Red River Cultural District’s no-cost mini fest Free Week takes over the neighborhood a week later this year, Jan. 9-10, with performances from nearly 100 local bands of every genre, including pop rockers Flight by Nothing, folk rock quartet Good Looks, and old-fashioned country singer Theo Lawrence.
Plenty of Free Week veterans will take to the stage, including electronic duo Felt Out, alt-country pair Me Nd Adam, and chaos rappers haha Laughing. New projects also abound, including hyperpop groups Alma Muñeca and Almost Heaven and two indie rock outfits with debut albums out this year: Montclair and Team Trust.
Metal acts like Duel and Banged Out will bring the thunder, while country singers Paige Plaisance and harmonizers Harry & Emmy are set to smooth the storm clouds. Post-hardcore players Die Mart and ONE more join psychedelic projects like Stop Motion Orchestra, Skloss, and Candy Riot.
Those who like their pop with a bit of experimentation will be stoked to catch electronic-based Égaux Sells and eccentric duo J’cuuzi, plus performances by introspective R&B artist Sweet Limb and indie-soul darling KindKeith.
“Free Week is one of our favorite times of the year – seeing downtown come alive with music, energy and community spirits is truly special,” writes Nicole Klepaldo, executive director of Red River Cultural District, in a press release. The annual festival turns a generally slow season for concert venues into a live music extravaganza, using sponsorships and donations to keep the festivities fee-free for concertgoers, while ensuring performers and venue workers get paid. This year, newcomer venues Feels So Good and Kingdom will join RRCD staples like Chess Club, Elysium, Empire Control Room & Garage, Flamingo Cantina, Mohawk, Stubb’s, Swan Dive, the 13th Floor, the Side Bar, and Valhalla.
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.