CMT Blog: Sarah Borges

Some of the shows we played this year were part of a parallel independent festival called not-SXSW, and Thursday’s show at Opal Divine’s, was one of them. 

We hadn’t played in 2 days, which for us was a long time. During the day, we checked out some music friends (this festival is so great because you get to see all of your band friends whose tours are converging at once). AKA COD and Frank Smith had a show in the parking lot of the über-glamorous Hotel San Jose, which just goes to show you how every available space in Austin is taken over by music this week.  Then back to the hotel for a quick sprucing up and off to our show.

When we arrived at Opal Divine’s, the show was hopping, and we couldn’t wait to play. Set up on a hill overlooking Austin, it’s a really pretty venue.  The show was put on by an organization called 3rd Coast Music, and they’ve helped us out a lot over the years, so we look forward to seeing John Conquest, who organizes the shows, and all of the good folks who help him support great music.  My favorite part of being in a band is the camaraderie with other musicians and the kindness of people we meet out on tour. There’s nothing better than turning up to play an out-of-town show and finding a bunch of old friends there.

The show went really well, we were happy to have the first one over and done with. Then it was off to the hotel for some rest before the excitement of whatever happens tomorrow.

Monday March 10

Arrived in Austin in time for our show with Dale Watson at the Continental Club. Dale’s a legend, and we’re honored to share the stage with him. It was a lot of fun to be in town before the SXSW music festival starts. We got to watch bands start to trickle in (the number of touring vans and buses was unbelievable!), and enjoy all this cool city had to offer before the crowds set in.

The band was a little nervous, but it looked like these folks were a Saturday night audience even though itwas only Monday. We hoped we could get them up and dancing and warmed up for Dale!

Tuesday March 11

Monday night’s show was the kind that made us want to be musicians in the first place. The band sounded great, we put on quite a show, and the excitement about the upcoming days of the festival only added to the buzz in the Continental Club. SXSW also has a film festival that takes place the week prior to the music festival, and they were screening an independent film in the club before our show, which was a great hang. Seemed like the moviegoers were a little tired of sitting after the film though because they were definitely ready to get up and shake it once we started to play.

I’ve been to a lot of memorable shows at the Continental during my SXSW visits. I’m proud to add my band’s to that list.

We were off Wednesday, time for a much needed rest. We’ve been on tour for almost a month, so sleep and alone time are precious. The music portion of SXSW started Thursday, and we needed to be on our game.

Sarah Borges