I am planning on Flying into Austin a few days early for the gathering. Never been to Austin. Here it is the music capital of the world. I want to see some sites during the day, but here some high quality music at night.

Any suggestions on a good hotel within walking distance of quality music.

Were is the best place to get boots in Austin.

Any recomendations on what I have to see while I an there?

I get my boots from Tony Murga, www.murgaboots.com. But he's in LA (the factory is El Passo) and that didn't really answer your question. I was only once to Austin, an in and out from San Antonio to see Bill and Steve, so can't help you.
The leather covered Teles are nice, I built a few of these for Tony but they are pretty hard to find customers for.

What kind of boots are you looking for. I typically go to Cavendar's Boot City just because they have a big selection and their prices are good, but I'd love to get a pair from Heritage Boots:

http://www.heritageboot.com/

Allen's Boots is another pretty famous western wear store that inspired the song "Charlie Dunn" by Jerry Jeff Walker.

I wear Lucchese my wife wears Ariat. We wear them while riding MC. Looking for a place with a large selection so my wife can get something special.

Plenty of Lucchese choices at Allen Boots...Cool store for boots, etc. I've bought several pair from them...great place.

Enjoy...

Kia Manuia,

Dale
www.daleinskeep.com

quote:

Originally posted by Alan:
I wear Lucchese my wife wears Ariat. We wear them while riding MC. Looking for a place with a large selection so my wife can get something special.

Ahh, in that case Cavender's Boot City or Shepler's would be your best bet. They are both somewhat local chains. I got my last pair of Luccheses at Cavender's.

Regarding music you might want to take a look at the music listings in the Austin Chronicle:

www.austinchronicle.com

My suggestion for boots and all things worn western is Cavendar's.... Tracy Cavendar is a friend and a good person....

For music, may I recommend Poodie's Hilltop, out in Spicewood. It's about 27 miles out of town, but so help me, it's a REAL honkeytonk. If we time it right, I'll be at the bar... Full disclosure: Poodie is a good friend of mine, but I love this bar!! He's also Willie's stage manager....

In town I often go to the Saxon Pub. Their early-evening, pass-the-bucket shows are GREAT. Check the calendar: the Band Of Heathens and The Resentments ARE NOT TO BE MISSED!!! Full disclosure: Country Joe Ables is a good friend, but do NOT tell him I said that!!

I've seen music of a lifetime in these two places: Billy Joe Shaver, Guy Clark, The Resentments, Joe Ely, Carolyn Wonderland, Bugs Henderson, Freddy Powers, Ray Wylie Hubbard, that Willie guy... I could go on... and on... and....

Man, life is good!!-

Now you're on your own!!

And there's that fella who builds guitars... He's there, too...

Austin absolutely rocks!!


Norman Draper

WOW...Bugs Henderson.

I remember watching him and Nitzinger playing Houston in the 70's. Saw them jam with Bloodrock a few times also.

I think that I live less than 5 miles from Poodies, but have never been there. I guess that I'll have to make it a point to get out there. The Saxon Pub is a great place. I go down there occasionally on Sunday night to see the Resentments. Stephen Bruton is battling cancer and I'm not sure if they are doing their regular Sunday night gig now or not.

Thanks for all the responses. I am looking forward to some good music, good food, good fellowship and oh yes, some NICE beverages.

If all goes well Debanjo and I should arrive Wednesday. Should give enough time to adjust to the time change.

I'm leaving Austin for a couple of weeks, heading up to Colorado to vote early, then, onto Washington state for a small family gathering, back to the Rockies, where Dave Lindley's going to be playing a couple of sets at the Paradise Theatre in "my little town" and then back to Tejas and all you good friends who'll be gathering at Collingstock. I'm looking forward to seeing folks I met last year as well as getting to know those of you who are making it in a few weeks.

Best to all, til then,
Bruce