Now that Austinites have almost gotten over both weekends of partying at Austin City Limits Festival, everybody’s already gearing up for Fun Fun Fun Fest to kick off in just a few weeks. Between the two of them, we’re looking at a critical mass of world-renowned artists cruising through town in a relatively short period of time — and those big events tend to leave even the most hardened music fan drained.
That is why we’re focusing this weekend’s music post on concerts around town that will let you relax and just enjoy the art instead of being overwhelmed by the production. So, if you’re an Austin music fan who just can’t get enough, but still feels the drag of being human, these are the shows you need to hit this weekend.
The Jitterbug Vipers at C-Boy’s
Friday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.
Fronted by the sensual Sarah Sharp, The Jitterbug Vipers are a guaranteed good time and the perfect band to kick off the weekend. The award-winning group will continue their residency at C-Boy’s this Friday. Energetic and wildly talented, their brand of “Viper Jazz” has earned them several Austin Music Awards as well as praise from NPR and The Wall Street Journal. We defy you to stand still during one of their swinging, toe-tapping shows.
Wild Child European Sendoff Party at the Historic Scoot Inn
Friday, October 17, 8:30 p.m.
There is no doubt that the fearless, untamed local band Wild Child is the Austin breakout band of the year. In the last year alone, they played ACL Live, got featured on “CBS This Morning” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and earned rave reviews in Paste Magazine and Pop Matters. Now, this beloved Austin band is about to hit the road on a tour through Scandinavia, Germany, France, The Netherlands, the U.K., and Ireland. Send them off in style as they prepare to rock the iconic Historic Scoot Inn!
Jean Synodinos & Joel McColl at New World Deli
Friday, October 17, 7 p.m.
Jean Synodinos is a beloved figure among Austin’s singer/songwriter community, and for good reason. Her beautiful voice and heartfelt songs have garnered her a loyal following in town and across the country, and her CD Girls Good & Otherwise earned her a Texas Music Award for Artistic Excellence. Jean is about to record her latest CD, Love & Blood, and has played every esteemed venue in town, from Momo’s to Flipnotics. Be sure to catch her this Friday with revered Austin musician Joel McColl, who has played with some of the real greats, including Bonnie Raitt and Hoyt Axton.
Austin Celtic Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, 12 p.m.
As the largest Celtic Festival in central Texas, this annual event brings some of the best Irish, Scottish, and Welsh musicians in the world to our city every October. This year’s offerings are even more worthy, as the festival features beloved Irish musician Karan Casey. For many years, Karan played in New York City with the wildly popular band Solas. She has the voice of an angel, and a wicked band behind her. Also featured this weekend: Tannahill Weavers, one of the greatest traditional bands to come out of Scotland, as well as Fiddle master Liz Carroll, and many other great Celtic musicians.
The Nancy Sinatra Tribute Show at The Paramount
The Stateside Theater, Sunday , October 19, 8 p.m.
If it gets any better than the music of Nancy Sinatra being performed by five of Austin’s most glorious singers, we’d like to know what it is. Grab your boots, slather on some black eyeliner, tease your hair and come listen to Jazz Mills, Tameca Jones, Brennen Leigh, Betty Soo, and Shelley King as they belt out classics like “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’” and “Somethin’ Stupid.” The host for the evening will be Singer/Songwriter Elizabeth McQueen. All proceeds will benefit The SIMS Foundation, an organization that provides mental health services to Austin musicians.
