Anticipation brewed at Austin’s Stay Gold as fans gathered for Sound Dessert’s April showcase featuring MCG and Eric Burton where, just a month earlier, eleven artists played the same stage for the Sound Dessert SXSW Day Party. For the April billing however, Sound Dessert was back to featuring stand-out Austin artists that are on the rise.
Eric Burton by Breezy Ritter Photography
The transfixing Eric Burton kicked off the night with mesmerizing blues ballads and soul-stirring vocals. Backed by a drummer and bass player, Burton captivated the crowd with his soaring sounds, including the tender single “As I Beg.” Burton recently moved to Austin from Los Angeles to pursue music in a new creative community. If the music is any indication, Burton is right at home in Austin and I, for one, look forward to hearing much more from the talented singer.
MCG by Breezy Ritter Photography
Pop outfit MCG fired up the crowd with their ebullient performance. Led by lead-vocalist Mariclaire Gamble, the five piece draws in fans with their deceivingly carefree sounds and endearing stage energy – everyone’s clearly having fun and the band invites the audience to do the same. MCG played a number of tracks from their new EP Outside in addition to a delightful cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”
While MCG sings plenty of songs about heartbreak, the delivery feels celebratory. There’s nothing that will keep this band down for long. On stage, Gamble’s anomalous dance moves invoke fans not to take life – or themselves – too seriously. A reminder everyone can use now and again.
In addition to the sounds, guests enjoyed sips by Cathead Vodka. The Lonicera cocktail featured Honeysuckle Cathead Vodka and was the perfect springs cocktail. Cathead donates a dollar of every bottle sold to the non-profit Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF) as part of their ongoing effort to #supportlocalmusic. Enjoying a cocktail while giving back? That’s music to my ears.
Thank you to MCG, Eric Burton, Cathead Vodka and everyone who attended this month’s showcase. See more photos from April’s Sound Dessert Nights here.
Cathead Vodka by Breezy Ritter Photography
