2023 Music issue

THE 7 TH ANNUAL MUSIC ISSUE: THE BEST OF THE MUSIC CITY

THE STORIED

side

SHAKEY GRAVES + JACKIE VENSON + TAMÉCA JONES +

OF AUSTIN

Are you ready for a Blues (r)Evolution?

“Prince would have adored Jackie Venson” - Vernon Reid

“Few possess Venson’s talent: her exquisite playing pairs with her smoky voice to sublime perfection” - Guitar World

“... brings together blues, soul and pop in a way you’ve never heard before” - Afropunk

Art by Dawn Okoro

Jackie Venson’s revolutionary new work Evolution of Joy is available at Waterloo Records and on all platforms on Jan. 27

LIVE MUSIC real

texas exp er ie n ce

PRORODEO ACTION FOOD TRUCKS & FAIR FOOD AUSTIN'S LARGEST CARNIVAL

MARCH 10 – 25, 2023 RODEOAUSTIN.COM RODEO AUSTIN IS A MISSION WITH A RODEO COMMITTED TO GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION

February&March

CONTENTS

08

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

10

18

LOCAL

What's New?

Discover what 2023 has in store for East Austinites.

THE BUSINESS OF PERFORMING

11

Austin musicians share about the role of change in their lives.

Hear from Shakey Graves, Jackie Venson, and Taméca Jones as they each traverse the ever-shifting Austin music scene.

ART+ ENTERTAINMENT Sounds Like Home

Music as a mode of transportation to build community.

27

WORD OF MOUTH Original Spin

Three lifelong friends bring their passion for vinyl to East Austinites at this approachable, yet hip, record shop.

37

HOME+AWAY

An Architectural Love Letter to Artists

A unique recording studio provides so much more than a space to capture sound.

43

SIP+TASTE

Try It, You'll Like It

A beloved local coffee institution supports musicians while serving up seriously good coffee.

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4 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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5

EAST THE REFRESHING

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Brin

in

Austin, Texas 78722 eastsideatx.com

$25 0

Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC

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354

512-

Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Asst. Editor & Events Abby L. Johnson VISIT OUR PROPERTY YOUR DREAM APARTMENT AWAITS YOU

@SYNCATMUELLER

4646 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78723

side

OF AUSTIN

Contributing Photographers Eric Morales, Ashley Haguewood, Shelby Bella, Rachel Benavides, Baptiste Despois, Tanya White Contributing Writers Tejal Thakkar, Jessi Devenyns Tanya White, Janine Stankus, Alison Bryce, Deven Wilson, Chris Ferguson

Business Development Will Bowling

Distribution Will Bowling

Copy Editor Pam Bowen

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Copyright © 2016 Nillo Studios, LLC. EASTside Magazine is published by Nillo Studios, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

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7

eastside | publisher's note

“MUSIC GIVES A SOUL TO THE UNIVERSE, WINGS TO THE MIND, FLIGHT TO THE IMAGINATION AND LIFE TO EVERYTHING.” -Plato

O

ne of the first ways creativity was formed and honored was through music; it's a way to express a feeling, recall a fond memory, and keep stories living forever. Music shapes our lives and imprints little pin marks over specific moments in time for each of us. Isn’t it funny how a song can take you back to a place in time like it was yesterday? Be it an exhilarating moment, a joyous occasion, or an all-time low, music is impactful and meaningful. It has the ability to lift your spirits, to sober your mind, to get you drunk, and to nudge you towards love.

Thinking of music and its impact, gives me a new respect for musicians. They are allowed little windows into our lives in the form of song. They get the weighty responsibility that profoundly time stamps our lives and decorates our memories. But more than just a memory or window to the soul, musicians also have to make a living. They are in a business that everyone is touched by and nearly everyone wants to be a part of, and, therefore, the day-to-day throws of the business aren't easy. In fact, they're hard.

This issue, we were able to meet with Jackie Venson, Shakey Graves, and Taméca Jones—all Austin artists who have made a name for themselves locally, but didn’t stop there. Their impact stretches well beyond Austin these days. We were honored to be invited to Alejandro's home, and to spend the day with Jackie and Taméca. As we got to know them, which was an honor, I found that each of these musicians have a real heart for their music and love performing. They each talked about how everything is changing in the music scene and how they are also evolving. They are leaning into their evolution as artists and entertainers. I could go on all day about what we learned while behind the scenes. But I won’t spoil the story. Turn to page 18 to see for yourself.

As we wrapped this very special anniversary issue, from the featured acts to Try Hard Coffee Roasters impacting Austin artists, we realized this may be our best music issue yet—seven years in! Our team had a really good time with this issue. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Cheers to another year of creativity & community!

Will & Ashley Bowling

On the Cover

This portrait of Alejandro Rose-Garcia, AKA Shakey Graves, was taken by the incredibly talented Eric Morales. In this photo, Eric leans into the warmth to capture Alejandro’s earnest nature as he poses next to his van.

8 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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THEPRIVATE C OLLE C TIVEAUSTIN. C OM

“ F I N D I N G A H O M E I S N ’ T A B O U T S Q UA R E F O OTAG E A N D T H E N U M B E R O F B E D R O O M S .

I T ’ S A B O U T YO U R L I F E S T Y L E A N D H OW YO U R S PAC E CA N E N H A N C E I T. ”

eastside | local

NEW THINGS TO SEE IN

2 0 2 3 PURE BARRE

Welcome to the Neighborhood WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON

East Austin is constantly changing and evolving, and it can be tough to keep up. We’ve rounded up some of our new neighbors to help you stay afloat. Make sure to stop by sometime in 2023 and welcome these small businesses to the neighborhood.

As of December 2022, this Barre gym opened its doors just in time to help East Austinites keep their resolutions. Barre is a type of workout that incorporates ballet moves. It’s great for improving flexibility, balance, and overall grace. The low-impact classes are well-suited for every fitness level. purebarre.com | 1401 E 6th St.

PARK LANE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS

This new dentist office focuses on the smallest of patients and is sure to create lasting smiles. It can be difficult to find providers taking on new patients, but the excellent dentists at Park Lane have their books open. parklanedentalortho.com 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 160

BOSSES OFFICE

Eastsiders had to say goodbye to Swift Pizza in 2022. Just six short weeks later, a speakeasy opened in its stead which is a not-sowell-kept secret we’re happy to be in on. This new concept by Adam Jacoby and Kris Swift is an elegant and moody lounge offering up extravagant cocktails and tasty small bites. @bossesofficeatx 3223 E 7th St.

bar Nickel City will be located on Webberville Road. While the menu is yet to be announced, if Murray’s is anything like its predecessor, it will be simple, innovative, and down-to-earth.

2316 Webberville Rd.

DAY DREAMER

Not much is known yet about Day Dreamer, but this neighborhood bar, which will be located on East 6th, has us daydreaming about what this new concept might be. @daydreameraustin 1708 E 6th St.

AVIATOR PIZZA

One of the newest addition to Mueller’s booming Aldrich Street is set to be the fifth location of family-friendly Aviator Pizza. With dough prepared fresh daily and a robust menu, there’s surely a pizza for everyone, from the pickiest of eaters to the most adventurous. @aviatorpizza | aviatorpizza.com 1905 Aldrich St.

MURRAY’S

Opening in summer 2023, this New York-style tavern from Travis Tober of beloved local dive

10 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

find more at eastsideatx.com

EZOV

This new Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired restaurant from the Emmer & Rye team, which will be located in the Holly neighborhood (the former location of Pitchfork Pretty), will surely be a delectable addition to the Eastside’s booming culinary scene. @ezovatx | 2708 E Cesar Chavez St.

