Austinist Show Preview: 311 and Snoop Dogg @ The Backyard this weekend!

As we get closer to the day The Backyard shuts its gates, what better way to commemorate the closing of a historic venue than by attending shows featuring the likes of Willie Nelson (October 26), Gipsy Kings (August 28), and yes, 311 and Snoop Dogg (this weekend).

311’s jams burst into our lives during the '90s modern-rock boom -- “Do You Right,” “Don’t Stay Home,” “Down,” and “All Mixed Up” garnered heavy rotation on radio and MTV in the early and mid '90s. The band continued to release records that met with reasonable amounts of success following their initial breakthrough. By 2001, 311 had made its way back into unending radio rotation with the summertime anthem “Amber,” and in 2004, they were firmly back on our radars (for better or for worse) with a cover of The Cure’s “Love Song.” 311’s blend of ska, reggae and rock has gained them a loyal fan base that will no doubt make their way to The Backyard on both Saturday and Sunday as the band headlines two shows in Austin over the weekend.

But there’s also another reason to attend the shows this weekend -- The Doggfather himself, Snoop Dogg will bring his laid back rapping skills to 13101 W. Highway 71 to give us another chance to witness his undeniable hits live in concert. Some of us attended his show at Stubb’s in 2002 but were a little displeased with the short set even if it did mostly contain Doggystyle anthems. Dogg, or Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. (and formerly Snoop Doggy Dogg) has churned out many a classic in his heyday such as “Gin and Juice” and “Murder Was The Case,” plus some memorable ditties like “Lodi Dodi” and “Serial Killa” and of course, his breakthrough single “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” Snoop Dogg has left his mark on numerous movies throughout his career as well, while also being featured on television series’ including his Doggy Fizzle Televizzle show on MTV, and more recently Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood on E!

Follow the jump for a chance to win tickets.