Concert Review: SXSW Showcase At Waterloo Ice House

Update: I didn’t know who hosted this showcase at the time, but found out it was put together by the guys over at K&B Talent.

After I had driven around for fifteen minutes looking for a spot to park I found one right out back. When Brady and I walked though the door Jason Allen had already started his set. I was famished from not eating all day so I strolled to the counter and ordered a couple of burgers and ice tea while Allen played “Lucky Arms” in the background. Waterloo Ice House is a small diner with a matching stage sitting between the entrance doors. It’s got a personal atmosphere that larger venues can’t provide. I glanced over the schedule and noticed Josh Grider had played earlier in the day. I wish I had the chance to see him. I’ve heard a lot of good things about him and he won Newcomer of the Year at the Gruene With Envy Awards.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Jason Allen live once before. He was opening for Gary Allan at the Watermelon Thump in Luling, TX, so I was familiar with some of his tunes. This time he took advantage of the personal atmosphere by hitting the stage with only his guitar. After I sat down time allowed for a few more songs. Allen chose to play “Kickapoo Creek” and “Your Heart Turned Left” before leaving the stage to mingle with the crowd. He has a refreshing traditional country sound and enjoys singing about fishing. Definitely check this guy out if you get the chance.

After a brief setup time Brandon Jenkins took the stage with his guitar. I’ve never seen him play live, but am familiar with his songs from his latest CD, VII (an album I recommended back in January). He lacks a little in stage presence compared to other guys, but he knows how to write a song. Highlights were “Down in Flames,” a song he co-wrote with Stoney LaRue while sitting around a campfire at four in the morning, and the unedited version of his closing song, “Finger On The Trigger.”

The Thrift Store Cowboys consisted of four guys and two of them played multiple instruments, so sound check took a few minutes. Their sound didn’t fit in with the rest of the guys and it wasn’t particularly my taste, but for some reason they drew the largest crowd up until Adam Hood. The only thing I remember about these guys was the leader mentioning a song about shape shifters, but he couldn’t talk about it because the last time he did the drummer wrecked their van.

While we were waiting for The Thrift Store Cowboys to disassemble their set some guy noticed my hat and threw a Southern Thread coupon in my direction. He introduced himself as Brady and sat to talk a minute. After we got over the amusement of having two Brady’s and a Brody at our table it was time for the McKay Brothers to proceed. I’ve never heard of these guys, but they thoroughly impressed me. It came as no surprise they they were from such a musically rich town as Bandera.

The brothers were joined by Ryan Bingham’s fiddle player on the mandolin. Sometime during their set Walt Wilkins leaned over our table and politely asked to borrow a pack of sugar. That’s the kind of atmosphere it was, songwriters and artists all over the place mingling with the crowd and not looking one bit out of place. Like Brandon Jenkins, these guys had some top notch songwriting with colorful and engaging stories. Two numbers I recall them playing are “The Disappearing Texas” and “Mi San Antonio.” Drop by their website and listen to some of the song samples.

The last act we watched before taking off was Adam Hood. I’m becoming more and more impressed with his performances and talent each time I hear him. Brady, the guy from Southern Thread, told us they had filmed a video for his upcoming album earlier this morning. Hood announced that his new CD will be released on May 8th, and frankly it can’t get here fast enough. One of my favorites, out of what I’ve heard thus far, is “Play Something We Know.” He didn’t mention the titles to the other songs, but they were all memorable. He ended his performance with a slow ballad, “Million Miles Away.” He also has some song samples available on his website.

Now I’m off to watch as much of the Palo Duro Showcase as I can before my girlfriend gets tired. Unlike me, she’s got a real job so she has to wake up early.