there’s a new spin in town

DELBERT! (speaking of Austin)

JANE!

I used to live in Austin and miss it. A lot. SXSW was fun the first couple years for me, as a fan, but after that it was so large and crowded it became harder to do. It’s really more of an industry thing, which is cool, but I’m not a musician.

HelloHiHowAreYaNiceToSeeYaHow’sItGoinHeyThereThankForComing

My cousin lives in Austin and has been there about 20 years. He loves it there and I hope to visit him someday but have yet to make the trek down yonder.

Hi Donita,
Cool song up top by The Black Angels.
Can’t leave out SRV when you talk Austin. God rest his soul.
I have a question for you and/or Fini, since you said we could ask ‘em.

You think I ought to get an acoustic guitar amp or a small PA system to play small venues?
4 or 5 inputs, max. 2 guitars and 2 voices. Usually just me.

Thanks.

Notice the parachutes going UP?

Nice to see/hear you, Donita!!

Hey, if you’re conflicted about SXSW Music, maybe you should think instead about the SXSW Interactive conference and go as a blogger instead — a blogging musician, more specifically.

Totally different spin to be in.

;-)

Hi all… Only had a second to pop in and see things. Thought I’d say hi. Good video Donita. Great stuff fini.

Talk to y’all soon.

Anyone but me ever see Frieda and the FIREDOGS fronted by Marica Ball in Austin?

In the late 1970’s, Austin was the home of a style of music, combining rock ‘n roll, country, tejano, and cajun sounds from our neighbor to the East, Lousiana. Marcia Ball came to Austin fron Louisana to join with folks like Stephen Fromholz and Rusty Weir to open the doors for Willie Nelson and the next generation of Austin music. Soon Frieda and The Firedogs with Marcia and guitar wizard John X Reed joined with other bands such as Shiva’s Head Band, The Mysterious Family Band, and Conkeroo to help Austin become known as “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Marcia opened her own club La Zona Rosa with husband Gorden Fowler of “Two Alarm Chili” fame. “The Marcia Ball Room” was soon created under a tin roof in Austin’s downtown warehouse district. Marcia’s fantastic keyboard work along with her amazing vocals have brought her the attention and acclaim she so well deserves. Any of her releases are well worth it, and her live preformances are like few to be seen.

Oi, Donita! I’ve never been to Austin, but boy I’ve heard some SXSW stories from friends. My brother’s old band got shut down by the fire marshall there one year thanks to overcrowding.

Still, though, big music conferences like that can be so luck of the draw in terms of who you’re playing opposite, whose show is considered a “must-see” and who ends up playing to the soundman and the bartenders.

(I just got my pathology report back from the dermatologist. All clear. Just a mole with pretensions.)

T- @ 7

Hi Donita,
Cool song up top by The Black Angels.
Can’t leave out SRV when you talk Austin. God rest his soul.
I have a question for you and/or Fini, since you said we could ask ‘em.

You think I ought to get an acoustic guitar amp or a small PA system to play small venues?
4 or 5 inputs, max. 2 guitars and 2 voices. Usually just me.

Thanks.

Musician’s Friend has a sale right now on Fender Passport portable PA systems. My friend Sam King here in Indy uses one of these for his one man acoustic shows and they sound really good. They’re also highly portable, everything is included such as mics and cables which fit into a cavity in the back of the speakers making transport easy. I think Yamaha also has a similar system.

(I just got my pathology report back from the dermatologist. All clear. Just a mole with pretensions.)

Yay! I love good news on a Friday!

TRex @ 12

Oi, Donita! I’ve never been to Austin, but boy I’ve heard some SXSW stories from friends. My brother’s old band got shut down by the fire marshall there one year thanks to overcrowding.

Still, though, big music conferences like that can be so luck of the draw in terms of who you’re playing opposite, whose show is considered a “must-see” and who ends up playing to the soundman and the bartenders.

(I just got my pathology report back from the dermatologist. All clear. Just a mole with pretensions.)

YAY! I hate pretentious moles. Great news though, glad to hear it!

