AMP Up!

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We went to Mystery Mondays at the Backstage El Mercado on S 1st in Austin. This is an AMP UP for Swan Songs special event. Guests include Joe King Carrasco, Tish Hinojosa and Murphy’s InLaws.  Regulars are hosts Christine Albert and Bill Kirchen with back beat regulars David Carroll on bass and Bobby Kallus on drums. Chip Dolan on keyboards is a special addition to the band. The picture at left is Joe King Carrasco leaning into the audience.

Amplify Austin (AMP UP) is a city wide fundraising time for charities in Austin. Christine Albert, who hosts Mystery Mondays with Bill Kirchen, runs/manages the "Swan Songs" charity which brings music to patients who are dieing or near death like those in hospice care. The intent of tonight's Mystery Monday is to raise funds and awareness for Swan Songs.

It's a big night with lots of guests and lots of great music. Joe King Carrasco is the performer let out of the bag. He's wild and crazy played hard with Bill Kirchen and jumping into the audience.

Tish Hinojosa, who we first saw many years ago (1990 or so in Dallas), is here as well. We've seen her a few times over the years. She has a lovely voice and sings Spanish and Tex/Mex songs.

It was a crazy night with some very good music. And some funds were raised for a very good cause. What more could one ask for?