Austin Moose Lodge

[6/14] Preview Marcelo Gauna y Volante’s last show at the Moose Lodge

June 12, 2015 By Piper LeMoine

Sunday, June 14, will be the final performance of Marcelo Gauna y Volante. The Austin conjunto will play its last show at the Moose Lodge Sunday afternoon to a hall full of friends, fans and family, and a packed dancefloor.

Marcelo Gauna (accordion, vocals) is a multi-faceted gem, spending decades in conjunto, Norteño, Tejano, and even rock n roll groups. Coming from a talented musical family, recording as Los Hermanitos Gauna in the 1970s, Marcelo is a versatile musician who can play everything from accordion to bajo sexto to keyboards. He also played with Austin Tejano groups Yayo Castillo y Rumores and Alma Tejana (now known as the A-T Boyz). He also recorded and toured with Joe King Carrasco, a gig that took him all over the world. Most recently, he gigged with Austin’s Calle Seis and Audi y Zentimiento.

Volante’s rhythm section includes three seasoned Austin veterans from various backgrounds, including Chris Cruz on bass and Javier Cruz or Peter Ramirez on bajo sexto. Keeping time is the always awesome Oscar “Compa” Martinez, founder of online music site compadresmusic.com. The group is tight, professional, and truly a sight for sore ears.

Gauna himself appeared on my KOOP Radio show, Rancho Alegre, this past Monday. We spent the hour discussing his career, future plans, and this weekend’s show. I have uploaded the audio to Soundcloud and you can listen to it below.

Long story short: Seriously, this is a show you shouldn’t miss. Up close, personal, and jammin’. You won’t get to see it again. Well worth the $5 cover.

The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. Cover is $5. All ages are welcome. Show starts at 3 p.m. For more information, call 512-926-0043.

[5/9-5/10] Preview: Back to back shows for Marcelo Gauna y Volante

May 6, 2015 By Piper LeMoine

This weekend, fans will get two opportunities to catch up close and personal performances from Austin’s newest conjunto, Marcelo Gauna y Volante. Saturday night, they will be at El Jacalito in South Austin and Sunday will be a tardeada at the Moose Lodge.

Marcelo Gauna (accordion, vocals) is a multi-faceted gem, spending decades in conjunto, Norteño, Tejano, and even rock n’ roll groups. Coming from a talented musical family, recording as Los Hermanitos Gauna in the 1970s, Marcelo is a versatile musician who can play everything from accordion to bajo sexto to keyboards. He also played with Austin Tejano groups Yayo Castillo y Rumores and Alma Tejana (now known as the A-T Boyz). He also recorded and toured with Joe King Carrasco, a gig that took him all over the world. Most recently, he gigged with Austin’s Calle Seis and Audi y Zentimiento.

Long story short: The deliberately chosen and cultivated intimate settings at Jacalito and the Moose are perfect for this group and their vibe. The super-cool, charismatic Gauna engages each audience member, treating them like family, while the band effortlessly tears through an extensive Conjunto and Norteño catalog. Low stress, good times atmosphere.

SATURDAY: El Jacalito is located at 2030 E. Oltorf, suite 110, just east of I-35 in south Austin. Music is from 7 to 9 p.m., all ages are welcome, and there is no cover charge. For more information, call 512-445-4109.

SUNDAY: The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. Cover is $5. All ages are welcome. Show starts at 3 p.m. For more information, call 512-926-0043.

[4/12] Preview: Tardeada with Marcelo Gauna y Volante, Manuel Donley and more at the Moose

April 9, 2015 By Piper LeMoine

Sunday, Apr. 12, the springtime tardeadas continue at the Moose. This Sunday will feature conjunto Marcelo Gauna y Volante, plus a special appearance by Manuel “Cowboy” Donley and more.