Sorry, it’s Freda and the Firedogs, nice story bout the Broken Spoke Spoke

GREAT NEWS TRex! ;->

Rayne @ 9

Nice to see/hear you, Donita!!

Hey, if you’re conflicted about SXSW Music, maybe you should think instead about the SXSW Interactive conference and go as a blogger instead — a blogging musician, more specifically.

Totally different spin to be in.

;-)

She’s got a point here Donita, I think this runs the week before or after the SXSW Music fest.

Yay, TRex, one less worry around with the clean bill of health.

Hey, did you catch that bit about the Georgians and weaponized uranium…Russians can’t tell where it came from? Meanwhile, somebody tippy-toed around Europe with Po-210 and we’re bogged down to the tune of 8 billion a month in Iraq…good thing you don’t have to worry about pretentious moles, too.

Raven, some of us were there, too, in Austin in the Glorious ’70’s. I even had Willie swing me by my waist at Castle Creek saying, “scuse me darling” as he was heading in for the night’s amusement. The best show I have ever seen in my life was at Armadillo World Headquarters - some new singer and her keyboard player - Bette Midler and Barry Manilow. After much travel, life, and all those things I am back living just 45 minutes from Austin. All my kids live there now, so it is amusing to watch them enjoying an Austin that is not too different from mine.

I think The Pretentious Moles sounds like a great band name.

Cool, Fini. Thanks much.

OT: My apologies if someone posted this: Molly Ivins hospitalized. She’s been a progressive voice for years. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Congrats to TREX on that mole. It might be related to that mustard pot that liked to put on airs. (From Sword in the Stone.)

Fini — the interactive conference is the week before; with Donita posting here at what is rapidly becoming the hot spot in progressive blogosphere, she might get different kind of attention, probably better since folks have indicated the music conference gets crowded.

LindyH @ 23

OT: My apologies if someone posted this: Molly Ivins hospitalized. She’s been a progressive voice for years. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

This isnt off topic at all - shes an Austin stalwart from way back. My prayers go out to her and her family.

I’ll offer a shout-out for my personal fave Austin products, Carla Olson (Textones!) and Kathy Valentine (Delphines!)…

Rayne @ 25

Fini — the interactive conference is the week before; with Donita posting here at what is rapidly becoming the hot spot in progressive blogosphere, she might get different kind of attention, probably better since folks have indicated the music conference gets crowded.

That’s what I was thinking too, her clout as an FDL frontpager and musician might get her in the door late as well. Donita, if you want me to look into this just say so and I am on it.

S***, f***, d***. This cancer business has got to stop!!!! First Jane, then several friends with metastasis, now Molly’s returns. (Not to mention the husband, but that is a different story.) I am in tears right now.

i’ve never been to sxsw, but for the last two years i enjoyed the official sxsw (legal) free music available in high quality mp3s via bittorrent. here’s the link for last year’s files (warning - iirc they are about 2GBs, for 1000 songs).

great way to get exposed to lots of new (to me at least) music…

Cool, I saw Michael Martin Murphy sing Wildfire there the same week I saw Freda. Man, that was more than 30 years ago! Always wished I could have seen the Commander there, saw him in Bloomington Illinois and a couple of years ago over here in Winder at Chips (ever been there Trex?)!
Gnome de Plume @ 20

Raven, some of us were there, too, in Austin in the Glorious ’70’s. I even had Willie swing me by my waist at Castle Creek saying, “scuse me darling” as he was heading in for the night’s amusement. The best show I have ever seen in my life was at Armadillo World Headquarters - some new singer and her keyboard player - Bette Midler and Barry Manilow. After much travel, life, and all those things I am back living just 45 minutes from Austin. All my kids live there now, so it is amusing to watch them enjoying an Austin that is not too different from mine.

Molly Ivins cancer returned last fall (IIRC) and I assume she’s been in treatment since then. I really hope she can beat it again. We need her voice.

hi donita

great minds think alike!
my best friend just turned me on to EXTRAs! that bowie episode is a side-splitter!

rock austin! of course, you will!

welcome back jane!!

love,
nora

Raven, He was Michael Murphy back then. I can’t remember when he put the Martin in. I still have his first album, along with Jerry Jeff’s, Rusty Weir and a few others who are still around. Anybody remember the 13th Floor Elevator with Rocky Ericson (sp)? He was in the nut house by time I came on the scene, but I was at a UT basketball game last year (very weird experience) and Rocky was the half time show!!!!

