What is Sad by Southwest you might ask? It was over 8 hours of live music. It was an event full of super talented artists, it was those artists fans and family. More importantly it was a bunch of friends getting together to enjoy a commonality. A love for live music, and the musicians who make it possible.
Matt Moran created the entire event. He began planning and promoting months ago and he was there for the whole time on the front row to cheer on each and every band and those acoustic song swaps that were included in the lineup.
Oh and did I mention what a lineup? 9 bands were represented as well as 5 acts that featured solo artists. There was country and rock and folk and punk and soul screamo and the blues all packed into one show. I am pleased that I got to be right in the middle of the whole damn thing.
Moran tweeted after the event, and it sums up my thoughts “it’s a community I’m proud to be a part of.”
Some of these artists I already knew and some I got to meet. I’m also pleased about how many fans came out to support the event. I got to mingle with some of the finest and funnest folks around. Many of us had interacted on social media but had never been in the same county at the same time or I could say even state! I personally met people from 5 different states while at the event. Songwriter and folk musician , James Gedda, flew in from Chicago just to be there!
Gedda and Seth Jones shared the stage late in the day and the sounds of those two poets putting their thoughts to music was truly something amazing.
Blake Farrar of Texas River Tonk a podcast based out of San Marcos Texas was in the house that night. He talked to anyone and everyone who wanted to talk. He talked and shared about his love of music and the life that this music has given us.
Many of these artists, Jason Harrell, for one performed double duty. Not only did Jason pick and sing his own songs, he kept the sounds going all night by playing fiddle in most all the other bands sets. Same way with Clayton Smith. Clayton is the lead of his band the Rye Boys. He also plays guitar for The Band Laredo who headlined the event. That night he played his guitar with Zach Welch Band, Crystal Meth Cowboys and Howard and his Happy Boys.
Moran says he is planning to do the event again. I believe he will. I’m believing that it’s gonna just keep getting bigger and better. Sad Songs make me happy and Sad By Southwest was definitely an event I shall not forget!
Before I forget It was also a night to celebrate my gals birthday sweet Tammy!! Spent her birthday right there by my side. She says she’s just happy when I am happy and this night of live sounds certainly made me happy!
Can’t wait to do this all again! What’s next?
Pancho.