EDEN EAST

While the specific location and date of re-opening have yet to be announced, Chef Sonya Coté is not done with Eden East. The restaurant will make its return to Austin in the near future to the delight of its longtime fans who have gone without since 2020. @edeneastaustin edeneastaustin.com

Art+ entertainment

February

+March 2023

12 the art

of listening EXPERIENTIAL SCULPTURES ASK VIEWERS TO USE THEIR EYES AND EARS.

14 entertainment

A LOCAL BAND BUILDS COMMUNITY BY BRINGING THE LIVELY SOUNDS OF COLUMBIA TO TEXAS.

16 event calendar OUR FAVORITE LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH

eastside | art

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Putting the Art in Performing Arts Bringing Larger-than-Life Musical Art to Center Stage WORDS TEJAL THAKKAR

Imagine walking up to your local park and finding a piece of art, made from salvaged materials, that you can walk through and that emits sounds reminiscent of seafaring communication, such as foghorns and cannons. Listen deliberately, as if you put a conch shell up to your ear. Steve Parker’s “Foghorn Elegy” purposely invites viewers to experience his interactive exhibit.

12 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

A

s a trained musician and performer with a desire to continue learning and creating, it was only natural that Steve Parker found himself in Austin to pursue his doctorate degree in musical arts at the Butler School of Music. Over time, he grew to love Austin and its supportive art community which proved to be the perfect space for him to grow artistically.

Today, Steve is on the faculty at UT San Antonio and occasionally performs his original compositions but prefers to spend the majority of his time working on his various art installations and shows in galleries and museums across the state. In these exhibits, he works with objects, such as salvaged musical instruments, marching bands, and pedicab fleets, to “facilitate performances with viewers that live on beyond a temporary performance.”

Through interactive installations, Steve “finds ways to involve viewers or listeners in performances in more meaningful ways.” This drive is what led him to create objects that facilitate performances with viewers, both in public spaces and in gallery museum contexts.

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Steve has a show during Houston Art Week which centers on the marching band as a tool for sonic healing. He is also working on a couple of public art projects, one of which is a “series of listening trees in Fort Worth” which will feature chimes hung on “large metal sculptures that function like oversized, Victorian era trumpets.”

Community members can come to listen to the chimes and use the sculpture as a listening device. The trumpets actually “amplify and harmonize while focusing your hearing on sounds that are already around you.”

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His work includes pieces such as his sculpture “Foreign Body” (located at the Ivester Gallery in Austin), an oversized sculpture of a head that viewers can walk inside and interact with to create various sounds by pulling different levers located within the head.

Steve says many of his projects “involve working with communities that don't necessarily consider themselves to be performers or artists in their own work,” and he works to “place them in a new context to illuminate the creative, expressive, and virtuosic aspects of the work that they do everyday."

Led by a desire to make an impact on people's lives through performance art, he loves witnessing the "very palpable sense of electricity and excitement and return to a childlike sense of creativity when people engage in performative acts,” and his passion for creating these experiences is tangible when interacting with each of his pieces.

CONTACT: steven.c.parker@gmail.com steve-parker.net

ALL DAY, EVERYDAY,

BREAKFAST. LUNCH & DINNER.

OPEN 7AM - 11PM

CHERRYWOODCOFFEEHOUSE.COM 1400 E 38TH 1/2 ST. | (512) 538-1991 {the musical side of austin}

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13

eastside | entertainment

Sounds Like Home Music as a Mode of Transportation By bringing the sounds of the Caribbean to Texas, Superfónicos creates community and connection wherever they play.

WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON | PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

G

arland, Texas, native Nico Sanchez had his musical start in the fifth grade when he picked up the cello.

He wanted to play the upright bass but was deemed ‘too short.’ His disappointment was short-lived, as soon after that his parents bought him an electric bass starter kit, and he’s been growing musically ever since.

Though he gravitated towards music from a young age, in many ways, Nico’s driving force was a longing to connect to his heritage. Nico’s parents grew up in Bogota, Colombia, and for as long as he can remember, he always envisioned Colombia as a shining light where he was destined to return.

As he explains, “I always had this longing for Colombia and the culture. On a typical weekend [at my parent’s house], there would 14 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

be some cumbia records playing and some salsa and good food cooking. And I just sort of always associated that...kind of magic [with Colombia].” Other than his family, his hometown didn’t have a significant Colombian community when he was growing up, spurring the growth of this desire.

In 2007, Nico moved to Austin and landed a job at Waterloo Records while simultaneously working on his musical projects. It was nearly a decade later that Superfónicos was born. Initially, “A few of the guys in the band and I were playing in other groups, but we wanted to put together a group that was based in Afro-Colombian rhythms,” Nico explains.

But something was missing in their lineup.

They needed someone who had the opportunity to train amongst traditional Colombian musicians. When Jaime Ospina moved to find more at eastsideatx.com

Austin in 2016, it was like the final piece of the puzzle clicked into place. The Colombian native brought with him not only expansive vocals and firsthand knowledge of the sounds of Colombia but also a skill that few others in Texas have. Jaime plays the gaita, a type of Colombian flute. With the final member of the Superfónicos lineup in place, the group got to work creating the unique sound they describe as “Afro-Colombian funk.”

“Afro-Colombian funk is the name that we came up with to explain the coming together of those two worlds,” Nico emphasizes. Over time, other influences have seeped in, creating something that both fulfills and extends beyond their original vision. “It's really a pan-global thing that we're doing. But the heartbeat, the essence of [Superfónicos], is based in Afro-Colombian rhythms.”

SCAN TO LISTEN

“We started here, and we love Austin. We've seen it mutate and change sometimes for the better, sometimes not for the better. So it's cool that there are still places like Sahara Lounge around that kind of represent that down-home Austin vibe."

The group played their first show as Superfónicos at the Sahara Lounge in 2016 and since then have continued to grow their fanbase with their infectiously joyful sound. It’s impossible for the crowd to keep still at one of their shows.

The band’s energy is electrifying, spurring raucous movement and a sense of togetherness that is innate of good music. They hope to truly build bridges amongst people with their music. “A big part of our mission is to really help to dispel some of these rumors and myths about what Colombia is.” Nico says with a note of sincerity, “But deeper still, I think what we really want people to leave [our show] with is positivity, a hope, and a feeling of acceptance coming together as a community.”

CONTACT: superfonicos.com @superfonicos {the musical side of austin}

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15

eastside | events

13 THINGS WE LOVE IN

FEBRUARY

&MARCH

Disney’s Aladdin

Justin Howl

February 23, 6-8pm Grab a drink and enjoy live music at Cherrywood Coffeehouse as Justin Howl takes the outdoor stage. Justin Howl is an internationally touring blues and roots singer, songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player. His second album, a solo acoustic project titled Wanderlust, was released in December 2020, and this is a chance to witness it live. 1400 E 38th ½ St.

mind-blowing food, and other-worldly cocktails. All proceeds from FUSEBASH 2023 go directly to paying artists, designers, and technicians. Full table reservations are available for $3,500, while individual seats will be available for purchase closer to the event.

1500 E 4th St. | fuseboxfestival.com

| justinhowl.com

February 14-19, times vary

Wishing for some familyfriendly entertainment?

Consider it granted! Bass Concert Hall will host a thrilling musical retelling the classic story of Aladdin, heightening this favorite tale with the magic of Broadway. Disney fans of all ages won’t want to miss this theatrical spectacle. Tickets range from $45-$150.