TRex @
12

Oi, Donita! I’ve never been to Austin, but boy I’ve heard some SXSW stories from friends. My brother’s old band got shut down by the fire marshall there one year thanks to overcrowding.

Still, though, big music conferences like that can be so luck of the draw in terms of who you’re playing opposite, whose show is considered a “must-see” and who ends up playing to the soundman and the bartenders.

(I just got my pathology report back from the dermatologist. All clear. Just a mole with pretensions.)

Woo-hoo! Great news, TRex - and glad you’re rid of that dermal climber.

good health tidings, TRex. Since dinosuars don’t shed, good for the skin you’re in.

Swopa @
27

I’ll offer a shout-out for my personal fave Austin products, Carla Olson (Textones!) and Kathy Valentine (Delphines!)…

Yeah Textones!! And Kathy Valentine, who I saw sitting in one night on stage with the Textones - great show.

(and then there’s my own humiliating story about how, when Kathy Valentine said hello to me in the hall, I couldn’t think of one. word. to. say.)

sheesh.

I liked Glass Eye, with Kathy McCarty, back in the day. There’s some sort of Daniel Johnston connection there, but I can’t quite remember what it is. Also, Christy, he lived in West Virginia for quite a while.

Yea and there was a hoot owl hootin outside his window. . .for three nights in a row!

You’re Gonna Miss Me

Jerry Jeff Walker, the Texas Troubadour from Buffalo, NY!

Gnome de Plume @ 34

Raven, He was Michael Murphy back then. I can’t remember when he put the Martin in. I still have his first album, along with Jerry Jeff’s, Rusty Weir and a few others who are still around. Anybody remember the 13th Floor Elevator with Rocky Ericson (sp)? He was in the nut house by time I came on the scene, but I was at a UT basketball game last year (very weird experience) and Rocky was the half time show!!!!

Thanks Rave, now I have that tune stuck in my head. ;-) Oh well, life beckens. Beacons? I must be off to my afternoon busyness. I look forward to reading Jane when I return.

And Desperados Waiting on a Train

This always makes me think of my old man.

peas

Gnome de Plume @ 40

Thanks Rave, now I have that tune stuck in my head. ;-) Oh well, life beckens. Beacons? I must be off to my afternoon busyness. I look forward to reading Jane when I return.

Hey Donita, Fini, in light of a possible change in approach from competing with musicians to emerging as bloggers…

How do you think blogging has changed your approach to your craft?

How has blogging changed the music industry as well as the art and artists themselves?

How has your own perspective of blogging changed since you started blogging here?

If you can respond to these, you have your schtick for SXSW Interactive Conf. versus SXSW Music Fest.

Tangent:
Pimp for Peace:
Once upon a time:
http://beatles.ncf.ca/live_pea.....to_p1.html

Soon? Maybe U2 might have the clout. Get everybody on board. I request Angelique, any Marley and:
Pimp for teh futah:
http://www.stonecoyotes.com/calendar.html

Outer Happy valley soon. Texas in April. Site also has iTunes freebies and priviews. Photos, etc. Barbara Keith howls sweetly. Trust me. Grass-roots to the core. Ask Elmore Leonard.
——-
Visualize G08e announcing from the stage!

Thanks Donita!

Greetings from Austin! The Daniel Johnston connection with Glass Eye was an album they did of his songs.

A group all liberals should know is the Austin Lounge Lizards. They write satirical bluegrass, folk, and other styles on political and cultural themes. Very funny guys.

i like the song, d, but i can’t watch that clip. it’s just too painful ……

I have been in Austin for almost 11 years now. I love the place, but do have to agree with a letter to our local free weekly a couple of weeks ago that described Austin as “Branson, Missouri for hipsters”.

funny thing….. there are lot’s of austin folks here in dresden. i think they’re working for AMD and maybe Siemens …..

