Hi all. This past weekend the family made a sketchy and snowy trek to Denver and Boulder to see a Dan Zanes concert and visit friends. What a show! We had seen Dan and his band before, but this show at the wonderful Boulder Theatre was better than we had expected. Maybe the 1 p.m. nap-time start had something to do with it, as the toddlies must have figured that this was a way more exciting prospect than taking a nap. We arrived about 12:30 p.m. to find the line wrapped around the block, and a big “sold-out” posted on the marquee. After going in and setting up our base-camp near the back, we each took responsibility for one kid and headed to the stage to name the instruments and try to claim some space. This is not an easy task when the theatre is packed with thrashing 2 to 5-year-olds and their aloof but watchful parents. As with most concerts, this one started later than announced. When it finally did, the band members came on one by one, did a little dance and started playing their instruments. After the three girl and three guy band — consisting of drums, upright bass, guitars, accordion, and various horns and strings — were locked into an old-timey funk groove, Dan danced out with his signature big hair, white pants and Stratocaster. We had gotten the kids tour shirts at the last show we had seen, and they were wearing them, and Sadie was screaming and pointing alternately at the stage and her shirt. A slave to the rock show already — making dad proud.

Eventually, the front of the stage madness was too much for us, so we retreated to our seats near the rear of the theatre and dad re-upped the adults’ PBRs with limes from the bar, while mom took the kids to the little bar and got excellent macaroni and cheese and juice boxes for the young ‘uns. Brilliant.

Re-energized, we all danced to two of my favorites: “All Around the Kitchen” and “El Pescador,” as the band had the crowd in a frenzy, which is something to see when the crowd consists primarily of the recently potty-trained. The band finished the hour-and-a-half set by each picking up an unplugged ukulele and leading a parade through the venue and stopping out front to chat with parents and be fawned over by the kids, which was a great way to end a most fun musical experience. We are ready to go on tour! I feel exposing kids to live music is important, and the Dan Zanes shows are so fun for both generations. Who needs South-By-Southwest?

Well, actually, I do. Missing this year’s event was ok with me due to my becasted leg and the trip to the Front Range. The Austin music and media-orgy makes it easy to follow along from home, and here are some standouts from this year’s music event:

Cadence Weapon

Literate hip-hop with a more electro-dance vibe than most hip-hop. Sounds fresh amid a sea of new mediocre indie-rap.

Laura Marling

Gorgeous modern folk from this 18-year old British singer-songwriter. Mellow and lush-sounding, despite the limited instrumentation. Download the song “My Manic and I.”     
    
Hanne Hukkelberg

Norwegian electro-folk with odd arrangements and instrumentation that is sweet and lulling.

Mala Rodriguez

Big reggaeton beats and catchy hip-hop wordplay from this Spanish artist, who we will definitely be hearing more from. Find video of one of her performances and many others at SXSW.com.

The Ting Tings

Clever, energetic pop from the British duo of Katie White and Jules De Martino. The sound has more depth than Peter Bjorn and John and is irresistibly catchy. Recently signed with a major label here in the U.S.

White Denim

Austin locals White Denim were all over SXSW this year. Awesome fast punk with some garage-blues and twang thrown in for good measure.