Happyland

Click image for more photos ..

On Monday, my 72nd birthday, we had a late lunch at the Magnolia Cafe (they opened on SoCo in 1988, we've been going there since 1990, their window slogan is "Sorry, we're open") and went to Happyland at the Saxon Pub for their early show — it's followed by Lonelyland, Bob Schneider's show which I've written about earlier.

We bought tickets and arrived by Uber shortly after 5:00pm for their 6:00pm show. The doors were open already, there was no queue, we got in right away and were able to get front row seats. There was a good crowd, some empty tables, some standing or sitting at the bar. Unlike the Ameripolitan event on Friday where we could not get a seat and had to leave without seeing much of the show.

Happyland is a musical ensemble with Kimmie, Gabe and Louis Rhodes (mother, son and grandson) and several others. We were to a house concert the day before and heard Kimmie and Gabe Rhodes there. Kimmie is about our age and has a long history in Texas country music (she has a book about her life that Kate bought). Gabe, her son, is an amazing guitar player who has written several compelling tunes as well (e.g. a story about childhood adventures and drinking from the hose).  That event, especially the stories, enticed us to see this show.

There's quite a contrast between an acoustic house concert and a full blown six piece band (drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboard and a guest on saxophone). We both agreed that the Alejandro event at the Saxon and the acoustic house concert were the best we've seen so far. I would put this Happyland event first, Kate was not as keen. But then their music is closer to blues/pop/soft rock than traditional country even if they still wear the boots and cowboy hats.

I'd say the music was dominated by the three men on guitars (Gabe Rhodes, John Goudie and Shawn Pander) who played originals they had written with one another. Michael Fracasso co-wrote one with Gabe but wasn't there. There were other co-write authors mentioned.

They've been playing regularly under the Happyland banner for a month or so and have been busy recording music. This is their second last show (perhaps we'll take Gord and Leslie to the last show) as Kimmie and her band are going on the road — she has a new album she's promoting. I'm not sure how much of this ensemble will be travelling with her or if Happyland recordings will ever appear. For the tour it's Gabe for sure, perhaps Louis who is amazing on the keyboards. John Mills was the guest on saxophone, John Chipman on drums, Harmoni Kelley on bass. These are all professional players, it's a tight well rehearsed band even when they play some tunes for the first time!!

Our friend DanViewtube taped the event if you'd care to see and hear on YouTube (see Happyland at Saxon Pub 021924). I taped the audio event as well but we won't share that with a wide audience.

Anyways, great show. We really like the music. Hmm.... this year we seem to be spending a lot of our time at the Saxon Pub. Austin music — so many places, so little time.