In the world of local Austin music, the Red River district is set apart. A tightly clustered neighborhood of eclectic music venues, the area has defined Austin music for generations. It’s also at risk due to rising rent, greater competition, and changing tastes.
In honor of this storied music destination, we’re focusing on the first annual Hot Summer Nights music festival, presented by the Red River Cultural District. The free four-day event features a who’s who of exceptional Austin music across most of the district’s venues. To help sort through the massive lineup, we’ve picked our must-see shows at the festival for the weekend. Enjoy and listen local!
Friday, July 14
White Denim, Deep Time, Go Fever, the Stacks, and more
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.)
Seasoned veterans of the Austin music scene, the sing-along rock masters in White Denim put on a phenomenal show. Most recently known for their song “Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah)” driving a viral Nintendo Switch commercial, this hard-jamming four-some has chops and songs to spare. Expect a frenetic, fast-paced performance. Also playing are indie pop band, Deep Time, surf rocking Go Fever, and the lo-fi head trip sound of The Stacks.
Saturday, July 15
She Sir, A. Sinclair, Magic Rockers of Texas, Moving Panoramas, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, and more.
@ Mohawk – inside and outside (912 Red River St.)
With a massive show during a massive weekend, Mohawk plays host to eight local acts on Saturday.
- She Sir: Fifteen years into their existence, this four-piece continues to deliver soulful, emotional shoegaze.
- A. Sinclair: Indie rock with a summery, danceable rhythm and sway.
- Magic Rockers of Texas: Hi-fi, fuzz-laden garage rock designed to move hips and knock heads.
- Chill Russell: Alternative rock peppered with psychedelic soundscapes centers this band’s signature sound.
- Matthew Logan Vasquez: The frontman to indie rocking Delta Spirit combines soul, southern rock, and electronic pop to create something entirely exceptional.
- Mike and the Moonpies: This down-home Texas honky-tonk group tells stories of life, loss, and family with a hint of Waylon Jennings snarl.
- Moving Panoramas: Bouncy shoegaze with a pop sensibility, Moving Panoramas’ 2016 LP, “One,” complements sunny drives to Corpus or rainy afternoons equally well.
- Letting Up Despite Great Faults: A combination of 80’s synth, 90’s shoegaze, and bass licks worthy of The Cure. One of my favorite local music discoveries last year.
Sunday, July 16
Major Grizz (Credit: Andrew Bennett)
Major Grizz, Swimming with Bears, Hours Quiet
@ Stubb’s Indoors (801 Red River St.)
As the inaugural Hot Summer Nights festival slows to a close, quality music is still readily available. Our Sunday Funday recommendation is a combination of Major Grizz’s in-your-face post punk, Swimming With Bears’ funkified soul rock, and the soaring electronic pulse of Hours Quiet. Close out the festival, and the weekend, with these gems of Austin music.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What local music show are you looking forward to this weekend in Austin?
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