MORE MUSIC NOTES
The best live shows to ring in the new year in Austin, plus more music notes
UPDATE: On Wednesday, December 29, ACL Live announced the cancellation of the New Year’s Eve show featuring Spoon amid rising COVID-19 concerns and cases among artists on the bill. A note from Spoon states, in part, “We’re especially sorry for the inconvenience that this will cause. Thank you to all for buying tickets in the first place and for planning to spend your New Year’s Eve with us.” The note indicates that ticket holders will be emailed directly with refund options. The band is also working to set up show dates in the spring.
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Whether you’re looking for something fun to do in advance of the Christmas holiday or you’re just in need of a few choice options for New Year’s Eve, we’ve got you covered with our local live-music recommendations for the rest of December.
Balmorhea at The Paramount – Friday, December 17
Acclaimed instrumental act Balmorhea put out a new album, The Wind, in the first half of 2021, but the release show for it is only just now set to take place. Catch the band at The Paramount this Friday, December 17. Marisa Anderson and William Tyler open the evening. Tickets range from $20 to $35.
Why Bonnie at the Mohawk – Tuesday, December 21
Get out on a school night — Tuesday, December 21 — for Why Bonnie at the Mohawk. The indie pop act will play a lot of tracks off their currently untitled but anticipated 2022 album. Indie rockers Van Mary are also on the bill. Tickets are $15 in advance of the show.
Spoon at ACL Live – Friday, December 31
Hometown heroes Spoon are set to ring in the new year at ACL Live. Expect to hear plenty of the band’s beloved songs and a few offerings off their impending 10th album, Lucifer on the Sofa. John Doe Folk Trio and Sweet Spirit will get things going at the show. Tickets range from $69 to $89 and include complimentary Champagne for a New Year’s Eve toast.
Nané at Empire – Friday, December 31
A variety of Austin’s best up-and-coming artists will be at Empire on New Year’s Eve. Headlined and hosted by indie soul act Nané, the event also features BLK ODYSSY, TC Superstar, Me Nd Adam, Vincent Antone, and Branx. Tickets for the show are $30.
Golden Dawn Arkestra at The Far Out Lounge – Friday, December 31
If you want a New Year’s Eve event where you won’t be packed in alongside others, then head to The Far Out Lounge’s mammoth outdoor space. Cosmic party purveyors Golden Dawn Arkestra are set to headline the evening, and they’ll be joined by Superfónicos and Viben & the Submersibles. General admission tickets are $30. There’s also a $200 VIP option that includes entry for two, a Champagne toast for two, access to a private bar and indoor restrooms, and late-night snacks.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri