The Austinot Weekend Concert Picks: Dec. 15-16, 2017

The holiday season is in full swing. With the city focused on shopping, traffic, and swarming Trail of Lights, there doesn’t seem to be much time for live music. I’m here to say: make time–because our fair city is still cranking out excellent shows. For this weekend, we recommend eclectic indie rock, life-affirming ’70s pop, and Latin jazz so hot that you’ll need flame retardant pants to survive the show. Enjoy the holiday season and–as always–listen local!

Friday, Dec. 15

Credit: SMiiLE

SMiiLE w/The Human Circuit, Shy Beast, Muchos Backflips

@ Mohawk (912 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. – all ages – $10 at the door

Describing SMiiLE can be an exercise in frustration if you stick to the traditional methods. The band can swing from mellow indie to spastic, time-signature-bending garage rock within the space of one song. What I can say is they’re interesting, unique, and thoroughly awesome.

Also playing is psychedelic alt pop band The Human Circuit, hook-heavy indie pop act Shy Beast (formally MCG), and Muchos Backfips (too many genres to list in one sentence).

Calliope Musicals (Credit: Kate Blaising)

Calliope Musicals w/Otis the Destroyer and Coattails

@ Hotel Vegas (1502 E. 6th St.) – 9 p.m. – Facebook event

Like the aforementioned SMiiLE, Calliope Musicals’ sound differs from song to song. The common thread is unbridled enthusiasm and zest for life. Off 2016’s “Time Owes You Nothing,” songs like “Echo of the Whoos” bounce with indie pop rhythm and sing song choruses, while “Happy, Sandy Baby” floats and shimmers with vibraphone licks and dreamy guitars. Exceptional musicians at the top of their craft. Also playing: psychedelic rocking Otis the Destroyer and fuzz rock band Coattails.

Saturday, Dec. 16

A post shared by Cilantro Boombox (@cilantroboombox) on Jun 13, 2017 at 6:56am PDT

Cilantro Boombox

@ Antone’s (305 E. 5th St.) – 7:30 p.m. – Tickets

Life isn’t worth living without a healthy dose of soul and boogie. Blending Latin jazz, world rhythms, and a touch of electronica, Cilantro Boombox’s unbridled energy could wake the dead. Havana heat bursts from party jam “Living in a Box,” while “Stop Pretending” channels classic Philly soul with a laid-back groovy vibe. If you’re not dancing by the third song, then you need to check your heartbeat.

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Who will you be seeing this weekend in Austin?