Category: Episode Recap

So far this season we’ve brought you two groups (Radiohead & Bon Iver) that we’ve looked forward to having on our stage for years, this weekend is no exception. For the first time ever we bring you both Mavis Staples and Bonnie Raitt, two legends and soul sisters for the perfect combination of soul, R&B, blues, and gospel.  “We come this evening to bring you some joy, some happiness, inspiration and some positive vibrations,” declared Miss Staples back in June for our soul sister duel, and boy, did they deliver! This was a night full of smoky voices, sassy guitar playing, audience hooplah, and ardent exhibition.

This is Bonnie’s third appearance on Austin City Limits and although it’s been ten years since we’ve seen her last, she couldn’t have been welcomed more warmly. The audience greets the nine-time Grammy Award winner and bestselling artist with much love and admiration. She predominantly plays off of her 2012 album Slipstream, including “Down to You,” “Used to Rule the World” and a bluesy take on the Bob Dylan song “One Million Miles.” She finally exclaims, “Awww man! I love John Hiatt!” before ending with her Nick of Time hit “Thing Called Love.”

Mavis Staples is a clearly a legend. This lady has seen it all from singing songs on the forefront of the Civil Rights movement to being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joined onstage with her three backup singers and backing band, Mavis’ energy and famous low register voice charm the audience like we’ve never seen on classics like “Creep Along Moses” and “Freedom Highway.” At the end of the set, Mavis invites her lovingly coined “baby sister” Bonnie Raitt onstage for a couple of songs. On the emotional duet “Losing You,” dedicated to their fathers, Mavis and Bonnie share a moment where they hold hands and look at each othe – it’s one of the incredibly touching moments of the evening. They end the night with a rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” a version that had the entire audience clapping and dancing.

Don’t miss this inspiring and heartfelt episode – you won’t regret it. To find out when and where you can catch this episode check here for local listings. Also, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Tumblr for more updates about tapings, giveaways, and sneak peeks! Tune in next week for the The Shins and Dr. Dog!

In a few short years, the world has watched Bon Iver’s progression from the “bare boned” yet profound debut For Emma, Forever Ago in 2008, to the latest self-titled release with anticipation. Justin Vernon has come a long way from once writing in total seclusion in a cabin in the mountains to collaborating with artists such as Kanye West and winning Grammys. When the group recorded this episode this past April, we were eager to see how this progression and critical acclaim would manifest in the performance. The result was a passionate, meticulously layered display of talent and musical tranquility.

In this episode, Bon Iver draws mostly from the 2011 self-titled album, starting with the opening track, “Perth,” and seamlessly leading into the next tune, “Minnesota, WI.” From there we get “Brackett, WI,” a beautifully-written track that appeared on the 2009 Dark Was the Night compilation album that raised funds and awareness about HIV and AIDS. Audience favorites included a more fleshed-out version of “Blood Bank,” complete with various horns, and of course the hits from For Emma, “Skinny Love” and “For Emma.”

We hope you’re enjoying Season 38 so far! Check here to see where/when you can catch this Bon Iver episode. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr pages for updates on ticket giveaways for upcoming tapings! Tune in next week for a “soul sister extravaganza” featuring Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples!