Austin Blues Festival Day 2 – Antone’s celebrates 50 years at Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park.

I started to tell this story about day one, but didn’t—mainly because I didn’t want it to come off wrong. Trust me, I love what I do or I wouldn’t do it, and I’m definitely in the city for it..

So here’s a bit of what happened.

When I pulled into the parking garage on the first day, I realized I had forgotten my favorite camera and one of my two favorite lenses. I parked in the garage and turned to get my bag out of the back and boom, it hit me. I actually started to tear up. But I had to suck it up, squeeze back the tears, which took a minute, and get moving. Crying and shooting don’t mix—my vision gets messed up and I can’t focus (literally and figuratively).

On top of that, my backup camera didn’t have a neck strap—just a hand strap—and the other one had no strap at all. So I spent the day juggling gear that weighs around six–seven pounds each. When it’s all packed up in my backpack, it’s about 17 pounds of gear and extra stuff. I manage, but it can be rough. I have only been doing this for a bit so I’m still trying to find what works for me. Eventually, I forgot about it and locked in—but man, it was harsh. ?

Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the heat. Running around in that? Brutal. But silver lining—I lost a few pounds. Happens almost every time I shoot. Honestly, I should do it more often.

Then Sunday morning rolled around. I woke up early, drove an hour back home to grab the gear I left, then drove another hour back to the festival. I wanted that equipment—non-negotiable—no way around it.

When I got back, I found a different parking garage right next to the venue. And it wasn’t on a hill, thank God. On day one, every trip to my car involved hiking up a fairly steep hill with 17 pounds on my back. No wonder I dropped weight. I swear, I almost died a couple of times—but I’m too stubborn to quit, so there I was.

One big win: the parking situation at the venue was actually amazing. So much parking nearby, which is rare in the city. Not having to deal with parking nightmares? Priceless.

I headed straight to the festival, picked up my wristband and sticker again, then hustled over to the stage. The group Sir Woman was already playing I could hear them before I could see them and they sounded—wow! Holy shit!! I’d just recently heard of them, because I had been cut off for a long time and I have tons of catching up to do, trust me. I mean, I had no idea I would be doing what I’m doing either. Plus, the music scene out here is vast. I mean, I’m from the Houston area originally and had no clue. I was off in other places and just didn’t understand what I was missing. It’s probably better that I’m here and older now, haha. That’s all I’m sayin. 😉

When I turned the corner the place was already packed. The crowd was surrounding the stage, completely locked in. And Sir Woman? They were power-packed! Their sound is a mix of R&B, soul, and indie pop—crazy feel-good energy. You could tell they were having a blast, and it was contagious. The whole crowd was loving it. So fun!

The next band to take the stage was Monsieur Periné, a group from Bogotá, Colombia, whose music I hadn’t heard before. The crowd was once again full of energy, and the performance was lively and captivating. The band had several members, and the lead singer stood out in an impressive costume, adding a unique flair to the show. With a mix of instruments and vibrant stage presence, it was a truly exciting experience—especially since I was discovering their sound on the spot.

One of the highlights was when the lead singer came down off of the stage and danced with the audience, making the audience part of the magic

What I really loved, though, was seeing people from all over at the festival. With everything going on in the world right now, it was amazing to feel that sense of unity. For a little while, I completely forgot about all the division and negativity and just enjoyed the music and the connection.

After their set wrapped up and the crowd settled back into a more relaxed vibe, the stage began to transform for the next artist—someone I hadn’t heard of before: Jalen Ngonda. He’s originally from Baltimore and now based in Liverpool. Jalen is a soul singer and songwriter who blends classic and modern influences to create a sound all his own. He has been compared to legends like Marvin Gaye and David Ruffin, and it didn’t take long to understand why. I genuinely felt that going on—but he’s not them and was absolutely brilliant. I truly hope I get the chance to see him live again. Just, wow.

Honestly, there wasn’t a single performance that didn’t blow me away—and there were a lot of them. Knowing myself, I’ll absolutely be diving into the music of every artist who performed, whenever I get the chance. I already have, that’s one great thing about the internet. I’m super picky about what I listen to, not unlike a lot of people so I’m thankful when I find really terrific new music to mix with my lists.

Afterwards, another Antone’s Famous Poboy! Haha, I had three over the weekend and definitely don’t regret it! 🙂

I sat on the lawn, once again resting on my garbage bag (yes, you read that correctly), feeling calm but still deeply energized by the whole experience. As I took it all in, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be there, witnessing so much incredible talent. It also made me think how wonderful it would have been to have my family there—they would have absolutely loved it. We really are a family that connects through music.

I was just sitting there, thinking about the festival and everything it had made me feel. I didn’t even realize how deep in my thoughts I was—until I did. I was also waiting for Jackie Venson to come on. I’d heard a little of her music before, and there is something about it that felt familiar.

Jackie came on stage, and of course, I took photos from the pit. But as soon as I was done, I went back to my spot, sat down, and just looked around at everyone. I like to do that. There were so many people, and honestly, sitting there , breathing it all in, it felt like a lot of us were in the same emotional space. The music throughout the weekend had been powerful—you could feel it in your chest, in your soul.

After Jackie had performed several songs, there was a moment where I felt myself start to tear up and it freaked me out because I couldn’t figure out how, because I was in a little bit of a daze. I wasn’t listening to the lyrics, which I usually do, but really just vibing with the music. But then I tuned in—and wow. It hit hard. She was singing about something I don’t really think about anymore and it snuck in somehow—about being on your own after a relationship, taking time to heal, and figuring yourself out before moving forward. Somehow, it just landed. Like, my brain heard it, my ears heard it, but once it hit my heart, it was like, oh wow.

I connected with her music in such a deep way. And that “familiar” feeling I got earlier? I realized part of it was that something in her sound reminded me of Chaka Khan—who I’ve always loved. Jackie’s sound is super unique though. So yeah… that performance has really stayed with me.

As evening settled in after Jackie’s performance, I felt drawn to wander around—back toward the vendor booths, just to take a moment to walk, observe, and simply be. There were a lot of cool vendors and I hadn’t had a chance to spend time checking out the booths, but I’m going to look them up. One I did see was Big Henry’s Vinyl & Gifts, they had t-shirts, shorts, mugs, and other gifts with the Austin Blues Festival logos, plus, of course, killer vinyl records to buy. They also have have a pre-order for the “Antone’s 50th Allstars – 50 Years of The Blues [Box Set]” on their website.

After a little bit I went back down near the stage. A part of me felt a quiet sadness knowing the experience was nearing its end, but at the same time, I felt changed. Something about those days had moved me. I felt hopeful, full, and deeply grateful.

At that moment, it never occurred to me that anyone could evoke deeper emotions than what I had already experienced those two days. How wrong I was. I thought I had seen and heard everything, still caught up in the emotional high of it all. But in truth, I had no idea what was still ahead. Just when I believed it couldn’t get any more profound, it was time for Mavis Staples. Lord have mercy, where have I been?

I know some of what I’m about to say might sound cheesy, but it’s honestly how I feel.

I can hardly find the words to describe what Mavis did to me—it was truly something profound. Not only is she unbelievably powerful, but she also radiates a humility and spiritual presence that you don’t witness often in life. From the moment she stepped on stage, I was completely mesmerized by her. I stood off to the side, for a bit and listened and couldn’t help but be moved to tears. I couldn’t stop them, nor did I want to. She brought out things in me that I had buried deep inside, for whatever reasons, and it was very spiritual. All I wanted was for those moments to never end. I had felt some of those things for years. At the same time, it was all so uplifting.

When the performance was finished and she began to walk off the stage, I didn’t want her to leave. It’s hard to explain, but it felt like when you say goodbye to a friend you know you may never get to see again. That’s the only way I know how to express it. I actually tear up every time I think about it—it’s such a strange and powerful feeling. Somehow, I knew I was meant to be there that night.

A bit later, something very special happened. A certificate of recognition from The State of Texas, signed by the Governer, was presented to Antone’s Nightclub by The Texas Music Office (TMO) Director, Chip Adams in honor of the venue’s 50th Anniversary, its enduring contribution to the preservation of Texas’ musical heritage, and the enrichment of the state’s vibrant music scene. Clifford Antone’s sister, Susan, attended the occasion along with many Antone’s employees to celebrate the special moment. It was heartwarming to hear her share a few words about her brother and what it all meant to him. I’m so glad I got to be there for that. 50 years is a long time.

Now, The Allstars were getting ready to play—and yeah, they definitely are, just like yesterday. I knew of some of the people who were going to be playing that night, but I had no idea some of the others were even going to be there until they were right in front of me, absolutely tearing it up on guitar, harmonica, bass—everything—and singing with so much raw soul, it was total blues heaven.

John Primer was there, “Big Bill” Morganfield — (Muddy Waters’ son) — Derek O’Brien, Steve Bell, Lurrie Bell, and more. Some I’d already talked about in “Day 1,” and others I had not mentioned yet, like The Texas Horns, who had played day one. Another very cool surprise was Grace Bowers—trust me, if she’s not on your radar yet, she will be.

If I sound excited, it’s because I was — and apparently still am, lol. They all played such insanely good music. Like I said, it was mind-blowing. Some of these folks have been performing for almost as long as I’ve been alive, and you could feel that depth and experience in every note.

And I’ve gotta say — the older I get, the harder it is to truly impress me. But they all made a huge impression, and I don’t care who you are or where you’re from — that was kick-ass.

Damn, OK, now, as if everything else wasn’t enough, about the time I was able to get myself together a little bit, here comes Gary Clark Jr. Gary Clark Jr. has won four Grammy awards and is from Austin. He is also a part owner of Antone’s, so there you go, that is just another big reason why this festival has so many amazing performers. From what I know, Clifford Antone also introduced introduced Gary Clark Jr. to Jimmie Vaughan years ago, who was a mentor to him around the music scene in Austin, and I’m sure that was a super big deal — it had to be.

Speaking of Jimmie Vaughan, guess who joined Gary Clark Jr. on stage next? None other than Jimmie Vaughan himself. It was such an incredible moment to see them up there together, playing side by side, especially knowing the history they share. Most of the artists who performed this weekend are familiar with each other, and if they weren’t before, they certainly are now. I’m already curious to see who will take the stage next year.

Maybe I’m off base, but trying to describe how great their performance was feels pointless. They’re blues legends—and for good reason. I will say this much: I was in awe of them. It’s just something I will never forget.

Gary is… it’s hard to describe. I’ll just say he’s like a quiet storm. He emanates this super powerful but calm energy that kind of puts you in a trance. Then he lets loose on his guitar, and you just get hypnotized by his sound. It’s raw and gritty and gorgeous, all at the same time.

I’ve still got a lot of music to catch up on, but that’s never been the case with Jimmie Vaughan. I’ve been into his music since my teens, so getting to see him play was a huge huge deal for me. The Vaughan brothers are forever ingrained in my soul—as with Ian Moore and Charlie Sexton.

So that’s it for now, guys! Now that I’ve taken the time to think on everything with the festival, I can sum up my experience like this: I’ll be going every year that I can. It was fantastic, and I truly believe it will continue to be just as amazing—growing and evolving each time. Whether people came alone (and many did), with friends, in groups, as couples, or with family, it was a great time for everyone. No matter who you were with, it was simply a great place to be.

Take care,
Dana