G_ack's Austin Blog

Weekend music preview: 5 Austin shows you should know about...and see live

2013-06-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Even though summer does not officially begin until June 20, considering the temperatures and plethora of hot shows coming up we are going to go ahead and call it summer in Austin now. See our list to learn about five live music performances you should know about this weekend. Ok, so the shows actually start tonight (Wednesday) but there is a little something for everyone; Jamaicanmusic, Alt-country, Latin and electronic sounds are all represented in our preview. We even got the scoop on a special guest at Friday's Austin Music Volume 12 CD release... continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: A sublime Michael Kiwanuka Austin City Limits TV taping

2013-06-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

Monday evening at ACL Live at The Moody Theater Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickona appeared more excited about introducing the artist than he usually is. The performer, Michael Kiwanuka made a splash at SXSW last March for good reason. The Ugandan born Englishman is a natural singer-songwriter who has an incredible voice. He is also skilled at guitar, as his performance Monday evening proved. Lickona admitted to recently... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Los Amigos Invisibles bring Venezuelan Latin electro-dance-acid-jazz fusion to Austin

2013-06-10T20:22:00.001-07:00

Jose Luis Pardo (aka DJ Afro) after Los Amigos Invisibles set at The Belmont

When Los Amigos Invisibles’ Jose Luis Pardo (aka DJ Afro) talks about visiting Austin he claims it is one of the few spots in the country where music fans are open to hearing new sounds. Venezuela’s Grammy-winning act certainly qualifies as far as unique sounds go.

The band was given a boost by.... Continue reading at MSN Music

The Avett Brothers impress in Austin

2013-06-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas – Since selling out 5,600-seat Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas, last year The Avett Brothers have been busy playing larger venues on their epic current tour which kicked off last February. On Friday evening, the folk-rock act returned to Central Texas with an impressive supporting lineup at the Austin360 Amphitheater at the Circuit of Americas Raceway. Set list rarities, “Stand By Me” and traditional cover “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” were played to the delight of their faithful fans, some of whom traveled from out of state to attend the show. The fans' eager anticipation of The Avetts was... Continue reading at MSN Music

Live music review: Black Moth Super Rainbow added to mystery at Mohawk Tuesday

2013-05-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Not much is known about the members of Black Moth Super Rainbow (BMSR) from Pittsburgh apart from the fact the group makes spectacular music. The enigmatic band's show at Mohawk last night drew hundreds of fans who arrived early to get the best vantage point to watch the show Tuesday. The music, however, was not a mystery to the legion of fans that came out. The Hood Internet opened the concert with some throwback dance-party DJ mashups that included a nod to LCD Soundsystem.

In a way, the DJ set constrasted well with BSMR's serious, somber approach.While it is not surprising BMSR attracted a nearly sold-out crowd to the Austin venue on a Tuesday evening, it is gratifying to see... continue reading at Examiner.com

Sir Paul Holds Court in Austin

2013-05-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas – Arguably the world’s most influential touring rocker, Paul McCartney, completed a sold out two-night stand for his first ever tour stop in Austin on May 23. The 70-year-old former Beatle and legendary songwriter had the ecstatic Erwin Center audience eating out of the palm of his hand as he continued rolling out his Out There tour. It was the tour's fourth performance in North America and McCartney and his band were masterful. Like The Rolling Stones during their last visit to Austin, Sir Paul took a moment to... Continue reading at MSN Music

Live music preview: The Boxing Lesson to celebrate release of new album Thursday

2013-05-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite local acts, The Boxing Lesson (TBL) are set to celebrate today's release of their long-awaited new album, "Big Hits" on Thursday at The Mohawk. It has actually been five years since Paul Waclawsky and Jaylinn Davidson who make up two thirds of this amazing indie, psych-rock band, put out a full-length album. There have been obstacles along the way like losing their drummer to a drug bust, Paul getting injured in a car accident and an amicable split with their manager. Being the positive people they are, Paul and Jaylinn smiled and soldiered on with the help of ... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: Pachanga Latino Music Festival returns this weekend