Marcelo Gauna (accordion, vocals) is a multi-faceted gem, spending decades in Conjunto, Norteño, Tejano, and even Rock n Roll groups. Coming from a talented musical family, recording as Los Hermanitos Gauna in the 1970s, Marcelo is a versatile musician who can play everything from accordion to bajo sexto to keyboards. He also played with Austin Tejano groups Yayo Castillo y Rumores and Alma Tejana (now known as the A-T Boyz). He also recorded and toured with Joe King Carrasco, a gig that took him all over the world. Most recently, he’s been gigging with Austin’s Calle Seis and Audi y Zentimiento.

Volante’s rhythm section includes three seasoned Austin veterans from various backgrounds, including Chris Cruz on bass and Peter Ramirez on bajo sexto. Keeping time is the always awesome Oscar “Compa” Martinez, founder of online music site compadresmusic.com. The group is tight, professional, and truly a sight for sore ears.

Also making a special appearance will be Austin Orquesta Tejana icon Manuel “Cowboy” Donley, whose career will be celebrated on April 16th at The Wittliff Collections, Alkek Library in San Marcos. The show will continue with also include another squeezebox-driven conjunto as well.

Long story short: Another great Sunday at Austin’s favorite east side family dancehall that is absolutely perfect for tardeadas.

[4/5] Preview: Manuel “Cowboy” Donley tardeada at the Moose Lodge

April 2, 2015 By Piper LeMoine

Sunday, Apr. 5, the Moose Lodge welcomes back the legendary Manuel “Cowboy” Donley. The Austin Tejano pioneer will continue his monthly tardeada residency with another Sunday afternoon of classic Tejano, along with some trio romantico favorites as well.

Donley, 87, is an Austin icon who was recently awarded the National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts. After forming his first band in the late 1940s, his popularity really took off with his band, Las Estrellas, in the mid 1950s with a style of music called “orquesta.” With saxophones, electric guitar, and flavors borrowed from rock and roll and jazz that defined the genre, the group scored a hit with “Flor Del Rio” in the early 1960s and toured the entire state. In the past few decades, Donley has gone on to perform and record in the more traditional “trio romantico” genre as well. Even after nearly 70 (yes, 70!) years in the business, Donley’s voice is still clear and strong.

Long story short: Highly recommended for anyone who loves music history, especially Austin Mexican-American music history. Beautiful guitar, great harmonies, perfect for an Easter afternoon. The family atmosphere at the Moose is perfect for a tardeada and any kind of traditional music.

The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. Cover is $5. All ages are welcome. Show starts at 4 p.m. For more information, call 512-926-0043.

[2/7] Preview: Grupo Stampede at the Moose Lodge

February 6, 2015 By Piper LeMoine

stampede

Saturday, Feb. 7, Tejano returns to the Moose! DFW-based sextet Grupo Stampede will come rolling into town, ready to rock the eastside dancehall with their high-energy show.

Since forming in the mid-1990s, Grupo Stampede has straddled the line between Tejano and Norteño, and is often put in the same category as other groups like Siggno and Intocable. The group plays originals, breathes new life into covers, and defines its sound by building on the classic Tejano formula with strong lead electric guitar, keyboards, and powerful vocals by charismatic frontman Alex De Leon.

Long story short: Stampede is known for their stage show and has enjoyed a growing fan base here in town. Another good time at the Moose!

The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. $10 cover all night long. All ages are welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m.

[9/6] Preview: The Hometown Boys at the Moose Lodge

September 6, 2014 By Piper LeMoine

Tonight, The Hometown Boys invade the Austin Moose Lodge. One of Tejano music’s most beloved bands comes back to the Live Music Capital of the World armed with a catalog full of polkas, classic hits, and new releases for the crowd at the east Austin family dancehall.

Originally from Lubbock, the family band rose to fame in the 1990s, enjoying success unheard of for most conjuntos. They built their trademark sound on beautifully blended vocal harmonies, which were supported by a strong, steady, unrelenting conjunto beat and accentuated by the sharp, edgy, but smooth accordion of Joe Martinez. Hits like “Los Barandales Del Puente,” “Aquel Amor,” and “El Pintor” (penned by Austin’s own Johnny Degollado), continue to dominate playlists at Tejano music stations and in clubs everywhere.

