Mac DeMarco

Sandwiched in between an earlier-in-the-day KUTX 98.9 radio live acoustic performance and Bonnaroo Music Festival two days later, Mac DeMarco showed all the love to his Austin fans at the Statesman Skyline Theater at the Long Center on a balmy and breezy Friday night, June 14th.

DeMarco, who had last visited and performed in Austin in late November 2018 as a non-European date on his “Fall Europe 2018 Tour,” found ravenous and dedicated fans who faced mid-90s degree Texas heat to land a front-row spot for such hits such “Cooking Up Something Good” and “Salad Days”. The band’s enthusiasm even literally spilled onto keyboardist’s Andy White board later in the set, which caused a short delay as Andy got his patented smooth-synth sound going again for “On the Level”.

“Me and my friend Patrick would call this weather a good breeze,” declared DeMarco to an audience of roughly 1500 people who lounged on blankets over most of the great lawn that comprises the Long Center’s beautiful front facade. “Let’s take a moment to take in this sunset… Look at all those buildings back there!” DeMarco remarked as he took in the sights from the open-backed stage he performed on as Austin’s sprawling downtown nightlife came alive and the sun began to set.

The electric vibe of downtown definitely inspired DeMarco and company, as the band allowed an audience member to perform alongside on stage for a down-tempo song. As the energy built back with a jam song about turkeys, DeMarco then requested cowboy hats from the audience (which then obliged by throwing hats on stage). “If you want to find me later, I’ll be face down in Barton Springs,” DeMarco commented before peeling off his shirt, wildly swinging it over his head and then jamming a rowdy cover of ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Men” for what seemed like at least ten minutes.

As the crowd eventually filed out of the eclectic event space-turned-outdoor-music-venue for the night, everyone could be heard humming their favorite DeMarco tune as they all contemplated a late night swim at the Springs with Mac and what a magical night they had just experienced in such an intimate and relaxing small outdoor setting.