Luv Doc Recommends: Jerm Pollet’s Punk Rock Campfire Music

If you’re one of those people who are new to town and still just don’t see what the big deal is, here’s a suggestion: Get out and explore. You’re never going to get a decent picture of Austin from the front seat of your car on your daily commute or from the dent in your couch in front of the TV – OK, maybe if you spend all of your time watching cable access. The point is that if you really want to get to know Austin, you’re going to have to jump in and root around in the grit, smell the funk, sweat with the townies. While other cities’ offerings can usually be summed up by the booth decorations at the local Applebee’s, Austin’s charm is a little harder to pin down. Sure we have some nice hills, some lakes, and a pretty green river that runs through the middle of town, but the same could be said of any number of places. What sets Austin apart is the people. Really. There are a lot of interesting, intelligent, creative folks who have chosen to live and work here despite the siren song of places like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Pflugerville. At least part of the reason this talent pool exists is that, unlike a lot of other cities in the Mid/Southwest, Austin as a community supports (some would say indulges, but at the very least tolerates) intelligence and creativity. If you’ve been in town a while and haven’t been entertained or even awestruck by at least one fellow citizen, chances are you’re not going to the right places. One good place to start is the Carousel Lounge. The Carousel is exactly the type of unassuming, slightly freaky down-home dive that defines the Austin aesthetic: a one-story cinderblock building with weather-beaten, circus-themed interior/exterior and a clientele that could most accurately be described as “inclusive.” The bar offers beer and setups (you can bring your own liquor), and most nights you can hear live music for little to no money. Every first and third Tuesday the Carousel is host to Jerm Pollet and his special brand of punk rock campfire music. Best known as a wisecracking member of the Alamo Drafthouse’s Mr. Sinus 3000, Jerm is also an accomplished musician and songwriter, having fronted popular Austin bands Gal’s Panic and Missile Command as well as doing a stint under the name Tall, Dark, and Lonesome. Along with his own music played on both guitar and piano, Pollet’s Tuesday shows at the Carousel feature audience-participation board games like Family Feud, improv songs based on audience suggestions, surprises, and special guests. If you have ever been to a Mr. Sinus show or backyard party, you know you’re in for a good time. However, unlike Mr. Sinus, the Tuesday shows at the Carousel are free. Just consider that your bonus for dragging your ass off of the sofa on a Tuesday night.