Date sent: Sat. April 20 2003 From: Hawkeye Subject: Austin City Limits Benefit Saturday April 12, 2003 Grand Opening of The Roaring Fork Restaurant Austin, Texas Benefiting PBS show "Austin City Limits" Leslie and I drove in from Covington, LA ( about 40 miles north of New Orleans). We departed around 6 am and arrived in Austin just before 3 PM. The weather was sunny and mild and the drive up was smooth. We checked in at the Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel, which is where the Roaring Fork is located. The room was immense and the accommodations were first class. This was a limited seating event that included cocktails and food that was excellent. The owners of The Roaring Fork have "The Music of Dan Hicks" included in their dedications to the restaurant and the decor was patterned with Dan in mind. The setting was small and very cozy. Kudos to Chef/Owner Robert McGrath for impeccable culinary and musical taste. He and his wife Amy were most gracious. I strongly encourage fellow Hixters to make The Roaring Fork a destination if you happen to be anywhere near Austin. The Setting: The stage was set in the restaurant which is adjacent to the saloon. I would guess the restaurant area held 100 or so and the saloon area another 100. Throughout the entire event the attentive wait staff kept everyone spirited to their hearts content. Chef Robert McGrath put on quite a throw down. The abundant food ranged from succulent beef to salmon, all prepared to perfection. The show was to benefit Austin City Limits and noted producer Terry Lickona was present to thank everyone for their support. I encouraged him to consider releasing the ACL reunion show on VHS or DVD. He responded positively to the suggestion and said it was a good idea. A little echo from fellow Hixsters wouldn't hurt here, so check out the ACL website and show your support. Now on with the show: The Band The Tall One Brian Godchaux - violin/mandolin Dave Bell - guitar Paul Smith, aka "Corky Rodriguez" - bass Susan Rabin/Trish DeWolf - Lickettes Playlist: Canned Music Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy Cowboy's Dream No.19 'Long Come A Viper Honeysuckle Rose That's Just The Smoke They're Blowin' I Scare Myself Evenin' Breeze Exactly Like You See You In My Dreams Peach Pickin' Time In Georgia Strike It While It's Hot Reelin' Down I Feel Like Singing Is This My Happy Home The Buzzard Was Their Friend Ho Dee Ho Dee Hee ???? How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away I've Got The Blues For Dixie Payday Blues Milk Shakin' Mama This was our third time seeing the Man and I must say, He gets better each time. The Band was on target and the setting couldn't have been more personal. Dan was in typical form and the small atmosphere made for a perfect evening. Had a chance to say hello to Brian and to meet Dave Bell. Both are as gracious as they are talented. Some small talk with the Lickettes during the break and a hand shake and picture with The Man made my millennium. The joint was jumpin' during the first set, but after the break quite a few stayed at the watering hole. I was able to get some memorable pics that are "priceless". It was truly a "Cowboy's Dream". Bill "Hawkeye" Hawayek Covington, LA