NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
Founded in 2015, TBray and One Too Many is the brainchild of saxophonist and composer Tony Bray. Each member brings a wide variety of influences that meld into a category-defying prog-fusion outfit that steps through genres with original music that doesn’t fit into any one box. Are we a fusion group? Funk? Jazz? Metal? ...Yes.
The band performs regularly in the Austin area music scene and in regional music festivals including SXSW and San Antonio's Jazz Festival Jazz'sAlive.
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
Entering their 10th year as a band, Hard Proof has established itself as an Austin institution ready to bring the party to the rest of the world. The Austin-based ten-piece collective of musicians known as Hard Proof began by studying the blueprint of Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 band, as well as funk and jazz from the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 2008, Hard Proof features members of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, The Calm Blue Sea, Cougar, Spoon, the Echocentrics, and several other notable Austin acts.
While their self-titled album was well received on its 2010 release, there seems to be universal agreement that their live shows are something not to be missed. Austin taste-maker Laurie Gallardo of KUTX radio may have put it best: "This local nine-piece ensemble always puts on an electrifying live show, an absolute blowout of non-stop percussion action and blasting brass, bringing the best of both worlds to the stage by mixing classic styles and plenty of their personal panache to own the show."
As if they weren’t busy enough between Hard Proof and their other bands, the Hard Proof Horns have found work as sidemen with such notables as Spoon, Antibalas, Gary Clark Jr., Broken Social Scene, the Walkmen, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Toadies, and others.
In 2013, Hard Proof released their first vinyl, partnering with Canada's Kept Records for the Dragon/Tere 45 that they tracked with Adrian Quesada of Grupo Fantasma and Brownout. In 2014 Hard Proof released a Cassette Store Day cassingle, and played the Austin City Limits festival after a successful East coast run. In 2016 the band released a 100% analog 45rpm LP produced by Jim Eno (Spoon) at his own studio for his Public Hi-Fi imprint.Hard Proof’s next full length came out in January of 2017 on Modern Outsider Records featuring production from Chris “Frenchie” Smith.
What the press has said:
"Afrobeat promulgators Hard Proof began life studying Fela Kuti, but Stinger moves the homegrown 10-piece into another sphere. While the driving horns and rhythms remain central to what the decade-old group represents, nine instrumentals here platform the group's most fully realized ideas and execution. With scorching guitar solos and swirling keyboards offsetting intense polyrhythms, Stinger comes as close to capturing their exuberant, at times fierce live show. The title track leads back to their roots, a rolling tide of African sweeps led by the horns swinging in unison. In Austin, only Grupo Fantasma, their offshoot Brownout, and El Tule match Hard Proof when it comes to crackling energy. Selections like the appropriately titled "Incendiary" and slinky guitar funk of "Boss" cue up prime examples of an even more inventive, cohesive ensemble." - Jim Caliguri for the Austin Chronicle
"Hard Proof Afrobeat are not the only Austin band with international aspirations, but the average band fronted by a jazz studies major has only a fighting chance of being half as good as this Fela Kuti-influenced but genre-busting supergroup of strong performers. Including players in Black Joe Lewis And The Honeybears, Echocentrics, and Calm Blue Sea, Hard Proof excels in putting on high-energy, dancey shows that betray a careful ear toward a diverse subset of musical styles and approaches." -The Onion AV Club
"It’s no surprise that this Austin supergroup, in which members of the Echocentrics and Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears fuse Afropop to hard funk, has a hot rhythm section. The less expected pleasure is the high quality of the solos. Check out “Men of Trouble,” in which Joseph Woullard’s blistering flute showcase is followed immediately by John Branch’s roof-raising guitar work." Texas Monthly
"...the ten-piece have forged a sound of their own, one that mixes the selective defiance of Fela Kuti and the soft flutter of Ethiopian jazz with hard Congolese drumming and showy Western rock and roll. It’s a polyglot combination that, quite honestly, shouldn’t really work—years of free festivals have proven the hard-rockin’ funk band to be neither sufficiently hard-rockin’ nor funky, and despite their shared continental heritage, Fela’s sprawling afrobeat has little in common with the eastern lope of, say, Alemayehu Eshete. But thanks in part to the production work of Chris “Frenchie” Smith, the band’s new full-length, Stinger, is not only a cohesive exploration of sub-Saharan sounds, but a bright and punchy rock record, too." Flood Magazine
Members
Stephen Bidwell - Drums
Tommy Spampinato - Percussion
Tony Cruz - Congas
Joe Sokolik - Bass
Aaron Sleator - Guitar
Gerardo Larios - Guitar/Keyboards
John Branch - Guitar
Joe Woullard - Bari Sax/Flute
Jason Frey - Tenor Sax
Derek Phelps - Trumpet
Michael P. St. Clair - Guitar/Keyboards/Trombone
Sevylla del Mazo - Percussion
This from Sha Alheem's ReverbNation page
"I'm a Crooner/Emcee that has has a lot of funky soul. Originally hailing from Houston, Tx, but now residing in Austin. I've traveled across the USA performing under the name David Sha for over a decade, but I've been rocking the stage for 3 decades and I still love it!"
