Saturday, May 31, 2025
Brian HillsmanReview

Live music review: Gorillaz energized Moody Center with a mesmerizing performance

On Friday, September 30, fans of British musical group, Gorillaz, filed into Austin’s new music and event compound, the Moody Center located on the University of Texas campus. The 25,000 capacity arena opened earlier this year with performances by Willie Nelson.

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Brian HillsmanReview

Live music review: Circle Jerks headlined electrifying night of punk rock at Mohawk

September 6 marked the second evening of consecutive performances on the Mohawk outdoor stage by punk legends, Circle Jerks. The back-to-back nights of live music from the music icons celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of the Hermosa Beach, California band’s second studio album, Wild in the Streets.   

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Brian HillsmanLive Music

Live music review: An impressive night of modern Texas rock at Hole in the Wall

On Saturday, July 30, folks gathered at picnic tables on the outdoor patio at the legendary Hole in the Wall, nestled on UT’s Drag, on Guadalupe.  Many of the patrons were there to check out at least one of the four bands set to play on that warm, slightly-breezy night; Sons of Kitsch, Kyote Radio and Brian Wolff.

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Brian HillsmanReview

Live music review: A ruckus at Chess Club July 1 with Dregs, Leche and Richard

Not long after sunset on July 1, members of Richard, Dregs, and Leche hung out on the back patio at Chess Club, chatting with band mates, catching up with friends, and preparing for their respective evening sets. The dimly-lit, intimate room set the perfect stage for a punk showcase.

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Brian HillsmanReview

Live music review: Dry Cleaning Rocked East Austin at Hotel Vegas

On the beautiful evening of Wednesday, May 25, London-based, post-punk band, Dry Cleaning played in front of a sold out venue on the Hotel Vegas patio. One year after the band released their debut LP, New Long Leg, the band toured the United States, finishing the current segment of their North American tour right here in East Austin.

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Brian HillsmanReview

SXSW review: Hotel Vegas and Fire Records put on a great showcase Thursday

There was a light drizzle on Thursday morning as SXSW live-music goers began making their way toward their preferred featured venue showcase of the day.  Hotel Vegas, in conjunction with Fire Records, put on a memorably dazzling set of performances.

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Brian HillsmanReview

SXSW review: Music for Listeners showcase goes international

The cool, early-afternoon breeze on Tuesday, March 15, masked the sun’s intensity, as patrons of Lazarus Brewing Co. scanned for any shady spot on the patio, preparing for a promising afternoon of live music.  Bands lined up for the Music for Listeners showcase made their way to Austin from various regions, ready to gain the attention of many Austin locals and SXSW show goers

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Brian HillsmanReview

SXSW music review: good vibes at Next Wav by SoundCloud at Mohawk

As the cloudy overcast broke early on Monday afternoon, the crowd outside of Mohawk filed into the venue for Soundcloud’s Next Wav party at SXSW featuring an all-woman lineup, artist-focused panels and workshops to help working musicians grow their audiences.

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