TRex @ 12

Oi, Donita! I’ve never been to Austin, but boy I’ve heard some SXSW stories from friends. My brother’s old band got shut down by the fire marshall there one year thanks to overcrowding.

Still, though, big music conferences like that can be so luck of the draw in terms of who you’re playing opposite, whose show is considered a “must-see” and who ends up playing to the soundman and the bartenders.

(I just got my pathology report back from the dermatologist. All clear. Just a mole with pretensions.)

Congrats TRex!

Marcy Wheeler will be interviewed on the Phoenix Air America station on a program called Action Point. Cynthia Black is the host.

Sunday at 12-1pm MST
Listen Live:
http://www.1480kphx.com/
or
http://www.novamradio.com/listen-live-1

My DFA group are one of the sponsors…

Congrats TRex!

Gracias. That’s one less thing to have running around in my head when I try to fall asleep at night.

Rayne @ 43

How do you think blogging has changed your approach to your craft?

Well honestly blogging hasn’t changed my approach to my particular craft so much as my craft has changed my approach to blogging. I’ve always been a visual recording technician, which means that when I am recording a band or an artist, I “see” sounds being recorded in real time using the digital recording software and over time I have adjusted my recording techniques to take advantage of visual cues I have learned over the years. I know that when I see certain peaks and valleys in the recording signal which adjustments I need to make to the signal.

With the blogging, when I started out I approached blogging from a standard writer’s approach that didn’t really fit my visual/auditory style. Since podcasting and video blogging have come into the blogging world I have been able to use my talents as a recording tech in the blogging world.

How has blogging changed the music industry as well as the art and artists themselves?

This is a tougher question to answer because its still very fluid out there on this front. If you’ll notice, Donita is only one of a handful of artists actively blogging regularly. Musicians are still not quite sure what to think of the blogging phenomenon I think. More of them are coming onboard with it though, as evidenced by more blogs being written on MySpace pages by the musicians themselves.

As far as its impact on the industry its been as impactful as the impact blogging has had on the newspaper business. Of the musicians that HAVE embraced the medium, the freedom to control the message from the band or artist themselves is a luxury never afforded to them by the labels before. Its a full blown digital riot as far as the industry is concerned.

How has your own perspective of blogging changed since you started blogging here?

I personally have a new profound respect for those front pagers here who do this day in and day out. This stuff is hard to do once a week let alone every day. Blogging is exciting, fun, and challenging.

Thanks for the questons Rayne!

Everybody should come visit Austin.

Just not all at the same time…though SXSW is a great excuse to do so.

Guess this means I should pony up my registration for the interactive track. I don’t think I’ve asked for the time off yet, either.

Oopsie…

Because I’m just contrary like that, let me say: I hate Austin. I’ve lived here for three years and I am counting down the days until I can leave. I am setting that date for Fall of 2008, when I hope to go to law school.

Many people like this city. I find it superficial, self-aggrandizing and not as far from the rest of Texas in temperament as it would like to believe it is. There is some charm here (Barton Spring is awesome; as are the bats.) On the whole, though, Austin is a decent city made to look good by its comparison to a shitty state.

Again- I apologize for being a contrarian on this issue, but I harbor a deep deep dislike for this city and the cult herein.

Rayne @ 43

Hey Donita, Fini, in light of a possible change in approach from competing with musicians to emerging as bloggers…

How do you think blogging has changed your approach to your craft?

How has blogging changed the music industry as well as the art and artists themselves?

How has your own perspective of blogging changed since you started blogging here?

If you can respond to these, you have your schtick for SXSW Interactive Conf. versus SXSW Music Fest.

Hi Rayne. Well, first off you have a good idea there, it’s just not for me. I’m a musician so I’ll be focusing on making music moreso than writing about the music. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Raven,

Thanks for the JJW–a blast from the past with such a great Guy Clark song.

hey, TRex - it’s Science Friday time:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl.....the_t.html

British officials say police have cracked the murder-by-poison case of former spy Alexander Litvinenko, including the discovery of a “hot” teapot at London’s Millennium Hotel with an off-the-charts reading for Polonium-210, the radioactive material used in the killing.

punaise @ 57

hey, TRex - it’s Science Friday time:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl.....the_t.html

British officials say police have cracked the murder-by-poison case of former spy Alexander Litvinenko, including the discovery of a “hot” teapot at London’s Millennium Hotel with an off-the-charts reading for Polonium-210, the radioactive material used in the killing.

OMG…. how many more guests were exposed with that HOT teapot?

OK folks, I gotta leave early today to run some errands. Have fun and enjoy the return of Jane in half an hour!

Yea, and what’s this “First Vietnamese War” deal on this song? It’s got good lyrics but that sure as hell wasn’t the “First Vietnamese War”, especially if you are Vietnamese!

Jacob M @
54

Because I’m just contrary like that, let me say: I hate Austin. I’ve lived here for three years and I am counting down the days until I can leave. I am setting that date for Fall of 2008, when I hope to go to law school.

Many people like this city. I find it superficial, self-aggrandizing and not as far from the rest of Texas in temperament as it would like to believe it is. There is some charm here (Barton Spring is awesome; as are the bats.) On the whole, though, Austin is a decent city made to look good by its comparison to a shitty state.

Again- I apologize for being a contrarian on this issue, but I harbor a deep deep dislike for this city and the cult herein.

Hey Donita - who sez you have to have an officially scheduled appearance? The Flaming Lips did an entirely unannouced appearance for people who happened to be at the Dog & Duck Pub in Austin last year during SXSW.

Have a blast Donita! I adore Austin and have a son there (or he is mostly there) … of course he avoids the mall suburbs Austin and hangs with Burner Austin… great folks, great spirit and always great music.

Have Pancakes at Kirby Lane for me!

Pancakes at Kirby Lane @ 3am…that’s a great way to finish a night !

TRex Hoooray! Great news

((((Jane))))

Hey Donita - fabulous choices (again) with the u-tube & playlist. That comment by Jacob M sounds like a great inspiration for another Bowie song. I’ll definitly be seeking out your band in Austin, which brings me to my next question. Do you know anybody in Austin who I can crash with during the festival? I’d like to stay in a swank mansion, if possible, with people who are really cool and like to party. I’d like my own bedroom with my own bathroom, preferably with a private entrance/exit - if I want to bring a dude back with me, I hope that would be cool. I know the food is going to be decent at the fest, but it might be expensive, so if my hosts have a cook that would be excellent. Thanks for any help you can give here. Doing my best to keep Austin worried

Jacob M @
54

Because I’m just contrary like that, let me say: I hate Austin. I’ve lived here for three years and I am counting down the days until I can leave. I am setting that date for Fall of 2008, when I hope to go to law school.

Many people like this city. I find it superficial, self-aggrandizing and not as far from the rest of Texas in temperament as it would like to believe it is. There is some charm here (Barton Spring is awesome; as are the bats.) On the whole, though, Austin is a decent city made to look good by its comparison to a shitty state.

Again- I apologize for being a contrarian on this issue, but I harbor a deep deep dislike for this city and the cult herein.

As a former Texan who also couldn’t wait to get out, I understand your frustration. It’s true–Austin looks good, really good, in contrast to Houston, Dallas, etc. And San Antonio is a cut above those latter two cities as well. Hang in and enjoy your next move.

raven @
16

Sorry, it’s Freda and the Firedogs, nice story bout the Broken Spoke Spoke

The Broken Spoke? Thats where all the right-tards hand out. They have a huge 8×10 glossy of W there, which I ceremoniously FLIPPED OFF! as I strode by. Didn’t get too many free drinks, I wonder why?

Jedreatha @ 66

Hey Donita - fabulous choices (again) with the u-tube & playlist. That comment by Jacob M sounds like a great inspiration for another Bowie song. I’ll definitly be seeking out your band in Austin, which brings me to my next question. Do you know anybody in Austin who I can crash with during the festival? I’d like to stay in a swank mansion, if possible, with people who are really cool and like to party. I’d like my own bedroom with my own bathroom, preferably with a private entrance/exit - if I want to bring a dude back with me, I hope that would be cool. I know the food is going to be decent at the fest, but it might be expensive, so if my hosts have a cook that would be excellent. Thanks for any help you can give here. Doing my best to keep Austin worried

You and me both sista. I’ll do what I can.

