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Natalie Frank (Credit: Phil Chang)
Combining literary and artistic interests, Natalie Frank’s new series of artwork gives modern insight into The Brothers Grimms’ tales. The show is traveling from The Drawing Center in New York where Frank is now based.
Since Frank is an Austin native, the Blanton Museum of Art was particularly interested in displaying this exhibition. The bright colors and audacious content fits right in with Austin’s penchant for boldness. [Read more…]
SIMS Foundation concert in support of mental health for Austin musicians
Guest article by Emily Burns
Twenty years ago, the SIMS Foundation opened its doors to a community in need. Born from tragedy, the foundation was created after the devastating suicide of Sims Ellison, the bassist for local band Pariah. Ellison battled severe depression for many years and was unable to receive the help he needed. It was this drastic event that inspired the creation of an organization that could provide affordable mental health options for uninsured musicians in Austin. [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: Vox Table shuttered in 2018.
Brunch is my favorite made-up meal with savory and sweet options galore. And if you agree, then you’re probably also craving more weekend brunch options in Austin.
Not only is VOX Table one of the newest kids on the culinary block, they also bring a noteworthy brunch menu to the game. Here’s my take on how their brunch menu measures up. [Read more…]
X Games Austin 2014 downtown (Credit: JTpics.com)
In 2014, more than 160,000 fans poured into Circuit of The Americas for Austin’s inaugural X Games. Though ESPN doesn’t release numbers, Tim Reed, Vice President of ESPN X Games, labeled the event a success: “Austin was a great fit–music, culture, lifestyle–for action sports.” And now X Games is back in town for its second year, and these upcoming four days will be epic. As Reed reminded reporters, “X Games never does anything twice.” [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: To the community’s surprise and disappointment, Alcomar closed at the end of May 2018 due to a rental dispute.
A teal octopus swims across the facade of Alcomar on South 1st Street
Back to my old haunt: South 1st Street. When I wrote my neighborhood guide to this rich area, two painters had a ladder propped against what used to be El Chile. With a sinking feeling, I watched as they painted a giant white octopus on the newly-blue building.
Fortunately, however, El Chile has not disappeared—not exactly, anyway. The South 1st location now houses their newest concept: Alcomar. The menu is full of tapas, featuring primarily seafood, and each dish is delicately crafted with interesting and varied ingredients. [Read more…]
Bright Light Social Hour is poised to bring their signature sound to X Games Austin 2015 (Credit: Jim Wall via Flickr CC)
BMX and half pipes. Roaring super trucks and speeding motorcycles. Skateboarders flipping double grabs and 360’s against the Austin skyline. Entering its second year at Circuit of the Americas, X Games Austin brings the best of extreme sports to local fans and visitors to our city.
But X Games isn’t all flips and tricks. It’s actually become one of the best music events of the year. While big names like Metallica and Nicki Minaj have been grabbing headlines, KUTX is showcasing some of the best local talent Austin has to offer.
Here’s your complete list of ATX bands and acts set to rock X Games Austin this year. [Read more…]
The Queen of the Weird, Under the Sea and The Music Home – all new homes featured on this year’s tour
Last year, I went on the first Weird Homes Tour, a self-guided excursion through exceptional and unconventional homes all over Austin. After snooping (courteously) through the houses, I wanted to know more about the people who lived in those spaces day-to-day. First, I interviewed Stefanie Distefano of Flamingo Ranch, where I learned how she transformed a 420 square foot house into a mosaic work of art. Then I journeyed across the plank to a treehouse at James Talbot’s Casa Neverlandia to hear about how he created an eco-friendly wonderland.
On May 23, 2015, Casa Neverlandia returns to the 2015 Austin Weird Homes Tour as the location of the VIP party. Other returning favorites are Professor Dumpster’s 33 square foot genuine dumpster home, the beehive-shaped Earthbag House and the artsy Freeman House. Six additional homes will make their debut this year. I was lucky enough to meet three of the homeowners and sneak a peek at their odd abodes. [Read more…]
At Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, you can see natural Austin as never before
Wildflowers don’t only line the highways of Central Texas.
Although you can find them scattered around town or further out in Hill Country, visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a unique way to learn more about our native blooms and fully appreciate their beauty up close.
Originally established by Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes in 1982, Austin’s Wildflower Center has become 279 acres of land dedicated to conservation, education and research of Texas’ original natural environment. [Read more…]
The day is quickly approaching when we show our love for our moms and want to make them feel extra special. There’s a bounty of Mother’s Day activities and events going on in Austin, so no need to fret if you’ve waited until the last minute to make plans.
Below are a few of my local favorites that will show Mom your appreciation this Sunday.
Threadgill’s downtown (Credit: Threadgill’s)
Get some mimosas for your mama at Threadgill’s this Mother’s Day. They’ll be offering a free [Read more…]
Aromas from delicious Mexican cuisine will fill the air during Taste of Mexico
Guest article by Emily Burns
Every year since 1862, we celebrate Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in our own Texan way with outrageous festivals, copious amounts of alcohol and the best in Latin music. With over 34% of Austinites identifying as having Hispanic or Latino descent, there is plenty of culture to celebrate here!
There’s something for everyone to enjoy this year, with the following four Cinco de Mayo events to choose from. [Read more…]