Eastside Kings Festival Celebrates Austin’s Rich Blues and Jazz Heritage

The 13th annual Eastside Kings Festival is set to take place this weekend, October 14-15, 2023, in historic east Austin. This vibrant event will feature over 20 bands and artists performing across five venues, drawing attention to the rich cultural heritage of African American Blues, Jazz, and Gospel music.

Organized by the Eastside Kings Foundation, a local nonprofit, the festival aims not only to entertain but also to preserve and promote the musical traditions that have shaped Austin’s identity. The foundation’s mission centers on highlighting lesser-known African American musicians and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents on a global stage.

The festival’s name pays homage to an album by Eddie Stout, the foundation’s founder, which was recorded and released in 1999. The album captured the talents of many remarkable but under-recognized blues musicians from Austin, such as Clarence Pierce and Willie Sampson. As stated on the foundation’s website, “the name Eastside Kings stuck and the musicians began to use it for their gigs,” making the festival a fitting tribute to these artists and the post-war blues circuit in east Austin.

Wristbands for the festival are available for $25 per day, while VIP badges can be purchased for $100 per day. Both options can be acquired at Antone’s Record Shop.

Festival Highlights and Schedule

The festival kicks off with an opening night party at Justine’s on Friday, October 13, from 19:30 to 23:30. The lineup features acclaimed artists such as Hubby Jenkins from the “Carolina Chocolate Drops” and the duo Shy Perry & Bill Perry Jr.. Tickets for this event are available online for $13.54.

Saturday’s events commence with a Living Blues Workshop at the George Washington Carver Museum, starting at 13:00. The main festivities will unfold at the corner of East 12th and Chicon Streets from 16:00, where attendees can enjoy music, local vendors, and food trucks.

Performers scheduled for Saturday include a diverse array of talent, such as:
– Hash Brown w/ Ted Roddy
– Veronika Jackson
– Damian Llanes, Gian Ortiz, Dan Walton
– Rosewood Soul w/ Sean McDonald, Xavier Shannon
– Shy Perry & Bill Perry Jr.
– Kirk Fletcher
– Jai Malano
– E J Mathews Band
– Mel Davis & The Blues Specialists
– Darrell Nulisch w/ Mike Law

On Sunday, the festival will continue in a similar vein, with vendors and food trucks setting up at 16:20. A car show will also take place from 16:30 to 19:00, alongside performances on several stages.

Sunday’s lineup includes:
– Jake Friel w/ Willie Pipkin
– Pamela Allen & Co.
– Hoston-Tillotson Jazz Band w/ Ephriam Owens
– Earnest “Guitar” Roy
– Mzz Reese & The Reese’s Pieces w/ Joe B.
– The Michael Hale Trio

A complete site map and detailed schedule can be found on the festival’s official website, EastsideKingsFest.com. The Eastside Kings Festival not only serves as a platform for talented musicians but also as a celebration of the cultural legacy that has defined Austin’s music scene for generations.