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Complete Guide to Free Summer Concerts in Austin

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Caitlin Johnson

Blues on the Green Free Summer Concerts in Austin

Aerial shot of Blues on the Green (Credit: Ryan Conine)

Austin takes its reputation as Live Music Capital of the World very seriously over the summer. Each year, as temperatures begin to rise, our beloved city plays host to free summer concerts at various outdoor spots around town.

As always, local radio station KGSR leads the way with no less than three concert series at some of the most popular music venues in Austin. Keep things classy with the Austin Symphony on Sunday nights through August, or the Music Under the Star series at the Bullock Museum on Friday nights in July. Austin does hump day right, and fortunately you don’t have to choose between the venerable Blues on the Green and the always unique Sound & Cinema series because of their alternating event dates.

So pack up the sunscreen and get your lawn chairs ready. This is your complete guide to enjoying free outdoor music in Austin for the rest of the summer. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Music

Unplugged at the Grove Series Celebrates 25 Years of Free Music

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Swimming With Bears Unplugged at the Grove

Swimming With Bears performs during Unplugged at the Grove (Credit: KGSR/John Gutierrez)

In the midst of Austin’s ever-evolving landscape, there are places and events that should never go away. Spots like The White Horse and shows like Austin City Limits are crucial to the fabric of our fabulous city. If The Broken Spoke turns into a Jamba Juice, then I’m high-tailing it to Asheville, North Carolina…

Unplugged at the Grove is one of our local institutions. Five months out of the year for 25 years, Thursday evenings at Shady Grove have been synonymous with exceptional music at the lowest price humanly possible. And thanks to long-time partner KGSR, this year’s lineup is filled to the brim with local talent.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Music Tagged With: barton springs

11 Things You’ll Learn During Austin Symphony Orchestra’s 108th Season

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Brittany Ballard

Austin Symphony Orchestra Performance

The Austin Symphony Orchestra recently announced its 108th season. A range of performances will make your musical dreams come true, from gorgeous classics to musical films that will invoke a sense of nostalgia.

If you’re already a fan of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, I don’t need to tell you the next season will be full of memorable performances you won’t want to miss.

But if you’re new on the scene, then you have a bit of catching up to do. Whatever happens, there’s no need to feel intimidated by or excluded from the symphony. The upcoming season has something for everyone. Classics from the Masterworks series, nostalgic songs in the Pops series, and special events will take place throughout the year.

To give you context and a deeper appreciation for the symphony, I wanted this article to be more than a bland list of song titles and composers slated for the upcoming season. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: 11 interesting facts you’ll have learned about the Austin Symphony Orchestra by its 108th season finale. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Et Cetera, Music, Non-Profits

Care2Rock Provides Music Lessons and Mentorship to Foster Kids

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Amanda Sayers

Care2Rock Music Lessons for Foster Kids in Austin

Care2Rock provides mentorship and music lessons for children in foster care (Credit: Care2Rock)

For a child, music education can make all the difference in the world. Not only can the experience improve academic performance, but it’s also known to build self-esteem. Music therapy can even help children who have experienced trauma or abuse. For all of these reasons, Care2Rock, a social enterprise business born in Austin, is providing access to music lessons and mentorship for children in foster care.

Kids in foster care often don’t have access to music, but Care2Rock is working to change this. Care2Rock allows anyone, nationwide, to take online music lessons. When you purchase a music lesson, you are providing a child in foster care at least one year of mentorship and music education. With over 400,000 children in foster care across the United States, Care2Rock stands to make a huge impact.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Discoveries, Entertainment, Local Business, Music

Musicians’ Living Wage Advocates Fair Pay for Austin Musicians

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Bill Tucker

BLXPLTN Live Concert The North Door

BLXPLTN tears apart The North Door during Musicians’ Living Wage kickoff event (Credit: Nicola Gell Photography)

Instead of a candy dish or ironic red stapler, imagine a tip jar on your work desk. In lieu of a paycheck, a manager swings by, smiles politely, and drops a couple of singles in your jar. Sadly, he isn’t able to actually pay you. You’re there for exposure.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Austinot Loves, Discoveries, Entertainment, Music

Be Transported to Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in Downtown Austin

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan

Parker Jazz Club Austin

Build the stage, bring the bands, and your audience will follow (Credit: Parker Jazz Club)

Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in downtown Austin. Situated underground like all the coolest clubs, Parker Jazz Club acts as an incubator for the music and the sensibility of another era. Set your sights on a whole new music experience, complemented by classic cocktails and a sultry aura.

