It may have been a Monday, but during SXSW there’s no such thing (mostly because the whole week is just a blur). After finishing up my duties for the day, I hopped on over to the second out of many shows I was looking forward to most during the festival: Shakey Graves.
Shakey Graves headlined at the Capital One House at Antone‘s on Monday, March 12 along with Austin local bands Star Parks and The Band of Heathens. I’ll preface this article by stating that this is not about Shakey Graves (we have a whole other article devoted to that here), but instead the latter two, as we were simply blown away by their fantastic performances.
Star Parks
The night began with Star Parks, a local Austin band that delivers melancholy yet groovy tunes with their unique arrangement including Andy Bianculli on guitar and vocals, Ben Burdick on bass, Nathaniel Klugman on keys, Keith Lough on drums, Derek Phelps on trumpet, and Wayne Myers on trombone.
Often described as bittersweet, Star Parks’ music set a chill mood at Antone’s with their 60’s/70’s psychedelic pop jams that were both whimsical and calming. I immediately fell in love with them and already can’t wait to see them around other venues in Austin. We hear they frequent venues such as Stay Gold, Barracuda, and Cheer Up Charlies, and will even be opening for Matt & Kim’s show at Stubbs on April 12 (brb, gonna go put that in my calendar right now).
Want proof for how cool these dudes are? Check out the below video from their live performance at KUTX Austin.
The Band of Heathens
The Band of Heathens was soon to follow with their Americana, folk rock blues. I had seen them once before at the Bud Light Summer Series with Houndmouth (another band we’re looking forward to seeing at In Bloom Festival!), and I have to say that they were even better the second time around.
Band members currently include Ed Juri and Gordi Quist on guitar and vocals, Trevor Nealon on keys, Richard Millsap on drums, and Scott Davis on Bass. For anyone from Texas or the south in general, their music just feels like home. It’s warming, welcoming, and energizing.
One of my personal favorites is their version of the classic “Look at Miss Ohio,” originally performed by Gillian Welch. Though I love the original, The Band of Heathens bring a little bit more grit and soul to this beloved track.
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Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.