After a nail-biting election, it’s a safe bet plenty of folks will be ready to clear their heads with live music — and a strong drink or two. Good news: this week holds plenty of solid options to do both.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Andy Summers
As guitarist for the Police, Andy Summers is responsible for truly iconic six-string work — “Every Breath You Take” and “Message in A Bottle,” for starters. He played a key role in helping the band become one of the few acts that sprung from the punk era to become part of the classic rock canon. For his current Cracked Lens + Missing String tour, Summers will blend his storytelling, photography and musical mastery for a spellbinding evening similar in nature to his 2012 documentary Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police. The multimedia performance will even incorporate an audience Q&A. $39-$159, 7 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., majesticempire.com. — BB
Local Natives
The comfortable indie-rock sound of SoCal group Local Natives underpins the vibrant blend of harmonies led by lead vocalist Taylor Rice with a mix of complex and driving rhythms. Formed in 2008, the act became an alternative mainstay with the 2019 single “When Am I Going To Lose You.” This headliner-only show promises Local Natives fans an engrossing dive into the band’s catalog. $53-$135, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — DC
Friday, Nov. 8
Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians
Fans of Canadian indie rockers Tokyo Police Club can come say “sayonara” to the band as it stops in SA on its farewell tour. After nearly two decades, the quartet is hanging up its catchy “blog rock” sound, best characterized by the 2010 hit single “Bambi.” $41.25-$86.50, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — DC
Black Crowes
The Black Crowes’ Robinson brothers, whose feuds rank among the most notorious in the music business, have set aside their differences for their 10th studio album, Happiness Bastards, and are even continuing with tour dates they lined up opening for the now-retired Aerosmith. Even pushing into their third decade as a band, the Black Crowes remain one of the finest purveyors of no-bullshit, post-Stones rock ’n’ roll —soulful, bluesy and able to deliver well-executed hit songs. $89.50, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, tobincenter.org. — BB
Burning Witches, Byfist, Militia, Grind
All-female Swiss quintet Burning Witches specializes in a satisfyingly brutal blend of old-school heavy metal and backs it up with solid musicianship. The band is touring behind its 2023 album The Dark Tower and recently completed a run with KK’s Priest — led by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing — which should offer an indication of the kind of power chord-driven ’80s-style chug that’s in store. Classic South Central Texas metal acts Byfist and Militia will help keep the vibe era-appropriate. $25 and up, 8 p.m., Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music Venue, 437 McCarty Road, Suite 101, (210) 607-7007, fitzrockssa.com. — Sanford Nowlin
Melissa Carper, Jolie Holland
Singer-songwriter Melissa Carper has been wowing audiences nationwide with her no-frills take on classic country music. American Songwriter Magazine even called her “the contemporary queen of Western Swing.” Cult hero songwriter Jolie Holland, who first rose to fame as part of the celebrated Canadian roots group The Be Good Tanyas, will open the show. Together, the pair comprise one of the strongest Americana bills the city has seen in quite some time. Recommended. $12, 8 p.m., The Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., thelonesomerose.com. — BB
Saturday, Nov. 9
Lady Wray
After featuring on Missy Elliott’s debut album and performing on the rapper’s top-10 hit “Make It Hot,” Lady Wray has emerged as an R&B star in her own right. Little surprise. Wray’s superstar voice soars over her soulful and well-tuned backing band. It’s classic stuff, well-performed. $37, 8 p.m., Carver Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., thecarver.org. — BB
Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed
Related Stories
Austin’s Levitation festival brought psychedelic catharsis and unforgettable performances
F–k You, Greg Abbott — The Musical
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.