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Austin, TX?

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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
Tommy Shannon(Johnny Winter, SRV, etc) is now offering lessons: Link Removed

and a music store dedicated to bass players with great instructors and visiting bassists:
[This invalid link has been removed]

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