Credit: Photo by Shervin Lainez

Ani DiFranco

Thursday 16, Paramount Theatre

If I could vote to retire one word from the English language, it would be “unprecedented,” which has been applied to a procession of health and political tumult over the past five years. But if there’s one person I’d allow to reclaim it, it’s Canadian American feminist icon Ani DiFranco. For years, DiFranco has been giving fans an outlet for frustration and confusion through her emotive but often frantic folk cuts, and Unprecedented Sh!t – her 23rd album and tour of the same name – rises to meet that moment. In addition to the record, out last May, there is a new documentary out about DiFranco, who is fresh from a starring turn on Broadway’s Hadestown.   – Abby Johnston


Credit: Courtesy of Red Light Management

Tyler Halverson

Thursday 16, Stubb’s Indoor

The double shot of 2024’s two-part Western Amerijuana EPs stamped Tyler Halverson’s laid-back brand of country, presenting the South Dakota troubadour’s easy strummed rodeo odes and bar belters angled with a wry eye, tender heart, and winking sense of humor. Following up last year’s ACL Fest debut, Halverson rolls back into Austin on his “Beatin’ Around the Bar” tour, his latest single kicking an amped-up, ready-made sing-along and cussing chorus sure to raise beers and cheers. Georgia songwriter Christian Hayes opens behind his new debut EP, Last I Love You.   – Doug Freeman


The Meteors

Friday 17, 29th Street Ballroom

Pioneers of psychobilly, British trio the Meteors have roared since 1980 with their feral fusion of punk and rockabilly. Led by snarling vocalist/guitarist P. Paul Fenech, the band borrowed their defining term from a Cramps gig poster and ignited a cult following with menacing anthems like “Radioactive Kid” and “The Crazed.” Known for chaotic live shows, their sound is pure mayhem – a greased-up collision of snarling guitars, thundering rhythms, and Fenech’s dark humor. The 29th Street Ballroom promises a night of unrelenting, hair-raising energy. Earplugs optional.   – Tim Stegall


Credit: Courtesy of Us / Them Group

Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol

Friday 17, Antone’s Nightclub

If only all bands would market their music as accurately and concisely as Big Dumb Riffs. Indeed, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol’s latest LP chugs with choppy, fuzzy metal guitar and such smirking song titles as “1-800-EAT-SHIT” and – almost three months before the cultural phenomenon – “Brat.” The 11-track, 21-minute project wraps with “In a Jar,” but it’s much slower and sludgier than that Dino Jr. favorite; Leo Lydon even sings his final threat, “I’m gonna fucking kill you,” in this twisted closing ballad. Openers Tied Up have less recorded music under their belts, but the quartet bottles catchy teenage angst with fresh singles “Gun” and “Any Way You Like.”   – Carys Anderson


Fourth Annual Cello-Fest

Saturday 18 – Sunday 19, The Cathedral

What do you get when you combine rock, bossa nova, and classical with the rich baritone strings? Celloooo, it’s Austin Camerata’s Cello-Fest! Austin Camerata is the best local chamber music with a twist, and here they’re celebrating what I’d say is the best string instrument around, the mellowest melodies orchestral instrumentation can provide. Tickets give you access to the richly diverse art housed in the Cathedral, which you can peruse pre-show while sipping complimentary cocktails. Raise a glass to a primo cultural experience.   – Cat McCarrey


Lucky Ladies

Saturday 18, Cheer Up Charlies

This stage ain’t big enough for the two of us – and that’s because these two ladies are already up there. The lawless Lainey Gonzales and legendary Lucy Lonestar (née Lucy Fur) hold up Red River saloon Chups for their two-woman show, featuring songs from both as well as drag. You tough enough to lay down the suggested 10-buck donation? This ain’t no song shootout for the faint of heart…   – James Scott


We Are the Asteroid

Saturday 18, Far Out Lounge

For a decade or so, the noise-lifer trio of Gary Chester, Nathan Calhoun, and Frank Gary Martin has been blasting out free-range, locally sourced “freak rock” in the grand tradition of virtually every other band these folks have been in. There are elements of Chester’s legendary Ed Hall, Martin’s time in the truly odd Daddy Longhead, and Calhoun’s roaring Pussy Gillette. Sadly, they do not fear W.A.T.A. puns: Their fourth album, WATA You, A Lion Tamer?, emerged in 2023. For songs from the past, check out the 2019 track, “Say Goodbye (4track cassette version)” for the band’s irk at its most head-wringing – it’s glorious stuff. With Cunto, Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business, and Screamin’ J.   – Joe Gross


