This week, Austin, Texas becomes the epicenter of the world's most innovative music culture as new and established bands descend on South By Southwest to perform. With only five nights and almost 2,000 acts, deciding who to hear seems like a daunting task.
"The Sound of Music" celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first appearance on Broadway. Music buff Jack Grace, the "Martini Cowboy," discusses raindrops on roses, the long musical legacy and his other 'favorite things' from the classic musical.
Mary Travers, better-known as "Mary" from the 60's folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died of leukemia at the age of 72. Jack Grace, The Takeaway's music contributor, joins us with a look back at the life and legacy of one of America's most beloved folk heroes.
Here's Peter, Paul and Mary performing one of their most famous songs, "Puff the Magic Dragon":
How bad can Christmas songs get? Jack Grace, the Martini Cowboy, explores the lower depths of holiday music hell.
"I'm here to talk about atrocious music, plain and simple. At first it was against my nature to find music I wouldn't want to listen to, then it became a complete joy..." — Jack Grace
Knight Rider Christmas
"If you have a 1983 mint condition 45 of this song, it's actually worth money, for all those David Hasselhoff fans." — Jack Grace
"It's So Chic To Be Pregnant At Christmas" by Nancy White
"There is a little bit of relief on this one, in that this woman is a satirist." — Jack Grace
The 2008 CMJ Music Marathon has attracted more than 1,000 artists. The annual New York music festival has a national reputation for showcasing new bands. Takeaway musician Jack Grace put his twenty years of experience of playing at CMJ to good use this week. After spending a few nights checking out the groups who are getting all the music industry buzz, he reports back on this year's "it" band.