Sunday afternoon, a group of older guys arrive a couple at a time at Artz Rib House, where they form a circle out back in the shade. They begin playing old country, bluegrass, and Texas swing songs. There are a couple of dobro players, a few guitarists, a fiddle, and 2 mandolins.
We're at Hogg Auditorium, named after the philanthropist daughter of a wealthy Texas Governor, who named his two daughters Ima and Ura. True.
I bring Stephen Barber up on stage during the introductions and the end of the show; he did so many of our arrangements, both live and on record.
Naturally, the Toscas have lots of friends in Austin. After the show, we rendezvous at the Continental, where Heybale is playing. I've heard them quite a few times on previous visits, but I don't get tired of them. Some ex-players from various classic country bands, their choice of material is wonderful; their audience runs from Goths to grandmas — all dancing or at least swaying with beers in hand.
