Monday: Eric Johnson at Waterloo Records. Long considered by many to be Austin’s premier electric guitarist — even in the 1980s when he and Stevie Ray Vaughan were the city’s twin-engine burners of prog-rock and blues — Johnson has taken an intriguing turn toward acoustic guitar and piano on his new album “EJ.” Free. 5 p.m. 600 N. Lamar Blvd. waterloorecords.com. — P.B.
ACL Fest Late Night Shows. Zilker Park cranks back up on Friday for Weekend Two of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, but bridging the gap are several shows by fest acts in local clubs. Tuesday, the Cold War Kids play Emo’s with Prinze George. Wednesday’s big event is the annual Waller Creek Conservancy Benefit at Stubb’s, with headliner Haim and local opener Walker Lukens. Thursday’s options include Band of Horses at Stubb’s and Saint Motel at Emo’s. Starting times and ticket prices vary; get the full lowdown at c3concerts.com/latenight. — P.B.
Thursday: Sip Sip and Hard Proof at Empire. Small combos have their merits, but a massive ensemble that moves as one brings an energy level, an excitement and a wall of sound that can’t be matched. This bill matches two of Austin’s tightest big bands, Afrobeat ensemble Hard Proof and electro-jazz/hip-hop outfit Sip Sip. The latter kicks off a month-long Sip-tober residency at the club with this gig. $5. 8 p.m. 606 E. Seventh St. empireatx.com. — D.S.S.
ALSO PLAYING
Monday
Country crooner Dale Watson celebrates the release of his new album “Under the Influence” at the Continental Club.
It’s just another Motown Monday with Matchmaker Band and the Nightowls at the Highball.
Hot pickin’ on the porch is served up for Bluegrass Night at Radio Coffee & Beer.
Mystery Monday with Christine Albert at El Mercado features South Dakota songwriter Tom Peterson as this week’s special guest.
Tuesday
The Apostles of Manchaca play a special Sam Cooke show at Strange Brew.
Up-and-coming boot-scooters Croy & the Boys play the late slot at the White Horse.
Aaron Lee Tasjan performs Wednesday at Sidewinder. Contributed by Curtis Wayne Millard
Wednesday
Renowned indie roots acts the Felice Brothers and Aaron Lee Tasjan team up at Sidewinder.
Australian indie-rock outfit Boy & Bear plays the Parish with Minnesota musician Cobi.
Blue Note Records singer-songwriter Kandace Springs of Nashville visits 3Ten.
Thursday
The rescheduled date of the Up in Smoke Tour with comedy duo Cheech & Chong plus iconic soul band War takes place at Cedar Park’s HEB Center.
Long-running local honky-tonkers the Derailers play the Long Center’s Rollins Theater.
