage at dusk to introduce a new song - "It Burns My Eyes" and was accompanied by the kids from Families Rock (who did incredible jobs working the event -- everything from the ice cream booth to t-shirt sales & security! All done by adolescents and elementary schoolers! It was like having miniature roadies everywhere and they took their jobs seriously!) Can't wait until a new CD is available!

Finally -- it was time for the man himself. For the first time in years, Roky is free of guardianship, is completely off meds, and I swear he gets younger every time I see him! Watching Roky perform is like having a ringside seat to a resurrection. He's making more eye contact with the audience, he's "be-boppin" on stage instead of standing still, and his voice is better than ever! No more "squeaky" versions of Starry Eyes and 2-Headed Dog! The famous "yeeeeowllll" during You're Gonna Miss Me is downright Daltrey-esque! (and I couldn't help thinking about having Roky sit in for Roger if he doesn't feel better soon....grin).

Roky's set left me drained, but happy as a pig in you-know-what! As if things couldn't get any better, while standing in line to say Hi, I noticed a lanky, grey haired cowboy sitting off to the side and wearing an original Elevators logo tank top. It was John Ike Walton -- The Elevators original drummer. What a treat to finally get to thank him for Psychedelic Sounds!!!

OK, gang -- 2 more days to blog about, but it's late and I need to START trying to catch up on my shut eye. I'll finish up days 3 and 4 tomorrow, and then we'll get back to talking about my OTHER obsession:

LEFT TURN, LEFT TURN, LEFT TURN, LEFT TURN!!

SXSW - Day One!!

Oh Yeah! I'm a happy camper! Day One of SXSW Music was sublime!

We had a drizzly, misty rain/fog most of the day that kept the temps on the cool side but all cleared out and this morning is bright, sunny and crisp! Bout time! Cathy & Colleen arrived safely and after a nickel tour of the area they were on their way to register for the conference.

I had to make a quick trip home to change out of my work duds (jeans & Entwistle T-Shirt) and into something a little less fashion disasterous (lest I should run into Rachel and be forever labeled a wardrobe catastrophe). Rach, dear... I've done my homework and have watched your Fashion Tips video! See, I'm a good blogger! Armed with knowledge, I selected "the little black dress" and began looking for just the right "fitted jacket" to create the illusion of a waist. (actually, I've already created that illusion -- I went looking for my waist and found three of 'em). Alas, the best pic of jackets was a bright yellow one -- so I called Tana and told her I'd be easy to spot: "Look for the fat bumble bee." Must have worked! We met up at the Hilton and took off to prowl the Keynote Address!

Alas, no Platinum badges or wristbands for this event. I'm "bisessive" -- I have a NASCAR jones to satisfy as well as a 35+ year Who habit to feed, so my dinero went long ago for good tickets to Texas Motor Speedway in April and The Who in San Antonio next week! $600 for those badges is a tad steep when you' re only interested in seeing a choice few at the Festival. BTW, folks – I can’t begin to yell ya how much fun racing is when you’re a Who-o-phile! And vice versa. I’ll “compare and contrast” at some point in the future. Suffice to say I think we can ace the “World Domination” thing – we’ll just call in all my crazy NASCAR girlfriends and Presto!

The Keynote was in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton and kindly volunteers must have taken pity on the two middle-aged gals oooo-ing and ah-ing whenever the doors opened to let us have a peek. We got peach spots and a friendly volunteer to prop open the door so we were able to catch chunks of the interview. Whatever did we do before Jumbotrons!? Oh, yeah….. I didn’t need glasses then! DOH!

Talk about senior moments! As we were heading out, we spotted a VERY familiar face! “Isn’t that…..?” Suddenly it dawned on me! NICK LOWE! Thank God we avoided a total faux-pas and checked with one of the journalists standing nearby – because is was Robyn Hitchcock! Oops. See what age and failing eyesight will do to ya? (OK, they do look VERY similar!) Anyway, we worked up the nerve to get a pic with Robyn-who-isn’t-Nick! Nice guy!

