by Christopher Keimling

For those who find stifling mediocrity in the live music capital of the world, Blondie's offers an escape. Every Saturday night, the Austin vendor of skater paraphernalia becomes a no-cover venue for alternative music, with bands ranging from the obscure to the established, from the unpolished to the professional. Above all other considerations, Blondie's seeks to promote local artists, and to expose listeners to a variety of different sounds.

"We like music, most of us have been in bands ourselves," said Brent Cowley, Blondie's manager. "Austin talks all this shit about being the live music capital, but 75 percent of bands have no place to play. We want to give bands a spot to play in front of a different audience."

Some bands that have played at Blondie's include Agnes Gooch, Lighter Fluid, Kid with ManHead, and Bo Bud Green.The Mittens, whom Cowley describes as "sort of REMish sounding" are regulars. Well-known artists Fastball and Sixteen Deluxe have also graced the Blondie's stage.

Bands are unpaid and usually booked together under a common theme. "Last week it was Dyke night and next week is Surf night," said Clay Connell, Blondie's sound engineer, whose work helps to make the night a success. Connell, who has served time in Willie Nelson's studio, sees his job not only in terms of providing entertainment for audiences, but also as a means of cultivating new talent.

"You can't just live off the established artists. You gotta let the younger kids have a stab at it. What you have here is a real good representation of the street scene -- straight from the garage to the recorder."

By making a tape or even a CD of each performance, Connell provides a valuable service for new bands -- a free demo tape and the opportunity to hear what they really sound like in public. "If you suck, you'll know it, because I record you exactly the way you sound," he said.

Blondie's took on its role as a venue for local music in earnest when it moved to its current location on Rio Grande and 5th Streets two years ago. The skate shop had previously resided on Guadalupe, until increasing commercialization necessitated relocation plans.

"The Drag was losing its local flavor. We had to get to a new neighborhood," said Cowley. "Now we're close to a lot of cool places, like Zona Rosa and the Electric Lounge."

With money left over from the move, a stage and sound system was constructed. Thanks to that decision, more local flavor is free -- to be heard and sampled by all.