Flanfire

It has been a dream come true -- but to keep this dream alive, Austinites need to FLOCK to Patsy'c Cowgirl Cafe -- on East Ben White west of Montopolis -- for some of their fabulous home-cooked American food (I had the meat loaf, but the burgers -- including the Portabello -- looked scrumptious, and their desserts are unique and to die for) and wonderful music from the excellent stage (and good sound -- thanks, Brad!). With the Shelley King Band (she who will be the State Musician of Texas in 2008!) on a Friday night, this place should have had a line out the door (and onto the porch, where some folks were dining). Just ONE reason is the superb kiddie playground to keep the little ones from getting restless while they wait to chow down. But the ART and the ambience also make Patsy's a new showcase for anyone who likes to eat well, dance to good Texas music, and just have a lot of fun with friends. The place has just been open since March (just in time for SXSW) and already there have been some interesting changes. Let's just say that if you liked Alice's Restaurant (despite the heat and the long drive), you should ABSOLUTELY ADORE Patsy's. And, for the record, I heard that the whitefish special was finger licking good!

For those curious about Goldcure (see my review a couple posts back), I thought I would post photos of the boys in the band -- from a gig late Friday at One 2 One (5th and Brazos), a venue which promises a newer and bigger stage before the end of the month and has live music on weekends (poker during the week!?*&%!). Drummer Gavin Inverso is originally from Philadelphia (dying for a Yingling's and a real cheese steak!) but met Adam and Craig down in Fort Lauderdale and convinced them that Austin would be a good place to relocate partly (perhaps) because his own brother lives here now.

Finally, a plug for a new group of artists who care -- check them out at www.myspace.com/artbulbaustin

This is what they say about themselves:

Artbulb Austin is not a band. It’s a community. And not just of musicians. We are a group of people, grounded in the artfully endowed city of Austin Texas that merges talent from every angle of the arts to pursue our passions together. Putting this into practice, Artbulb Austin hosts monthly events and shows here in the live music capital of the world to bring a diverse group of artists together, present and celebrate the art we create, and encourage each other to go for it!

A typical show will incorporate everything from performances by singer-songwriters, poets and dancers, to exhibitions of photography, paintings and film. We believe there is a great energy and dynamism that comes through the interplay of the arts. There’s something really exciting and uniquely motivating about sharing your art across disciplines and traversing perspectives a bit. Artbulb Austin also exists to serve as a resource and launching platform for artists in our community to find and engage the many outlets and opportunities for involvement in the arts that are already out there.

Our vision is to inspire each other - through consistent artistic community - to continue making our art, exploring where it can come from and where it can go, and really live out the passions seeded within us. We invite anyone who values the arts to get involved. Whether that means just coming to a show, or presenting art yourself, Artbulb Austin invites you to pursue your artistic passions with us!

Flanfire -- Bringing LIFE to Austin music.