After a 20-minute power nap I’m heading out to let poet/hip-hopper Saul Williams get my blood flowing and my mind exploding. If you didn't catch Williams when he was on tour with At the Drive-In or Mars Volta, then I suggest joining Lunchbox and me at the Austin Convention Center day stage. (If you can’t make it out to the 5:30 show, he plays again at 1 a.m. at Vice, 302 E. 6th Street.) Williams has released a couple of poetry collections (most notably "She" and "The Dead Emcee Scrolls"), and at live shows his wordsmithing is perfectly matched with soulful beats, care of Thavius Beck, along with a full band.
After that, I’ll definitely try to make my dad happy by catching at least one song by Van Morrison. Daryl Hall (8 p.m. convention center) and The Judys (9:30 p.m. Austin Music Hall) are a must-see for anyone who grew up in Houston during the '80s or had an older sister who did (read: me).
Then it’s off to see Spain’s Delorean at 10 p.m. at Maggie Mae’s Rooftop. New wave that helps me brush up on my Espanol -- who could ask for mas?
I guarantee tonight won’t be the only time this week I check out Kaki King. I'm heading to Club de Ville at 11 p.m. to see her lay down her singer/songwriter-shoegaze. After that, I’ll run down to Room 710 just in time for Austin’s Lick Lick at 11:20 p.m. Featuring members of Houston’s own Middlefinger and 30 Foot Fall, this group’s blend of Devo-licious metal will have me pumped up and off to see the southern rock stylings of L.A.’s Willowz at the Beauty Bar Backyard at 12 a.m.
Check back to see who did/didn’t impress me and if Lunchbox and I found any surprises along the way. -- Dusti Rhodes