So apparently there is live music in Austin.
Michelle recommended that I explore some live music, and said that one of her favorite places is Mohawk, located on 10th Street and Red River.
Last Saturday evening, I ventured to Mohawk, but at 9:00 PM, I was way too early for a Saturday night. No one else was there. I went for a brief walk down Red River to kill a bit of time, and glanced at the other restaurant/bar/music venues. On my way back, I was stopped by the sounds of a good band. I listened from the street for a while before deciding that the five dollar cover would be worth it, even if I could only hear a few more songs.
The establishment was Club De Ville, located next door to Mohawk on Red River.
The band that had captivated my attention is called "The Couch" and would be classified as Rock.
I did not spend much time in the indoor bar, but I loved the outdoor patio area, complete with a large stage and cave-like rock backdrop, lit up with neon lights.
I really enjoyed "The Couch" and will be on the lookout for where they will be playing in the future.
Between bands the crowd was entertained by an acrobatic performance by, I believe, people who were there to enjoy their Saturday night and jumped on stage. It gave Club De Ville something extra, like we were all very welcome guests.
The next band was "Neon Cobra," and upon paying my cover and walking through the doors, the lead singer proclaimed, "You won't be disappointed." Over all, I had a nice time and really enjoyed watching the "super fans" jump around and sing with the band to showcase their support.
Wednesday evening brought me back to Mohawk.
Again, there is an indoor and outdoor option, but the bands play indoor. The indoor atmosphere reminded me of an interesting living room, complete with weird, old photographs, a fire place, and a deer mount.
The outdoor patio is very nice, and where I would like to spend my time, especially on a mild night with a nice breeze. Like Club De Ville, it is accented with protruding rock, and benefited with trees and creative lighting. I can imagine it would be a nice place to have a mellow night with friends, drink beer, and listen to the band downstairs.
One of the most seemingly lighthearted and fun people I have encountered, Niki is in her late 20s and has lived in Austin for two years. She is originally from the East Coast, and moved to Austin because she was "done with very long winters." She said that she stays in Austin for its "awesomeness in every category" and its "non-sucking at being cold."
She enjoys the "urban heights" of Austin, especially all the bars on Red River and the Warehouse District, which Austin Entertainment calls, "the upscale cousin to 6th Street." It is located west of the business district, is "a bit trendier" and with higher prices, "caters to a slightly older crowd than the other downtown entertainment areas."
Niki was adamant in explaining that she came to Mohawk to watch the band "Bird Lips" perform and stated that she has been following the band's music from when she lived on the East Coast.
Niki was very friendly and carried an attitude that she has fun with her life. She explained that her birthday is an amazing seven-day event, and when asked for something interesting about her, she said that her grandfather dropped a bomb on Christmas Island. "Fact," she said.
Niki's recommendation for restaurant:
Perla's
1400 South Congress Avenue
Niki says that there is a great Sunday brunch and that the food, drinks, patio, and staff are all amazing.
Austin's Hidden Treasure according to Niki:
"My patio."
Gotta love her honesty.
Next week, Niki sends me to The Ginger Man to have a good beer.