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With a weekend so full of exceptional local music, it was hard to select three shows for this article. But after many hours of deliberation, I think you’ll love these picks. This time around, I recommend a garage rock album release, exceptional indie-pop band, and electronic music showcase. Enjoy the weekend and listen local! [Read more…]
Aerial shot of Blues on the Green (Credit: Ryan Conine)
Austin takes its reputation as Live Music Capital of the World very seriously over the summer. Each year, as temperatures begin to rise, our beloved city plays host to free summer concerts at various outdoor spots around town.
As always, local radio station KGSR leads the way with no less than three concert series at some of the most popular music venues in Austin. Keep things classy with the Austin Symphony on Sunday nights through August, or the Music Under the Star series at the Bullock Museum on Friday nights in July. Austin does hump day right, and fortunately you don’t have to choose between the venerable Blues on the Green and the always unique Sound & Cinema series because of their alternating event dates.
So pack up the sunscreen and get your lawn chairs ready. This is your complete guide to enjoying free outdoor music in Austin for the rest of the summer. [Read more…]
With another week in the books and a scorching weekend on the horizon, there’s nothing better than chilling out with some live music. This week, we recommend an Austin blues legend, heavy metal showcase, and emotional ’80s synth pop. Yep, we’re all over the place! Enjoy the weekend and listen local. [Read more…]
Motion Media Arts Center networking event in Austin (Credit: Motion Media Arts Center)
Guest article by Janet Lee
For Austin creatives, it’s often quite the journey to find space to fulfill projects, not to mention affordable space. Whether it’s having meetings, hosting an event, or simply finding a place to get work done, the hunt can be a job in itself.
But look no further. Motion Media Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent film, art, and technology center located in east Austin. From studio and event space, to equipment and classes, the center provides a variety of advanced resources and tools for visual artists. The organization’s focus is sustaining the Austin arts community by providing financially viable options for artists. [Read more…]
Swimming With Bears performs during Unplugged at the Grove (Credit: KGSR/John Gutierrez)
In the midst of Austin’s ever-evolving landscape, there are places and events that should never go away. Spots like The White Horse and shows like Austin City Limits are crucial to the fabric of our fabulous city. If The Broken Spoke turns into a Jamba Juice, then I’m high-tailing it to Asheville, North Carolina…
Unplugged at the Grove is one of our local institutions. Five months out of the year for 25 years, Thursday evenings at Shady Grove have been synonymous with exceptional music at the lowest price humanly possible. And thanks to long-time partner KGSR, this year’s lineup is filled to the brim with local talent.
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…]
All hail the weekend! Our long work week is now a distant memory, so let’s celebrate with three days of ridiculously rad music. This time around, we recommend emotional dream pop, lo-fi indie rock, and everything you need to know about who’s playing Pecan Street Festival. Get out there, have fun, and support local music! [Read more…]
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…]
Our fair city is home to a wide variety of exceptional live music. On any given night, to quote Hunter S. Thompson, “You can strike sparks anywhere.” And while there will be tons of exceptional tunes flowing through Austin this weekend, I’ve decided to dedicate my weekend picks to Levitation Fest. A four-day celebration of all that’s good and trippy in local music, this off-center festival has something for everybody. Dig the festival and–as always–listen local! [Read more…]
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.