2350 Robert Dedman Dr. | texasperformingarts.org

Valentine's at the Drive-In

Now-February 16, times vary Grab your loved one and head to a special evening at Starlite just in time for Valentine's Day. With a lineup full of dramas and romantic comedies such as The Princess Bride and The Notebook, the drive-in is sure to have a movie for all couples to enjoy. The special date night movie at the drive-in includes snacks for $40.

2015 E.M. Franklin Ave. | bluestarlitedrivein.com

Community Black History Cookout February 26, 2-5pm

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat

Feb. 24 - April 23, times vary Rescheduled from last season, the newest take on a favorite story, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, is coming to ZACH Theatre. The 45-minute show begins with Sally and her brother stuck at home in the rain, when a Cat comes knocking at the windowpane, bringing along mischief and mayhem for the two to sort out. Tickets begin at $16.

library.austintexas.gov

1421 W Riverside Dr. | zachtheatre.org

FUSEBASH

February 25, 6-10pm

OUTsider Fest

February 15-19, times vary Witness creativity intersecting with powerful commentary at OUTsider’s annual festival and conference at East Austin’s VORTEX. This community-hosted LGBTQ+ festival features performances, art, music, and much more from local artists and academics. Festival badges are on sale now starting at $49. 2307 Manor Rd., #2135 |

Join Fusebox for their FUSEBASH Cloud 9 Teen for its 19th year with performances from a variety of artists, a riveting live auction,

outsiderfest.org 16 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

Celebrate Black History Month at Austin Public Library Carver Branch. With live music, free food, competitive games, crafts, and entertainment, this free celebration is full of activities the whole family can enjoy. 1161 Angelina St. |

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Earth Paints & Mineral Pigments Workshop March 2, 7pm

Learn the basics of earth minerals and the pigments they produce as well as how to utilize different binding agents to create your own unique artistic mediums including inks, paints, and even crayons.

Tickets are $35, and one drink token is included with admission.

1505 Town Creek Dr. | eventbrite.com WORDS ALISON BRYCE

Rosedale Ride March 25, 8am

Soil Kitchen

March 4, 10am-2pm Collect a sample of soil from your garden or yard and head to Pop-Up ATX at Givens Recreation Center for the next Soil Kitchen event.

Soil Kitchen is an annual event that provides a free opportunity for food growers to test their soil to see what nutrients may be lacking or if any harmful heavy metals are present.

Eligible soil samples are collected during the event and sent to certified experts who screen and test the soil. 3811 E 12th St., #1936 |

Register to ride your bike by yourself or with a group to help raise funds for Austin’s only public school exclusively for children with multiple disabilities and profound needs.

Riders can register on the day of the event; however, early registration is encouraged. Registration fees range from $25 to $70.

13000 Harris Ridge Blvd. | p2p.onecause.com

austintexas.gov/soilkitchen

All Things Food March 12, 9:30am-8pm

Enjoy part of SXSW without having to leave the Eastside. All Things Food at SXSW, curated by Food Tank and Huston-Tillotson University, offers a variety of bites for all meals of the day. In addition to the food, guests will enjoy hearing from more than 25 luminary speakers discussing the most pressing food system topics as well as themed film viewings and fireside chats.

900 Chicon St. | eventbrite.com

ABC Kite Fest April 1, 10am-5pm

Get outside and fly a kite at the 95th Annual ABC Kite Fest. Open to everyone and free to enter, the annual kite contest and showcase may be the largest event of the festival, but those in attendance will also have access to an off-leash pet zone, live music, bounce houses, rock climbing walls, face painting, and more. 2207 Lou Neff Rd. |

abckitefest.org

BBQ Austin March 3-4, times TBA

Experience the tasty part of Rodeo Austin at BBQ Austin where teams from all over Texas come together to put their pitmaster skills to the test. Aside from the barbecue, visitors can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, shopping, a Jr. Pitmaster Contest, BBQ Austin University, and a carnival. A general admission ticket is required for entry into BBQ Austin, and paid parking is also available.

EAST AUSTIN 1901 e 7th St. | (512) 981-MODS (6637) NORTH AUSTIN

DALLAS

13219 ReSeARch BlvD #200 AuStin, tX 78750 (512) 953-SKin (7546)

502 S Fitzhugh Ave. DAllAS, tX 75223 (214) 235-9473

WWW.SHAMANMODS.COM

9100 Decker Lake Rd. | rodeoaustin.com/events/bbq-austin {the musical side of austin}

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17

THE PERILS AND JOYS OF AUSTIN’S CHANGING MUSIC SCENE

U B E TH

F O S S E N I S G

F R PE

N I M OR

Austin is not the prototypical music city.

It is an exception to the rule. There is a crushing lack of industry; in fact, no major record labels or agencies to speak of exist within city limits. Yet, artists are born and made here over the decades without fail, even as the landscape of the music industry continues to shift.

WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON | PHOTOS ERIC MORALES

20 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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SHAKEY GRAVES

DISSOLVING THE MYTHS OF THE HOMETOWN HERO Diving into Change Head First Alejandro (Ali) Rose-Garcia, Austin native and the man behind the mysterious sounding Shakey Graves moniker, is looking to deconstruct some of the myths surrounding the rambling songwriter on the road trope. It’s the beginning of the year, and while he's usually one for resolutions, he says that this year his focus is on creating balance.

Recently settling into a quiet home full of eclectic knickknacks and collected art, it seems that the serenity of home may be part of achieving that balance.

Ali notes that he’s had a perilous tendency to want to change things about his life all at once. Getting off the open road for the first time in 2020 after nearly a decade, he was suddenly forced into change that wasn’t created of his own volition.

On top of the shared experience of lockdown, Ali explains, “I'm [also]... kind of entering that realm of trying to be more responsible for adult shit as opposed to being like, I'm going to go drink whiskey around a fire and write the best ghost song I can, which meant a lot to me for a long time. Now, I'm trying not to believe my own typecasting as much.” He’s learning to be creative in stillness, something he thought may be lost without the lifestyle of the touring musician.

What’s in Alejandro’s record collection?

Some of his favorites include: Never Been Caught by the Mummies Selda by Selda Bagcan Sometimes, What’s the Difference? by Track Star True Story of Abner Jay by Abner Jay

But at heart, Ali is a storyteller.

Whether acting or taking photographs or producing music, whether constantly on the move or stuck at home, he comes back to the mindset of collecting inspiration from the world around him. “I definitely rely on the concept of a story being the thing [that inspires me]…reading, movies, you know, just talking to people, shooting the shit. All of

{the musical side of austin}

that is really important,” he adds.

It’s apparent in his past work that his storytelling ability continues to evolve with him as he enters a new era.

Most recently, Ali worked with a friend to create a film soundtrack.

Not all of it ended up making the final cut, and he found himself with some really good leftovers after the endeavor. Suddenly, all this music he had created was up for grabs, so with friends, he began a “long format recording session that ended up lasting almost three weeks,” he explains, basing each day-long session around the bits of the film score that didn’t get used.

After the collaborative part of this project was over, friends went home, and in solitude, Ali “had to systematically go through [the recordings] every day...It seems akin to trying to make a documentary of some sort, where you just try and capture so much stuff, and then you sort of try and find the through line.” He explains, “I have this crazy idea of finding a way to put [those recordings] out.” The idea is true to his nature and the continuous return to narrative at the forefront of his creations.

