It’s that time of year again, when musicians and music lovers from all over the world descend upon Austin, Texas. We’re packing up and flying down to join them.
Over the past ten years my focus has slowly shifted from finding fiddlers and bluegrass shows to spending time with my grandson at “day show” music venues that he would enjoy. The kid loves to watch the drummers.

The Funny Grandson is growing up.
Last week on the phone I asked him if he wanted to come to the condo next week for a
“Root Beer Float” party.
All I heard on the other end of the phone was heavy breathing. Either he didn’t know how to respond to such an overwhelmingly terrific invitation or he was stunned that his grandmother could ask such a stupid question.
I had to repeat it before he finally spoke.
“Yes,” he said. “I’d like that!”
“Okay,” I assured him. “We’ll plan on it.”
He also likes to walk over to Lucy’s Fried Chicken to eat chicken fingers, drink lemonade and see the shows. Guero’s outdoor patio is another one of his favorite venues, along with Opa’s coffee house (he likes their pizza). The kid marches down the sidewalks like he owns Texas and is completely at home in the wonder and chaos of SXSW.
It’s a good place to be. We can’t wait.