Austin recently lost one of its most beloved musicians after Ikey Owens, known for his work with the Mars Volta and his own group Free Moral Agents, passed away while on tour in Mexico with Jack White. Owens was a mentor for many groups in Austin, and recorded groups ranging from Boyfrndz to BLXPLTN to the Harms. Some of the musicians he played with and mentored got together this week at Cheer Up Charlie’s to pay tribute to Ikey, and our own Ashley Bradley was on hand to document the evening.

Ashley had this to say about the show:

“The event on Monday was horribly touching. Even though it was pretty cold outside, the place was packed and everyone seemed to be in good spirits, despite the occasion. Even though I didn’t know him, nor of a lot of his work, I honestly found myself on the edge of tears because of the nice things everyone had to say about him. Each band/performer either played one of his songs, or one of his favorites, hence the Weezer cover band.

The girl in a lot of these photos is Mendee Ichikawa and she stole the show. She was absolutely amazing. At one point when she was on stage she said – and I quote – “I still keep thinking I’m going to talk to him later about how this set went,” – and I almost lost it. A lot of people loved that dude.”

Memorial

Derrick Brown

Tribute Supergroup

(featuring members of Free Moral Agents, Ume and Black Joe Lewis)

Mendee Ichikawa

The Harms & Guests

Weezer cover band