Flanfire

Austin newcomers Jen and Aaron Hamre and lots of their friends deserve a lot of kudos for bringing creative thinking into helping Austin music venues prepare for the transition to "smoke-free" environments. Several key clubs are being high-tech cleaned, the team put together a high-roller bus tour or two on September 1, and on Sunday they hosted a benefit concert (plus Katrina relief) at Threadgill's World HQ.

Things started quietly, with just a few bearing the searing early afternoon heat (but thanks for the clouds) to catch a jaunty set by the Pistol Love Family Band (so named because mandolinist-omnichord player Lauren Gurgiolo and banjoist Jerry Hagins are first cousins once removed). Gurgiolo's significant other, David Lazaroff plays guitar in the band, while Timmy Campbell handles the drums. Guest of the day was L'il Cap 'N Travis picker Gary Newcomb on bass. These relative unknowns (though many of the players can often be seen elsewhere) set the vibe for the afternoon. Lazaroff's brother Jeff, who is still up in St. Louis most of the time, will be joining the entourage (along with the fabulous Elizabeth McQueen, for whom D. Lazaroff works at times, Neil Kazanoff, for whom Lauren has worked, and others) at the Hole in the Wall next Sunday evening for a Katrina benefit concert. Sounds like a plan!

Next up was co-conspirator Natalie Zoe, doing just her second gig with the soulful side of Forlini and Cross - guitarist and songwriter Mike Cross. She must do many many more. Backed by Oliver Rajamani on percussion, and given that Nat is still in major recovery from her second wrist carpal tunnel surgery, this was as hot a set as the weather. Rajamani, backed by oudist-violinist Sean Orr and with Aaron adding some percussion, brought his world music sounds next to the stage - using a variety of Eastern and Western instruments and languages. If you have not experienced this wonderful player and all-round nice guy, get thee to Ararat or El Sol y la Luna when he is performing (his flamenco guitar style he learned from Roma Gypsies, whose origins were in his native India).

As bluesy Beth Garner was warming up the crowd, we were toasted and had to boogie, on the way out running into the advance guard of the populous Neville family, who are reportedly taking up residence iin the Live Music Capital of the World at least until their city is reborn. I had just caught Aaron's two beyond human performances at the NBC/MSNBC/CNBC concert -- Randy Newman's "Louisiana" about the great 1927 flood that brought the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the state (and upstream Mississippi) to construct the massive system that keeps the Mississippi flowing through the Crescent City rather than through Cajun Country, and an "Amazing Grace" that was so poignant that one could just see God's own tears. But it was Cyril Neville and company who later descended upon the Threadgill's stage to liven up the ever-growing crowd and really kickstart the city's switch to smokeless. You may have heard that Charmaine and other Neville family members had to be rescued long after the levee broke, living through more than a few horrendous moments. Be glad the Nevilles (thank you Clifford Antone and friends) have found a place to dry their feet and make some new close friends.

Other VIP news -- Rob Roy Parnell was on the bill but had to cancel when his wife went into labor. Aaron Hamre's own set featured impromptu music from Sean Orr, and a good time was had by all who came. Now go to the clubs in Austin, take smokeless friends (no, there are no spittoons!), and party like it's 1999 (a year when smoking was allowed here).