Matt Mercado, Manny Velazquez

Matt Mercado and Manny Velazquez are playing Broken Spoke on Friday, August 7, with two separate sets that stretch the music across most of the evening. Manny Velazquez opens things off from 6 PM to 8 PM, and Matt Mercado takes over at 9 PM for the dancehall set. If you're planning to catch both, you've got a gap in the middle to grab a drink or a bite before the dancefloor picks up.

Broken Spoke is a landmark in Austin, and it's a good place to get your bearings if you're not a regular. It's been around since 1964, when James M. White opened it as a Texas dancehall, and it's still running on that same tradition. It's a live music venue that serves homestyle meals—the chicken fried steak is the one they're most known for—and the bands play for tips. It's the kind of spot where the music is the main event and the food is there to keep you going.

If you're new to the dance floor, there's a way to get comfortable before the music starts. The venue runs two-step dance lessons led by instructor Terri White from Wednesday to Saturday, 8 PM to 9 PM. Since the lessons run right up until Matt Mercado takes the stage, you can spend an hour learning the steps and then walk straight into the dancehall set.

There's no cover charge for the night, so you can come for one set or stay for both without worrying about a ticket. Manny Velazquez plays from 6 PM to 8 PM, and Matt Mercado starts at 9 PM. Broken Spoke is at 3201 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704.