Rita Prater’s “Frankenstein’s Monster” is all cross stitch!

This guest blog article is by Lizzy Newsome.

It’s been a pretty bizarre year for the folks at Toy Joy, but this month it looks like some things are returning to normal. If you can call the artistic antics of this eclectic toy store normal. Just a couple months after relocating to the heart of downtown Austin, Toy Joy is returning to tradition with the return of their annual art show.

Originally started as a way to encourage the artistically minded store employees to display their works, the Toy Joy Art Show is now in its fifth year of pop culture themed display. Contributing artists have expanded to include former employees, customers, and outside artists of all experience levels. The show strives to be as visually fun as possible [Read more…]

The Mohawk Club, a staple on Red River St., will host several acts during United We Jam (Photo credit: MohawkAustin.com)

Is Austin the Live Music Capital of the World? Yes, but one thing people don’t often consider is how the city earned this moniker: by creating a friendly atmosphere towards musicians and venues.

Why AMP Is Important

As Bob Dylan once famously wrote, “The times, they are a changing.” Austin isn’t the same city that it was in the 70’s and 80’s. The influx of people has brought with it an influx of development, political views and philosophies. Those not represented are often swept to the side and replaced by those with louder voices.

This is why Austin Music People (AMP) is important. AMP is a voice for musicians and venues at City Hall, serving as a middleman between venues, developers and local [Read more…]

All Dogs Go to Heaven will play at Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline this weekend

This guest blog post is by Lizzy Newsome.

There are few childhood memories as unspoiled as cartoons. For many, animated films were the first introduction to the cinema, and watching those movies instantly transports you back in time. I can almost smell the Sour Patch Kids!

When considering important names in animation, the list is short. Don Bluth and Gary Goldman stand out as two of the masters of traditional animation techniques and practices. Expertly trained in the halls of the Disney Studios, they left in 1979 to form their own independent studio. The resulting revolution brought on by the creative explosion of Don Bluth Studios kicked off a renaissance in American Animation. [Read more…]

Indoor bar at the new Benji’s Cantina

Editor’s Note: Benji’s closed in August 2016.

I often have the opportunity to write about beautiful venues and new local concepts. With my latest discovery, the food truly won me over. The proof: I waddled away after my amazing meal. So sit back and join me in my journey through the collaborative kitchen that is Benji’s Cantina.

Nestled comfortably into a corner lot in Austin’s West Sixth District, Benji’s will quickly become one of the city’s largest and most swanky Tex-Mex hot spots. But don’t let their modern approach to an old Texas favorite fool you. Their vast menu full of Mexican dishes and a wide range of beer, wine and liquor make this a great spot to feast and party during the upcoming Texas summer. [Read more…]

This guest blog post is by Sarah Kiefer.

Don’t be surprised if you spot several colorful teams running through downtown Austin, completing wacky tasks and having a lot of laughs. On March 23, 2013, Hunt For The Cure is holding a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis.

This high-energy scavenger hunt will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and you and your friends are invited to join the fun!

If you participate in Hunt For The Cure, you’ll be helping the 2.1 million people who are facing the unpredictable disease of Multiple Sclerosis. As an added bonus, you could win some awesome prizes. [Read more…]

Gathering before the beginning of Ice Bowl at Zilker Park

Disc golf is one of those sports that almost everyone can play, that builds community, and is cost-effective to boot.

If you’ve never played a round of disc golf, don’t think it’s as difficult as golf. Sometimes comparing it to golf throws people off, pun intended, because people think you need years of practice to not look like a fool out on the course.

Look, if you can throw a frisbee, you can start cutting your teeth immediately with this incredibly fun sport. [Read more…]