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Venue of the Month
The Mercury, Austin, TX
by Eric Rothschild
Edited by David Saslavsky - saslavsky@parentsplus.com

Neon lights aglow for several blocks, Austin boasts her own version of the Big Easy's Bourbon Street -- Sixth Street. And, much like the French Quarter, Austin's 6th St. plays host to an assortment of bars, clubs and, best of all, music venues.

When I first walked into the White Rabbit four years ago, I was instantly met by a magic that oozed like sweat from the brightly covered walls and shook my bones as the band Flounders Without Eyes laid down a Shakedown Street that even the big man himself would be proud of..

Before the night was over, I found Jerry really was grinning over the stage -- in poster and spirit form -- and I also found a back room that poured pints of Guinness, Sierra Nevada, Bass and a number of other tasty treats that can only cure a thirsty palate the way a good, cold draft can..

I visited the back room during The Grapes' set break, Larry's set break, moe.'s set break, and the next night's break and the next. This place was amazing -- the walls glowed with scenes from a tropical rain forest, the air was always thick and energizing, the patrons and staff friendly as could be, and there were old, broken-in couches to lounge in if your legs grew weary from the constant grooving.

And then one day the Rabbit scattered.

In its place was The Mercury -- a planet I was not familiar with. The walls were darker, bearing cosmic scenes over the lively jungles I used to frolic through when my mind seemed lost. The sofas were stiff and rigid. Everything seemed a bit cryptic; the magic was gone. I got a beer.

Dros (now serving up the thump for Big Ass Truck) poured my beer and I asked him what he thought of the place. He told me the sound system was better and the old owner was an asshole. I asked him about the new owners and he replied with a big grin.

Not only are the Collins brothers great guys, but they know how to run a club. Nightly they offer some of Austin's finest music, be it the funk, jazz, world, or good ol' rock and roll - they keep the music flowing as steady and stiff as the drink they serve. Unafraid to take chances, The Mercury will experiment with every genre, in a taste that leaves audiences coming back for more.

The full service bar is always tended by amicable fellas, as is the rest of the folks that work there - the doormen, bar-backs, and J.C., the sound engineer. The operation keeps legends like Jimmy Smith coming back, as well as packing in crowds for traveling bands like Liquid Soul and DJ Logic while still housing local favorites such as Tunji, Larry and the Gypsies.

The clientele has consisted of big names such as Lenny Kravitz, Dave Schools, Jojo Herman, Domingo Ortiz, Galactic and MMW, who all visit to find a place where they're served with the same humble treatment as their neighbor.

Feet kicked up and stool leaning almost dangerously back I realized the magic hadn't ever gone, it was just reshaped, repainted and is reiterated every night I walk in.

In order to feel the magic you've got enter the magic - and seven (or maybe six) nights a week the door is open at the Mercury.