Chief Cleopatra will take the stage at ACL Music Festival for the first time this year
Chief Cleopatra will perform at weekend one of ACL Festival this year. | Photo by Salihah Saadiq
No ACL Music Festival lineup is complete without a couple dozen local artists, and this year, Chief Cleopatra will perform at the fest for the first time in her career.
The native Texan, multi-instrumentalist, and five-time SXSW Music Festival performer said getting the opportunity to hit the ACL stage was “very surreal.”
Chief Cleopatra — whose real name is Jalesa Jessie — sat down with ATXtoday to talk about it.
Jessie began her journey as a musician as a child, singing in her church choir, playing snare in marching band, and learning bass + piano in Corsicana, Texas.
"(One year) my mom and dad bought me a drum set for Christmas, along with Led Zeppelin’s discography,” Jessie said. “My mom didn’t understand what was going on, but she was like, ‘this is what she wants.’”
An alumna of Hot Summer Nights and SXSW, Chief Cleopatra said her favorite local venue to perform in is Antone’s Nightclub.
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Photo by Konstantin Belyshev
Since then, Jessie has largely been focusing on music, and moved to Austin in 2021 to pursue her passion further.
“For a few years now, I’ve been trying to bother (ACL) about playing,” Jessie said. “I’m still really in shock about to be honest with you ... it’s great, it’s a dream come true.”
If you stop by for her set, you’re in for a unique performance. Jessie said she plans to play drums live for the first time and perform her new single, “Cold Dancer.”
You might see Jessie walking the festival grounds after her set, as she said she plans to be in the audience for Khruangbin, Santigold, Leon Bridges, and Jungle.
Chief Cleopatra performed with a few bands before going solo in pursuit of a lasting career in music.
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Photo by Felicia Graham
An ACL set isn’t all that 2024 has in store for Jessie — Chief Cleopatra is also up for America’s Next Top Hitmaker. If she wins, she’ll earn $10,000 and a feature in Rolling Stone Magazine — vote here.
Haven’t heard her music yet? Jessie recommends starting with “Belushi” and “Dreamlights.”
Psst — don’t miss our upcoming guide to every local artist performing at the festival.
Events
Monday, July 1
Uncommon Ramen | Monday, July 1 | 4-10 p.m. | Uchibā Austin, 601 W. 2nd St., Austin | $20-$24 | Uchibā will bring on Chef Colter Peck from Elementary to create a ramen rissotto to sample.
“Chinatown” | Monday, July 1 | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $12 | Follow this detective story through Chinatown in Los Angeles during the Summer Classic Film Series.
Changarrito Residency: Rafael Blando | Monday, July 1 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., Austin | $7 | The Downtown museum’s new exhibit by artist and photographer Rafael Blando debuts.
Tuesday, July 2
Summer Sunset Series: Yoga and Coldplunge | Tuesday, July 2 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., Austin | Free with RSVP | Join in on a sunset vinyasa flow taught by instructors from YTX Yoga followed by a refreshing dip.
Copa America 2024: Costa Rica vs. Paraguay | Tuesday, July 2 | 8 p.m. | Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Pl., Austin | $50-$240 | Experience the 48th edition of Copa America, which determines the champions of South America, in Austin.
Wednesday, July 3
Dog Days Of Summer Yappy Hour | Wednesday, July 3 | 5-6 p.m. | Blue Owl Brewing, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. #300, Austin | Cost of purchase | Bring your pup to a build-your-own treat buffet while you enjoy dollar-off pints.
Plan Ahead
Janet Jackson | Saturday, July 27 | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $40-$1,650 | See the “Together Again” tour with special guest Nelly.
🎆 Cue the fireworks: You’re invited to Fourth of July at the Omni Barton Creek
Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of star-spangled events. | Photos courtesy of Omni Barton Creek Resort; GIF by ATXtoday
Looking to change up your Fourth of July plans this year? We’ve got an idea. Experience an unforgettable Fourth of July weekend at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa.
Resort guests can enjoy pool parties, family activities, live music from Aaron McDonnell & The Neon Eagles, tasty BBQ, a spectacular fireworks show, and more from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7.
Local real estate firm Ledgestone Development Group announced plans for a 198-unit condo project at 2001 W. Anderson Lane in north Austin. Condos are expected to range from $400,000 to $1 million and open in 2027.
Edu
Texas State University’s Round Rock campus will soon launch a life sciences incubator to bolster its medical and science education. In partnership with Concept Companies, the plan includes building a new facility, which will be complete at the end of 2025. (Community Impact)
Sports
It’s official — the Longhorns are in the Southeastern Conference. The university commemorated the move with an all-day celebration, including fireworks, games, and a free concert from Pitbull.
Announced
Local coffee shop Coffee Shark, 7300 RM 2222, will soon become Austin’s third Russell’s Bakery location. New occupancy begins today, and the new owners said they kept the bar, a similar menu, and trivia competitions. (Community Impact)
Listen
ATX Chamber Music and Jazz’s Extraordinary Concert Experiences lineup for the 2024-2025 season is here. The concerts sold out for its last season, so don’t wait to grab tickets.
Outdoors
Have you seen any scorpions lately? As the weather gets hotter, arachnids are on the hunt for cool places for shelter. You can keep them out of your home by sealing cracks, trimming branches, and replacing weather stripping. (KVUE)
Listen
Need to catch up on the NHL draft? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Stars with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Show
There are only five chances left to catch “The Lehman Trilogy,” winner of 5 Tony® Awards including Best Play, at ZACH Theatre. This intriguing play portrays the captivating saga of a family and company that shaped the world. See it on stage now through July 7.*
Correction
We got a bit too excited about the upcoming Shaboozey show. The performance will be a part of PBR Gambler Days, not “PBR Gambling Days,” as a previous newsletter stated.
Retail
👗 Never go out of style
Saks Fifth Avenue opens The Fifth Avenue Club Austin at Commodore Perry Estate
Imagine a suite like this filled with clothing to fit your personal style. | Photo by Chris Lammert Photography and Lammert Co.
Saks Fifth Avenue called — it wants to style you.
The luxury fashion purveyor partnered with Commodore Perry Estate to open The Fifth Avenue Club Austin, 4100 Red River St., which offers personal styling services to both hotel customers and locals.
This will be the first location of its kind in Austin and third in Texas, outside of Houston and San Antonio.
Free consultations to learn about your size and find your unique style
Opportunities to browse through a suite of personalized pieces
Personal shopping for special occasion clothing, accessories, or full wardrobes
Events including one-of-a-kind trunk shows, jewelry showcases, and more
Alteration and tailoring from professionals
Interested in upgrading your attire? The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday — make an appointment.
The Buy
The Buy 7.01.24 (Affiliate)
A five-star rated swimsuit from Nordstrom — we like this lace-up back one-piece for an adjustable fit or this v-wire one-piece for a dipped neckline with support.
I’ve been a Chief Cleopatra fan for years now, and “Belushi” is always on my playlist. If you’ve ever had a falling out with someone, I’d recommend listening to “Friends” for a healing anthem.
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