Josh Ritter Captivates Austin Audience

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and author Josh Ritter took to the stage at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Austin was Josh’s third stop on his acoustic world tour supporting his seventh studio album, The Beast In Its Tracks. 

Songwriter Josh Ritter performs at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater

Ritter was joined on stage by his bandmates Zachariah Hickman and Josh Hickman. Opening for Ritter was South-African-born singer/songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov.

Josh Ritter performs with bandmates Zachariah Hickman and Josh Kaufman

The audience enjoyed the intimate feel of the show as Ritter performed several solo numbers without the aid of his band, relying only on his voice and an acoustic guitar. At other times the appreciative crowd sang along with Ritter as he performed many of his hits.

Josh Ritter performs in Austin on January 18, 2014

Josh and his band proved they are not afraid to cut loose and have fun, despite wearing suits. When Ritter
wasn't singing and playing guitar, he was cracking jokes, dancing and laughing. After the opening son Josh proclaimed, "We are very, very excited to be here tonight!" and the excitement was evident throughout the show.

Gregory Allen Isakov opens for Josh Ritter in Austin, Texas

SETLIST:
Best For The Best
Southern Pacifica
A Certain Light
Monster Ballads
Bonfire
Wolves
The Temptation of Adam
Can't Go To Sleep (Without You)
Make Me Down
Folk Bloodbath
The Curse
New Lover
Wings
Save Me A Place
Girl In The War
Hopeful
Lights
Brothers In Arms
Joy To You Baby
Kathleen

Encore:
Galahad
Lillian, Egypt
Wait For Love (with Gregory Alan Isakov)

Surf’s Up In Austin For The Beach Boys

Celebrating over 50 years as an American institution, The Beach Boys caught a wave and rode it into Austin, Texas on Sunday, January 19, 2014. The perennial surfer boys from the west coast made a splash with the diverse group of fans packed into the auditorium at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater.

The Beach Boys perform at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater

Although it’s the middle of winter in Austin, and no sand was to be found on the floor of the venue, many fans arrived wearing Hawaiian shirts, ready to hang ten and experience a gnarly show.

The Beach Boys perform in Austin, Texas on January 19, 2014

Even though the band was minus several of its founding members, including Brian Wilson, they were able to perform a plethora of the “surfer music” hits we have come to love. Leading the band was founding member Mike Love. He was joined by longtime band member Bruce Johnston, as well as Mike’s son, Christian Love, Randell, Kirsch, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, and Scott Totten.  A special guest joining the Beach Boys for this stop was Texas’ own, Christopher Cross.

Founding member of the Beach Boys,  Mike Love, performs in Austin

Rumors were flying for days in advance about the possibility of an extra special guest appearance, but the ladies in the crowd were disappointed when John Stamos did NOT grace the stage with The Beach Boys. Even with this minor disappointment, the show was still a major hit with the fans, both young and old. 

Brian Johnston of the Beach Boys performs at Austin City Limits Live

SETLIST:
Do It Again
Little Honda
Catch A Wave
Hawaii
Goin' To The Beach

Surf City 
Surfin' Safari
Surfer Girl
Getcha Back
Why Do Fools Fall In Love
When I Grow Up (to Be a Man)
Darli'
Disney Girls
Cool Head, Warm Heart
Be True To Your School
Ballad of Ole' Betsy
Don't Worry Baby
Little Deuce Coupe
409
Shut Down
I Get Around

Intermission

California Dreamin'
Sloop John B
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Then He Kissed Me
California Girls
Dance, Dance, Dance
Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring
The Warmth Of The Sun
God Only Knows
All This Is That  (with Christopher Cross)
I Can Hear Music (with Christopher Cross)
Kokomo (with Christopher Cross)
Good Vibrations
Help Me, Rhonda
Rock and Roll Music
Do You Wanna Dance?
Barbara Ann
Surfin' USA

Encore:
Wild Honey
Fun, Fun, Fun