Africa Night! Afro Jazz ~ Sahara Allstars ~ Zoumountchi

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Celebrate vibrant African rhythms and culture at Africa Night! Enjoy an energetic evening featuring Afro Jazz, the dynamic Sahara Allstars, and the electrifying Zoumountchi band at the historic Sahara Lounge. Expect live music with influences from West Africa, pulsing grooves, and a dance floor that's always lively.

Live performances by top Austin Afrobeat and Afro Jazz musicians
Free buffet for early arrivals — come hungry and ready to dance
Inclusive, social atmosphere where community and culture shine
Perfect for music lovers, dancers, and anyone wanting to experience global music in Austin

Join the fun, meet new friends, and be carried away by the infectious beats that have made Africa Night a staple of Austin's music scene!

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Venue Description

Welcome to Sahara Lounge, East Austin's premier spot for live music and dancing! This historic venue has been serving up great vibes since 2011, carrying on a rich musical tradition that dates back to 1962 when the building first opened as Lincoln Drive Inn.

Step inside and you'll immediately feel the musical history in this Texas juke joint with a twist. The relaxed, eclectic atmosphere offers the authentic "old Austin" feel that's becoming increasingly rare. With its sprung wooden dance floor, full bar serving signature cocktails (including the unique Sahara Slants made with Ghanaian akpeteshie), and spacious outdoor patio, the Sahara creates the perfect setting for unforgettable nights.

Family-owned by musicians Eileen Bristol and her son Topaz McGarrigle (lead singer of Golden Dawn Arkestra), this venue presents a diverse array of musical styles five nights a week, including:

Africa Night - Their award-winning Saturday event featuring Afrojazz, AfroBeat, Reggae, and Latin music with a FREE spicy buffet
Indie, Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip Hop, Soul and more throughout the week
Regular events like Ladies Night and Body Rock ATX

The Sahara experience extends beyond just music - enjoy free billiards, outdoor fire pits, and delicious West African dishes and BBQ from the Sahara Smokehouse. With abundant free parking and an inviting atmosphere where diverse crowds gather for lively conversations and dancing, Sahara Lounge represents the heart and soul of Austin's music culture.

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