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
Spring is almost gone, but more good times to come! Panic Stricken plays their last monthly sunshine matinee of the spring season at Half Step. It will be a FREE SHOW as always at Half Step and we are sending it off with a bang!
First set we've got Phil Davidson from the Invincible Czars sitting in with us on the fiddle. And then the second set it's all Boogaloo Deep Fried Brass being our mini Dirty Dozen. It's gonna be a big #WSMFP time!
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
The Hippie House & Half Step Presents: FREE Sunday Funday w/ Bourgeois Mystics, Lunar Eclectic, Koodookoo on June 10th from 5-8pm at Half Step on Rainey St!
Since 2014, Bourgeois Mystics has captivated audiences with their distinct combination of funk, art rock, and hip-hop which they dub “Art Funk.” The group couples its infectious and bombastic compositions with witty tongue-in-cheek lyrics and electrifying live performances. Distinct originals and unique covers are sung in various languages including French, English, and Hindi. The band’s debut album “Eureka!” is available now.
Joining them is up & coming jam/funk fusion Lunar Eclectic and Koodookoo!
Prodigy Music Group began in 2001 with Vince Wiley a Pianist/Keyboardist/Production Manager who has traveled the world sharing his gift. He had the vision to build a team of artist that can play music in a variety of genres to satisfy the ears of those who hear it. This team of musicians has performed in concerts, corporate events, weddings, parties, and more. For additional information on bookings, samples, and a non-exhaustive song list go to prodigy2music.com
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
Hey everybody! I'm SUUUUPER excited to present my first ever Zack Morgan and Friends superjam on Memorial Day at Half Step - and it's FREE!!
I can't believe I convinced all these awesome musicians to get together for this, it's gonna be off the charts! We'll be playing 2 sets with a variety of tunes (original and covers) from funk to hip hop, jam to classic rock and everywhere in between.
Here's the all star lineup:
- Jose Gutierrez (A Live One, Audyssey, Dallas Mavs Drumline) on drums
- Logan Dance (Mamafesta, strawberryJAM) on bass
- Josh Pearson (HeartByrne, Moving Matter, A Live One) on guitar and vocals
- Jay D. Stiles (Jay Stiles Trio and all the funkiest bands in town) on keys and vocals
- Evan Bozarth (Graveltooth, HeartByrne) on bass
- Dustin Bozarth (Graveltooth, Moving Matter, HeartByrne) on keys
- Lowell Carrico (Mamafesta) on guitar and vocals
- Alan Eckert (The Deer, Dimitri's Ascent) on drums
- Doug Leveton (Canned Beats, KP and the Boom Boom) on drums
- Drew Davis (Drew Davis Band) on vocals (and maybe keys??)
- Erin Stein (HeartByrne, Drew Davis Band) on vocals
This is a FREE/ALL AGES event so make sure to invite some friends and let em know this is the spot to be on Memorial Day!
The Good Good is finally here! This Sunday and every last Sunday all Summer long. It's a Summer Reggae Series here at Half Step featuring DJ's Rich Austin and Mixer Rogers. We'll be playing only the best reggae, dub, dancehall, rocksteady and Rasta remixes. There will be specialty Jamaican and Island inspired cocktails from Appleton and Wray & Nephew to keep things loose. It's a daytime affair and as always NO COVER!
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
Greetings Gurthlings! The Half Step on Rainey takes host as the Gurthship lands April 23rd!
Come take part in the experience as Gurthworm rocks your socks off and spreads the smiles! Jumping through funk, hip hop, rock, reggae and more- there is plenty of the Worm to go around!
CJ Edwards (also affectionately known as Shorti C)grew up knowing music would be his life long passion. He began leading hymnals at the congregation his father was minister to in Austin, Tx. He gained an affinity for literature, performance, and the arts being the youngest son of his mother an educator in Austin as well. Throughout school he participated in music programs. He recorded and toured first with a 12 piece vocal Gospel/Jazz ensemble by the name of Testimony in college. Upon return he continued his career by being one of the founding members of SouthSydeSide, a hip-hop oriented collection of emcee's, vocalist ,and music producers. Working alongside DJ Protege he began to master his skill at recording in the studio. From there he became a founding member of the group Diasporic, a Funk/Hip-Hop/Rock/Jazz fusion ensemble. They released 3 eps and one full length album to much critical acclaim by fans and peers. Since that point he has performed in countless festivals, stages, and with some of the best talent you could imagine.
