A week on the scene
Trance syndicate
Over the last decade, Paul Oakenfold’s name has become synonymous with trance music and his sound has emerged as a ubiquitous advertising tool, even as his face remains largely unfamiliar to the masses. On June 6, Oakenfold, most often associated with high-profile remix projects, will unleash his latest solo album, A Lively Mind, via Maverick Records. The album features cameos from the likes of Pharrell Williams, Grandmaster Flash, and Brittany Murphy (?!). Oakenfold will give San Antonio a taste of his new work with a gig at Planeta Bar-rio (3830 Parkdale) on Monday, March 20, with support from Kenny Thomas, Cilly C, Jerimiah Aaron, and Kik One.
Peripheral vision
Whatever your opinion of South By Southwest, the business entity that sanctions music and film confabs every March, the mere presence of SXSW attracts a lot of fascinating, non-affiliated stuff on the Austin periphery. And, unlike SXSW itself, most of these events don’t require you to pawn your wedding ring for a badge or stand in a long line while guessing whether the Arctic Monkeys’ bassist is wearing his trademark parka inside La Zona Rosa.
Local quartet Buttercup is taking full advantage of this alternative-SXSW by maintaining a calendar more full than those of many officially showcasing bands. The group plays with singer-songwriter Hilary York at the Dandelion Cafe (115 E. 11th St.) on Wednesday, March 15, at 11 p.m. On Friday, March 17, the quartet performs at Texas Music Magazine’s Reader Appreciation Party at Scholz Beer Garden (1607 San Jacinto) at 5 p.m. The following night, Buttercup takes part in the South By So Wet blowout at Wet Salon (1109 Congress) at 2:10 p.m. All these gigs are free, but the Reader Appreciation Party requires an invitation.
Also, hitting Austin this week are Los Mescaleros, who play a free show at Guero’s (1412 S. Congress) on Thursday, March 16, at 9 p.m., and punk up-and-comers Muldoon, who took part in a multi-band showcase at Redrum on March 14.
Compiled by Gilbert Garcia
