live music

West Texas Exiles

4.7

Details

When five West Texas natives land in Austin and plug in together, you get West Texas Exiles: a band that sounds like a long drive under a big desert sky, with the volume all the way up. On May 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm, they roll into The Saxon Pub for a set that blends grit, heart, and wide-open Americana.

This crew traces its roots back to El Paso, Lubbock, and Amarillo, and you can hear that geography in every tune. Co-founder of the Dirty River Boys, Marco Gutierrez, joins fellow songwriters Daniel Davis and Colin Gilmore (yes, Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s son) for a triple-shot of storytelling, backed by Eric Harrison on bass and producer duties, and Trinidad Leal driving the drums like a dust storm on the horizon.

Their 2023 debut EP set the stage, but it’s their full-length album, 8000 Days, that’s really turned heads, spending weeks climbing the Americana radio charts and pulling in rave reviews. Onstage, they turn those songs into something even bigger: harmony-rich choruses, road-tested grooves, and a sound that channels influences from classic Texas troubadours to modern roots-rock heavyweights.

West Texas Exiles have sharpened their live show through a weekly residency at the Continental Club and appearances at hometown staples like SXSW and Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, plus national festivals including Nashville’s Americanafest, Braun Brothers Reunion, and San Francisco’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. All that stage time means they hit the ground running from the first chord.

Americana-centered songs that roam from twangy ballads to full-on roots rock
Three distinct songwriters trading lead vocals and harmonies
Road-seasoned rhythm section with serious Texas credentials
Stories of leaving, longing, and coming home, poured into big, cinematic soundscapes

If you like your Monday evenings served with big choruses, dusty-road imagery, and the kind of band chemistry that only comes from miles on the odometer, this early show at The Saxon Pub is your sweet spot. Slide into a seat, order your favorite drink, and let West Texas Exiles turn 6:00 pm into golden-hour soundtrack time.

Venue Details

Step into the Saxon Pub, Austin's legendary music haven at 1320 S Lamar Blvd, where the soul of live tunes beats strong since 1990!

Founded by Joe Ables and Craig Hillis, this cozy spot rose from a dingy dive bar into a folk-turned-blues, country, and rock hotspot, honoring the original Saxon Pub's singer-songwriter legacy from the '70s. It's hosted over 30,000 shows, drawing stars like Kris Kristofferson—who called it "playing in his own living room"—and launching careers in an intimate vibe perfect for jamming celebs and locals alike.

Iconic knight statue guards the door, welcoming music lovers 21+.
Survived rent hikes thanks to savior Gary Keller in 2016.
Starred in the 2019 doc Nothing Stays the Same, capturing its enduring spirit.
From Rusty Weir's epic residencies to surprise sit-ins, it's pure Austin magic!

Grab a beer, catch a set, and feel the heartbeat of the Live Music Capital—no judgments, just great vibes.