South by Soup Fest/South by San José
Güeró’s/Jo’s Coffee, Wednesday, March 14
The misty gray skies matched the attitude on South Congress Wednesday afternoon. It may have been the kickoff to the biggest music week in town, but most folks spoke in subdued tones hoping the double espresso would work its magic. At Güeró’s fine Mexican eatery, Austin’s Matt the Electrician was a perfect way to begin with his laid-back and slightly goofy demeanor. Although sparse when he began, the crowd grew steadily as he went on, attracted to his innocent melodies. The mist had turned to a steady drizzle by the time the locals in the Moonhangers launched into their brand of deep country. The atmosphere in the parking lot behind Jo’s was less than cheery though, which meant a trip back up the street where the Moonlight Towers‘ Britpop with a Southern twang was heartening. A return to Jo’s was more than worth it as emerging local Suzanna Choffel finished off the afternoon with a set of spiky blues and sexy funk that alternately recalled Rickie Lee Jones and Bonnie Raitt but remained completely unique. Seek her out.
This article appears in March 16 • 2007.