Flanfire

Got up early and trekked down to Maria's to fulfill a promise to Karen and catch her gig with the Dimestore Poets. That Tarheel Billy Mutschler always puts on a great show, and Larissa's vocals are also a plus -- but adding Karen makes things even better. Maria herself was there in all of her radiance, along with various other friends who I have been seeing around lately. Debbie related how the Poets had played at her daughter's wedding last summer, and what a wonderful job they had done. Billy bought me a cup of coffee and told me how he had moved down to South Austin six years ago from Connecticut and found a home here. He's from Wake Forest, North Carolina, and went to UNC in Chapel Hill. Wants to return home there someday - loves the seashore and the mountains and the music. Has a degree in American History. Has a new CD coming out - and one already available for those who like good acoustic music. The new one, though, has a full band sound on some tracks and vocals by Ms. Mal on a couple.

Did I mention my migas plate?

As the Poets' set was winding down, I noticed Gurf Morlix and then Carolyn Wonderland and Buddha Mills of the Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers lurking in the shadows awaiting their setup time. When I asked her about her recent gig at First Baptist Church downtown, Carolyn said she had been a little scared at first but then the people started singing along and it was all good! Expect her to be back there again soon. Gurf just finished up producing a new record for Bob Schneider, and he opened with a Bob Schneider gospel song. Another Ray Wylie CD is on the horizon as well. After Nick Connelly, Gurf, and Buddha got the show going, Carolyn stepped up and did a rendition of I Shall Not Be Moved that brought the crowd to a burst of applause. The only way to follow that spirited spiritual effort was for Nick to belt out those immortal words: I used to smoke, I used to drink .... (but now) I'm saved! After dancing a couple of numbers with Maria and Bruce and Laura (and Bruce's son Micah, down from Waco), I had to depart for the homestead and my handsome grandson. The dancers gave a great report of the Mardi Gras party they had been to the night before, and other friends recounted the Cannibals festivities on Saturday. I also got to see the projected cover art for the forthcoming Leeann Atherton CD -- that's the long-awaited followup to Lady Liberty that Leeann promises will be out soon.

Austin is a GREAT city -- because of the great people, some of whom I visited with today. I have already had people respond wanting to help some of the friends I spoke of in yesterday's blog. So I have an inspiration. No Names, and No Easy Giveaways, but stories you may want to share about friends in need. Drop me a line (at dflanakin@austin.rr.com) and I will post stories, and see what happens.