Ahhh, the weekend! A three-day opportunity to enjoy the waning days of summer, hang out with friends, and experience the finest music Austin has to offer. This time around, we recommend a ’60s-style surf rock band, one stage of a semi-annual street fair, and an outlaw country legend worth driving to New Braunfels to see.
Enjoy the weekend, friends. And listen local!
Friday, Sept. 20
Shivery Shakes w/Batty Jr, Jack Ferrara
@ The Electric Church (5018 E. Cesar Chavez) – 10 p.m. – Facebook event
Poppy surf rock painted with a coat of tasty harmonies and ’60s beach party vibe, Shivery Shakes will escort summer off the calendar in groovy fashion. Tunes like 2012’s “Stay Young” feel plucked from an Elvis flick, while “Summer Lover” off 2014’s “Three Waves and a Shake” is pure Frankie Avalon.
This year’s surprise single “Outside” adds a smidgen of psych and garage rock to the group’s trademark sun-kissed bop formula. Friday nights are for celebration and Shivery Shakes is the perfect band for copious amounts of roof-raising, hula hooping, and perfecting your twist.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Pecan Street Festival
@ Sixth Street between Brazos and I-35 – 12-9 p.m. – Event page
Austin’s semi-annual celebration of changing seasons and handmade art also attracts some of our most well-known–and bubbling up–music acts. Spanning two days and three stages, Pecan Street Festival literally offers something for everybody.
If you have to pick pick a stage and a day, I’d camp out in front of the Neches Stage on Saturday. Opening with the country folk styling of The Haberdashers and indie rock darlings Tortuga, the evening concludes with award-winning rap/rock three-piece Trouble In the Streets. And there’s a silent disco, if that’s your thing.
A weekend full of rad music and beautiful art on Austin’s most famous street. A grand time, indeed!
Joe Ely Band w/Nathan Hamilton
@ Gruene Hall (1281 Gruene Road) – 9 p.m. – Tickets
For those looking for a taste of old school Austin, a quick jaunt down I-35 to New Braunfels will bring you face-to-face with a local legend. Throughout his more than 40-year career, Joe Ely has worked with superstars like The Clash, The Chieftains, Lyle Lovett, and even Bruce Springsteen. While his sound centers around outlaw country, tunes like “Musta Notta Gotta Lotta” and “Dallas” showcase his flair for boogie and rockabilly.
The fact Ely is still rocking Central Texas at 72-years-old proves good music can transcend the decades, and continue to resonate with modern ears. Normally, I try to keep my recommendations hyperlocal. But in the case of this award winning songwriter, I’ll make an exception. Well worth the southward drive to the historic Gruene Hall.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where will you be going for live music in Austin this weekend?
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