The Bastrop MusicFest was founded specifically to raise funds for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children) of Bastrop in 2007. These remarkable people take care of over 400 abused and neglected kids in 3 counties with an unbelievably small budget. This includes monthly travel to where ever these kids may be placed in the state, office space, utilities, nearly daily visits to the courts, feeding, housing, taking care of medical, dental, educational and social needs of the kids and much more. They just learned that their grants are expected to be cut by at least 30%! This fundraiser has suddenly become more important than ever!

Last year's festival featured Carolyn Wonderland headlining and she is once again headlining the event this year. This year promises to be bigger and better with the move closer to Austin to The Oaks in Manor and still just minutes away from Bastrop. There will be at least 11 bands on 2 stages including Carolyn, Eric Tessmer, Clay McClinton, & Freddie "Steady" Krc. Check the website at www.bastropmusicfest.com for the complete lineup and ticket info. At only $15, it's an awesome bargain!

Danny Young was a South Austin Institution. He was the owner of Texacali Grill and every musician in South Austin knew it. When he opened on South Lamar he had the Armadillo and associated artists paint murals of all the famous Texas musicians on the wall.  I have never been so overwhelmed by the beauty of the work and by the selection of worthy musicians. Danny had taste and there was Lydia Mendoza alongside Bob Wills and Butch Hancock, Robert Shaw, Flaco Jimenez, Blind Lemon Jefferson, T Bone Walker, Kinky Friedman etc. … you get the picture! It was always a great thrill for me to bring someone in there and test their identifying skills of Texas Musicians.

Then he finally wound up on Oltorf off of South Congress as that area started to take off and Texacalli Grill became a spot for politicians, musicians, slackers,, and just plain ol’ South Austinites to hang and meet their friends and enjoy a great meal. BUT most of all there was Danny who would meet you at the door and ask about you and your family and make you feel more at home than home itself. He always had great stories if you pressed him and he was the most genuine beautiful cat I think I have ever witnessed. How can a man be so damn friendly, happy, and Genuine!

To all of us in the music business Danny was all about the music. His jukebox was proudly filled with Texas Gems. He ate music up like it was his own Popeye Burger. Danny’s Not SXSW party he threw every year was monumental with Cornell Hurd riding shotgun and bringing legends like Johnny Bush to the old parking lot on Oltorf! It was an institution and that is why last year after he left Texacalli we/The Oaks put him and Cornell back on track and help host the celebration at Torchy’s Tacos on S 1st just so the tradition would live on!

I can’t think of a more beloved soul in Austin Texas than Danny Young! It will be one hell of a party when all his friends get together to talk about the revered Mayor of South Austin. We all love you and will miss you dearly my friend.

Steve Dean

Steve first introduced me to Danny about 3 years ago. He was sitting in the back booth at the Grill on Oltorf and at first meeting it was clear that this was a very special guy. Having grown up in San Antonio and spending some crazy college days in Kingville myself playing spades (among other things) all night with friends while just visiting for a few days or more, Danny’s stories about growing up there took me back a few decades. I immediately felt connected with him which isn’t hard to do.

I didn’t see him for maybe 4 or 5 months and then ran into him at the Broken Spoke one night. Of course remembering him is not hard; he radiates a room and make it warm and comfortable. I figured he’d never remember me, but still went up to offer to buy him a beer, say hello and test his memory just a little. He won that contest and immediately called me name. That again is what made Danny so special. He made every person he encountered feel special, unique and remembered. Each time I saw him after that, the teddy bear hug from him and the “Hi Sugar” were the highlight of any encounter with him.

I did not know Danny as long as many here in Austin have, but he still made a very strong impression on me in all the right ways. He is what we all should strive to be --- Genuine and true and oh so optimistic about life and the people we encounter! The world would be a much better place with more folks like Danny Roy Young. What a loss to all of us collectively and individually. I know he is hanging with the angels now and they are the lucky ones for sure!!!

Deb Fleming

Well we have had a long hot summer and we thought we would tell you of some upcoming events that we feel lucky to be a part of. The first of which is very dear to us and is not even at our club and that is the Steve Jordan Tribute that we here at The Oaks are helping to organize and produce. Steve Jordan is one of Texas’ greatest musical treasures. Steve is known as one of the greatest of all the Texas Conjunto accordion players and band leaders. He has 40 plus years of performing and recording to his career and now he is ailing and we wanted to put together an all star Tribute and give back to the man who has given so much.

The Steve Jordan Tribute is Sunday Aug. 10 from 3pm-8pm at The H & H Ballroom at 4404 Brandt Rd in Southeast Austin. The lineup includes Little Joe Hernandez, The Chicano Soul Revue with Larry Lange & the Lonely Knights, Max Baca & Texmaniacs, Texana Dames, and many more bands as well! The highlight should be Steve Jordan himself that will perform a limited set with his family band! Deb and I want to thank the sponsors and our collaborating organizers who have helped to make this event happen. They are Larry & Susie Lange (Larry Lange and His Lonely Knights), Guero’s Taco Bar, Torchy’s Tacos, Austin Latino Music Association, Uncle John Turner Foundation, Joey Pena Bar B Q, La Voz, Austin Chronicle, Eliseo Productions, and Rock & Roll Rentals.

