Weekend Music Preview: Ra Ra Riot & The Calm Blue Sea

Since you probably spent a reasonable amount of money at the 2008 Austin City Limits Music Festival, we offer up two giveaways to encourage you catch some more live music this weekend. In fact, opportunities to see shows for free dominate this Austinist Weekend Music Preview.

Ra Ra Riot headline The Parish on Friday in support of The Rhumb Line, their debut full-length out now on Barsuk Records. The album includes songwriting contributions from the band’s late drummer John Pike (who passed away tragically in 2007) and that fact itself adds a somewhat melancholy layer to the music. Wesley Miles’ sincere vocal contributions, embedded in soft melodies, are ably garnished by various string accents. The haunting sounds of both the cello and the violin add a somber feel to the final product, although flourishes of synthesizer output lighten the mood at times, adding some zest to the ambiance. Experience Ra Ra Riot’s affecting chamber-pop on us -- enter below for a chance to win two tickets to this show. (You can also catch a brief set by Ra Ra Riot for free earlier in the evening at 5 p.m. when they perform at Waterloo Records.)

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The Calm Blue Sea celebrates the release of its self-titled debut (produced by Erik Wofford) on Saturday -- the local outfit’s experimental, instrumental panache can be experienced in full force at Emo’s Lounge. Fans of Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky will likely enjoy losing themselves in the sonic atmospheres; the band is adept at creating masterpieces that build up slowly and softly before exploding with deafening finales. Check out The Calm Blue Sea’s immense compositions for free (if it’s your lucky day, that is) -- contest form below:

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Also on Saturday, the shapeshifting crew that is the Golden Hornet Project presents Big Band Frenzy II at Woolbridge Square Park (900 Guadalupe St.), yes, for free! The genius’ at work this evening include Graham Reynolds, Peter Stopschinksi, and Adrian Quesada, and their 16-piece big band will perform after a set by The Jazz Pharaohs. Quality food from Ararat will be available (not free!); the shindig kicks off at 7 p.m.

Follow the jump to view the Austinist Weekend Music Preview Slideshow for details on a number of shows in town this weekend.