Fall is here, faithful readers! With a weekend promising temps in the kinda sorta 80s, you no longer have the “it’s too hot” excuse for missing out on local, live music. This weekend, we recommend classic country, one of Austin’s most beloved newish bands, and eclectic psych/groove/rock worth traveling miles to see.

Get outside, get to a show, and always listen local! [Read more…]

Welcome to the weekend, glorious readers! The space of time between Friday evening and Monday morning should be reserved for friends, family, and copious amounts of local live music. To fill this void, we recommend heartfelt country, blistering hard rock, and an annual festival worth braving downtown. Enjoy the weekend and–as always–listen local! [Read more…]

With my ears still ringing from SXSW, I’m more inspired than ever to highlight Austin’s local music scene. This week, we recommend a touching singer/songwriter, slick, laid-back soul, and a shoegaze showcase. Enjoy the weekend, the music, and–as always–listen local! [Read more…]

Hear that far-off rumble? See that cloud of smoke rising from the horizon, as the ground trembles beneath your feet? That’s the sound of 2,000 bands, artists, and musicians speeding towards Austin for SXSW Music 2018! This weekend is your last chance to check out some live, local music before the festival hits the streets.

Luckily, there are plenty of unofficial shows and showcases already going down this weekend. To narrow down your options, we recommend these three. The best part: you can get into all of them for free.

Friday, March 9

Otis the Destroyer, Sailor Poon, Holy Wave, Shmu, Marmalakes, more

@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free

The key to any good showcase is finding variety. On Friday, Cheer Up Charlies presents two stages of rock and roll goodness. From Sailor Poon’s aggressive, nails-out punk to the trippy psych rock of Otis the Destroyer, there are plenty of styles and genres to choose from. My personal recommendation? Get there early for subtle and haunting Cross Record. The full line up and RSVP information is available on the event’s Facebook page.

Saturday, March 10

SX Soundcheck Saturday w/Megafauna, Ume, Magna Carda, Annabelle Chairlegs, more

@ Hotel Vegas (1502 E. 6th St.) – 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free to $5

What a lineup! Nearly 10 hours of music across two stages await intrepid SXSW revelers. Highlights include the ’60s-era head music of Annabelle Chairlegs, hip hop duo Magna Carda, and the old-fashioned metal burn of Megafauna. And when the music’s over at 10 p.m., DJ Orion Garcia takes over at The Volstead until who knows when. Check out the Facebook event for the entire lineup and RSVP details.

Sunday, March 11

All the Friends Ball 2018 w/Jackie Venson, Alesia Lani, Ruby Jane, Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, more

@ Spider House Ballroom (2908 Fruth St.) – 1 p.m. – Free

Every year, Spider House Ballroom holds a series of splendid SXSW extravaganzas and this year is no exception. This Sunday bash has too many incredible Austin acts to count. Favorites include guitar virtuoso Jackie Venson, R&B stunner Alesia Lani, and violin prodigy Ruby Jane. Ten hours of music across five stages equals the best SXSW Sunday in Austin. Check out the Facebook event for the full schedule.

 

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?

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