Sonic Guild Ball

Saturday 18, Long Center

Want to support premiere local music in elegance? Watch the Sonic Guild award $150,000 in grants to Austin’s top-voted artists at the nonprofit’s annual ball Saturday. Entering its 11th year, this live mixtape bash opens to the public for the first time. The Long Center stage will feature performances by 10 of the 20 nominees (including West 22nd, the Point, Geto Gala, Parker Woodland, and others), sprinkled with testimonials from past recipients. Bring your “Austin chic” attire and unwavering enthusiasm for the up-and-coming.   – Amber Williams


Dolly Parton Birthday Bash and Tribute Show

Sunday 19, Sagebrush

Celebrate the one and only Dolly Parton at Sagebrush this Sunday with a birthday tribute fit for a queen. This year’s fifth annual event features an all-star lineup of local talent – including tribute band Dolly Patrón, self-proclaimed “outlaw country diva” Darci Carlson, folk singer Sarah Lee Guthrie, and Sailor Poon vocalist Billie Buck – belting out the benevolent artist’s greatest hits and deep cuts. Tickets grant you access to bubbly cocktails and mocktails, Dolly-inspired eats, and a custom jean jacket you’ll design yourself. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit R&B Literacy, which works with Dolly’s book gifting program Imagination Library.   – Kyra Bruce


Western Threads Vinyl Release

Tuesday 21, Antone’s Records

Ainsley Richter and Jacob Lewis sing of prostitutes and the destitute like cheery theatre kids. Backed by buoyant melodies and snappy percussion, these disarming lyrics make “Sex Cult,” the A-side to indie-pop quintet Western Threads’ new 7-inch, a surreal listening experience. Paired with its B-side, a countrified cover of the spiritual hymn “Were You There,” the release offers a crash course in juggling the sacred and the profane. Hear these songs and more at the irreverent band’s weekday in-store, kicking off at 6pm.   – Carys Anderson


Credit: Photo by Maurice Nunez (@devilman.138)

Necrofier

Thursday 23, Mohawk

Last month’s game-changing news that locals Resound Presents will book Midtown’s 29th Street Ballroom invoked hope that heretic bills like this one would ultimately crypt kick it there. Until then, Houston black metallers Necrofier – who roared through Empire Control Room on last year’s Decibel Magazine tour, supporting the genre’s Rapunzel in Hulder, while equally repping their city at its legit metal summit Hell’s Heroes – play Mohawk. They’re in arrears following up 2023’s second long-player, Burning Shadows in the Southern Night, a corrosively melodic blackened beatdown. Support from one-man dungeon doom Crawl and ATX black metal merchants Nocturnal Onslaught stacks on the blasphemy.   – Raoul Hernandez


Music Notes

by Derek Udensi

The Ritual

Friday 17, the Courtyard ATX

Grammy-winning producer Louie Vega teams with his wife, Anané, to curate a three-hour set of disco, garage, and house vibes. Opening acts include Dallas-based DJ Brandon Epocha and Jumping Planets; the latter features Buck Rodgers as a DJ while Zeale of 2024-25 Austin Music Awards-nominated rap duo Blackillac freestyles over eclectic beats.

Intellectual Property

Friday 17, Mohawk

This quirky indie rock outfit with a psychedelic flair celebrates the upcoming release of their full-length debut, On Sale. Locals KindKeith and Indoor Creature support.

The Octopus Project Credit: Photo by Jana Birchum

SIMS Foundation Benefit

Sunday 19, Hotel Vegas

Donating $25 at the door directly benefits the mental health-focused nonprofit, and you’ll get to see some pretty cool acts to boot. Performers for this fundraising show include the Octopus Project and Katie Claghorn of Redbud.

Austin Django Project

Wednesday 22, Monks Jazz Club

Guitarist Jamey Cummins and his group pay tribute to the late Django Reinhardt a day before the Belgian legend’s birthday.

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 January 17 • 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.

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.

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 Scott is a writer who has lived in Austin since 2017. He covers queer events, news, and anything pertaining to Austin's LGBTQ community. Catch his work writing film essays for Hyperreal Film Club, performing in Queer Film Theory 101 at Barrel O' Fun, or on his social media platforms: @thejokesboy on Twitter and Bluesky or @ghostofelectricity on Instagram.

Cat McCarrey is a writer, editor, educator and Dracula enthusiast. A good sandwich will always win her heart. She began writing about the arts regularly for the Chronicle in 2023.

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.

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.