As the Austin City Limits Music Festival quickly approaches, many students cannot wait to don their flag bandanas and flower crowns in anticipation of their favorite bands. For others, mention of the festival will simply elicit an eye roll or small groan. In a city that offers a different live show every day, there are many alternatives to the crowds, the prices and the possibility of a rained-out ACL. The Daily Texan presents an unofficial guide to live music for those who are avoiding Zilker Park this weekend — or even to those who just want to see it all.
Holy Mountain
What: Holy Mountain will be hosting shows throughout the week that are worth looking into. This particular show is all ages and features an intriguing combination of indie and experimental instrumental artists as its lineup.
When: Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Where: Holy Mountain on East Seventh Street
Who: Daniel Francis Doyle, Crossrecord, Electrician, and Marcus Rubio
Cost: Free
Spider House Ballroom presents October Artist of the Month: Zettajoule
What: Spider House announces its Artist of the Month for October, Zettajoule. Spiderhouse provides an intimate venue close to campus, and, if one ends up liking Zettajoule, the group will be there every Wednesday for the rest of the month.
When: Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Where: Spider House Ballroom on Fruth and 29th streets
Who: Zettajoule, The Dialtones, and Yuma
Cost: $3
In Too Deep Tour with Ty Dolla $ign
What: Ty Dolla $ign is one of the biggest non-ACL associated names to be rolling through town this week. This all-ages show provides some rap to contrast the rock-dominated Austin music scene.
When: Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Empire Control Room and Garage on East Seventh Street
Who: Ty Dolla $ign with Lil Bibby, Joe Moses
Cost: $20
Vagina’s Fall Issue Release Party
What: This 21-and-over event celebrates the release of Vagina magazine's fall issue for 2014. On top of a mixed lineup of local and imported artists, attendees will also have access to issues of the magazine, candy and free condoms.
When: Friday at 9 p.m.
Where: Cheer Up Charlie’s on Ninth and Red River streets
Who: SoKo, Bells & Parks, Chambers, The Gents, DJ $arah Fly, Belle and Sebastian (DJ set on the outside stage)
Cost: Free
Red 7
What: Another venue to keep an eye on throughout the week, Red 7 welcomes notable Japanese punk pop trio Shonen Knife as they grace the stage alongside two local bands. This show admits all ages.
When: Friday at 9 p.m.
Where: Red 7 on East Seventh Street
Who: Shonen Knife with Sweet Talk, Wildfires
Cost: $13 online or $15 at the door
Ditch the Fest Fest
What: For those really looking to let their anti-ACL flag fly, Empire Control Room hosts its sixth “Ditch the Fest Fest” with an impressive array of more than 25 local artists to be enjoyed by all ages throughout the night. There will be a second Ditch the Fest Fest during the second weekend of ACL, on Oct. 11.
When: Saturday at 2 p.m.
Where: Empire Control Room & Garage on East Seventh Street
Who: Tele Novella, Sip Sip, Chipper Jones, Future Death, and more
Cost: $5
The Continental Club
What: The Continental Club opens its doors for those looking to enjoy some laid-back midday, country-inspired live music with this cover-free show.
When: Saturday at 3 p.m.
Where: The Continental Club on South Congress
Who: Wifee and Huzz Band, Rosie Flores, Redd Volkaert
Cost: Free
Never Give Up Benefit Concert for SMA
What: An evening show with a cause, this event has a lineup of local musicians to raise funds and awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. There’s no cover, but donations will go to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation for SMA awareness. The event is for people 21 and older.
When: Sunday at 4 p.m.
Where: One-2-One Bar on South Lamar Boulevard
Who: Hannah Williams Band, Lisa Marshall Band, Meagan Tubb, Tanya Winch, and Ivory Tribes
Cost: Free
Hotel Vegas
What: Hotel Vegas hosts a lineup of local rock groups most nights of the year. Music lovers over the age of 21 should head to this bar to end the weekend with a reminder of what the Austin music scene is really about.
When: Sunday at 9 p.m.
Where: Hotel Vegas on East Sixth Street
Who: Sweet Spirit, Absolutely Not, Dead Shakes, Girl Country Hits, and Gothic Cowgirl DJs
Cost: Free
