Austin's live music saga continues with a deep dive into the blues as the Austin Blues Festival gears up to serve another year of soul-stirring performances on April 27 and 28 at Waterloo Park's Moody Amphitheater. Big names and electrifying acts are on the bill, including the likes of legend Buddy Guy and the mighty Brittany Howard, ready to headline the two-day fest.
While the festival's vibe stays true to the smaller venues' charm, powerhouses like Guy and Howard ensure the Austin Blues Festival punches above its weight. Guitarist Buddy Guy, a touchstone of Chicago blues, will take the Saturday spotlight alongside Jimmie Vaughan and his Tilt-A-Whirl Band. According to CultureMap Austin, Guy is no stranger to Austin, having shared stages with the city's own blues prodigies like Gary Clark Jr. and the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan.
The festival, relaunched by Antone's co-owner Will Bridges and talent buyer Zach Ernst, also honors the Austin musical heritage, with Clifford Antone having kicked off the blues fest back in 1999. Touted as the world's only all-female brass band -- because apparently, someone's keeping score -- The Original Pinettes Brass Band will also add their unique flair to the weekend's lineup, as reported by CultureMap Austin.
Sunday's headliner is Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, going solo this time and heralded by CultureMap as a "sublimely uplifting avant-soul savant." Genre boundaries will be blurred with performances ranging from New Orleans hip-hop to Afro-Cuban funk, with acts like Big Freedia and Robert Glasper adding to the festivities. The Austin Chronicle detailed the Sunday schedule, which kicks off with the seasoned Robert Finley at 1:00 pm, followed by the UK's James Hunter and culminating with the spirited set from Howard.
Ticket holders can expect more than just a lineup of artists; the festival will host pop-up shops like Goodwill Central Texas, Planet K, and Big Henry's Vinyl & Gifts. Music lovers still have a chance to snag their passes starting at $80 for a day and $130 for both days. Be warned though, prices are set to jump after Friday, April 12, according to the Austin Chronicle. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, ensuring that the festival not only revives the past but also contributes to the city's green future.
