The Stapletones know how to tap into the flesh of rock and roll and the spirit of gospel, which is really both one and the same when it’s done right. This tried and true gospel group certainly does it right, and they pack a tent with people moving to their music for a good long set. They do a lively rendition of “People Get Ready” and spoke a little bit between a few of the songs. “When all you’ve got is God, you realize that’s all you need.” They confessed that, “I like to mix my gospel with blues.” I couldn’t agree more. They went into an energetic, building version of “Let the Circle Be Unbroken” and made it a point to specifically praise Jesus. Their joy was quite infectious. They gave a shout-out to The Staples and sang, “I’m gonna love somebody and Jesus, it’s gonna be You!” They verbally continued to give glory to Jesus and explain how honored they were to be there and thanked Him for it. Their closing number was a rousing declaration that “I’ll take you there.” They broke the song down and introduced the family members and then hustled into a double-time finish, leaving the audience spent a little.
The Wild Feathers (Photo by Ashley Garmon)
Wild Feathers have lots of nice and smooth harmonies, not unlike The Eagles.
Casper Babypants was playing on the Austin Kiddie Limits Stage, but those parents who took their kids over or those muso’s in the know found out that the lead singer Chris Ballew for The Presidents of the United States of America is quite the entertainer, quite the singer and very creative. A cover like “Ob La Di Ob La Da” sounded as joyous for the adults in the crowd as it must have for the tiny ones. The last song of his set Ballew sang and played as fast as possible in deference to John Lennon. He introduced the song with a little story about how apparently Paul McCartney insisted that The Beatles record it 200 times when they laid it down in the studio. I was quite pleasantly surprised by this set and did a short interview with the man.
CASPER BABYPANTS INTERVIEW:
I wanted to make music that was quieter than the rock band, but had no idea what it was going to be about or how it would fit into the world. Then I met my wife Kate and her artwork inspired me to write songs to go with her images. When I listened back I realized that is was KIDS MUSIC! I was thrilled.
I have had NO worries at all going into this! I am doing it for the love of music and to help families relieve stress and sing together and my sites for success are within reach so I am just a happy little monkey all around. I am happy with whatever success this thing naturally finds in the world without too much pushing.
Dan Merchant (Jesus, Save Us From Your Followers) and I are working on a doc about me and the music and a full-length animated narrative film about a lost glove that I help reunite with its other half. Both are stewing and marinating and waiting for the right business situation so that we can make the movies the way we want. I will NOT be compromising the vision for Disney Dollars!
45,927 + 32,892 = 78,819
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