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 ten 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 15
Spiral Stairs
Scott Kannberg, who is best known as the founding member of California indie rock band Pavement, has come back with a new LP from his band Spiral Stairs titled Doris & The Daggers. Their in-store will be the same day as their show at Austin 3Ten with local band Moving Panoramas as the opening act. Perfect for the indie pop crowd, Spiral Staircase is a great band for Pavement fans who are missing the group and their music.
June 15 | 5 p.m. | Waterloo Records | 600 North Lamar Blvd
Sarah Jaffe
Denton, Texas singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe will be performing at Austin restaurant Shady Grove for their summer concert series starting at 8 p.m. Jaffe’s new single, “Clementine,” is the perfect addition to your summer soundtrack — Jaffe writes addicting pop music that encourages everyone to sing along. We suggest you get there early to guarantee yourself a seat at the show.
https://youtu.be/NqUJA__shr0
June 15 | 8 p.m. | Shady Grove | 1624 Barton Springs Road
Passafire
They’re performing at Antone’s this weekend alongside The Bumpin’ Uglies, and Georgia rock band Passafire Longshot will be tearing down the house with easygoing but passionate rock tunes that you’ll want to keep listening to long after the show ends. The group’s new album, Longshot, is out now. This show is 18+.
June 15 | 8 p.m. | Antone’s | 305 East 5th
Carolyn Wonderland
Local Austin favorite Carolyn Wonderland is celebrating the release of her new album, Moon Goes Missing. She will be performing an intimate in-store performance at Waterloo Records for a select number of devoted fans. She goes on stage in the store at 5 p.m. we suggest you get there early to secure yourself a spot, as it’s guaranteed to be packed.
June 15 | 5 p.m. | Waterloo Records | 600 North Lamar Blvd
Friday, June 16
Kathy Murray and the Killowatts
Playing blues club Antone’s this week is local band Kathy Murray and the Kilowatts, who put on a powerful and soulful performance that can only be found in Austin. With a front woman who has been at the forefront of the local scene since the days of Armadillo World Headquarters, Kathy has performed with some of the best acts in town; So if you are looking to watch a legendary performance this weekend, The Kilowatts are the band to see.
June 16 | 7 p.m. | Antone’s | 305 East 5th
The Dead Rabbitts
With an intense live show that is a must see, Arizona metalcore band The Dead Rabbitts will be taking over Grizzly Hall this weekend to perform a mesmerizing live show that you won’t want to miss. They’ve got members from fellow Arizona metalcore band The Word Alive as part of their lineup, showing that this group knows how to get their audiences rocking and passionate about the band’s songs when they perform.
June 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Grizzly Hall | 2015 E. Riverside Drive
Jaeger
Performing at Austin Beer Garden and Brewery this weekend is Austin Americana singer-songwriter Jaeger, who performs reflective and soulful songs that tell stories that his audience can relate to. In a relaxed atmosphere you’ll be able to enjoy Jaeger’s music and be taken away all at the same time.
June 16 | 8 p.m. | Austin Beer Garden and Brewery | 1305 W. Oltorf
Naked and Fearless
While Austin has plenty of tribute bands playing songs from groups such as Queen, The Grateful Dead, and others, the newest act to hit the scene is the Naked and Fearless, a Tool tribute band. While the original band has finally come back together, if you are up for hearing the group’s songs performed in a live setting, then acts such as Naked and Fearless might be for you. You’ll see a fantastic and engrossing set at each show they perform — you don’t want to miss Naked and Fearless.
June 16 | 7 p.m. | Grizzly Hall | 2015 E. Riverside Drive
Saturday, June 17
The Revolution
Even though their energetic and once in a lifetime front man, Prince, is no longer living, his backing band, The Revolution, is still performing. They’re coming to Austin this weekend to perform at ACL Live. Playing all the old hits that Prince fans love, you can’t go wrong with seeing this fantastic backing group perform.
June 16 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live | 310 Willie Nelson Blvd
Sunday, June 18
RG Lowe
Promoting his new solo album, Slow Time, musician RG Lowe will be coming to Austin for an in-store performance at Waterloo Records and his gorgeous indie pop songs are not worth missing. After spending a good portion of his career as an instrumental artist, Lowe now sounds like he has finally found his place in the music world with his latest body of work.
June 18 | 5 p.m. | Waterloo Records | 600 North Lamar Blvd
Looking to the future:
The Melvins
Best known for their involvement in the Seattle grunge of the 1990s, as well as their association with Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, the Melvins won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but their influence should be noted. They play a unique brand of rock music, and The Mohawk is a great place to experience this band’s music for the first time if you are just catching them.
September 8 | 6:30 p.m. | The Mohawk | 912 Red River
Featured photo: Sarah Jaffe, via Facebook.
If you would like to read more of Lauren Gribble’s features, you can head to her website Listen Here Reviews.