Jane must be out getting more of that Belgian chocolate . . .

Muzzy @ 61

Hey Donita - who sez you have to have an officially scheduled appearance? The Flaming Lips did an entirely unannouced appearance for people who happened to be at the Dog & Duck Pub in Austin last year during SXSW.

True that, true that.

OfT - did Wolfie just say that SecDef Gates said that the non-binding Resolution would “embolden the terrorists”?

Oh well, ya gotta admit, he’s a quick learner….

Whoa, like I said this was over 30 years ago when I was there. I had hair down to my ass an no one seemed to care.

Goodnight Saigon!

Jacqrat @
68

raven @
16

Sorry, it’s Freda and the Firedogs, nice story bout the Broken Spoke Spoke

The Broken Spoke? Thats where all the right-tards hand out. They have a huge 8×10 glossy of W there, which I ceremoniously FLIPPED OFF! as I strode by. Didn’t get too many free drinks, I wonder why?

I lived in Austin from ‘87-’91. SXSW was hardly known - probably analogous to the Sundance Film Festival back then. Incidentally, I was running around with wes anderson and owen wilson in Austin during those days and helped out in their original b&w short film that gave way to bottlerocket. fun times.

That was the twilight of the days before the microchip industry transplanted there from CA. The big local news story then was Semetec setting up shop in the neighborhood, the first of many. Austin has since exploded.

.

Hey Jacob M.,
I’m sorry you ain’t had no Austin Moments while you were here. I’ve been here off and on for 37 years and it’s still great. It’s a place where you can get into a conversation with people really easy, if you speak up! It’s the land of the coinky-dink, and they are everywhere. It was no accident that it was called The ARMADILLO World Headquarters. We are everywhere and we can’t be seen. Loupy

Dear Miz Sparks:

Thanks much for the oh-so-cleverly designed package, which arrived yesterday. The green gaffer’s tape and the red and black sharpie accents really set it off nicely! I am happy to report that the postal carriers did as you pleaded: The parcel was NOT bent!

The tee shirts and stickers are great! When I close my eyes, I can already see one of the stickers — stuck at the end of my favorite toll booth entrance on the Bay Bridge.

Please thank Jane Weidlin for the photo; the inscription made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Oh sure, wasn’t eighthy-leven candles from 72 countries lit in my honor; but asking Jesus AND The Goddess BOTH to bless me was a very classy touch.

And yes, I am a saucy wench - as are you.

Thanks very much for the prizes. I will cherish them forever!

WIth much love,

Jacqrat

Jane’s back upstairs!

raven @
73

Whoa, like I said this was over 30 years ago when I was there. I had hair down to my ass an no one seemed to care.

Goodnight Saigon!

Jacqrat @
68

raven @
16

The Broken Spoke? Thats where all the right-tards hand out. They have a huge 8×10 glossy of W there, which I ceremoniously FLIPPED OFF! as I strode by. Didn’t get too many free drinks, I wonder why?

Raven! I loved the music there - nothing personal, just sharing my Broken Spoke experience. I saw a lot of 18 percenters there, is all.

Donita Sparkles -
Thanks a lot and one more thaing: To show my appreciation, I would like to take you out for some pancakes in Austin. Also, do you think we could get Al Franken to join us? He is really fun and righteous. If the guy I hook up with is cool, I’ll ask him along too. When you play, will all your material be new? Will you play any Texas music? Will you be wearing any cowgirl apparel?

Jacqrat @ 68

raven @
16

Sorry, it’s Freda and the Firedogs, nice story bout the Broken Spoke Spoke

The Broken Spoke? Thats where all the right-tards hand out. They have a huge 8×10 glossy of W there, which I ceremoniously FLIPPED OFF! as I strode by. Didn’t get too many free drinks, I wonder why?

Jacqrat, did you get your prize package? I sent it out on Monday.

