Bring your Tía! Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month early with 5 Latin concerts in Austin

In anticipation of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), we’ve compiled a collection of Hispanic and Latino music events that showcase cultural celebration through sound. One note: We’ve expanded the list to include musical performances from cultures across Latin America, including non-Spanish speaking ones.

Before you go see your show, check: Happy hour specials at Seven Spirits, a Mexican craft cocktail bar on E 7th StreetThe bar celebrates its one-year anniversary of serving craft spirits from Mexico on Friday.

Saturday: Cultura Brasil Austin celebrates Brazilian Independence Day

Sete de Setembro celebrates Brazil’s Independence Day, and Cultura Brasil Austin is bringing a celebration of food, dance, and music to Haute Spot in Cedar Park. The outdoor venue will host a variety of artists performing Brazilian musical subgenres, including Caros Amigos, who specialize in the traditional, toe-tapping Brazilian Choro. Renowned performance group Austin Samba will perform with a powerful troupe of drummers and costumed dancers. The festival also features Brazilian pop-rock group Fusca XR3 and visual artist Tico Canato. Brazilian cuisine will be served on-site at Casa de Brasil, Pastelaria São, and more.

Information: Haute Spot in Cedar Park. All ages, $15 and up. culturebrassaustin.org

Saturday: Song Rise Sessions presents Luna Luna

Song Rise Sessions is a showcase featuring artists working with Song Rise Arts, a nonprofit that develops trauma-informed spaces that empower underserved communities to heal through songwriting, mentoring, and performance. The night will kick off with a showcase featuring six emerging artists performing original songs from the Thrive Mentoring Program. The lineup includes two Spanish-language artists, Latinx indie quartet Luna Luna and Midnight Navy, a Mexican singer-songwriter in Chicano soul and alternative R&B. East Austin rapper Blackcyl will also perform at Song Rise Sessions.

Information: Antone’s. 18+, $20+, antonesnightclub.com

Sunday: Our Rhythm, Our Voice showcases Latin American stories through songs

“Our Rhythm, Our Voice” is a musical project by Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Javier Jara and his 18-piece orchestra Austin Unconducted that celebrates the diversity, heritage, and contributions of Latin American immigrants. Part oral history, part grassroots musical experiment, Jara and his team interviewed immigrants in the United States and transformed their personal stories into songs. The Long Center will host a performance of 12 songs based on the stories of 12 Latin American immigrants, using rhythms from their homelands.

Information: Long Center, All Ages, $50 and up, thelongcenter.org

Sunday: Marco Antonio Solis celebrates his “Forever Grateful” Tour at the Moody Center

Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solis is making a stop at the Moody Center for his Eternamente Agradecido (Eternally Grateful) World Tour. As the tour’s name suggests, the 62-year-old artist kicked off the series of shows with gratitude for his illustrious career, revisited with Spanish-language pop ballads, cumbia songs and hits from his time in Los Bukis.

Information: Moody Center. All Ages, $40 and up, moodycenteratx.com

September 15: Mariachi Rock Revolution to perform at star-studded event to benefit Mariachi Para Todos

Mariachi Rock Revolution will rock the Long Center in support of Mariachi Para Todos, an all-ages, nonprofit Mariachi group hosted by Austin Soundwaves. Haydn Vitera of Asleep at the Wheel leads Latin fusion supergroup Mariachi Rock Revolution in a night celebrating Mexican music and culture. MRR will be joined by the six-piece Mariachi Clasico band. The two groups will perform separately and as a combined supergroup. Tejano legends Ruben Ramos and Rick Trevino, former members of the Grammy-winning group Los Super Seven, will make special guest appearances.

Information: Long Center. All ages, $25 and up. thelongcenter.org

This article originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman: Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin with Latin concert selections