Travis Acoustic Show, Central Presbyterian, Oct. 15, 2009

This was one of the most delightful shows I have ever attended. Fran Healy and Andy Dunlop of Travis performed at the Central Presbyterian Church in Austin. Fran was on acoustic, Andy accompanying at various times on guitar and piano. It was a beautiful and unusual setting, with the crowd seated in church pews. Fran was a charming host. The premise of the evening was that he would play the first song he’d ever written, end with what he was working on now, and in between pepper with stories of notable songwriting moments. He even had a slideshow, and his stories were charming and delightful. I don’t think it even phased him that he used the f-word multiple times in church and sang a song that had an evolution theme (“We Are Monkeys”).

Take note of this model. This definitely caters to the fans and presents the artists in an intimate light.

On top of that, they sold their own merch!

Pretty powerful imagery with the cross towering over the Star of David as Healy told a story about a visit to Israel.

I was very excited when he described one song as being influenced on the one hand by Oasis’ Wonderwall, but also by The Connell’s, a band I loved in the ’80s that was from Chapel Hill.