Donita Sparks @ 80

Jacqrat @ 68

raven @
16

The Broken Spoke? Thats where all the right-tards hand out. They have a huge 8×10 glossy of W there, which I ceremoniously FLIPPED OFF! as I strode by. Didn’t get too many free drinks, I wonder why?

Jacqrat, did you get your prize package? I sent it out on Monday.

HI DONITA! (waves) Check up at comment #72, please!

Jedreatha @ 79

Donita Sparkles -
Thanks a lot and one more thaing: To show my appreciation, I would like to take you out for some pancakes in Austin. Also, do you think we could get Al Franken to join us? He is really fun and righteous. If the guy I hook up with is cool, I’ll ask him along too. When you play, will all your material be new? Will you play any Texas music? Will you be wearing any cowgirl apparel?

I don’t think any cowgirl apparel. I go more for the Thurston Howell the 3rd/ yachting look when I’m in Austin.

Hey Miz Donita

This is the first chance I’ve had to check your music. Whoa, no prisoners! You ever play in Athens?

raven @
16
Sorry, it’s Freda and the Firedogs, nice story bout the Broken Spoke Spoke
————
Jacqrat @ 68
The Broken Spoke? Thats where all the right-tards hand out. They have a huge 8×10 glossy of W there, which I ceremoniously FLIPPED OFF! as I strode by. Didn’t get too many free drinks, I wonder why?
————
Donita Sparks @ 80
Jacqrat, did you get your prize package? I sent it out on Monday.
————
Jacqrat @ 81
HI DONITA! (waves) Check up at comment #72, please!

wha huh? I’m confussed.

raven @ 83

Hey Miz Donita

This is the first chance I’ve had to check your music. Whoa, no prisoners! You ever play in Athens?

Greece no, Georgia yes but not with my new band yet.

Jacqrat @
76

Dear Miz Sparks:

Thanks much for the oh-so-cleverly designed package, which arrived yesterday. The green gaffer’s tape and the red and black sharpie accents really set it off nicely! I am happy to report that the postal carriers did as you pleaded: The parcel was NOT bent!

The tee shirts and stickers are great! When I close my eyes, I can already see one of the stickers — stuck at the end of my favorite toll booth entrance on the Bay Bridge.

Please thank Jane Weidlin for the photo; the inscription made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Oh sure, wasn’t eighthy-leven candles from 72 countries lit in my honor; but asking Jesus AND The Goddess BOTH to bless me was a very classy touch.

And yes, I am a saucy wench - as are you.

Thanks very much for the prizes. I will cherish them forever!

With much love,

Jacqrat

SORRY!! #76 - I just woke up and don’t have my glasses on yet (or my first cup of joe down)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

It would be great to see you, I guess it would be the 40 Watt?

Donita Sparks @ 85

raven @ 83

Hey Miz Donita

This is the first chance I’ve had to check your music. Whoa, no prisoners! You ever play in Athens?

Greece no, Georgia yes but not with my new band yet.

People, I apologize. My typing/spelling is god awful. I do try to go back and edit myself though.

Donita Sparks @ 88

People, I apologize. My typing/spelling is god awful. I do try to go back and edit myself though.

It’s all part of your charm, baby! Did you get my message of thanks yet? (HINT: Check #76 and/or #86)

raven @ 87

It would be great to see you, I guess it would be the 40 Watt?

Donita Sparks @ 85

raven @ 83

Greece no, Georgia yes but not with my new band yet.

L7 played The 40 Watt club many times. Great dressing rooms.
There was a killer vintage store next door. Is it still there?

Jacqrat @ 86

Jacqrat @
76

Dear Miz Sparks:

Thanks much for the oh-so-cleverly designed package, which arrived yesterday. The green gaffer’s tape and the red and black sharpie accents really set it off nicely! I am happy to report that the postal carriers did as you pleaded: The parcel was NOT bent!

The tee shirts and stickers are great! When I close my eyes, I can already see one of the stickers — stuck at the end of my favorite toll booth entrance on the Bay Bridge.

