Entertainment Archives - Page 21 Of 61

Lily Wolff Advocates for Artists While Directing Weird Theater in Austin

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Jonas White

Lily Wolff, Austin theater director

Theater director Lily Wolff’s career has rarely followed the traditional path. From her cosmopolitan upbringing, to her interest in Devised Theater, to her freelancing business plan, Wolff is carving out her own course in a city that appreciates unique trajectories.

Austin theater-goers are reaping the benefits of Wolff’s prolific talent. As she prepares for the opening of the second of three directed plays in 2018, I sat down with Wolff to learn more about her life, the Austin theater scene, and why the arts could benefit from our support. [Read more…]

11 Things You’ll Learn During Austin Symphony Orchestra’s 108th Season

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Brittany Ballard

The Austin Symphony Orchestra recently announced its 108th season. A range of performances will make your musical dreams come true, from gorgeous classics to musical films that will invoke a sense of nostalgia.

If you’re already a fan of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, I don’t need to tell you the next season will be full of memorable performances you won’t want to miss.

But if you’re new on the scene, then you have a bit of catching up to do. Whatever happens, there’s no need to feel intimidated by or excluded from the symphony. The upcoming season has something for everyone. Classics from the Masterworks series, nostalgic songs in the Pops series, and special events will take place throughout the year.

To give you context and a deeper appreciation for the symphony, I wanted this article to be more than a bland list of song titles and composers slated for the upcoming season. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: 11 interesting facts you’ll have learned about the Austin Symphony Orchestra by its 108th season finale. [Read more…]

Care2Rock Provides Music Lessons and Mentorship to Foster Kids

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Amanda Sayers

Care2Rock Music Lessons for Foster Kids in Austin

Care2Rock provides mentorship and music lessons for children in foster care (Credit: Care2Rock)

For a child, music education can make all the difference in the world. Not only can the experience improve academic performance, but it’s also known to build self-esteem. Music therapy can even help children who have experienced trauma or abuse. For all of these reasons, Care2Rock, a social enterprise business born in Austin, is providing access to music lessons and mentorship for children in foster care.

Kids in foster care often don’t have access to music, but Care2Rock is working to change this. Care2Rock allows anyone, nationwide, to take online music lessons. When you purchase a music lesson, you are providing a child in foster care at least one year of mentorship and music education. With over 400,000 children in foster care across the United States, Care2Rock stands to make a huge impact.

[Read more…]

Musicians’ Living Wage Advocates Fair Pay for Austin Musicians

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Bill Tucker

BLXPLTN tears apart The North Door during Musicians’ Living Wage kickoff event (Credit: Nicola Gell Photography)

Instead of a candy dish or ironic red stapler, imagine a tip jar on your work desk. In lieu of a paycheck, a manager swings by, smiles politely, and drops a couple of singles in your jar. Sadly, he isn’t able to actually pay you. You’re there for exposure.

[Read more…]

Be Transported to Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in Downtown Austin

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan

Build the stage, bring the bands, and your audience will follow (Credit: Parker Jazz Club)

Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties at Parker Jazz Club in downtown Austin. Situated underground like all the coolest clubs, Parker Jazz Club acts as an incubator for the music and the sensibility of another era. Set your sights on a whole new music experience, complemented by classic cocktails and a sultry aura.

Despite Austin’s outspoken love for live music, we are somewhat lacking in world-class, traditional jazz. Parker Jazz Club intends to change that. Jazz music evokes a host of strong feelings for many, calling to mind a different time and place. Walking down the staircase into the dark, elegant club, I felt as though I could be in Chicago, New York, or Paris in the ’20s or ’50s. By design, Parker Jazz Club stands apart from the typical downtown Austin bar. [Read more…]

Women-led Filigree Theatre Honors Past, Present, Future Through Productions

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Delicate Ship Set by Filigree Theatre Austin

Set of “A Delicate Ship” by Anna Ziegler (Credit: Nicolette Mallow)

When Elizabeth V. Newman and Stephanie Moore met, neither one anticipated founding a theatre company together. But all the hard work paid off and Austin-based Filigree Theater came to be. With Newman as Artistic Director and Moore as Managing Director, the women-led artistic group has produced several critically-acclaimed shows. Newman and Moore have worked diligently to shine light on Austin’s visual and performing arts that go beyond the music our city is known for. [Read more…]

Dam That Cancer With 21-mile Paddle Across Lake Austin

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Guest Blogger

Guest article by Mathis Kennington

Stand up paddleboarding is a celebrated Austin pastime. You can’t drive around Lady Bird Lake on a sunny afternoon without watching a dozen or so Austinites slowly making their way across the water. Mark Garza, Executive Director and Founder of The Flatwater Foundation, knows this better than most.

Every year, Garza organizes a massive paddleboarding fundraiser called Tyler’s Dam That Cancer, which brings folks from all over the country together to paddle Lake Austin. Garza’s local nonprofit, The Flatwater Foundation, hosts this annual fundraiser to provide mental health coverage for people who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. [Read more…]

5 Free Outdoor Movie Events in Austin This Spring and Summer

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan

Credit: Liz Kreutz

Spring sends Austinites scattering across the city hiking the Greenbelt, walking our dogs, swimming in spring-fed pools, and drinking on patios. Another joy of the season is going to outdoor movie events in Austin. Our city’s movies in the park scene is like an infinity mirror–it keeps going and going. Here are five of the best, free outdoor movie events in Austin.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, picnic or tacos to munch on, and something to drink. Wherever Austinites go, food trucks follow, so food trucks will usually be an option at these movies. Remember, though, that alcohol is never allowed at these screenings, nor are glass bottles or Styrofoam containers. And while friendly dogs on leashes are allowed at some of these events, due to the booming speakers and crowds, it is unwise to bring them. [Read more…]

Who Wins the SXSW Music 2018 Superlative Awards?

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Bill Tucker

The stages are gone. The out-of-towners have all flown out. All that’s left of SXSW Music 2018 are discarded badges, swag bags filled with branded koozies, and a brain full of ear-ringing memories. It was draining yet fun, numbing yet inspiring.

Over six days during SXSW Conference and Festivals 2018, I walked 125,000 steps, traveled 61 miles, and saw 33 bands and artists. If I was walking southward on I-35, I would have ended up in New Braunfels. From my wanderings, I’ve selected the following acts for my annual Superlative Awards. And the winners are… [Read more…]

It’d Be a Whole Lot Cooler if You Knew These 6 Dazed and Confused Spots

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Guest Blogger

Guest article by Jayla Andrulonis

Since its 1993 debut, “Dazed and Confused” has been a cornerstone of the coming-of-age film genre, full of 1970s nostalgia, incredible music, and Matthew McConaughey in salmon-colored bell-bottoms.

The film follows the intertwining lives of a group of teenagers here in Austin, Texas, as they experience their last day of school in 1976 and kick off summer break. Austin was the perfect location for the film’s laid-back mood, effortlessly transporting viewers back in time.

Luckily for you, there are still many recognizable “Dazed and Confused” filming locations around Austin. To take full advantage of this tour guide, be sure to listen to this playlist of songs from the film’s incredible score, roll those windows down, and wear something with polyester if authenticity is your thing. [Read more…]

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