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Austin based Balmorhea performed at Central Presbyterian Church amongst the throngs of concert goers in wooden pews. The acoustics of the hall, slated with wooden beams, melded perfectly with the slow colorful movement of guitars, strings, piano, double bass, and even a banjo. Many of the pieces out of the five song set started with either a minimal guitar strum or Debussy like piano swells that led into the ensemble supporting the peaceful swells. More to come from this performance and this group tomorrow.
Two Star Symphony also performed at a quaint little coffee shop called The Hideout. This venue features a theater style seating arrangement in the back that normally houses an improv group. I was treated to the entire Two Star Orchestra complete with clarinet, percussion, and a drum kit. The crowd, including a little boy around the age of two in a Superman costume, were mesmerized by the swirl of twinkles and drive of bass ostinato as the ensemble created another soundscape in the layers of the evening. Coming soon, feature interviews with Balmorhea and Hauskcha from Germany. Until then, may the music live on.