Thanks for this history Michael. First time I played the Continental I was still living in LA and couldn't find any good places with my Hammond organ trio and James Achor, my guitar player (Royal Crown Revue) knew Steve and we booked one night in Austin and one in Houston and 7 other dates in the state. We opened for the Iguanas and as 2 o'clock hit, they said We've got time for a few more number" and I asked Steve what time you close? 2am. What if the cops come in? We lock the doors and call it a private party! I had to move to Austin and next year I did 2002. I seldom play downstairs except to sit in but moved my Hammond B3 upstairs 1 1/2 years ago and I played with Ephraim and Brannen (Black Red Black) for 9 1/2 years there and 4 years with The Brannen & Red Show every Wednesday after James McMurtry. It's been a great time and now with many people showing interest, we have 7 venues with Hammond Organs played most nights of the week. 3 are mine (Antones, Gallery, Elephant Room) and Steve has two (heard he loved the Hammond before I got there). Carry On... Red Young
Good times at the Continental. I was with the sharecroppers. We opened for Tony Price, Hippy Hour for a summer or more. Mid 90s. It’s all a little hazy. Fond memories.
The 'new' Continental Club opened shortly before I 'rediscovered' (Austin) Music during my return to college via UT. A friend was visiting from out of town and saw a Chronicle listing for Ronnie Lane playing at the CC. We wondered if it was THE Ronnie Lane (Faces etc.). Indeed it was - he was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, but determined to go out singing his heart out. From there, of bands not mentioned - much love and fond memories of Suzie "Blitzkrieg Chanteuse" Elkins, Booze Weasels (Joe Ely's band minus Ely, adding David Holt), Miss LaVelle White, tailgators, High Noon, Texana Dames, Rosie Flores, The Dixons, and many, many, more.
And the music family atmosphere - some of the BEST bar/wait staff of ANY venue, ever - starting w/ Rosie, but also Laurie and Adrienne.
One bummer though: missed first SXSW, but totally rocked the second fest - bar hopping to create my own sets/lineups - AMAZING. 3rd year, I left Hole in the Wall and scooted on down to the CC only to find it jammed past capacity and throngs along S. Congress. Managed to flag down Adrienne and tried to cajole my way in (happily willing to double cover etc.). "But I'm a REGULAR."
"David, of COURSE you're a regular. But those inside are NOT regulars. THEY are here to see the REGULARS. It's the chance to be seen and HEARD by others who MAKE DECISIONS. Love ya, David, but come back next week, regular to regulars."
And that, dear friends, is how I left SXSW to the 'taste makers' and never looked back. But yes, I was REGULAR at the CC for 2 more years and then on my break/returns to Austin throughout the 90's.
Thanks for this history Michael. First time I played the Continental I was still living in LA and couldn't find any good places with my Hammond organ trio and James Achor, my guitar player (Royal Crown Revue) knew Steve and we booked one night in Austin and one in Houston and 7 other dates in the state. We opened for the Iguanas and as 2 o'clock hit, they said We've got time for a few more number" and I asked Steve what time you close? 2am. What if the cops come in? We lock the doors and call it a private party! I had to move to Austin and next year I did 2002. I seldom play downstairs except to sit in but moved my Hammond B3 upstairs 1 1/2 years ago and I played with Ephraim and Brannen (Black Red Black) for 9 1/2 years there and 4 years with The Brannen & Red Show every Wednesday after James McMurtry. It's been a great time and now with many people showing interest, we have 7 venues with Hammond Organs played most nights of the week. 3 are mine (Antones, Gallery, Elephant Room) and Steve has two (heard he loved the Hammond before I got there). Carry On... Red Young
Good times at the Continental. I was with the sharecroppers. We opened for Tony Price, Hippy Hour for a summer or more. Mid 90s. It’s all a little hazy. Fond memories.
The 'new' Continental Club opened shortly before I 'rediscovered' (Austin) Music during my return to college via UT. A friend was visiting from out of town and saw a Chronicle listing for Ronnie Lane playing at the CC. We wondered if it was THE Ronnie Lane (Faces etc.). Indeed it was - he was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, but determined to go out singing his heart out. From there, of bands not mentioned - much love and fond memories of Suzie "Blitzkrieg Chanteuse" Elkins, Booze Weasels (Joe Ely's band minus Ely, adding David Holt), Miss LaVelle White, tailgators, High Noon, Texana Dames, Rosie Flores, The Dixons, and many, many, more.
And the music family atmosphere - some of the BEST bar/wait staff of ANY venue, ever - starting w/ Rosie, but also Laurie and Adrienne.
One bummer though: missed first SXSW, but totally rocked the second fest - bar hopping to create my own sets/lineups - AMAZING. 3rd year, I left Hole in the Wall and scooted on down to the CC only to find it jammed past capacity and throngs along S. Congress. Managed to flag down Adrienne and tried to cajole my way in (happily willing to double cover etc.). "But I'm a REGULAR."
"David, of COURSE you're a regular. But those inside are NOT regulars. THEY are here to see the REGULARS. It's the chance to be seen and HEARD by others who MAKE DECISIONS. Love ya, David, but come back next week, regular to regulars."
And that, dear friends, is how I left SXSW to the 'taste makers' and never looked back. But yes, I was REGULAR at the CC for 2 more years and then on my break/returns to Austin throughout the 90's.
I wasn't born in Austin but I got here as fast as I could. Thanks for teaching me the history of the venues I have loved in the place I call home.
Another great piece. And not just because my pic finally got in there.
That pic of Wayne...😳