Hey y’all, we’re in Austin, TX this week for South By Southwest. This week’s column will highlight some cool Athens-related stuff happening out here. There’s also some down-home local stuff here, too. So, as we say in Texas, hold your horses. Now let’s get into it…
FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS: The annual Athens In Austin party continues its galloping influence again this year. The 2024 event takes place at Lambert’s (401 W 2nd St.) Thursday, Mar. 14. Featured acts, in order of appearance, are Molecular Steve (8 p.m.), Spencer Thomas (8:50 p.m.), Rose Hotel (9:40 p.m.), Elijah Johnston (10:30 p.m.), Pylon Reenactment Society (11:20 p.m.), Snõõper (12:10 a.m.) and Heffner (1:00 a.m.). All times are Central Standard Time. For more information, just show up and ask someone.
Y’ALL COME BACK: And if you don’t wear yourself out at the Athens party, then head down to Antone’s (305 E 5th St.) on Friday, Mar. 15 for the New West Records SXSW showcase. This showcase in particular is such a great chance to catch up on New West and associated label artists that might have slipped through your fingers thus far. This night’s lineup is as follows: Luther Dickinson (8 p.m.), The Howdies (8:45 p.m.), Color Green (9:30 p.m.), Travis Roberts feat. Pedal Steel Noah (10:15 p.m.), The Deslondes (11 p.m.), Emily Nenni (12 a.m.), The Pink Stones (1 a.m.). Again, all in Central Standard Time.
TEN FORWARD GEARS AND A GEORGIA OVERDRIVE: SXSW is an exhausting marathon of a week even when you’re well rested, well fed and reasonably sober. And that’s just if you’re a fan or a member of the press. Every year, I’m in awe at how many bands slog their equipment around to play multiple shows in week-long bumper-to-bumper traffic, no sound checks, no parking, and—as a general rule—poor nutrition and hydration. So, this year my awe goes to The Pink Stones, who have seven shows total lined up this week, including the one mentioned above. The others are Wednesday, Mar. 13 at Colton House Hotel (2:30 p.m.); Thursday, Mar. 14 at The White Horse (10 p.m.); Friday, Mar 15 at Draught House (3 p.m.), Still Austin (7 p.m.) and then Antone’s (1 a.m.); Saturday, Mar. 16 at Sagebrush (10 p.m.); and then again at Sagebrush on Sunday, Mar. 17 (9 p.m.). If you see these boys around, buy ‘em a beer and a slice and give ‘em a pat on the back. For more information, please see thepinkstones.com.
CLOSER TO HOME: Immaterial Possession has a new single on Monday, Mar. 18. It’s titled “Tropical Still Life Floridian Variant,” which is a perfectly reasonable name, considering the band tells me it’s a re-working of its song “Tropical Still Life,” which first appeared on the band’s self-titled debut album from January 2023. Whereas the original was a little languid in its mood and delivery, this new variant is jumped up in rhythm, the production is as bright as the damn sun, and it’s also a whole minute shorter. It’s nothing you wouldn’t expect from Immaterial Possession, which is to say if you’re already onboard you should love it, and if you’re not then why not? Fix that over at immaterialpossession.bandcamp.com and facebook.com/immaterialpossession.
ÉIRINN GO BRÁCH: Athens Irish folk group Fawney Rig is running the St. Patrick’s Day gamut with three shows scheduled this week. On Friday, Mar. 15 it’ll play The Nowhere Bar (8 p.m. and $10), Saturday, Mar. 16 at Winterville’s Front Porch Bookstore (6 p.m. and free), and a double-shot at Hendershot’s on St. Patrick’s Day itself, complete with traditional food, on Sunday, Mar. 17 (6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $25). The band is composed of Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) and Nathan Peters (Beat Up) along with a group of friends handling accordion, banjo, drums and upright bass. Have fun, don’t act the maggot, and wash your hands after you visit the jacks because we’re still in cold and flu season. Slán go fóill!
TEARS-N-BEERS: This news probably could have waited another week but, what the hell, let’s just go ahead and mention it. Athens deathrockers Tears For The Dying have returned from a successful run of shows in Florida where it began each night as practical unknowns and walked away each night with a basketful of new fans. These dates were in support of the group’s new full length album In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun. The band will return to the road in May and venture through a brief flirtation with the Midwest before barreling down the east coast. Relevant to your interests, though, is the fact the band will play its Athens record release show Saturday, Mar. 23 at Ciné along with Astral Summer, and then the show closes out with Goth Karaoke. For more information, please see facebook.com/TearsForTheDying and listen in at tearsforthedying.bandcamp.com.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
