The Mohawk’s 5 Year Anniversary: Interview with James Moody
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Mohawk, once referred to by some as “the little club that could,” is turning five years old this weekend – still youthful, even though it’s difficult to imagine Red River without it. It’s gone through its share of growing pains and then some, including major shifts in design and scenery, a sound system that wasn’t really the best quality in the early stages, and uncertainty about the unusual location. However, thanks to a committed crew, plenty of elbow grease, and growing support from patrons and musicians alike, the Mohawk has become one of Austin’s premiere music venues ever to grace the Red River scene. It’s the place to catch some of the best local and touring music acts from many different genres, and serves as the social hub for movers and shakers who jibe well with the Mohawk’s motto: “All are welcome.”
KUT’s Laurie Gallardo recently spoke with Mohawk owner James Moody about the venue’s beginnings, and possible changes looming on the horizon for the Mohawk and the Red River scene due to pending Waller Creek renovations. Moody also gave KUT an exclusive scoop on some Mohawk expansion plans in the works. Not to mention tossing out an interesting reference to Bill Gibbons of ZZ Top.
The track at the end of this interview is “The Sweat Descends” by Les Savy Fav, who played an explosive show for a huge crowd at the Mohawk last night, along with The Arm and Canoe, and an afterparty show featuring Christian Bland & the Revelators, Shapes Have Fangs and The Vitamins.
The Mohawk 5 Year Anniversary celebrations continue throughout the weekend with Grupo Fantasma playing and the Soul Happening DJs spinning vinyl on the outside stage tonight, and Master Blaster and the Peligrosa All-Stars inside; Lucero, Moonlight Towers and Frank Smith on the outside stage tomorrow, and Mike and The Moonpies and East Cameron Folkcore inside; and a free “Locals Only” show with My Education, The Great Nostalgic and Transmography on the outside stage Sunday, with Marriage, Lean Hounds and Golden Bear inside.
Podcast: Download (15.4MB)
