The Spazmatics

The Spazmatics play every Wednesday night at Speakeasy, in the Ballroom at 412 Congress Ave. They've been an Austin tradition since 2004, and they're still doing the same thing they started with: a full night of 1980s new wave, the best and sometimes the worst of it, played by a four-member group. They bill themselves as "The Ultimate 80's & 90's Tribute Band" and "The Ultimate New Wave 80's Band," and they lean into the era as much as they do the music.

The costumes are part of the act. They take the stage in period gear—suspenders, a pin-wheel hat, a helmet, and a neck brace—and they're accompanied by an emotional-support chicken. The music is only half the draw; they're known for dance choreography that's charmingly bad and jokes that get the room laughing. It's as much a comedy show as it is a tribute band, and the whole thing is built around that 80s new wave sound.

If you're bringing a crowd, there are VIP table reservations for groups of up to 50 people. Doors open at 8 PM and the show starts at 9:30 PM. Since they play every Wednesday, you've got plenty of chances to catch them if this particular night doesn't work.