Live music review: Austin Blues Fest aims to preserve Antone’s legacy
There are few homegrown Austin events left as of 2026. We still have HAAM Day, Austin Psych Fest and Levitation, Eeyore’s Birthday, and a handful of others, but times are tough, and the good folks that organize all these great things need the community to keep the traditions going. For Austin institution, venue and record store, Antone’s Austin Blues Fest, a gathering of adoring locals flocked to the Moody Amphitheater to experience both Texas Blues classics and other legacy acts to build a festival slate with so much talent in one weekend, it proved to be a must-see. On Sunday April 26, a stacked bill commenced for a day of showcasing undeniable fun with an experience that was uniquely Austin.
Upon entrance to Moody Amp, the vibes were at an all-time high. The clouds were blocking the boiling sun, Austin local businesses were showcased in the food choices throughout the venue, and everyone was posted up picnic style on the Amp’s lawn, all ready for a day full of great music and Austinite unity. The setup at Moody Amphitheater usually includes a lawn and a seated section. However, for some gigs the venue will opt to remove all the chairs in lieu of one big lawn. For Austin Blues Fest, this decision was welcomed as folks were able to set up “Camp” with family friends to enjoy the aura on a Sunday in April. Usually hot weather comes around this time, but the cloud overcast bailed us out for a mild day in the downtown Austin outdoors.
Nashville southern rockers Larkin Poe served as boom-stomp highlight. Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell have infectious chemistry onstage, both sharing vocal duties while providing masterclass in roots rock guitar and lap steel respectively. With the better part of two decades and several studio albums deep at this point, the Lovells and their trusted backing band provided an electrifying late-afternoon special that paved the way for the evening’s most anticipated acts.
Jazz-fusion-instrumental-jam-funk collective BADBADNOTGOOD made a coveted appearance at the festival, their first Austin gig since Levitation 2023. Built off a trio that met at a music conservatory in their hometown of Toronto, the Canadian band has attracted A-list collaborations with the likes of Tyler The Creator, Daniel Caesar, Mick Jenkins, Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface Killah, and MF DOOM.
The three-piece consists of multi-instrumentalists Matthew Tavares, Alexander Sowinski, and Chester Hansen, with a rotating cast of band members that account for every sound of their boundless studio and live creativity. Their Moody Amp performance showcased a expertise in sampling of their ever-growing discography, including jazzy, prog rock freakouts with intricate solo sections that leave nothing behind but boggled minds. An ideal warm up for the evening’s headliner in Parliament-Funkadelic.
The story of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic has filled many music history books with an infinite amount of different discourse about their overall impact on rock and roll, funk, soul, hip hop, R&B, and just about everything under the LSD-soaked sun. Now 84 years old, his passion for music and performing hasn’t appeared to fade even a miniscule amount. With all the surreal imagery, stacks upon stacks of hits, and an ever-rotating list of onstage collaborators that assimilate into his world of funk, audiences never want these rambunctious dance party spectacles to conclude.
You know all of these songs, even if you didn’t know they were by George Clinton and his laundry list of associates. Smashes like “One Nation Under A Groove,” “Atomic Dog,” and “Give Up the Funk,” all appeared on Sunday evening to make up a shortlist of world-renowned anthems that have had a place in culture for going on six decades. Even more crowd favorites came into play with the massive Funkadelic classics “Maggot Brain” and “Cosmic Slop.”
With people like Eddie Hazel (RIP), Bootsy Collins, and Bernie Worrell being a part of the long list over the years, Clinton still brings greatness to the stage even with new generations of players. This music is timeless and has the power to carry a legacy that could stretch over the next millennium. Clinton’s stepdaughter Scottie Clinton acted as a major influence of commanding stage presence, and of course always made sure her dad was in the fold in between stints on his “King of Funk” throne. George has done more than enough in his life, and the dude has earned the privilege of sitting down or joining in when he pleases. You’re not going to get another one like this, guys. No one gets funked up like Pfunk.
Austin Blues Fest 2026 was an affirming experience that showed what makes this city so musically fruitful to this day. Keep going to shows, buying merch, tipping bartenders, and showing support in any way you can. The music and arts community needs our support when times get tough as they are now. If you’re looking for Austin businesses to support, check out the list of Blues Fest sponsors here.
Featured photo by Dusana courtesy of Austin Blues Festival
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