Strolling into Stubb’s on a mildly warm fall evening — the first of Wilco’s two-night residency — felt a lot like heading over to a good friend’s house party.
The scene was familiar: there were friends in the crowd, chatting quietly while sipping their PBR, and the stage was nearly identical from last time around, with the exception of the new stage mascot, a white Persian cat from the cover of the band’s latest album Star Wars.
It all added up to a warm, anticipatory vibe, the crowd awaiting the return of the beloved Chicago natives. But Wilco is not a band that lives in the past: They constantly tweak and evolve their sound, unafraid to take sonic chances while still remaining under the wide umbrella of a sound that is loved by their many fans.
During the two-night run at Stubb's — the final shows of Wilco's 2015 tour — the band played it all, reaching back while looking forward. And their Austin friends thought it was alright.
Proun to play album release show at 29th St. Ballroom
July has arrived! As you contemplate how you want to ring in America’s semiquincentennial, take a look at the many great local shows set to happen in the first part of the month.
Co-Lab’s Birthday Bash at Hotel Vegas – Thursday, July 2 Co-Lab, an artist-run creative development nonprofit, is turning 18, and it's throwing itself a birthday bash (and benefit) at Hotel Vegas this Thursday, July 2. J’Cuuzi, Mugger, Water Damage, Bruce, and more will perform. Tickets are $30.
Proun at 29th St. Ballroom – Friday, July 3 Emo folk rockers Proun recently put out their excellent debut album, Maybe Luck, and this Friday, July 3, they’ll fully celebrate its arrival with a release party at 29th St. Ballroom. Hemlock, Woodcutter(s), and Amelia’s Best Friend will open up the show. Tickets are $15.
Topaz at Hotel Vegas – Friday, July 3 Topaz (of Golden Dawn Arkestra) can be seen this Friday, July 3, at Hotel Vegas, where he’ll be ringing in the release of a new single. Openers for the evening include S.L. Houser, Brendan Bond, Blush Fantasy. Cover will be $12 at the door.
Hawk Dog at the Mohawk – Saturday, July 4 The Mohawk will put on its fourth annual Hawk Dawg this Saturday, July 4. Apart from the chance to compete in a hot dog eating contest, attendees will also see performances from Almost Heaven and Eddie Angel, along with a Cut Copy DJ set. Tickets are $26.
Wet Hot Howdy Summer at 29th St. Ballroom – Thursday, July 9 French Film, Cloud Companion, Semiwestern, and Sad Cell will take the stage at 29th St. Ballroom on Thursday, July 9, as a part of Wet Hot Howdy Summer, a series that the venue is hosting throughout July. Tickets for the show are $17.50.
Billy Glitter at Hole In The Wall – Thursday, July 9 Rock act Billy Glitter will bring their hiatus to an end with a new single, “When It Walks,” and a show at Hole In The Wall on Thursday, July 9. Things will get underway with Slomo Drags and Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic. Tickets are $12.76.
Mad Whit at the 13th Floor – Saturday, July 11 Mad Whit (of Sailor Poon) will celebrate the release of a new single, “Glass Head,” at the 13th Floor on Saturday, July 11. Flags and Large Brush Collection will kick off the show. Tickets are $12.26.
