Team Trust Credit: Image via Team Trust


Team Trust Credit: Image via Team Trust

Wuggis Fest

Thursday 14, Mohawk

Team Trust relishes in classic alt-emo moves delivered in a laid-back, playground-punk register, incorporating voicemail recordings and switching between crawling tempos and quick releases with blasé ease. Amid a diverse lineup of like-minded artists, the art-punk trio presents their first single since 2024 debut EP Be Your Own Bird at a release show they’ve dubbed Wuggis Fest, with an album to come in the fall. Hardcore thrashers SKRATZ, electronic-dabbling New Wave quintet modernform, and art-punk performers fifi knifefight open the night for a dynamic evening of emo fusion.   – Caroline Drew


Big Mic of College of Hip Hop Knowledge Credit: Image via website

Award Tour Showcase

Friday 15, Flamingo Cantina

Not only does their name have a fantastic ring to it, the College of Hip Hop Knowledge is serious about supporting and educating Austin hip-hop artists across subgenres and styles. The nonprofit label is run by Big Mic, aka Michael Pereida, an artist and producer in his own right, who MCs this showcase alongside Ideal Collective founder Salus Herb. The stacked lineup includes rap duo Bad Newz Bexarz, verified chef (and rapper) Ty-C, hip-hop collective The Village, and CHHK-backed quartet Die Slo. Educate yourself at this one-of-a-kind gathering of Austin’s finest.   – Caroline Drew


Credit: Image via Bandcamp

Star Parks and Sentimental Family Band

Friday 15, Continental Club

Star Parks frontman and songwriter Andy Bianculli returns for a rare, nostalgia-soaked full-band set at the historic Continental Club. With lush, orchestral arrangements and heartfelt delivery, Bianculli offers a performance the likes of which you can hear for yourself in his latest release Live, a collection of songs captured in Austin. Sentimental Family Band – self-described “softie ex-art-rockers” turned honky-tonk revivalists – open with their signature blend of classic country warmth and easygoing charm. A night made for old souls, romantics, and tender folk of every kind.   – Kyra Bruce


The English Beat

Saturday 16, The State Theatre

The English Beat, in their original 1978-1983 run, were the only ska revivalists who sounded like they lived in the Britain that punk was raging through. The Dave Wakeling/Ranking Roger-fronted octet had Brit-ska’s wiriest grooves, full of heartbeat bass and guitars that simultaneously jangled and slashed. “Mirror in the Bathroom” was paranoia set to a mirror ball skank; “Tears of a Clown” was Motown for police raids; and “Save It for Later” was the Velvet Underground seasoned with jerk spice. Singer/guitarist/songwriter Wakeling still fronts the lineup playing Austin’s first purpose-built movie palace on the anniversary of Elvis’ death.   – Tim Stegall


Psychostick Credit: Image via Psychostick

Come & Take It Productions’ 16th Anniversary

Saturday 16, Come and Take It Live

Sweet 16 means Austin’s preeminent metal bookers finally got their driver’s license, which reads: “DOB: 8/18/2009. Height: BIG. Eyes: Beautiful. Sex: Yes.” As a Leo, they’re bold, beautiful, and loyal. For their birthday bash, they’re serving up complimentary beer and pizza while supplies last, plus headliners Psychostick, age 25, hailing from Tempe, Ariz., and investing some Spinal Tap into their metalcore. Rising from the ashes of Dog Fashion Disco, Maryland alt-metalers Polkadot Cadaver, 18, and Pennsylvanian rockers Crobot, 14, support. A trio of locals – progressive metalcore slingers Shadow Ministry, hard bangers Transit Method, and classic rockers ItBegins – light the candelabra.   – Raoul Hernandez


Tones Fest ’25

Saturday 16, Asian American Resource Center

Every year, the AARC holds an all-Asian music and maker fest for free, showcasing the best of Austin’s AAPI community. You can snack on complimentary refreshments like onigiri from Asahi Imports or Kesshō’s gelato and chocolate. Listen to the dulcet tones of local musicians Emily No Good, the Point, and Allie Arnaez starting at 1:30pm, and if you feel like shopping, so many talented Austinites’ artwork will be on display, including Leah Danze’s fluid multimedia paintings, Okasan Vintage’s one-of-a-kind clothing, ceramics by Jaewon Jeong, and colorful illustrations by Sarah Doan. Make sure to pick up some event-exclusive swag and learn about the services offered by Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and Warren Records.   – Lina Fisher


