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Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy Your (Wine) Flight at Departure Lounge

March 24, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Departure Lounge at W 5th and Guadalupe in Austin

Above the entrance to Departure Lounge

Editor’s Note: Departure Lounge closed its downtown location in July 2017. Owner Keith Waldon plans to open a new location in the airport.

It bodes well for a place that can make a woman with four kids recall the sensation that accompanies the words sleek and sexy. It took a departure from suburbia for me to embrace this opportunity to escape.

Once settled into your plush seat, you too may decide to linger. No flotation device required and you won’t find safety information in your seat back pocket. But this downtown destination may induce wanderlust you’ve been stowing in your overhead compartment.

Departure Lounge inspires your mind to open and – like a fine glass of wine – breathe. This isn’t your typical travel agency; Departure Lounge is a coffee and wine bar that happens to sell customized travel. [Read more…]

5 Ways to Ditch Your Car During SXSW

March 19, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler Leave a Comment

Credit: Van Sutherland via Flickr CC

Of all the things that are wonderful about Austin, traffic and parking aren’t included. Throw in some crowds (SXSW, anyone?), funnel everyone into downtown and sit back to watch the ensuing road rage.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five savvy tips you can use to stay sane and ditch your car during SXSW.

#1 Embrace Walking

Instead of walking busy Cesar Chavez, try the trail area behind the Four Seasons Hotel

Thanks to some masterful organizing, the majority of SXSW sessions are clumped in the downtown area. It’s not that big, so challenge yourself to get those recommended daily 10,000 steps (and offset a few tacos and Mexican martinis). [Read more…]

Top 3 Local Radio Station Showcases During SXSW

March 17, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

Black Pistol Fire KUTX Live at The Four Seasons

Black Pistol Fire during 2014 KUTX Live at The Four Seasons (Credit: KUTX Austin KUTX 98.9 via Flickr CC)

Who says you need a fancy wristband or expensive badge to enjoy SXSW? During SXSW 2015, three Austin radio stations are showcasing some of the most popular artists in town.

Austin’s own public radio station KUTX is hosting KUTX Live at The Four Seasons, 93.3 KGSR will be presenting their showcase from The W Hotel and 101X will be broadcasting live from Buffalo Billiards.

All three radio stations offer Austinities and the public an opportunity to see great artists play live. Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of your SXSW experience with these local radio showcases. [Read more…]

How to Attend SXSW 2015 on the Cheap

March 13, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

With prices as high as $1,500 for an all access badge, having fun at SXSW 2015 can seem like an expensive affair. But fear not, intrepid penny pinchers. There are tons of free activities to enjoy during Austin’s biggest week of the year. You may need to RSVP, get there early and wait in line, but nothing screams Austin like doing SXSW on the cheap. Here are some great ways to do so this year. [Read more…]

Austin’s Live Comedy Scene Set to Shine at SXSW 2015

March 9, 2015 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

Credit: Leland Ohlinger

Guest article by Ben Snyder

SXSW is a moment when Austin gets the chance to show weird-seekers and perpetual partiers from around the world what it’s been doing for the past year.

We’re highlighting four live comedy shows coming up during SXSW 2015 that will showcase the growing comedy scene in Austin, so you don’t miss this year’s comedy awakening. [Read more…]

10 Tips for Surviving SXSW from the Experts at Rock n Roll Rentals

March 5, 2015 by Guest Blogger 3 Comments

Guest article by Lindsey Moringy

SXSW is right around the corner, meaning our beloved Austin is about to explode with film premieres, pioneering technology and–most notably–lots and lots of music. While it may seem like an overwhelming, anxiety-inducing 10 days (don’t even think about trying the line for Franklin BBQ), it can also be a great opportunity to network, learn and experience new art.

Luckily, local legend Rock n Roll Rentals has some tips for making the most out of this year’s SXSW. [Read more…]

Only 24 Hours Long, Amplify Austin Bolsters Area Non-Profits

February 27, 2015 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Guest article by Lindsey Moringy

If there is one thing Austinites have in common, it’s that they’re proud to give back to the city they love. It’s easy to see that hometown love put into action by looking at the amount of money donated to hundreds of Austin non-profit organizations each year. One annual project serves as a one stop shop for finding and funding the organizations that speak to you – Amplify Austin.

Created in 2013 by I Live Here, I Give Here, Amplify Austin is a 24-hour campaign to raise funds for over 500 local non-profit groups. Over the past two years, they have helped raise $8.5 million for community organizations participating in the campaign. Can you believe that sum was donated in only 48 hours? [Read more…]

Movement and Love at Chaddick Dance Theater’s Winter Showcase

February 24, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Performing “Vicissitudes of the Heart” (Credit: Rene Michaels/DanceDigitals.com)

I confess that my knowledge of dance is slim, but First Street Studio provides an accessible space to discover a love for dancing. They aim to support emerging artists by providing a nurturing area for small organizations, dance instructors and dancers to connect with Austin audiences by holding classes and performances.

I was fortunate enough to see Chaddick Dance Theater’s Winter Showcase In the Company of… as my introduction to First Street Studio and the work of Cheryl Chaddick, who uses dance to tell relatable stories that reflect inner struggle and self-discovery.

Cheryl Chaddick was the artistic director and choreographer for Company Chaddick in San Francisco [Read more…]

Zilker Kite Festival 2015 Returns to Zilker Park March 1st

February 24, 2015 by J. Alan Nelson 3 Comments

The 87th Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival is March 1, 2015 (Credit: David King)

One of the best ways to forget yourself and all the baggage that comes with you is to buy or make your own personal aircraft. You can use string, paper, sticks or whatever’s handy. Just make sure you’re finished by March 1, 2015, when Zilker Kite Festival returns for another year. [Read more…]

Indie Orchestra Night Fuses Popular Artists, Choir, Orchestra

February 23, 2015 by Erin May Leave a Comment

Self-taught composer Nathan Felix will debut sections from his second orchestra at Indie Orchestra Night (Credit: Nathan Felix)

Imagine a show that combines the dramatic power of a symphonic orchestra, the full range of a choir and the modern edge of indie musicians. Indie Orchestra Night, which will be presented by the Texas Choral Consort on March 7, 2015, involves the musical prowess of a wide spectrum of talented individuals. In other words, this will be an epic concert for Austinites.

The brainchild of self-taught composer Nathan Felix, who has roots in the indie rock world, Indie Orchestra Night required creative risks for the artists and lots of coordination. Those who see the show will be immediately impressed by the sheer amount of musicians on stage—between the Texas Choral Consort and the orchestra, there will be 120 musicians accompanying the indie artists.

To create this progressive orchestral show, Felix and Brent Baldwin of Texas Choral Consort reached out to Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater, Dana Falconberry, Zeale and The Rocketboys to join the ranks and collaborate on a truly unique concert. [Read more…]

#1 Embrace Walking

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