Howdy, hella rad Austinites! The heat of summer is upon us and what better way to celebrate the warmer months than steamy music from around the world. This weekend, we take a sonic tour through dozens of genres, styles, and influences. We start with Middle Eastern, segue into female-fronted Latin, and close with a band so diverse, I’d run out of space defining them. Enjoy the weekend and listen local!
Friday, June 21
Nagavalli w/Barbara Nesbitt
@ Cactus Cafe (2247 Guadalupe) – 8:30 p.m. – Tickets
An enchanting blend of world, New Age, pop, and Eastern soul, Nagavalli’s sound is the definition of unique. In the space of one performance, your ears will run the gambit from entrancing, mind-expanding sitars and hand drum percussion, to body-surging Middle Eastern dance rhythms.
The centering point is Nagavalli’s expressive, emotive vocals. Able to project both calm and power in equal measure, she handles the wide range of her influences with ease and grace. Cactus Cafe’s small, intimate setting will morph into an amphitheater of sound and beauty. Make sure you’re there to witness the transformation.
Saturday, June 22
Chingona Fest w/Tribes, Bidi Bidi Banda, Tiarra Girls, Mariachi Las Coronelas
@ Hops & Grain (507 Calles) – 12:15 p.m.
Stop two on our tour of ethnic flavored shows and performances, Chingona Fest at Hops & Grain brings together some of Austin’s finest Latin acts for an afternoon of fun and celebration.
A festival dedicated to the support, uplifting, and representation of women of color, the lineup is nothing short of spectacular and representative. With acts like the award-winning cumbia cover band Bidi Bidi Banda and the teenage dynamos of Tiarra Girls, female-led Latin music will be front and center.
Add to the mix an incredibly fun setting serving up top-notch beer, and you have an afternoon worth extending into the evening.
➡️ Keep reading: Be Entertained and Empowered at Austin’s Chingona Fest Texas
The Reveleros
@ Barrel O’ Fun (1911 Aldrich, Mueller Alamo Drafthouse) – 7 p.m. – Facebook event
Completing this week’s trend towards the sounds of exotic locales, Austin global troubadours The Reveleros brings its blend of jazz, rock, soul, and R&B to the festive confines of Barrel O’ Fun. A glance at the group’s Soundcloud account reveals Greek, Latin, and Cajun influences, all distilled into a party dance sound that’s impossible to resist.
“Opa Nina Nina Nai” is my favorite of the three influences. A celebratory tune full of sharp guitars, honey-soaked violins, and foot-stomping rhythm, the song would feel at home at any Greek wedding you’d be lucky enough to attend.
Expand your horizon further with these sensational practitioners of world music.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?
