Happy New Year, music lovers! With the holiday season firmly in the rear view mirror, it’s time to dive back into our beloved local scene. And if your pockets are drained from a season of spending, then Free Week is here to relieve the pressure.
This week, we’re highlighting three standout shows from a slate of dozens, for your listening and attending pleasure. Show up to support the Red River District; enjoy the freebies; and listen local!
Thanks to our pals at Freqsho for providing me with the background info I needed for this article. A video playlist of every Free Week artist can be found by clicking here.
Friday, Jan. 4
Austin artist Dr. Joe (Credit: Bill Tucker)
The Cover Letter (8:45), Dr. Joe (9:45), Harvest Thieves (10:45), Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business (11:45)
@ Empire Garage (606 E. 7th St.) – Doors 8 p.m. – Facebook event
With a lineup bursting with Americana talent, bluesy soul, and finger-burning bluegrass, your evening at Empire Garage’s Friday Free Week show will be a fine way to kick off the weekend.
The show opens with the folksy rock sound of The Cover Letter and Dr. Joe’s piano-pounding rock-a-blues. As the evening turns into night, expect lyric-driven country folk from Harvest Thieves and Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business, a startling blend of off-color humor and bluegrass blaze. A lineup that ticks all my boxes for a Friday of down home fun.
Saturday, Jan. 5
Ume (Credit: BB Gun Press)
Ume (11 p.m.), Calliope Musicals (10 p.m.), Teddy Glass (9 p.m.), A. Sinclair (8 p.m.), BLXPLTN (11:30 p.m.), Glaze (10:30 p.m.), Fanclub (9:30 p.m.), Marfa Crush (8:30 p.m.)
@ The Scoot Inn (1309 E. 4th)- 7 p.m. – Facebook event
If you’re going to spend your Saturday at one Free Week show, then this is the one I’d pick. An eclectic collection of sounds and sights, variety is the key ingredient in this impressive lineup. With the blistering rock of Ume, to the off-kilter indie sound of Calliope Musicals, to BLXPLTN’s intense, socially-conscious hip hop slam, there is literally something for everyone at this one of a kind showcase.
Sunday, Jan. 6
View this post on Instagram
Kathryn Legendre, Sour Bridges, Jomo & the Possum Posse
@ Stubbs (801 Red River) – 9 p.m. – Facebook event
With the prospect of the work week looming on the horizon, I like my Sunday shows upbeat, yet laid-back. Enter local country superstar Kathryn Legendre. Sporting a sweet down home twang, with a healthy helping of steel guitars and traditional honky tonk rhythms, Legendre channels Reba McIntyre and Kasey Musgraves in equal measure.
Also playing is seminal Austin bluegrass stompers Sour Bridges and the clever folk/country jams of Jomo & the Possum Posse.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?
