So I had just got home from work on Friday and before I could even crack open a cold one, my phone rang. I had every intention of sitting on my deck and enjoying the evening while working on a beer buzz, but that’s what I get for having intentions. My buddy on the other end of the line tells me that they have an extra ticket to see Bob Schneider in Dallas. I sigh deeply and accept the invitation. Don’t get me wrong, I love music and I love live music even more. I just didn’t have the energy to drive into Dallas and back, especially having it sprung on me at the last second. Not only that, but I had no idea who Bob Schneider was or what kind of music he played. So, with mixed emotions…I grabbed my camera and was on my way to Dallas. I arrived at the Granada Theatre and was amazed to see the line of people out the door. As I met my friend and walked in, I overheard someone say the show just sold out. Interesting, this guy must be pretty good. Needless to say, over the next few hours I was pleasantly surprised to find that Bob Schneider was indeed a better choice than sucking down suds back at the casa. The crowd was young and attractive, the music was good and the girls were dancing. What more could you ask for on a Friday night?

-Josh Martinez

Hanovers
2.16

I hit the street in a hurry, heading for the comfort and libations of my friendly neighborhood bar. Beer was calling my name, and I needed a place to fall off the wagon. I had quit smoking only 2 days before, and the patch just wasn’t cutting it. Agitated from lack of nicotine, and in the mood for booze, I strolled up to the bar at Hanovers to place my order.

Turning around to see what was on the stage, I heard a single voice and a single guitar. The bar had only 6-10 people in it at best and this guy was belting out songs like the place was packed. I love that kind of passion. The crowd seemed preoccupied and could have used some heckling from the stage, but I thought that Bryce Clifford did a good job up there all by his lonesome.

Two beers and three smokes later Bryce had surrendered the stage to the next band. Convoi. When I saw the Mohawk sported by Matt Jones, I knew we were in for something completely different. Convoi is a punk band that plays country and punk covers. I found this to be highly original in a town obsessed with singer-songwriters and alternative-country artists. They were also fun as hell to watch and listen to. They killed songs like “Rocky Top”, “Blazing Saddles Theme Song”, and “Amarillo By Morning”, like a bleeding maniacal Sex Pistols with Paul Bunyan all blonde and mohawked sweating into the microphone. Simultaneously irreverent and hilarious, I watched and yelled for more at the end of every song. They even managed to slaughter “Big bad John”, and a Shania Twain song. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, although Hunter Powell’s guitar could have been louder.

Like any good cover band, these guys don’t take themselves too seriously. But the satirical nature of mixing punk and country in the manner they do is artistic in its own right. I would not call them punkabilly, but they neatly skirt that genre. Next time you need someone to jam some country down your throat wearing a spiked glove, go and check them out. Just leave your expectations at the door, as I have not seen a band like them in Austin.

Bryce Clifford Upcoming Shows:
3.5 Club Deville @ 11pm

Convoi! Upcomming Shows:
2.26 Trophy’s @ 9pm
3.8 Headhunters @ 10pm
3.20 Dixies (San Antonio) @ 9:30pm
2.24 Red Eye’d Fly @ 11pm

Go Out! See A Band! Support The Live Music Capitol Of The World!