Austin360 blogs > Almost Urban > Archives > 2007 > July > 19 > Entry
Weekend picks: Harmonious reggae, hoppin’ hydraulics and Chamillionaire
The big urban music event this weekend is Saturday night’s Chamillionaire show at the Texas Heatwave Custom Truck and Car Show at the Travis County Expo Center. As far as I can tell, the only way to buy tickets to the show is by purchasing the $45 all access pass to the car show. Yes, it’s a big chunk of change, but in addition to the performance by red-hot Cham, you get monster trucks, a hydraulics show, BMX and motorcycle stunt teams, and a bikini contest. Alternately, the Beat 104.9 is giving away tickets, so feel free to call it up and sweet talk the DJs or drop by Planeta on Thursday or Paradox on Friday to harass them in person. The car show kicks off Friday morning and Chamillionaire performs Saturday at 8 p.m. Online tickets.
Friday: Midsummer Mashup boat party. High Corda Productions presents a 3 and a half hour dance cruise on Town Lake. With the event described as a “meltdown of people, jammin music and soulful vibes,” music will be supplied by a wide variety of DJs including Orion, Dirk Diggla and Horizontal K. Mixed drinks from The Daily Juice as well as beer from Red Stripe and Independence Brewery and food are included in your ticket. The boat loads at 8:30 p.m. at Walsh Landing (1600 Scenic Drive); the cruise begins at 9 p.m. and continues until 12:30. Tickets are $30 advance, $35 on the boat.
Friday: The Melodians at Flamingo Cantina. Known for hits such as “Sweet Sensation” and “Rivers of Babylon,” these pioneers of Lover’s Rock and Rocksteady reggae still perform with two of the trio’s original members. (The third Melodian, Brent Dowe, passed away in 2006.) Expect lush harmonies, easy grooves and a positive vibe. $12
Saturday: ‘Saturday Night Special’ at Beerland. The same DJs who bring you the Second Sunday Sock Up each month at the Longbranch Inn will be firing up the vintage R&B and sprinkling talcum powder on the dance floor at Beerland this Saturday. They play everything from Doo Wop to girl groups to rockabilly and ska, all will the express purpose of keeping the dance floor live. Cover unspecified.
Saturday: DJ Mel and Radiotron at the Whisky Bar. Speaking of keeping the dance floor live, Austin’s top-notch party rocker DJ Mel takes over the front room of the Whisky Bar on Saturday night. My favorite Mel at the Whisky Bar gig concluded with the entire crowd standing on their seats singing along to Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” as the lights came up. Good times, good times. Cover unspecified.
Comments