First, a bit of background for you: LEVITATION got its start as Austin Psych Fest back in 2008, founded by ATX-based band (and longtime AMM favorite) The Black Angels. The band is extremely reverential when it comes to the artists who paved the way for today’s psych-rooted musicians, so the festival is named in honor of ultimate psych pioneers, The 13th Floor Elevators.
LEVITATION is now a world-renown music festival with curated events in France, Chicago and Vancouver, in addition to several other international happenings, but Austin remains the official HQ, where it all began. This year boasts another great set of line-ups, always a fantastic mix of local and touring artists, at various Red River and East Austin venues. Of course, one of the big performances coming up is The Black Angels sharing a bill with John Cale at Stubb’s on Saturday night. (As in, the John Cale.) Portland-based band formed by Collin Hegna, Federale makes an excellent opener.
Things kick off tonight with recent Studio 1A guest Angel Olsen, Devendra Banhart and Vagabon at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, 801 Red River; High On Fire at the Mohawk, 912 Red River; Kikagaku Moyo at Barracuda, 611 E. 7th St.; TR/ST (featured on today’s AMM) at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St., and more.
Check LEVITATION’s website for complete show schedules and venues. Recommended.
-Artwork from LEVITATION poster design by Robin Gnista.
