Best Spring Break Ever? Part Two
SXSW was raging on, and it was actually overwhelming to think that I am SO out of it when it comes to social networking and technology. I was RSVPing for parties throughout Austin and trying to keep track of it all in a running word document, whereas many more savvy people had easily downloaded a SXSW Iphone app that imports all your confirmed events into your phone's calendar...I don't own an Iphone, and frankly I'm just not that cool. Though I wished for the ease and clutter free-ness of it all.
One show that didn't need a calendar nor a reminder was that of our friend from our old days back in San Francisco: John Vanderslice and Jason Slota. Max used to intern at JV's recording studio, Tiny Telephone, and has since worked with John and his various amazing musician friends and colleagues on various projects, including arranging and playing piano on a few songs on the most recent ep, such as Penthouse Window. The most recent project Max was involved in is JV's most diverse creation yet, a joint sonic and artistic venture with Minna Choi of The Magik Magik Orchestra (also an old buddy from the SF Conservatory days). White Wilderness is stunning; and JV and Slota brought it hard at SXSW. Here's their performance of one of my favorite songs Convict Lake...check the Moog lick...it's sick!
With all the visual, auditory, and food consumption going on it was pretty necessary to take a day or two away from the city to unwind a bit. We headed west one day, out to Marble Falls, Texas. Max knew of a cool lookout along the route, which bordered the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. We sat in the juniper structure and looked out upon the river.
One show that didn't need a calendar nor a reminder was that of our friend from our old days back in San Francisco: John Vanderslice and Jason Slota. Max used to intern at JV's recording studio, Tiny Telephone, and has since worked with John and his various amazing musician friends and colleagues on various projects, including arranging and playing piano on a few songs on the most recent ep, such as Penthouse Window. The most recent project Max was involved in is JV's most diverse creation yet, a joint sonic and artistic venture with Minna Choi of The Magik Magik Orchestra (also an old buddy from the SF Conservatory days). White Wilderness is stunning; and JV and Slota brought it hard at SXSW. Here's their performance of one of my favorite songs Convict Lake...check the Moog lick...it's sick!
John Vanderslice and Jason Slota, Convict Lake.
With all the visual, auditory, and food consumption going on it was pretty necessary to take a day or two away from the city to unwind a bit. We headed west one day, out to Marble Falls, Texas. Max knew of a cool lookout along the route, which bordered the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. We sat in the juniper structure and looked out upon the river.
The view across Texas hill country, looking west to Travis Lake (its actually a river). Texans refer long connection of rivers as a string of lakes, due to the fact that the river is pretty wide.
A young girl at the hill country overlook. She was dressed in a cheetah print dress, a pinned on tiger-tail, and a headband with tiger ears on. She was the cutest thing I saw in Texas.
Max and his impressive wingspan
Myself at the UT Austin fountain, channeling my favorite comedians (Fred and Carrie of Portlandia/Thunderant infamy).
Me and Max at the fountain
Maxy Waxy
(Thanks for the great nickname, JV)
Backyard BBQ preparation
Rascall Katt
you give him fire and he's a happy man
On the BBQ menu: Vegetable kebobs, Mexican onions in foil, Carne Asada tacos, and slow cooked black beans, all the fixins' too...Crema,Cilantro, Queso Fresco, and La Morena pickled jalapeños and carrots. YUM.
Well, all in all, a very successful trip. I can't wait to return. Austin lives up to its good reputation, and I am lucky to have hung out with some awesome people in such a beautiful place.
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