After a Fashion

ALL IN THE FAMILY Every year, SXSW's spectacular musical opener is the Austin Music Awards, coordinated by my sister, Margaret. She read a moving tribute to me from the stage, and I got a lovely round of applause. But that was nothing compared to the the thunderous ovations that followed sets by, among others, Gary Clark Jr., Roky Erickson, and Lyle Lovett paying tribute to Walter Hyatt. Despite the configuration of the new Austin Music Hall complicating matters to a degree, the show sparkled. When ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons presented Musician of the Year to Erickson, Gibbons said, "In 1969, I started a band called the Moving Sidewalks because the name 13th Floor Elevators was already taken. The presentation of Hall of Fame plaques to the family of Walter Hyatt and to Champ Hood (both former members of Uncle Walt's Band with David Ball, in attendance) was especially touching, and when Jack Primich accepted the Hall of Fame award for his late son Gary Primich, he told my sister backstage with tears in his eyes, "Thank you for honoring my son." Just a reminder that the awards are not just about honoring the artists, but someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, mom, or dad ... you get the picture.

DRESSING THE PART It appeared that the Music Awards audience took more care with their ensembles this year. We saw fewer eyesores, like shorts and flip-flops and more embroidered Western shirts and cocktail dresses that made the event seem more glamorous than in the past. Of course there were hideous ensembles that at least kept us entertained, but for the most part, the crowd dressed well. Congratulations to all of you. The VIP smoking lounge was hopping, of course. For those who wanted a break from the music, there were skyline views, lots of people-watching eye candy, and serious merriment. We never found out if that was Lou Reed in the Gibson bus; who knows? We heard he never showed.