Monday, March 23, 2009
Wow! is the first word that comes to mind when describing where Red Carpet Roxy was this past Saturday-the 2nd Annual Rose’s Mojito & Rachael Ray’s Feedback The B-Side event at Maggie Mae’s during the annual SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Not only did the bands rock the house, but Rachael Ray (the host) was extremely gracious and funny, and the drinks provided by the title sponsor, Rose’s Mojito Mixers were potent, tasty, and perfect for the festive day of music ahead. Some of the chosen cocktails were: Rose’s Lone Star Mojito, Rose’s B-Side Mojito, and Rose’s Austin-Jito (my favorite drink as it keep me cool under the hot Texas sun.) Also, Rachael Ray and her buddies kept requesting more Rose’s mojitos to the side of the stage where they were congregated. Rose’s-a party must!
The day started out with my introduction to the Food Network’s resident queen amongst many other hats she wears, Rachael Ray herself. First of all, she has a way of immediately putting people at ease as she told me that she was envious of my name, Roxy. She looked adorable in an outfit comprised of a girly, floral, multi-tiered bubble dress paired with sleek, beige flat boots. Also, when I was snapping pictures with her and the lovely brand team from Rose’s, Rachael jokingly suggested, “WTF girls, make a pyramid!” as in a cheerleading pyramid! Love this chick!
So, Red Carpet Roxy got situated in the 1st Row, and the party got rocking with the first act, Bob Schneider who got everybody warmed up. His souly, folk, funk tunes lulled the crowd into auditory submission as the clock crossed noontime. Then, The Cringe took to the stage, with Rachael’s hubby John Cusimano positioned as lead vocals. During one of the breaks, John tempted the crowd by saying that we were in “Rachael’s House” and that we should sample some of the delicious Tex-Mex food she had prepared for the shindig. Oh, and not to be jealous, but he gets that food every night. Lucky dude!
The whole feel of the place transformed when The New York Dolls took the stage. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this supergroup, they are one of the bands that was at the helm of the pre-punk movement and majorly influenced bands that followed like Kiss, Blondie, Motley Crue, and Guns N’Roses. Lead singer, David Johansen (a dead-ringer for Mick Jagger in appearance and movement), worked the stage like it was his home, playing to the audience, writhing around, and sharing the microphone with other bandmates like Sylvain Sylvain. Some notable Johansen quotes of the day, “Love one another” and “I don’t know why we are playing SXSW because we already have a recording contract!” In fact, David kept referring to his view of the time of day stating that they were playing Saturday morning when it was in fact 3 PM! The life of a rockstar! Rachael Ray was so enthused by their performance that she not only danced her ass off, but she proclaimed the Dolls, “The best band ever” when she thanked them after their performance.
Not an easy band to follow after the New York Dolls, but The Hold Steady definitely held their own with their brand of pulsating rock tunes. The listeners cheered on the final band of the day with keen interest and passion. You can check The Hold Steady doing their thing in the video above. Please enjoy and can’t wait to hit SXSW next time!
