The Rock & Roll Caravan kicked off the weekend with a meet/greet in the bar of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Austin. It was a chance for friends to catch up, new attendees to meet those they would spend the weekend with, and to meet our coordinator.
Steve Carlson joined the group and greeted everyone with smiles and hugs before sitting down with everyone to chat and take some pictures. Although it was hard for this photographer to be without a camera, there was a wonderful professional photographer hired to capture all of the memories throughout the weekend so that we could simply concentrate on having a good time and living in the moment.
Once on the boat, we continued to visit as we took in the beauty of Lady Bird Lake, the city of Austin as a backdrop. We were treated to some of the best fajitas I have ever eaten and a small bar for drinks.
As it got closer to sunset, we were lead onto the top deck just in time to see the bats leaving the bridge for the night in search of food. I found it so hard to believe how many there were. We listened intently as, per Steve’s request, we were provided a brief history and details surrounding the bats of Austin.
When the bridge was expanded to make additional lanes around 1980, the trellises were added and the bats began migrating to that space, finding it a safe haven from all sorts of predators. Apparently, only a certain number can fit in the small spaces that it provides and the remainder holds onto each other. As the evening begins, the mothers and babies fly away from the sun to the east in search of food. At sunrise, they fly west to return to the safety of the bridge.
At 80 miles per hours, the bats do not fly straight, making a zig-zagging pattern in the sky. This is because a great number are babies and still learning and because this pattern provides them with a level of protection from the birds of prey, making it increasingly difficult to focus on simply one bat.
After we began moving again, we all pulled up a chair as Steve brought out his guitar and began the acoustic concert. He mixed songs we requested to hear with a few covers and even a new song which immediately became a favorite of mine. The lightness and familiarity he showed with us, along with the beautiful scenery on the lake, made it easy to understand why this activity is a “must-do” item for all.
During the concert, Steve shared several stories with us about the songs he was singing and yes, some of them involved Jensen and the writing they did together. In regards to the new album, he was mostly quiet about disclosing any details, joking that Jensen had sworn him to secrecy. Although we were not required to sign an agreement for confidentiality, it is my understanding that any details disclosed were done so exclusively. Out of respect for both Steve and Jensen, I will only say that the new album will be released very soon and probability is high that these two have a few more surprises up their sleeves for the future.
I did not attend the ax throwing competition on Saturday but was able to rejoin the group for the trip to Family Business Beer Company that afternoon. As the 15-seat van left the hotel and rolled down that familiar road, music filled the speakers and the excitement grew until we pulled up to the front door of the brewery.
We started with a tour led by the brewery’s GM and part-owner Gino Graul, explaining the ingredients and process involved in making the beer, and even included a much-appreciated visit to the walk-in cooler. Dinner was BBQ, served in the back room with coleslaw, potato salad, mac/cheese, and, of course, a helping of beer from behind the bar. Then it was time to head into the main area for Steve Carlson’s concert.
He began playing with two members of Samantha Lee & The Family Tree, before finishing the set alone. Audience participation was welcomed and before long, the entire room was singing and dancing along.
Afterward, Steve joined us as we were treated to the amazing Samantha Lee and The Family Tree. Their energy and sound kept us all moving and even resulted in a show of lights from the audience in appreciation of the music. I would gladly go see them again and would recommend it to anyone that has the opportunity. They are an incredibly talented group of people and we were very lucky to have them take part in the Rock&Roll Caravan concert.
The night, and for some of us the weekend, ended with good-byes and singing on the ride back to the hotel. It was a very memorable weekend for me. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and talent I was able to see Steve exhibit, and I am already looking forward to doing it all again next year. Happy birthday Steve! Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Written by Melissa Fudge
