Typically, I am not a traveler, but when I heard that Jen Foster would be opening for Sarah Bettens in Austin, TX, I knew I had to find a way to get there. After a little foot stomping at work, my plans were made and I was on my way to the capitol city.
Can I begin by saying that traffic in Austin sucks...it really really sucks. If you plan a trip down there - try to avoid being on the road during rush hour, which seems to be from like noon to 9 pm or so...lol.
On to the show - which was sponsored by Rockin' for Rescue (see previous blog) - an organization devoted making life better for abandoned animals by finding them good homes and ending animal euthanasia as a form of population control. It is a really great cause and needs all the help and support that we can give them - for more information, great merchandise (including a brand new cd featuring several independent artists who partner with Rockin' for Rescue), or to make a tax deductible donation, visit Rockin' for Rescue at
www.myspace.com/rockinforrescueJen Foster was the opening act. If you know me, you know that this was the reason that I was there. She was amazing. It is not easy for an artist to pull off an acoustic set by themselves and keep the audience completely engaged. Jen does it, and she does it very well - joking and interacting with the audience, sharing details and stories behind the music. This is the second time I have seen Jen Foster live - both great performances by Jen - but the Austin audience was better BY FAR than the one she had in Dallas, which is, sadly, typically a bit more closed to new music. Jen will be returning to Texas (Dallas) in October and I plan on doing everything I can to get the word out and get alot of people out to her show - I don't typically latch onto any one performer the way I have with this one, but she really is just that good. The two live shows that I have seen have been short sets rather than full shows - so I am excited to hear Jen in a show all of her own. You can hear Jen's music and watch her new video "Closer to Nowhere" at
www.myspace.com/jenfosterYou can also buy all of her stuff at Amazon.com, iTunes, and CDBaby.com
Also, Jen is currently in the running for a spot on Austin City Limits. The contest is in preliminary public voting until August 22. As of this writing, Jen is holding on to the #1 spot. You can help by voting for her daily from every email address that you have - let's support this incredible independent artist...
Bring Jen Foster to Austin City LimitsNext up was Amy Cook - who took the stage very quickly after Jen Foster was finished. This was the first time I have seen her - actually that I have even heard of her (where have I been??) I must admit that there were several things distracting me - namely getting something to drink from the one lonely bartender (yeah, that could have been planned a bit better). What I did hear was a solid performance - I didn't notice much interaction with the crowd, but she kept the music going. She is a really great guitar player and has a really nice sounding vocal. I really hope to hear more from her in the future - hopefully she will make her way to Dallas soon. I will definitely be watching out for her. Check out Amy Cook's music at
www.myspace.com/amycookmusicFinally - the headliner for the evening was Sarah Bettens of K's choice. Sarah put on an amazing show. I really have not heard much about or from Sarah since the very popular K's Choice song "Not an Addict." I did see her once at Lillith Fair years ago, but due to a number of circumstances, only vaguely remember that show. She played with a full band - and all of them were awesome. I have to specifically point out that the drummer, whose name I did not catch, was particularly amazing. I really enjoyed her alot. Sarah performed much music from her latest release "Shine" - and yes...she did "Not an Addict" and made me fall in love with her all over again:) Sarah is coming back to Texas in October - Houston on the 25th and Dallas' Granada Theater on the 26th. Check her official website or her myspace page for more information on those shows. Sarah Bettens is a must see live show!!!
www.myspace.com/sarahbettenswww.sarahbettens.comAll of the artists made themselves available after the show for photos and autographs -which is something that I am always happy to see. So many artists reach a certain level of success and forget that without their fans, they would have never gotten there - but not these artists. The fun continued late into the evening, with several happy fans going home with permanent sharpie on clothing, undergarments, and even the occasional bare ass or chest...kudos to those who were brave enough for THAT!!!
Check out all of these artists and remember that independent artists depend on you to buy their stuff if you like it - they work hard for you - the independent music fan...
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