Watch for upcoming Steve Jordan articles in Austin Chronicle by Margaret Moser and the Statesman by Michael  Corcoran.

Chris Gaffney was one of my dearest friends. I think I first met Chris when he was trying to get out of working at the shipyards and his body was feeling its age. I was put into service by bringing him to Texas to work. He had been playing every weekend at The Swallows in California and he had a band there but we couldn’t afford to bring them so I put an A list band behind him and tried to do a week or so worth of dates and then fly him back. He would stay at my house and of course we would stay up all night goofing off and playing old records after a night out seeing other great Austin bands or after one of his shows when the adrenalin was still running. This went on for years and we got pretty tight. He won an abundance of friends and admirers of his work here and the momentum slowly built. Then he joined the Hacienda Brothers and Dave Alvin’s bands and he was never to go back to the docks again. I think at his age he really appreciated the road more than most, as he knew he would never have to go back to back breaking work again.

When we decided to do a benefit for his treatment, all his friends jumped at the chance to play the gig. Some of his friends were on the road and were not able to participate but everyone wanted in as soon as I said Chris needs help. I want to thank all those people who gave so much, so readily.

First off there are the “Wimberly Girls” (Kellye Rila & Jennifer Oines) whose enthusiasm was always pushing the level of excitement up another notch. They helped tremendously at the benefit with the door and arranging the auction. Then there is Deb Fleming, my partner who is usually behind the scenes but is the glue that keeps it all together.

Then the bands: Rick Dinsmore with Jocelyn Callard, Mandy Mercier, and Dan Earhart, The Suzanne Smith Band, Dallas Wayne (who went the extra mile and MC’d all day & night and even bought my Mom’s painting in the auction!), Ted Roddy and band, Ponty Bone and band, Rick Broussard & Two Hoots and a Holler, Zydeco Blanco, The Iguanas (who drove all the way from Shreveport LA just to play a short set), Roy Heinrich Band (Chris always loved Roy’s “Face in the Crowd”), Dave Insley Band, and Rosie Flores Band. All these bands made it happen and did it for their love of Gaff!

The donors of items for the silent auction helped by doubling the money made and we want to thank them as well. I got the idea to do this about 10 days before the event and so I just started calling people on the phone. I would like to say that one of the reasons I love Austin Texas is that when I called and said a musician’s family needed some help they immediately said YES! Threadgills restaurant, Curtis at Evangeline Cafe, Bob Zink (One of Gaff’s biggest fans and supporters from the beginning), One World Theatre, Capitol City Comedy Club, Waterloo Records (Thanks Martin), Kris Simonatti at Salon Bloom, Sienna Restaurant, The Long Center, Wayne Hancock, Marcia Ball, Deb Fleming, The Oaks, Rosie Flores, Andrew Nafziger, Deb Smith, Kellye Rila, Rebecca Elder, Zydeco Blanco, Out of the Past (Ted & Linda who are always big supporters of Austin music), Gruene Hall, Elaine Dean & Old Soles Boot Co. (Mario & Allison Bravo).

And of course we want to thank all of the people who came to the show of which many donated extra money to the cause. Check out the photos of the event at the gallery on the website.

On a final note, many of the fans of Gaffney might want to know that the Hacienda Brothers had recorded a new CD before his passing and it will be out in June/July. There is also a tribute record being made as we speak with many artists doing his songs, so look for that in the future as well. For other info you can check out the following websites. www.helpgaff.com or www.davealvin.net or www.haciendabrothers.com

Bless You, Steve Dean

The Oaks will be carrying on the tradition started two years ago by hosting a very special Sunday to wrap up SXSW week. Our “Not SXSW” Sunday extravaganza party is now fully booked with not just the two normal stages has in years past, but three stages for 30 bands to showcase their fine talents. We wanted to get the word out early about the line up for this great day on March 16th so check out the line up for our new ‘parking lot stage’ as well as our big outdoor stage and indoor stage. There will be something for everyone that’s for sure!!

We are also very pleased to have Torchy’s on site providing great food for the music lovers and the music players. These guys have a great new location in the old Virginia’s location on S. 1st and El Paso. Check ‘em out there as well as their other locations further up S. 1st and on W. 6th Street.

There’s No cover charge so C'mon out and join in the fun. Get to know some great local and national roots bands in the coolest country setting at the only true Texas road house music venue in the Austin area!!

