Editor’s note: Hit the ‘next’ button to see the following day’s recommended shows, and have fun out there!
Friday, March 4th
Charlie Mars at Little Woodrow’s (Southpark Medows)
Charlie Mars is a Mississppi songwriter with a lot of heart and soul that radiates through every song he writes. Inspired by such artists as the Violet Femmes, Mars has crafted a well rounded career consisting of country and folk songs that are catchy and memorable. Tracks such as “The Money” are relaxed tunes that illustrate the kind of artist that Charlie is along with his sound, which makes us believe that Charlie is the perfect musician to ring in the weekend with.
Tickets: $16.73 (general admission)
VIP table for 4: $126.87
VIP table for 6: $189.61
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwaJUWf_Iho]
Great Good Fine OK at Sidewinder
Great Good Fine Ok is a synth pop band from upstate New York who will win over any 80’s fan with their genre bending songs and beautiful vocals. With tracks such as “Take It or Leave It” the band conveys their outstanding sense of musicianship and musical abilities well, and by the end of the group’s set you will be addicted to their catchy songs while wanting to immediately tell all of your friends about your evening.
Tickets: $12.00
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6bOHjgCBDc]
Loreena McKennitt at The Paramount
Known for her “eclectic Celtic” music that has earned her two Grammy nominations along with two Juno’s (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy’s), Canadian composer Loreena McKennitt will be performing in Austin this Friday evening to music fans that want a mellow night as they enjoy McKennitt and her stunning musical gifts. Listen to the track “The Mystic’s Dream” below to get a taste of McKennitt’s unique musical sound.
Tickets: $55.00-65.00
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf8NUJaCS1Q]
The Cover Letter at Lamberts
High energy folk rock band The Cover Letter is an Austin favorite that certainly won’t go unnoticed this weekend, as they will be playing another gig at upscale BBQ joint Lambert’s, where they will perform their one of a kind folk tunes that will get people talking.
Tickets: $6.00
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfIXyoEZMQ0]
Saturday, March 5th
Dollface at The Lazy Lizard
While Dollface is located about an hour and a half outside of the Austin city limits in New Braunfels, the band who plays a mix of rock, ska, and punk is a group that rocks and will certainly put their small town on the map with their punchy tunes. With numbers such as “She Bleaches” from their album of the same name, Dollface is an act not to be missed as they will certainly add a much needed jolt to your weekend.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO6UkZJMfyo]
Saturday Jazz Brunch at Hotel San Jose
With the weather warming up there is no better time to go see some jazz, with well known South Congress inn Hotel San Jose providing music from local drummer Wayne Salzmann on a regular basis over the next few months. With tight drum beats and a band who demonstrates their talent through a mesmerizing set, Salzmann is a local musician who no one in town should go without seeing. If the video below is any indication, Wayne is a rarity in our city as his playing style cannot be imitated.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kCRLj1tWv8]
Randy Newman at The Paramount Theatre
Randy Newman has had a long career churning out pop songs that touch something deep inside all of us. With songs such as “Short People” and “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” from the Pixar movie Toy Story, Newman and his nasally vocal style reminds us of his quirky songwriting while also bringing back fond childhood memories that make us instantly adore Newman and his music. As you sit back, relax, and enjoy your Saturday, there is nothing better than Randy Newman so we highly suggest that you get your tickets as soon as possible.
Tickets: $48.50-$98.50
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NvgLkuEtkA]
The Beach Boys at The Long Center
With their surf rock hits and infectious harmonies, we are lucky that the younger generations get to experience the Beach Boys and their front man Brian Wilson while they still can. With tracks such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows”, that put the group on the map back in the 1960’s, we are certain that the band will have you singing along in no time as the older generation relives the memories and the younger audience gets some musical education.
Tickets: $49.00
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZBKFoeDKJo]
Sunday, March 6th
M. Ward at Waterloo Records
Ward, a singer from Portland, Oregon will be rolling into Austin this Sunday to perform his catchy folk inspired tunes that are the perfect way to wind down your weekend before you head back to the office. Writing songs such as “Chinese Translation” Ward has written songs that resonate with all of us and his laidback songs are definitely something that you will want to listen to this weekend.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUfIKX5ReKQ]
Mitch Webb and The Swindles at Austin Beer Garden and Brewery
Mitch Webb and The Swindles are a local rock act that gives fans exactly what they want, which is a solid live show that gets people chatting. After becoming a local band that is well talked about, Mitch Webb and his band of incredible musicians will have no problem drawing a crowd, so make sure you get to the venue early to secure a seat.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u36_CM3HuNg]
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If you’d like to read more of Lauren Gribble’s features, you can head to her website Listen Here Reviews.