To vote by mail in Texas, or not? A familiar back and forth is playing out in the courts with enormous stakes in a presidential election year. If you call elections official and request a mail in ballot because you’re afraid of catching the Coronavirus, are you breaking the law? We’ll hear how the top election official in Texas’ capitol city is answering that question, among others. Also, questions raised about contracts awarded to get food that might otherwise be wasted to people in need. Plus a potential tsunami of evictions and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Archives for May 2020
Stream Pick: Jackie Venson
Many props to Austin-based artist Jackie Venson for delivering several outstanding live-stream shows during these quarantine times, tying most of them in with community fundraisers.
Venson continues to do so this week with a benefit show supporting the SIMS Foundation, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), and Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers (HOME). Don’t miss out on the show tonight, Wednesday May 20th, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on Venson’s Facebook page, and the Facebook pages of HAAM, SIMS and HOME.
The show is paired with a silent auction featuring some amazing guitars up for bid: A Fender Stratocaster American Standard HSS Shawbucker 2016 Sunburst, a Taylor 214ce-SB DLX Sitka Spruce/Rosewood Grand Auditorium with ES2 Electronics, Cutaway 2016, and a Fender Acoustic Wildwood II Vintage 1966 w Natural Wood Finish. Each of these beauties has been restored by the mighty Lauren Ellis, proprietor of MusicMaker. Venson will use these guitars during tonight’s show. The auction is currently live at this link, and wraps up Thursday, May 21st at noon.
-Photography by Ismael Quintanilla III.
El Rio Bravo
By W.F. Strong
Ten years ago I was touring the great Catedral de Sevilla, in Spain, when I got into an unexpectedly informative conversation about Texas with an 80-year-old guide of that majestic church. When he discovered that I was from South Texas, he asked me, in perfect British English, “Did you know that your river there in Texas is named after our river, the Guadalquivir?”
I said I didn’t understand how that could be so. How do you get Rio Grande from Guadalqivir? He said, “Guadalquivir is a Spanish distortion of the Arabic, meaning “the brave river” or “the great river.” So, when the original cowboys of Andalucia from southern Spain settled in northern Mexico, they thought the river looked like the Guadalquivir, so they called it the “Rio Bravo.”
Well, that was one more origin story to add to many others that claim to tell how the Rio Grande River, or the Rio Bravo – as it is known on the Mexican side – got its name. I can’t speak for or against the veracity of the guide’s story, but as a story, it’s interesting, which is the first rule of stories.
Some say Álvarez de Pineda first named the Rio Grande, El Rio de Las Palmas, in 1519. But others say he was really at the mouth of the Pánuco River near Tampico – much farther south in Mexico – not the Rio Grande. But we have to consider the Pineda Stone as evidence, which was found deep in the sand near the mouth of the Rio Grande in 1974, with his name etched on, along with the number of men and ships he had with him. Many believe it is fake, but just as many feel it’s real.
We do know that explorer Juan de Oñate called the river El Rio Grande in writing in 1598. Strangely, Cabeza de Vaca crossed it 70 years earlier on his wild trek across Texas and Mexico, but never mentioned the river at all.
The river has also been called Rio Grande del Norte and Rio Bravo del Norte. Today, we know for sure that it is called the Rio Grande on the Texas side, and the Rio Bravo on the Mexican side. At one time it was certainly brave and grand, with steamboats piloted by Texas legends like Richard King and his business partner Mifflin Kenedy, who traveled 130 miles inland all the way to Rio Grande City, and in a rare case, all the way to Laredo.
Though the river, once half-a-mile wide at some points, certainly earned its name, now we might call it El Arroyo Valiente, or Courageous Creek, because, along its 2,000-mile journey from Colorado to the Gulf, it’s often no bigger than a creek. So, many cities and towns along its bank pull water from it that is a mere trickle of its former self.
No wonder Will Rogers once said that the Rio Grande is the only river he “ever saw that needed irrigation.”
And down toward the mouth, the river is incredibly crooked, like an enormous water moccasin sunning itself in lazy loops and curls. Gen. Zachary Taylor said his soldiers believed it was so crooked there seemed to be only one shore. I can attest to this myself. I once rode my motorcycle along the northern trails that follow the curves of the riverside, but my eyes told me otherwise. It’s terribly disorienting. Riverboat pilots said it was 100 horse miles from Brownsville to Rio Grande City, but 175 river miles.
The river is to Texas and northern Mexico what the Nile is to Egypt. It is quite simply life itself, and always has been. And there are still quiet, isolated spots along the river. Ones where I found myself looking north across the water, even though I was not on the Mexican side where enormous canyon walls rise toward the heavens 2,000 feet overhead. Where exotic parrots fly in screeching flocks through the wild palm orchards – places you can sit and channel the words author John Graves wrote about a different Texas river: “If you are lucky and reverent, and hush for a moment the doubts in your head, sometimes God will whisper in your ear.”