Amongst all the changes over the last few years, self-imposed or otherwise, Ali continues to find solid ground in the act of storytelling. He’s constantly searching for stories, gathering information from the world around him, and chiseling away at the extraneous until he creates exactly what he wants. In this next chapter of his story, listeners can expect his trademark compelling narratives told in sonically innovative ways. shakeygraves.com | @shakeygraves

eastsideatx.com

21

JACKIE VENSON

EVOLUTION OF A LEGACY

Innovating in a Genre Revolution Revolutionary blues guitarist and East Austin native Jackie Venson hears the blues every time she listens closely. To some modern music fans, that might seem improbable, but she explains that the “blues are the foundation of all modern American music; it's inescapable.

Anything anybody wants to play started with blues.”

Jackie is drawn to the blues for this very reason, for its ubiquity and adaptability through the years. “[Blues] has always pushed the boundaries. It's always been this ever changing conversation,” she adds that she’s trying to continue its footprint in her own music. “Every single one of my songs, no matter what you think it is, I promise you, there's a blues lick, there's a blues melody, there's a blues scale somewhere in there, even if it's reggae.” Jackie is the new face of Austin blues, keeping its legacy alive by shining a light on its influence even when it’s not obvious to the lay listener.

With her latest album, Evolution of Joy, Jackie leans into the defining element of the blues: dynamism. Coming from a strong musical background, she only seriously picked up guitar at age 20. “I started the guitar in 2011, and I released my first EP on it in 2012. I am literally learning how to play the instrument for the first time in my life as [my] career is also being built around said instrument,” she admits, with a hint of disbelief.

In conversation with her first EP, Evolution of Joy brings a level of skill that has yet to be heard from Jackie. She picks up the work from her 2019 release Joy and turns it into something completely new, “redoing the songs from top to bottom.” With 11 years of guitar under her belt, Evolution of Joy is the final culmination of songs that were years in the making, reworked by skilled hands.

“I'm really excited for people to hear the [live] show now…I don't think anyone has ever heard me sound like this,” Jackie smiles.

Perhaps the key ingredient in Jackie’s life that allowed her to build her career from the ground up was growing up around working musicians. Her father, Andrew Venson, made his living as a professional musician in Austin for four decades or so, and Jackie had a front-row seat to a lifestyle and work ethic that few witness.

“I got to understand immediately how much [my dad] had to practice. Nobody understands that. Everyone thinks, oh, I'm going to get a guitar, blah, blah, blah. Then they get a guitar. And they're like, this is hard. Then they give up before they can fully understand just how hard it is.”

She also had the experience of seeing music as work, not a means to an end for attaining fame. “People think that if you're not opening for Bon Jovi, or if you're not Bon Jovi, then you must not have a job. There's no work unless you're famous.” This notion is antithetical to what she grew up seeing and believing. “People don't understand that there is so much work for musicians,” she notes that most just don’t get to see the opportunities that extend beyond mainstream recognition.

While some music fans might believe the blues are a dying tradition, Jackie argues this is far from the truth. The conundrum of packaging music into generic boxes is that while that can be helpful in critical settings for explaining the lineage, grouping music by genre can be limiting, excluding meaningful contributions to a tradition for eschewing some qualifying characteristic or for innovating as new tools are developed. The blues is a foundational sound, Jackie notes, adding that "for some strange reason, it has been put in a cage. [People say] it wasn't a shuffle; it didn't use this chord progression…so it's not blues anymore.

It's soul, indie, [or] pop. And I'm like, no, it is blues. Because without blues, soul, indie, [and] pop wouldn't exist.” Jackie insists, with a sly confidence in her work, “If I say it's blues, it is.” jackievenson.com | @jackievenson

22 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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Have a Little Jackie with your morning coffee Sign up for Try Hard Coffee’s limited vinyl membership subscription to receive a collectible LP of Jackie’s newest, Evolution of Joy, and a special coffee blend to go with it.

Read more about Try Hard on page 50 and learn how the beloved local coffee institution supports Austin artists.

Jackie Venson

On the Silver Screen: Hear a performance of one of Taméca’s songs on Walker, Texas Ranger. Good Boy appears in season 1, episode 10, when character Minnie Jayne (played

by Crystal Monee Hall) performs the ballad on-screen.

TAMÉCA JONES

HOMECOMING QUEEN

The Empress of Soul Returns to Austin On the corner of East 20th and Salina streets sits a squat brick building in a dusty orange hue common of the early 20th century. Established in 1928, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church has long served the East Austin community.

It also happens to be the place where Austin’s favorite soul vocalist first found the joy of singing.

While Taméca Jones sings about topics a bit less sanitized than those she grew up belting in her church’s choir, there was a long period of time where she didn’t pursue singing at all. Yet, she always knew she was meant to be a performer. A dancer for many years, she found that the stage was the place where she felt most alive. It wasn’t until she became a mother to twins and was faced with the reality of providing for two little ones that she turned to her God-given vocal talent and decided to foster it.

With a powerhouse voice, Taméca quickly became a mainstay of the Austin music scene, polishing her sound, and drawing crowds at venues like the Continental Club, until she earned the moniker that follows her today: “Queen of Austin Soul.” Performing live became a profitable career. While the feat of becoming a professional musician and making a living supporting her family is a remarkable one, the downside, she notes, is that “Whenever music becomes your main income, it kind of adulterates the art, especially when you're a mother and you have to raise your kids.”

However, a couple of decades later, with the newfound freedom of being an empty nester, Taméca set out on a

{the musical side of austin}

quest to find some of the things she was missing in Austin and to replenish her love of the art. She did what many musicians do. She packed her bags and headed to L.A. It was in SoCal where she dove head first into writing and collaborating with other musicians and producers, seeking out paid opportunities beyond the live performances that have always been her bread and butter. “It was nice to get away and see that the grass is not always greener. But also, it was just good to get away to a bigger city,” she recounts. “I had to go to a bigger city and see how good I had it right where I was.”

While in L.A., she realized that she didn't have to always be a performer. With the advantage of learning how to operate in the music industry in both L.A. and Austin, Taméca had the knowledge she needed to come back home and thrive.

A solo journey of 2,760 miles brought the singer back to her start. Now that she’s back in Austin, Taméca has a new wind under her wings. She’s planning to not only put her new industry knowledge and connections to work but to also use it to uplift fellow women in music. She smiles, “I just want to help artists. I think my role in this life is one of service…I feel like my best self when I serve.” She also notes that, “I want to write more!”

She admits that it was hard for her to do that in the past because she did not live near Austin’s central music district. Now that she is resettling in South Austin, she’s excited knowing that the thriving musical hub of the city will surely lead to more musical output from her soul. @empress | @empressofaustinsoul

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WWW.B L ACKF E AT H E RV I NTAG E WOR K S . COM

26 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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Word of mouth

February

+March 2023

28 go

&listen

FOR MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS AND AUDIOPHILES, THIS EAST 6TH RECORD SHOP IS A TINY SLICE OF HEAVEN.

30 go

catch air

DISCOVER THE BEST SKATE PARKS IN AND AROUND AUSTIN.

32 six best

THESE SMALL VENUES ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF AUSTIN MUSIC.

34 go &rock

DISCOVER HOW A GROUP OF WOMEN ARE BREAKING INTO THE LIVE MUSIC SCENE.

eastside | word of mouth

Original Spin An unpretentious East 6th record shop offers more than meets the ears.

