Asleep at the Wheel kicked off the annual Blues on the Green concert series at Zilker Park on Wednesday evening with their unique Western swing style and a high-energy performance.
Though it was the band's Blues on the Green debut, they were met with enthusiastic screams and "yee-haws," particularly when Elizabeth McQueen, the group's only female member, declared that Austin is the best city she has ever seen.
"It feels great to boogie back in Texas," said Ray Benson, headman for the multiple-Grammy-winning group.
Exceptionally strong winds did nothing to extinguish the spirits of the thousands of locals who gathered around the park's Rock Island to hear the legendary Western swing group and soak in the pleasant atmosphere. Austinite Lexi Banihashemrad, who has been attending the event for as long as she can remember, said she is thrilled that the series is finally underway this summer.
"The people watching and the music are what I love about Blues on the Green," Banihashemrad said. "Live music brings everyone together, and when people in Austin get together, it is always funky, jazzy fun."
The genre of music was not a deterrent for less-than-traditional country music concertgoers. Old hippies, brand-new babies, couples and their canine compadres transformed the hillside into a rainbow of blankets, dogs and dancing. Within the first notes of "Cotton-Eyed Joe," nearly the entire audience rose to its feet to perform the historic Southern line dance.
"I don't even care much for country music," Banihashemrad said. "It's the intoxicating atmosphere here that keeps me coming back for more."
This summer marks the 18th year for the 107.1 KGSR concert series. Every other Wednesday, from now through August, a different Texas artist or band will perform with festivities beginning around 7:30 p.m. and the concert running from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. And with acts like Marcia Ball in two weeks, followed by Los Lonely Boys, the audience turn-out is sure to remain strong.
If you aren't a fan of country music, don't exclude yourself from the Blues on the Green concerts. You may be surprised to find yourself tapping your toes along to authentic Texas music, and if not, you are sure to enjoy the friendly, easygoing company.
