happy anniversary
Adi Anand fondly remembers five years of work and play (and even marriage!) at The Mohawk
For many years, 912 Red River Street was an ever-evolving space complete with oft-changing names, varying themes and (from my perspective anyway) less than stellar success. The days of Velvet Spade, Caucus Club and Le Privilege (all former occupants) came to an end when The Mohawk established itself five years ago.
Surely, many assumed this was just the space's next temporary installment, another short-term bar that would flatter and deceive. However, five years later, The Mohawk is unquestionably one of the premier clubs in Austin—a truly special concert, party, wedding and queso cook-off venue that serves everyone and continues to march on with its accessible “All Are Welcome” mantra and unique Native America-meets-beardos-meets-bear vibe.
In 2007, as a fledgling writer for Austinist.com, I was given the opportunity to curate Indieroke (indie karaoke) at the venue. And just like that, my undying bond with the club was established. From day one, the ‘hawk tribe welcomed me into their family as one of its own. Owner James Moody had an unquestionable drive for creative events and his energy, originality and general enthusiasm for the ridiculous filtered down to the crew over the years. He allowed me to paint the beautiful canvas that is The Mohawk with all types of fun events, leading to ‘80s parties, tennis themed happy hours, queso cook-offs, hair metal tributes and even my own wedding. In five epic years, I lost a tooth at The Mohawk, I drank warm well vodka straight at The Mohawk, I booked my first show at The Mohawk and, yes, I did get legally and officially married on stage at The Mohawk (it was an outside show!)
But for most, The Mohawk is THE spot to see live music, plain and simple, be it Austin talent, breaking bands or legends. Locals Ghostland Observatory, The Sword and The Black Angels all performed at The Mohawk in its early days, and, over the years, international talent (such as Yelle and Dungen) and icons (like Ice Cube and Mission of Burma) have graced the stage with their presence.
In its already storied history, the venue has hosted memorable day events during SXSW week, festivals like Austin Psych Fest and a plethora of benefits. This weekend, The Mohawk has put together an unbelievable lineup: guest hosted happy hours begin at 5 pm and are followed by impressive bills boasting the likes of Les Savy Fav, Grammy winners Grupo Fantasma and Lucera, not to mention a host of Austin bands. We look forward to seeing you there.
Here’s to the next five years!
