Live music review: Bear on Bear, The Mystery Achievement and Mohawk Bends at Free Week
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”26″ display=”basic_slideshow”]When The Cosmic Clash decided to re-up for Free Week this month, we set out with the intention of doing something a little different than the normal no-frills Free Week event. After all, Austin’s Free Week has evolved into a massive event for local music and venue owners who created the annual no-cover local music fest after local booking legend, Graham Williams (Margin Walker) began running the promotion to shore up business at the old Emo’s during a traditionally slow time for music venues. Over a decade later, it’s become a tradition for locals to head out on a “school night” to catch the latest bands currently haunting Austin’s myriad of venues.
Most of the clubs are concentrated along Red River Street adjacent to Sixth Street and the original location of Emo’s. The Velveeta Room which hosted our event with Music Firsthand‘s Comedians Interviewing Musicians is situated next to Esther Follies at the opposite corner of that intersection from the former Emo’s location. The opportunity felt right. So we jumped on it, booking indie rock stalwarts Bear on Bear along with TCC event alums, The Mystery Achievement. Talented rockers, Mohawk Bends opened the performance which was streamed live via Music Firsthand’s YouTube and Twitter accounts. We couldn’t be happier with the result given the non-stop, rainy weather on Wednesday, January 3.
Miraculously, the rain ceased around showtime, holding off more moisture for much of the duration of the performance, allowing fans the opportunity to duck into the club for some hilarity from comic hosts, Becki Jo Neill and Zac Brooks along with great live music in an intimate setting. It was kind of perfect to be honest. We had a ton of whiskey from Nine Banded, Austin Eastciders drinks and plenty of love from bartender and local comic, Pat Dean while fans dropped in and watched our artists turn in super fun performances then knock back shots of whiskey with our hosts who appeared to be having more fun than anyone else in the room.
We heard nothing but praise from our fans and performers following the event. We’re excited about working with Music Firsthand more on future events that allow us to share great live performances with music fans from all over the world. Check out the next Comedians Interviewing Musicians tomorrow (Tuesday, January 15). Details in the link.
All photos by Brandon Sandler for The Cosmic Clash
