Live music review: Hot Summer Nights Thursday lineup with Moody Banks, David Shabani and Daniel Fears at Empire Garage
Austin hasn’t faced the devastating heat synonymous with Texas summer yet this year, but it is still hot enough for the appropriately named Hot Summer Nights event in the Red River Cultural District.
Founded in 2017, this free, three-day festival, spread amongst multiple RRCD venues, features a flurry of local up-and-coming talent as a treat to Austinites and tourists to indulge in libations and check out some new tunes. Each venue holds a nightly genre-based showcase. So, depending on your vibe at the moment, one may stroll casually from venue to venue, spot to spot, to their ear’s content, taking advantage of the free admission.
Empire Garage is one of the many participating venues, and their opening-night Hip Hop, R&B, and Soul showcase Austin Chronicle party on Thursday evening did not disappoint with performances by Moody Bank$, Daniel Fears and hip-hop artist, David Shabani. The upstart rapper was the first of three artists to perform, each with a live band on instrumentation. Shabani began his set at 9 p.m., playing music from his catalog while riding the beats covered with live instrumentation.
Originally from the Dallas area, Shabani has made Austin his home. The MC impressed the crowd with a smooth cadence and emphatic energy. Shabani spit bars over snippets and various live instrumental covers, including the Outkast’s most recognizable, “SpottieOttieDopalicious.” Check out David Shabani’s new single, “Stay Broke,” and keep an eye out for his live shows. Shabani plays Empire again on August 31 in support of Houston native and Texas Hip Hop impresario, Devin the Dude
After a brief intermission, Daniel Fears took stage with a jazzy, soulful performance that included a well-executed cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” The classically-trained musician and Houston native, not only impressed patrons with his vocals, but also displayed his musical skills on the keyboard and trombone. His performance set the table nicely for the final set of the Austin Chronicle party.
The evening’s closing act, Moody Bank$, displayed the lyricism and vocal aptitude that earned her KUTX’s featured artist of the month in September of 2022. Originally from Southern California, the R&B and Hip Hop artist performed a platter of new material, along with her familiar numbers from the Feeling Colors LP, while engaging in banter with the audience. Bank$’ latest single, “Love Me,” really captured some attention.
Hot Summer Nights is a gift to the Capital City, offering free live music, meant to expose locals to current ATX artists. The festival invites locals to explore the Red River Cultural District, which has faced a plethora of challenges and victories in the battle against gentrification and corporate takeovers. The annual event is a sister event to Free Week, both of which raise funds for the RRCD which advocates for venues restaurants and other businesses in the famed entertainment district. If you’d like to support their work, you can donate here.
When asked about the significance of the Red River Cultural District to local artists, David Shabani shared this sentiment:
Although the entirety of Austin is the truly Live Music Capital of the World, Red River District rally is the heart & soul of Austin’s music culture. Back when I was just a visitor to Austin, TX, my first ever show in this city was here in the Red River District. Thus, as members of the Austin, Texas music industry, it’s for Red River District to give back to it’s artist, as well as it is nice for us to give back to the district.
Featured photo by Jay Ybarra courtesy of Red River Cultural District
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