Living Outside the Lines: ‘Let the Good Times Roll’

by, Becky J Miller

Music and theater have always brought me pleasure. After all, everyone needs a little culture in his or her life, right? No matter your artistic tastes, living right in the middle of the I-35 corridor means there are plenty of opportunities to experience both.

Just a few miles North of San Marcos is Bass Concert Hall, Austin 360 Amphitheater, Paramount Theatre and Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, just to name a few. If you prefer driving South; there’s Gruene Hall, Whitewater Amphitheater, Aztec Theater, Alamodome, Majestic Theater and the AT&T Center. The variety of shows/artists is as varied as the venues and each location boasts its own unique characteristics.

When my youngest child left for college I was traumatized. I’d been a mommy for over 22 years, what was I supposed to do with myself now? Well, guess what? I discovered there’s a GREAT, BIG, WIDE world beyond mommydom, and it includes concerts and staying out late on a school night! Score!

In the past eight weeks I’ve been to see Carrie Underwood, Blue October and had a blast at Pete’s Piano Bar. Should the opportunity arise to experience any one of these three, I highly recommend them all.

For our wedding anniversary in April, my husband & I spent a few days in Austin. Normally we plan all of our adventures during the day but this time we decided to venture out and enjoy some of the Austin nightlife. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar on 6th Street was exactly what the doctor ordered.

While we did not close the bar down, we came pretty close. The sheer talent of the musicians is astounding!! Patrons submit song requests and the musicians not only play them with no sheet music, they know all of the words!!! The songs run the gamut from Elton John to 80’s rock to Justin Bieber and hip-hop! It’s obvious the band members are there to have a good time; they expend a lot of energy interacting with the audience. I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire time we were there.

Carrie Underwood, one of the most successful American Idol winners, does not disappoint in concert. The vastness of AT&T Center demands a unique stage lest some fans are left with a less than desirable vantage; Carrie’s stage was set up smack in the middle with a 360-degree view. She performed for a solid two and a half hours, not leaving anyone’s favorites from her repertoire. Five full costume, shoe, and jewelry changes were a bonus for the fashionistas in the audience.

Welcoming the audience into her personal life, Carrie showed a video of private family moments while she sang a song written for her young son, Isaiah and professional hockey player husband, Mike Fisher. Hailing from Checotah, Oklahoma, it is obvious success has not gone to this small town girl’s head.

In my mind, Blue October was permanently stuck in 2006. While I enjoyed their hits “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean”, I had no idea they were still performing until I discovered a very good friend of mine’s not so hidden obsession with them. It’s no exaggeration for me to say she goes to at least one Blue October concert a month, maybe more depending on where they are playing. Since I love her dearly, I decided I should find out what this fixation of hers was all about, so I went to a concert with her.

The Aztec Theater is an intimate & quaint venue holding approximately 3000 people, mostly standing room. It was the perfect setting for my maiden Blue October concert. Not being overly familiar with their music, I was concerned I would hate the event. I was pleasantly surprised. Lead singer Justin Furstenfeld is passionate and energetic, those qualities coupled with my friend’s unique commentary made for an enjoyable evening.

To the discerning ear, it is obvious Blue October has been through its share of ups and downs; the experiences of life are reflected in their music. As a fellow artist, I genuinely appreciate how impactful the twists and turns of our every day journey can impact artistic expression. Justin’s art form tells the story of his existence in a meaningful way without being over the top. I appreciated his candor, and his colorful language.

Up next on Becky’s music box: Darius Rucker at Austin 360 Amphitheater, Lee Brice at Kosciuko Hall, Stockdale, Rascal Flatts at Gexa Energy Pavillion in Dallas, Maroon 5 at the AT&T Center, and if I can twist my husband’s arm maybe Keith Urban at the Alamodome. Jus’ doin’ my part to “let the good times roll.”

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller

“Warrior Princess”