Triple Z Threadz Style: atx

There is never a shortage of things to do in this great city, so it can be hard to ever hone in on just one. Sometimes, however, an event will come up that will take all types of precedent in your life. Commitments will be broken, feelings may get hurt, but you’ll be damned to ever miss it. This happens quite regularly for me, so I’m used to the backlash from just about everyone in my circle.

If you’ve never heard of The Reverend Horton Heat,  then I’m not quite sure what to tell you at this point. Since the late 80’s, Jim Heath and his Dallas, Tx based group have been bringing a special blend of rockabilly beach rock fused with just enough country. When I read that the historic Continental Club would be hosting a 6-night event and converting into the Continental Church of The Reverend, I pounced. I was able to attend two nights of sermons, about 4 less than I would have liked (these bills don’t pay themselves).

The first night was everything I had hoped it would be, but better. I was even lucky enough to meet stand up bassist Jimbo Wallace right before they brought ‘the heat’ into the club and clumsily asked him to stop by our shop if he at all had the time (sporting a kick ass Gorilla vs. Shark pearl snap certainly helped my case). Listening to Jimbo talk to me about getting to tour with groups like The Cramps and Motorhead simply made my mind melt. I even ran into a few loyal ZZZ Threadz patrons inside during their set, each of us locking eyes and performing the ever popular ‘I see you, you see me’ head nod.

As for Jimbo, he came into the shop over that weekend and made his presence felt. I knew his birthday was in just a few days, so I decided to let him pick out any of our bad ass embroidered pearl snaps to make his own. After careful choosing and much deliberation, a decision was made. So if you happen to catch the Reverend Horton Heat at any of their shows across the globe, keep your eyes peeled. You might just catch bassist JIMBO sporting one the finest, most ass-kickingest Posado embroidered pearl snaps you ever did see.

Austin is home to just about anything and everything locally made and sourced. Like many cities across the nation, people here appreciate hard work that is done by folks they know and products they trust. On any given week, there is a plethora of markets where local artists can set up a tent and make a name for themselves. One of the longest standing, and most popular is the Artist Market on South Congress. Every first Thursday of the month, as well as every Saturday (year round), you can walk up and down the strip and fall in love with all types of work whether it be brand spanking new, or up-cycled from its original purpose into something totally different.

Tucked away in the Vespaio parking lot, alongside South Congress books (and some badass embroidery loving neighbors) you’ll find all types of beautifully crafted jewelry, art and other nick-nacks to make your day. The market has been managed by the dynamic duo of Gretchen Grimm and Warren Sawyer, who also operate their own booth in the market under their brand Black and Bluebird Studios for a number of years now and I don’t think you could find two lovelier folks to man the operation. Take a break from the air conditioned storefronts to truly appreciate what it is these merchants from near and far have brought to impress us all.

Nowadays in Austin, it’s weird if you don’t know people who perform live music regularly. The stand out factors comes down to great band chemistry, a magical sound and knowing how to make a crowd leave wanting more. At Triple Z Threadz, we apply those same principles to our core values and principles in how we approach our products and our clients (kick-ass embroidery teamed with beautiful vintage wear). Folks all over enjoy things that are genuine, things they can relate to in one way or another, no matter the art form. Whenever possible, we like to make an adventure in supporting all the locals (and visitors) we know and love. It’s no exception when the ones headlining are on the same payroll as you.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Bob, the lone gentlemen who works in our sister shop Limbo Jewelry, then you’re just plain missing out. While still being relatively new in town, he certainly hasn’t wasted any time making his mark. When he isn’t slinging assorted styles of bracelets and earrings, you can usually catch him at one of the many venues throughout Austin performing with his sister and their band, The Wilds. Recently, a few of us from the store made a night of going to see them perform.

Right across from the historic (as well as haunted) Driskill Hotel downtown, you’ll find The Firehouse Lounge, which is located at 605 Brazos St. Now at first glance it may just seem like any old hostel, but when you walk into the lobby, the first thing that’ll catch your eye is the sliding bookcase which will lead you inside their infamous bar (no secret handshakes required, only encouraged). The first thing to notice is the intimate booths and tables, which really lend their hand well to the overall atmosphere created inside of this speakeasy. Once you finish choosing the signature cocktail from one of the professionals behind the bar, the overall mood and vibe of the space begins to really take hold. If you happen to arrive hungry, which is usually the case for me, I would have to suggest their “Lieutenant” sandwich. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, they have an array of other tasty bar snack options to choose from. Drink and food in hand, Rachel, Phoebe and I all take our place while the band warms up and does their sound check.

With a refreshing blend of strings, drum and vocals, Bob and The Wilds take control of the room and command nothing less than full attention from the crowd. Now I do spy, with my little eye, one of our signature Scorpion design shirts on their lead guitarist and damn does he make them look good. Track after track, the band melodically mold into what appears to become one entity. By the end of their set, the three of us really have a newfound respect for our friend and coworker, as well as everyone else who performs in the band. Anyone who is a fan of good old rock and roll is doing themselves a disservice by not catching these guys at a show. When we weren’t dancing our asses off, the ladies and I were simply caught with our mouths open and eyes wide. Yes people, they are THAT good.

We may sell tons of fine embroidered crap, but we also specialize in soaking up fine tunes, hard booze, and delicious food.

Till next time,

Matt Meade (resident blogger and drinker of fine beers)

Anyone looking to catch The Wilds at an upcoming show should check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thewildsarehere