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With my ears still ringing from SXSW, I’m more inspired than ever to highlight Austin’s local music scene. This week, we recommend a touching singer/songwriter, slick, laid-back soul, and a shoegaze showcase. Enjoy the weekend, the music, and–as always–listen local! [Read more…]
Hear that far-off rumble? See that cloud of smoke rising from the horizon, as the ground trembles beneath your feet? That’s the sound of 2,000 bands, artists, and musicians speeding towards Austin for SXSW Music 2018! This weekend is your last chance to check out some live, local music before the festival hits the streets.
Luckily, there are plenty of unofficial shows and showcases already going down this weekend. To narrow down your options, we recommend these three. The best part: you can get into all of them for free.
Otis the Destroyer (Credit: Andrew Bennett)
Otis the Destroyer, Sailor Poon, Holy Wave, Shmu, Marmalakes, more
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free
The key to any good showcase is finding variety. On Friday, Cheer Up Charlies presents two stages of rock and roll goodness. From Sailor Poon’s aggressive, nails-out punk to the trippy psych rock of Otis the Destroyer, there are plenty of styles and genres to choose from. My personal recommendation? Get there early for subtle and haunting Cross Record. The full line up and RSVP information is available on the event’s Facebook page.
Megafauna rocked Black Fret’s 2108 season kick-off at Mohawk (Credit: Bill Tucker)
SX Soundcheck Saturday w/Megafauna, Ume, Magna Carda, Annabelle Chairlegs, more
@ Hotel Vegas (1502 E. 6th St.) – 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free to $5
What a lineup! Nearly 10 hours of music across two stages await intrepid SXSW revelers. Highlights include the ’60s-era head music of Annabelle Chairlegs, hip hop duo Magna Carda, and the old-fashioned metal burn of Megafauna. And when the music’s over at 10 p.m., DJ Orion Garcia takes over at The Volstead until who knows when. Check out the Facebook event for the entire lineup and RSVP details.
Jackie Venson (Credit: Bill Tucker)
All the Friends Ball 2018 w/Jackie Venson, Alesia Lani, Ruby Jane, Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, more
@ Spider House Ballroom (2908 Fruth St.) – 1 p.m. – Free
Every year, Spider House Ballroom holds a series of splendid SXSW extravaganzas and this year is no exception. This Sunday bash has too many incredible Austin acts to count. Favorites include guitar virtuoso Jackie Venson, R&B stunner Alesia Lani, and violin prodigy Ruby Jane. Ten hours of music across five stages equals the best SXSW Sunday in Austin. Check out the Facebook event for the full schedule.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?
Team behind The Center for Social Innovation (L-R): Dan Graham, Matt McDonnell, Daryl Kunik, Michael Hsu
Guest article by Sarah Snyder
Going to a construction site is always intriguing, especially when hard hats are required. My behind-the-scenes look at The Center for Social Innovation, Springdale General’s current project, was especially fun considering the center’s purpose to serve the social impact community in Austin.
Wait until you read about all the nonprofits and social good companies planning to come together at this east Austin hub.
Imagine your ideal winter wonderland with a hot winter drink in hand (Credit: Sarah Jacober Spitzer for Geraldine’s)
Winter weather in Texas is consistent in one aspect: its inconsistency. Regardless of the weather outdoors, here are 9 Austin bars offering winter drinks for any type of weather. [Read more…]
Austin musician Ruthie Foster performs at 2017 Swan Song Serenade for the terminally ill
(Credit: Winker Withaneye)
Never underestimate the healing power of music, even if it only lasts for a brief moment. Songs can uplift our moods and move us through difficult times. The gift of music can be so powerful, it can transport us to a different place, entirely.
Music can also bring people together. It may also bring solace to friends and families of loved ones who are terminally ill. Swan Songs, a local nonprofit in Austin, is striving to accomplish just that, and the process is simpler than you might expect. [Read more…]
Credit: Christopher V. Sherman/Over Austin
Pull out your phone and take a peek. See the date? As of today, there are only seven days until Christmas! If that statement just plunged you into a minor panic, don’t fret. Whether you still need to check off the boxes on your shopping list, take the kids out for holiday fun, or treat yourself to a night on the town, here are seven Austin events for the last seven days of the Christmas season. [Read more…]
The playground at Pease Park occupies a small part of the total 84 acres (Credit: Jim Allen via Flickr CC)
One of the city’s oldest and most iconic green spaces lies in the heart of Austin: Pease Park. It’s spread out over an astounding 84 acres between West 15th and West 31st Streets, along Lamar Boulevard. You may recognize the park as the location of the extremely fun and exciting Eeyore’s Birthday Party every spring.
If you haven’t been to the park on any other occasion, then you’re missing out. Pease Park is a perfect place to enjoy nature with happy picnics, birthday parties, peaceful nature walks, and other recreational activities. And Pease Park Conservancy promises even more with “Art at the Park” and development plans. [Read more…]
Sixteen bands performed on the iconic Paramount Theatre stage Saturday night, as Austin nonprofit Black Fret awarded $230,000 in grants to 19 local bands at its annual Black Ball. For all the gowns and tuxedos in the audience, the atmosphere was informal and upbeat. Excited whoops and friendly heckling were directed towards the stage, and the few technical delays were shrugged off with a sense of humor.
We were there to celebrate. The first award winner of the night, Jackie Venson, told attendees she wasn’t going anywhere because of Austin’s vibrant support system for musicians. “There’s no HAAM in New York. There’s no SIMS [Foundation] in Chicago.”
With a fair amount of negativity directed towards Austin’s growth and subsequent affordability issues, one might assume the ecosystem for musicians is in decline. While we have work to do as a city, Black Ball showcased a vibrant community of musicians being propelled toward success through Black Fret grants. [Read more…]
Fare from local restaurants and caterers pairs perfectly with wines from Texas Hill Country at Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival (Credit: Horseshoe Bay Resort Facebook)
Do you like wine, fine dining, and music? If so, you should be at the 13th annual Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival held at the luxurious Horseshoe Bay Resort.
The annual fall festival is shaping up to be an enchanting weekend of culinary and musical delight. Here’s what to expect this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11, 2017. [Read more…]
The work of eight Austin artists will be featured at this year’s ARTBASH (Credit: Art Alliance Austin)
Posted signs saying “Do not touch,” hushed voices, stationary objects. Don’t expect to experience any of that at Native Hostel on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. Art Alliance Austin and Big Medium’s annual ARTBASH event isn’t your typical gallery walk. Instead, eight talented local artists will converge to share interactive creations with event guests.
Come prepared to discuss these site-specific installations and dance the night away to beats from a live DJ. This is art appreciation in celebratory form. [Read more…]