With so much live music in Austin to see every weekend, we know it’s difficult to pick which bands to watch. To make it easier, we’ve picked 10 shows to see this weekend. Featuring both local and national bands, we’ve rounded up some of the most diverse groups Austin has to offer this weekend. Read on to see our picks!
Thursday, June 22
Laissez Faire Cassette
Laissez Fair Cassette, a local electronic artist will be performing alongside other Austin area bands including Lunar Liminal, Poster Child for Bad Behavior, and more. The lineup starts at 9 p.m., and tickets will be sold at the door. This is a great show to see local acts who will help get your weekend going. Set to release his new EP Golden Summer EP tonight, Laissez Fair Cassette will become your new favorite Austin artist by the end of the evening.
June 22 | 9 p.m. | The Sidewinder | 715 Red River Street
Emjae Ross
An acoustic singer-songwriter originally from San Angelo, Texas, Emjae Ross will be playing a set at the W Hotel for their summer concert series on their pool deck. Ross is not an artist to miss — he performs songs that we can all relate to, as well as interjecting a song or two about our great city in the mix. This is particularly the show for you if you are looking to take life a little slower this weekend. This show is 21+.
June 22 | 5 p.m. | W Hotel | 200 Lavaca Street
The Black Lilies
The Black Lillies are traveling to Texas from Knoxville, Tennessee. They’re playing several shows throughout the Hill Country before stopping in Austin to play at Stubb’s this Friday. With an old-fashioned country sound, there isn’t a band that plays country music much better than these guys. Tracks such as “Smokestack Lady” make The Black Lilies a group to miss.
June 22 | 8 p.m. | Stubb’s | 801 Red River
Shawn James and The Shapeshifters
With a deep growl and intense passion for music, Shawn James and The Shapeshifters is never a band to pass up. They’re coming to Texas from the neighboring state of Arkansas to show us that James and his band put on quite a show that Americana and country fans will love. If you want to start your weekend off right, heading to the Swan Dive is an excellent choice.
June 22 | 8 p.m. | Swan Dive | 615 Red River
Friday, June 23
Eliot Lipp album release party
Washington state electronic musician Eliot Lipp is holding his EP release party at Empire Control Room and Garage this weekend. Lipp intertwines different genres together to create a sound that feels innovative. After hearing tracks such as “Reflection” on his new EP Skywave, you’ll want to join the dance party that’s happening in downtown Austin this evening.
June 23 | 8 p.m. | Empire Control Room and Garage | 606 East 7th Street
Etana
Etana is becoming one of the best-known vocalists in reggae music, and this weekend she will be taking the stage at Flamingo Cantina to introduce listeners to her pure and soulful voice. It’s a voice that you won’t be able to get out of your head. If you want a nice chill evening, then your Friday night can’t get much better than spending some time listening to Etana. Your ears will thank you.
June 23 | 8 p.m. | Empire Control Room and Garage | 606 East 7th Street
Dead Sally EP release show
Local pop punk band Dead Sally will be throwing an EP release show party this weekend at popular nightclub Cheer Up Charlie’s alongside bands such as Free Kittens and Bread and others. They’ll be performing new songs such “Rabid Dog,” making this a guaranteed to be fun evening full of great music from local acts.
June 23 | 9 p.m. | Cheer Up Charlie’s | 900 Red River
Saturday, June 24
Ernie Sky and the K-Tels
Ernie Sky and the K-Tels had quite a presence in Austin back in the ’70s, and now they are coming back for a reunion show at Antone’s. The event is sure to be packed with those fans who remember the band when the Austin music scene was in its heyday. Sure to be a great evening, if you are looking for a bit of Austin nostalgia, then Antone’s is the place to be on Saturday.
June 24 | 7 p.m. | Antone’s | 305 East 5th Street
Melissa Etheridge
Best known for her 1993 breakthrough record, Yes I Am, pop vocalist Melissa Etheridge will be performing at Stubb’s this weekend to promote her latest LP, Memphis Rock and A Little Soul. Sure to be a fun evening had by all, there is no better club to see Etheridge in.
June 24 | 7 p.m. | Stubbs | 801 Red River
Sunday, June 25
Strahan and The Good Neighbors
Known as one of Austin’s best country acts, Strahan and The Good Neighbors will be playing at Austin Beer Garden and Brewery as part of their Sunday Best series. With fantastic vocals and great musicianship, Strahan and the Good Neighbors have long since been one of our city’s most talked about groups, so don’t miss this opportunity to see them live.
June 25| 4 p.m. | Austin Beer Garden and Brewery | 1305 West Oltorf
Coming soon
Kaleo
Hailing from Iceland, indie band Kaleo will be coming to ACL Live in September to perform to an enthusiastic crowd of their die hard fans alongside opening band Wilder. Due to the intimate nature of ACL Live, we encourage you to get tickets now in case they sell out soon. Get your tickets here.
September 29 | 7 p.m. | ACL Live | 1310 West Willie Nelson Blvd
Featured photo by Flickr user dhaun, Creative Commons licensed.
If you would like to read more of Lauren Gribble’s features, you can check out her website Listen Here Reviews.
