The New Mohawk Web Site
About a year ago, Austinist threw a party at the Mohawk bar here in Austin the night before ACL. We do it every year, celebrating local bands not playing in the festival, as our way of saying ‘we love you’ to the scene, the musicians, artists and go-getters who keep it going, and to our readers. The shows are always free, and sponsored by wonderful local and out of town merchants and individuals who support us year-round. Last year, our party was happening the night before Mohawk opened to the general public.
In the afternoon, we went by to scope things out. There had been a lot of construction happening, a stage was being built outside as well as inside, there were inspectors, and everything was generally insane. Around 4 p.m., there were nails on the ground, no doors on the women’s restrooms, and I was slightly panicked. A guy I had just met, who came to be known to me as Moody, patted me on the back and said, in a slight Southern drawl, “Don’t worry, this is going to be fine.”
Despite the sweat on his brow and his partner Vince’s visible stress level, I felt better. When you’re asking a venue to help you throw a party that has no cover, dozens of sponsors and 8 or so bands, you feel generally awful tapping your foot. Yet, as the afternoon came to a close, I sped away from my statistics class and quickly changed clothes to head over, finding the rest of my friends and peers smiling happily as I walked onto the patio. We did it.
“We” being a relative term, of course. The story behind this place is incredible, and the people who made it become what it is are incredible. Every day I learn a little more about how much has gone into the success of this place, and how hard these folks work to make sure that the rest of us enjoy it. I don’t mean “so the rest of us can go drink.” What I mean is that these people do what they do, endlessly, tirelessly, in a million different ways, so the rest of us can create, build, play, perform, support each other and generally exist as creatives happily, together.
This year, we had our pre-ACL party at Mohawk again, (see the photo in the middle for an idea of the crowd, I’m not sure that even reveals how packed the place was — the inside was full, as well as two decks and an upstairs bar), and again the afternoon was a stressful (but fun) dance with nails, inspectors and general last minute details. The new deck was almost done, the stage was getting a boost, and tons of things were coming together just hours before the party was set to begin. At one point in the afternoon, the owners were helping nail the stage, Austinists were helping move furniture back into place, the film crew from Super!Alright! was wiping off counters and cleaning up extension cords, and the sound guys were helping move two by fours that weren’t in use. This time, we toasted each other and celebrated the Mohawk’s birthday. Not surprisingly, things went off without a hitch.
It’s only partially because I love these people so dearly that I’m excited about their new Web site. It’s mostly because just like everything else they do, it’s done well. Having to go to venue sites constantly for research and writing, I’ve noticed a trend in terms of style: most are utility only, and don’t even do a good job with that aspect. The Mohawk’s site is beautiful, easy to navigate, has heart, a story and includes the rest of the community just like everything else they do. It’s actually useful and fun to visit. It’s my favorite place for exactly this reason … I can go in on a Tuesday and be one of four customers, or I could be one of a thousand, and I get the exact same treatment. So does everyone else. They’re true blue, Ethel.
For Austinites, they’re special people. For those visiting, performing or new to town, they’re a must-experience place. Check out their new site, say hello. Below is a video that Super!Alright! smartypants Erik Horn made of footage from our party, with Corto Maltese providing the awesome tune. They’re one to watch, you heard it here.
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