Austin Sound

If you made it out to the Backyard last Sunday for their big final celebration with Willie Nelson headlining, you got a sense of just how beloved the venue had become to fans over the past 16 years. While thrilled by the allstar lineup, the mood was also genuinely nostalgic both from the stage and the crowd. But Backyard owner Tim O’Connor had a bigger surprise awaiting those who made the final trek through what has become little more than a strip-mall hell to reach the musical oasis - the unveiling of plans for a new venue just down the road.

The time has finally come for the Backyard to shutter it’s doors, but they’re going out with a band. The decision to close the Bee Cave venue announced earlier this year really isn’t a surprise, as the Exurban sprawl that has sprung up around it has pretty much killed it’s isolated charm. But still, we hate to see it go.

The United States Art Authority, the cool art space connected to Spiderhouse, has been shut down, at least temporarily, by the city for problems with zoning permits. The show with Black Irish and the McMercy Family band this weekend has been moved over to Spiderhouse.

The USAA follows on the heals of the much ballyhooed, but not really all that surprising, crackdown on the Enchanted Forest off of South Lamar. I guess when we start demanding the city to take notice of the local music scene, scrutiny has some unintended consequences. The good news is that apparently the city is working with the Enchanted Forest to get it legit (see ,a href=”http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A654009″ target=”_blank”>this week’s Chronicle) and the USAA closure only be temporary while they get their permits in order.

It seems a week can’t go by that there’s not something to report on Willie Nelson. The latest is that Willie has been tapped to finish the Backyard’s closing season on October 26th as the venue shuts down in hopes of finding a more secluded atmosphere. The show, billed as Willie Nelson and “very special guests” (ah, but then isn’t it always?), is being dubbed “The Final Celebration,” and Willie and crew will likely send the place up in smoke. Of course, it would be much cooler if Willie showed up for either of Snoop Dogg’s dates coming up on August 2 and 3 at the Backyard.

Tickets for The Final Celebration go onsale this Saturday, July 19, at 10:00am through GetTix.net and by phone at 1-866-443-8849. You can also pick them up at Waterloo. The first 400 ticket buyers get to take advantage of the “early bird” price of $60, or you can splurge for the “Golden Circle” ticket at $350. We have no idea what kind of perks the Golden Circle might include, but for that price there better be free munchies.

To commemorate the closing of the Backyard, here’s a classic video of Willie performing “Who Will Buy My Memories” on Hee Haw! after the jump.

4/29/08
Like any number of other backyards over the past few years, the once idyllic amphitheater out in the Hill Country has been overrun with development, ruining not only it’s starry night ambiance, but forcing a hike from the parking lot down the road. It’s end seemed immanent, and last week the venue 2008 would be its final season.

While it’s a shame to lose the amphitheater, which opened in 1993, the owners are currently looking to relocate to more secluded spot in the area - one that is also protected from development moving in.

10/23/07
Both the Chronicle and Statesman last week brought attention to new noise ordinance proposals being discussed by the Austin Planning Commission. This is a battle that was waged about 5 years ago and never really settled, seeming to be deferred by an unenforceable code. But now as the smoking ban has driven more venues to host music on outdoor patio areas, the debate has risen again, especially in more residential neighborhoods like the Bouldin Creek area.

2/2/07
Blogs in the north end of our state are abuzz trying to figure out when, and exactly why, the Gypsy Tea Room will be shutting down. The Gypsy Tea Room is considered one of the area’s best venues, booked by Austin-based Charles Attal Presents and hosting acts similar to La Zona Rosa (also booked by Attal).

The venue hosts two stages, the smaller Tea Room and the10,000 square foot Ballroom. The Bankruptcy follows the past year’s closing of other clubs like Trees, Jaroboam and the Green Room, and has left fans wondering why the venues are no longer commercially viable and have financial backers pulling out. Right now, speculation from the Dallas Observer this past week has the Tea Room closing at the end of March, leaving the remaining acts booked past that date to be set up elsewhere.

1/23/07
Our no-contest pick for best new local venue - but only because we’re not cool enough for the Beauty Bar – the Mohawk is moving on to yet another stage in its development and plan to conquer Red River. Beginning next Thursday February 1st, The Grizzly Bar @ Mohawk will open for business with self-proclaimed “booze, foos, and blues.” Opening everyday from 5pm – 8pm, the happy hour bar will serve as a set-up for the live music sets at night with $1 longnecks and $2 wells, as well as some standard pub grub. We’re not sure if that means that they kick you out after 8 if you don’t pay cover, but it seems to us if you’re in a bar from 5pm – 2am, you’ve more than earned your right to stay there.

12/15/06
The Stateman reported earlier this week that Stubb’s will be getting a $5 million overall beginning next fall as they rearrange and upgrade the outdoor ampitheater from a 2,100 capacity venue to 3,000. In addition, the stage will be set facing west to help with the noise ordinance problems that have hindered shows there for years. And just when we were getting old enough to appreciate shows ending at midnight.

The aim, according to the article and co-owner Jeff Waughtal, is to still retain the indie feel of the venue, but to have a better stage and sound production that can compete with the top venues across the nation. The change in layout will also be accompanied by a new 1,400 capacity indoor club, permanent bathrooms instead of portapotties (!) and two-story balconies overlooking it all. The renovation will break ground next fall if everything goes according to plan.

9/13/06
Austin’s music venues have been getting a good boost in the past few months. The Emo’s lounge launched this summer, Trophy’s redesign promises to bring some great shows to South Austin, and now the 912 Red River spot is going to play host to The Mohawk. And if their opening party this weekend is any indication, we can expect some good shows there in the future.

The club has paired two awesome touring acts with two of Austin’s best local talent in celebration. On Friday, Ghostland Observatory will be setting up the bar for Seattle’s Thee Emergency, and on Saturday the venerable Golden Bear will open for The Long Winters.