Founded in 1975 by the late Clifford Antone, the iconic Antone’s Nightclub became Austin’s “Home of the Blues,” showcasing some of the greatest Blues legends, as well as putting the spotlight on local up-and-coming artists just getting their start. Through locale changes, incredible performances, and a few challenges along the way, it remains a longtime favorite of thousands of music lovers worldwide.

This week, Antone’s presents two anniversary shows starring another rising star, Jackie Venson, Friday June 18 and Saturday June 19, with special guests, Grammy-nominated New Orleans brass outfit Cha Wa on Friday, and vocalist and bassist Andrew Venson on Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. both nights.

-Photo by IQ3 Photo.

Don’t roll your eyes. You love the schmaltz. Admit it.

It started with Star Parks‘ 2016 debut track “Theoretical Girls,” and grew from there, both in sound and arrangement. Songwriter/vocalist Andy Bianculli‘s solo project evolved into a four-piece band with the release of Don’t Dwell, bringing a whole new level of swoon-worthy melancholic wonders, and that was just the beginning. All the layering going into the gorgeous and, quite frankly, epic LP The New Sounds Of Late Capitalism made it monumental. It’s a beautiful homage to Bianculli’s obscure and more familiar musical influences shaping the (now seven-piece) band’s “Burt Bacharach on a budget” orchestral pop. Of course it’s a love story – besieged by doubt and disappointment. How romantic is that?

Dreamy dreamtime over here. Don’t miss Star Parks at their show tomorrow night, Thursday June 17, at The Far Out Lounge and Stage, 8504 S. Congress Ave., with Otis Wilkins and Stiletto Feels. Doors at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Go on, you’ll love it.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

In 2018, rappers ZEALE and Phranchyze, both artists in their own right, combined their talents and met with one of the best mentors an artist could possibly wish for, Gary Clark, Jr. This meeting of the minds laid the groundwork for what would become the 2019/2020 Austin Music Award-winning hip-hop duo, Blackillac. Since those first creative sessions in Arlyn Studios, Blackillac has been steadily recording and releasing music each month to a growing fanbase, making their way to a debut album in the near future. (Today’s AMM featured a track produced by Abhi the Nomad, “Language.”)

Catch Blackillac at their upcoming show this Friday, June 18, at Central Machine Works, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez, on a bill that includes Austin-based DJ and producer Boyfriend ATX. The music starts at 8 p.m.

-Photography by Alexandra Thomas.

The Austin Music Minute said it – and stands by it. If you’re ready for some live music after more than a year of being without, it may be time for a face melt courtesy of your favorite trouble-makers. From the moment they hit the stage, Magic Rockers of Texas owns the party. And if you follow Magic Rockers on Instagram, you’ve got proof. You’ve seen the video, right? Look at the crowd.

The ruthless Rockers continue their June musical residency at Hole In the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe, with their next show Wednesday, June 16, featuring special guests Altamesa and Denis O’Donnell-led desert folk outfit The Bread. The music starts at 9 p.m. Tell them the AMM sent you. Or buy Jim Campo a beer. Maybe three. Seven? Is it legal to buy an entire bottle of whiskey at the bar? Just kidding. Mmmaybe.

-Photography by White Light Exposure.

They’ve done it again.

Darkbird deals out rockers, as badasses do. This time, the follow-up to scorchers “Bad Self,” “Daredevil” and I Remember Feeling My Fingers Slip comes the synth-blazing rock-pop release “Heartbeat,” not so much switching gears as it is adding another winning element to the mix. And again, songwriter/vocalist Kelly Barnes owns the power in her delivery like the badass boss she is, in the studio and on stage.

Speaking of which, it’s time for a release show. Darkbird plays tonight, Saturday June 12, at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, on the outside stage. It’s a perfect line-up with fellow stage-burners Otis the Destroyer and Blushing. Everything kicks off at 7 p.m.

-Photography by Kate Blaising.