Cool Austin - The Live Music Capital And Fabulous Getaway!
Photography: Maxine Albert
Austin is the kind of place where you wander into a bar following the sound of lit music wafting out into the street, and realize the dude sitting next to you, groovin’ to the rhythm, is famed blues musician Taj Mahal. This City of Cool with 250 live music venues, including iconic clubs hosting the best blues, jazz, country and rock - is the "Live Music Capital Of The World.” Here you’ll also find friendly, welcoming locals, superb cuisine, boutique shopping and plenty of outdoor activities around Lady Bird Lake.
Photography: Four Seasons Austin
Live Music
Live Music happens every night in Texas’ captivating capital. My multi evening music crawl included:
Antone’s Nightclub; the legendary blues venue founded in 1975 is still going hot today and attracting top artists. Zydeco great Clifton Chenier and His Red-Hot Louisiana Band was the first act that performed here followed by iconic musicians B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and James Brown.
Photography: Maxine Albert
As part of their 50th-anniversary celebration, a "Homecoming Show" held last October featuring the Antone's 50th Allstars, brought down the house. Denise Black, daughter of famed club MC Allen Black, known as ‘Sugar Bear’, relayed that Albert King, nicknamed the ‘Velvet Bulldozer’- due to his smooth singing and large size, always said, “If you don’t believe in the blues, you got a hole in your head.”
The iconic Continental Club with neon sign above the entrance, known for hosting top local artists, has been a staple of Austin’s music scene since the 1950s. Join in the revelry as people dance in front of the stage, or just kick back with a drink in hand and enjoy the buzzy performance. I saw Austin favorite, acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist James McMurtry, blow the roof off.
Photography: Maxine Albert Continental Club
Jam sessions are part of the fabric of the city and Elephant Room, open since 1991, delivers the quintessential laid- back basement lounge experience, with live music every night and the legendary Monday Night Jam. You never know what jazz great may turn up. Andre Hayward, former lead trombonist with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, led the jam when I visited and it was fantastic.
Elephant Room Photography: Maxine Albert
Tucked away off the street, with an entrance down the stairs, lies the classy Parker Jazz Club. The suave ambiance, great acoustics and gorgeous jazz with world-renowned musicians, create an unforgettable elevated experience. A collection of craft cocktails and soft lighting add to the allure.
Parker Jazz Club Photography: Maxine Albert
Kris Kimura, Austin-based award-winning vocalist and woodwind specialist opened this jazzy gem in 2018, where he often performs the timeless music of the American Songbook, accompanied by the Ryan Davis Trio. His homage to Nat King Cole with his own velvety smooth vocals and masterly instrumental talent including his exquisite bass flute transported me to another era. In between heartfelt renditions of classics ‘ When I Fall In Love’, ‘She’s Funny That Way’ and ‘ Walking My Baby Back Home,’ Kris riffs rhapsodic about the legendary Mr. Cole, his own journey that led to opening this club that’s been his ‘dream’ along with hugely entertaining stories sure to enchant one and all.
Step into the glamour and mystique of jazz’s golden era at Nica, Austin’s new hot jazz lounge with live music Tuesday through Saturday. Launched last September by the team behind Elephant Room and Parker Jazz Club, this intimate jazz boite is named after Famous Jazz Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, patron of many Jazz Greats.
Nica Photography: Maxine Albert
Amber lighting, velvet seating and those oh so warm jazz melodies create a sexy, romantic ambiance in this jewel box of a club. Sip a martini, an old fashioned, a cognac or some bubbly, as you enjoy the warm, cozy vibe. Kris Kimura performs a few nights a week, bringing his magic. It’s the kind of place you take a first date, a longtime partner or a friend. If you want someone to fall in love with you, bring them here.
Additional music venues such as The Saxon Pub, Stubb’s, C-Boy's, Paramount and Moody Theater, among many others, feature diverse offerings ranging from flamenco, gospel, zydeco, reggae to The Gypsy Kings. And the popular Austin City Limits Music Festival in October and SXSW Music Festival in March attract visitors from near and far. There’s something for every taste in this alluring city.