WORDS CHRISTOPHER FERGUSON, AIA PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

Stepping inside BLK Vinyl for the first time feels oddly familiar. Like running into an old friend in a new city, the humble and smartly curated Eastside shop echoes with old-Austin intangibles despite only opening its doors in 2018.

28 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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EAST GROVE 1 8 11 W E B B E RV I L L E R O A D

A

low-slung, mural-clad storefront yields to an intimate and airy shop floor that immediately passes the discophile eye-test. The no-frills room would feel downright austere if not for the sprawling, well-organized vinyl collection unfurling over every available wall.

Pronounced “bee-el-kay,” the shop takes its name from the initials of its three founders and lifelong friends: Jason Brookbank, Keith Lough, and Jason Kuntz. After lengthy stints working in music stores around the country while growing their own robust personal collections, the trio made a choice to turn their childhood dream of owning their own shop into a reality. Keith, who teaches lessons in a practice room above the shop floor, explains, "We wanted a space to meet and build a network of musicians and music lovers: a place where people can just come hang out, hear what we like, and share their own tastes.” In addition to selling records,

BLK offers guitar lessons to students at any skill level.

NEW HOMES IN EAST AUSTIN FROM $420K

Throughout the year, the store hosts and organizes pop-up markets, DJ events, and neighborhood block parties, further underscoring its founders’ belief in community building. With extremely reasonable prices and a collection that has something to offer everyone, it’s no surprise that their community is growing.

“You should be able to come into a good store and get 3-4 records for $40, not $90,” Jason says, emphasizing the belief that accessible prices keep people coming back.

With eyes on the future, the team is optimistic about a chance to move to a larger space, potentially one that could accommodate a proper stage to support a venue. “Whatever those plans become,” adds Jason, “we will never leave the Eastside.”

CONTACT: 2505 E 6th St., Ste. F blkvinylatx.com @blkvinylatx

-SPACIOUS TWO-BEDROOM, TWO-BATH FLATS -THREE-BEDROOM TOWNHOMES WITH YARDS -GREEN BUILDING CERTIFIED

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{the musical side of austin}

( 512) 919- 2975

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29

eastside | word on the street

A Guide to East Austin Skate Parks

Sick of "No Skateboarding" Signs?

WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

It can be extremely annoying to see a beautifully paved, empty lot ripe for skating only to find one of those authoritative signs declaring the unused space off-limits. While we all like to bend the rules occasionally, Austin has plenty of designated skate spots for those days.

L

ike many hobbies, the proliferation of social media has led to an uptick in mainstream interest in the skateboarding culture birthed in the 90s. Tutorials are more accessible, and the minuscule chance of turning kickflip skills into a fruitful endeavor is democratized by the monetization of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube videos.

LOCAL SKATE SHOPS Though the Eastside is yet to house its own skate shop, Austin has several from which to choose. Medusa Skates is a women-owned shop catering to roller skaters, while No-Comply and Apparition Skateboards serve local skateboarders.

30 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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Similarly, the nostalgia-driven resurgence of roller skating is attributable to the soothing viral videos of folks dancing down the sidewalk on quads that are increasingly common. Each of these pastimes is evolving in the digital era, and whether brand new to skating, a seasoned self-proclaimed pro, or picking up an old hobby where that dropped off in 1998, Austin has several local spots to perfect your skills.

A us t i n’s Olde s t g Op e rat i nx Te x-Me n t a R e s t au r

1 MABEL DAVIS DISTRICT PARK SKATE PARK

Complete with a skate bowl and streetscape elements, this park opened in 2005 and claims the title of Austin’s first public skate park. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to jump right in and curious observers alike. With 12,000 square feet of concrete (about twice the area of a basketball court), this park can accommodate the busiest of days. 3427 Parker Ln.

2 PATTERSON PARK MINIRAMP

Today’s skaters owe quite a bit to the grassroot efforts of generations past. Local skaters raised the funds for Patterson Park’s concrete mini ramp. Built in 2006, this modest ramp located near Airport Boulevard is great for beginners practicing dropping in or more advanced skaters focusing on fine-tuning a trick. 4200 Brookview Rd.

3 GAYLORD SACKLER SKATE PARK & PUMP TRACK

Nachos, Queso, & Guacamole

Opening in August 2022, the newest designated skate zone is the state-of-the-art Gaylord Sackler Skate Park in the Mueller neighborhood. With shaded canopies, quarter pipes, a halfbowl, and more, it’s perhaps the most concerted recent effort to provide skaters with a comfortable place to gather.

3730 Manor Rd.

4 ROLLER DERBY TRACK AT BARTHOLOMEW PARK

This is the perfect place for those who prefer their skates strapped onto their feet. Quads or in-lines, roller skates reign supreme at this public derby track. Whether focusing on speed or perfecting tricks, this smooth track is simple and spacious enough for either. It is also where several local roller derby teams practice. 2104 E 51st St.

5 TRAVIS COUNTY'S NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN PARK

Since 2012, Northeast Metro Skate Park has been an irreplaceable skate hub. This monstrous park beats out the others listed here in size, boasting an impressive 41,450 square feet of concrete. The park is open from 8am to twilight, and even a full day of skating may not be enough time to master the entire park. In addition to the skate park, Northeast Metropolitan Park is home to a world-class BMX track, a splash pad, sports fields, and hike and bike trails. 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville

1511 E 6th St, 78702

Happy Hour

3-7PM Everyday

$1 Off Beers $2 Off Margaritas $5 - Bean & Cheese Nachos $5 - Tortilla Soup $7 -Queso w/Beef $5 -Guac

{the musical side of austin}

eastsideatx.com

31

eastside | the best

3

Sahara Lounge

The Sahara Lounge is a longtime live music staple that aims to celebrate African culture. Join them every Saturday for Africa Night, which features a free buffet dinner with entry and live music ranging from Afro-beat to Reggae to traditional West African music. Sip on the house Akpateshi, a rum infused with African roots and spices including Baobab tree root and cloves, and dance the night away. saharalounge.com | @saharaloungeatx | 1413 Webberville Rd.

4

6

best

WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON PHOTO KINDA TROPICAL

Small Stages

Not everything is bigger in Texas.

Small, but mighty, these quaint stages host larger-than-life talent and are truly the heartbeat of the local Austin music scene.

1

Skylark Lounge

Just off Airport Boulevard lies a decades-old community staple where music lovers can disappear into a hazy dream dive. Billiards, beer, and blues await at this bar lauded for its impressive lineup of talented musicians. This unsuspecting venue is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem every Eastsider should have the pleasure of visiting. Their curated weekly Wednesday night jam (affectionately nicknamed Butter & Jam) is a must-see for those who appreciate soulful musicianship. skylarkaustin.com | @theskylarklounge | 2039 Airport Blvd.

32 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

Kinda Tropical

This little oasis is located inside a reimagined gas station. Their fare, however, far exceeds any convenience store offerings. Order a plate of Cuban yucca fries and a draft mezcal Paloma to enjoy while posting up at a table on their spacious patio and listening to one of the many eclectic acts they host on a regular basis. kindatropical.com | @kindatropical | 3501 E 7th St.

2

Kenny Dorham’s Backyard

The open-air venue of Kenny Dorham’s Backyard is surrounded by community art, creating a colorful greenspace ripe for creative endeavors. Food trucks line the edges of this grassy nook, so even when the stage is empty, people gather here to share a meal. Acts are curated by Harold McMillan, a renowned bassist and the proprietor of the space. Most shows are free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged to keep this neighborhood treasure thriving. 1106 E 11th St.

