Something was cookin’ in the kitchen Saturday night in Austin, Texas, and it wasn’t breakfast tacos. Austin’s percussionist Gypsy Twins (Ren Lewis and yours truly) and Austin music patroness Anna Ramsey were delighted to host the first of many monthly musical showcases to come at the Heatherglen House. After much discussion it was decided that the best “stage” in the house was the kitchen. The eating table was relocated to make way for the instruments, PA system, and the performers.Thus the showcase was dubbed “Cookin’ in the Kitchen.” It was an honor to be serenaded by the best songwriters in Austin for the night. Performers included the newly formed House Beer Band, Scott Andrews, Brett Randell, David Ramirez, and visiting Dallas-based musician Garrett Owen.

The House Beer Band opened the show with a light form of Jack Johnson-meets-Dave Matthews and slight twist of the Eagles. House Beer is made of songwriter/ vocalist/guitarist Chris Beer, lead guitarist Mason, bass player/back-up vocals Rex De la Rosa, and percussionist/drummer Ren Lewis. In addition to originals like ‘Listen to Me,’ and ‘Get It,’ House Beer entertained us with a cover of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ and Neil Young’s ‘Rockin in the Free World.’

Next up was one of Austin’s musical men around town, Scott Andrews, who recently came back from an East Coast Tour. See my earlier articles to learn more about Scott. Ren jumped from the drum kit to beat the box (cajon- box hand drum). We were all happy to hear the Sco-drew favorites ‘Chance and Love’ and, of course, ‘Lady Liberty.’

The mike was then passed to Brett Randell. He opened with his EP’s title track ‘Glow.’ He included some of his favorite covers ‘Moondance’ and Citizen Cope’s ‘Salvation.’ His original ‘The End’ was a perfect closer. This was one of Brett’s last Austin performances for a while as he will be leaving for his first European tour, Austin to Amsterdam, on November 3^rd. Keep posted for his tour kick-off in Austin on October 28^th.

David Ramirez took the next slot. I know as a hostess I should not play favorites, but I just cannot help it. I’m always a sucker for David’s music. His set included favorites ‘Good to be Bad,’ ‘Carry Me Like the Wind,’ and a newer one ‘Strange Town.’ David closed his set with ‘Arithmetic’ by Sco-drews’ request.

Visiting Dallas-musician Garret Owen closed the night. I was impressed by his sweet falsetto, dexterous guitar picking, and profound lyrics. He ended with ‘Dirty Word,’ a clever song about how the name of someone who hurts your feelings can become a “dirty word.”

The first “Cookin’ in the Kitchen” was a total success. Many of the performers made connections with each other, gathered some new fans, and even made a few CD sales. House shows like these are an Austin staple a great medium of musical entertainment and camaraderie. Visit Best New Bands to find out more of what comes out of the kitchen in Austin, Texas next month.