Happy ACL Music Fest Weekend One, everybody! While most of the focus is on the annual Zilker Park extravaganza, there’s still plenty of exceptional music to be found downtown and all around Austin.
Friday, Oct. 5
Margaret Wright blowing the roof off The Skylark Lounge (Credit: Skylark Lounge Facebook)
Margaret Wright
@ Skylark Lounge (2039 Airport Blvd.) – 6 p.m. – Event page
During a weekend full of ACL late shows and world class headliners, I love the idea of catching some low-key Austin classics. As a soul/blues/swing artist of power, range, and pure musical joy, Margaret Wright has been soundtracking lounges for decades.
With laid-back tunes played by a charming woman with the utmost passion and professionalism, hanging at The Skylark Lounge with a cocktail in hand will be the perfect antidote to the ACL madness.
Saturday, Oct. 6
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Hickoids w/Western Star, Churchwood, Mean Motor Scooter
@ The White Horse (500 Cormal) – 7 p.m. – Facebook event
Wacky and wild with just enough smile to go with the sneer, these Austin kings of cowpunk have been slaying stages since 1984. These old school rockers blend punk rock sensibilities with a honky tonk stomp, and screaming blue leads. The result is an infectious yet brain-bending sound that’s unique and thoroughly entertaining.
Boot scoot, two step, or slam dance your way to The White Horse for a healthy dose of Hickoids goodness. Also playing are local psycho-blue act Churchwood, Fort Worth garage-psych act Mean Motor Scooter, and Baltimore-based alt-county four-piece Western Star.
Ditch the Fest w/Calliope Musicals, Alesia Lani, SMiiLE, Sometimes a Legend, Monte, TC Superstar, more
Calliope Musicals (Credit: Kate Blaising)
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River) – 5 p.m. – Facebook event
Don’t feel like spending the cash on a fancy Weekend One ACL wristband? Cheer Up Charlies has you covered with a fantastic festival of its own. Headlined by the feel-good indie pop sound of Calliope Musicals and the soulful R&B of the always wonderful Alesia Lani, this celebration of local music is second to none.
Other artists of note include experimental folk artist Monte, upbeat electro-pop act Sometimes a Legend, ’80s-style synth pop band TC Superstar, and my beloved wizards of the weird SMiiLE. Add to the mix some local comedy and free pizza from Via 313, and you have a show that makes us Zilker dwellers jealous.
BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?
