In the tradition of house/venues like the departed Jesse’s Bed and Breakfast and Natrix Natrix (a label as well as a venue, who are also co-presenting this show), the up-and-coming Rancho Relaxo is poised to take its part to promote music in residential spaces in Austin, at least until the neighbors call the cops. The venue has already played host to Sir Richard Bishop and Yellow Fever, and will hopefully continue to sponsor creative performances for some time to come....

On Wednesday at the Salvage Vanguard theatre, a character named Ethan Master of the Hawaiian Ukulele stripped down to his bathing suit, donned a hat and colorful lei, and then stood on his amp to proclaim, via song, “I heard noise-pop is in.” You know Ethan, you might be right. And leading the fray are none other than our own Peel, a magnanimously kick-ass band whose bits of unbridled feedback and synthesizer explosions are balanced with a collective appreciation for the types of melodies that make ears smile. With some out-of-town friends, Peel will play The Mohawk this Sunday as a fitting end to a great week of music. ...

WEDNESDAY [26] [film] AFS 20th Anniversary: Eric Rohmer's Summer at Alamo Downtown (7pm) LINK [party] Sidebar's turning two, and they're rockin' it out with a full BBQ spread, raffle, commemorative tees, guest DJs, slushy shots, a keg of Lone Star, cake, and (hopefully) Antonio, our favorite door guy in Austin. At Sidebar (7pm) LINK [books] Texas Monthly BookGroup presents Will Clarke, author of The Worthy at BookPeople (7pm) LINK [film] Adam's Rib at Paramount Theatre......

As spotlighted in our "Weekend Music Guide," this Saturday, August 20th, Emo's (603 Red River) and the Yuppie Pricks invite you to slip into your waterwear and celebrate good music, cold drinks and wet boobs (yeah, that's right, we said it) at their 3rd Annual Beach Party! Our favorite Red River venue is hosting ten bands, and providing truck loads of bamboo, frozen drinks (with umbrellas!) three kiddie pools, and a wet t-shirt contest......