Looking to ring in 2024 with music in Austin? Here are 20 NYE shows worth going out for

Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American-Statesman
·4 min read
Gary Clark, Jr., performs at the CMT Awards at the Moody Center on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Austin, Texas.
Gary Clark, Jr., performs at the CMT Awards at the Moody Center on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Austin, Texas.

While most of us are still swept up in the hustle and bustle of December holidays, it will be 2024 faster than you can say "creepy animatronic baby in a top hat." Where will you be when the ball drops? What soundtrack will set the perfect stage as you leave 2023 behind and boldly venture forth into a new year?

Here are 10 ways to ring in the 2024 with music in Austin.

Gary Clark Jr. at ACL Live.

Austin’s reigning king of electric blues is a spectacular live performer. This hometown bash with the acclaimed ax-slinger is a fine way to celebrate the sound that made this city the Live Music Capital of the World. $99 and up. acllive.com.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram at Antone’s

Or perhaps you’d like a more intimate encounter with the electric blues. The 24-year-old guitar prodigy from the Mississippi Delta swiftly sold out his Dec. 30 show, prompting Austin’s home of the blues to add a second night. $80. antonesnightclub.com.

It's impossible to stay still when Superfónicos takes the stage. Dance under the stars at the Far Out Lounge.
It's impossible to stay still when Superfónicos takes the stage. Dance under the stars at the Far Out Lounge.

Money Chicha, Superfónicos, more at Far Out Lounge

Switch your hips to Money Chica — the psychedelic offshoot of the mighty Grupo Fantasma — and break it down to Colombian tropicale grooves from Superfónicos. Psych cumbia crew Combo Oscuro and rising rock stars the Tiarras round out the bill. $30 and up. thefaroutaustin.com.

Body Rock ATX at Sahara Lounge

For the first time in three years, the husband/wife hip-hop duo behind Riders Against the Storm and head body rocker, DJ Chorizo Funk, join forces to ring in the new year. Lay down any burdens holding you back and sweat your way into a happier 2024 at the most life-affirming, soul nourishing dance party on the planet. facebook.com.

Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores

The lineup for the city-sponsored party won't be out 'til later this month, but in past years, top local talents have taken the stage for the free, family-friendly shindig with the best skyline view in town. The evening ends with a fireworks display. austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year.

K.Flay at Empire

Shake off the haters and forget that idiot who tried to convince you that “Chaos is Love." On her most recent tour, the pop-punk-rocker-rapper has been getting “Raw Raw,” putting her vulnerability on display as she flexes her musical prowess to sold out crowds around the country.  $49.50 and up. empireatx.com.

MADEON DJ Set at Concourse Project

2023 has been a big year for the French producer and multi-instrumentalist. He wrapped up his "Good Faith Forever" tour, and logged appearances at Electric Forest, Life Is Beautiful and the inaugural Lollapalooza India. He dropped by Austin’s home base for electronic music in April and returns to ring in the new year with a DJ set. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (DJ Set) and Wavedash open. $55 and up. concourseproject.com/calendar.

The Decline of Hotel Vegas

Each year, Hotel Vegas takes us back in time as top Austin artists assume the affectations of an earlier era to ring in a new year. This time, we’re going back to the ‘80s with music from Depeche Mode, the Cure, Madonna, Genesis, Judas Priest, the Pixies and more. Artists include members of Moving Panoramas, Riverboat Gamblers, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, Fastball and many more. $46.82 at up. link.dice.fm/VegasNYE2023.

Joaqu.n and more at the Coco Complex

The queer dance throwdown spills from the Coconut Club into neighboring venues, Neon Grotto and Cuatro Gato for a five stage bash. Favorite party rocker Joaqu.n spins on the Coconut Club rooftop while Suxxy Puxxy holds it down inside at the Grotto. Over at the Gato, Soullareal spins. $20 and up. eventbrite.com.

Ephraim Owens Quintet at Elephant Room

This is easily one of the best NYE deals in town. You get the excellent ambience of Austin’s premiere jazz basement, the sophisticated jazz styling of Owens — a trumpet player who the Elephant’s website (accurately) describes as “the definition of cool” — and a champagne toast for $25. The club has open seating and no reservations, so plan to show up close to the 9 p.m. door time. elephantroom.com.

10 more New Year's Eve concerts in Austin

  • DeVotchKa with Man, Woman, Friend, Computer at Parish

  • Snail Mail, Narrow Head, On Being an Angel at Mohawk outdoor

  • Woodstock New Year’s Eve with Reverent Few and Madam Radar at the 04 Center

  • The Ransom Brothers & Brian Scartocci New Year's Eve Celebration at Saxon Pub

  • Bob Schneider at the Paramount Theatre

  • Mike Flanigan with Jimmie Vaughan Trio at C-Boys

  • Tomar & The FCs New Year Celebration at Continental Club

  • Heartbyrne at 3Ten

  • Jennifer Harrold & The Resophonics at Skylark Lounge

  • Hard Proof, the Deer, Mockjaw at Radio East

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 20 New Year's Eve concerts in Austin: Hip-hop or cumbia, rock or blues