Please thank Jane Weidlin for the photo; the inscription made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Oh sure, wasn’t eighthy-leven candles from 72 countries lit in my honor; but asking Jesus AND The Goddess BOTH to bless me was a very classy touch.

And yes, I am a saucy wench - as are you.

Thanks very much for the prizes. I will cherish them forever!

With much love,

Jacqrat

SORRY!! #76 - I just woke up and don’t have my glasses on yet (or my first cup of joe down)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Oh ok! I’m so glad. Your mug is on its way too.
I’m impressed that you’re such a late riser. Are you a night owl?

Donita Sparks @ 91

Jacqrat @ 86

Jacqrat @
76

SORRY!! #76 - I just woke up and don’t have my glasses on yet (or my first cup of joe down)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Oh ok! I’m so glad. Your mug is on its way too.
I’m impressed that you’re such a late riser. Are you a night owl?

Lately, I have been. No one stays up at the lake past midnight, though. It is lonely here at night :(

also, I woke up at 4:30 this am to watch C-Span (Marcy Wheeler was on debating a DORK from the National Review about the Libby case - so it was an “event” I didn’t want to miss)

So, “Night-owl”, yes; “Political DORK”, also yes!

Thanks really for the prizes, it is so cool to have a personal note from Donita Sparks on a notepad depicting the POOL ROOM AT GRACELAND!

The music store right there at the entrance finally went belly-up. The tattoo joint, Flicker and the vintage store (the dude is from Elmhurst, Il) is still going.

Jacqrat @
76
Dear Miz Sparks:

Thanks much for the oh-so-cleverly designed package, which arrived yesterday. The green gaffer’s tape and the red and black sharpie accents really set it off nicely! I am happy to report that the postal carriers did as you pleaded: The parcel was NOT bent!

The tee shirts and stickers are great! When I close my eyes, I can already see one of the stickers — stuck at the end of my favorite toll booth entrance on the Bay Bridge.

Please thank Jane Weidlin for the photo; the inscription made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Oh sure, wasn’t eighthy-leven candles from 72 countries lit in my honor; but asking Jesus AND The Goddess BOTH to bless me was a very classy touch.

And yes, I am a saucy wench - as are you.

Thanks very much for the prizes. I will cherish them forever!

With much love,

Jacqrat
————
Jacqrat @ 86
SORRY!! #76 - I just woke up and don’t have my glasses on yet (or my first cup of joe down)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!
————
Donita Sparks @ 91
Oh ok! I’m so glad. Your mug is on its way too.
I’m impressed that you’re such a late riser. Are you a night owl?

Lately, I have been. No one stays up at the lake past midnight, though. It is lonely here at night :(
————
Jacqrat @ 92
also, I woke up at 4:30 this am to watch C-Span (Marcy Wheeler was on debating a DORK from the National Review about the Libby case - so it was an “event” I didn’t want to miss)

So, “Night-owl”, yes; “Political DORK”, also yes!

Thanks really for the prizes, it is so cool to have a personal note from Donita Sparks on a notepad depicting the POOL ROOM AT GRACELAND!

I love The King. My pleasure Jacqrat.

[Mod Note; Watch the zigs please.]

Jane upstairs everybody!

raven @ 93

The music store right there at the entrance finally went belly-up. The tattoo joint, Flicker and the vintage store (the dude is from Elmhurst, Il) is still going.

Hey Raven? I hope I didn’t insult you earlier… I really did not mean to. ALso, I’d love to give you a big, fat hug for turning me on to PodTube!

I have such a KILLER video collection now for my video iPod, and it’s all because of YOU!! (thanks, Mark!)

Donita Sparks @ 95

Jane upstairs everybody!

Yeah, I know. All the fanboys are crowding around her, though. I wanted to savor our last few minutes with you, Miz Sparks !

HUGS.

Okay about the video: pure 60s flashback and the music was a driving soundtrack.

About Austin: Participated some 10 years ago at the Int. Poetry Festival. On plane to Texas fell ill with a flu as in ‘heavy duty influenza.’
spent three days sweating like a junkie going cold turkey. Delirious with fever.
Couldn’t believe the triple shots for two bucks during happy hour.
Liked the town though.