Here's the current lineup for Sunday, March 16th:

Big Outdoor Stage

12 PM: Ruby Dee and The Snakehandlers (Seattle)

1 PM: Roy Heinrich and The Pickups (Austin)

2 PM: The Quebe Sisters Band (East Texas)

3 PM: Rick Shea with Jamie Shuey (Los Angeles,CA)

4 PM: James Intveld (Los Angeles,CA)

5 PM: James Hand Band (Tokio, TX)

6 PM: Carrie Rodriguez (Nashville)

7 PM: Dave Insley and The Careless Smokers (Austin)

8 PM: Jesse Dayton with Brennen Leigh (Austin)

9 PM: Larry Lange and The Lonely Knights (Austin)

10 PM: Kitty Kitty Bang Bang Burlesque Show (Austin)

Indoor Stage

12 PM: Shake ‘Em Ups (Austin)

1 PM: Rizdales (Canada)

2 PM: Patricia Vonne (Austin)

3 PM: Massimiliano Larocca & Andrea Parodi (Italy)

4 PM: Gurf Morlix & Friends (Austin)

5 PM: Rosie Flores & Band (Austin)

6 PM: Gal Holiday & Honky Tonk Revue (New Orleans)

7 PM: Mario Matteoli & Band (Austin)

8 PM: Mike Stinson & Band (Los Angeles,CA)

9 PM: Ricky Broussard with Two Hoots & A Holler (Austin/San Antonio)

10 PM: Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash (Austin)

11 PM: Nortons (Austin)

Parking Lot Stage

12 PM: Linda McRae (Canada)

1 PM: Boxcar Preachers (Austin)

2 PM: Brennen Leigh & Leo Rondeau (Austin)

3 PM: Green Mountain Grass (Austin)

4 PM: Woodsboss (Austin)

5 PM: Suzanne Smith & Band (Austin)

6 PM: Shotgun Party (Austin)

7 PM: Jon Jon Davis (Nashville/Boone,NC)

8 PM: Eric Hokkanen (Austin)

9 PM: Bellville Outfit (Austin)

Also take a look at the Thursday, March 13th line up for our Singer Songwriter Special Not SXSW event, our Friday, March 14th HIP HOP Showcase and lots of surprises on Saturday, March 15th.

The Oaks is honored to collaborate with The Cornell Hurd Band, Torchy’s Tacos and the historic (but now closed) Texacalli Grill (aka Danny Roy Young much missed establishment) to present the SXS Extravanza on Saturday, March 15th from 11am til 3pm. This special event will take place at Torchy’s Tacos at 1207 S 1st Street. Guests include: Bill Kirchen, Ponty Bone, Jason Arnold, Billy Dee and Blackie White to name only a few. The usual suspects will likely be there so come on out for a late breakfast, lunch or snack at Torchy’s and hang with the real deal of S Austin listening to some great music out on the lot.

Then mosey out to The Oaks around 8pm for some more great music from David Serby, Patty Hurst Shifter, Les Poissones Rouges & more.

But be sure to save a little energy for our big Sunday party starting at noon on March 16th. Too much fun, that’s for sure!!!

The Oaks will host more music than ever this year with 4 days & nights of showcases spanning the range of music genre’s. There is absolutely something for everyone and more.

Here's the lineup for the lead up days to our HUGE Sunday Party that has details listed just below this news flash update. Thursday, March 13th starting at 6pm:

6 PM: Movin’ Target Band

7 PM: Rick Dinsmore & Jocelyn Callard

8 PM: Love Band

9 PM: Mike Davis & Alicia Gill

10 PM: John Downing Band

Friday, March 14th show starts at 2pm with breakdance competition and loads of activities and fun events, + Live DJ music. Live performances start at 5pm and include the following:

Mic Skills, Vertual Vertigo, Just Born, Perseph One, ASTEX, Now On, Buff 1, Clemits, Smoke Jumpers, Dubb Sicks, Uncle Suel, D.O.S., Mad-1 feat. Benjamin Heights, Mirage, Young Nick, Public Offenders, Blacklisted Individuals, Stormshadow, RX Family. + DJ's Notion, Graffitti, S.T.A.T.I.K., Aspekt, Bomber, Diamond Tip & more on both the inside stage and outside stage from 5pm - 2am. + surprise guests

Saturday, March 15th at 8pm David Serby, Patty Hurst Shifter, Les Poissones Rouges & more to be added.

We have just received a glowing review from the folks at The Austin Chronicle. Jim Caliguri wrote the review on Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys on May 25th here at The Oaks. It is in the June 1st edition on page 70 and sharing space with Morrissey! It says of the Oaks:

“If you have a problem with the “mallification” of the once great venue known as the Backyard, and lots of people do, then look east. Just outside Manor, the Oaks is intimate and laid back. With shade trees, a concrete patio, and a muddy parking lot, it could be someone’s back yard. They were even selling gumbo and etouffee in honor of the Mamou Playboys.”

“Combined with the down home atmosphere, it made this Friday night dance party, a near perfect way to begin a holiday weekend.”

The Oaks will be carrying on the tradition started last year by hosting a very special Sunday to wrap up SXSW week. Our “Not SXSW” Sunday extravaganza party is booked with only one slot left to confirm. We wanted to get the word out early about the line up for this great day on March 18th so check out the line up for both our new inside stage as well as our big outdoor stage. There will be something for everyone that’s for sure!!

