We are the Live Music Capital of the World, which means it can be overwhelming to pick which Austin shows to go see on the weekend. That’s why we are now picking for you — 10 of ’em, every single Thursday.
No matter which one of these shows you go see, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. If you dig this kind of thing, scroll down to the bottom of the page and sign up to have these show recommendations delivered to your email. You’ll get ’em before everyone else, because you’re just that cool.
Now, go out there and see some Austin bands!
–The Editor
Friday, May 29th
Thomas and Hall at Friends Bar
Of all the Austin shows to start off your weekend, Thomas and Hall’s local act is among the best, with a lively stage presence that brings a packed house to every venue they perform in. Below, you can check out a seven minute long version of the Bruno Mars hit “Locked Out of Heaven” with the entire crowd singing along.
Riley Osborne at Threadgill’s
On his Facebook page, Riley Osborne has written the following, “if it can be played on a piano, than Riley O can play it” and that couldn’t be more accurate. Osborne’s lively and fluid playing should not be missed, and we are sure that seeing Osborne perform will be the highlight of the evening. Playing regularly in Austin, he is not a musician you should skip out on.
Tapes Album Release Party at Spiderhouse Ballroom
While the Austin music scene certainly has its own style and flavor, Tapes is a local act that cannot be matched. Blending together electronic music with analogue style recording, listening to Tapes is a unique opportunity to hear creativity at work. This particular show is their album release party to support their latest album II. Playing alongside local act Silver Ships, They Mean Us, Chris Lopez, and Care Package, it is sure to be a fun evening that is perfect for a night out on the town.
Tickets: $8
Threes Away Album Release at Empire Control Room
Celebrating the release of their new record, Threes Away will be hosting their album release party at Empire Garage, along with OC45, Already Dead, Clint Eastwood, and Violent Night who will also be performing. Underneath their rough exterior, Threes Away put on a spritely and memorable performance that punk fans will love.
Tickets: $5 21+
Saturday, May 30th
Monk Parker Album Release Party at the Scoot Inn
Monk Parker has not only played around local Austin stages but also across the world in many different countries. Having a sound which is comparable to groups such as My Morning Jacket and Phosphorescent, Parker is sure to give his audience an entertaining set that you will remember long after the show ends. Releasing his first album last year, this show will be part of his album release party at the Scoot Inn for his album How The Spark Loves The Tinder.
Tickets: $10 21+
Eve and The Exiles at the Continental Club
Eve and The Exiles are a local rock band that you can’t afford to miss. Fronted by guitarist Eve Monsee’s, she has been a staple in the local scene since the early 2000’s, contributing her guitar skills to a long list of artists, while also performing all over the world. If you are looking to check out some new music in a laidback atmosphere, head on over to the Continental Club to check out one of Austin’s best bands.
Barfield, The Tyrant of Texas Funk at C-Boys Heart & Soul
Barfield, The Tyrant of Texas Funk describes his music as one part Cash, one part Clash, some James Brown, and a little Screamin’ Jay, which paints an accurate picture of Barfields music and live show, as he has perfected the art of putting on a great performance, making sure that you get your money’s worth. C-Boys Heart & Soul is sure to be hopping, so get there early.
The Derailers at the Broken Spoke
Playing for over a decade, The Derailers are a local country band that have an original edge, allowing fans to lose themselves in the music, while giving new fans the desire to check out the bands diverse music that is carefully written and fun to listen to. Always energetic and passionate, The Derailers really deliver a show that everyone will enjoy.
Pete Rodriguez Trio at Brass House
For those Austinites who are looking to add a bit of sophistication to their Saturday night, you can head on over to the Brass House to watch Pete Rodriguez and his band perform a flavorful mix of Afro-Cuban jazz, as he takes the genre to new heights. Constantly pushing the envelope to develop his sound, Rodriguez is a rare talent that gets better with each release and performance.
Sunday, May 31st
Britny Lobas at Cedar Street Courtyard
With a rich rock scene, Austin has plenty of great rock acts, with one of them being Britny Lobas, a newcomer to Austin. Her rich and soulful voice is certain to make waves throughout town sooner rather than later, as she fronts a band that knows how to rock, as well as having a voice that sticks out with its originality. Lobas is a vocalist that should more be more well known in Austin, and as more music fans discover her voice, hopefully fame will start to spread for Lobas and her unique musical style.
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Read Lauren Gribble’s music reviews at her website, Listen Here Reviews!
Featured photo: Rebecca L. Bennett, Brave Bird Photography.
