The Weekend in Live Music, Sans the Crazy Crowds

Oh, Friday, sweet Friday, and the promise of music and merriment you bring. Even with SXSW ready to crash into our little Texas hamlet at any moment, there are still plenty of must-see shows this weekend. And just wait until you see the line up next week. Matt Pond PA, Mates of State, and Matisyahu all on the same night? Three magnificent Ms, unreal.

But we like to live life in the moment, and these are the bands you shouldn’t miss right here, right now.

Tonight, What Made Milwaukee Famous will solidify their Austin love at Emo’s. We’ve never seen them play in their own backyard, so we’re excited, and anticipating a healthy line. Deathray Davies and AUX will open.

The Arm is a truly East Austin way to get a little punk back in your life. They play Saturday at Beerland with Tia Carrera and Pocket Symphonies.

Between Electric 6 and She Wants Revenge, everyone at Austinist is hyping the Saturday night outdoor show at Emo’s. They are undeniably buzz bands, with the standard buzz trio of punky-poppy-eighties sounds, but at least the buzz is earned (unlike the a certain band of cold primates that, if we hear mentioned one more, we are going to boycott out of principle, no matter how fantastic British teenagers think they are).

And don’t forget to buy your tickets for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Elefant at the Parish on Tuesday. BRMC isn’t coming to SXSW, but their latest album is incredible. Get on it.

*image of The Arm's Alex Lyon by Julie Neumann