Friday, March 6, 2026

funk

Brian HillsmanLive MusicReview

Live music review: legendary Austin act Soulhat played holiday show at Continental Club

On December 26, legendary Austin rock outfit, Soulhat, performed in front of a packed audience for their annual holiday concert at the Live Music Capital’s oldest rock venue, Continental Club. After 36 years since forming, the Austin mainstays returned to the venue that most reflects Austin’s past with multiple residencies by longtime city players while simultaneously looking into it’s future with select newer acts.

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Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong packed Mohawk last Friday

Baltimore funk jam outfit Pigeons Playing Ping Pong soared into Austin for another musical extravaganza, their third visit since 2022, in celebration of their eighth studio LP Feed The Fire. This time, the venue of choice came in the form of Mohawk in the Red River Cultural District on Friday night. Over the three-hour excursion, fans from all kinds of music spheres made their way to pack out the downtown Austin venue for two sets of pure joy. With loyalists being dubbed,”The Flock,” the level of fan inclusiveness was palpable throughout the packed venue for an episode of victorious energy. 

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Case CockrellInterviewsLive Music

Interview: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong talk Austin, Domefest and touring in 2025

Baltimore funk institution Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are a staying force in the world of jam bands. Rounded out by singer and guitarist Greg “Scrambled Greg” Ormont, bassist Ben Carrey, guitarist Jeremy Schon, and drummer Alex “Gator” Petropulos, the road warriors from Maryland aren’t accustomed to taking any time off since their inception 17 years ago. Ahead of their show at Mohawk on Friday, November 14 in the famed Red River Cultural District in downtown Austin, The Cosmic Clash caught up with Ormont and Carrey to discuss their storied career and thoughts about  Austin’s vibe

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Greg AckermanLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Love is for Evermore benefit with Shinyribs, Sara Hickman at Radio East

Saturday, October 25 marks the third annual Love is for Evermore benefit at Radio East. The event supports Evermore, a national bereavement non-profit that advocates for benefits, education and resources for all Americans coping with the death of a loved one. One example is the group has gotten paid bereavment leave for military members. This year’s concert features Shinyribs, a rare live appearance by songwriter, Sara Hickman and special guests, Carruthers & Roush (members of The Bright Light Social Hour). There may even be some surprise guests onstage stage. Tickets for the event are currently on sale. There are VIP options which include a meet and greet with artists before the show.

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Greg AckermanLive MusicReview

Live music review: Psych Lake City rocked with The Groanies, Seeking the Sun and Musor

One of the aspects of the Salt Lake City music scene that can be appreciated is the strong foundation provided for cutting edge local acts provided by venue operators like annual Urban Lounge event Psych Lake City which took place August 15-16 at the popular downtown spot. Eleven years in, this mini-fest has consistently showcased up and coming psych-rock acts along with psych-adjacent artists. This year’s edition was a perfect example. The Cosmic Clash was on hand for the second evening of performances, as The Groanies, Seeking the Sun and headliners, Musor rocked Urban. The showcase put a spotlight on the quality of young acts SLC has to offer.

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Greg AckermanLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: MeadowFest Saturday at Far Out Lounge to benefit SIMS Foundation

This Saturday, September 23 the punk to funk, MeadowFest benefiting music mental health organization, The SIMS Foundation takes place at Far Out Lounge and Stage in South Austin. The event is the brainchild of the Meadow Goodman Foundation for Mental Health Awareness and Austin music professional and SIMS Foundation Advisory Board Member, Adrienne Lake. The festival bill is a who’s who of Austin music led by funk fusion acts, Golden Dawn Arkestra and Brownout.

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Amanda QuraishiLive MusicReview

Live music review: A joyous solstice fest by The Bright Light Social Hour

The summer solstice is upon us, and that can mean only one thing: a hometown performance by Austin’s The Bright Light Social Hour.  This year, the band was joined for their one-night Endless Light Festival at Mohawk by four other outstanding Austin bands; Megafauna, Bruce, LLuvii, and Grandmaster on June 21 at the longtime downtown Red River Cultural District venue. 

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Case CockrellLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Seven more buzz bands to see at SXSW 2025

The South By Southwest music festival is less than a week out, and the roster of artists can seem overwhelming at first glance. With a lineup that can satisfy every kind of music lover, The Cosmic Clash brings you another seven buzz bands you should put on your list for the upcoming long week of music in Austin. All set times and venues can be found on the SXSW website and SXSW GO mobile application. All listed acts are official SXSW artists. 

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Greg AckermanLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Been There 3 for The Other Ones Foundation levels up at Radio East November 2

The Other Ones Foundation is entering year three of their annual event, Been There which launched with performances by Grupo Fantasma and the once red-hot Nané (whose incendiary bandleader tragically passed away not long after) played the inaugural event at Camp Esperanza which is also where The Other Ones Foundation is located, providing housing, job training, meal service and more to unhoused individuals. Many staffers are musicians which makes this organization particularly beloved amid the sea of NPOs with Austin’s music community. This year’s event, Been There 3 moves to Radio East’s more accessible outdoor venue space on Nov 2, while the lineup upgrades to something worthy of an annual event fans may opt to travel to Austin for with headliners Galactic and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe along some of Austin’s best musical acts on the bill; Carolyn Wonderland, Chali 2Na, Deadeye, Grandmaster and Riders Against the Storm. It’s a full day of amazing live music programming versus an evening event like the previous events. 

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Case CockrellReviewSong

Single review: Sexpop drops new song and video for Who To Call

Blaise Eldred’s Sexpop was just a one-man band when the Berklee College of Music attendee arrived in Austin as a member of the now-defunct psychedelic collective Acid Carousel. Before arriving in Austin, Eldred had two albums of material with his musical vehicle Sexpop and another record with Boston-based indiegaze act RVRCT. (pronounced Rivercat) On new single “Who To Call,” Eldred takes a break from local funk mega-ensemble Grandmaster, revisiting his passion project with a fresh, refined approach with an accompanying music video to boot.

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