It’s damn hot outside this week, there’s just no getting around it. But Nate Abernethy has some event recommendations to help you make the most of the week, including a hip-hop house party (but not that hip-hop house party), an indie rock telethon and a fundraiser that’s for the dogs. Check it.
Friday
If you haven’t already seen Austin Mic Exchange’s first AMX Cypher please stop what you’re doing and enjoy. I’ll give you the obligatory few minutes to coo over the pups at Austin Pets Alive before you get to the syrupy sweet lyrical exchange… All right, we good? Good. If you want to come check out the best of Austin’s hip hop for yourself, cypher contributors Space Camp Death Squad will be teaming up with the ongoing Pomegranate Series at the 21st Street Coop. The Pomegranate Series takes the concept of shooting a series of short films and then samples the actual audio from the short film to create a score complete with different guest MCs dropping bars over these creatively-crafted beats. It’s a genius collaborative effort that helps showcase a variety of Austin’s talent both in film and music. The MCs from season one will all be performing Friday night with a jam-packed lineup. Space Camp Death Squad will be bringing their quick witted intensity as they swap lines and pass mics, the alluring Anya who carries a classic jazz flair will keep it going into the night as she alternates between smooth flows that teeter on spoken word and impresses with fast spitting hard hitters, show stealing rapper Potent Tai is stopping by to showcase his unique take on ’90s east coast hip hop and many more including Pomegranate standouts Qwyntel Carter, CasinoAtx and Kazanova, Zy Yung with DJ Hexum providing tunes throughout the show. Everything starts at 9:30 for free at the 21st Street Co-Op.
Saturday
Saturday brings you multiple options not only for good tunes, but multiple opportunities to support worthwhile causes.
First off there is Austin indie favorite Tele Novella’s fundraiser show as they prepare to take off on a massive US tour for the next few months. They need help pulling together a tour van and will be taking donations at ABGB while an impressive set plays on. Tele Novella will be joined by the sensational synth of Slugbug , who will kick everything off with a solo set, haunting minimalist pop punkers Polio Club will also be performing with Austin band The Black, newly reformed Bo Bud Greene, dance pop collective Borrisokane and the delicious Daniel Francis Doyle & The Dreams who will be bringing their unique dance determined style. It’s a great chance to take advantage of some beer specials, wolf down some pizza slices and support your favorite artists. If you can’t make it out Tele Novella also has launched an Indiegogo campaign that could use your help. Everything starts at 6pm at The ABGB.
If you prefer a more cute and cuddly cause, Austin Pets Alive will be hosting a benefit at Hole in The Wall with a silent auction, art booths, puppies galore and of course music. Whitman’s lead singer Ram Velma will be performing an acoustic set. Haunting ethereal artist, and the tinder match that got away, Les Rav is returning from a brief month long hiatus, and for those unfortunate enough to have never heard her voice or even skimmed her lyrics this is an opportunity not to be missed. Also billed is local folk band Cary Illinois and the multi-faceted indie rock band Crooked Sails. All leading up to another sure to be stellar performance from Austin mainstay Mighty Mountain. It all starts at 7pm for a mere $5 donation at Hole In the Wall. Even if you can’t make it out you can donate to Austin Pets Alive at your own convenience.