Another weekend, another massive slate of incredible live music. This time around, we recommend a Black Fret showcase, Austin rock violinist’s latest project, and ’80s synth Knight Rider would be proud of. Dig the weekend, dig the vibes, and listen local!
Friday, June 7
Black Fret Summer Session w/Akina Adderley, Carson McHone, Swimming With Bears, Bright Light Social Hour
@ Long Center Lawn (701 W. Riverside) – 6 p.m. – Event page
With the warm weather officially at our doorstep, outdoor concerts are in season. This Friday, take a trek to the Long Center lawn for a free showcase presented by Black Fret, an organization dedicated to furthering Austin music by providing member-funded grants to nominated musicians (The Austinot is a founding member).
The opening performance of a three-show lineup features a who’s-who of grant recipients: soul/jazz fireball Akina Adderly, country songstress Carson McHone, indie rock band Swimming With Bears, and everyone’s favorite pysch/funk/rock act, The Bright Light Social Hour. An evening of incredible music at the low price of zero dollars, this is a can’t-miss kickoff to your weekend!
Night Drive w/Kae Astra, Michael Parallax
@ Barracuda (611 E. 7th) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
If your tastes lean towards the electronic side of the musical spectrum, then Night Drive’s pulsing take on slicked-back ’80s synth-pop is your ticket to a rad evening.
Still cruising off the back of 2017’s splendid self-titled record, the duo of Rodney Connell and Brandon Duhon crafts emotional, resonating songs through a haze of driving beats and haunting vocals. Choice tracks include the modern classic “Drones,” the pulsing, exciting “Rise and Fall,” and the latest single, “Anyone’s Ghost.”
Also playing is a one-two punch of interesting Austin acts I’ve recently uncovered: dream pop artist Kae Astra (music produced by Walker Lukens and Curtis Roush of The Bright Light Social Hour) and electro-noise provocateur Michael Parallax.
Saturday, June 8
Ruby and the Reckless
@ Geraldine’s (605 Davis) – 10:30 p.m. – Event page
When I moved to Austin in 2013, the first local artist I heard people talking about was Ruby Jane. From county twang to pop hooks, watching the evolution of this one-of-a-kind artist has been something to behold.
One of her incarnations, Ruby and the Reckless, churns her signature violin chops and cloying vocal coo into a larger than life explosion of pop/rock hooks, rhythm, and roar. Perfect examples of her sound include the soaring anthem “Rainbows” and an incredible cover of the Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down.” And you get the joy of a Saturday brunch in the midst of all the music!
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Which Austin bands are you checking out this weekend?
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