One snowy night in Austin Texas.
As we set off for the evening, the wife and I kiss the dogs good night.
With plenty of time before the show and a few errands to run, we hit the freeway heading for downtown. Being rush hour and inclement weather we quickly come to a halt. We will have to put off the errands until tomorrow. We haven’t eaten all day and hunger builds in our bellies as we sit on the freeway stuck in traffic.
Everything begins to improve when we make a split decision to exit the freeway and take a shortcut to the restaurant we recently heard about. Upon exiting the freeway we enter a neighborhood reminiscent of the avenues back home. Large beautiful brick homes on narrow tree-lined strees. We zigzag through the neighborhood to our destination (food). We’ve heard about this restaurant which has great reviews. Heading there close to dinner with no reservations is risky but we’re willing to take a chance. It’s been raining all day, the coldest day of the year. I hope we can find somewhere close to park. Serendipity takes over and we pull into the parking lot two stalls from the door. We enter a small diner with limited seating. we are offered a seat at the common table. (A small bar in the kitchen) We sit down at the skinny wood table measuring 2‘ x 8 with a perfect view of the kitchen. We can’t help but notice as beautifully prepared dishes pass by. Our senses are perking up as we take in the sights, sounds and smells. Fresh loaves of bread, shelves of liquor, a bubbling fish tank. A beautiful ambience. We are quickly presented with drinks and sliced bread. For the wife a Shirley Temple and myself an IPA. One of the better beers I’ve tasted recently. With no hesitation we order a gourmet burger and a plate of scallops to share. The perfectly cooked burger served with the most unique french fries I have ever had. As thin cut as you could imagine and perfectly crispy, extra salty almost like a potato chip. The scallops were seared to perfection not overcooked, savory and tender. As we indulge ourselves with food and drink, I have time for some photos. A man at the bar, the server boys in their tight white jeans their blue shirts tucked in so clean and proper, the basket of bread loaves. We will be needing one of those to go! A great restaurant usually has an interesting bathroom this one was no different. Subway tile, dim lighting, unique fixtures with delicately folded hand towels. I find myself staring at a photo of Brooke Shields while I pee. Feeling satisfied and delighted by this new favorite restaurant it’s time for us to head to the show. Making our way out the door I spot some complimentary matchbooks. I’ll take one as a memento.
We are making good time and the venue is only a few blocks away. However as soon as we turn into traffic we realize it’s going to be a slow drive. It is now snowing in Austin TX.
It might help to know that we are from SLC, Utah by way of Seattle. We moves to Austin six months ago in search of warmer weather.
We find parking near the venue only a block and a half away. Cold but excited we walk, taking it all in. Pausing for a couple more photos of course. We are downtown in a new city and the unexpected snowfall is creating a unique atmosphere. We arrive at The Moody Theatre, home to Austin City Limits. surprisingly the line was short, we only waited for maybe fifteen minutes to enter.
Our anticipation builds. We’ve been wanting to see X Ambassadors for a couple years now. The opening band GroupLove who we have seen before puts on a great show.
The crowd begins to gather near the stage. We have general admission tickets so it’s going to be standing room only. We situate ourselves directly in front of center stage. I would call it front row seats minus the seats.
The venue quickly fills up as I look around and notice a younger crowd. Of course now that I’m 40 years old, it will always be a younger crowd.
The moment Group love takes the stage the party begins. They have a unique sound and a fun positive vibe. The female in her bright green fluorescent leotard covered with full body lace commands your attention as she screams the vocals with passion. The male vocalist is rocking bleach blonde hair, holy jeans and Vans. His unique, high pitch voice defines the sound of the band. Incredible position in front of the stage allowed for views of each band member. It was fantastic to watch the guitarist, the bass player and the drummer doing their thing. They were killing it. The highlight of their performance for me was a cover song of the Beastie Boys, Sabotage. They nailed it!
During the brief intermission we did not want to leave our perfect position. As some new crowd members came in and others left we just stayed cozy. Serendipity takes over again when a young man next to me taps me and asked for a lighter. I shake my head “sorry.” I smile when I realize in my pocket is the book of matches from the diner. I reach into my pocket finding the matchbook and delighted because I know what he needs matches for. wink wink. I tap the young man and open my hand. His shock and surprise was priceless as he says “you just save the day.” Excitement builds within the crowd as the X Ambassadors are about to take the stage. The young man taps me again passing me the matches and his pipe in an inconspicuous handoff. I crouch below the crowd and take a puff. holding it, holding it as the announcers call for the show to begin.
Just as the X Ambassadors lead guitarist takes the stage I exhale. The guitarist dressed in all black, begins to whale on the guitar. The vibe in the room just got turned way up! As he rifts on the guitar the lead singer takes the stage excited as he could be. Dressed in some kind of leisure suit, T-shirt and Vans shoes, dancing around waving his arms at the crowd. He began singing and bellowing in his own unique style. The intensity of the show was more than I had anticipated. the guitarist the drums the base very amplified and enhanced by the weed I could feel it throughout my entire body. My heart was racing. The singer had an amazing presence as he danced around the stage getting the crowd involved in the show. He would frequently look out into the crowd make eye contact.
After the phenomenal performance of Grouplove and X Ambassadors the night is winding down. as we exit the building we noticed several cars with snow piled on them. Again, we really didn’t expect snow here in Austin, but that’s what being a vagabond it’s all about. Forgetting your expectations! Shortly arriving home to our favorite pets, they were happy to see us as always. We remember the extra loaf of bread we purchased from the diner. Popping it into the oven, cracking open a beer, we sit on the couch and recall the night.
One snowy night in Austin.
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