2013-05-10T05:37:00.001-07:00

Pachanga Latino Music Festival is this weekend at Fiesta Gardens. Launched in 2008, the fest has hosted some big names in music like Ozomatli (Los Angeles) and Bomba Estereo(Columbia) as well as local acts, Grupo Fantasma and Ocote Soul Sounds. This year is no exception. Grammy winners, Los Lobos (see the live video at the bottom of page) headline Saturday. Austin's own... continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Jim James thrills fans at Austin City Limits TV taping

2013-05-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Watching Jim James record his sixth Austin City Limits TV taping Sunday at ACL Live at the Moody Theater brought to mind his spellbinding set at the Heartbreaker Banquet during SXSW last March. In fact, if you attended SXSW, you likely saw James performing music from his new album, "Regions of Light and Sound of God" as.... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Neo-Psych steps to center stage in Texas with Austin Psych Fest

2013-05-03T09:52:00.001-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas – The Black Angels, current leaders of the neo-psychedelic rock scene popularized by Brian Jonestown Massacre and Echo and the Bunnymen, host their own event called Austin Psych Fest. The sixth annual music festival closed out the main stage Sunday with a rare performance by reformed psych rock pioneers the Moving Sidewalks, led by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), who played their second show in 44 years at Carson Creek Ranch near downtown Austin. Normally unwelcome, airplanes periodically screaming overhead from nearby Austin-Bergstrom Airport merely added to the surreal ambiance the festival fosters. The Black Angels delivered a characteristically cinematic set just before... continue reading at MSN Music

Live music review: Austin Psych Fest 2013 photo gallery

2013-05-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Rishi Dhir of Elephant Stone Photo: Emily Lim

The sixth Austin Psych Fest wrapped up Sunday at Carson Creek Ranch near downtown Austin with a rare performance byThe Moving Sidewalks led by ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Festival curators, The Black Angels turned in a superlative performance sandwiching their set between the Sidewalks and Austin psych rock legend... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: 5 bands you should watch at Austin Psych Fest

2013-04-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

The 6th Austin Psych Fest (APF) begins Friday at Carson Creek Ranch located near downtown this weekend. Curators, The Black Angels will play on Sunday as will re-formed Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) band, The Moving Sidewalks who will perform for only the second time in over 40 years. Other notable performances on the schedule include... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Carolina Chocolate Drops, Son Volt shine at Old Settlers Fest

2013-04-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

The 26th edition of Americana themed, Old Settler's Music Festival wound up yesterday. The beautiful weather over the weekend put a shine on impressive sundowner sets by the Grammy-winning,Carolina Chocolate Drops and Son Volt on Saturday. Son Volt, featuring... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: 5 must see bands at Old Settler's Music Festival

2013-04-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Old Settler's Music Festival is possibly the most relaxing festival experience in Central Texas. The four-day event is celebrating its 26th year at bucolic Salt Lick Pavilion just south of Austin with camping located across the street at Camp Ben McCulloch. The serene setting is ideal for the 30-plus folk, bluegrass, Americana and red dirt bands that fill the schedule. Past and present performers include... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: Euphoria Festival to bring big name EDM acts to Texas

2013-04-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Euphoria Music Festival is bringing big name electro-dance music (EDM) acts to Whitewater Amphitheater next weekend. On April 12-13, over 50 local, national and international acts will descend on Central Texas for the second year. Two-day passes are $68 with options for single day and VIP tickets at $103 dollars. Considering the beautiful venue and performers like... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Caveman psychedelic set at The Parish, new album out today

2013-04-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Caveman at The Parish

Caveman returned to Austin from New York City weeks after making a big impression during South by Southwest (SXSW) to play five songs from their latest album out today on Fat Possum Records After giving the self-titled new release a few listens, we anticipated a psychedelic set from a band who has exhibited maturity and musical growth beyond ...Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: Caveman, Hard Proof, The Couch, The Boxing Lesson