Then off to the Convention Center for the Austin Music Awards! The wrong end of the Convention Center! We wound up walking for blocks past the Interactive folks (gaming geeks), the Tradeshow (sales geeks), the Flatstock show (poster geeks), before finally arriving at the music awards (music peeps)! Chatted a bit with Henry Gonzalez & Jim Franklin, Austin Poster Artists extrordinaire, before catching up with Cathy & Colleen. After watching a few awards and a few numbers by Michelle Shocked and the Unstrung Heroes of Texana we took a break to go outside and puff, deciding to make our re-entry on the RIGHT side of the stage where the crowds were much thinner. As we staked our claim, we got a text message from Lynne that the “rumor” was confirmed! Pete would play! (can I get a YEE HAW?)
My wonderful hubby gifted me with a video camera for Christmas. I am a techno-doofus and the worlds’ WORST photographer! Now I can take horrible MOVING photographs of barely discernable folks in bad lighting – all while recording he sound of my own voice chattering away and drowning out whatever I’m aiming at! (I forget the damn thing has SOUND). Don’t worry, my NASCAR photography ain’t much better – I have oodles of pics of the last 3” of a LOT of famous cars! Anyhow – I’ll post a linky to the video tonight so you can laugh at my “shaky hands.”

Pete was GR-REAT!! Hand seemed to be pretty much healed, although he “strummed” more than he picked. Not much jumping (even with new shoes), but he rocked nonetheless! Our great position paid off, as we were both able to make our way to the front for the 2nd song! My racing buds would call this “GREAT track position!” I agree!
Today we’re off to Roky Erickson’s Psychedelic Ice Cream Social! I’m in my sensible shoes, obligatory Jagmo Roky T-Shirt and comfy beat-up jeans! A fashion disaster of the first order, Rach! If you run into me today – take Tana’s word for it – I make a pretty good bumble bee!
Stay tuned!

Y'all Come On Down - SXSW Bloggers & Fans Get Togethers

Greetins' Children! Can I get a YEEEE HAW???? OK, here's the skinny! I'll post whatever SXSW info I can on here to help us all connect with one another during the fest & concert. Feel free to email/comment/IM/carrier pigeon me with any additions, suggestions, ideas, questions or such! We'll keep this post as a "WORK IN PROGRESS" and update as info comes in! I'll add more maps & stuff tonight! Stay tuned -- it's gonna be a BUSY week!

NOTE: I'll post updates at the bottom, so scroll down to get the lastest & greatest!

BLOGGER/FAN GET TOGETHER:

Looks like our "official" SXSW ITA Blogger/Pete/Rach/Who Fan get together will be at the Rajiworld+1 Party at Big Red Sun on Saturday, March 17th! We plan to meet up between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm. No Badges/Wristbands or RSVPs needed -- it's open to everyone!

Big Red Sun Link: http://upcoming.org/event/155699/ (yes, it's also a COOL plant nursery)! It's an outdoor venue and they'll have nice comfy mats to sit on but feel free to bring your own blankie or folding chair. Food & refreshments are definitely available, but you may bring your own bottled water (i.e., they won't "confiscate" your liquids at the gate like some other events here do)! There's a $10 suggested donation at the door! I'm working on parking for this -- currently have a lot available about 3 blocks away but I'm trying to arrange something closer. Stay tuned.

Of course, the highlight will be Ian McLagan & The Bump Band! A MUST SEE for all "spiritual boys & girls"!! I'd suggest making as many of the Bumps' gigs as your schedule will permit. More info on Mac & The Bumps below, but here's the party info:

Saturday, March 17 - Big Red Sun (Bumps 7:30pm) - No wristbands/badges required. Rajiworld +1 party (3-9 pm) 1102 E Cesar Chavez Street Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us! Featuring performances by Adam Carroll, A.J. Croce, Billy Harvey, Hacienda Brothers, Jeff Hughes & Chaparral, The Mother Truckers, Nakia, Miss. Pamela Des Barres, Skyrocket featuring Kathy Valentine, and our very own Ian McLagan & the Bump Band. Come on down! Stick around for a special meet & greet session with Mac following the Bump set! For party news and updates visit Rajiworld.com. $10 donation to benefit GENaustin. !

