Bands|        DJs

If you hadn't heard, Austin is the live music capital of the world. It's fitting, then, that we bring you the best of the best in Austin's music, including a first time ever performance by one of our favorite bands!

Friday

Omar And The Howlers photo courtesy Omar Dykes
Kent "Omar" Dykes and his band of stellar musicians has been terrorizing the Austin music scene since the late 1970s. If there's anyone more qualified to represent the intersection of the delta, the street, and Texas, we'll throw our hats at 'em. Guaranteed to put the jook in your joint and the shake in your bake, this will be a show you won't want to miss.

For more information, you can find everything you need to know, including Omar's extensive discography, at their website: www.omarandthehowlers.com.

Saturday

Asylum Street Spankers photo by Justin Fox Burkes, courtesy Asylum Street Spankers
Despite being an underground success in the blues dance world for years, our Saturday band has gone on record as being steadfastly against having dancers at their shows. In an unprecedented success, BluesSHOUT! brings to you "God's Favorite Band" and one of the most incredible live music acts in the world, the Asylum Street Spankers.

In their own words: The magnificently indefinable Asylum Street Spankers began in 1994 during a booze and hallucinogen-fueled party at the Dabbs Hotel in Llano, Texas. There Christina Marrs met Wammo. During a night spent singing and playing along the banks of the Llano River they discovered a shared love for early 20th century music. Upon returning to Austin they gathered a few like-minded pals and began playing free shows at clubs and busking around town.

Within a year they conquered Austin, playing three SRO weekly residencies, including the city's first Gospel Brunch. In 1997 the band began venturing out into the wider world. Since then, Christina and Wammo have pushed their ever-evolving troupe from country blues revivalism toward original compositions, new works for the stage and sociopolitical commentary.

There is no other band more uniquely Austin than the Spankers, and BluesSHOUT! is beyond excited to bring them to you. For more information about the Asylum Street Spankers, check out their website www.asylumstreetspankers.com.