There will be food vendors on site and more festivities for music & food lovers, large and small.

There’s No cover charge so C'mon out and join in the fun. Get to know some great local and national roots bands in the coolest country setting at the only true Texas road house music venue in the Austin area!!

Here's the current lineup for Sunday, March 18th:

Big Outdoor Stage

1 PM: Roy Heinrich and The Pickups (Austin)

2 PM: Ricky Broussard with Two Hoots & A Holler (Austin/San Antonio)

3 PM: Rick Shea (Los Angeles,CA)

4 PM: James Intveld (Los Angeles,CA)

5 PM: Weary Boys (Austin)

6 PM: Dave Insley and The Careless Smokers (Austin/Scottsdale,AZ)

7 PM: Hacienda Brothers (Southern California)

8 PM: Mike Stinson (Los Angeles,CA)

9 PM: Miguel Garcia & The Vaquetones (Los Angeles,CA)

New Indoor Stage

1 PM: Suzanne Smith (Austin)

2 PM: Ronnie Caywood (Rockdale/Austin)

3 PM: Love Gone Cold (Austin)

4 PM: Jon Jon Davis (Boone,NC)

5 PM: Shotgun Party (Austin)

6 PM: Carrie Rodriguez (Austin)

7 PM: Mark Jungers & The Whistling Mules (Austin)

8 PM: Onion Creek Crawdaddies (Austin)

9 PM: Green Mountain Grass (Austin)

Watch for the line up for Friday, March 16th & Saturday, March 17th which will be posted very soon as well.

Also take a look at the Thursday, March 15th line up for our Singer Songwriter Special Not SXSW event below.

The Oaks has been hosting a Singer Songwriter Series with Open Mic every Thursday since December 2006. Sharon May and Lew Andre’ Mathews, who recently returned to the area from Los Angeles are the official weekly hosts and organizers. Each week there is a featured artist along with open mic for others to come and join in with this lively gathering.

On Thursday, March 15th there will be a special Not SXSW Singer Songwriter Evening with a special line up of featured artists.

There’s No cover charge so C'mon out and enjoy some great music from a consistent group of singer songwriters who have graced the Thursday night series since late last year. You might just make it a regular weekly date once you check it out!!! !!

Here's the current lineup for Thursday, March 15th on the new Indoor Stage:

7 PM: Sharon May & Lew Andre’ Mathews, Norm Ballinger, Native Sons, Will Gullatt & Alan Stewart, Jocelyn Callard & Rick Dinsmore and Clepper George

Just a quick note to let everyone know that our Not SXSW music lines up are really starting to take shape. We are planning concurrent inside and outside shows this year on each day, Thursday, March 15th through Sunday, March 18th.

Our regular Website calendar for March may not hold all the line ups each day so we may be moving to a different format for that over the next few weeks as things solidify for each day. Keep an eye on the calendar page, the News page for more details and perhaps a new link specific to SXSW week events.

Many of our friends that came to play last year (even before we were officially opened and able to sell beer and wine) will be returning this year for our Sunday big blow out party to end the week. The Hacienda Brothers will be joining us this day and we are really excited about that since we had such a great private show with them headlining at The Oaks last September.

There are lots of artists already confirmed and many more tentative that should be confirming shortly. So block off some time between March 15th and 18th this year to come out The Oaks to enjoy some great music, get away from the crowds of SXSW week in Austin and help us kick off our spring season with a bang! Hope to see you then if not before!

Through their brothers and sisters in Bastrop, last fall the Tornados’ MC had the honor and privilege of meeting an exceptional young girl and her family. Her name is Stephanie Manning. The Tornados’ immediately fell in love with her and decided to adopt the family at Christmas. On a beautiful sunny day in December 2006, the club took gifts and groceries to the Manning family. They opened up their home to the entire Tornados’ MC and what a day it was for all – very special at so many levels!

This 8 year old girl was born with micro cephalic w/ hydro cephalous. At only three days old she had a surgical procedure to install a VP shunt in her head and stomach. She has undergone physical therapy since she was two months old. If that wasn’t enough to deal with; at one year old she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At age three, she was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia. Stephanie has to constantly take botox and phenol block injections every three to five months. Currently she needs a feeding tube and baclofen pump. Obviously this strong young lady will face surgical procedures and health challenges for the rest of her life. The family has a lot facing them down the road!

Everyone that has had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful child is amazed at her beautiful smile, her strength and determination to live that touches your very soul! Needless to say she has had a meaningful impact on the Tornados’ club, and as a result they want to introduce her to other friends in the biker community and the community overall. We all want to support her through as many avenues as possible.