Texas Standard: May 20, 2020
In a state with one of the lowest health insurance rates in the nation, a dangerous dip in coverage for many more Texans, we’ll have the latest. Other stories we’re covering, the Texan in line to become the nation’s next top intelligence official. We’ll hear what’s at stake as the Senate takes up the nomination of Republican John Radcliffe of Heath to be the next director of national intelligence. Also, despite a ban on such events, a small group in Texas gets one of the nation’s first live in person graduations of 2020. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Stream Pick: Sofa Sessions – Amy Cook
It’s a powerful voice of reclamation on Amy Cook‘s LP Okay Alright. For there is a poetry to the lifelong lesson of letting go. Hell, it’s practically an epic Greek poem with all the dramatic elements: Devastation, pain, fury, then a reckoning or realization, and ultimately, true happiness. This is Cook’s own journey toward that release.
In their ongoing efforts to raise awareness of mental health, the SIMS Foundation continues its very awesome Sofa Sessions live stream music series with a performance by Cook, happening tonight, Tuesday May 19th, at 6 p.m. (Central) on SIMS’ Facebook, Instagram, and their YouTube channel. It’s going to rule.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
Texas Standard: May 19, 2020
Bars, tattoo parlors and rodeos. What a return to normal is shaping up as in Texas as Governor Abbott moves to the next stage in reopening. Reopening dates vary by industry and rules aren’t being relaxed everywhere at once. Tony Plohetski of KVUE and the Austin American Statesman spells it out. Also, is the U.S. Government fast tracking child deportations? And why are so many small businesses having trouble getting promised aid? Plus the Hill Country spider that caught the attention of the Texas Supreme Court. Those stories and more today on the National News Show of Texas:
Scott Collins: “Sink”
What started off a decade back with Suicide Pistols and Southbound Drive has since changed course almost entirely for Austin’s Scott Collins. The guitarist’s raw talent had already taken him on national tours and landed him major commercial spots as well as local awards, all before founding his very own Chicken Run Studios in 2015. Shortly afterwards, Collins formed his very own backing band and capitalized on his longstanding, fruitful friendship with Grammy-Nominee Chris “Frenchie” Smith to produce the 2018 EP Roadmaps. And while Roadmaps charted a path of raw alt-rock, his upcoming sophomore album headed north travels in a decidedly more polished manner.
True to its name, headed north experiments with tones near-polar opposite of his early work with Southbound Drive, and you’ll be able to check out the full thing at the very end of May. You’ll have to wait a bit longer to catch Collins in concert (literally, thanks to his signature “trust fall” stage gimmick) but today you can enjoy the second of five new tracks off headed north, “Sink”!
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Nelly vs Ludacris
This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh discuss:
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- The most recent Verzuz battle between Nelly and Ludacris
- Their own verzuz style battle on Saturday, May 23rd at 8pm when they face off about which was a better year in hip-hop — 1998 or 1999. Watch on the Instagram on the @KUTX account or the @TheBreaksKUTX account.
- How history was made when Doja Cat’s “Say So” remix featuring Nicki Minaj reached number one on the Billboard charts, and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” remix featuring Beyonce reached number two. This is the first time that four black female solo artists have held top two spots on the chart.
- In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh defends the Netflix show Black AF and tells us why he thinks the show’s critics are being too harsh.
- In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius argues that the music industry in the United States and the Austin music scene in particular need to accept hip-hop and R&B as mainstream and not hold them to a higher standard than artists in other genres.
- The Local Song of the Week is “Do You Mind” by Nayome
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Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify or Stitcher
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Stream Pick: Emily Wolfe
Check out the track you hear on today’s Austin Music Minute, “Ghost Limb Gambler.” That’s Emily Wolfe tearing it up. Whether playing with her badass band or shredding solo, the Austin-based guitarist and songwriter always kills it. Rock ‘n’ roll’s the fuel, blues is at the heart of the matter.
And you won’t want to miss this. Crank up the volume and catch Wolfe performing today, Monday May 18th at noon (Central) on Epiphone’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channel.
-Photography by by Cinderblock.
Texas Standard: May 18, 2020
Are Texans ready to return to the gym? As another weight is lifted from COVID-19 lockdown orders, how’s this next phase gonna work out? We’ll have the latest. Also, a Texas Supreme Court order barring evictions is no more as of this Monday. But local governments are stepping in to provide protections to some, we’ll have details. And pets can can offer important companionship to the elderly unable to leave home right now, but expenses can give many seniors pause. Now a group of Texans trying to fill the gap. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Selena Sage (Ep. 24, 2020)
This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. presents a conversation with Selena Sage, inspirational speaker, owner of ZenTao Books publishing, and author of Get Free: 7 Simple Steps to Free Your Mind and Live Your Dreams.
Stream Pick: Trouble In the Streets
There is cause for celebration – a couple of reasons, actually – for intergalactic electro hip-hop/neo-soul warriors Trouble In the Steets, hence the badass party you get to be a part of this weekend.
Austin’s mighty electro-tribe trio is presenting a live stream show tonight, Saturday May 16th, from their new studio digs – which happens to be synth/bassist Andy Leonard‘s new home, and they’re also celebrating drummer Bobby Snakes’ birthday.
New space! Birthday times! The madness commences at 8 p.m.. (Central) on Trouble In the Streets’ Facebook Live. And the band has been working extra hard on its live stream performance delivery, so we’re in for a treat. And you can find their music and awesome new merch at their Bandcamp page.
