It’s Easter weekend! Between services with family and egg hunts, carve out time to check out some rad live music. This weekend, we recommend not one, but two exceptional folk acts and an indie rock band waiting to break out. Enjoy the weekend, Happy Easter, and listen local!
Friday, April 19
Dawn & Hawkes
@ The 04 Center (2701 S. Lamar) – 7 p.m. – Tickets
Two-part acoustic folk as heavenly as the church they’ll be playing in, Dawn & Hawkes combines timeless harmonies and genuine heart in a pleasing, earworm package. Tunes like the tender and earnest “Yours and Mine” distills the couple’s relationship into an easily relatable package, while “Highway” off 2018’s “The Other Side” drips with the world-weary yearning earned through long nights on the road, away from the one you love.
Watching this beautiful two-some ply their trade in a beautiful venue will be the perfect jump start to your weekend festivities.
Night Cap w/Big Wy’s Brass Band, Dayglow
@ The Parish (214 E. 6th St.) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
Punchy indie rock reminiscent of my beloved Duncan Fellows, Night Cap combines throaty vocals with guitar lines and drum shots plucked from the Kings of Leon–with excellent results.
With complex hi hat clicks dancing with tight guitar work, “Everest” sings like a Kings of Leon A-side, while “All You Have Is Now” off 2018’s “Petals” cruises down a sonic highway with a breezy beat and laid-back vibe.
The band’s been tight-lipped about its new single, “Cheap Thrills.” But if the 20-second teaser video is any indication, it should be an adrenaline shot of guitar crunch and percussive pound. Swing by the Friday night release show to experience it live and in person.
Also playing are Big Wy’s Brass Band and the wonderful indie pop sound of Dayglow.
Saturday, April 20
Ben Balmer
@ Stay Gold (1910 E Cesar Chavez) – 10 p.m. – Facebook event
A fitting bookend to this week’s recommendations, Ben Balmer weaves country twang, rich storytelling, and spot-on folk guitar picking into a sound that feels as modern as it does down-home.
Songs like “Worth” tell a tale of dwindling self-respect to the snap of military snare drums, while “Dark-Haired Girls’ Tattoos” ties body art to memories in a sullen yet upbeat dancehall tune.
Having the ability to create stories out of songs is one thing. Saying something interesting is the hard part. With a knack for clever lyrics and relatable characters all performed with skill, care, and heart, Ben Balmer checks that box with authority. Storytelling Americana at its finest.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where will you be going for live music in Austin this weekend?
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