AUSTIN, Texas -- The Live Music Capital of the World lived up to its nickname over the weekend, as nearly 200 bands performed free shows for thousands of people during Austin's "Free Week." The four-day music festival kicked off Thursday, with more than a dozen venues participating this year. Free Week officially started over a decade ago as part of the Red River Cultural District's effort to get more people out during the slow period of the year, but it has dramatically expanded over the years. Bars and music venues from every part of the city have joined in on the annual free music experience- and even cities like San Antonio have picked up on the trend.
Free Week has become well known for featuring up-and-coming artists that become fan favorites. The free event has become a festival favorite for many patrons who want to hear great, live music without breaking the bank. It's also a great opportunity to check out several Austin iconic bars and venues without having to pay a cover at every door.
Friday night, Wild Child's former lead singer Kelsey Wilson performed with her new solo band Sir Woman at Empire Control Room. The crowd easily got lost in the shape-shifting artist's eclectic sound and vibrant energy. The soulful singer combines funk, jazz, hip-hop and nearly everything in between to make her unique sound that's quickly becoming an Austin favorite.
Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy closed down the Empire Stage Friday night following Sir Woman- leaving a massive crowd wanting more by the end.
The group's unique sounds of soul, jazz and R&B make them an unreplicable powerhouse ensemble. Sam Houston moved to Austin about five years ago and debuted his first solo album in 2017. He later connected with Blk Odyssey to create a genre-fusing sound that could give any listener goosebumps. The band just finished working in the studio with Grammy Award-winning producers Brian Kennedy (known for tracking artists like Rihanna and Ciara) and Troy Noka. The album is expected to be released in early 2020.
Austin's Ricky Duran gave an unexpected two-night performance at The Drafting Room on Saturday night and The Blind Pig on Sunday. The singer just returned home after an impressive run on NBC's "The Voice," where he was crowned first runner-up. The last-minute gig on Rainey marked the first performance by the artist since being on the show. Duran was accompanied by his Massachusetts band, Blue Light Bandits, for the three-hour performance.
The 30-year-old moved to Austin a little over a year ago and has nestled into the Austin music scene easily with his bluesy sound and incredible guitar chops.
Spectrum News followed Duran's journey on "The Voice" as he became a larger-than-life performer for many of his new fans. The Austinite is currently working on a new album and hopes to continue making a splash in the Austin music scene in 2020.