2013-03-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Before SXSW Festival even begins to fade from memory, Caveman return to Austin on Monday to showcase their new self-titled album. Hard Proof Afrobeat and Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band will get things shaking Friday at Holy Mountain. Saturday, The Couch, The Boxing Lesson and... Continue reading at Examiner.com

5 SXSW Music 2013 Must Watch Acts

2013-03-25T15:25:00.004-07:00

John Paul Pitts of Sufer Blood getting up close to fans at SXSW

South by Southwest (SXSW) 2013 Music Festival has been over for almost a week which has given time to let the avalanche of live music performances sink in a bit. As often happens during the festival, new, exciting bands emerged from the cacophony of sounds heard throughout Austin during the event. This short list of artists you must watch is... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Smashing Pumpkins SXSW Red Bull Sound Select secret show

2013-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

The final evening of the 2013 edition of South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival concluded with several marquee "secret shows". MySpace brought in Justin Timberlake, Samsung invited the Purple One (Prince) and ACL Live hosted John Fogartywith an all-star bill that included Austin favorites, the Wheeler Brothers. Add The Smashing Pumpkins to that list as.. Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: SXSW Heartbreaker Banquet with Jim James, Michael Kiwanuka

2013-03-15T10:42:00.002-07:00

Yesterday at Willie Nelson's Luck, Texas ranch, dozens of touring artists gathered for the second, semi-exclusive, Heartbreaker Banquet featuring Jim James (My Morning Jacket, Monsters of Folk), Michael Kiwanuka, Elle King, Spirit Family Reunion, Phosphorescent, Shovels and Rope and Austin's own... continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: Top 5 SXSW 2013 Free Day Parties

2013-03-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

f you are attending South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival then you have likely been overwhelmed by the sheer number of day parties held during music week. Frankly, we feel just like you. In the list created for you, find a recommendation for each week day that do not require a badge or cost anything. Selected events are heavy on Austin bands because we love Austin music and we want you to know about all the great artists like... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Wheeler Brothers CD release at Emo's glittered like gold

2013-03-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Much has been made of local stalwarts, The Wheeler Brothers from the popularity of their debut album, "Portraits" to their six AustinMusic Awards (including Best New Band) last year to an appearance at last summer's, Austin City Limits Festival. Saturday, the band performed at Emo's to celebrate the release of their sophomore effort, "Gold Boots Glitter" and appropriately, Texas Independence Day. The much-anticipated... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music review: Ringo Deathstarr, Holy Wave and Deep Space at Psychic Ills

2013-02-26T09:38:00.002-08:00

The growing psych rock scene in Austin is largely attributable to the popularity of theBlack Angels and the efforts of the Reverberation Appreciation Society (Austin Psych Fest) who produced the Psychic Ills at Red 7 last Thursday. The show featured local, psych rock outfits Deep Space and Holy Wave along with ... Continue reading at Examiner.com

Live music preview: MapJam to highlight local acts and Austin Music Map Saturday

2013-02-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Want to hear about a cool idea supporting the Austin music scene you can participate in?Austin Music Map is an interactive, community, documentary project by KUTX 98.9, the Association of Independents in Radio and Zeega who are highlighting their project with MapJam on Saturday. The day-long music festival features nine local acts at seven different East Austin venues from noon to 11 p.m. The event is... continue reading at examiner.com

Check out this Residual Kid video:

5 ways to find the best SXSW parties and RSVP

2013-02-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

South by Southwest (SXSW) Music, Film and Interactive Festival is only 4 weeks away. The festival takes place March 8-17 in Austin. Each year there a hundreds of sponsored, free parties with live music, complimentary food, drink and swag for party-goers. With the growth of SXSW Interactive, there are music events you will want to attend early in the week as well as the music week. All you need to do is.... Continue reading at Examiner.com