SXSW FESTIVAL EVENTS:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14TH....

- Pete's Keynote Address: Wednesday, March 14 @ 6:30 pm. - *BADGES ONLY* http://2007.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/?action=show&id=MP060150
Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom - corner of 4th St. & Nueces. Line up early. FREE PARKING reserved for you at Valet Garage @ 5th & Brazos. Contact ME FOR A PASS!

- Austin Music Awards: Wednesday, March 14 @ 8:00 pm. Convention Center - Ballroom A - * OPEN TO THE PUBLIC* advance tix available for $15 at, $20 at the door. Bump Band performs at 9:20pm. This year’s show will feature performances by Bobby Whitlock and CoCo Carmel with Stephen Bruton; Barbara Kooyman and the Unstrung Heroes of Texamericana with Carrie Rodriguez and Michelle Shocked; Ian McLagan and the Bump Band and more. There will also be an appearance by Six Strings Down: the Clifford Antone Tribute with Jimmie Vaughan, Derek O’Brien, Gary Clark Jr. and more. SXSW badges and wristbands include entry into the show at the Austin Music Hall. Same parking info as above. THIS is a great place to meet up, gang -- a veritable Who's Who of Texas music will be there!

http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/sxswreports/entries/2007/02/22/austin_music_aw_1.html

THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH:

- The 5th Annual Roky Erickson Psychedelic Ice Cream Social - * OPEN TO THE PUBLIC* - Thursday, March 15th, 2007 2:00 PM (DOORS) to 8:00 PM, Threadgills World Headquarters - 301 W Riverside Dr, Austin, 78704 - (512) 472-9304. www.threadgills.com - The Roky Erickson Trust presents: ROKY ERICKSON and The Explosives, Spoon, Robyn Hitchcock and Peter Buck, Michelle Shocked, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, Tommy X Hancock, Black Lips, Powell St. John, J. T. Van Zandt & Sumner Erickson of The Texcentrics - Tickets available at http://www.frontgatetickets.com/ and at Threadgills WHQ. $20.00 General Admission and children 12 and under Free with an adult. This year's event celebrates electroshock survivors.

OK, Who-o-Philes..... DON'T MISS THIS. Roky's story & music is guaranteed to raise the little hairs on the backs of ANY Townshend aficionado's neck! The "godfather" of psychedelic rock and the man who taught Janis how to wail went kind of "deaf, dumb & blind" for many years -- but he broke the mirror and has come back with some REALLY neat stuff for us (like a "prequel/sequel" to Tommy written in 1967!?). Come and witness a REAL resurrection (and eat some REALLY good meatloaf at Threadgills)!

- Rachel Fuller w/Special Guests - *BADGES/WRISTBANDS ONLY* - (and Gen. Pub. if ANY room is left over. Yeah, right). Thursday, March 15th, 6:00 pm. La Zona Rosa - 612 W. 4th Street Austin, TX 78701. And I don't care IF they required badges, wristbands, blood samples, DNA, etc. I'll be sittin with you guys in the parking lot! ARRIVE EARLY for this one! Parking available at the Valet Garage listed above, but CONTACT ME FOR A PASS!

- Ian McLagan & The Bump Band - Thursday, March 15 - Lucky Lounge (8pm) - ** FREE! No wristbands/badges required.** 209-A West 5th Street Four guys walk into a bar... Join us for 'Happy Hour' with the Bump Band.