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
The Hippie House & Half Step Present
a FREE outdoor event:
Sunday Funday & Mothers Day Matinee
featuring
GRAVELTOOTH 7pm
JOSH PEARSON TRIO 5pm
The Hippie House will be bringing out
• Live Painting •
• Craft Vendors •
• Art Installations •
• Workshops •
• Set Break Yoga •
This event is ALL AGES, so feel free to bring out the kiddos!
Did we mention FREE admission??!?
Half Step is located at:
75 1/2 Rainey St Austin, TX 78701 USA
:::: About Graveltooth ::::
The GravelTooth sound is equal parts hill-country funk and roots rock psychedelia.. but even more, it is a product of lives spent immersed in the Austin music scene.. Think of hot texas summers, swimmin' holes, and sharing a bottle of whiskey with old friends. Their live shows conjure that rebellious spirit in all of us. It's only rock-n-roll, but GravelTooth reminds us why we like it.
:::: About Josh Pearson Trio ::::
Josh is a guitar player and songwriter out of Austin. He plays in A Live One, HeartByrne & Moving Matter. The Josh Pearson Trio features Grego Loboz on bass and Jose Gutierrez on drums.
:::: About The Hippie House ::::
The Hippie House serves as a canvas for local artists, musicians, photographers, crafters, students and educators to collaborate in commUNITY. When we create together we create a safe space for artists and music lovers alike that survives on a symbiotic relationship based on transparency and LOVE. Our duty as the House is to spread your art, teachings, learning through a variety of different mediums we call "Gatherings"
artwork by AIRSHP
NO COVER
Live every Wednesday night!
Wednesday residents Canned Beets keep it funky for your listening and drinking pleasure every week. Come shake a tail feather!
NO COVER
Tuesday residents The Michael Hale Trio ft Mac McIntosh
Join us as we host one of the most dynamic Jazz nights in Austin, TX. Come join the party!
Money Chicha is an Austin, Texas based group featuring members of the Grammy-award winning Latin orchestra Grupo Fantasma and its offshoot funk outfit Brownout which performs a fuzzed-out, reverb-drenched and percussion-heavy style of music inspired by the sounds of Peru and Colombia in the 60s and 70s. This style of music, sometimes called “chicha” music, is known for its infectious Latin beat, its psychedelic, surf guitar pyrotechnics and its melodies influenced by the indigenous culture of the Andes mountains.
The group’s sound is derived from the exhilarating syncopations of congas, cowbell and timbales, the gritty tones of combo organs and vintage synthesizers, effects-laden guitar melodies, insistent basslines and a healthy dose of trippy effects. Money Chicha is a modern translation of this South American musical style interpreted by highly skilled veterans of America’s most vibrant music town. In their capable hands, the “chicha” genre takes on a new and unique character, guaranteed to move one to both dance and listen, entranced by the undeniable rhythms and virtuosic displays of musicality.
All souls come into the Casa de Half Step for another Sunshine Matinee and to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the boys from Panic Stricken. We will once again play many awesome Widespread Panic songs to your heart's content outside in hopefully beautiful weather this time. We are sure that the folks at Half Step will whip up a fun drink and maybe there will be some grub there, who knows? We'll play the jams and leave the rest of the party to them. Of course it is a FREE show as always and KID FRIENDLY
"Recuerdo todo los que amas
Sobre la Tierra y no sobre la Tierra
Así también se hasta con los que amas
Angeles y seres que esperan serlo"
Rising up from the incredible melting pot that is East Austin, Afrofreque’s music is soulful hip-hop, sprinkled with funk, afrobeat and reggae. The grooves are funky and the lyrics are positive and conscious, reflecting hip-hop culture, social issues and just plain having fun. Afrofreque is known not only for their for their tightly arranged hip hop and soul compositions, but also for their high energy live performances and and tasty live improvs.
The group, headed by MC Tigre Liu, is an experienced and talented bunch. Band members are/have been integral parts of other bands such as The Killer Bees, Big Game Hunter, Dirty Wormz, Patrice Pike, David Garza, Laura Scarborough, Raggamassive, Futurelight Sound System, Pressure, and Shantytown Underground.