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5

Long Play Lounge East

Gold streamers and a disco ball add a bit of ironic glamour to this authentic Austin dive bar dedicated to good drinks and good vinyl. When the records aren’t spinning, local and touring acts of all ages and genres fill the dimly lit space that’s perfect for cozying up in a booth with friends for a craft cocktail and good conversation. thelongplaylounge.com | @longplayeastatx | 1910 E Cesar Chavez St.

6

The Lost Well

Despite its somewhat tough outward appearance, the staff and regulars are incredibly friendly and instantly make anyone who enters feel at home. Grab a cold one, and let inhibitions dissipate into the music. Be sure to bring enough energy to keep up with the punk rock and metal bands that fill the space every weekend. After rockin’ the night away, grab a bite from the delicious plant-based taco truck, Lick it Up, located right outside. thelostwell.com | @thelostwell | 2421 Webberville Rd.

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Be a Part Of It.

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Booking It Better The Women Behind the Curtain WORDS JANINE STANKUS

|

PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

For many living in the live music capital of the world, music is more than entertainment—it’s a way of life. But oftentimes, diversity can get overlooked, and this industry, in particular, is heavily male-dominated. Luckily for Austin, there’s a rad group of gals who are looking to change that from the inside out.

MEET THE BOOKIES After rotating through several early lineups, Howdy Gals recently put out a call for new recruits and ended up with over 72 applications. They managed to whittle it down to a core crew: Belicia Luevano, Tiffany Chung, Catalina Pozos, Diana Buchert, Hailey Hale, Isabelle Barsoum, Kelly Ngo, Lauren Stephens, Lili Hickman, Madison Baker, and Shannon Weidemeyer.

34 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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H

owdy Gals is a women-led booking and promotions agency co-founded in December 2017 by best friends Belicia (Bel) Luevano and Kelly Ngo. Bel, a former booker for the University of Texas radio station, KVRX, and a producer for the campus TV station, and Kelly, a music photographer and videographer, both shared entrepreneurial leanings and fervor for live music.

Bel recalls her early impressions of the Austin scene noting, “It was straight white men in every lineup…I thought, ‘they’re the rock stars.’ But then I discovered some really cool women in music.”

Each member of Howdy Gals books and runs her own shows, with the common denominator being a “safe space” for people of all orientations and backgrounds.

The Gals work to cultivate inclusive, safe shows by booking diverse acts and staffing events with like-minded folks. Bel explains, “As a brown person, if I go into a room

full of white people, I feel like ‘this isn’t a spot for me,’ or I feel uncomfortable. When you’re out, you want to have fun. You don’t want to worry about your safety or feeling uncomfortable being yourself.”

Since its inception, the group has been steadily booking shows at local venues like Swan Dive, Hole in the Wall, and Long Play Lounge.

Bel says that the reception has been positive, adding “I feel really lucky that I know a lot of wonderful venue owners and bands. I haven't had to deal with any pushback.”

At the end of the day, what keeps Howdy Gals growing is the solid network they’ve built and a shared commitment to community building through music. “I had no idea I would become such a big part of this,” gushes Tiffany. “I’m just excited to see where it all goes.”

CONTACT: howdygalsatx.com IG: @howdygalsatx FB: @HowdyGals TW: @BookingGals

HOWDY GALS IS LOOKING FOR PALS! Are you a band looking to get on a great bill, a graphic designer looking for amazing poster exposure, or a vendor looking to sling some cool wares at a show? Give the Gals a shout via the “Apply” section on their website: howdygalsatx.com. You can also subscribe to their new Zine under the “Support” tab. {the musical side of austin}

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36 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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Home + away

February

+March 2023

38 home

THIS ECLECTIC PROPERTY IN THE HEART OF EAST AUSTIN IS PERFECT FOR MUSICIANS.

40 away

WHERE WILL THE MUSIC TAKE YOU? THESE THREE MUSIC-FILLED CITIES ARE WAITING.

eastside | home

An Architectural Love Letter to Artists Making Space for Musicians in East Austin WORDS DEVEN WILSON PHOTOS LEFTWAY STUDIOS

“We’re all about artists first,” Katie Harrington, Leftway Studios co-owner, muses looking over the property from their treetop patio. Fabricated grassy knolls and repurposed tree stumps populate the yard, alien to the typical flat tracts found in the Cesar Chavez neighborhood.

T

he Leftway Studios motto of “Plug, Play, Stay” lives through their eclectically designed recording studio and rentable tiny home sitting on a large lot that begs for backyard showcases of all kinds.

The two-story bungalow studio that rests next to co-owners Katie and Jason Harrington’s home is entirely soundproof, with each nook and cranny turned into a space for recording. Even the shower upstairs is ready for artists to capture that rare acoustics made from tile and shampoo bottles. The studio space, from inside to out, is set up with equipment for artists to record and even shoot video. The lucky visitor might get a chance to go beyond their walls and enter a labyrinth of records from Jason’s (a local radio legend) collection, a truly magical moment that warrants a bit of mystery. Even for the musically challenged, the studio nudges anyone to plug in and experiment.

The real magic of the property, however, comes not only from the detailed work the duo put into the grounds but also from the radiant energy of the couple themselves. Airbnb guests extending their trip and visiting podcasters are happily welcomed to step into their studio space to record.

These moments wouldn’t happen without Katie and Jason being the perfect hosts for creatives.

The studio itself is a love letter to the spirit of art-

38 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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ists who made Austin what it strives to continue to be despite its growing pains. They have a youthful sense to them that makes the studio feel like a playground for artists.

Stepping foot into the cozy tiny home at Leftway Studios (which is rentable through Airbnb), the desire to be anywhere else hurries away and is replaced by a yearning to stay longer than intended. “We designed this place to just have an infinite energy propelling so that it's challenging to leave,” Jason reveals, citing the design as the source behind the powerful pull of this creator's hideaway.

Intended to serve as a space for

artists to gather and leave no creative stone unturned, the tiny home welcomes travelers to find refuge inside the colorful abode.

Every detail is carefully considered to improve the home's energy, bewitching guests into lingering in its immaculate vibes. Stairs

with thoughtfully built-in storage carry guests to the loft that overlooks the living space which has a second bed created from a reclined lounge.

Yet, the glue holding the compound together is the dedication

{the musical side of austin}

Jason and Katie have for artists.

From Austin to around the world, this space is a “labor of love.”

CONTACT: leftwaystudios.com @leftwaystudios eastsideatx.com

39

eastside | away

Lights, Camera, & Music in LA Artistic development in Los Angeles is not limited to film.

The music scene has been vibrant for decades, exploding in the 1960s along the Sunset Strip and producing internationally known bands like The Doors and The Beach Boys. Open since 1922, The Hollywood Bowl is a must-visit for any music lover.

The most famous and iconic singers and musicians of every decade have played there, and it’s absolute magic to feel the energy that shakes the soul as top performers take stage. Between sets, check out the Grammy Museum that brings music and history together from some of the biggest acts of all-time.

Get Jiggy With It Top Three Cities in the U.S. for Music Lovers WORDS TANYA WHITE

Austin isn’t the only music game around. There are plenty of places across the nation to experience talent from big names to up-and-comers. These three cities are considered the fundamentals for music in the United States, viewed as drivers of the industry and the future source for big talent. You can catch a show seven days a week, afternoons or evenings, covering most genres in any one of these destinations.

Music City, USA: Iconic Nashville Nashville is more than the Ryman Auditorium, Bluebird Cafe, or Honky Tonk Highway. The history of music in Nashville goes as far back as Davy Crockett, who performed his poetry and played the fiddle entertaining locals and explorers of the frontier. In 1925, the radio broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry put Nashville on the musical map and still remains the longest, continuously broadcast radio show in the nation, which you can catch at their ex40 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

clusive theatre. The city encompasses all aspects of the music industry, supporting writers, performers, and producers, as well as being the hub of vinyl record production. Numerous music museums that are worth the visit are scattered around town. One that tops the list is the Johnny Cash Museum.

Sippin’ on Gin & Juice in Atlanta Atlanta was recognized over a decade ago by the NY Times as “hip hop’s center of gravity.” Driven by the popularity of the

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genre combined with additional infrastructure to support musicians and a growing number of producers and venues, the music scene has exploded.

Three spots to begin your adventure include Ponce City Market where you’ll find the stage at City Winery showcasing a variety of acts, Tabernacle downtown which is part of the House of Blues clubs, and Masquerade, leaning towards rock.

They offer three venues inside: Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

Last, but not least, don’t leave town without sampling some of Atlanta’s fried chicken.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOW-KEY? Catch a show in one of these cities: • Lafayette, Louisiana • Memphis, Tennessee • Kansas City, Missouri • Denver, Colorado • Provo, Utah

ROCK STARS SHOP HERE! 42 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

®

W I N ES · S P I R I TS · F I N E R FO O DS

Texas Family-Owned Since 1962

LOCATIONS ACROSS AUSTIN! HIGHLAND: 5775 AIRPORT BLVD (512) 366-8300 SPECSONLINE.COM

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Sip+ taste

February

+March 2023

44 taste east

PLANT-BASED PUB FOOD, A BACKYARD, & A STAGE - WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR ON A SUNNY DAY?

46 lucky seven

A LINEUP OF FOOD WELL WORTH THE WAIT

48 dine east

A CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO INDULGE IN EAST AUSTIN

50 sip east

THIS COFFEE JOINT EMBODIES EVERYTHING THERE IS TO LOVE ABOUT AUSTIN & MUSIC.

eastside | taste

Serving Up the Sunny Side of Life Vegan Pub Food That Even Seasoned Carnivores Will Crave!

WORDS JESSI DEVENYNS PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

The words “pub food” makes mouths water, regardless of dietary preference. There is just something about a table of friends, cold drinks, good conversation, and comforting food that is alluring to even the most conscientious diner. And it is at this intersection of plantbased pub food that the menu at Sunny’s Backyard shines.

M

erritt Vaughn, Sunny’s Backyard owner as well as a plant-based acolyte and Sunday night bartender, reveals that he regularly indulges in Sunny’s plant-based pub grub. He is particularly fond of the Hot Chicken Sandwich and the Brussels Sprouts Salad. Although menu items are listed under decidedly un-frilly names, their flavors are anything but average. Merritt laughs as he explains the addition of ponzu, gochujang, black garlic, and bulgogi to an array of quintessentially American dishes “wasn't necessarily intentional, but we just liked those combination of flavors.”

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE In 2023, Sunny’s Backyard is planning to host live music performances on Saturday nights. Keep an eye on the pub’s social media for updates on the upcoming acts.

Not only do Merritt and his wife Charrissa serve up nibbles they personally enjoy, they also create the dishes together. Merritt shares that he often performs R&D on slow nights, but usually it’s Charrissa who serves as the appointed taste tes44 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

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R U O Y S ’ T I Y. T I N U M COM

BE PART OF IT

ter because “she has a better palate than me,” Merritt grins.

While not all of the couple’s concoctions will make it onto the menu, there are regular improvements to existing dishes as well as rotations to the listed items depending on what is locally available. But Merritt seems to relish this iterative process. “We’re gonna throw spaghetti on the wall and see what sticks,” he laughs. One thing that has stuck around are the Loaded Fries, which are a culinary community service project from the couple. The sharable beer battered waffle fries are adorned generously with Credo Queso, jalapeños, and a citrus-marinated spare rib and are sure to leave everyone in a better mood.

If vegetables are required for balance, the Brussels sprouts are in order. They are fried in a ponzu reduction before finding their way into a bowl accompanied by pickled vegetables and then touched with gochujang aioli.

The star of the show is a hearty dish with layers of flavor: their Hot Chicken Sandwich. The plant-based Tindel chicken replicates the texture of meat to a T. It is so convincing that Merritt divulges that when a sample was dropped off for him to test, he immediately switched to the product, despite its higher price tag. That price tag is not, however, passed along to diners.

Sunny’s Backyard is a neighborhood eatery in every sense. Filled with painted picnic tables, a live music stage, and sharing a space with Bike Farm, Sunny’s Backyard has become a mainstay for many over the last two years, and Merritt hopes to continue creating a space that provides good food that is accessible to everyone.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

CONTACT: (512) 520-5760 3526 E 7th St. sunnysbackyardatx.com @sunnysbackyard {the musical side of austin}

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45

eastside | food scene

Lucky Seven

Line-Worthy Restaurants You Don’t Want to Miss WORDS TANYA WHITE | PHOTOS ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD & SHELBY BELLA

Neither snow nor rain nor heat stop foodies near and far from lining up for these drool-worthy spots, all located in East Austin.

1 PAPERBOY

From food truck to brick and mortar, Paperboy brings high-quality, simple ingredients together to serve all-day brunch items and exceptional coffee and cocktails. It’s no surprise patrons line up for their layers of flavors, modern esthetics, and downtown views. paperboyaustin.com | 1203 E 11th St.

2 BIRDIES

National recognition catapulted this unique, cozy spot on East 12th onto the food scene. The husband-and-wife team deliver high-end cuisine in casual counter service. The menu changes regularly, keeping the line long and taste buds tingly at every visit. ​​birdiesaustin.com | 2944 E 12th St., Unit A

4 BUFALINA

This beloved Eastside pizza joint is finally back in business! The line that wraps the building is evidence that their Neapolitan-style pizza, unique salads, and wine selection were clearly missed. bufalinapizza.com | 2215 E Cesar Chavez St.

3 BIRD BIRD BISCUIT

All day long, the original Manor Road location serves up the incredible chicken biscuit sandwiches that made them famous. Rich, buttery biscuits are the foundation for the ultimate hangover food. Layer on some creative toppings, and it’s no wonder the line starts forming early. birdbirdbiscuit.com | 2701 Manor Rd.

46 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

5 ROCK STAR BAGELS

Rock Star Bagels has been baking up authentic New York-style bagels on the Eastside since 2009. Considered by many to be the best bagels in Austin, this window service staple provides multiple cream cheese options to enjoy with your homemade bread of choice. But if you really want to be blown away, order their lox bagel. rockstarbagels.com | 1900 Rosewood Ave.

6 LAS TRANCAS

With a charming outdoor seating area that covers guests from the elements, Las Trancas is known for

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melt-in-your-mouth meats and street tacos. The line starts forming early to experience this top-rated authentic Mexican fare in the city.

1210 E Cesar Chavez St.

7 NIXTA

Their 100-square foot kitchen delivers some of the tastiest and unique tacos in town. Casual counter service provides an easy-going environment where corn is the only tortilla to be had. Lines form quickly as guests return to satisfy their cravings for the Tuna Tostada and Duck Carnitas—to name a few fan faves. nixtataqueria.com | 2512 E 12th St.

MARK SWEENEY, D.D.S.

“change your smile, change your life.”

Favorite quote: “Better well done than well said.”

