Time for the weekend, Austin! What better way to celebrate the slowly approaching fall than stepping outside into a city full of exceptional local music.
This time around, we recommend a fantastic atmospheric rock band’s record release, an annual blues/soul/jazz festival, and an indie band so fun, you won’t want the show to end. Always listen local!
Friday, Sept. 13
Blushing album release show w/ Holy Wave, Wurve, Glaze
@ Barracuda (611 E. 7th St.) – 9 p.m. – Tickets
What started as a passing glance at a random show listing blossomed into a full on fandom. My heart for the ladies of Blushing knows no bounds. Their brand new, self-titled LP cements their growing reputation as one of Austin’s atmospheric rock elite.
The album opener, “So Many,” begins dense and moody, until exploding into a maelstrom of smash and bang. The record is full of push and pull contrast between slamming guitars, and vocalists Christina Carmona and Michelle Soto’s breathy harmonies.
“Dream Merchants” ups the tempo into a swirling head bobber, while “Sunshine” sways and dances among a bed of far off melodic noise, and shimmering guitar work. Celebrate a fantastic band’s first full-length album in style this coming Friday.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Eastside Kings Festival w/Margaret Wright, Birdlegg, Ms Lavelle White, Soul Man Sam, Brown Sugar, Andrea Dawson
@ Full Circle Bar (1810 E. 12th) – 4:30 p.m. – Facebook event
In its seventh year, Eastside Kings Festival is a weekend-long celebration of the best jazz, blues, soul, and gospel this fine city has to offer. Of the 13 talent-packed shows on offer this weekend, this would be my pick.
From the harmonica honey of Birdlegg to the incomparable soul power of the fabulous Ms Lavelle White, Full Circle Bar will be filled to the taps with pure musical joy.
And if you’ve never seen Soul Man Sam in person, then cancel your weekend plans and do so immediately. The standout show in a weekend full of them.
And just because we need to give her some love, the fabulous Ms Mack & The Daddies are playing at Dozen Street at 5:30 p.m. Start your evening there; finish it off at Full Circle; and consider Saturday properly conquered.
Sunday, Sept. 15
Swimming With Bears w/Swells
@ Stubb’s Inside (801 Red River) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
Whenever Swimming With Bears pops up in the weekly concert listings, I’m tempted to include them. A dynamic band that combines sing along hooks and indie/rock grooves to create an infectious, ear worm sound, Swimming With Bears has been conquering stages for years.
The band’s latest single, “Keep Smiling,” is a joyous call for optimism in the face of daily disasters, while the glorious “French Girls” is pure party. All we need is a new full-length from these purveyors of sensational indie rock, and my year will be complete.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where will you be going for live music in Austin this weekend?
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