To that end, the Tornados’ MC is hosting their very first benefit for her at The Oaks. It is called “Stephanie’s Big Party”, because we all want it to be a big, fun party for her! So come out on Saturday, February 24th starting around 1pm for food, fun and fellowship to support this great cause. There will be a food cooked on site for your enjoyment, a silent auction, raffles, door prizes, in house poker run and much more! All the proceeds raised by the Tornados’ will go directly to the Manning family. The Oaks is honored to be a part of this wonderful event and hope that the friends of The Oaks will come out and join in the fun and festivities on this special day! The more, the merrier!!!

The Oaks Singer Songwriter Series is really developing a following of listeners and pickers. Sharon May and Lew Andre’ Mathews have done an immense amount of work to build each week’s featured artist line up and there is so much more to come as we move into the spring and out to the deck, which we all hope will be sooner vs. later.

One special addition this month will be a wine tasting event on Thursday, February 15th. Will Gullat and Allen Stewart are the featured artists this night and Will is an avid wine lover and is lobbying for more wine options at The Oaks. So to that end, Republic Beverage is bringing in several fun wines to taste on this post Valentine’s Day evening.

All the wines have a ‘love’ related name (for example: Foreplay & Ménage A’ Trois) so if you need a post V Day fix or a little vino to keep the ‘love’ alive long after cupid has hit his mark, come to The Oaks Thursday evening around 7pm and try out a few new wines just for the fun of it! There will also be some good picking going on as well so well worth the visit.

For all those music lovers who wonder about our outdoor seating arrangement during these colder months of winter (and a little wetter lately as well) we have moved out a pool table inside and rearranged the two remaining ones to make room for band set up and a small dance floor inside the club. This new arrangement has been working well since December and we will continue to have all winter weather shows inside until spring time takes us back to the deck and big outdoor stage. Mid March / SXSW time is the target time for this transition back outside.

Don’t let a little wet and cold weather scare you off! Come relax and enjoy our ongoing music schedule each week in our cozy warm indoor bar area with a Thursday night Open Mic and Singer Songwriter Series starting at 7pm with No Cover Charge but lots of great local talent as well as some coming to us from Houston area. Weekend shows continue on most Friday and Saturday nights and these still start at 8pm with many bands playing for a small cover charge or tips only.

So pack it up and take a short drive from downtown Austin. The Oaks is still growing and waiting for your next visit.

The October issue of Forbes Life magazine included a feature article in their travel section about Austin and its local music scene. Writer Lorraine Cademartoni visited the live music capital and made the rounds to the normal high profile venues providing highlights of each. Antone’s, Stubbs, Continental Club, Threadgill’s, Broken Spoke and Gruene Hall were all mentioned but the most favorable remarks were made about The Oaks, for which we are quite proud. One of two photos from the area was of Buckwheat Zydeco playing on our big outdoor stage.

Just goes to show you that the ‘new kid’ does rank up there with the more renown local favorites around town. Another good reason to take that short drive out to check us out some time!

From the article:

"But my favorite is a brand new venue in the middle of nowhere, about 15 miles northeast of town. Called THE OAKS, it’s a sprawling, ramshackle building of no particular distinction. But there is an outdoor stage, with table and bleacher seating, an enormous dance area on the side and $2 beers. Couples bring their children, and disparate acts like Buckwheat Zydeco and Bill Kirchen bring their instruments. As a way to pass a Saturday evening, not much can beat it."

We have just asked our new neighbors in Manor, Uncle Boudreax Cajun Kitchen to provide food on the weekends for us. I personally love the crawfish etouffee. So starting with Marcia Ball’s show this Friday be sure to bring your appetite to the weekend shows. You can check out his website at http://www.uncleboudreaux.com/ or visit him any day in Manor as he opens at 11am. P>

Don Walser was the perfect example of what makes the “Austin Music Scene” special. He was a traditional artist who was loved by all from punks to traditionalists. His passing is a big blow to what makes this town “weird” or more fitting “unique”. All of us at the Oaks send our best wishes to his family and friends as he was truly one in a million!

We also would like to remind everyone that we here at The Oaks are committed to giving to the community and would like to extend our facility to the local and regional community groups who are doing good things to raise money and awareness for much needed charities. One of our first big benefits will be Sept. 30 as Southwestern University brings Rick Trevino to The Oaks. This benefit is spearheaded by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and is benefiting the American Cancer Society. We also are holding a date for the Elgin Humane Society and would love to help more groups like these.

We even have a date on November for the premier of “For The Love of The City”. This benefit with documentary will help raise money for the displaced Katrina Flood victims. We are also in discussions with another film maker regarding a film premier possibly in October.

We also love other groups to come out and see if The Oaks might work for your special occasions such as parties, birthdays, wedding receptions, group fund raisers, etc.

Well there is a lot of catching up to do as I have been busy. First off we would like to thank all the sponsors for the Hacienda Brothers show! Thanks also to Tom Vandenavond, Molly, Brian, and the other Weary Boys for opening the show. Thanks for making that a special night! The food was great thanks to Paul Landers and crew. And of course thanks to my my old friends Chris Gaffney and Dave Gonzalez. Dave & Chris of the Haciendas have put together a real special blend of soul and country and surrounded themselves with great musicians. Be sure to check their website out and don’t miss them when they play in your area.

