A sign in Hank’s backyard at the +1 house party

Then we headed down to the +1 House Party in South Austin in the almost-rural home of Hank Sinatra down near the end of a no-outlet street. In the backyard there was a stage, a small pond, trailers, old signs, a bbq smoker, sheep, chickens, bands, label people, industry people, fans, 40s, kegs, brisket tacos, and ribs. Compared to how hectic and crazy every other show and even just walking around Austin has felt, this was peaceful and laid back. People were hanging out with people in bands, industry people. You’d be having a conversation with someone and ask why they were there and it was because they were in a band. Bands, who in general during a lot of SxSW seem to be loading in, playing and leaving as fast as possible, came at the beginning of the afternoon and hung out and watched the other bands. It was very cool and fun atmosphere. If there’s another one next year, I’d highly recommend going.

A bunch of bands came and went as I chatted with people and hung out. Jeremy Yocum and the Last Rounders played nice acoustic alt-country sort of stuff. Arch from Illinois played host and a short set after them. Trainwreck Riders (from SF) played a nice set. (I don’t think there were any bands that I disliked at all during the whole day.) My ears perked up a bit for Peggy Sue and the Pirates. I liked their sound. Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit also had a cool sound and played a nice set.

Chris and Joe of the Morning Benders

The highlight of the afternoon for me was the Morning Benders (myspace). They played a really fun set (isn’t that always the case?) to the receptive crowd. It included a bunch of new tunes. I’m really excited about the new album.

One person who was there that I didn’t know existed but some people were excited about was John Norris. (What? I grew up without cable.)

the sun setting over the Morning Benders