Hear that far-off rumble? See that cloud of smoke rising from the horizon, as the ground trembles beneath your feet? That’s the sound of 2,000 bands, artists, and musicians speeding towards Austin for SXSW Music 2018! This weekend is your last chance to check out some live, local music before the festival hits the streets.
Luckily, there are plenty of unofficial shows and showcases already going down this weekend. To narrow down your options, we recommend these three. The best part: you can get into all of them for free.
Friday, March 9
Otis the Destroyer (Credit: Andrew Bennett)
Otis the Destroyer, Sailor Poon, Holy Wave, Shmu, Marmalakes, more
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free
The key to any good showcase is finding variety. On Friday, Cheer Up Charlies presents two stages of rock and roll goodness. From Sailor Poon’s aggressive, nails-out punk to the trippy psych rock of Otis the Destroyer, there are plenty of styles and genres to choose from. My personal recommendation? Get there early for subtle and haunting Cross Record. The full line up and RSVP information is available on the event’s Facebook page.
Saturday, March 10
Megafauna rocked Black Fret’s 2108 season kick-off at Mohawk (Credit: Bill Tucker)
SX Soundcheck Saturday w/Megafauna, Ume, Magna Carda, Annabelle Chairlegs, more
@ Hotel Vegas (1502 E. 6th St.) – 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free to $5
What a lineup! Nearly 10 hours of music across two stages await intrepid SXSW revelers. Highlights include the ’60s-era head music of Annabelle Chairlegs, hip hop duo Magna Carda, and the old-fashioned metal burn of Megafauna. And when the music’s over at 10 p.m., DJ Orion Garcia takes over at The Volstead until who knows when. Check out the Facebook event for the entire lineup and RSVP details.
Sunday, March 11
Jackie Venson (Credit: Bill Tucker)
All the Friends Ball 2018 w/Jackie Venson, Alesia Lani, Ruby Jane, Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, more
@ Spider House Ballroom (2908 Fruth St.) – 1 p.m. – Free
Every year, Spider House Ballroom holds a series of splendid SXSW extravaganzas and this year is no exception. This Sunday bash has too many incredible Austin acts to count. Favorites include guitar virtuoso Jackie Venson, R&B stunner Alesia Lani, and violin prodigy Ruby Jane. Ten hours of music across five stages equals the best SXSW Sunday in Austin. Check out the Facebook event for the full schedule.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?