Reflecting back on the last month or so it reminds me to say something unique about this place. We have tried to bring some of the best talent around to here and so many people think that it is a long drive but most of those people are the ones who haven’t come. The one thing we hear constantly as people leave is that is isn’t a bad drive and that they really like the place’s atmosphere. That is what drew me to the place in the first instance. It reminds me of a cross between the old Backyard & Liberty Lunch. When we had Billy Joe Shaver Sept. 8 the weather men were talking rain and my crowd dwindled because of it. It has happened on several occasions that when it is raining in Austin it is beautiful here. So don’t let a small shower change your mind about coming out. Another factor is even when it is raining we have a covered deck that looks directly to the covered stage. If any of you remember the last James Hand show it started pouring during his set and he kept on playing and everyone hustled up to the deck and the show went on in a very surreal kind of way. It was a great night, thanks James!

We would like to say welcome to Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. Mark has relocated from sunny San Diego and we threw together a last minute show Aug. 26 and it was a real blast. Hopefully we will be having another show with them in the near future! They will be a great addition to the Texas landscape.

We feet very fortunate when Little Joe Lafamilia’s office called and asked about doing a show. We feel that the Tejano sound has been given a short stick lately by mass media. Even Gonzalo Barrientos has been talking about it lately. We have too many Tejano legends right here in our backyard and no one bigger than Little Joe himself. So I have committed myself to doing some of these shows and Little Joe’s was proof that there are many folks wanting it as well. What a performer and what a band! Following Little Joe is Augustin Ramirez and he will be performing Saturday Sept. 16 at 8pm. Augustin is a Hall of Fame Tejano star and We would like to see him here on a regular basis so please come out and support it.

We will soon have a newsletter that will go out each week so this blog will be a bit different soon. If you want to keep up with upcoming events you will want to subscribe on our home opage and receive the newsletter weekly. This blog will be mostly my reflections on past shows and other outside news. Having bartenders that are musicians is a real treat but when they hit the road it leaves us short handed behind the bar and on stage. Dave Insley is touring for the next 6 weeks in support of his brand new CD “Here With You Tonight”. Go get the CD in your finer CD stores around town, it is the best. Jessie Lee Miller is heading out as well in August to play in the Northeast with former High Noon guitarist Sean Mencher. Her latest shows have been great with several special guests adding to the show (Connie Hancock, Mel Prushert, Eddie Byble, Rosie Flores, Slim Richey, and others). Rosie Flores just got back from her last West Coast Tour and to much critical acclaim. Ask her about the house she stayed in in Los Angeles. She will be back on our stage August 4th. Lizzie is our newest addition and she is a singer in her own rite but is also hitting the road with none other that Scott Biram as road manager/merch person. The James Hand show was a wonderful time and I have been getting great emails from overseas about his performances there! Now about some upcoming events…. I have been on a crusade to bring Traditional Country to Austin as it seems to thrive in the dancehalls outside Austin but not in Austin for some reason. So I talked Bobby Flores into giving me 4 last Fridays in every month. I need everyone who holds traditional country near and dear to come out this Friday and show him support. Classic country sounds with some of the finest musicians in Central Texas. There is a reason he is always Pay Price’s 1st pick on violin! The the Rockabilly/Roots extravaganza called “Boot Strap Bonanza” with 5 bands and a burlesque show all in obne day Sat. July 29. Then the “Godfather of Austin Blues” returns on Aug. 5th, none other than W.C. Clark and his Blues Review!

This Friday July 21 we are happy to get the wonderful James Hand back at the Oaks. If you remember last time he played here he did so in a huge thunderstorm! Since our deck was covered and our stage was covered he just continued to play and we just turned up the PA. It was somewhat surreal but a show that I will never forget.

Of course every one knows by now that James has been signed to Rounder Records and his new CD has been getting daily critical acclaim. He has been featured on national radio and now there is camera crew following him around filming his every move and they will be on hand this Friday as well. He sure would make for an interesting reality show! Also another reason you don’t want to miss this show is that it is James’ last show before he embarks on his European tour and he won’t be around for a while. Let’s give him a big Texas send off!

On another note The Texas Sapphires have cancelled their Saturday show due to some family emergency so it is just Heather Rae & The Moonshine Boys on the deck with a reduced price.

As you might also notice we are gearing up for the summer to be over and have expanded our music nights. We will be doing at least 5 nights a week from here on out and check the website for those nights. Also look for a giant September.

This Sunday was a special day here at the Oaks. The Texas Pioneers played on the deck to honor the late great Texas Western Swing pioneer Adolf Hofner. Several of the Pioneers are 40 year veterans of this type of music and have played with many of the Texas legends.

Ray Tessmer is one of the finest western swing guitarists in Texas and has just recently been voted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame. Ray, along with Jimmy Grabowske (steel guitarist), also a Texas Pioneer played as the house band at the famous Skyline Club on North Lamar and backed many of the touring country artists in the 50s & 60s there.

