Uncle Bruno

When us old folks stay out past 10pm, we like to brag about it. When we go to an event that doesn't even start until 10:30pm, we take a camera... for proof that we were there! Last night was one of those nights...

My co-worker, Matt, is the guitarist in an Austin band called Uncle Bruno. They are a jazzy funk band that is absolutely awesome! You can go to their website to hear some of their music. The band was actually named after this guy...

That is our boss' dog, Bruno. A super cool, laid back, Stratfordshire Bull Terrier.

Normally when Matt asks me if I am coming out to see them, the first question I ask is, "What time?" When he tells me, it is usually followed by me groaning and having to explain that I haven't seen the other side of midnight in a really long time because I turn into a grumpy, sleepy pumpkin. However, last night was a special occasion and I knew I wanted to be there... they were celebrating the release of their first CD!! Unfortunately, Jason had some very early morning rocketry and radio events on Saturday morning, so he couldn't come with me. So, my date for the night was Matt wonderful, fiancee, Carly. (There will be a blog coming soon dedicated to their highly anticipated wedding at the end of May!!)

(Carly working the crowd for CD sales!)

(L to R: My co-workers Jillian and Rachel, me and Carly.)

We headed downtown and the band got started around 10:30... and they were amazing. You could tell they were lovin' life and celebrating their CD release. The gig was at a bar called the One-2-One Bar off 5th Street and the stage was set up so that you were could be only feet from the band so you could just get lost in their music. It was a cozy bar with big open windows allowing the sticky Texas humidity in and the sounds of Uncle Bruno out into the city. If you closed your eyes, you might have thought you were in The Big Easy.

(Matt making a goofy face.)

They performed what can only be called a jam session. It was funky, bluesy and jazzy. I can honestly say that I had never really been exposed to this type of music. I didn't know what I was missing- I am a true fan now!! Since meeting Matt, I have known that he was in a band. However, after seeing him perform, I have an true understanding that he isn't just some guitar player in a garage band... he is a true artist. Sometimes I just can't stop watching him on stage because his face has an expression of pure love, contentment and pride while playing his guitar. He feels it. Here is a video of him in action...

A couple of hours into the night, there was an uproar on stage when they saw a man walk into the bar... he was a big deal. His name is Stanton Moore and, if you are like me, that means nothing to you. However, Carly explained that his is one of the most influential current drummers on the scene and it was a huge honor that he had come to the UB show. He is from New Orleans and was in town for a show. He got up on stage and did a couple of songs with UB. Here is another video...

Even though I didn't know who he was, you could tell by the look on people's faces that this man was a legend and it was a privilege to be hearing him perform. (Notice the UB sticker he plastered on his shirt... too cool.)

I watched as Matt and Carly constantly exchanged jaw-dropped glances of disbelief that this was happening... Matt because he was playing on stage with the man and Carly because she apparently had a little crush on him... :o) I felt like I had been a part of a magical moment, as did everyone else in the room.

It was a great night of celebrating. The singer/sax player even got up on the bar and the trombone player walked through the crowd.


We danced and laughed for hours. I am so proud of Matt and just pleased as I can be to know Carly. As I left the bar, Matt announced from the stage, "Thank you, Amy Koliba, for coming!!!" That's right kids... I know the guitarist in Uncle Bruno. Be jealous.


And for the record, I made it until 1:15... however, I am fairly certain I have permanent hearing damage.