Welcome to the weekend, friends and music lovers. The streets of Austin are trending towards spring-like, so there’s no better time to dig live music. This weekend, we recommend a guitar queen’s CD release show, brewery re-branding with exceptional music, and the final day of a hella-rad folk festival. Live long and listen local!
Friday, April 12
Jackie Venson CD release w/ Sweet Spirit
@ Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave.) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
Queen of the Austin music scene and recent recipient of “Best Guitarist” at Austin Music Awards, Jackie Venson could easily sit on her blues/soul roots and ride the wave of national notoriety. But like a true artist should, Ms. Venson is expanding her sound to brave new realms with her latest record, “Joy.”
As the title implies, “Joy” douses Venson’s airy, sunshine vocals and blues guitar wizardry with a funky pop production, creating a sound that’s as invigorating as it is technically marvelous.
Standout tracks include the slick funk production of “Only Have You,” “Keep On’s” reggae-flavored charmer, and the title track’s blend of ’80s hip hop bump and rock-and-roll blare. I had the good fortune to check out much of the new record live during SXSW. Do yourself a favor and do the same on Friday at the Paramount.
Saturday, April 13
Independence Brewing Rebrand Party w/Mamahawk, Zettajoule
@ Independence Brewing (3913 Todd #607) – 5:30 p.m. – Event page
How’s this for a Saturday success recipe? Beer? Check. Good people? Double check. Awesome music? Checkmate! One of my favorite 2018 breakout bands, Mamahawk, lends its sensational brand of indie pop/funk to Independence Brewing’s can re-branding party.
I’ve written many a word about Mamahawk’s smoothly groovy “Moonride” and funky earworm party jam “Lioness.” So consider this your bi-monthly reminder to check out this dynamic four-piece. Also playing is groove pop act Zettajoule.
Sunday, April 14
Final Day of Old Settler’s Music Festival w/ Shinyribs, Jeff Plankenhorn, Ley Line
@ 1616 FM 3158, Dale, Texas – 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Tickets
With a packed-to-the-gills slate of exceptional music, local and otherwise, this year’s Old Settler’s Music Festival is as close to can’t-miss as you can get.
Don’t miss the festival’s final afternoon. Headlined by the exuberant party folk master Shinyribs, anchored by ace guitarist Jeff Plankenhorn, and supported by the world music virtuosos of Ley Line, Old Settler’s Sunday will be a fine way to close out your weekend.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where will you be going for live music in Austin this weekend?
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