*NOTE: Special late set for SXSW week only from 8-10pm. Thursday, March 15 - Whiskey Bar (1am)Official SXSW/Rajiworld showcase 303 W. 5th Street


FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH:

-Rachel Fuller @ SXSW Live - Friday, March 16th, 10:00 pm - Lone Start Lounge area at Austin Convention Center. *COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL FESTIVAL ATTENDEES AND GENERAL PUBLIC - SPACE PERMITTING* - (which means line up early). These 40-minute performances are being filmed for broadcast on DirectTV - so check your local listings!!

- South By Bookstore signing with Ian McLagan - Friday, March 16 - SXSW Trade Show Events Austin Convention Center, Trade Show & Exhibition 500 East Cesar Chavez South By Bookstore signing with Ian McLagan (2pm) Mac will be meetin', greetin' and signin' copies of his highly acclaimed CD, Spiritual Boy, An Appreciation of Ronnie Lane and his rock 'n' roll biography, All The Rage. Don't miss out! Hosted by Barnes & Noble. (No info on whether this is Gen. Public or not....)

- MUZAK North by Tent Party w/Rachel Fuller - Brush Square Park, 5th St. @ Neches - Free margaritas & taco bar - bring a blankie and sit on the grass! Also featuring The Alternate Routes, The Hot IQs, Scott McCurry, Andy Zipf, and Sarah Marince. This is an RSVP event -- go to www.muzak.com/sxsw and email a "RSVP". They'll email you back a canned message saying you've been added to the list. Whether that's good enough to get you in without out a badge is anyone's guess, but I'm printing out a copy to take with just in case! We'll see! (BTW, stop by the park and gander at the Susanah Dickinson house - Dickinson was one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Alamo and the person who delivered the news of the Texan army’s defeat to General Sam Houston).

TUESDAY, MARCH 20TH:

- The Who @ AT&T Center - San Antonio, By-God, Texas! - Still workin on our pre- & post-concert get togethers on this one! Stay tuned!


OTHER GOOD STUFF:

Here's a link to Ian McLagan's site -- compliments of Lynne. I'm working on getting the teenager to pop a linky in here to purchase Mac's great CD "Spritual Boy" -- a Tribute to the late Ronnie Lane. Stay tuned as we get more Mac & Bump Band info!

http://www.ianmclagan.com/news


WEATHER & WARDROBE:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Austin&state=TX&site=ewx

Austin weather is unpredictable, but best plan to bring light jackets sweaters for cool mornings & plan on hot afternoons. For those waiting in lines -- a small umbrella will give you respite from the sun (or unexpected cloudburst). Be sure to bring something to keep hydrated - one of those bottles on a lanyard will do ya. A plastic poncho in a packet (Wally World) is a good idea - rain is always possible and they make great groundcloths to sit on in a pinch. While you're stocking up, try to find some mosquito repellant towellettes. (cans of spray are a pain to carry around). Sunglasses are a must! I have loads of folding canvas chairs to share for those who are going to be queueing up for stuff! You can pick them up at the Valet Garage at 5th & Brazos! Be sure to contact me in advance for your parking passes and maps, directions & times!

Tonight I'll post some more helpful info for Austin-bound travelers and a few "must see's" for while you're here! In the meantime, be sure to let me know what I need to add here eventwise or otherwise!

Onward through the Fog!!

UPDATES: 3/8/07!!!

Trying to get info on the Tom Wright book release party, but seems this is a private event, not necessarily associated with the festival. I'll keep sniffin around for info! Stay tuned.

Amazingly, Tom donated his collection to the UT American History Museum -- you can actually view the materials at the campus.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/00033/cah-00033.html

Ann Margaret will be accepting the Texas Film Hall of Fame Award on Friday, March 9th at Austin Studios! Beans anyone? http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A453501

UPDATES: MARCH 13, 2007!

