The Drop-In 2025 lineup is out and it’s no surprise that we have some opinions in the house! At the LC, we’re a collection of superfans, ride-or-dies, and intense consumers of Austin’s creative arts scene, so when we asked for Drop-In ‘hot picks,’ the team certainly delivered. Check out what they had to say about this stellar lineup (spoiler: we like them all) and start putting together your own can’t-miss, won’t-miss list.
Special Mention: There was someone who just couldn’t choose, so he made a radio show about it instead. If you didn’t catch Saturday’s My KUTX on KUTX 98.9 with our own Bobby Garza, Chief Program Officer, then you really missed out! Just kidding — if a curated playlist with a personal touch is what you’re looking for, Bobby really delivered. Listen here and mark your favorites (or, you know, just plan to see them all ✨)
WE ASKED:
The whole lineup is solid, but who are you most excited to Drop-In this summer?
Matt from Programming
// Chicoselfie
The band combines classic elements of Latin rhythms, pop, and rock with flares and nods to the faves we all know and love like Caifanes, Mana & Café Tacvba.
A wonderful Austin take and some great songwriting makes this my pick not to miss.
Leslie from Box Office
// Brownout
// Superfónicos
// Andrew Cashen
I can’t wait to see Brownout and Superfónicos! Anything that Adrian Quesada does is a fun time.
And the enigmatic Andrew Cashen is always an exciting experience for all!
Such a great lineup to attend on Thursdays, all summer long.
Katie from Marketing
// Next of Kin
I loved Flora and Fawna who played The Drop-In a few years ago, so when I saw Lili Hickman’s new band Next of Kin was playing this year, I knew that was going to be one I couldn’t miss. Love their energy and those harmonies are insane! It’s going to be such a vibe for a summer Austin night on the lawn!
Dallas from Programming
// The Point.
I think I have an algorithm to thank for putting these guys on my radar.
A driving beat selling a groove that you can’t help but nod your head or shake your booty to.
The band itself, comprised of the perfect combination of youthful zeal and a steady experienced hand keeping tempo, all with a great ear in the studio with Beto Martinez producing, demands attention and proved the point that Austin’s music scene is alive and kicking.
Dana from Programming
// L.C. Franke
I’m looking forward to L.C. Franke classing up the lawn with some tortured torch songs!
Kelsey from HR
// Pelvis Wrestley
I watched Pelvis Wrestley play years ago at a dive bar and the place just came alive! So looking forward to seeing them live again on our stage!
Maria from Community Programs
// Starflake
I’m most excited to see Starflake! Starflake is a 2024 Austin Live Music Fund awardee, and their music makes me want to dance!!
Jordyn from Marketing
// Nané ft. Quentin Arispe
The outdoor stage is the perfect setting for Nané and Quentin Arispe. They both have such a great vibe and energy, and their music sounds the way a hot summer night on the lawn feels.
Riley from Programming
// The Point.
// Next of Kin
I mixed songs for both bands at this year’s Sonic Guild Ball and I was immediately blown away by their sound! Next of Kin’s vocal harmonies and The Point.’s vibey, groovy rhythms are something you should experience.
Jordan from Box Office
// All of them
I’m not familiar with any of the bands because I’m new to town. I’m so excited to experience them all as both a staff member and a new Austinite. From what I’ve heard, we are in for a treat, and I can’t wait to find my new favorite local musician!
And there’s so much more where this came from! You can’t go wrong with any Drop-In, and that’s our favorite thing about it. Make sure you’re signed up to get RSVP alerts on Mondays (remember, it’s free) and we’ll see you there! Oh, also keep an eye out on @longcenter for Friday artist reveals.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
At the Long Center, we’re all about saying our thank yous, especially to those who help make everything we do possible. Because as a non-profit, we’re only as good as our supporters!
This is what the Icon Awards are all about. Last week, we gathered our closest friends on the Meredith Stage in the fabulous Dell Hall, witnessed some incredible performances by Austin artists, and said thank you and honored those in the community who have gone above and beyond to support not only the LC mission, but have helped make arts and culture in Austin a reality for communities across town.
And this year, one of the awards goes to one of our community supporters who’s been there since the beginning, Baylor Scott & White Health.
The Icon Awards honor those who have an outstanding commitment to the arts in Austin, and for Baylor Scott & White they know just as medicine treats the body, music and arts have the power to reach the heart and lift the spirit.
BSW 🤝 LC
This healthcare system isn’t just about bringing medical care to Texans all across the state. Their goal is to treat the whole person, and they know that creating opportunities and spaces for performing art is a way to soothe, connect and honor the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing.
Having been a supporter of the arts in Austin for over fifteen years, they’ve been a key collaborator in the Long Center’s shows and community events since the early days (you’ve probably noticed their name here and there or even picked up a stress ball or two 😉). From a recital by renowned violinist Joshua Bell to our inaugural Community Day, Baylor Scott & White has played a major role in making what we do a reality.
Baylor Scott & White extends their care beyond physical health – they emphasize creating wellness in all individuals, families, and communities. This includes promoting an environment where arts and culture can thrive in Austin – because as we all know at the Long Center, the arts are essential.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
And their support goes even further than the LC. A non-profit themselves, Baylor Scott & White reinvests back into the community. Over the past year alone, Baylor Scott & White has provided outreach and support to TONS of non-profits, schools, and local organizations, impacting countless folks in the Austin community.
From serving as the medical team at the Statesman Cap10k, Texas’s largest 10k race, to their Teddy Bear Clinics, which puts medical experiences in a friendlier light for kiddos by performing check-ups on their stuffies, (and not to mention their countless free screenings, educational health seminars, and wellness events) Baylor Scott & White has created a tangible, positive difference in the Austin region.
We’re beyond grateful to have a supporter as community-centric and dedicated to serving Austinites as Baylor Scott & White on our team. They’ve been with us since day one, cheering us on, showing up for the community, and helping make the arts happen all over Austin. That’s why it’s a no-brainer that they’re one of this year’s honorees.
Thank you, Baylor Scott & White, for being such an Icon to us! 😊
WE CAN’T FORGET OUR SPONSORS
Of course, a huge thank you to all of our sponsors who have supported the 2025 Icon Awards 👏👏
GOLD SPONSOR
- Tom & Armanita Sellers
- Craig & Felicia Hester
SILVER SPONSOR
- Amber Bradbury & Google
- Baylor Scott & White Health
- Kelly Hart & Hallman
- Jare Smith
- The University of Texas System
- The Long Foundation
- The Butler School of Music
BRONZE SPONSOR
- Borgelt LawCivilitude
- H-E-B
- Oak View Group
- Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas, Pamela M. Giblin, and Janet Roberts
And special thanks to the Founding Resident Companies of the Long Center — Austin Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Austin!
If you’re all-in on the arts now (just kidding, we know you already were), come and see us! There’s so much more you can do at the Long Center than just see a show, but we have plenty of those, too. Check out our calendar, think about volunteering, read more from other community creatives, or see what Membership at the LC is all about.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
