(10/22) Texas Soul Revue at Ruta Maya

Like any other Friday night in Austin, there are so many amazing live shows to pick from. This Friday night though, is especially heavy. Choices ranging from The Gorrillaz at The Frank Erwin Center to Stone Temple Pilots at The Backyard will force music lovers to choose between many of their favorites. If you are looking to get out and avoid all that touring act and stadium show craziness, then you should head over to Ruta Maya on South Congress. They seem to have a good party going on that celebrates some of the best local blues, funk and soul.

Ruta Maya has been one of my favorite local venues in the past few years, especially since they moved from downtown to South Congress. I love how it is out of the way from downtown, sells food, non-alcoholic drinks and has a great new sound system. It is a venue unlike any other in town and now they have a new booking manager. I have already seen the changes in what they are trying to do, the first sign being a Leatherbag residency on Thursdays. Friday night they are throwing a soul party with Lisa Marshall, Dertybird and Soul Track Mind. The line up is a mix of southern rock style blues and old school soul. It is not an everyday showcase although those musical genres can be found here in Austin.

Doors open at 8:00pm. The cover is $10, which I think is a little high for this sort of local show. Still, I know local musicians don't make a lot of money on shows and have to split the door amongst all the performers. I hope it does well which is why I chose to spotlight it here on my blog. Here's a clip I found on YouTube from headliner Soul Track Mind that gives you an idea of their vibe and sound:

The Frontier Brothers headline Mind of Adi residency twice in June

Adi Anand is doing his thing again on Wednesday at Mohawk, this time with The Frontier Brothers headlining. They will headline again on June 23rd. This is an early show for folks who either don't want to be out all night or work early on Thursday. There's an art show element to the show and a chance to win some Austin Aztex soccer tickets.

Doors open at 6:00pm. Both Seaholm Electric and Invisible Inks are on the bill as openers. I've never seen either or heard either so it will be cool to hear something different Wednesday. I suggest you do the same. If you've never heard The Frontier Brothers, check out their music video for their single "You Should Start A Band". Notice the token indie usage of bears. Yes, the rule of thumb in the indie band world is animals like bears, rabbits and deer are "indie" animals.