Yup -- it's raining! The forecast new calls for it to clear out by Wednesday afternoon, leaving a nice cool weekend in store. Lows in the 50's and highs in the 60's to 70's. Light jackets are a must and some those plastic groundcloths (a/k/a cheap rain ponchos) will come in handy. The rain is a GOOD thing! It's washing away all the pollen that has had Austinites sneezing for weeks! No fear -- the weather will cooperate! (hope hope hope)!

PARKING: I will be at the Valet Garage located on 5th St. between Congress & Brazos, tomorrow from about 11:00 am til 4-ish! (If you are heading NORTH on Congress - toward the Capitol - turn RIGHT on 5th Street and you'll see the Valet Garage immediately on the left. I'll have supplies on hand (umbrellas, folding chairs, etc.) so no need to bring those with you. If you need to park after 4-ish -- contact me via email or IM me so I can leave you a pass! This garage is convenient to the Convention Center, Hilton, 6th Street & the Lucky Lounge/Whisly Bar. Get with me on Wednesday, or email me if you need parking passes for Thursday and Friday nights! We also have a few lockers at the Valet lounge if you need to lock up any belongings (souvenirs, goodie bags, shopping loot) so you don't have to carry stuff all day.

PARKING FOR THE ICE CREAM SOCIAL: On Thursday will be non-existent! Park at the Valet garage and take one of the free "dillo" trolleys across the bridge to Threadgills!

DIRECT TV will be airing Rachel's performance AND Pete's keynote address on Channel 101 LIVE. Set your TiVO's NOW!!

BLOGGER PARTY ON SATURDAY: Taking a cue from my NASCAR buddiess -- we're hoisting a "flag" to mark our spot! When you arrive at Big Red Sun -- just look for the "Attic Intravision" logo and the Mod Target! These are your peeps!

That's all for now! May each of you have a safe and speedy trip into Austin and I look forward to meeting up with everyone manana!

Be Careful What You Pray For …..or…… When Passtimes Collide

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean, I had ASKED the cosmos to humor me, hadn’t I? I must have actually voiced my request skyward at one point in the form of an annoyingly crafted whine: “WHY can’t I get an equal amount of BOTH my favorite leisurely diversions at approximately the same interval? WHY must it always be ONE or the OTHER? It would be sooooooo cool to have both NASCAR and MUSIC at the same time!” Apparently the celestial jefe has decided to teach me a lesson. Warped sense of humor that God dude has!

I should be the happiest camper on the planet right now! You see, I’m a music fan. Not just music per se – music HISTORY and PHILOSOPHY as it pertains to the Spiritual and Intellectual components of certain artists’ works. (That’s a verbose way of saying “I’ve been a hardcore Who freak and a early Psychedelic rock nut for over 35 years!”) It’s rare as hens’ teeth to have all the right people and events come together to make my musical dreams come true – LONG dry spells of NO activity or news have been the bane of my existence in this arena. Thusly, I HAD to develop a secondary obsession! Something with all the volume, thrill, pageantry, controversy, stimuli and pomp of rock-n-roll, but with a more “predictable” schedule.

NASCAR fit the bill perfectly. For almost a decade now I’ve filled the musical gaps with the sound of earsplitting motors, iconic drivers, obsessed fellow-fans, milestone events, travel, appearances, etc. OK, it lacks some of the spiritual context of music, but it more than makes up for the lack in sheer volume. Decibels count for something in a weighted average! A predictable season, an accessible driver, a cadre of fellow lunatics and all the controversy that surrounds a competitive endeavor. Granted, few of my NASCAR buddies have the patience to humor me in a discussion of Townshend’s Quadrophenia, but the chances of having to cross my addictions seemed pretty slim.

Until now.

