Music

Five Austin Acts to Catch at This Summer’s Drop-In Concert Series

A summer lineup of local favorites and fresh faces, performing weekly on the Long Center lawn

By Christina Garcia
Photos by Brynn Osborne
May 05, 2025

The Drop-In at Long Center. (Photo by Brynn Osborne)

The Long Center’s free outdoor music series is back, now, in partnership with KUTX. This summer’s edition of The Drop-In taps Austin’s massive talent pool for a 12-date run of Thursday evening performances. The Drop-In aims to please with sounds ranging from cumbia to country and beyond. Catch the good vibes radiating from these music makers on one-of-a-kind 3D-printed stage on the sunny lawn of the Long Center for the Performing Arts from May 22 through August 14.

The lineup is packed with talent, but these five acts are among our most anticipated.

Brownout

Hometown heroes who shot to recognition with their 2014 “Brown Sabbath” album, Brownout has only grown in their funky Latin flavor since then. A nine-man group with members of Money Chicha and Grupo Fantasma, the cumbia bonafides are solid as a rock, while the range of styles they rock is wider than a peacock’s train and just as entrancing.

Skateland

Soothing bedroom pop with an indie bent to soundtrack a sunset over Lady Bird Lake? We couldn’t ask for more. Skateland, a project fronted by Dorian Williams II, could soften the glare off any high-rise with gently rousing tempos and an ethereal, enveloping blanket of warm electronic production and live instrumentation.

Next of Kin

A powerful trio of queer country musicians, Next of Kin soothes the sting of heartbreak and breaks hearts with spirit rousing, twangy Americana anthems. Madison Baker, Lili Hickman and Caelin are the next big thing in cowboy boots.

The Point

The jazzy, reggae-influenced sound recently coming from The Point is a strong brew of international flavor and laid-back goodness. A trio of multi-generational men creates it, each with their fascinating lore leading either across the world or to the hallowed halls of Austin blues jams, true to the city’s deep love for the sound, and beyond.

Geto Gala

Two of Austin’s best rappers, Deezie Brown and Jake Lloyd, joined forces to create Geto Gala, a blessing of inspirational flows and samples so smooth they’re silky. Hip-hop ascends to the level of timeless classics in these skilled hands.

Long Center Lawn (Photo by Brynn Osborne) — Long Center Lawn. (Photo by Brynn Osborne)

The Drop-In full lineup

Each Friday, artists for the following week’s show will be announced via the Long Center and KUTX’s websites with free ticket RSVPs opening every Monday at 10 a.m. at thelongcenter.org. Doors open at 7 p.m. weekly with shows starting at 8 p.m.

This year’s lineup of diverse local artists includes: