Big sounds, little studio 
Backstage at KGSR's Seventh Anniversary Party at the Austin City Limits studio Friday were, far left, Tim Neece, left Abra Moore, Jody Denberg and Steve Earle. (photo by Kevin Virobik-Adams) | By Chris Riemenschneider
American-Statesman Staff published 12/11/97 KLRU's "Austin City Limits" studio was the most happening music venue this past weekend, and if you don't believe it, just ask anyone who attended either the KGSR seventh anniversary party on Friday or the all-star "ACL" tribute to Townes Van Zandt on Sunday.
The KGSR show, broadcast live on the air, was a profanity-free event that nonetheless featured a few people swearing. Surprise guest PATTY GRIFFIN, for instance, swore she'd soon be moving to Austin, which was easy to believe after seeing her cozying up to apparent new beau TROY CAMPBELL. ABRA MOORE, meanwhile, who's been on the road for half the year, swore she was happy to return to Austin.
"It's nice to be back in town ... for about 10 hours," Moore said on stage. 
Jody Denberg and Steve Earle flank Robert Earl Keen. (photo by Kevin Virobik-Adams) |
And then there was STEVE EARLE, who swore he'd also soon be moving, but not back to Texas. Before a stirring encore of "Ellis Unit One," which KGSR's JODY DENBERG reportedly urged him to do, Earle said the reason he's leaving Tennessee is the same reason he has never moved back to Texas: Both states now have the death penalty.
Earle himself was far from dead, despite his hectic scheduling to make the gig. "It's as good a place as any to be with jet lag ... and the barbecue helps," he said. The singer was congenial backstage, talking with the awe-struck guys in RECKLESS KELLY, whose CD he reportedly already received, compliments of Rosie Flores. Meanwhile, during his set, which featured acclaimed Hightone country-rocker BUDDY MILLER on guitar and backup vocals, Earle recalled the one other time he had been in the 'ACL' studios.
"I came here a few years back and scared the hell out of everybody and was never asked back," he said.
More frequent 'ACL' visitor DELBERT MCCLINTON topped the night off with a high-energy set taken from his new album, "One of the Fortunate Few." ROBERT EARL KEEN and RICH BROTHERTON also showed up for a surprise acoustic set. Said one attendee at the party, "It's not a Christmas show, but it feels like Christmas."
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