Halloween at Mystery Mondays

Mystery Mondays at the El Mercado south is always an opportunity to discover Austin talent. This week it was a Halloween party with Richard Bowden (fiddle or violin?) as the mystery guest. Jaimee Harris was in the audience and came up on stage to sing a Townes Van Zandt tune with Christine Albert. Bill Kirchen kept the music rockin' and David Carroll got lots of cheers in his hillbilly outfit -- the mangled teeth made roaring a hee-haw and singing a challenge.

Next Monday is an anniversary celebration and the unveiling of an award for the late Sarah Elizabeth Campbell who started the tradition years ago at the now defunct Artz on Lamar. We'll be there.

Here's some photos from the show.

Viva La Vida Parade, Austin

Click for Photo Album

Here's some photos from the Viva La Vida (translation: "Live Life" or "Hurray for Life") Parade in Austin Texas on October 29, 2016. The parade is a celebration of the Day of Dead (November 1) which is a traditional holiday in Mexico and Central America to honor those who are dead and gone but not forgotten. It's held after Halloween but has nothing to do with that holiday!

We're usually in Austin during the winter but this year we plan on being in SE Asia visiting with my brother Paul and his wife El hence this second visit in 2016.

The parade was around noon and we watched on Pecan St (aka 6th St) in the entertainment district not too far from the famous Driskill Hotel. There were lots of folks dressed up as painted skeletons, some in costumes to celebrate the Aztec heritage. I understand it's one of the biggest Day of Dead parades in the US. I'd guess there's something as large in San Antontio which has a larger Hispanic community.

The parade ended with some low rider cars that bounced about and jacked up different corners.

We've never been to anything like it and would recommend you check it out if your get a chance.

Rizdales at Richmond Hotel

Saturday afternoon at the Richmond Hotel with the Rizdales with Big Tobacco & the Pickers. An afternoon of Classic Country Music Appreciation. Great show by both bands.

Here's some photos of the show.

Larry Quinton 75th Birthday Bash

My oldest brother Larry Quinton had a (late) 75th birthday bash in Stayner this summer with family and friends. Kate and I were there and enjoyed an evening of blues (food and booze too!) under a warm summer sky. The rain stayed away and several of the family got up to sing with Larry and join in the music. Kate and I butchered a version of "Family is Family" ... the zippity do dah side of the blues.

All the best Larry, happy birthday and may you have many many more with family and friends close beside you.

Here's some photos from the event.

River Rock

Some photos from the St Marys River Rock Festival August 13, 2016 St Marys.

Home County Music and Arts Festival

Click on photo for Photo Album

The Home County Music and Arts Festival is held every year in Victoria Park, London, Ontario. We attend without fail and look forward to enjoying sunny days packed with great music. This was another good year.

The festival started back in the 1970's when I was still a student at Western.

Here's some photos from the event.

Trestle Bridge Event

The St Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted a fund raisers appreciation event on the trestle bridge over the Thames. Some nibbles, some drinks and a perfect evening to enjoy the long evenings around the summer solstice with friends.

Here's some photos from the event.