In contrast to its identically acronymed counterpart, Austin Corn Lovers Fiesta prevails grassroots versus corporate (produced by a local label, not Live Nation), cheap versus expensive (costing some $130 less per day), and easy versus a hassle (attendees can park on-site and don’t need to dump the contents of their purse into a clear bag). Though conceived as an antithesis to ACL Fest, the Hickoids and friends’ mini fest has now popped off for 13 years – giving it a stand-alone legacy as one of Austin’s most fun fall affairs.
Friday goes down at Eastside doom tavern the Lost Well (8pm-2am), headlined by provocative New Zealand-to-Dallas outfit Labretta Suede & the Motel 6, who soak audiences in down & dirty, garage-a-billy punk – RIYL the Cramps and Jeff Smith’s bulletproof Tejas punk institution the Hickoids. Also thrillin’: young, thrash-influenced hardcore punks Sodomy Cop (for the record, they’re pro-sodomy, anti-cop); 30-years-running primo punks Jesus Christ Superfly; and S.A. street rockers Marla Vee & the Natural Born Stud$.