PREVIEW PICKS
Band of Heathens and Olafur Arnalds are two favorites.
1. Etienne Charles
Etienne Charles hails from Trinidad, but his style of jazz draws from all terrestrial parts of the Caribbean, with reggae and Calypso threaded through their brand of Afro-Caribbean music. The sound is vibrant, befitting summer when they might typically take the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre, but things this year are different, and they’re doing a virtual performance fromthe venue.
Where: 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at Miller Outdoor Theatre; can be streamed atmilleroutdoortheatre.com.
2. Band of Heathens
Band of Heathens got its start 15 years ago and stood out in a crowded Austin music scene for the multiple perspectives brought by multiple singer-songwriters. The group has an exacting process for putting together an album, which had to have made this a frustrating year with the release of “Stranger,” the Heathens’ first new album in three years but one that found its way into the world without tireless touring behind it. But the band is finally getting out for some shows that meet socially distant criteria, including a pair of unplugged shows here.
When: 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Nov. 28
Where: The Heights Theater, 339W. 19th
Where: $34-$234 (for a table of four); theheightstheater.com
Andrew Dansby
3. ‘Mega-Show’ The Space Age Christmas
Tree show is back, so much bigger and better it’s now dubbed “the world’s biggest mega-show.” Vintage aluminum tree collector Theron Georges, author of “The Evergleam Book,” has raided the attics of his pals to create an expanded exhibit focused on “the fiercest competitors in the race” to sell faux Christmas trees way back when. He’s also created a Mid-Century Modern Holiday Pad for selfies.
Where: Nov. 27-Jan. 3; 1940 Air Terminal Museum, 8325 Travelair; $4-$10; 713-4541940, 1940airterminal.org Molly Glentzer
Icelandic composer/keyboardist Ólafur Arnalds crafts gorgeous, transporting pieces that make for perfect counterpoint to our tumultuous times. While his latest album features more vocals and electronics than some of his previous works, it still offers what its title proclaims.
Where: Available on CD and through music-streaming services.