Sadly, the band has suffered unimaginable tragedies. With the untimely deaths of brothers Roman Martinez Jr. at age 45 in 1997, Joe at age 34 in 1998, Jesse (also at age 34) in 2002, and Ricky at age 48 in 2007, they not only lost band members, they lost family. Despite these losses, patriarch and bajo sexto player Roman Martinez Sr. continues to perform all their hits alongside son Bobby and daughter Rosie Perea to packed houses and die-hard fans all around the country. Accordionist Anthony Treviño does the signature Joe Martinez style justice, and the group has had success with several lead singers, including veteran vocalist Marky Lee, who recently rejoined the band.

Long story short: They still jam and play all the favorites. As with any conjunto-based band, the Moose is the perfect environment.

The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. The cover charge is $12 before 8 p.m, and $15 cover after 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. Visit the event page on Facebook here.

[8/17] Preview: ALMA Women in Latin Music showcase at the Moose Lodge

August 17, 2014 By Piper LeMoine

On Sunday, Aug. 17, the Moose Lodge will host the 5th annual Women in Latin Music showcase, presented by the Austin Latino Music Association (ALMA). The annual event will celebrate the contributions of female performers in a variety of Latin music genres and feature live performances at the eastside family-friendly venue.

This year’s lineup includes Mariachi Amor (featuring Lesly Reynaga), Tiarra Girls, Paula Maya, Los Texas Wranglers (featuring Joyce Adams, Nikki Lopez, and Rocio Valdes), La Distancia (featuring Laura Ann McGill and Irma Chavez), and special guests Erica Rangel and Erica Lazo, contestants in the Austin Tejano Music Coalition’s Tejano Idol competition.

ALMA’s mission is “to increase knowledge and awareness in the community about local musicians and important historical figures in Austin’s Latino music scene, provide exposure and resources to local musicians, and to foster the development of young musicians who will keep Latino musical styles and traditions alive in the Capitol City.” The organization presents and sponsors a variety of music events, including the “Sonidos del Barrio” series since 2001.

Long story short: A nice sampling of various Latin music styles and the ladies who make them happen. From Mariachi to conjunto to rock to Tejano and everything in between. Plus there’s always a great vibe and friendly energy at community events like this, especially at the Moose Lodge.

The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. Cover charge is $10 per person presale and $15 at the door, and the event is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 512-799-0815 or visit austinlatinomusic.com.

[5/30] Preview: Los Garcia Brothers at the Moose Lodge

May 29, 2014 By Piper LeMoine

Friday, May 30, Los Garcia Bros. come back to the Moose Lodge for another conjunto good time at the eastside dancehall. Colorful zoot suits and a retro pachuco style are the hallmark of the Eagle Pass conjunto, along with a similarly-dressed crowd full of fans yelling “Make it Conjunto, Carnal!”

After winning a Tejano Music Award for “Best Conjunto Album,” Los Garcia Bros. were a band on the rise, and were beginning to rival fellow big-time Conjunto, the Hometown Boys, when accordionist and vocalist Jimmy Garcia died in a car accident in 2002 at age 27. Since then, the band has continued to tour, has recorded new albums, and has retained its loyal following. Their big hit was “Cuatro Paredes,” off the album of the same title. The influence of the late Jimmy Garcia is felt in several young bands, most notably with Kyle’s own Conjunto Romo.

Long story short: Another great Conjunto show. No synthesizers, no saxophones or horns. Don’t forget to dress to the nines with a sharp pair of Stacey Adams, a fancy Guayabera shirt, and top it all off with a fedora.

The Moose Lodge is located at 2103 E.M. Franklin Avenue, north of MLK and east of Airport Boulevard in East Austin. Cover charge is $12 before 9 p.m., $15 after 9 p.m. All ages are welcome. View the Facebook event page here, and for more information call 512-926-0043.