(By PATRICK DAVIS)
Rows of parked cars lined the narrow street that runs alongside the Sagebrush bar and live music venue on a recent Friday evening in late September. Upon entering the 5,000-square-foot indoor portion of the Austin bar, patrons encountered a space as lonesome as the desert decor.
Twenty people formed several lines, 6 feet apart, to buy drinks at the bar. Most of the patrons spread themselves across Sagebrush’s sprawling backyard. A handful of dancers quickly congregated as Candler Wilkinson and his band began their first song.
(ACC Star Photo by Patrick Davis)
Wilkinson describes his music as jazz because of improvised instrumentation. Still, currents of honky-tonk and western swing could be heard throughout the set.
Like most local musicians, Wilkinson took a break from playing live shows in mid-March when Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced citywide stay-at-home orders. Wilkinson’s first gig after the break was June 6 at Sagebrush’s grand opening event.
These days, Wilkinson wears a mask while he performs and practices social distancing at venues as much as possible. When a friend told him to “Go live your life but be smart about it,” the bandleader knew that it was time to adapt by finding a safe way to perform.
Wilkinson made the most of the time off by working on demo recordings of his original songs. While developing song arrangements, he performed all vocals and instruments on the tracks.
In regards to Austin music venues that have closed, Wilkinson is quick to point out that the effect of COVID-19 on Austin’s music scene is already permanent. “People’s jobs are gone too; it’s not just the place,” he says.
Music venues are not just businesses. They provide income for their employees, a place for communities to gather, and a sense of collective identity for the city.
While other venues were closing their doors for good, Sagebrush opened in early June. After 19 days in business, the new music venue closed because of tighter state restrictions on bars. Thanks to a partnership with the Baton Creole food truck, Sagebrush reopened in early September.
Wilkinson is grateful for venues like Sagebrush that find ways to make live music possible amidst the pandemic. Despite current struggles, he persists and looks forward to a time when “we can get back to dancing and hugging each other.”
