Closing The Backyard

Austin is known for its live music -- and while I'm not a huge fan of going out and partaking, it's nice to know there's plenty of choices.

One, The Backyard, was particularly excellent. Set on the outskirts of west Austin when it opened in 1992, it was -- is -- an open-air theater, nestled amongst the live oaks, with huge swaths of hill country as background. I've been there only a handful of times, including a great show by Bruce Hornsby and the Range.

But development has been encroaching, as it does, and the scenic hill country landscape around The Backyard is now shopping centers and parking lots. So, the owner decided to close it down and move on; he has plans for a new venue, this time with the surrounding landscape kept intact, but still isn't sure if that's the way to go.

Last night, 26-October, was the last show. Willie Nelson was the headliner, and among the opening acts was Kelly Willis' band, which includes Amalie's piano teacher, Mr. Sweeney. So Val wanted to take Amie. Tickets were not cheap ($80 general admission), but thanks to Craig's List I was able to find a pair for face value, and off they went.

The show officially began at 4:00 pm. Since the primary goal was to see the Willis band, Val and Amie didn't actually enter The Backyard until after 5:30... but they stayed, and stayed, and Amalie was still going strong. They found an uncrowded balcony, Amie took a late nap, Willie came on stage, and eventually, well, they were there at closing time. I was still awake (barely) when the ladies stumbled in the door around 1:30 am. Amie was hungry, but we were all down by 2:15, and we're letting her sleep in (and miss school) this morning. It was a cultural and social experience not easily replicated, and that was pretty valuable. And fun.