Hey Dude

Roadhouse Rags in South Austin

Think you’ve heard every Beatles song? Host Rush Evans plays rare tracks on Off the Beatle Path, material from their solo careers, and other songs inspired by or related to the Fab Four. Airs every Friday, 8-9pm at KOOP.org.

Roadhouse Rock

Roadhouse Rags is an all-ages venue and boutique that defines South Austin music and style. Behind the shop is a stage equipped with quality recording gear, which the owners use to record all bands who play there.

U18ers Rocks the Trees

Saturday, Dec. 5 was the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony down Congress Avenue. The streets filled with a flurry of music, from jazz sax ensembles to drum circles, reggae to rock. But the Austin School for Performing and Visual Arts stage blew away the audience so much, most of us forgot it was 40 degrees out. With young talents such as Loose Wheels, who sang in perfect pitch despite the cold, it’s no wonder I heard “Who are these kids?” more than once.

Georgia Napolitano sang a solo set with the excellence and precision she brings to every performance. Despite a sound system glitch, Georgia went on singing “Party in the USA” a cappella with the crowd clapping and singing along. She was honored Nov. 19 at City Hall as the Mayor proclaimed it Georgia Napolitano Day.

Watch out for South of Center

South of Center is a potent reminder of how musically talented Austin’s youth really is. Noah Binford, John Mosier, and Julian Johnson create the classic full, loud sound of a Texas trio. Drawing inspiration from bands such as the Who and Red Hot Chili Peppers, the band’s funk/rock/alternative mash-up is quite unique. Not only are their songs different and fresh, but originals written by the band themselves.

Big C.L.U.E. in November

Finally, at the Youth Cast finals held Nov. 15 at the Long Center, C.L.U.E. was the winner. C.L.U.E. is a sixpiece dancing, rapping, and singing group that presents a dynamic show full of brilliant vocals and contemporary dance moves. Youth Cast is an annual competition that offers young talents a chance to compete for a prize that helps promote their career (including a music video) and the ASPVA Cup (similar to the Stanley Cup for the Arts in Austin’s youth ).

See you in 2010!