One of the ultimate mensches of Austin music, Dave Prewitt’s been recording and disseminating live footage of local bands since 1986 and he’s never tried to squeeze a penny out of anyone.
“I’ve actively avoided making any kind of money off it and still turn down employment in the field because it would kill my passion,” admits the videographer and cable access personality behind CapZeyeZ and Raw Time, 1990-2007, and current host for ATX acts via DaveTV on Austin Public Access.
An enduring veteran of local DIY media, Prewitt’s programs embody an unpretentious fan perspective on Austin music. For that, bands revere him. So much so that in 2015, Dereck Todd from scum punks Worthless Humans organized the first DaveFest, a fundraiser to cover the costs of DaveTV’s production fees, against the wishes of Prewitt, who avoids asking for handouts.
Turns out there’s plenty of homegrown artists eager to help raise money for DaveTV, so DaveFest became an annual benefit with two days of diverse lineups reflecting Prewitt’s all-over-the-map musical proclivities. The fourth iteration sponsors 27 bands on two stages this weekend at Kick Butt Coffee. Donations goes to production fees and upgrading audiovisual gear.
“Everything we get, we put back into the show to try to get to the next level,” says Prewitt.
Friday’s lineup yields performances from Adrian & the Sickness/Beaux Cheveux frontwoman Adrian Conner (8:30pm), psych-punk quartet the Dead Coats (9:30pm), grinding crossover thrash act Hellfury (11:30pm), and punk ’n’ roll ruffians Worm Suicide (1am). Night two summons former local anti-folk rambler Hamell on Trial (7:30pm), whose excellent October LP, The Night Guy at the Apocalypse: Profiles of a Rushing Midnight, sounds like Shel Silverstein singing inner city tales of drugs and robbery that’d make Jim Carroll blush. For Prewitt, it’ll be momentous.
Fri., Jan. 11, 7pm