At SXSW · Austin, TX
About
Alt-Country, Americana, and Cosmic Honky-Tonk Showcase at SXSW
Born from a backyard barbecue turned house party off South Congress in 2008, the Brooklyn Country Cantina grew into one of SXSW's most beloved unofficial showcases over the next decade.
Curated by The Defibulators and Daniel Roark, and co-presented in later years with The Bluegrass Situation, the Cantina brought together Americana, roots, bluegrass, and country artists from Brooklyn, Austin, Nashville, and everywhere in between. The partnership with venue Licha's Cantina created the quintessential Austin experience. Elevated Mexican street food, bloody marys and mezcal, two stages of exceptional indie-country bands, and just a damn good hang.
The meticulous lineup curation made it a go-to showcase for Americana labels, agents, writers and fans, to discover the best up-and-coming acts and to catch established world class artists in the alt-country scene.
2020 & 2021 events cancelled due to the pandemic
History
2008 – 2020 · Austin, TX
Presented by Robert Ellis & The Brooklyn Country Cantina. This event never took place — cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Poster by Misisipi Mike Wolf.
Presented by Sixpoint Brewery · Recording King · The Bluegrass Situation · Tito's Vodka · LR Baggs · Zilker Belts · Gem & Bolt · Topo Chico · Cuvée Coffee
The 10th Anniversary "Eastside Doublewide" — 3 stages across 2 adjacent venues. Co-presented with Hank & Ed Management & The Bluegrass Situation. Poster by Misisipi Mike Wolf.
Co-presented with The Bluegrass Situation. Sponsors: Sixpoint Brewery · LR Baggs · Tito's Vodka · Recording King · Saint Elmo Soundstage · Topo Chico · Cannon Media. Poster by Misisipi Mike Wolf.
Presented by Brooklyn Brewery. Co-presented with The Bluegrass Situation & Deering Banjos · Acoustic Guitar Magazine · Cannon Media · Prater Day. Two stages, 11am–2am. Poster by Misisipi Mike Wolf.
Presented by Brooklyn Brewery. Co-presented with The Bluegrass Situation & Deering Banjos. Poster by Misisipi Mike Wolf.
Saturday March 15 · Licha's Cantina, 1306 E 6th St, Austin TX · Two stages, 11am–close. Presented by Deering Banjos · Brooklyn Brewery · The Bluegrass Situation · Greenman · Pointer Brand · Ole Smoky Moonshine · The Mod Cabin.
Lake Street Dive · Aoife O'Donovan · Little Tybee · Hacienda · Gabriel Sullivan & Taraf de Tucson · Whiskey Shivers · The Defibulators · Thunderado · The Lonesome Heroes · All the Elements · River Whyless · Rosco Bandana · The Leavers · Chicha Dust · Matt Blake · Carrie Ann Carroll · Jeremy Joyce · Andrew Duhon · Christopher Paul Stelling · Daniel Romano · Michaela Anne · The Low Lows · Stuckey & Murray · Bobby Long · Marvin and the Cloud Wall · Mouse & the Moon · Carolina Story · The Hollows · What Made Milwaukee Famous · Chris Day · Golden Bear · Wood and Wire · The Howlin Brothers · Leo Rondeau · Hollis Brown · Pearl and the Beard · Great Peacock · MaryAnn · The Kernal · Horse Opera · Acre Yawn · Benyaro · John Foti · Memphis Dawls · Sideshow Tragedy · The Giving Tree Band · The Carper Family · Oh, By Jingo! · Austin Steamers · Charlie Faye & Will Sexton · Gumbo ce soir & more
A 2-day, 2-stage showcase — the biggest edition yet. Presented by Papi Tino's, Daniel Roark & The Defibulators. Country, Folk, and Americana on 2 stages.
The Defibulators & friends. A free backyard showcase rooted in the Brooklyn and Austin music communities.
The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Country Cook-Out. Live Music · Tacos · Beer · Bourbon · Kolaches. Hand-printed letterpress poster by Yee-Haw Industries. Presented by Brooklyn Brewery · Zubik House · Yes! Taco · Claw Offices of Shane Boasberg & Assoc. · Buffalo Trace.
The 2nd Annual Brooklyn Country Cook-Out. Live Music · Beer · Bagels · Tequila · Griddle Dogs. Hand-printed letterpress poster. Presented by Brooklyn Brewery · Metromix · Rockstar Bagels · Low Island Music · Charisma Artist.
Andy Friedman & the Other Failures · Miss Tess & the Talkbacks · The Defibulators & friends
"The idea was that it would just be bands from Austin and New York just sort of coming together and having a barbecue and play for each other." — Erin Bru, The Defibulators
Event cancelled for a second year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Photos
2016 – 2019 · Licha's Cantina, Austin TX
