Weekend music picks: Alejandro Escovedo, Jackie Venson, more
OUR TOP PICKS
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Friday: Bill Kirchen’s 70th birthday bash at El Mercado Backstage. Originally from Connecticut, electrifying guitarist Kirchen rose to fame in Michigan and then the Bay Area with Commander Cody & the Lost Planet Airmen, later moving to the D.C. area and rocking out with the trio Too Much Fun. For the past decade or so, he’s been in Austin, a constant presence in local clubs. He hits the big seven-oh on Friday, and the celebration will include performances by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Albert & Gage, Ben Jones, Redd Volkaert and, of course, Kirchen himself. There’s no cover charge, but donations will be accepted for Swan Songs, which fulfills end-of-life wishes for music fans. 8 p.m. 1302 S. First St. elmercadorestaurant.com. — P.B.
Friday-Saturday: Alejandro Escovedo with Ben Dickey & Charlie Sexton at Continental Club. Long the Tuesday-night fixture in the Continental’s world-champion residency roster, Escovedo moved to Dallas a couple of years ago, but he comes back a few times a year to the city where he spent more than three decades. Those who stay late for the midnight set will get a special treat: Dickey and Sexton starred together in “Blaze,” the new film based on legendary Austin troubadour Blaze Foley, and Sexton recently produced a solo album for Dickey that should be released soon. $20-$22. 10 p.m. 1315 S. Congress Ave. continentalclub.com. — P.B.
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Friday-Saturday: Antone’s 43rd anniversary opening weekend. Austin’s home of the blues got some hard news with the June deaths of Matt “Guitar” Murphey and Eddy Clearwater, both of whom were scheduled to play as part of the downtown club’s monthlong annual bash. But everything remains on track for a solid start, with hometown favorites Carolyn Wonderland and Jackie Venson joined on Friday by Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry. Saturday features two hot shows: Arrive early for a 6:30 p.m. Tex-Mex jam featuring Augie Meyers with Ernie Durawa, Westside Horns, Jack Barber and Murali Coryell, and stay late for New Orleans Night at 10 p.m. with Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters and New Breed Brass Band. $10-$20 (a $200 pass that covers all of the July shows as well is also available). 305 E. Fifth St. antonesnightclub.com. — P.B.
Friday
Chris Brown, H.E.R., 6Lack, Rich the Kid at Austin360 Amphitheater
Trixie Mattel at Emo’s (two shows)
Shreya Ghoshal at HEB Center
David Ramirez live album recording, Matthew Wright at Parish
Octopus Project, Young Tongue at Mohawk outdoor
Sounding Clay at One World Theatre
Robotaki at Kingdom
Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights, Jesse Ebaugh & the Tender Things at Sam’s Town Point
Brick & Mortar, Unlikely Candidates at 3Ten
Marcus Abogado send-off with Octopus Project, Young Tongue, more at Mohawk outdoor
Starlito at the Parish
Adrian Ruiz Quintet at Elephant Room
Tomar & the FCs, Rosie Flores at C-Boy’s
Roxy Roca, Continental Drift, Big Britches at Hotel Vegas
Wild Now, Quiet Hollers at Stubb’s indoor
Murali Coryell at Geraldine’s
Saturday
Weezer, Pixies, Wombats at Austin360 Amphitheater
Hobo Johnson & the Lovemakers, Grandson at Mohawk outdoor (sold out)
Shane Smith & the Saints, Jaime Wyatt at Scoot Inn
David Ramirez at Parish
Rhymin’ N Stealin’, Dr. Dugger at 3Ten
Dada Life at Vulcan Gas Company
Starlito at Parish
Dali Departed Surrealist Ball at Empire Control Room
Carson McHone, White Ghost Shivers, Dave Insley’s Careless Smokers at White Horse
Ramsay Midwood, Will Courtney, John Francis at Sam’s Town Point
Calliope Musicals, Trouble in the Streets at Cheer Up Charlie’s
Ray Prim, American Dreamer at Cactus Cafe
Danny Malone, Amy Cook at Townsend
Ringo Deathstarr, Smiile, Get a Life, Brother Sports at Hotel Vegas
Tomar & the FCs, Soul Man Sam at C-Boy’s
Arielle LaGuette, Charlie Faye & the Fayettes at Geraldine’s
Albert & Gage at Threadgill’s North
Sunday
Chicago, REO Speedwagon at Austin360 Amphitheater
Supersuckers, Speedealer at 3Ten
Billy King & the Bad Bad Bad, Think No Think at Spider House Ballroom
Resentments, Jesse Vain at Saxon Pub
Lo Jinx Supper Club, Purgatory Players at El Mercado Backstage
Missy Beth & the Morning Afters at ABGB
Sleeping Pills, Crooked Bangs, Plague Boys at Beerland
Jim Stringer Country Jam at Sam’s Town Point