Music Notes
More than 100 local acts play free sets during Hot Summer Nights, plus more Austin music picks for early July
A Giant Dog is playing Hotel Vegas on July 20, before Andrew Cashen (right) continues on for another performance during Hot Summer Nights.
Good news! The back half of July is jam-packed with local shows. And in even better news, a whole lot of them are free. See below for recommendations.
Blues On The Green at Zilker Park – July 18 & 19
Blues on the Green is back, and its pair of shows for 2023 are this week – tonight and tomorrow– at Zilker Park. The gig this evening only features one local (the opener, Paul Val). But night two, July 19, is all Austin with the likes of Wild Child, THEBROSFRESH, and ZachCarney. The event is free.
A Giant Dog at Hotel Vegas – Thursday, July 20
A Giant Dog have a special show set for this Thursday, July 20, at Hotel Vegas. The longtime rock act will be performing an acoustic preview of their anticipated new album, Bite, which isn’t officially out until August 25. Cover will be $10 at the door.
Hot Summer Nights – July 20-23
Hot Summer Nights is taking place this Thursday to Sunday, July 20-23. The annual festival will happen across the Red River Cultural District and will feature more than 100 local acts. It’s free (although donations are welcome), which means it’s easy to wander and discover as you please, but here’s a show for every night that should be on your radar.
- Thursday, July 20 – Country singer/songwriter Kathryn Legendre will headline a show at Stubb’s Indoors that also includes Texas String Assembly and Gus Clark.
- Friday, July 21 – Psych stars Annabelle Chairlegs can be found outside at the Mohawk with Big Bill and Andrew Cashen (of A Giant Dog, Sweet Spirit).
- Saturday, July 22 – The electro-pop artist Dossey will play Stubb’s Indoors with San Gabriel and Don't Get Lemon.
- Sunday, July 23 – Alt-rock act Club Coma (ex-members of Boyfrndz and Stiletto Feels) can be seen inside at the Mohawk with Shooks and EVNTYD.
Darkbird at 3TEN ACL Live – Friday, July 21
Fresh off the release of a new single titled “Crimes,” rockers Darkbird will play 3TEN ACL Live this Friday, July 21. A pair of buzzy pop acts – Primo The Alien and San Gabriel – will open the show. Tickets are $18.
Hong Kong Wigs at Pease Park – Friday, July 28
Hong Kong Wigs are calling it quits, and their final show will be during Pease Nights at Pease Park on Friday, July 28. The event is free. By the way, if you’re into quality pop rock tunes, you should check out the band’s 2023 EP, Lies.
Me Nd Adam at Antone’s – Saturday, July 29
Me Nd Adam will drop their new album, American Drip Part II, on July 28, and then follow it up with a release show at Antone’s the next night – Saturday, July 29. All-star pop trio KVN and alt-pop act Foxtales will kick off the evening. Tickets are $20.