— Benjamin Franklin Loves Austin’s cool vibe & laid-back atmosphere.

Mexican martinis and breakfast tacos!

Enjoys two-stepping at the Broken Spoke!

Hanging at III Forks & Trulucks downtown.

Cycling on the Hike & Bike trail.

Hitting tennis balls anywhere.

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O U R FAV E R E S TA U R A N T S

pick 9

ON THE EASTSIDE

EASTSIDE

dining guide Mour Cafe

Featuring a rotating selection of the world’s most satisfying dishes, Mour Cafe is where gastropub meets comfort. They serve environmentally conscious ingredients, sourced from local farmers, which bring flavor that’s uniquely Austin to each soul-filled dish. mourcafe.com | 1414 Shore District Dr., Bldg. 3, Ste. 120

Disrupting the fast food industry one sandwich at a time, Flyrite is a drive-thru with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options.

2129 E 7th St. | flyritechicken.com

Cisco's

The menu at Cisco’s provides flavorful TexMex options for any meal of the day. Order favorites like their mouth-watering breakfast tacos or comforting cheese enchiladas for dinner. Either way, the food and the service will have you wanting more.

1511 E 6th St. | ciscosaustin.com

Artessano

The fresh tropical fruit juice and the arepas are why you need to visit Artessano. As a food trailer specializing in Colombian food, expect dance music and lots of friendly conversation when you visit. 1211 E 6th St.

S-H Donuts Oddwood Ales

Designed as a cozy neighborhood pub, Oddwood Ales provides a variety of flavorful ales, home-made pizzas, and Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere with arcade games and a pet-friendly patio.

3108 Manor Rd. | oddwoodbrewing.com

This unassuming store-front houses an outstanding array of fluffy-light donuts, a variety of kolache flavors, and savory breakfast croissants. Even if the food wasn’t enough, the warmth of the owners Sochea and Sarong make the trip to S-H worth it every time. 5313 Manor Rd.

Hillside Farmacy

Something about Hillside Farmacy’s weekend brunches, patio dinners, and cocktails just make you feel better. Perhaps that’s due to its historical location in the lovingly renovated 1950s Hillside Drugstore. Or perhaps it’s because the fresh, carefully selected seasonal food that comes from local farms and onto your plate is just good medicine.

1209 E 11th St. | hillsidefarmacy.com

Cherrywood Coffeehouse

With an expansive patio and a continual rotation of events, you’ll find yourself frequenting for the community as often as food, which is an inviting array of tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies.

1400 E 38 1/2 St. | cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com

Ramen Tatsu-ya

Known for their upscale, yet playful, dining experience, their high-quality, authentic ingredients steal the show. They’ve created endless options, while still remaining true to traditional Japanese soul food recipes.

There’s a bowl at the table for everyone.

1600 E 6th St. | Ramen-tatsuya.com 48 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

Flyrite Chicken

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De Nada

This charming cantina serves up tacos and margaritas with a smile. The handmade corn tortillas make a soft bed for barbacoa, carnitas, pollo, and more. denadacantina.com | 4715 E Cesar Chavez St.

Jacoby’s Restaurant

Fruta Feliz

A happy place where breakfast is served all day. Of course, you can also get lunch, but why would you when you can have chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and authentic breakfast tacos at 8PM? 3124 Manor Rd.

Intero Restorante

Intero, meaning “whole,” is dedicated to the thoughtful use of every ingredient in their dishes. Homemade pastas, farm-totable plates, and artisan chocolates make up their bold, yet intimate, Italian menu.

2612 E Cesar Chavez St. | interorestaurant.com

This Southern-inspired menu features family-raised beef that comes directly from the Jacoby Ranch, served with heaping sides of veggies to match its freshness. Enjoy their signature chicken fried steak or a juicy burger on their cozy patio overlooking the Colorado River.

3235 E Cesar Chavez St. | jacobysaustin.com

Xian Sushi & Noodle

Fresh, hand-pulled noodles are the star of the show at Xian. Enjoy a bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry or the Dan Dan where noodles are pulled to guest’s preferred thickness then drenched in authentic Asian flavors. Visit for happy hour to enjoy their $5 menu.

1801 E 51st St., Ste. C370 | xianfresh.com

Sour Duck Market

An offshoot of Odd Duck, Sour Duck Market is bringing the same custom approach to the fast-casual dining scene. With a menu packed with local flavors, Sour Duck so deliciously captures the spirit of Austin.

1814 E MLK Jr. Blvd. | sourduckmarket.com

{the musical side of austin}

eastsideatx.com

49

eastside | sip

Try It, You’ll Like It Tying Caffeine, Collaboration, & Tunes Together WORDS JESSI DEVENYNS | PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

Usually the focal point of a coffee shop is the sleek chrome of a workhorse espresso machine that intermittently roars into action as soon as a barista takes an order. At popular spots, the process can mimic an assembly line; each patron waits for the inevitable “next” as they shuffle forward to access their pick-me-up beverage.

At Try Hard Coffee Roasters, the only thing that is shuffling is the song list, and, usually, this is done by a DJ.

W

hile daytime cafés and DJ sets may appear to attract people who thrive on antithetical circadian rhythms, they harmonize unexpectedly well. Try Hard owners Gabrielle Woodrose, Raechel Hurd, and Jon French have all worked in specialty coffee for years, so they knew that a good cup of Joe was not made by beans alone but also by the experience one has while sipping.

was a cross between good coffee (naturally), early-morning DJ sets run by local industry professionals, and community.

“Collaborations with local musicians are very much at the core of Try Hard,” explains Raechel. “We have a record shop at the front that features all local artists, and we don't take any commission. Everything that we do at Try Hard seems to circle back to [music], from the live DJs in the morning to collaborations with coffees and musicians.”

Opening the doors to Try Hard Coffee in 2020, the trio worked to create a space where the focal point

50 EASTside | Feb/Mar2023

Few things are more inviting on the cold days than a piping hot beverage. But since the num-

find more at eastsideatx.com

AMPLIFY AUSTIN

March 1-2, 2023 | 6 P.M. - 6 P.M.

TRY MORE, NOT HARDER The coffee shop roasts 30 varieties of beans of which about a dozen are available at any given time. The shop also roasts white label coffee for other cafés, so refined javaphiles can go on a scavenger hunt around town and see if they can find other sources for Try Hard.

ROLLIE AND A COLDIE The Try Hard team loves to try out new combinations, and one of the cafe’s staples is Chill.wav cold brew with a CBG rollie from Redeemer CBD that Jon says smooths out jitters and transforms the coffee consumption experience. ber of warm days far outstrips the cold ones, a drink chilled to the point that condensation weeps down the cup is a must. Try Hard Coffee serves up both varieties. The Mood Ring is a perennial favorite, its color-changing magic a delight for those looking for a citrusy refreshment that brings a mellow mood rather than a caffeine kick. However, Jon suggests keeping an eye out for the rotating special beverages that are inspired by local artists like David Ramirez. Raechel elaborates on their collaborations. “We make a coffee the way that the band drinks it.”

Then these custom roasts are released for a limited time.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE With the rising cost of living, more and more Central Texas families are finding it difficult to make ends meet. In the midst of these challenges, our generous community is coming together to put nutritious meals on the tables of our neighbors facing hunger.

When you give through Amplify Austin, our community thrives. In times like these, it takes a village.

CONTACT: 1115 E 11th St. tryhardcoffee.com info@tryhardcoffee.com

http://bit.ly/amplify-2023 {the musical side of austin}

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