Outlaw Country

I came to Austin because I wanted to hear and play a certain kind of country/alt-country/americana music.

I googled around for a show to go to. I found the Continental Club, and saw that a guy named Dale Watson was playing on Monday night. I did not link to any of his music. I just read his biography and some reviews. There was one quote that stuck out immediately.

"I'm one of Dale's biggest fans - I enjoy all his records and think he's great. I think there's a great deal of similarity between Dale and Waylon and myself...Kris and all the guys who just want to play their music and not have to go through all the bullshit. Dale stays true to what he believes in...whatever they say made me and Waylon 'Outlaws,' I think he's the same...if WE were, HE is." -Willie Nelson

That was all I needed to know about Dale Watson right there. The show was great. The man got on stage at about 10:15pm and played STRAIGHT until 1:45am. Don, Mike, Chris, and Dale's other Lone Stars were fantastic. It was amazing! At the end of the night, I was sitting outside trying to figure out how to use my new worthless phone. Mike, the drummer came outside. "You were really phenomenal. Awesome show." I said. "Thanks, you were great out there singing and dancing. What's your name?" And we had this great conversation. I told him about my silly dream of being a songwriter and singer. Then the bassist Chris came out, I said hello. "You better not let Dale know you sing, he'll have you up there in no time." Mike said, "Oh you have to go meet Dale, come on!" We rolled back into the bar, and I tapped Dale on the shoulder. "Hey I just wanted to say great show." I said (so lame). He replied, "I wanted to meet you. Where are you from? This is your first show? Oh man I cannot believe you missed chicken shit bingo last night . . . ." And so on, great musician and truly nice guy.

First night out on the town in Austin was amazing!