Banged Out Credit: Image via Bandcamp

Trans Health Autonomy Fundraiser

Saturday 16, Alienated Majesty Books

Thanks to a relentless flood of legislation and litigation constantly threatening to further endanger access to health care for transgender and gender-diverse Texans, I hardly think you need me to spell out why this fundraiser is important. Newly formed community of organizers Central Texas Trans Health Autonomy will use funds from this benefit show to connect individuals to health care providers and community resources with an emphasis on direct aid. Trans femme-fronted hardcore threepiece Banged Out leads the charge onstage, joined by freshly launched duo promise? and distortion-loving experimental metal act SKRATZ.   – Caroline Drew


Credit: Image via Black Major

Bokani Dyer Trio

Sunday 17, Monks Jazz

Singer/pianist Bokani Dyer was born in Botswana and raised in South Africa as the country was in the middle of shifting from apartheid to liberal democracy. Ever since, his music has been concerned with racial politics, social evolution, and the need to find joy in a grim world. His most recent album Radio Sechaba acknowledges pain and strife, but refuses to buckle under the weight, emphasizing the need to spread light through the darkness. Alongside bassist Timothy Norton and drummer Lumanyano Mzi, the award-winning Dyer brings his vision to Austin for what promises to be a very special show.   – Michael Toland


Selena With Bidi Bidi Banda

Sunday 17, Paramount Theatre

Queen of Tejano Selena Quintanilla was killed 30 years ago at only age 23, but her legacy lives on through the biopic starring Jennifer Lopez and through the music she inspired. Local Selena tribute act Bidi Bidi Banda was formed by Stephanie Bergara in 2014 with the aim to play a one-time tribute show, but demand was so high they’ve been carrying the torch for over 10 years. With the band scaling back to pursue other music, this is the perfect time to catch them as they open this screening of the beloved biopic.   – Kat McNevins


Band Together Texas

Sunday 17, Moody Center

Musicians continue to rally in support of the Hill Country following July’s devastating flooding, with Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum helping gather one of the most star-studded benefits. Performers include Ryan Bingham, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Ronnie Dunn, along with Red Dirt circuit mainstays Randy Rogers Band, Cody Johnson, and Wade Bowen, and Lambert’s Marfa Tapes pals Jack Ingram and Jon Randall. Celebrities from the screen (Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid) and the fields (Roger Clemens, Vince Young, Mack Brown) will join the call as well. Deep in the heart of Texas, the stars are still bright.   – Doug Freeman


Credit: Photo by Alysse Gafkjen

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

Monday 18 – Tuesday 19, Paramount Theatre

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have been close collaborators on Welch’s stilling finger-picked bluegrass for three decades, but it’s only recently that they’ve begun officially recording as a duo. In past tours together, they have traded songs from their catalogs. Now, with two albums under their belts – released in 2020 and 2024, both netting the Grammy for Best Folk Album – they can showcase their collective genius. Expect a stripped-down performance using little more than their guitars and time-tested vocals.   – Abby Johnston


Bit Brigade Performs Mega Man X

Monday 18, Come and Take It Live

When it comes to video games, for me, it doesn’t get any better than Super Nintendo. Its 16-bit system offers richer graphics and sound than the original Nintendo Entertainment System released in the Eighties, and the games are still fun to play and replay decades later. That includes Mega Man X, which Bit Brigade will be performing rock covers of as a player speedruns the game onstage. The touring NES/SNES cover band welcomes like-minded local group Descendants of Erdrick to open the evening, which will be way more rad than playing Nintendo at home.   – Kat McNevins


Credit: Courtesy of Mozart's Coffee Roasters

Wednesdays on the Water: ’70s and ’80s Night

Wednesday 20, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

You don’t really need an excuse to head to the notable Lake Austin views at Mozart’s around sundown, but for those with an itch for nostalgia, there’s every reason to head west. Musician Carly Wascom will be covering all the hits from the Seventies and Eighties with a set dedicated to each decade (in case you don’t like your guitars and synths to mingle). In between those sets are trivia and prizes. Step up the atmosphere by renting a paddleboard or floater chair to enjoy the show from the water. All the usual drinks and goodies will also be available, because all of that harkening back takes it out of you.   – James Renovitch