Bill Dowdy was also on hand and is another veteran of tons of Central Texas Western Swing Bands (Tommy Thompson etc.). The real special moment though was the arrival of San Antonio native and widow of Adolf Hofner, Ms. Susan Hofner and she was accompanied by her singing daughter Kathy who recorded with Adolf back in the 70's.

Bennie & Bobby Leaders (The Leaders Brothers) who were playing Western Swing in the 40's (Western Rangers) sang a few songs and then Rob Moag also sat in (KOOP DJ) on mandolin and sang a few. Rob has released a great CD "Salute To Texas Swing" making this a 'Sunday Salute to Texas Swing' indeed!

We had a wonderful benefit for Alex’s hospital bills and raised enough money for him to proceed with his surgery. I want to thank everyone for coming out and helping out. The following is a list of who made it possible and I want to extend special thanks to them. Jeff Hughes, Thierry Le Coz, Jessie Dayton, Alvin Crow, The Cobras, Texas Mavericks, Rosie Flores, Eve Monsee, and Ricky Broussard’s Two Hoots and a Holler. Also Charlotte & Roland at Iron Works Bar B Q, Curtis at Evangeline’s Cajun Restaurant, Dylan at Rock & Roll Rentals, Steve Howell at Lighting Discs, Steve Wertheimer at The Continental Club, James White at The Broken Spoke, Steve Fulton at Vintage Guitars, Amy Scarborough at Amy’s Facials, Robert Borrel at Dizzy T’s Screen Printing, Cori Webb at Omni Hotel Spa, Kim Ebert at Kim’s Professional Maid Service, of course Chou Chou, Kellie, Debbie. The bands had such a great time seing each other that they expressed they wanted to do it again so we are planning another get together and proceeds will go to Music Cares who provide health insurance to needy musicians. It is still tentative but Aug. 6th is a target date.

When I opened my first business on 6th Street in 1975 it was because of what I saw was happening at the club Antone’s. I went to the grand opening of Clifton Chenier and knew right then I wanted to be close to this place that was about to happen. I opened OK Records directly next door that very month and saw every show for the following years. It has influenced my life more than I can say. Think of it Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Albert King, Jr. Walker and the list goes on. These names are the foundation of today’s music and the sort of performers that will never be seen again. Giants among men. Thank you Clifford for the best music this town will ever see.

Ricky Broussard and Two Hoots and A Holler hit a deer coming back from a Houston performance Saturday night and totaled his van. Luckily everyone was alright in the band. We are trying to put a benefit together to help with expenses and it will probably be June 9 so stay tuned.

An old friend and new supporter of The Oaks is hosting his big 50 Birthday Bash at The Oaks on June 30th. Two great bands are lined up to help Paul and his many friends celebrate this milestone day! Come on out and help him pass the half century mark (Gee Paul, you’re looking pretty good for an ole guy!) and enjoy the sounds of 1100 Springs and George Gusman Jr.

Come on out, sit on the deck while surfing the ‘net’ at The Oaks. We now offer free WI-FI just in time for the upcoming 2006 Republic of Texas Biker Rally. The Oaks is proud to be a premier advertiser for the Rally as well as a stop on one of the Rally’s Self Guided Tours this year.

ROT officially starts June 1st and runs through June 4th but The Oaks is hosting lots of great music for the entire week beginning Friday, May 26th all the way through Sunday, June 4th. There’s a great mix of Blues, Country and Cajun to satisfy all musical tastes.

The Oaks has just added some new wines to our growing list of libations. For the more discriminating wine lovers, we now have several Francis Ford Coppola varieties to enjoy by the glass or the bottle. These include the Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio, Coppola Diamond Sauvignon Blanc, and Coppola Diamond Claret. Coppola Sofia is a new fun addition in sparking wine as well. The ladies just love this one!

We also have added Merryvale Star Merlot, Reynolds Sauvignon Blanc and Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel; all nice by the glass or bottle. Ask our staff about any of these fine additions and try a glass or bottle next time you drop in just to hang out on the deck enjoying the nice breeze or with a group of adventurous friends who are open to tasting some fine new wine while enjoying the countryside around them.

Other news to report -- We have just received our bid for going WI-FI and being a ‘Hot Spot’ for all you wired computer types! This means free wireless high speed when you join us on the patio or anywhere else with your lap top. So in the not too distant future (before later in this month) you can hang out, enjoy a cold one or a fine glass of wine and surf the net!

The Oaks is not only bringing great music to the outskirts of Austin, but our bartenders are a veritable Who's Who of contemporary singer/songwriters.

Jessie Lee Miller is one, a welcome import from Pennsylvania with a fine new CD just out. A beautiful and talented classic country singer/songwriter, Jessie plays most Tuesdays in May. Look for some fine coverage of her in the May edition of 3rd Coast Music, arguably the best and toughest critic of music in Central Texas.

