Austin Songcore September Showcase

Austin Songcore is back at Barrel O' Fun on Thursday, September 10, from 7 to 9 PM. It's a songwriter showcase built around a specific hook: the twist. The whole night revolves around the idea that a lot of songs carry a surprise you wouldn't guess just by listening. A love song that turns out to be about the songwriter's car, a trippy dream, or something else entirely—the kind of thing you'd never have imagined from the lyrics alone.

The format is simple and interactive. You hear the song, you guess what it's actually about, and then the artist tells the story behind it. It turns a standard set into a bit of a game, and the storytelling is as much a part of the night as the music. This particular showcase is part of Austin Songcore, a series of songwriter nights that celebrates songs with a twist.

Barrel O' Fun is a carnival-inspired bar on the first level of Alamo Drafthouse Mueller, pairing live music and performance with pub grub. It was named a 2017 Best of Austin Critics Pick for "Best Boozy Spot to Tap Into Your Inner Child," so it fits the slightly playful, off-beat energy of the night. The venue is at 1911 Aldrich Ste. 120-B, Austin, TX 78723.

There's a lineup of songwriters mentioned for the night—Drew Preston, Abby Brown, TV Wonder, and Secret Siren—though it's worth keeping in mind that the full bill isn't confirmed for this edition. Admission is free, and the show runs from 7 to 9 PM.