Cast of Thousands

Hotel Vegas owners Jason McNeely and Brian Tweedy, plus Flesh Lights singer/guitarist Max Vandever and Cliff White, plotted such a soft opening of Chess Club during South by Southwest 2022 that they only hesitantly confirmed it to the Chronicle. Three years later, the tiny, 100-something capacity venue at 617 Red River – formerly Plush – is one of this writer’s Downtown favorites. Acts like Mean Jolene, Guiding Light, and Important Group (the latter featuring members of Being Dead) help Chess celebrate its anniversary on Friday; Grocery Bag, the Pinky Rings, haha Laughing, and more play Saturday. – Carys Anderson