I’m not going to try ans impress you with my knowledge of blues and bluegrass acts. There are probably some pretty amazing artists that I’ve never heard of rocking out today, but that’s the fun of going to this weekend’s festivities. I mean, it’s free, so unless you hate crowds and the smell of BO, weed, and carnival food…wait, I’m not doing a good job at selling this am I? Anyway, besides all that, there’s a lot of amazing artists that I do know performing today. Here’s what I’m going to try and catch…
Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers
This is my #1 Must-See today. Comedian, actor, author, and banjo player Steve Martin releases his first musical recording since 1978′s number 1 hit “King Tut” (which I hope he plays). This isn’t a comedy show though, this may be some of the best banjo music to come down the pike in a long time. His new record, The Crow features able assistance from some of Steve’s pals, including Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien and Mary Black. Martin wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album, creating a new body of work that will stand alongside the classics for years to come.
Sat Oct 3, Banjo Stage (2:40pm)
Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg, once-described as a “one-man Clash,” has spent the last two decades writing and performing passionate, witty, socially conscious music. Teaming up with alt-country band Wilco was what brought Mr Bragg to my attention and I have since inched up his catalog over the years. This will be my first time seeing him perform, I look forward to something heartfelt and fun.
Sun Oct 4, Rooster Stage (1:15pm)
Okkervil River
The haunting and calming music here is purely the Austin’s own Okkervil River. Like tour partners the Decemberists and soul mate Alasdair Roberts, Okkervil River deals primarily in dark string instruments and even darker poetry. “Some nights I thirst for real blood/ For real knives/ For real cries,” singer Will Sheff sings on opening track of 2005′s Black Sheep Boy. Less country, more indie –whatever that means–Okkervil River paradoxically is at their most commercially ambitious.
Sat Oct 3, Towers Of Gold Stage (1:35pm)
Okkervil River – 
Lost Coastlines from The Stand Ins (2008)
Elvis Perkins in Dearland
His smart and likable songs might be crammed with excessive details, but it’s Elvis Perkins’ voice that you notice and cling to, especially the way he pulls at the syllables. It’s difficult not to term his music “dreamy” and this low-key, assured, and excellent debut recalls the great singer-songwriters; which makes him a perfect fit for Hardly Strictly. Perkins matches the crooning, knowing delivery and half-ironic lyrics of Rufus Wainwright with the visionary vocal gymnastics and love of obscure embellishments (circus/ marching band music plus singing saw, on the first song alone) of Jeff Mangum. His live shows exert positive energy and may cause uncoordinated hippie dancing (beware).
Sun Oct 4, Star Stage (11:40am)
Elvis Perkins – Shampoo from In Dearland (2009)
Neko Case
photo by Robert Loerzel
Instantly recognizable and uniquely commanding, it has been uniformly overlooked by the masses and beloved by those who have caught on. And, believe it or not, it gets even better, whether Neko Case is warbling like a porch-swing neighbor to Loretta Lynn, pontificating from the spiritual pulpit of Etta James, or unleashing the high-octane zeal of a power-pop spitfire. Her uncanny, often eccentric lyrics have always been delivered with an inherent passion behind the impulse, but rarely have they approached the boldness of her outstanding live shows. This one you have to get to early, it’s gonna get crowded.
Sun Oct 4, Star Stage (5:20pm)
Neko Case – This Tornado Loves You from Middle Cyclone (2009)