While putting together my picks for this weekend I came across one of the biggest questions I get asked and ask myself while doing this; what constitutes a local band? The easy answer is any person or band that resides in Austin. There are a few problems with this theory though. First where do you draw the line on Austin, is a band from San Marcos close enough to be an Austin band, what about Killeen? There is no definitive line and I find it keeps expanding every year. Another issue is where do artists who formerly were based in Austin and had an impact on this town but have since moved stand. There have been some great acts that have gone on to bigger things and moved out of town, but they still have history. Finally there are certain bands that get adopted by the city. Bands that have been playing in Austin for years and finally found success but are actually from the Dallas or Houston area. So at the end of the day I find myself with a fuzzy distinction of what is actually local. Fortunately for me I run Austin After Dark so I can make the rules as I go. So while I will do my best to keep it as Austin based as possible if you bear with me when I stretch the meaning of local I would much appreciate it. With all that being said how bout we get to the weekend picks.
Friday night starts with a special show from David Ramirez at the Cactus Café. It’s a special show because it will be recorded for a live album. David is one of the top up and coming singer-songwriters in town and he should be bringing his A game for this recording. At Red Eyed Fly another show with bands that should already be bigger than they are, New Disaster, Southbound Saints and Hot Crush are playing a metal showcase. New Disaster is one of my favorite young metal acts in Austin and they always put on a good show. If you want to see a more veteran act then how about Alejandro Escovedo at The Continental Club. Escovedo has been blowing the doors off clubs for over 30 years with his style that ranges from acoustic to full on rock and roll. Another choice is Monte Montgomery strumming his guitar at the Cheatem Street Warehouse. If you have never heard Monte with an acoustic in his hands do yourself a favor and check out his work. The man can flat out go.
Saturday there are some big shows going on if you feel like heading south of Austin. The 4th Annual Dia De Los Toadies will be taking place at the Whitewater Theater in New Braunfels. I have never personally been to this show but have always heard that they are amazing. Acts performing this year with the Toadies will be Austin bands, The Sword, The Black Angels, Ume, Quiet Company and more. Just a short drive up 35 and it will be Los Lonely Boys day in San Marcos. They will be celebrating with a big show at the Texas Music Theater with Vallejo, Patricia Vonne and Vitera. If you like latin rock you won’t find a better show. I’m not done with the big festival shows either. Bat Fest is happening on the Congress Ave bridge as well. Just a few of the acts performing are Bob Schneider, Nakia, Suzanna Choffel, Alpha Rev and The Black and White Years. It’s a free show and if you can stand the heat will be good music all day. Finally if you aren’t a big fan of festivals I’ll give you a smaller show you can check out. Erik Larson and Peacemaker at the Mean Eyed Cat. This band is stacked with talent and Erik Larson wrote some amazing songs for them to play. For a free show it’s not a bad option.
That wraps up another week here at Austin After Dark. I hope I kept things local enough for your definition of the word. Remember to like us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AustinAfterDark . Follow us on twitter at @AustinAfterDark and send any e-mails to Patrick@atxafterdark.com.
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