It’s March in Austin. March means its time once again for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Music festival to hit town. 300+ bands, 2 weeks of round the clock music, conferences, panels, films, etc. At my age, it’s typically a 14-day headache of new musicians playing music that’s quite painful and downright foreign to someone my age. An occasional “oldie” will make an appearance, but typically not someone I’d change my daily routine to go and see. As the 3rd month approached this year, I once again dreaded the upcoming festival – then the announcements started……

The Keynote Speaker at SXSW is the “high holy” honor handed annually to a musician or music industry personality of iconic stature. At long last, the honor I’ve hoped for! Pete Townshend himself! My satguru of songwriting, my ayatollah of rock-n-rollah, he who’s music I’ve analyzed and pondered since I was a pre-teen! OK, so I’m goin to the Keynote Address! A victory for Obsession #1. But…….

He’s bringing Rachel Fuller, his INCREDIBLY talented girlfriend with an award-winning collaborative podcast to add to my collection of In The Attic recordings! In person! March 16th! Oh yeah! I’m hittin a few live gigs! A party or 2! This is INCREDIBLE!..... BUT WAIT…….

Roky Erickson’s Annual Psychedelic Ice Cream Social is scheduled for that Wednesday the 15th! With a freed-from-guardianship Roky (newly returned from his first San Francisco gig in 30+years - MUST attend to see if he met up with Tommy Hall!) and performing with the likes of Powell St. John and members of REM! OH MY! AND……

The 40th Anniv. Of the Monterey Pop Festival will be celebrated with a screening on the 17th! Ian MacLagan’s playing a gig in honor of Ronnie Lane on the 16th! Steve Earle on the 16th! Daniel Johnston – 16th! Robyn Hitchcock & Polyphonic Spree-16th! Flatstock Poster Show - all freakin week!

And as if this weren’t enough………………… THE WHO announces a date in San Antonio on March 20th. THE ultimate event -- only a handful of opportunities in a lifetime to see MY band live! I'll miss my own damned funeral before I miss a Who gig in Texas! My musical cup not only runneth over, now it’s flat out flash flooded!!

I’m a member and/or moderator of at least 10 different music-related online forums and discussion groups. MANY online friends developed over the years with individuals all over the globe as musically obsessed as I am. My User ID? AUSTINGAL. Guess who’s about to have a LOT of company? Must coordinate get-togethers, pre-& post-concert gatherings, help with hotels, tickets, car rentals, hotels, parking, etc. etc. etc. This is gonna be nuts! I LOVE IT!!!

BUT WAIT! YELLOW FLAG! When SXSW is over, it will be LESS than 3 weeks until it’s time to GO RACING!!! That’s right! TMS week starts April 12th!

My driver has a big win at Texas Motor Speedway! Our Fan Association is Texas bound starting in early April! Again, the message board crews, blogbuddies, pit row pals, will head to town as we gather for our Spring festival of Stock Car silliness! In the midst of music madness, I’ve got to plan for RV space, get scanner frequencies programmed, update the season’s wardrobe, secure pit passes, speak with sponsors, etc.! I need to grab grub for tailgating, download pics to clear out room for more…. OH.. driver’s birthday – gotta get group present ready…. Gifty baskets for team, goodies for girlfriends!

Sooooooo…… until all this fun and frolick is a thing of the past, I must ask my friends on BOTH sides of my personal addictive slate to be patient and understanding. I’m stretched a bit thin right now! If I accidentally start discussing the Car of Tomorrow with my Meher Baba buds, please excuse. If my Sadler sisters suddenly find me posting about the Lifehouse Method project….. umm… humor me. I’ll really try not to scream “BOOGITY” when the band cranks up “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and I’ll try even harder not to yell “THEY’RE ALL WASTED!!!!!” when NASCAR announces the Daytona penalty appeal results later this week…….

In the meantime – pray for me. I’m starting to dream of Daltrey in a red firesuit and Sadler playing the 5:15 bass solo. Townshend anchoring Raceday with Moonie and Mikey trashing hotel rooms. Roky doing commercials with Rutledge. If Dale Sr. shows up at Woodstock, I’m a goner. Think it can’t get worse?

Today I found out that Blake Shelton will be at the Travis County Rodeo on March 17th. (sigh). Friends, be careful what you pray for!!