Jess Williamson, Stay Black & Live, Babestock, and More Crucial Concerts Ignite Austin’s Music Scene

By Cy White, Carys Anderson, Derek Udensi, Abby Johnston, Rachel Rascoe, Raoul Hernandez, Michael Toland, Doug Freeman, and Brant Bingamon

The week gets off to a mesmerizing start in Austin as the city’s charming and buzzing music scene promises several must-attend shows. The line-up includes notable names like Jess Williamson, Stay Black & Live, Babestock, and many others.

Williamson takes over Antone’s

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jess Williamson returns to her home state for a tour christened “Deep in the Heart”. The two-night extravaganza from Thursday 13 to Friday 14 will take place at Antone’s. The Texas dates are a fitting addition for Williamson who continues to draw on Texas and its ethos for inspiration even after moving to L.A. The audience can expect a lively rendition of her 2023’s alt.country showstopper Time Ain’t Accidental and other delightful pieces from her catalogue.

Music Under the Star Shines at Bullock Museum

Austin’s beloved music series ‘Music Under the Star’ comes back to life after seven years on Friday 14 at the Bullock Museum. The series offers an eclectic mix of Austin’s most loved artists and boasts a radiant line-up including jazz-funk ensemble the Peterson Brothers and Dallas-based folk/soul fusion songstress Kamica King. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket and some refreshing drinks as they adhere to the summer soft with a carefree Austin spirit.

A Past Glimpse at Radio Coffee & Beer’s 10th Anniversary

Saturday 15 marks the 10th anniversary of Radio Coffee & Beer, celebrated with a diverse music line-up that embraces all our bustling music scene aspects. The Menchaca OG rises high with the likes of longtime Radio residents the Bluegrass Outfit and Scrapelli, the 25-piece “renegade circus brass band” Minor Mishap Marching Band, and Grace Rowland. The promising lineup also includes the dreamy psychedelic outfit Redbud and Arizona-born pop star Vaishalini.

Stay Black & Live Blooms at George Washington Carver Museum

Stay Black & Live, a wellspring in support against a global health crisis and race-related violence, now takes form as a community carnival and concert. The event will feature New Orleans funk-hop crew Tank & the Bangas and Geto Boys rapper Scarface headlining on Saturday 15 at the historic George Washington Carver Museum. Anticipate an event filled with music, films, slam poetry, and a Free Your Mind Symposium continuing through Wednesday.

Babestock Music Festival Adds Flamboyance at Cheer Up Charlies

Cheer Up Charlies welcomes all the grown babes (21+, kiddos) for Babestock on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16. Promoted as the first and free electronica festival featuring only femme-identified and gender-expansive artists on the whole continent, Babestock is set to create ripples in the music scene.

The week further promises an impressive Juneteenth Celebration With Deezie Brown, the Past Lives at Hotel Vegas, and a live performance by the Drive-By Truckers at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Don’t miss the musical magic happening in the heart of Austin this week.