Levitation 2016: Kick-Off Shows

Time for some reminiscent ramblings. Your Austin Music Minute host has seen the former Austin Psych Fest grow into something bigger and better each year, from humble beginnings in 2008 in a small red barn to the spectacular, internationally-recognized event that it is today, drawing thousands to Austin each year to see the finest in psych music and so much more.

Founded by The Black Angels and curated by the Reverberation Appreciation Society, Levitation has branched out to other cities including Chicago, Vancouver, and Austin’s sister city, Angers, France. Bands like 13th Floor Elevators, Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Tame Impala and several other artists appreciate Levitation’s reverence for Austin’s rich psych music history, and the festival’s inclusion of many other types of music.

Levitation 2016 starts tomorrow at Carson Creek Ranch, just outside of Austin and close to the airport, at 9507 Sherman Rd. And to get the ball rolling, there are several fest kick-off shows happening tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, Barracuda, 611 E. 7th St., and Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St. Festival goers can pick up their Levitation passes at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 900 Red River, today from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Here’s just a handful of recommended performances to see tonight, courtesy of the AMM: Local trio The Well (7:45 p.m.) (featured on today’s AMM), and LA experimental dark folk artist Chelsea Wolfe (9:45 p.m.) at the Mohawk; Atlanta punk band Coathangers (11:45 p.m.) at Barracuda; and the Night Beats (10 p.m.) at Empire.

Go for it. And see you this weekend at Levitation.

-Photo of The Well by Andy Ray Lemon.

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