Due to the pandemic, most of the common company for SXSW stayed house, so the attendance for the competition was decrease than earlier than. This additionally mirrored on the Picnic, with fewer folks. However the environment was because it at all times is at Leeann’s – pleasant, open, welcoming and together with. And social distancing, for many who wished, was not an issue. (Photograph above: Jon Langford)
The music began with Leeann who sang some welcome songs, earlier than Ben Jones entered the stage. He performed a wonderful solo set. He will get higher and higher, and shortly somebody should uncover his abilities (aside from Brian Wilson, who has used him and Andrea Magee in his band currently).
After Ben Jones, Texas String Meeting was on, with up to date bluegrass. A terrific band that I wish to hear extra of. Additionally they got here again for a few songes whereas we waited for Jon Langford.
My favourite band at the present time was Madam Radar, who got here after the Texas String Meeting. They’re a four-piece band, and I’ve seen the electrical model of the band at The Saxon Pub. With their top quality enjoying and nice harmonizing, they managed the acoustic format completely good.
Jon Langford is an everyday at SXSW together with his completely different bands, The Wacos, The Jon Langford Band, generally The Mekons and often yet another. His reveals with these bands are nice, punkish, and with numerous humour. This 12 months I noticed him on the Yard Canine occasion, that was held at AGBG, and in an acoustic model at Leeann’s Picnic.
Possibly this format is the longer term for the Barn Dance, because it doesn’t contain so heavy logistics, and needs to be much less bothersome for these neighbors that doesn’t like folks having enjoyable with good music the Sunday after SXSW?