Live music preview: SIMS Foundation benefit shows this weekend at Far Out and Meanwhile
This weekend Austin music fans will have not one but two live music events they can attend and show support for SIMS Foundation. The local non-profit provides mental health and recovery services to Austin music industry workers and their dependent family members. This weekend’s shows at Far Out Lounge and a beer launch by Meanwhile Brewing with special beer release, It’s Not That Far are two ways music fans can support SIMS and local artists while enjoying top-tier artists.
The Far Out Lounge is hosting For the Love of SIMS, a benefit concert featuring Austin singer-songwriter and favorite son, Shakey Graves along with performances by hip-hop artist, Mama Duke and local songstress, Torre Blake on Friday, February 18. A portion of ticket sales will go to SIMS.
Alejandro Rose Garcia, better known as Shakey Graves has been thrilling music audiences around the world since he stepped into the Austin music scene over ten years ago, quickly gaining a loyal following with his one-man band act that featured his sublime lyrics along with acoustic guitar and a kick-drum built into a vintage Samsonite suitcase.
2020 Saw Graves drop an EP that delved into psychedelic pop, staying further from his folk and Americana roots. That willingness to explore creative boundaries and allow growth as an artist has taken Graves far. Fans who manage to grab tickets to the show Friday will be treated to what amounts to an underplay performance at Far Out Lounge by Graves.
If you caught SIMS Foundation’s live stream from Arlyn Studios last October, then you already know about the talents of Mama Duke and Torre Blake. The first is a cutting edge MC who according to Austin360 Music, “created a lane for LBGTQ hip hop acts in Austin. That’s high praise but not surprising after working with this artist at Arlyn. Their flow is as smooth as their lyrics.
Torre Blake is a gifted singer and performer y’all should take note of. Her vocal delivery is sort of the the counterpoint to Wilson’s powerhouse delivery and Mama Duke’s hip hop flow. Blake’s inspired, jazzy vocal technique is evident in the clip below.
Meanwhile (see what we did there?) The Czech-style pilsner being released on Saturday at both Meanwhile Brewing and Far Out Lounge is benefiting SIMS Foundation by donating proceeds from the sale of the beer on February 19 to the mental health organization.
The lineup at Meanwhile is part of a ticketed show University of Texas campus radio station KVRX is hosting featuring Cosmic Clash favorites, psych-rockers Annabelle Chairlegs along with Batty Jr. The craft brewery, like Far Out Lounge has several good food trucks to choose from for fans.
Over at Far Out on Saturday, Denton songwriter Cody West hits the outdoor stage with Lubbock singer Slade Coulter. West has toured with Bandera’s Charlie Robison along with Koe Wetzel and Whiskey Myers. Tickets are available in advance from Far Out’s ticketing page.
Note: This story has been updated to reflect a lineup change with Sir Woman stepping off the bill due to personal reasons. Shakey Graves has been added as the new headliner effective Thursday, February 17 -Editor
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