The final stop on this 5 city music journey, Austin, Texas. Although I knew Austin was a great city for live music, I had no idea what that truly meant. There was live music everywhere!

My first night I decided to treat myself to a more expensive dinner at a restaurant called Olamaie. Until then I had been doing quite well with not spending too much on meals. I sat down and instantly knew it was yet another sign. The wine list offered my favorite Oregon bubbly – Argyle Winery – Vintage Brut at that! The appetizer and meal was absolutely delicious. My waiter took very good care of me. When I told him about my music trip and my book, he loved it! Towards the end of my dinner, he gave me a list of venues to check out live music. I appreciated that kind gesture.

I took the opportunity to walk the University of Texas at Austin campus. Wow! Simply Wow! It is a beautiful campus with the pin oaks lining the walkways, immaculate grounds and subtle orange, brown and tan brick buildings. Though I am certain there are new buildings, everything seems to have a classic style that looks neither dated nor super modern. My photo here is for my dear friend Monica – Hook ‘Em Horns, Lady!

While on the campus I recalled a Harry Chapin song “Sniper.” The song recalled a dark moment in history on that campus. A man who went to the top of the campus clock tower, where he fatally shot 18 people on a Monday morning (August 1, 1966) while injuring 31 others. I found the peaceful memorial to those souls who died that day. It was in a beautiful garden area with a turtle pond.

While I wasn’t there during a football game, I think it would have been great fun to see the campus come even more alive with excitement. There is something about being on a college campus. Perhaps it is only me, I see opportunity and future and wonder what these sponges of minds are learning.

After my campus walk, I headed to my first of three music venues. The first was the highly recommended Continental Club. When I was reading up on it, I noticed that Rolling Stone noted it was one of the best music venues. Considering I am a fan of that magazine, I figured I couldn’t go wrong. Wow, were they right! From the moment I walked through the big red doors, I knew I was in a great place. It didn’t matter if it was a Sunday afternoon at 3pm, I was in for some great music. I saw a band led by a musician named Marshall Hood. He is in the early stages of his career and yet had a great group of original songs on their album that “wasn’t yet released.” The band had an eclectic sound. I enjoy bands that can’t be pinned into one specific genre. The ones that keep you guessing.

Once Marshall Hood’s band concluded I was off to my next stop – Antone’s. It is a historically known blues club, though in a newer location. They still had a great deal of photos from musicians who performed over the decades. I loved seeing those old pictures. A lot of them were musicians with the shoeshine man, whose name is eluding me right now.

The scheduled act was not able to perform, instead I was in for a surprise treat! A small woman carefully made her way to the stage needing some minor assistance. She starts belting out tunes some her own, a few were covers. I noticed she couldn’t move around very well, that didn’t mean she didn’t kill it with her voice. I decided to look her up – Lavelle White. GASP! Age: 89!! I couldn’t believe it. Eight-nine! I briefly read her biography, hailing from near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she recorded her first album at – get this – age 65! This woman is my hero! The embodiment of “it is never too late to be who you might have been.” Wow, could she sing! It was clear she was very revered and a local favorite.

My final stop of the night was at the sister property to the Continental Club. Another small venue called C-Boys. It was as delightful as the Continental Club. I was able to see a female indie rock musician by the name of Hilary York. She played original songs and a couple of covers. I loved her vibe and sound. She did a good job of introducing some of the songs by providing either the inspiration or the meaning behind the lyrics. I don’t know how long she’s been making music. I do hope to hear more of her in the future.

The next day was my last full day in Austin, my last full 24 hours of my incredible music trip. It was not even close to a sad or depressing day. The day actually felt quite like the perfect ending. Before I left on my trip, I figured I would check out who was going to be at the Austin City Limits Moody Theater. I knew I was going to return to that venue to see Gary Clark, Jr. in December. Why not maybe check it out before then. I read, then re-read the act for October 1st. NO WAY! Could it really be that I had the chance to see him? The lead singer from THE most influential rock and roll band EVER?! Could this really be possible? Was I really able to see Robert Plant at ACL’s Moody Theater the last day of my epic trip? The answer – YES! Ticket. Booked.

When I looked at places to visit in Austin, I came across a venue tour of Moody Theater. I thought it sounded cool so why not? It was a great tour! I learned so much about the infamous ACL show, the theater itself and got to see some of the behind the scenes. (Yes, I secretly hoped we would accidently run into Robert Plant – spoiler – we did not.)

The building which is LEED certified (environmentally-friendly building) was heavily funded by Willie Nelson. Since it is LEED certified, there is no smoking that is permitted in the building. Well. Does peanut butter go with jelly? Wine go with cheese? Willie go with smoking? Yes. Yes. And a resounding Yes. Willie had a porch incorporated into the artist’s side of the building. Musicians, band members, etc. are permitted to smoke on this porch. So yep, even though I don’t smoke, that’s me taking a smoke break with (cardboard) Willie Nelson.

The theater is astounding! It contains two stages, one for when an act is recording for the ACL TV Show. And one for when an act will perform without TV taping. Sadly, the latter was the set for Robert Plant. It didn’t matter to me. Moody Theater is an intimate venue. The tour guide said that the seats are designed that at any point no seated person is more than 72 feet away from the act. I say ‘act’ because musicians and comedians alike have performed at Moody Theater.

I was beyond excited to see the show that night. When we stood outside on the Willie Porch (yes, that is the proper name,) the tour guide pointed out the Austin Central Library. She said it was a 6 story wonder with a rooftop garden area. I was intrigued.

Once the tour concluded, I made my way to the library. I have not toured many libraries in my lifetime – well, few of this caliber. It was an architectural wonder! Open, beautiful, functional, practical – so many ways to describe it. I walked up the 6 stories to the rooftop. I thought I was going to cry! The rooftop garden was peaceful tranquil and a perfect spot to work on my blog. I wished I had another day to work on my book there. I was grateful for the time I had writing and people watching a little too.

Before long, I realized it was time for the show. I kept pinching myself and screaming inside my head – I AM ABOUT TO SEE ROBERT PLANT!

The opening act was Lucinda Williams. She still has it going on and can still perform. She finished, the stage crew did what they needed to do. Lights out.

And all of a sudden I heard the chords before I saw the man, Ramble On! I nearly fainted. This was really really happening! At age 70, Mr. Plant – oh! he owned that song! Still!  As the song concluded, he said to expect old stuff, new stuff and solo stuff. He delivered precisely as promised. Led Zeppelin songs, old solo songs and new solo songs. I have been a fan of his solo stuff since I was in high school.

I heard Calling For You, I Believe, May Queen and Carry Fire. I knew the end was drawing near. Of course, I didn’t want it to stop. Alas, all amazing concerts must have their final finale song. He promised a great show – he gave the audience exactly that! He ended with Whole Lotta Love! Could there be a more perfect ending song to this concert, to my time in Austin, to my 5 city music trip? No.

The night concluded. The time in Austin concluded. My trip had come to an end.

Wheels up. Heading home. Seattle.

To be continued…