What's less embarrassing than karaoke, more accessible than time travel to mid-60's London, and sounds kind of like a Wes Anderson film? A Hoot Night celebrating the music of The Kinks, obviously! more ›

For the longest time I was perplexed as to why my freshman year roommate would decorate our dorm room with a poster of some scruffy looking guy in a bathrobe. I found out it was one Harry Nilsson, who’s long been relegated to “cool music you learn about in college” status, a veritable musician’s musician and songwriter’s songwriter. But this year finally saw the release of the excellent doc Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)?, and now Nilsson seems to be on lots of people’s lips. He’s even earned himself his very own Austin-style hoot night, taking place tonight at Ruta Maya. more ›

As Austin’s Hoot Night train keeps a-rollin’, more and more acts and venues are getting in on the action. Problem is, a good Hoot Night must balance a great subject with the right complement of local bands. Mainstays like Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Pixies, the Flaming Lips, and Wilco have all received the Hoot treatment, so where do we go from here? The Carousel Lounge answers that Saturday night with a left-field pick: the music of British New Wavers XTC. more ›

After weeks of planning, the rather special, very smooth Yacht Rock Austinist Indieroke & Hoot Night has finally arrived. Tonight, head down to The Mohawk at the early kick-off time of 8 p.m. and for a measly $3, sing your favorite soft-rock classics while also enjoying short sets of 70’s hits by local musicians. Performances by Watch Out For Rockets, members of Canopy, and mouse.about are all on the schedule but fear not, for you and your inner Kenny Loggins will still have ample opportunities to take the stage and cast your spell on the audience. We are also expecting a few individual tributes and Michael McDonald especially seems to be a firm favorite of the staple Indieroke attendee. The three bands on the bill have promised the likes of “Maneater” by Hall & Oates, “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Listen To The Music” by Doobie Brothers, and guests from a few other local acts will also be making cameos. Tonight’s Indieroke promises to be a unique evening when Austin’s finest Yacht Rock connoisseurs come together and pay homage to all things soft-rock. more ›

In the grand tradition of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac and Christopher Cross, Austinist is proud to present a very special Indieroke, featuring local bands covering their favorite smooth tunes. We'll still be doing karaoke as usual, but the list will be an abbreviated version, comprised of only smooth music. more ›