This morning, I woke up, checked my phone, and made a shocking discovery. SXSW Music is two weeks away! Before our fair city turns into a wristbanded swarm of music-loving festival goers, head out for a wonderful weekend of live, local music. This weekend, we recommend a one-two punch of ’80s goodness, dreamy classic rock, and down home county Willie would appreciate. Enjoy the weekend and listen local!
Thursday, March 1
Culture Wars (Credit: Roger Ho)
Culture Wars w/The Lagoons
@ Stubb’s (801 Red River St.) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
If you read this series with any regularity, you know I never feature Thursday shows. But when two bands under consideration for my Top 15 Bands at SXSW 2018 list are on the same bill, exceptions must be made. Culture Wars is a storm of slick ’80s synth and 808 drum smacks, wrapped inside a rascal’s snarl. The Lagoons, on the other hand, are the pinnacle of ’80s chill. The group’s hit song “California” is a piece of slow-drive-along-the-coast brilliance. Treat yourself to a Thursday fun day and check out these explosive acts.
Friday, March 2
Dryspell EP Release w/Marijuana Sweet Tooth, Duncan Fellows, Growl, The Nymphs
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.) – 8 p.m. – $5 suggested
Balancing dreamy classic rock guitar lines with an aggressive indie growl, Dryspell is my pleasant surprise of the day. Tunes like “Can’t Wait” evoke visions of peacefully lying in a hammock on a cloudy day, while “You Without Me” surges along slamming drums and tight guitar leads with emotive fury. Both songs are on their new EP “More” and are worth coming out to celebrate. Also playing are mellow haze act Marijuana Sweet Tooth, mellow-core band The Nymphs, and indie rockers Duncan Fellows and Growl.
Saturday, March 3
Carson McHone w/Travis Green
@ Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse (22308 TX-71, Spicewood, TX) – 10 p.m.
Ever since catching her lovely set at ACL Fest 2017, Carson McHone has been my go-to for real deal country. From the boot-scooting boogie of “Maybe They’re Just Good Friends” to the heartbreaking twang of “Dram Shop Gal,” McHone awakens the oft-maligned and dormant Austin country scene with energy and authenticity. Catching her at a traditional Dripping Springs roadhouse promises to make the experience all the more true to the art. Joining Ms. McHone is local blues man, Travis Green.
➡ Keep reading: “The Music Bloggers Guide to SXSW 2018”
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?
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