Out of Town: Connect The Dots Music Festival in Beaumont, Texas

The live music capital meets home of Spindeltop. Get details about the inaugural fest here.

I was raised in Beaumont, so I can make fun of it. Most of my friends know my cute nickname for the home of the first big oil gush known as Spindletop. There are a few exceptions to the rule that nothing exciting happens in Boremont unless it's the fair or a refinery accident. But this weekend I have to figuratively eat the nickname of the town that lies 90 miles east of Houston. all thanks to Connect the Dots Festival.

One of the few cool music haunts in my hometown, The Vortex, is opening its doors for an exciting mix of Austin based acts, some which still have roots in Boremont - I mean Beaumont. (Some habits are hard to break.) he bar that boasts the best sound guy in the world, also known to me as fellow La Snacks fan Chad, welcomes 11 bands in 2 nights. Known for showcasing Southeast Texas indie rockers like the former Joe Jitsu, and touring Austin bands like Flametrick Subs, The Vortex coordinated the best new Texas music fest with some smart young man who has ties to Austin and Beaumont music scenes. It was easy to connect the dots, crossing styles and geography to deliver two nights of music I highly recommend.

You may click on the links to hear the bands, or visit the official Connect The Dots site for fest details:

Tonight, 22 August

La Snacks (1 am)
Pataphysics (12 am)
Sharks From Space (11 pm)
Meryll (10 pm)
Uptown (9 pm)
DJ Totally Trash (8 pm - Doors Open)

Saturday, 23 August

Ringo Deathstarr (1 am)
Transmography (12 am)
Molly Maguires (11 pm)
Daniel Francis Doyle (10 pm)
We Were Wolves (9 pm)
DJ Totally Trash (8 pm)

The price ($10) more than makes up for the price of gas if you're traveling from Austin. If you pack quickly and head out soon, you'll probably get to hear the first band. Advance tickets are still available through Frontgate, but you can pay at the door. If you can't make the music fest, check out the bands above anyway. Some offer mp3 downloads of music you can enjoy wherever you are.

~ diy danna