FRIDAY
The Deer at Waterloo Records. Initially assembled as a backing crew for sweet-toned singer Grace Park — their initial gigs had her name out front — this foursome featuring multi-instrumentalist Jesse Dalton, guitarist/producer Michael McLeod and drummer/keyboardist Alan Ecker is making music that stands out starkly amid the crowded Austin indie landscape. Their collaborative family tree overlaps with the progressive bluegrass of MilkDrive, the electronica spells of Bayonne and the film soundscapes of Richard Linklater. The 17-track “Tempest & Rapture,” initially issued in the spring, gets a double-vinyl release this weekend. The band marries melodic-pop instincts to inventive arrangements and rhythms, resulting in songs that go down easy even when the music is complicated. Free. 5 p.m. 600 N. Lamar Blvd. waterloorecords.com. (The band also plays a full show on Saturday at Strange Brew.) — P.B.
Also: Utopia Fest doesn’t kick off until the end of the month, but organizers throw a local pre-party featuring the heart-yanking confession pop of Les Rav and Shane Cooley & the Stacks at Strange Brew. … The Continental Club hosts a night of soul-seared rock ’n’ roll with NOLA artist Nikki Hill and Austin dynamos Tomar & the FCs. … It’s the Queen Bey vs. the Versace Don as Body Rock ATX matches up ’Yonce and ’Ye at Empire. … Local indie quintet White Label Analog celebrates its new album “In Case You Just Tuned In” on the indoor stage at Stubb’s with Coattails and Please Please Me. … The erstwhile South Austin Jug Band reunites for a show at Threadgill’s South. … Other top roots-rock options include Ramsay Midwood at Antone’s with Two Hoots & a Holler; Carson McHone at the Blackheart with Ben Ballinger and Jake Paleschic; and Barbara Nesbitt at the Townsend.
SATURDAY
The Original Wailers at Empire Garage. The spirit of Bob Marley has been strong at Empire this summer. In July, his son, Stephen, opened minds and hearts while celebrating the release of his new collection of hip-hop/reggae fusion at the club. Now the uplifting vibes and vital calls for peace and unity continue as Marley’s longtime guitarist Al Anderson leads the Original Wailers, an ensemble he hand selects to “honor the history and integrity of Bob’s music.” Recently reunited Austin reggae faves Pressure open. $20-$25. 6 p.m. doors. 606 E. Seventh St. empireatx.com. — D.S.S.
B3 Summit at Antone’s. In a move that harkens back to founder Clifford Antone’s fondness for booking B3 masters Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Jack McDuff on the same bill, the club’s new downtown location is convening an impressive quartet of B3 organ masters for a special show. The ringer is Ike Stubblefield, who played on many of the great 1960s Motown records and toured with everyone from B.B. King and Curtis Mayfield to Eric Clapton and Jerry Garcia. He joins local kingpins Mike Flanigin, Red Young and James Polk for a night that no doubt will have the late Ian McLagan looking down from above and smiling. $12-$15. 10 p.m. 305 E. Fifth St. antonesnightclub.com. — P.B.
Also: Party like a Queen and raise money for AIDS services of Austin at the Freddie For a Day party with Magnifico, at ABGB. Or party like a dog to the sounds of the Stooges, the Buzzcocks and more played by Brendan Bond and friends to raise money for Austin Pets Alive at Barracuda. … Flamenco rock band Del Castillo returns from an extended hiatus to play two sold-out shows at 3Ten. … Louisiana blues guitarist Tab Benoit appears with Rochelle & the Sidewinders at the Parish. … Husband-wife psych-pop outfit Peaking Lights stops by Sidewinder. … Trap rapper Trill Sammy is at Vulcan Gas Company with Dice Soho. … A recent Fool’s Gold Records signee, L.A. producer/DJ Hoodboi, plays Empire. … Texas country fans likely will flock to Nutty Brown Amphitheater for a double bill of Stoney LaRue and Cory Morrow at Nutty Brown. … Other top local roots-rock options include Band of Heathens at the Saxon Pub, Mike Stinson at Little Longhorn Saloon and Blue Water Highway indoors at Stubb’s with Grady Spencer.
SUNDAY
Benefit for George Reiff at C-Boy’s. Early reports from Austin bassist George Reiff’s brother indicate that his recovery from brain surgery has gone well after his recent cancer diagnosis. But there’s a long road ahead, and thus his fellow local musicians are continuing with a series of benefit concerts. This one features Joe Pug, the Mastersons, Uncle Lucius, Joe King Carrasco, the Happen-Ins, James McMurtry, and Ian Moore & the Lossy Coils. $20. 8:30 p.m. 2008 S. Congress Ave. cboys.com. — P.B.
Also: It’s hardly a holiday without an obligatory show from Bob Schneider, who celebrates Labor Day at Nutty Brown Amphitheater. … Saxophonist Kyle Turner visits One World Theatre for a jazz and R&B show with trumpeter Joey Sommerville, violinist Michael Ward and singer Pamela Hart. … Dallas country singer Deryl Dodd plays Threadgill’s South with Prophets & Outlaws. … Up north at the original Threadgill’s, some of the participants in the “Threadgill’s Supper Session” live album recorded on Sept. 4, 1991, commemorate its 25th anniversary with an informal gathering. … Monte Warden & the Dangerous Few come down from on high — that is, their usual upstairs perch in the Continental Gallery — to play the 7:30 p.m. slot at the street-level Continental Club, following Casper Rawls’ afternoon “Planet Casper” show and preceding country mainstays Heybale.
MONDAY
ABGB’s Third Anniversary Party. Labor Day 2013 heralded the arrival of the coolest new South Austin hangout in years when Austin Beer Garden Brewing — ABGB for short — opened its doors to serve up in-house beer and pizza. The spacious room soon became a hot spot for local bands as well, so of course there will be live music for this all-day birthday bash. Come early for brewery tours, or arrive at 4 p.m. to see exactly what Leslie Sisson’s Olivia Newton John Project is all about. (If it’s the Moving Panoramas leader singing the likes of “Xanadu” and “Have You Never Been Mellow,” we’re intrigued.) Hear more covers from the Motts (playing Willie Nelson), Draft Punk and We Are Not Men. Free. 1305 W. Oltorf St. theabgb.com. — P.B.
Also: Songwriting great Gary Nicholson brings his Whitey Johnson band to the early Blue Monday show at Antone’s, withNakia & the Blues Grifters extending their residency into September for the late show. … Other top residencies include theChurch on Monday jazz band at the Continental Gallery and Motown Monday with the Nightowls and Matchmaker Band at the Highball, and Mystery Monday with Christine Albert at El Mercado Backstage.
Leslie Sisson of Moving Panoramas will play Olivia Newton John songs at the ABGB on Labor Day.
Erika Rich for American-Statesman
