Live music review: The Bright Light Social Hour, Lolita Lynne played SIMS Foundation event

On Saturday, May 14, Austin rockers The Bright Light Social Hour along with Lolita Lynn and DJ Cassandra entertained SIMS Foundation supporters at Central Machine Works. The concert and fundraiser sponsored by The Zebra, Storable and CMW has already raised over $7,000 to help SIMS Foundation provide mental health and recovery services for Austin area music industry members and their dependent families.

And the fundraising isn’t done yet! There are still opportunities for folks who want to support mental health in our music community. You can still purchase raffle tickets from Calton Cases and Tequila 512. Calton is giving the winner their choice of a custom guitar case or equipment case. Tequila 512 is offering a chance to win an inflatable paddle board with a bunch of accessories. If you would prefer to donate directly to SIMS Foundation, visit their online donation page.

The fun began Saturday with an upbeat set from DJ Cassandra who got the tunes and party going by spinning great music as patrons enjoyed warm, Spring weather on Central Machine Works’ spacious patio while the entertainment on stage went on.

Patrons also browsed the Vendor Market organized by Futuremoon Vintage, enjoyed libations and food from Central Machine Works’ kitchen that specializes in Neapolitan style pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and salads. The space is actually quite attractive, making for an ideal hangout spot on a nice day in Austin.

Next, songstress, Lolita Lynne took the stage solo, with an acoustic guitar before her bandmates joined her to finish out the performance. The set highlighted Lynne’s songwriting and vocal chops which have been honed from a young age. Lynne is the daughter of Tito & Tarantula bandleader, Tito Larriva. You may remember the group from their appearance in the Tarantino film, From Dusk Til Dawn.

Lynne’s lovely performance ended about the time the sun fully set on the party, making way for show emcee, Taylor Wallace-Riegel of KUTX who enthusiastically informed folks on SIMS’ mission to provide mental health and recovery services to music industry members. The sprite red-headed radio host went on to introduce the evening’s headliner, The Bright Light Social Hour.

With introductions and formalities out of the way, TBLSH took the stage with a fresh, new lineup introduced last week at the Daniel Sahad (Nane) Memorial at Empire Garage. The band now features five members including percussionist Juan Alfredo Ríos who you may recognize from Austin act, Como Las Movies. The other new member is Mia Carruthers who plays keys and sings backing vocals. Both are as adept at making beautiful music as are founders, Curtis Roush and Jackie O’Brien who along with drummer Zac Cantanzaro are currently at work on yet another record.

The band even introduced a new track, playing it live for the first time ever following a performance of their song, “Enough” from 2020’s Jude Vol II which landed on our Best Austin Albums of 2020 list. It was thrilling to hear the song performed live as it’s one of The Cosmic Clash staff favorites off that recording. Watch below:

The remaining set list was equally compelling as TBLSH demonstrated their musical mastery, weaving old and new songs together. The band wrapped up the set list with more tracks that spotlighted high points on their previous work like “Infinite Cities” from Space is the Still the Place (2015).

All photos: Brynn Osborn