The fifth annual HONK!TX blasted into town last weekend. This festival of street bands kicked off with performances on South Congress on Friday evening and continued at the Adams-Hemphill Park (north of the UT campus) on Saturday. The festival concluded Sunday afternoon with a parade and band revue in East Austin.

 After becoming fans of Austin’s Minor Mishap Marching Band (above) a few years ago, Bill and I have been going to the Friday evening HONK!TX concerts. When Bill could not join me this year, I went to the Saturday event instead. This was a good decision. I was able to see more bands playing longer sets on the four stages that were set up in the park and at the Spider House Cafe. Plus the weather was absolutely beautiful.

Musical genres ranged from brass band to klezmer to dixieland to jazz. Most musicians used traditional band instruments, although a few played accordions. Some of the soloists were quite good. Many groups wore costumes or uniforms, and dancers accompanied a few bands.  As usual, HONK!TX was very entertaining…

Lovebomb Go-Go (Portland, OR)

Reagan High School Band (Austin)

Urban Achievers Marching Band (Austin)

Biohazard Brass Band (Fort Sam Houston, TX)

Perhaps Contraption (London, UK)

The Party Band (Lowell, MA)

Ten Man Brass Band (Seattle, WA)

Environmental Encroachment (Chicago, IL)

Dead Music Capital Band (Austin)

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