Doing the show from home has almost become normal, in a time where normal is anything but normal. Here’s some stuff I’ve learned during Week 4 of the staycation:
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is set to address the state on his plan for re-opening the Texas economy at 12 noon today (Friday). I’m hoping that greatly expanded TESTING is a major topic, because it’s not gonna happen without it. Watch HERE.
Our good friend Jade Bird joined Langhorne Slim, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes and a bunch more for the online Closer In Crisis virtual concert on Thursday night to benefit Sound Mind, an organization similar to Austin’s SIMS Foundation in supporting the mental health and well-being of our music community – check it out HERE.
Local community health provider CommUnityCare has opened a second roving coronavirus testing clinic that will move to different locations around East Travis County daily, which is evidence that testing is ramping up, but not very quickly – out of the 20 people who tried to get tested on Thursday, only 10 were successful. Baby steps. Call (512) 978-8775 to inquire and learn more HERE.
Austin legends The Gourds insist they’re NOT getting back together, but they are getting back together apart, along with a slew of other noted Texas music types to remember and celebrate the decade-plus the band spent defining the rootsy side of Austin’s sound – it goes down on Saturday April 25th. More HERE.
You’ve heard about the tremendous strain our Texas food banks, including the Central Texas Food Bank, have found themselves contending with admid record unemployment and enormous uncertainty – they could use your help in this scary time as we all pull together, in the form of monetary and/or food donations. And, this also presents an opportunity to get out of the house to help! Find out where and when you can be useful HERE.
Austin’s Black Pumas got together for thier first set in several weeks yesterday for a livestream benefit for MusiCares last night, check it out HERE and also enjoy a new interview with head Puma Adrian Quesada, in which he understandably extols the virtues of Thirsty Planet beers, HERE.
It’s been nice to see scientists and doctors hailed as heroes in this trying time, and there’s a documentary about one of our very own, Nobel Prize-winning Dr. Jim Allison, airing on PBS on Monday April 27th. More HERE.
Have a great weekend – I’ll be home if you need anything.
