Austin Entertainment Profiles : Red River Clubs

The vast majority of true rock and roll and bluesareas inside for relaxing between sets.
artists have grown up and lived on the poor sideRandall and Donya Stockton opened their Red
of town. Today, the same rings true, as many ofRiver club Beerland after their old club, Bates
Austin's local musicians can be found just east ofMotel, burned down on 6th Street. The Stocktons
IH-35, where the streets are a little tougher andoffer opportunities to up-and-coming bands looking
the rent a little easier to pay. It makes sense thatto play their first show, as they have live music
several live music venues are found on Red Riversix nights a week, with several live acts a night.
Street, where downtown Austin and East AustinGearing more towards a garage rock crowd,
converge, just one block west of the interstate.Beerland books national and touring acts, as well
Though live music clubs can be found sprinkledas local favorites, with a cover charge rarely
around town, Red River hosts eight of themexceeding five dollars.
within a few block stretch. The music genresEmo's is probably the most well known and
vary slightly on Red River with Rock, and itslongest lasting club, situated on the corner of Red
offshoots, as the primary focus. As opposed toRiver and 6th Street. When the club opened in
the dueling piano players or slew of cover bandsthe early 90s, there was no cover for those 21
normally found on 6th street, the bands playingand up, and a one dollar cover for minors. Today,
on Red River are playing all original music, andthey still offer admission to all ages, and have
hoping to find enough fans to build up a followinggrown larger, now with an indoor stage for
and gain some recognition, since the money theysmaller shows, and a larger outdoor stage for
will take home is usually based on the number ofbetter known acts. Most recently, they have
people coming through the door.opened the Emo's Lounge, and can have three
Clubs such as Headhunters and Room 710 draw alive shows playing simultaneously. During the South
hard rock audience that can be filled with toughBy Southwest Music Festival of 1994, Emo's had
punks and fans from the local roller derby teams.a surprise guest appearance by Johnny Cash,
Club Deville and Mohawk both have fantasticwhich is still one of the most talked about club
outside stages with limestone cliffs jutting outperformances in town.
from behind the stage, and dark as pitch seating