Whiskey Sisters

 On Thursday night we had a couple of choices before heading to an early bed (our plans were to leave Austin on Friday morning at 6:00am so we weren't going to be up late). Our friends we met at the Rosie Flores gig had recommended some young fellows playing under the live oaks at Guero's Taco Bar but as it was a cool night we decided instead to see the Whiskey Sisters who were playing a happy hour gig at the Continental Club (on Congress just down the street from Guero's).

We have tried to get into the Continental Club one evening earlier in our stay but the power was out and the bar was not letting anyone in. That was a very windy day and I suppose tree branches, which were falling all over town, would have been the cause.

I had read a bit about the Whiskey Sisters in the local press. These "sisters" are Austin singers Teal Collins and Barbara Nesbitt who have solo careers but began playing together since last year's SXSW Festival. They had recently released an eponymous CD that was getting good reviews. The two women sing harmonies as well as playing acoustic guitar and sometime ukulele. The support band consisted of three fellows on electric guitar, electric bass, key board and drum kit. This was a free happy hour gig starting at 6:30 but the small venue was quickly filled with an appreciative audience who crowded the dance floor and clapped loudly, hootin' and hollerin' after each well received tune.

If I was to characterize their music I'd say they sounded a lot like the Dixie Chicks. The difference being that each of these Austin Chicks has a strong powerful voice of their own like that of Natalie Maines. We really enjoyed their music and the audience support. They're professional and with good tunes, strong vocals and a strong support band. As this was a "free" gig they passed the tip jar around and it was quickly filled. They had fans, loyal fans.

I would complain a bit about the acoustics in the Continental Club. The band seemed to have everything turned up loud -- as if everyone had the volume on their amps turned up to 11 (on a scale of 10). This made things a bit hard to make out. With an appreciative audience they could have turned the sound down a bit -- people were there to listen. Their CD (or buy it on iTunes) has, as you would expect, a better mix. I enjoyed them and would not hesitate to recommend them.

Drinks at the happy hour were really cheap -- $6.50 for two margaritas (drinks were $1.00 more after happy hour which still is very cheap). But they weren't the best by any means. Guero's makes far better margaritas but then you spend more there. But for an early evening's entertainment -- the Continental Club is well worth a visit. We've been there several times over the years and have seen some great acts.

One caution -- the Continental Club is a tiny and seedy hole in the wall kind of bar. It's small but does have several rows of tall chairs with tall cocktail tables. But most folks were there as "standing room only". There's lots of entertainment all night long, even during the afternoon on weekends. But it certainly ain't no "ferny bar". It's an Austin institution.