Salutations, lovely Austinites! As I look up from the mountain of SXSW coverage I’m working on, I see a deluge of great music on the horizon. Dive in! This time around, we recommend a stellar folk/rock musician, a fantastic triple shot of female-fronted awesomeness, and an important fundraiser for a friend of the ATX music scene. Dig it all and listen local!
Friday, Jan. 7
Mike Donello & the New Essentials
@ Saxon Pub (1320 S. Lamar) – 11 p.m. – Tickets
With a little bit of rock, a little bit of soul, and a heaping helping of smile-inducing good vibes, Mike Donello & the New Essentials will make you glad you stayed out late. The show is a celebration of a new self-titled record, a bright and breezy five-song sampler of the group’s signature style and sound.
Standout tracks off the record include the Petty-esqe tribute to enduring love, “Setting Things in Motion,” and “Southside,” a slick funk tribute to all things awesome in South Austin.
And don’t sleep on the opening track, “Fun and Games,” a tale of good times gone sideways, baked into a laid-back groove. Well worth the extra cup of coffee Saturday morning to check out Friday night.
Saturday, Jan. 8
Be My Galentine feat. Moving Panoramas, Blushing, DOSSEY
@ Stubbs Indoors (801 Red River) – 9 p.m. – Tickets
Apologies at my repetitiveness, but whenever I see three of my favorite Austin bands on one bill, I’m going to recommend it. Check out this eclectic lineup of female-powered radness. Open with DOSSEY’s earworm-laden pop, continue with rock powerhouse Blushing, and close the evening with shoegaze indie rock stalwarts Moving Panoramas.
It’s a phenomenal three-shot of Austin’s best music, all at an iconic Austin venue. What’s not to love!
Benefits for Viktor Scot w/Trouble in the Streets, Urban Heat Island Effect, Ladyfang, Venus Loves Mars
@ Swan Dive (615 Red River St.) – 9:30 p.m. – Facebook event
Late last year, local DJ and concert organizer Viktor Scot was struck and seriously injured during a hit and run. He’s been in a medically-induced coma, both his legs were amputated above the knee, and he’s still undergoing medical care.
This weekend, some of Austin’s finest bands are coming together for a benefit in support of Viktor’s continued recovery. Three eclectic, impressive local bands kick off the event, and the evening will close with the iconic hip hop/rock act Trouble in the Streets.
Come out for this important event in support of a friend to the Austin music scene.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?
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