Same festival, new name. Austin Psych Fest will henceforth be known as LEVITATION — named after a 13th Floor Elevators song.
Photo by Shelley Neuman
In a move inspired by local rock icons, the burgeoning Austin Psych Fest announced that it will henceforth be known as LEVITATION.
"The title comes from one of our favorite tracks from Austin legends The 13th Floor Elevators, who have provided us with endless inspiration," the festival declared in a press release on Tuesday. "Their music and message transcended genre — they were true innovators."
Although some have been worried that the change in name might also mean a change in sound, the press release reiterated the festival's passion for psychedelic rock music, stating that the updated title comes with a "renewed focus on the music we love."
The freshly minted LEVITATION will still take place on Carson Creek Ranch in early May, but the new moniker brings some more news. The festival is now pairing up with Transmission Events, the same production and marketing company behind Fun Fun Fun Fest and venues such as The Mohawk, Red 7, ACL Live and The Parish.
LEVITATION will run from May 8-10, 2015. A few early bird passes are on sale now, but the full lineup for the 2015 festival won't be announced until Wednesday, December 3.
J'Cuuzi will celebrate their double EP release at Hotel Vegas.
The blistering summer heat has fully arrived but that doesn’t mean anything is slowing down across Austin’s music scene. See here to see which shows are worth getting super sweaty for in the back stretch of July.
Hot Summer Nights – July 16-18 The Red River Culture District’s annual festival, Hot Summer Nights, is happening this week from Thursday to Saturday. If you’re not familiar, this three-night event is made up of free shows happening in various Red River venues, such as The Mohawk, the 13th Floor, Chess Club, Elysium, and others. The massive lineup includes noteworthy local acts like Annabelle Chairlegs, Grocery Bag, HAHA Laughing, Club Coma, Gran Moreno, Bruce, Geto Gala, and plenty more. (In fact, it’s approximately 140 more performers). Here you’ll find six up-and-coming bands that should be on your radar heading into the fest.
Even though the shows are free, the festival is a single-donation fundraising opportunity for keeping the district healthy and similar events going.
Thursday, July 16
Guiding Light – This post-punk act has a highly anticipated debut album, Fear On My Own Time, coming out on August 21. Their set will be at Chess Club at 11 pm on Thursday.
Jet Cemetery – If you’re intro dreamy, ethereal electronic tunes, then be sure to catch Jet Cemetery, who earlier this year released a great album titled The Canary. See them at the 13th Floor at 11 pm on Thursday.
Friday, July 17
French Film – This buzzy alt-rock act just signed to Solid Brass, and they’ve got a new release, Yours + Five, that’s due out on August 21. You can see them inside at the Mohawk at 8 pm on Friday.
Team Trust – These art rockers dropped a really nice album, Treat Box, late last year, and they’ve been gaining more and more traction ever since. Their set will be at Chess Club at midnight on Friday.
Saturday, July 18
Commercial Breaks – These guitar pop standouts, who have a hook-filled self-titled debut album that’s out now, are great live. Be sure to see them at Chess Club at midnight on Saturday.
Mugger – If you’re looking for a reason to get sweaty and wild in a pit at Hot Summer Nights, then don’t miss the hardcore act Mugger. Their set will be outside at the Mohawk at 10pm on Saturday.
Other shows in July
J’Cuuzi at Hotel Vegas – Thursday, July 23 Art punk act J’Cuuzi recently released a double EP, and now they’re set to ring in its arrival at Hotel Vegas on Thursday, July 23. Auragraph and a yet-to-be-announced special guest will open things up. Tickets for the show are $16.07.
Christmas In July at Hotel Vegas – Saturday, July 25 Head to Hotel Vegas on Saturday, July 25, to celebrate “Christmas in July” with performances from Andrew Cashen & The Disciples of Creation, Queen Serene, Sultanes Del Yonke, CorMAe, Pure Instinct, and Floating Cube. Suxxy Puxxy and Trejo will be around as well to drive some late-night dance parties. Tickets are $16.07.
Trans Pride at the Mohawk – Friday, July 31 Celebrate Trans Pride at the Mohawk on Friday, July 31. The show, which will benefit Autonomy Austin and trans artists, has a lineup that features Molly Ringworm, Knocked Up, Morta, PMS, and Twink Death, and there will be drag performances by Ethel Institution, Tangelo, Neura Toxin, and Jack the Stripper. Tickets are $20.50.
