The Statesman's Michael Corcoran is circulating an interesting rumor this morning: rock god Robert Plant is currently hanging out in town...on the arm of Austin-based singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Patty Griffin. We should clarify that this is a rumor, but since a well-known local music writer is the source, it seems worthy of mention. This wouldn't be a total shock since Griffin has been playing in Plant's Band Of Joy project for over a year - but what is shocking is the idea that some of you might bump into the Led Zeppelin icon at Central Market or your local coffee shop this week. more ›

Earlier this year, Amy Cook released Let the Light In, a brilliant, multi-layered album. Produced by Alejandro Escovedo, the record watches Cook swing between the rock'n'roll goddess she is and the more emotive, sentimental crooner she can be. more ›

Robert Plant is about to turn 62, but apparently, getting older doesn't mean playing it safe. After 2007's one-off Led Zeppelin charity gig prompted concert promoters to stack piles of cash at Plant's door, he rejected the overtures to continue touring his Americana project Raising Sand with Alison Krauss. After collecting no small amount of critical acclaim for that endeavor, Plant has now blown it all up again, emerging with a new brand of weirder, louder roots rock in his current project, Band Of Joy.

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The 2010 Honors and Awards ceremony will take place in Nashville on September 9, and there's plenty of Texas love going around. Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Band of Heathens, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Hayes Carll are all nominated for awards. For more information on the nominees and tickets for the ceremony, visit American Music.org. more ›

The third annual Grounded in Music VIP fundraiser kicks off tonight at the Paramount Theater. Patty Griffin, who is also a Grounded in Music board member, will perform with Jack Ingram and Scott Miller. The evening's opening act features youth who have participated in Grounded in Music's educational opportunities. more ›

So Day One of SXSW was, for me, more shitty than not. I ventured out to catch some daytime music. There were a couple of bright spots, like watching my kid play on a big stage. But, as I detailed over at my blog, this being a town of minus six degrees of separation on a regular day, SXSW unfortunately boosts the typical glut of negative opportunities to run into known assholes better avoided. Couple these run-ins with my crowd-induced anxiety and you’ll understand why I was home, locked in the house with the dogs by five, vowing not to venture out to hear anymore music this week. Why bother when I can see great shows the other fifty-one weeks of the year and not have a panic attack in the process? more ›

Austin Western Swing institution Asleep at the Wheel open a diverse day of rock, hip-hop and everything between on the AMD stage at Austin City Limits. Proggers Mars Volta headline. more ›

WEDNESDAY [7] music • The Shins, Viva Voce at The Backyard music • Love and Dancing, with Daetron Vargas, Disco Nihilist, Majora Y Minora, and John Gomi at The Peacock music • Spinto Band, Dios, The Changes at Emo's music • Invincible Czars, Bee vs Moth, Golden Arm Trio at Emo's Lounge music • Woodgrain Wednesday with Bavu Blakes, DJ Rapid Ric, D-Madness at The Parish Room music • Patty Griffin at Waterloo Records... more ›

Ed Note: Please note that the Mobile Art Place opening party mentioned yesterday is not actually free, but is open to those attending Night at the Galleries. Sorry for the inconvenience. FRIDAY [23] music • Maneja Beto, The Interest Kills, The Laughing, White Denim at The Compound ($5, 18+, 9pm, 1300 East 4th Street) comedy • The Frank Mills perform their new sketch show, "One Classy-Ass Show," at Blue Theatre (DEETS) books • Abriendo Brecha... more ›

Dana Falconberry plays Beerland on Tuesday the 24th in support of her upcoming release, Paper Sailboat. Produced by Roy Taylor, the six song EP showcases folk templates enhanced by assorted instruments like the viola, cello and the accordian, and also features Patty Griffin on piano on the beautiful “Sadie.” Falconberry explores love, loss, and general introspective thoughts on life, all while her voice retains a youthful innocence and simplicity fit to melt most hearts. more ›

Dear lovely readers, please note that the Neighbors in Need Katrina Relief Concert scheduled for this Wedmesday will now be starting at 6:30PM. There will be performances by Willie Nelson, the Neville Brothers, Ray Price, Jimmie Vaughan, The Flatlanders, Patty Griffin, Bob Schneider and Eric Johnson. more ›

There's just too much stuff happening tonight to keep track of, so we're reposting the IST list for your convenience. See you out there. ( F I R S T ) T H U R S D A Y art · In House Gallery presents “Barnyard”, with paintings by Ethan Azarian, Felice House, Rachel Koper & Rainey Navaro. 5-10pm. Thanks, Austinist newbie Craig! [map] music · Hurts to Purr, Maneja Beto, and La La Land... more ›