Every weekend in Austin, there is always far to much music to pick from. We have done most of the work for you, by picking out 10 of the top bands to see this weekend, both local and national. As a bonus, we’ve also included one event that’s coming up in the future that we know you’ll want to see. Check out our list below and comment with your favorite choices in the comments!
Thursday, March 20th
Umphrey’s McGee
Indiana jam band Umphrey’s McGee will be coming through Austin this weekend to perform 18 years’ worth of tunes that demonstrate their varied style that has made them such a beloved band for their devoted fans. Big Something will be the night’s opening act. Making every show available for their fans as a recording, this performance will be an experience that you won’t forget, so get your tickets now.
April 20th | 5:30 | Stubb’s | 801 Red River Street
For The Win
While their sophomore LP is currently on hold for release, San Diego’s newest hardcore act For the Win, is not one to pass up. Playing biting riffs with plenty of passion to go around, if you haven’t heard of these guys before, here is your chance. Playing with other stand out bands such as Rookie of the Year and The New Low, For the Win are ready to tear down the walls of East Austin’s Grizzly Hall.
April 20th | 6:30 | Grizzly Hall | 2015 Riverside Drive
https://youtu.be/WNiDQWhA_hE
Swimming With Bears
Austin indie band Swimming with Bears will be performing at Shady Grove’s Thursday night concert series which takes every summer on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. There is no cover charge for this show and anyone 21 and over can enjoy $4 Ziegenbock while listening to some of the best music in town. The band begins at 8 pm and the first 10 Subaru’s get VIP parking courtesy of Austin Subaru.
April 20th | 8:00 pm | Shady Grove | 1624 Barton Springs Road
Friday, April 21’st
A Thousand Horses
Nashville’s newest country band A Thousand Horses will be coming to Emo’s this weekend to perform catchy tracks such as their hit “Preachin’ To the Choir” which has already gained notice throughout the country scene for its hypnotic chorus and rock and roll roots. The group is currently on their first headlining tour.
April 21’st | 8:00 | Emo’s | 2015 E. Riverside Drive
Smooth Hound Smith
Another band fresh out of Nashville is country duo Smooth Hound Smith, who recently released their latest single “Crazy Over You,” an acoustic track that shows off the groups impeccable harmonies that flow together seamlessly. Performing at Stubbs (indoors) we encourage you to get your tickets ASAP to see this fast rising country band perform.
April 21’st | 9 pm | Stubbs (indoors) | 801 Red River Street
Big Coat album release show
Teaming up with locals Wonderbitch, Star Parks, and Teevee, Austin indie group Big Coat will be releasing their new LP Seeing Through, putting on a release show at the Swan Dive on Thursday evening. If its anything like its title track, Seeing Through is sure to make Big Coat more of a hit around Austin. Wonder Bitch, Star Parks, and Teevee are real local gems as well, so be sure to stick around for their sets.
April 21’st | 9:30 | Swan Dive | 615 Red River Street
Saturday, April 22nd
Record Store Day
Founded in 2007 to celebrate independent record stores across the United States and internationally, local record shop Waterloo Records will be participating in Record Store Day where music fans can not only support local artists but their favorite national and international artists as well, by buying not only vinyl but CD’s too. Hundreds of bands will be dropping exclusive releases for the event.
April 22nd | 8am | Waterloo Records | 600 North Lamar Blvd
NF
With pulsing beats and flavorful melodies, NF is rap’s most ambitious rapper who is out to breathe a new perspective into the genre. Inspired by the music of Eminem after experiencing a turbulent childhood, NF has put out songs that are intensely personal and relatable. Releasing his new record Therapy Session later this week, NF is about ready to take the next step in his short, but full, career.
April 22nd | 7pm | Emo’s | 2015 E. Riverside Drive
Sunday, April 23rd
Earth Day Live Festival
Hill Country Conservancy and Sun Radio will be putting on an Earth Day celebration party with plenty of Austin favorites including Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist of The Band of Heathens, Sour Bridges, and more. Taking place at the Scoot Inn, this is the perfect concert to attend if you are looking to not only help the environment but the local scene. All proceeds will go towards Hill Country Conservancy and Sun Radio.
April 23rd | 1pm | Scoot Inn | 1308 E. 4th Street
Strange Mother
Strange Mother is a local act that sounds unlike any Austin bands you’ve heard before. Bridging together pop and a little bit of jazz, the group’s music feels very freeing and while also creating a sense of individuality that is unique to Austin. Tracks such as “La Reina De Tejano,” promote this style perfectly, so if you are looking for something interesting to listen to on your Sunday fun day, Strange Mother should do the trick.
April 23rd | 9pm | Hotel Vegas | 1500 East 6th Street
Young Buck EP by Strange Mother
Looking to The Future:
Florida Georgia Line
Coming to the Austin360 Ampitheatre on June 2nd, Florida Georgia Line, one of country music’s hottest acts, will set the crowd on fire with their energy and incredible stage presence, perfect for die hard country fans in Austin. Opening acts Nelly and Chris Lane will only add to the performance with their heavy and infectious hits.
June 2nd | | Austin260 Amphitheatre | 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
Featured photo: Florida Georgia Line
If you would like to read more of Lauren Gribble’s features, you can check out her website Listen Here Reviews.
