The Hook Of Texas 16: Carefree And Weird

 

I'm not sure if it was Lady Bird's idea, but the downtown Austin lake was at peak beauty in the Janurary afternoon, the sky was bright blue with puff clouds reflecting the sun rays.  Brilliant and cool, cool enough for shorts, cool enough for long sleeves.  Ten miles around, some paved, some gravel, some boardwalk.  Rain was predicted the next day, I was advised by my landlord to bike ride the day of my arrival, if I wanted to bike ride.  Glad I did, saw the famed Stevie Ray Vaughn statue up close, dug several city murals, people were out, running, walking, living.

The Bob Schneider show wasn't til 8:30, my cousin was picking me up at 7:30, Saxon Pub was close.  My place on Mary Street was decked out in Texan fashion, flags around, all representing some Texas connection.  An old south side house, renovated and renewed, now a home to those passing through.  The place was a sprawling homestead, two separate houses, a huge back area for cars and trucks, two covered garages, patios all around, a goat, and a dog.  It was furnished stylishly and with thoughtful intent, carefree and weird.

Our reserved seats were at a corner table in the back, only standing room only was left for sale, the place was buzzing, dark and used.  The band was setting up, Bob's mostly kept the same group intact for awhile, the Monday show has gone on continuously from 1999, a quarter century almost, it seems the backbone of his performance art, a place to showcase his musical and lyrical creations.  It was all marvelous and fresh.  He closed the show by showing off his power harmonica and blues delivery, his band throwing down Robert Johnson style.  Out of his lane and shaking, never had a lesson, still came through, and all the ladies started to shout.