The Austin Chronicle Heats Up Opening Night of Hot Summer Nights

Hot summer nights is not an exaggeration. At a sultry 96 degrees (with a “RealFeel” of 99), opening night of the Red River District’s annual love note to some of Austin’s most historic live venues has the same opening swelter of Rob Thomas’ gravelly baritone declaring, “Man, it’s a hot one!”

Adding to Austin’s oppressive summer heat, The Austin Chronicle joins forces with Empire Garage to offer something a little cooler. A blue-hued night of R&B and hip-hop, with the iconic DJ Kay Cali one the ones-and-twos. The lineup features a sampling of the burgeoning R&B and ever-growing hip-hop scenes in the city. Moody Bank$, Daniel Fears, and David Shabani alight the Empire Garage stage, intent on making the evening’s swelter bearable – if not give you ideas on how to get things even hotter when you get home.

R&B chanteuse Moody Bank$ is an ever-evolving artist who has taken every opportunity that presents itself to dive deeper into her craft and interact with the audiences that have allowed her to shine. “I make music for your feelings,” she says. She talked to the Chronicle about the significance of events like Hot Summer Nights and why these local festivals are so important to the city and the artists that make her sing.

“Hot Summer Nights is such an amazing experience and event that only Austin could provide,” she says. “Not only is it a free event for the community, but it is also a way for people to discover and experience their next favorite artist. Not to mention, it is definitely a way to cool off in this hot Texas heat.”

As Carys Anderson noted in her cover story detailing the Red River Cultural District’s trials, tribulations, and incredible triumphs, the HSN tradition has usually favored rock showcases; however, this year the event has expanded horizons, and as a result, a more eclectic collection of local talent will allow artists to put themselves in the public consciousness.

“I believe that events like HSN are so important for Austin and Austin musicians because they are a way for the community to connect with its musicians and vice versa,” Bank$ says. “It’s an honor for us musicians to be located in Austin, where music is so prevalent.

“What I am looking forward to the most this year is playing some new songs, engaging with the audience, and connecting with new people that I may have never seen or met without HSN,” she says of her spot on the Chronicle’s showcase roster.

Her love of the stage seems to run parallel to her dedication to RRCD. Her performance, as well as those of more than 100 musicians, rappers, singers, and DJs, is something of a rallying cry for the beloved creative community. “It’s an honor to defend and be a part of the #DefendRedRiver team. It pays tribute to all the musicians and creatives who have paved the way for what Austin represents and the cultural significance that we all gain from places like the Red River District.

“Keep Austin Weird, baby!” she proclaims “I am so excited for the HSN Austin Chronicle show, and I will see you guys there.”

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Come out and get sweaty with us at Empire Garage. Doors open at 8pm. Visit the Hot Summer Nights website for the full lineup and schedule.