Rosie Flores recently moved back to Austin and is playing and also bartending for us. For those who just crawled out of a fallout shelter, Rosie has been a mainstay of roots and country music for years. We're real proud to have her with us.

Our latest immigrant from the Phoenix area is Dave Insley . Dave was the first act ever at The Oaks and has been an annual winner of Arizona’s songwriter for years. He's also playing and bartending several shows in May here -- come say howdy.

Thursday's XL section in the Austin American Statesman had some kind words and best wishes for The Oaks. We're a little too modest to honk our own horn much, so it's nice when a real professional like Mr. Corcoran does it for us. Thanks very much!

"All that's missing at The Oaks is you..."
(Click on the link above.)

Finally, there's BBQ and catfish on site for your eating enjoyment on show days. More delicious additions to the menu are on the way as well. Come out hungry and treat yourself to a great meal on the deck.

One of the smartest and best singer/songwriters of the last 20 years! Say hello to Lefty and Muddy for me.

Love you, brother – S.D.

We're honored to have recently hired Jim Franklin and Henry Gonzalez to embellish some of our galvanized metal siding. Both artists are local legends, pre-Starbucks and an integral part of Austin history.

The road goes on forever...

With Redd Volkaert scheduled for an 8 PM start on Friday, our TABC license came through at 4 P.M. Finally! We'll spare you our scramble to get beverages from a distributor late on a Friday afternoon, but we hung in there so Redd's gig wasn't a "dry run".

Saturday, of course, a grassfire across the road continued to make life amusing. Several fire trucks, news crews, high winds and longer-winded reporters got us some exceptional coverage. The fire was finally hosed down, tons of leftover water turned our dirt parking lot into a mess, and The Oaks was properly baptized.

On a somber but oddly fitting note, Buck Owens died Saturday morning and the Derailers were our featured act that night. Arguably the best "Bakersfield Sound" group in the country, the Derailers did some fine tribute work to Buck. Opening for them, Roger Wallace also performed some dandy Buck covers.

A fine crowd on a mild evening, with plenty of dancers and a nice mix of locals and Austinites. This is going to work, folks...

Michael Corcoran (Austin American Stateman) penned a few notes about us in the March 2 edition of XL, the Statesman's Thursday arts-oriented magazine:

" Finally, it looks like the long wait is about to be over for Steve Dean's new rustic club two miles south of Manor on FM 973. The Oaks will host a farewell SXSW barbeque March 19, with James Intveld, Rosie Flores, Rick Broussard and more. And look for a KGSR live music series to start at the 1,000-capacity venue this summer."

It looks like the TABC will be done with our papers just in time for SXSW, so I booked a Not SXSW Goin'-Away-Bar-B-Q for some of our best out-of-town friends. The shenanigans will start at 2PM on Sunday, March 19.

No cover! C'mon out and get to know some great national and international roots bands in a terrific new Austin music venue. With Texas-style Bar-B-Q!

Here's the current lineup:

1 PM: Roy Heinrich  (Austin, TX.)

2 PM: Ricky Broussard with Two Hoots & A Holler  (San Antonio, TX.)

3 PM: Rick Shea   (Los Angeles)

4 PM: James Intveld   (Los Angeles)

5 PM: Rosie Flores   (Los Angeles)

6 PM: Dave Insley with Amanda Cunningham   (Scottsdale, AZ)

7 PM: James Hand   (Tokio, TX)

8 PM: Seatsniffers  (Belgium roots/rock)

We've inked a sponsorship deal with KGSR to have them on board for a mutual The Oaks Live Spring/Summer Music Series. Are you familiar with their wildly successful Blues On The Green and Unplugged At The Grove ???

This will be a series leading up to those other two events, happening every Saturday night at 8pm with local, regional, and international acts, The Oaks Live series begins April 1st and runs through the first week in June. No acts have been confirmed yet. Admission would be free to $3 depending on the act.

We are also negotiating a Barbeque/Taco concession to be located on premises permanently.

The wait is killing us here at The Oaks!

After 4 months, it looks like our vigil will be over in 2-4 weeks, and our beer & wine license will soon be in place. But what does that mean for now?

It means the Billy Dee gig on Feb. 18th will be a free concert, by one of Texas' great singers and songwriters, in that hard country style. It also means the beer will be free, since we can't sell any just yet.

If that isn't enough to get you out here, then you may have been dead for sometime now -- check the obits!

I'm still working out some ideas for SXSW and will update this blog as soon as something is confirmed.

Assuming our alcohol license is in place by mid March, our first confirmed date is The Seatsniffers from Belgium -- a great live act that incorporates American music as diverse as jump blues, rockabilly, early country, and classic rock & roll. Look for them on March 11, and catch their website at www.twinstreet-bookings.com .

The South Austin Jug Band ( www.southaustinjugband.com ) is also confirmed on March 31, and the show will be an early one at 8 PM. Most of the shows here will be 8 PM so we can give everyone a chance to see our bands way before midnight -- the norm at many Austin venues.

Stay tuned, folks. We're gettin' there...