Starting the New Year in Austin with free music

Raise your hand if your New Year's resolutions include "catching more live music" and "saving money."

What's happening: This Friday and Saturday, music clubs in the Red River Cultural District host Free Week, an event aimed at juicing revenue for local musicians and venue staff during slow seasons.

Flashback: Free Week got its start in 2003 at Emo's, back when it was at Sixth and Red River, as a way to keep the club's lights on and staff working during the dead of winter.

Now at least 13 clubs participate, from Cheer Up Charlies to Stubb's. Others are:

• The 13th Floor
• Barbarella
• Chess Club
• Creek and the Cave
• Elysium
• Empire Control Room & Garage
• Flamingo Cantina
• Mohawk
• Swan Dive
• Valhalla
• Vaquero Taquero

What we're watching: A low-stakes way to see local talent up close.

• Friday: Among the dozens of bands on the bill, Billy Glitter plays at Cheer Up Charlies at 10:30pm, and Retro Cowgirl performs at midnight at Swan Dive.
• Saturday: Large Brush Collection plays at Stubb's at 9:30pm, Luxury Television goes on at 10pm at Mohawk, and The Tiarras perform at Flamingo Cantina at midnight.

Sponsors are Airbnb, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Red Bull, KUTX, the Austin Chronicle, the Moody Center and Showlist Austin.