Despite Austin’s outspoken love for live music, we are somewhat lacking in world-class, traditional jazz. Parker Jazz Club intends to change that. Jazz music evokes a host of strong feelings for many, calling to mind a different time and place. Walking down the staircase into the dark, elegant club, I felt as though I could be in Chicago, New York, or Paris in the ’20s or ’50s. By design, Parker Jazz Club stands apart from the typical downtown Austin bar. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Drink, Entertainment, Food & Drink, Music, Nightlife Tagged With: bars, cocktails, downtown, wine

Who Wins the SXSW Music 2018 Superlative Awards?

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Bill Tucker

SXSW Music 2018 Superlative Awards

The stages are gone. The out-of-towners have all flown out. All that’s left of SXSW Music 2018 are discarded badges, swag bags filled with branded koozies, and a brain full of ear-ringing memories. It was draining yet fun, numbing yet inspiring.

Over six days during SXSW Conference and Festivals 2018, I walked 125,000 steps, traveled 61 miles, and saw 33 bands and artists. If I was walking southward on I-35, I would have ended up in New Braunfels. From my wanderings, I’ve selected the following acts for my annual Superlative Awards. And the winners are… [Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music Tagged With: sxsw

15 Must-see Austin Artists at SXSW Music 2018

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Austin Bands at SXSW Music 2018

Clockwise: Austin bands Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, Los Coast, The Lagoons

It’s a week before SXSW Music 2018 and I’m already exhausted. I also couldn’t be more stoked. In a few days, I get the opportunity to cannonball into a maelstrom of sights and sounds, showcases and songs. For seven days, Austin literally becomes the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Over 2,000 bands will play official SXSW showcases this year. Among them are over 260 locals, ready to rep ATX and highlight what’s amazing about the greatest music city ever.

To help you prepare to listen local, I’ve listened to every Austin band playing official SXSW shows and hand-picked 15 must-see artists. Done right, SX is an incredible experience, and these musicians will help you celebrate what’s good and beautiful about Austin music.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music Tagged With: sxsw

Top 6 SXSW Music Venues for 2018

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Top SXSW Music Venues 2018

Walk downtown on a Saturday night in Austin, and you’ll find yourself in a mixtape. Songs and tunes of every genre swirl together to create a kaleidoscope of sound. As the entertainment lifeblood of our fair city, live music holds a special place in our hearts. During SXSW, the vibe is amplified by a factor of 10.

But what about the venues that house this wonderful music? While each official SXSW venue has its own charm and style, here are six I make a point of visiting every year, regardless of who’s playing. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Music Tagged With: sxsw

2018 Austin Music Awards Celebrates the Best of Local Music

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Joe Ely Austin Music Awards

Joe Ely, winner of the Townes Van Zandt Songwriting Award, performs at the 2018 Austin Music Awards (Credit: Bill Tucker)

As anyone who’s watched four hours of the Oscars can tell you, award ceremonies can be tedious. Cheesy jokes, plastic celebrities politely clapping for the winners, and the obligatory political acceptance speech are standard operating procedures. By the end, everyone’s over it.

Not so with the Austin Music Awards. Rather than a collection of stars, it’s a gathering of friends. On Feb. 28, 2018, Austin’s Moody Theater transformed into a celebration of the best our fine city has to offer. By paying homage to those who cleared the way for the artists of today, this year’s Austin Music Awards wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a welcome home party. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Music

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