Live music review: KUTX 10th Birthday celebration at Antone’s
It sure feels as if the locally-beloved radio station has been around for far longer, but on Sunday, January 15, KUTX celebrated its 10th “Birthday” at Antone’s Nightclub with a chilled-out showcase of euphonious tunes from locally-treasured bands Why Bonnie, Sun June and show opener, Redbud.
Redbud kicked off the festivities with a psych-rock set that established an ideal tone for the evening. The quartet, lead by singer-songwriter Katie Claghorn opened up their performance with new music; “Without a Spark” which Claghorn then followed by announcing it would appear on their upcoming EP, due February 24. The talented songwriter engaged in banter with show-goers, sharing stories of old Austin, including one of Strait Music Rock Camp and a broken Icee machine at the Target influencing a young Claghorn’s formative musical years.
Ending the set with one of their well-known numbers, “Kin,” the four-piece reminded the crowd that there is new music coming soon from this promising young band.
As folks continued packing the legendary Blues venue, Sun June prepared the stage for their performance. “We’re going to mellow it out a bit,” Laura Colwell, singer-songwriter of Sun June announced before she led the five-piece channeling a jazz-infused, soft-rock lounge performer with enchanting vocal presence.
The quintet opened with “Easy,” from the Somewhere LP, released one year ago as Michael Bain and Stephen Salisbury strummed their guitars. Sarah Schultz controlled the tempo on the drums. Justin Harris set the smooth, soft-rock rhythms on bass.
A few songs into the set, Sun June kicked off the opening notes of “Once In A While,” by which time the band hit their groove, immersing the audience in spirited melodies.
Throughout the show, with impressive performances of “Colors,” “Singing,” and “Slow Rise,” Colwell mentioned that the band is recording a new album, earning more heartfelt applause before polishing off a stellar performance with an apparent crowd favorite, the immediately-catchy, “Bad Girl.”
After a brief intermission, Why Bonnie topped off a wonderful evening of live music with a set that felt like a reminiscent, folk-song letter to the state they love. The quintet of Blair Howerton (singer-songwriter),Kendall Powell (keyboard/synth), Sam Houdek (guitar), Chance Williams (bass), and Mitch Lamon (drums) filled the venue with melodic, folksy hymns that ooze Texas music ethos with a contemporary twist.
Howerton alluded to the “not-so-great” beach that we all embrace as “our beach,” when introducing “Galveston,” a tune carrying nostalgic tones with which all who have spent substantial time in the Lone Star State can empathize.
Antone’s and KUTX are each synonymous staples of the Austin music scene. This KUTX Birthday showcase was the ideal tribute to a radio station that continues to excel in providing Austin music fans quality tunes, while supporting local artists and venues.
All photos by Brandon Sandler
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