Austin, TX?

[Brendan]

So, tell me about Austin. I'm moving shortly, and Portland, Oregon has been the destination, but Austin just sorta jumped in as a wildcard candidate.

What's up with Austin?

[()smoke()]

great city, i lived there for a short while...lots of green space, lots of liberal thought, lots of live music--downside is also lots of traffic, but that comes with the territory

[Brendan]

Where'd you move from?

I move around quite a bit. I've moved 7 times in the last 8 years, and this move will make 8. I've lived in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina, and have spent time as a truck driver, so I've been through literally this entire country. So, y'know, feel free to compare it to other places you've lived.

[Rios_Tx]

Austin is a great city that has a lot of places to play (music and otherwise). If you like the outdoors there are plenty of trails, pools, lakes, and there are rivers and tons of places to camp around Austin as well. It also can be a great lazy hang out. Movie theatres you can drink at, margaritas at every turn, some great art...

As far as music is concerned, its everywhere and there is a bunch of great musicians...a great place to learn. If you are looking for $$ gigs as a fill in, from what I understand there is not much to be made.

I have heard some statements that Portland is like Austin except more liberal ("feeling blue in a red state"). I have also heard that Portland might out do Austin in the beauty factor.

[dee rob]

Austin is cool, I'm a transplant and have lived here for just over three years now. There are lot's of things to do, lots of bars to play in, but as someone said earlier the $$ isn't that great, depending on where you play. I've done my share of gigging since I've been here, and I've got a decent day gig, so for me everyting has worked out great. Good luck if you decide to make the move, and if you do, look me up when you get here!

dee

[Chriss62]

Lot's of music to take in. Not much money playing gigs. Lots of good food. Terrible traffic.
entirely too hot right now, but the rest of the season rock.

Do you like college students??

[Aftershock8]

Take Portland. Nicer weather. Great music. $'s comparable to Austin (gig wise)

[Brendan]

So, y'know, keep telling me.

[Chriss62]

Cheapo used cds and dvds...

[Chriss62]

Lake Travis, ACL Festival.

You should come to the ACL festival. It's gonna be great.

You could get involved in some causes. It's all about awareness, I hear.

[Chriss62]

Lot's of pools and springs and lakes to cool off.

[Chriss62]

Hipsters and college football.


Also, Frat parties and Coop parties are places where to get wasted.

[Chriss62]

Tex-mex and sushi. Austin has lot's of both. And gays, Austin is pretty friendly with the gays...

And the Bikers. (ROT rally)

[Chriss62]

Endless bike trails? Endless Lance Armstrong idolatry.

[DigMe]

The main drawbacks are hot weather in the summer and traffic. Hopefully when the rest of the tollways are completed and fully opened it will alleviate SOME of the traffic on the main highways but the smaller road traffic will remain. It's a fun place. We have land just outside of Austin so I've spent quite a bit of time there.

bc

[Pilgrim]

Good music scene, attractive city, and Texas offers plenty of turista activities. In Summer? HOT. See also: HOT...it doesn't get under 90 degrees in the daytime until November. Univ of Texas is a big influence in town with 48,000+ students.

[Johnny Crab]

Tommy Shannon(Johnny Winter, SRV, etc) is now offering lessons: http://www.myspace.com/srvdoubletrouble

and a music store dedicated to bass players with great instructors and visiting bassists:
http://www.bassemporium.com/index.php

They also send me strings "next day" as I'm about 100+ miles southeast.