The 13th annual Eastside Kings Festival is set to take place this weekend in historic east Austin, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of African American Blues, Jazz, and Gospel music. Over 20 bands and artists will perform across five venues on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17, 2024.
This festival is not only a celebration of music but also a mission to preserve and promote the contributions of African American musicians. The Eastside Kings Foundation, a local nonprofit, organizes the event each year. According to its website, the foundation focuses on highlighting largely unknown African American musicians, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents to wider audiences.
The festival derives its name from an album recorded by the foundation’s founder, Eddie Stout, in 1999. The album featured the talents of Austin’s underappreciated African American blues musicians, including Clarence Pierce and Willie Sampson. The name “Eastside Kings” resonated with local artists, leading to its adoption for both the festival and the music community it represents.
Wristbands for the festival are priced at $25 per day, while VIP badges are available for $100 per day. Both can be purchased at Antone’s Record Shop.
Festival Schedule and Highlights
The festival kicks off with an opening night party at Justine’s on Friday, March 15, from 19:30 to 23:30. Performers include Hubby Jenkins from the “Carolina Chocolate Drops” and Shy Perry & Bill Perry Jr.. Tickets for this event are available online for $13.54.
On Saturday, March 16, the festivities begin with a Living Blues Workshop at the George Washington Carver Museum starting at 13:00. Local vendors and food trucks will open their stalls at 16:00 at the corner of East 12th and Chicon Streets.
Performers scheduled for Saturday include:
– 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.
– Igor & Yuri Prado w/ Theo Anzelotti
– Kirk Fletcher
– Omar Coleman
– Jai Malano
– E J Mathews Band
– Hubby Jenkins
– Mel Davis & The Blues Specialists
– Moeller Brothers, Mike Archer, Nick Connolly
– Gregg Smith
– Stan Mosley
– Darrell Nulisch w/ Mike Law
On Sunday, March 17, the festival will closely resemble Saturday’s schedule, with vendors and food trucks opening at 16:20. A car show will take place from 16:30 to 19:00, alongside multiple stages featuring live performances.
Performers scheduled for Sunday include:
– Jake Friel w/ Willie Pipkin
– Pamela Allen & Co.
– Hoston-Tillotson Jazz Band w/ Ephriam Owens
– Veronika Jackson
– Igor & Yuri Prado w/ Gian Ortiz, Dan Walton
– Earnest “Guitar” Roy
– Omar Coleman
– Mzz Reese & The Reese’s Pieces w/ Joe B.
– Michael Hale Trio
– Goldie Pipes
– Orange Jefferson
– Matthew Robinson
– Mike Law/Moeller Brothers/Nick Connolly
– Darrell Nulisch
– Sean McDonald
– Kirk Fletcher
A complete festival schedule and site map can be found at EastsideKingsFest.com. The Eastside Kings Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Austin’s African American musical heritage, offering attendees a unique experience and a chance to support local artists.
