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

In anticipation of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), we have compiled a collection of Hispanic and Latino music events that showcase cultural celebration though sound. A note: we have expanded the list to include musical performances from cultures deriving from Latin America, including those who do not speak Spanish.

Before you go to see your show, check out the happy hour specials at Mexican-owned craft cocktail bar Seven Spirits on E 7th Street. The bar is celebrating its one year anniversary serving hand-crafted spirits from Mexico on Friday.

Saturday: Cultura Brasil Austin celebrates Brazil Independence Day

Sete de Setembro marks Brazil’s Independence Day, and Cultura Brasil Austin is bringing a celebration of food, dance and music to the Haute Spot in Cedar Park. The outdoor area will host a diverse range of artists performing Brazilian music subgenres, including Caros Amigos, who specialize in traditional, toe-tapping Brazilian Choro. Renowned performance group Austin Samba will be performing with their powerhouse troupe of drummers and costumed dancers. The festival also features Fusca XR3, a Brazilian pop-rock band, and visual artist Tico Canato. Brazilian cuisine will be available on site from Casa de Brasil, Pastelaria S?o, and more.

Info: Haute Spot in Cedar Park. All ages, $15 and up, culturabrasilaustin.org

Saturday: Song Rise Sessions presents Luna Luna

Song Rise Sessions is a showcase featuring artists working with the non-profit Song Rise Arts, a foundation that develops trauma-informed spaces for underserved communities to find healing in songwriting, mentorship, and performance. The night will kick off with a showcase of six rising artists performing original songs from the Thrive Mentoring Program. The lineup features two Spanish language acts, Latinx indie quartet Luna Luna and Midnight Navy, a Mexican singer-songwriter with a style of Chicano soul and alt R&B. East Austin rapper Blackcyl will also perform at Song Rise Sessions.

Info: Antone's. 18+, $20 and up, antonesnightclub.com

Sunday: Our Rhythm, Our Voices showcases Latin American stories through song

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

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

Sunday: Marco Antonio Solis marks his “Eternally Grateful” Tour at Moody Center

Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solis is making a stop at Moody Center for his  Eternamente Agradecido (Eternally Grateful) World Tour. As the title of the tour suggests, the 62-year-old launched this series of shows in gratitude for an illustrious career, which is revisited through Spanish-language pop ballads, cumbia canciones, and hits from his time in Los Bukis.

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

Sept. 15: Mariachi Rock Revolution performs in star-studded benefit for Mariachi Para Todos

Mariachi Rock Revolution will be shaking things up at the Long Center in support of Mariachi Para Todos, a free-to-join Mariachi group for all ages by non-profit run by Austin Soundwaves. Asleep at the Wheel’s Haydn Vitera fronts Latin fusion supergroup Mariachi Rock Revolution in a night celebrating Mexican music and culture. MRR will be joined on the bill by six-piece band Mariachi Clasico. The two groups will perform separately and as a combined super group. A special guest appearance will be made by Tejano legend Ruben Ramos and Rick Trevino, both former members of the Grammy-winning group Los Super Seven.

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

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