That’s me in red sitting next to JFKLN. I probably ate at LZR three times a week, listening to Gordon rail on about how he refused to serve sour cream. I also did the lights in the ballroom many many times - either for Midnight Lighting or Crosswind. Joe Ely, Iris deMent, Eric Johnson, Big Head Todd, John Hartford, Alejandro, Lucinda Williams… can’t even remember them all.
LZR was the place you would take an out of towner to show them just how cool austin could be. The tables were amazing, I remember always trying to sit at Roberta St Paul’s. Truck Stop Enchiladas were great but so was the masa crust pizza with tamales and vegetable eschabeche. Susan and I spent our first married morning there sharing what was left of the Groom’s cake with the staff before we jetted off to Mexico.
Another fine piece of work, Michael. Lois and I were living in Los Angeles during that original period of La Zona Rosa, so much of this was not familiar to me. I really love the bull painting in the photo.
as a Limo guy back then in Austin I drove Kelly Gruber and wife to some events and meetings at La Zona after Kelly had bought La Zona -some great shows and I remember Steve Earle playing real late there one night a real good show
Oh man, one of my fave places in Austin, from 89-92 when I left for the east coast... terrific vibe, appropriate weirdness, wonderful food and music, dear friends hanging... I was pretty sad to see how much it had changed on my visits back, but that's Austin for ya, things change. Thanks, Michael for the flashback, and many thanks to Marcia of course.
Our son Carson and a friend drove down from Cameron to see Johnny Winter at LZR one night. They arrived late and sat in the bar. When Johnny was announced, they claimed the bartender told them they could go in. Johnny came out and played two songs. Then, he left. And left a mighty pissed off crowd behind. That was a shame because if they had gotten to see Johnny Winter play anywhere close to the level I had witnessed at the old Austin Coliseum on a blazing hot night in the summer of '75, they would never have forgotten that.
Didn't drive to Austin that much during that period, but loved La Zona Rosa. First place I ever saw the acoustic BA, Monte Montgomery. Of course, seeing Freda Marcia any place is always a treat. Thanks, Michael!
Oh man, this one has me reeling in a cloud of good memories. I got to play both stages multiple times in the early days, both with my band on the big stage and joining Kris McKay for many a “Too many guitars” night. Still one of my favorites. Thanks Michael!
It was sweet to see this article. I have so many memories of LZR during its early years. I was working as a printmaker when it opened. Gordon floated between Strike and LZR. He brought pizza and friends which included Julie Speed, Mercedes Peña, Frank X Tolbert, and many others. Gordon “sponsored” Hard Women to represent LZR the year he hosted Spamarama by buying us a case of Spam so we could make costumes from the tins. Those were magical years.
That’s me in red sitting next to JFKLN. I probably ate at LZR three times a week, listening to Gordon rail on about how he refused to serve sour cream. I also did the lights in the ballroom many many times - either for Midnight Lighting or Crosswind. Joe Ely, Iris deMent, Eric Johnson, Big Head Todd, John Hartford, Alejandro, Lucinda Williams… can’t even remember them all.
LZR was the place you would take an out of towner to show them just how cool austin could be. The tables were amazing, I remember always trying to sit at Roberta St Paul’s. Truck Stop Enchiladas were great but so was the masa crust pizza with tamales and vegetable eschabeche. Susan and I spent our first married morning there sharing what was left of the Groom’s cake with the staff before we jetted off to Mexico.
Great photos. Thanks Marcia!
Another fine piece of work, Michael. Lois and I were living in Los Angeles during that original period of La Zona Rosa, so much of this was not familiar to me. I really love the bull painting in the photo.
as a Limo guy back then in Austin I drove Kelly Gruber and wife to some events and meetings at La Zona after Kelly had bought La Zona -some great shows and I remember Steve Earle playing real late there one night a real good show
Can you find the recipe for the enchiladas?
https://texashighways.com/eat-drink/recipes/recipe-armadillo-world-headquarters-shrimp-enchiladas/
Oh man, one of my fave places in Austin, from 89-92 when I left for the east coast... terrific vibe, appropriate weirdness, wonderful food and music, dear friends hanging... I was pretty sad to see how much it had changed on my visits back, but that's Austin for ya, things change. Thanks, Michael for the flashback, and many thanks to Marcia of course.
Our son Carson and a friend drove down from Cameron to see Johnny Winter at LZR one night. They arrived late and sat in the bar. When Johnny was announced, they claimed the bartender told them they could go in. Johnny came out and played two songs. Then, he left. And left a mighty pissed off crowd behind. That was a shame because if they had gotten to see Johnny Winter play anywhere close to the level I had witnessed at the old Austin Coliseum on a blazing hot night in the summer of '75, they would never have forgotten that.
Great post, Michael! Keep 'em comin', brother!
Or at the Vulcan Gas Company
Didn't drive to Austin that much during that period, but loved La Zona Rosa. First place I ever saw the acoustic BA, Monte Montgomery. Of course, seeing Freda Marcia any place is always a treat. Thanks, Michael!
Oh man, this one has me reeling in a cloud of good memories. I got to play both stages multiple times in the early days, both with my band on the big stage and joining Kris McKay for many a “Too many guitars” night. Still one of my favorites. Thanks Michael!
It was sweet to see this article. I have so many memories of LZR during its early years. I was working as a printmaker when it opened. Gordon floated between Strike and LZR. He brought pizza and friends which included Julie Speed, Mercedes Peña, Frank X Tolbert, and many others. Gordon “sponsored” Hard Women to represent LZR the year he hosted Spamarama by buying us a case of Spam so we could make costumes from the tins. Those were magical years.
A rare picture of Bill Campbell