Did I mention how much I like Austin?

Coffee on the porch - at a comfortable 71F - is a big change down here. Thanks to fairly persistent rain over the last week, this fairy-land scene greeted us amidst the Scotch Bonnet pepper plant stalks. It looked like an elf would pop out from underneath. From the Rogers Mushrooms website the closest match I see is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii in this picture link.

This mushroom presaged a very nice day. After a 3+ mile walk we headed off again to Hill's Cafe for the gospel brunch. Hill's is a South Austin institution. There is a long tradition of music here, as well as good food.

Today's offering was Danny Brooks.

This site has a lot of history, as it used to be the Travis Country Court House. The state seal shows up on the floor as you walk in.










After being seated in the Willy Nelson booth (with a photo signed by Willy himself), we were treated to more really good music. Mr. Brooks had a great voice, with a lot of soul and the ability to really belt. His small combo (drummer not seen here) consisted of really good musicians. The repertoire varied from gospel to country to talking blues (backed by a reggae style backbeat). The highlight of the day was an older gentleman getting up and doing an old-time dance. The band added a a few bars to the end, they enjoyed it so much.

This kind of music makes me very glad and very sad. Glad that I am hearing it, sad that I am not making it.

Thanks to Mr. Brooks and company for a marvelous morning.

Today was also the day of the Pecan Street Festival. It is held on 6th street in downtown Austin. Parking is hard to find. We were lucky to find a spot 5 blocks away. As we approached, we found some of Austin's alternate transportation modes.

For me the story is usually not the booths. There is just too much repetition there. This festival spans several intersecting streets. At the end of each intersecting block there was a different band. These guys had an interesting mix of American-style ska (originally a Jamaican music style), with a mix of big band. It was strange, but infectious.

It's great to see young musicians jamming up a storm and enjoying themselves so much.

There was a great mix of people, as well. Great big biker guys walked alongside families with strollers. Older folks, teenagers, and toddlers watched street performers of various types.

We were so full of breakfast that the varied food offerings never had a chance, despite smelling wonderful.

A bit of Austin weirdness and we were off to the car. You should have seen this guy's pointed toe boots!

4 blocks past the landmark Driskill Hotel we were back at the car. More about the Driskill another time.