It’s the holiday season, intrepid Austinites! With the calendar filled to the brim with parties, company hootenannies, and gift-buying galore, it’s easy to sleep on our fantastic live music scene.
To help, this weekend we recommend one of Austin’s premier soul bands, introspective folk, and a series of standout Saturday shows at the Saxon. Enjoy the weekend and keep on listening local!
Friday, Dec. 6
Tomar & the FC’s album release show
C-Boy’s Heart & Soul – 10 p.m. – Event page
If you read/follow The Austinot with any regularity, then you know we’re enamored with Tomar and the FCs. Over the last half decade, the group has grown into Austin’s premier soul band. From a long-running residency at C-Boy’s to major festivals, this explosive foursome is a treat to experience live.
Praise the heavens, we have new music! The latest single, “Innocence,” opens with a slick blues guitar lick before jumping into a wistful jump-jam bulging with sick bass and Tomar’s piercing vocals. And while the new full length is a few months away (Feb. 1, 2020, to be exact), take it from somebody who got an advance copy. It. Slaps.
Jake Farr
Scoot Inn indoors (1308 E 4th) – 9 p.m. – Free show, RSVP encouraged
Sometimes I see a name in the concert listings, click it randomly, and end up listening for an hour. That’s how I got acquainted with Jake Farr. Classic Americana folk peppered with clever lyrics, self reflection, and the occasional splash of looming dread, Farr runs the gambit.
Farr channels his inner Lou Reed on “Accordion Lady,” a somber, self-deprecating guitar/piano waltz, while “Antique Shoppe” dances along a spritely railroad rhythm.
Unafraid to play with sounds and harmonies along deceptively simple acoustic guitar arrangements, Farr creates atmosphere and mood in every tune. Scoot Inn’s intimate interior will be a wonderful place to experience Jake Farr for the first time.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Monte Warden, Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel, Guy Forsyth, Pike & Sutton, R.O. Shapiro
@ Saxon Pub (1320 S. Lamar) – first show 3 p.m. – Tickets
Usually I feature three gigs a weekend and leave it at that. Allow me to call an audible and offer a five-pack of sensational shows at the legendary Saxon Pub. Each show is its own ticket, but why not check out a few?
- Monte Warden (3 p.m.) – Lead singer of The Wagoneers turned solo artist and resident king of roots rock.
- Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel (6 p.m.) – He’s a former member of Derrick & the Dominos; she’s a formidable singer/songwriter. Together they perform ’70s-era rock with power and experience.
- Guy Forsyth Band (8 p.m.) – Epic ATX blues/rock. Some of the best you’ll find in Austin.
- Pike & Sutton (10 p.m.) – I’ve spoken a good deal of sugar about this energetic two-some and their sensational new record, “Heart Is a Compass.” Blistering Americana rock with an Austin soul.
- R.O. Shapiro (11:45 p.m.) – Touching acoustic country/folk with clever, personal lyrics.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?
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