Shop
Photography: Maxine Albert
Cowgirl boots are a must here and you’ll find an impressive selection in every shape, color and height in the fashionable shops along South Congress Avenue. Check out world famous Allens, indulge with a free boot shine at stylish Tecovas; enjoy the complimentary tequila tasting and gorgeous craftsmanship at South to North.
Photography: Maxine Albert
Then, head to Alice + Olivia for Western designer duds and top it off at Maufrais for the chicest Western hat, sure to turn heads.
Eat
Photography: Maxine Albert
Austin is a veritable foodie paradise. In addition to legendary barbecue like Terry Black’s mouth watering slow-smoked brisket with secret recipes passed down through generations - there’s fantastic Tex-Mex, a vibrant food truck scene and a host of diverse eateries. Head to Michelin Star Winner Nixta Taqueria for impressively, innovative Mexican cuisine al fresco, including duck confit carnitas tacos on heirloom pink corn tortillas to die for.
Kalimotxo Photography: Maxine Albert
Kalimotxo celebrates the best of Spain, from scrumptious Basque-style pintxos to tantalizing tapas including tuna, crab and crudo delights along with tastiest pan seared cod and divine Texas Wagyu Ribeye.
Bat Cruise
The Bat Show Photography: Grace Kim
Don’t miss seeing Austin’s famous bats on a Sunset Bat cruise. The spectacle of North America's largest urban bat colony, approximately 1.5million, flying out from the Congress Avenue Bridge at the golden hour, is a sight to behold. This is also a great way to take in Austin’s beauty from the water and learn about the locale’s history from a prime-viewing seat at the Bat Show!
Stay
Congressional Suite Terrace Photography: Four Seasons Austin
The charming Four Seasons Hotel Austin with impeccably manicured grounds, an enviable location on Lady Bird Lake, and within walking distance of downtown - is the perfect place to park yourself while exploring the city. The elegant property features stunning lake-view rooms, some with terraces, a saltwater pool with cabanas, and direct access to the scenic Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail and lakeside stroll path.
Photography: Four Seasons Austin
Guests are surrounded by magnificent trees, plants and gardens with hammocks and loungers for a sublime immersion in nature’s beauty. I felt like I was in a sanctuary staying here.
Photography: Four Seasons Austin
Luxe rooms and suites are spacious, light and airy, done in neutral tones with stylish contemporary décor and handsome accents. Amenities like Natura Bissé complement the supremely comfortable interiors that include cozy beds and plush linens for drifting off to dreamland. In keeping with the Four Seasons Brand, the service is excellent.
Governors Suite Photography: Four Seasons Austin
Guests have complimentary access to a Lucid electric car for 3 hours that they can book with the Concierge. The hotel can also assist with arranging water activities on the glassy lake such as kayaking, paddleboard, canoeing and boating.
Lady Bird Lake Photography: Four Seasons Austin
Ciclo Restaurant
Photography: Maxine Albert
Acclaimed Executive Chef Abril Callender delivers vibrant, locally inspired dishes with Latin influences at Ciclo. Dining on tastiest specialties like tuna ponzu guacamole, hamachi tiradito and a prime, cowgirl ribeye in a beautiful lakeside setting with the trees gloriously illuminated at night, made an unforgettable evening.
Photography: Maxine Albert
Breakfast at Ciclo with all the classics as well as huevos rancheros and a smoked brisket taco plus freshly squeezed juices and elixirs, accompanied by birdsong and lake views, is a great way to start the day.
Photography: Maxine Albert
Spa
Top off your visit with an indulgent treatment at the excellent Spa. I chose the Herbal Relief & Recovery Massage from their host of wellness offerings, designed to melt away tension and restore the body’s natural rhythm. Master practitioner Raine Nobles, a true healer and extraordinary body worker, was a catalyst for my journey of transformation. I cannot thank her enough.
Photography: Four Seasons Austin
Healing Power of Music
Not only is this cool Live Music Capital so much fun, music is a powerful healing force. It improves mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and reduces stress and anxiety. To experience Austin’s outstanding live music with the easy-going locals who grew up on it - is quite something!