GOSSIP: Alejandro Escovedo
James, one of the honchos behind Notts alt-country promoters Cosmic American, was in Austin, Texas for the music festival, film festival, new media festival and general orgy or awesomeness that is South-by-Southwest. We'll let him explain what happened next.
"We were on our way somewhere with little time to spare and Marie's Taco stand was on the way," he said. "We decided to stop there for two reasons that morning. One, they sell really cool T-shirts and I was in need of a present to bring home for my daughter. Two, I had had no breakfast and little time so I needed a takeaway and the tacos they do are amazing.
"I was with Glenn from Cosmic, who while I was placing the breakfast order spotted Jan Stabile, Jon Landau Management's right hand man. Well, actually a woman. She was having something to eat there as well. Knowing Alejandro was signed to the same manager as Bruce Springsteen and here was someone from that organisation, we introduced ourselves and asked if he was playing the UK any time soon. We were told he was in the UK for a few dates as part of a Clash tribute thing. We quickly suggested a Nottingham show around those shows and name-dropped as many artists as we could in an attempt to impress and secure a date.
"It worked like a dream, we left Marie's with a possible date for him - as well as four great breakfast tacos - and before we left Austin two days later we had a deal all but signed.
"That pretty much sums up what it is like visiting Austin as a promoter. You need to be constantly on the lookout because musically anything can happen in that town."
James was not, however, able to book The Boss at The Maze. Slacker.
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