Flanfire

Bonnie and Blythe made their Austin debut at the Waterloo Ice House on 38th Street tonight. Get over it. The place is way too small for the crowd these two dynamos ought to be drawing (and will be once they put together a full band behind them). Lots of reasons why:

1. Great voices -- both of them can really belt it and also sing the softer stuff.

2. Girls, don't send your boyfriend off to see them play without going along. Okay - Jamie is a part-time model, does TV and radio spots, has been on stage since she was a little kid, and Bonnie is, well, all that blonditz is supposed to mean (and it is all an act!). The meaning of all of this is, both of these young women have great smiles (from all of the men in the audiences). Including their dads - who like what their girls are doing on stage.

3. Their harmonies are those of the great rock bands of the Eighties and earlier -- and they are the kind of women singers who make guys (or gals) who run the fog machines and strobes happy. Visualize these singers with power chords and hot leads (and a kick-butt drummer) behind them. You'll get the picture - and one day the real thing.

4. They are both great friends of mine - and they LOVE to sing.

Oh, by the way, my pal Seth Hulbert (of the Brennen Leigh Band) was on hand to lend his guitar to Bonnie (who broke a string early) and play some of his great leads on a few songs. The BB girls liked his work so much they have invited him to play at their gig at Tavern on the Gruene on October 21. This time he will have rehearsed - so it ought to be really good.

Props to Waterloo's staff, who did not realize that the girls thought they were supposed to be playing till 11 - and then did not unplug the mikes when it got later than they had planned to be there. Which was especially nice, given that Jamie (Blythe's) mom and dad had driven up from New Braunfels to see them, and that everyone in the house was still having fun.

Downers to all of my friends whom I invited and who did not really have an excuse not to come (BLH, remember I told you to write a song about guilt trips as your penance for having a headache).

All in all, this was a great way to cap off a weekend that began with a Friday lunch with a pal to celebrate his birthday and a followup trip to Barton Springs Nursery where we ran into former South Austin Gospel Choir singer Nick Ulrich of the golden green thumb and spent hours finding just the right plants for the birthday boy's new yard (that came with a new house). That day was capped by the fabulous Red Sox victory (the Yankees series looms). Saturday was devoted largely to helping another friend with her estate sale (very successful but more to come - or go) and -- pay attention, Mike Cherry!!!!!! -- the LSU comeback victory over Florida after spotting them a two touchdown lead (twice) at their house. SWEET! The crowning glory will hopefully be a record-breaking 19th in a row for the beloved Patriots (one for you, Jenny R).

One more shameless plug -- my friend Amy is inviting everyone out to (of all palaces) CLUB DE VILLE on Wednesday, October 20, from 6 till 8 pm for a spaghetti and meatball dinner and benefit for the SPANK Dance Company (of which she is a member). Dance, live music, and meatballs -- it's good for you.

Happy Afghan election day!