Sitting outdoors, drinking cold beer, and listening to music. The early summer months of Texas the high temperature flirts with the low side of 100 during the day. In the evening, a breeze picks up and the 75 degree night is perfect for outdoor events.

Driving along East Sixth Street, I heard the music long before I found a street that didn't dead end at the railroad tracks. Navasota took me all the way through to Fourth Street, to the Scoot Inn. I found parking on the street a long way down and around a corner.

As I got out of my car, the question “You buying?” seemed to come out of nowhere. Did that nice couple out walking their dog just ask me a question? Some areas just east of Austin’s well-lit downtown have a reputation for shady deals; was I in one of them? I looked so puzzled that the man stopped and reiterated his question, then explained he was offering to sell me the pit bull on the end of his leash, very clearly, as if I might be a few beers short of a six-pack.

Not the safest parking situation, maybe, but as I look down the block towards the bar, there are kind-looking people sitting on their porches. A group of people have gathered at an artist's studio to listen to the music overflowing from the Scoot Inn. I peek inside the open doors as I walk by the corrugated metal building to see the industrial machinery inside.

East Austin, near the railroad tracks, has a long history of working class industry. It seems there is an informal contest for "oldest beer joint in Austin." The new owners of the old Scoot Inn bid for almost continuous operation since 1871. 

The building looks timeless, a red barn structure of indeterminate shape. Inside, it is small, dark, and friendly. There is a full-service bar, a pool table, a jukebox and a small indoor stage.A stuffed raccoon on the wall. At the far end of the bar, a hand-lettered sign on the door points the way to the outside bar.

The party is outside tonight. Sarah Fox and Joel Guzman  are on stage. This is the second time I've seen Sarah and Joel, and I'm stunned, again. Joel plays accordion, but gently, carefully, fingers dancing on the keys while he makes tiny adjustments to pull air in and push air out. Imagine a concert violinist, bow dancing across the strings, coaxing each perfect note from the instrument. Joel plays with the same care and precision, giving his accordion a melodic voice that never wheezes or strains for breath.

Joel's accordion never overpowers, either. Sarah Fox's vocals are clearly front and center. Rich Segura's bluesy rocking guitar solos, reminiscent of Santana, work with the drum and bass to build a foundation of contemporary rock. Their latest CD, Latinology, opens a whole new chapter on the Tejano sound; try the track "Isla" on MySpace.