-Image courtesy of the artist.
KUT Weekend – May 15th, 2020
Austin music venues worry the COVID-19 pandemic could leave them shuttered permanently. Austin Pets Alive! sees increase in fosters and adoptions as people spend more time at home. And, no prom, no graduation – but the Class of 2020 is still celebrating the end of high school.
Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org
Stream Pick: Rock For Rent
It’s an extremely sobering read, but very recommended. KUTX Music Director Jeff McCord discusses the importance of caring for our musicians and the preservation of the venues we see them perform at in his article A Deafening Silence.
As we see music artists getting creative with ways to get their music out into the world, we’re seeing similar approaches taken in support of local venues. It’s everything from merchandise to online fundraisers, virtual tip jars for bar staff, club memberships…you name it. That certainly includes The Lost Well, 2421 Webberville Rd., an East Austin favorite serving up some of the best punk, metal, underground, and totally uncategorized shows around. And, like all the venues, they’ve got rent to pay if they want to stay afloat.
So, like any resourceful badasses, the proprietors organized ROCK FOR RENT, a series of live stream benefit shows to help cover costs. And leave it to the Hickoids to step in and help out. Austin’s very own shameless corn punks are doing their live stream thang in support of The Lost Well starting at 8 p.m. (Centra) tonight, Friday May 15th on the Rock For Rent group’s Facebook Live. Donations can be made via Venmo @thelostwell. Git you some.
-Photo of the Hickoids courtesy of the artist.
Texas Standard: May 15, 2020
Record spikes in Coronavirus cases as Governor Abbott sets plans to further relax state rules on reopening. We’ll take a look at what’s behind the numbers and more. Also, remember when oil prices went into negative territory? All signs point to that happening again. We’ll hear why and what it really signals. And the future of higher education is what, exactly? Colleges and universities scramble to figure out the best way forward for the fall. Also high school graduation at the local drive in, your best best for live music this weekend and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Quarantine Love Poem
They say sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Stream Pick: Japanese Breakfast
Get a copy of Japanese Breakfast‘s Soft Sounds From Another Planet on vinyl, if at all possible. Then get those headphones on. Dive deep into the celestial vibes. In an interview during her visit to KUTX’s Studio 1A, songwriter/vocalist Michelle Zauner discussed the album’s combined themes of space and divinity, confronting trauma, and people’s disassociation from their trauma in an attempt to live a life not defined by their struggles.
Zaumer has organized a live stream show that will feature new Japanese Breakfast tracks and a collection of covers to raise funds in support of her band, following several months’ worth of show cancellations on what would’ve been their tour. Show them some love when you join Zauner for the show tonight, Thursday May 14th, starting at 6 p.m. (Central) on Noonchorus. Your virtual ticket supports the band, and links to their merchandise are provided.
-Photo of Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast by Julia Reihs for KUTX.
The Halfways: “Your Name”
Going back to the 2013 debut Exit, guitarist-vocalist Daniel Fernandez has been taking full measures to bring psych-pop and folk-rock to new listeners under his project The Halfways. Since Exit, Fernandez has recruited five additional members and reformed The Halfways sound to “psychedelic noir”, beautifully blending acoustic and electric, English and Spanish, and folksy and heady.
At the tail end of the past decade Fernandez began experimenting with electronic music (particularly minimalist acid house) under the name Synthemesc, and even more recently The Halfways took a yearlong hiatus. That time wasn’t all spent behind the keyboard crushing beats though, since Fernandez has just shared two songs written while wondering if and when he’d get to play with the full group again, and recorded in a similar air during quarantine, the two new tracks on Your Name are impressive to say the least. They both have a nice bounce to the tempo, a good mix of acoustic and electric guitar, and of course, Fernandez’s pop-influenced, effects-heavy vocals. Check out Your Name whenever you’ve got the 8 1⁄2 minutes, starting off with its title track!
KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.
Texas Standard: May 14, 2020
How to make up for lost time: reopen school for a full year? Texas educators struggle with what to do in the fall and thereafter, we’ll have the latest. Plus, a new phase in the battle against the spread of the Coronavirus as businesses try to reopen. We’ll hear more on the state of testing in the state of Texas. And Dr. Fred Campbell of UT Health San Antonio takes up more of your COVID-19 questions. Also, who’s in charge, where? The back and forth over seemingly contradictory safety orders from state and local officials. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Stream Pick: Lukas Nelson
Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real’s Naked Garden marks the spinoff point following last year’s LP Turn Off the News. Eerie how the title of last year’s LP reflects the vibe of current times. But is this year’s release a sequel? Not quite. Nelson explains that it’s a more raw, spontaneous track collection borne from the previous album’s recording sessions, including several song ideas that didn’t make the cut before. (Your Austin Music Minute host’s fave “Back When I Cared” is featured on today’s AMM.)
Since all touring plans have come to a halt, Nelson is sharing the new music on the Quaratunes Evening Sessions. Join him for a live stream solo performance Wednesday evenings, 8 p.m. Central, on the Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real YouTube channel.
-Photography by Joey Martinez.