KUT 90.5, together with NPR Music, will present the debut performance of the new album by Austin-based band Okkervil River, webcast live tonight from the legendary Cactus Cafe in Austin.
The show will stream on both video and audio at KUT.org and at NPRmusic.org at 6 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available through on-air giveaways and through KUT social media channels (Twitter and Facebook).
“Our music focus at KUT is to identify and share the Austin music experience with our community and the world,” said Stewart Vanderwilt, director and general manager of KUT 90.5. “The Cactus is an important part of this effort. Performances like this — which more broadly share the Austin music and the Cactus Cafe experience beyond the campus and our community — are one of the reasons KUT partnered with the Cactus last year.”
This event comes two weeks before the May 10 release of Okkervil’s new album “I Am Very Far,” offering music fans a first listen to a highly anticipated collection by one of indie rock’s most compelling groups. Formed in Austin in 1998, Okkervil River has released a string of critically acclaimed CD’s including 2010’s collaboration with psychedelic rock pioneer Roky Erikson, “True Love Cast Out All Evil,” which landed on many critics’ top 10 lists.
Tonight’s Cactus Cafe performance is a pause during the band’s tour with Arcade Fire. After tonight’s performance, Okkervil’s showcase at the Cactus Cafe will be available for viewing online at KUT.org as part of NPR Music’s “First Listen Live” series. Okkervil River’s performance will not interfere with the sold-out Citizen Cope show previously scheduled for 8 p.m. today.