Credit: Photo by Julius Shieh

La Gente Unida

Thursday 21, 29th Street Ballroom

Local tweemos I wear your chain headline a killer musical lineup, but this fundraiser for Gaza support network the Sameer Project and Grassroots Leadership encourages more than passive attendance. The Austin for Palestine Coalition, Queertopia, People’s Defense Austin, Half the Sky Texas, and Food Not Bombs table; those who complete a direct action for each org are entered into a raffle to win goodies from Resound Presents, tattoo artist @luckieduckkie, and more. It’s easy to feel powerless as disasters cascade, but this event reminds us that you don’t have to be some sort of mythical, professional Activist in order to enact positive, tangible change.   – Carys Anderson


Credit: Image via Bandcamp

VFS EP Release

Thursday 21, Hole in the Wall

Drawing upon the DIY ethos of pop collective PC Music, experimental trio VFS strikes an ultra-satisfying chord between whimsy and anxiety. December drop WHY DO YOU WANT TO LIVE? sees static scratches, woodwind dissonance, and dark bass coexist peacefully. Upcoming EP Braid is sure to broaden their self-proclaimed “foamcore” exploration. Promising neo-soul outfit Lysha Dyna, joined by Cájul of lluvvii, supports in their second-ever live set, while seasoned techno soundmaker Sewa Choki rounds out the bill.   – Genevieve Wood


Music Notes

by Derek Udensi
Jessica Healey Credit: Image via Jessica Healey

Jessica Healey ft. Elias Haslanger

Friday 15, Monks Jazz Club

Last month, indie folk- and jazz-fusing singer-songwriter Jessica Healey dropped two singles, “Dumb Enough” and “Get With Me,” in anticipation of an EP release next month. You can also catch her every Saturday evening at Jupiter Supper Club.

gingerbee

Sunday 17, 29th Street Ballroom

This unconventional internet band – a band of members living in separate cities exclusively bound through online collaboration – released their new EP, Apiary, a couple weeks ago. The audio six-pack features an eclectic mix of jazzy string arrangements, samba, and piercing emo yells that may act as a jump scare to the unsuspecting.

The Pre-Roll

Tuesday 19, Flamingo Cantina

J-Soulja’s open mic showcase and networking mixer at Flamingo Cantina has arguably become the 4Life4Ever Entertainment founder’s marquee offering these last four years due to its continued, refreshing focus on spotlighting Central Texas hip-hop upstarts. Former Pre-Roll standouts J. Mill and Lynn are among the performers celebrating the event’s fourth anniversary.

BashfortheWorld

Tuesday 19, Brushy Street Commons

Dallas rapper BashfortheWorld released his latest album, Migo in America, back in May. SSG Splurge and Tommy 2, both of whom feature on the project, support the laid-back flowing Mexican-American artist.

Want to see all of our listings broken down by day? Go to austinchronicle.com/calendar and see what’s happening now or in the coming week.

This article appears in August 15 • 2025.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

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Carys Anderson moved from Nowhere, DFW to Austin in 2017 to study journalism at the University of Texas. She began writing for The Austin Chronicle in 2021 and joined its full-time staff in 2023, where she covers music and culture.

As the Chronicle's Club Listings Editor, Derek compiles a weekly list of music events occurring across town. The University of Texas alum also writes about hip-hop as a contributor to the Music section.

Caroline is the Music and Culture staff writer and reporter, covering, well, music, books, and visual art for the Chronicle. She came to Austin by way of Portland, Oregon, drawn by the music scene and the warm weather.

Kat grew up in Dallas and got to Austin as soon as she could, attending UT and sticking around afterward like so many Austinites. She started at the Chronicle as a proofreader in 2015, and became an events listings editor in 2020, covering community events, film screenings, summer camps, sports, and more.

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.

Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.

San Francisco native Raoul Hernandez crossed the border into Texas on July 2, 1992, and began writing about music for the Chronicle that fall, debuting with an album review of Keith Richards’ Main Offender. By virtue of local show previews – first “Recommendeds,” now calendar picks – his writing’s appeared in almost every issue since 1993.

Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.

Kyra Bruce is a freelance writer and videographer from Tulsa, Oklahoma—bringing her love for fringe music scenes and her docu-concert series People To Wave To with her to Texas.

James graduated from Columbia University in 2000 and moved to Austin a year later. Ever since, he has followed the arts and video game scene in ATX, editing and writing stories for the Chronicle along the way. Over his more than 20 years with the paper he has climbed the "corporate" ladder from lowly intern to managing editor.