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THOT SQUAD  Brings Fearless, Unapologetic Energy to ACL Live Photos by Bang HoTHOT SQUAD brought an unapologetic mix of ...
08/14/2026

THOT SQUAD Brings Fearless, Unapologetic Energy to ACL Live

Photos by Bang Ho

THOT SQUAD brought an unapologetic mix of hip-hop, humor, and swagger to ACL Live at the Moody Theater on July 17. The Flint, Michigan artist commanded the stage with an energy that felt loose and unpredictable while remaining completely in control. Heavy beats and blunt hooks gave the music plenty of weight, while THOT SQUAD’s personality and humor kept the performance from ever taking itself too seriously. That combination of confidence, comedy, and genuine charisma quickly pulled the Austin crowd into the set. THOT SQUAD proved that sometimes the best live performances are simply loud, weird, fearless, and ridiculously fun. If you get the chance to catch them on this run, buy the ticket immediately and brace yourself for total exhaustion.

Qveen Herby Brings Opulence, Whimsy, and a Healing Energy to ACL LivePhotos by Bang HoQveen Herby held court at ACL Live...
07/27/2026

Qveen Herby Brings Opulence, Whimsy, and a Healing Energy to ACL Live

Photos by Bang Ho

Qveen Herby held court at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Friday, July 17, bringing the theatrical world of her Isle of Qveen Tour to downtown Austin. When the Qveen hit the stage, a massive wave of energy instantly locked in the Austin crowd, an energy driven by the permission to be louder and more extravagant than everyday life normally allows. The bass hit heavy, setting the mood for a night that never let up. Outfit and set changes reflected the island life bringing fans deeper into the whimsical world the Qveen had created. Spitting fire, she tore through the breathless, extremely fast bars of "Busta Rhymes," a throwback that was a highlight of the show. Part rap concert, part fashion spectacle, and part group affirmation session, the performance showcased the combination that has made Qveen Herby such a distinctive independent artist: precise flows, soulful vocals, glossy pop production, and a philosophy built around radical self-belief. Qveen Herby did not simply visit Austin. For one evening, she invited the city onto her island. If you want your live shows packed with killer bars and unapologetic swagger, Qveen Herby is an absolute must-see.

Tori Amos  Shakes ACL Live’s Soul Photos and written by Bang Ho Tori Amos took the stage at ACL Live with a full band (d...
07/24/2026

Tori Amos Shakes ACL Live’s Soul

Photos and written by Bang Ho

Tori Amos took the stage at ACL Live with a full band (drummer, bassist, and three back up singers) that was as powerful as a full symphony. Seeing her live exposited another dimension to her music that is just near impossible to capture in a recording. Her piano playing and control of the keys, whether andante or allegro, was commanding and had the large room overflowing with her serenades. She had a grand piano and two electronic keyboards behind her that captivated the room and moved everyone as if it was Gospel. The GA floor was not standing room, but filled with seats and people that could not stay seated. Throughout the show, people all over would stand and reach out to Tori as if to let her know they heard her with their entire being or just dance or sing lyrics with her before sitting down again. It has been a minute since I’ve been at a show where so many people told me they cried at some point in the show. If you’ve never gotten to experience a Tori show, get to one as soon as you can.

Claypool Gold Brings Three Sides of Les Claypool  to ACL LivePhotos by Bang Ho On June 23, ACL Live became the center of...
07/01/2026

Claypool Gold Brings Three Sides of Les Claypool to ACL Live

Photos by Bang Ho

On June 23, ACL Live became the center of Les Claypool’s musical universe as Claypool Gold rolled into Austin. The evening was a celebration of three distinct chapters of Claypool’s career, featuring Primus, Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium in one continuous, ever-changing performance.

The Frog Brigade set the tone with loose, psychedelic jams that leaned into groove and atmosphere. The larger lineup allowed the music to breathe, creating long instrumental passages that rewarded attentive listening without ever feeling aimless. It showed that Claypool has always been just as comfortable exploring textures as he is writing unforgettable bass lines.

The Claypool Lennon Delirium shifted the evening into stranger territory. Sean Ono Lennon’s guitar work and vocals complemented Claypool perfectly, creating songs that balanced psychedelic rock with progressive experimentation, Their chemistry remains one of the more unique partnerships in music, with both pushing each other toward unexpected places.

By the time Primus took over, the energy hit the ceiling. The band’s trademark combination of technical precision, humor, and heavy bass driven rhythms reminded everyone why Primus stands alone after decades. Claypool’s bass remained the undeniable centerpiece, and songs that have become fan favorites over the years still sounded vibrant as ever.

What made Claypool Gold especially memorable wasn’t simply seeing three bands in one night. It was watching the different sides of Les Claypool’s musical personality unfold over nearly three hours. The psychedelic improvisation of the Frog Brigade, the adventurous songwriting of The Claypool Lennon Delirium, and the controlled madness of Primus each highlighted a different strength while feeling like pieces of the same larger story. Claypool Gold feels refreshingly creative and celebrates the wonderfully strange career of one of rock’s most original artists. It was clear that there really isn’t anyone else making music like Les Claypool.

If you get the chance to catch the Claypool Gold Tour, do it.

A Perfect Spring Night with The New PornographersPhotos by Cruz MartinezOn May 15, The New Pornographers brought their s...
06/26/2026

A Perfect Spring Night with The New Pornographers

Photos by Cruz Martinez

On May 15, The New Pornographers brought their signature mix of sharp hooks and bright harmonies to Mohawk Austin on a near-perfect spring evening. The crowd was locked in from the start, and the band sounded sharp right away. Everything about the night felt easy in the best possible way.The set moved at a nice pace, but it never felt rushed. The songs came across cleanly, the harmonies blended beautifully, and the whole performance had that loose confidence that makes a live show feel bigger than the sum of its parts. People were singing along and settling into the kind of mood that only happens when a band and audience are fully on the same page.With the crowd engaged from beginning to end, the night had the kind of energy that makes a spring concert memorable long after it ends. If you ever get the chance, you need to see them live.

