A new year is here and – as always – it’s kicking off with the Red River Cultural District’s Free Week. Below you’ll find 10 artists that you should catch at the mini-fest from January 5-6, plus a couple of non-Free Week shows to round out the first half of the month.

Free Week — Friday, January 5

• Foxtales at Empire – This should be a nice opportunity to hear songs off the indie pop-leaning Foxtales’ anticipated EP, Night Owl.
• Half Dream at Chess Club – If you’ve yet to see Half Dream play some of the folk rock standouts from their debut album, Will I Still Bloom?, then here’s your chance.
• Lauren Lakis at Hotel Vegas – Shoegaze fans would be wise to catch this set from Lauren Lakis, who put out a noteworthy album, A Fiesta And A Hell, late last year.
• Never at Stubb’s – Now’s a great time to get in the loop on Never. The band includes members of Thelma & The Sleaze, Nuclear Daisies, Nevil, and Luna Luna. Never's 2023 EP, No Guarantee, is an indie rocker winner.
• Redbud at Cheer Up Charlie’s – Get yourself a dose of breezy vibes via the oft-buzzed about Redbud.

Free Week — Saturday, January 6

• The Bright Light Social Hour at Empire – There’s never a bad time to see indie rock vets The Bright Light Social Hour. Before you go, be sure to check out their 2023 album, Emergency Leisure.
• Club Coma at the Mohawk – Featuring members of Boyfrndz and Stiletto Feels, Club Coma is a newer-but-experienced alt-rock act that sports an electric live show. If you missed it, spend some time with their 2023 self-titled debut album.
• Large Brush Collection at Stubb’s – Catch a sampling of folk rock tunes from Large Brush Collection’s impending album, Off Center, which will be out at the end of January.
• Semihelix at The 13^th Floor – Dreamy, jangly pop act Semihelix is always worth seeing, but in this instance they’ll have a very recently released 7” on display. Grab yourself a copy.
• Swiss Banks at Elysium – If Interpol is one of your favorite bands, you should make an effort to see Swiss Banks.

Other shows

Stalefish & Pelvis Wrestley at Hotel Vegas – Friday, January 12
Hotel Vegas is hosting a show on Friday, January 12, that will see a pair of up-and-coming indie acts celebrate freshly released music. Stalefish will have just dropped their debut album, and Pelvis Wrestley will be sporting a new single. Homemade Bangs and Lint! will open the evening. Tickets are $10.

Jackie Venson at Antone’s – January 6, 13, 20
Jackie Venson will have her guitar prowess on display at Antone’s across the first three Saturdays of the month – January 6, 13, and 20. The Foxtones will open the first show; Trouble In The Streets will take the second; and Nemegata will play the final one. Tickets for each gig are $25.