With my ears still ringing from SXSW, I’m more inspired than ever to highlight Austin’s local music scene. This week, we recommend a touching singer/songwriter, slick, laid-back soul, and a shoegaze showcase. Enjoy the weekend, the music, and–as always–listen local!
Friday, March 23
Uncle Lucius Farewell Show w/Lew Card
@ Gruene Hall (1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
With heartfelt country/rock sung from the realms of a life lived deeply, Uncle Lucius is a band of depth and passion. The 2013 hit “Keep the Wolves Away” is a touching three-act tale about survival, strife, and making do, while “Pocket Full of Misery” bops and boogies its way through a sad story of drunken mistakes.
Though vocalist Kevin Galloway left the band in 2017, he will take the stage at Gruene Hall for this farewell show. There will even be a meet-and-greet at Gruene Hall at 5:30 p.m. No ticket required for the meet-and-greet.
Rock the Park w/Black Pumas, The Telephone Company
@ Mueller Lake Park Outdoor Amphitheater (4550 Mueller Blvd.) – 7:45 p.m. – Facebook event
The latest project from Austin journeyman Adrian Quesada, Black Pumas drips with ’70s soul and a sense of modern urgency. A veteran of Brownout and well-known producer (Third Root, Grupo Fantasma), Quesada’s slick, groove-laden arrangements blend beautifully with singer Eric Burton’s smooth tenor. A band to keep an eye on as the music continues to grow. Also playing during KUTX’s Rock the Park event is kiddie group The Telephone Company.
Saturday, March 24
DreamGaze ATX w/Ringo Deathstarr, Blushing, Soda Lillies, Processions, more
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.) – 8 p.m. – $5
Two bands I’m bummed I missed during SXSW are making appearances this weekend at Cheer Up Charlies. Ringo Deathstarr’s brand of crinkle-cut guitar fuzz and dreamy vocals screams classic shoegaze, while Blushing dips to the softer, more sensitive side of the genre. Combine the two on one stage, and you have a shoegaze showcase worth chilling out to. Also on the bill: lo-fi grunge-gaze band Soda Lillies and San Antonio-based dreamscape act Processions.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?