Metric Put on an Exhibition of Musical Mastery!Photos by Bang HoMetric kicked off their much anticipated tour “All the F...
06/15/2026

Metric Put on an Exhibition of Musical Mastery!

Photos by Bang Ho

Metric kicked off their much anticipated tour “All the Feelings Tour” in Austin at the Moody Amphitheater on 6.8.2026 and brought along their friends Stars and Broken Social Scene and it was everything and more. A Canadian explosion of talent on one stage, their blend of synth, guitars, and Emily Haines’ sonorous and sweet voice was a perfect amalgamation of melody and harmonies that effortlessly flowed through one’s entire body. If one was surprised by the cohesiveness of the three bands, it was made clear after Haines poignantly recalled how she went to high school with Torquil (Stars) and Drew (Broken Social Scene). Opening the set with their new single “Victim of Luck”, Metric displayed honesty and vulnerability in their songs they’ve perfected. If you haven’t checked out their new album “Romanticize the Dive” and catch them on tour while you can!

Broken Social Scene Bring Canadian Supergroup Magic to AustinPhotos and written by Bang HoThe “All the Feelings Tour” ki...
06/15/2026

Broken Social Scene Bring Canadian Supergroup Magic to Austin

Photos and written by Bang Ho

The “All the Feelings Tour” kicked off in Austin at the Moody Amphitheater along with Stars and Metric and what a spectacular show it was with I believe, eleven band members on stage with three being a horns section. Don’t quote me on that, it’s not easy for me to count higher than the amount of fingers on my hands and there might be a member on stage I didn’t quite see in the back. The last time I got to see them, there was about half the amount of people on stage at Elysium for the KCRW showcase during SXSW in 2019. While Almost Crimes was left off the setlist this time, fans were treated to a live debut of “Paying for Your Love,” and Metric’s Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw reunited on stage with Broken Social Scene to perform the classic “Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl,” which Haines wrote with the band. There is no question the music collective that is Broken Social Scene is a labor of love –who else is touring with these many performing members in this economy that sound this good and perfectly in sync.

The Crane Wives' Rock Power Gripped the Night: Radio/East, Austin (April 23, 2026)Photos by MF EffieThe Crane Wives took...
05/19/2026

The Crane Wives' Rock Power Gripped the Night: Radio/East, Austin (April 23, 2026)

Photos by MF Effie

The Crane Wives took the stage by storm at Radio/East in Austin on April 23, 2026, playing a dynamic set. The packed crowd let them feel the love for them as soon as they hit the stage. Their beautiful harmonies fill the air of the large outdoor venue. The young crowd screamed with elation when they heard the first notes of a favorite song; this meant the night was full of screaming and delighted fans. this energy was completely reciprocated by The Crane Wives proving they really love their fans and what they do. If you get a chance to see The Crane Wives, don't pass it up!

Fishbone Bring Funk-Fueled Chaos to Mohawk AustinWritten and photos by Neal CribbOn May 14, 2026, genre-defying legends ...
05/18/2026

Fishbone Bring Funk-Fueled Chaos to Mohawk Austin

Written and photos by Neal Cribb

On May 14, 2026, genre-defying legends Fishbone lit up the stage at Mohawk in Austin, TX, delivering a wildly energetic set that blurred the lines between ska, punk, funk, and soul. From the moment they launched into their opening number, the band set a relentless pace, fueled by tight musicianship and an unmistakable sense of joy. The outdoor stage pulsed with life as Fishbone turned the night into a full-body experience for everyone in attendance.

Frontman Angelo Moore was a force of nature, shifting seamlessly between vocals, saxophone, and acrobatic stage antics. The band tore through classics like “Party at Ground Zero” and “Sunless Saturday,” while weaving in extended jams that showcased their technical prowess and improvisational spirit. Each member brought a distinct energy to the performance, locking into grooves that swung from breakneck punk rhythms to deep, infectious funk.

Mohawk’s atmosphere amplified the band’s larger-than-life presence, with the crowd feeding off every beat and horn blast as the energy surged throughout the set. Fans danced, skanked, and surged together, creating a communal energy that matched the band’s intensity. By the end of the night, Fishbone had once again proven that their live show remains one of the most dynamic and unpredictable experiences in music.

MIKA's Pure Pop Glamour Consumes ACL Live in AustinPhotos by Cruz MartinezOn Sunday, May 10, 2026, MIKA brought huge ene...
05/15/2026

MIKA's Pure Pop Glamour Consumes ACL Live in Austin

Photos by Cruz Martinez

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, MIKA brought huge energy to ACL Live at The Moody Theater during the Austin stop of the Spinning Out Tour. The venue filled up fast, and the crowd got lost their minds the second they hit the stage. MIKA had nonstop energy and strong vocals from the first song. Fans sang every word to songs like “Grace Kelly” and “Relax, Take It Easy.” At some points, the crowd was louder than the speakers. The show moved quickly and kept people dancing from start to finish, peticularly when MIKA persuaded the crowd to look around them and find someone new to dance with. MIKA also took time to connect with fans near the front and that person stage left in the mezzanine; which made the world renowned theater feel more personal. The Austin crowd gave the same energy back all night. If this tour comes near your city, don't miss your chance for a existential experience and get a ticket.

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