Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Elizabeth McQueen (Photo credit: Todd V. Wolfson)
The crowd was dense and the air was chilled last Saturday night as we anxiously waited outside Lamberts Downtown Barbecue to see Elizabeth McQueen, fresh off her departure from Asleep at the Wheel.
After eight years, a Grammy nomination and over a million miles on the road with the group, Elizabeth was saying goodbye and hitting the stage with some close friends she made along the way. [Read more…]
End of an Ear, located on S. 1st Street
If you’re looking for that go-to record store you haven’t found yet in Austin, End of an Ear has you covered. Dan Plunkett and Blake Carlisle opened End of an Ear in May 2005 and have been spreading musical joy around the city ever since. With their diverse selection of records, CDs, books, and even new and used turntables, it’s not hard to see why they have developed a steady following.
End of an Ear’s prices are some of the most affordable in town, especially on their new vinyl. Plus, they have turntable listening stations set up throughout the store, so you can listen to anything that isn’t sealed before you buy it. [Read more…]
One year ago, I was introduced to a new non-profit with a bold goal: award at least fifty $25,000 grants to Austin musicians every year (if it’s too early for math, that adds up to more than one million dollars). Like most Austinites, the founders of Black Fret love our local music scene and want to see it thrive. But these folks are seeking to make a tangible difference, beyond just talk.
Through 2013, Black Fret has been recruiting members and asking them to make an annual donation of $1,500 to the organization. In return, members have been invited to some of the best house parties I’ve ever been to, featuring backyard performances and acoustic sets by some of the most talented musicians in Austin like [Read more…]
As 2013 rolls to a close tonight, Austinites are prepping their best outfits to welcome the new year in style. In a city like ours, there is no shortage of bashes and events to enjoy tonight.
But what about us procrastinators who haven’t lined up a venue yet? 2013 came and went quickly, so you may not have had the chance. Don’t worry! The Austinot is here with three last minute Austin New Year’s Eve ideas. Check them out and let us know what you think!
Light shows are one of the best parts of the holiday season. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed way to ring in the new year, go enjoy the lights at Mozart’s on Lake Austin. The famous coffee house is putting on their annual light show now through January 5th. It’s a great destination for families and first dates. Take a look at the video below to see what I mean.
This guest blog article is by Joana Ortiz.
Before you go any further, take a look at this video:
If you’re wondering who composed this wondrous music, his name is Nathan Felix. Thanks to a basketball injury in High School, Nathan picked up his brother’s guitar and discovered the power of making music. Some time later during a road trip, Nathan found himself listening to classical music for the first time. [Read more…]
Gary Clark Jr. (Photo credit: Jørund F. Pedersen via Wikimedia Commons)
Austin’s very own Gary Clark Jr. has accomplished a tremendous amount in 2013, and it seems that he already has a full year ahead of him come January. In November, he performed on DirecTV program ‘s Guitar Center Sessions and he will be joining Kings of Leon on tour in early 2014.
Given their stylistic similarities, it makes sense that Clark would tour with Kings of Leon. However, Clark is hardly confined to any one style. Clark’s music synthesizes elements of multiple genres. He has a unique talent for mixing blues with hip-hop and vintage hard rock. His varying style is unique, interesting, and also demonstrates how the blues set the stage for virtually every other style of popular music.
Clark has played with musicians across a wide spectrum of style, but below is a look at a few of the most notable Gary Clark Jr. collaborations to date. [Read more…]
Ballet Austin will be performing the Nutcracker daily through December 23, 2013
Do you have a holiday sweet tooth? This year, the visions of sugar plums that dance through Austin will look a little different than year’s past. For the 51st annual production of Ballet Austin’s Nutcracker, attendees will experience an entirely transformed vision. The tutus are fuller, the tiaras have more glitter, and the sets are covered in sprinkles. Even the rats are furrier. This year, the Nutcracker features an entirely new compliment of costumes and sets! [Read more…]
Enjoy It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play this weekend in Round Rock
Drive into the dirt parking lot of the Old Settlers Association in Round Rock and your vehicle will immediately seem anachronistic.
After noticing and appreciating a collection of authentic log cabins and historical buildings, your eyes will eventually alight on your destination: Rice’s Crossing Store.
Old general store goods line the walls in Rice’s Crossing Store
The one-room store is rimmed by canned goods and other general store items from times long past. Beyond rows of folding chairs that seat an audience of 93, a simple stage fills the back of the room. When the five-person cast from Penfold Theatre Company comes out from behind the curtain, you’re in for a real holiday delight. [Read more…]
Austin Music Foundation changes the lives of Austin musicians with free consulting and events
Every person in Austin should be familiar with the Austin Music Foundation. This amazing non-profit provides free consulting and resources to local musicians who are trying to earn a living pursuing their talents.
I’m not talking about shallow, generic advice given over a couple of sessions together. You’d be shocked and impressed by the lengths that Austin Music Foundation goes to for their (non-paying) clients, and the years of proven experience their team members bring to the organization. You can learn more in an article we published on Austin Music Foundation over the summer.
When Austin Music Foundation asked the Austinot to help spread the word about their building campaign that’s going on through December 19th, I didn’t hesitate. With nine days to go, they’re getting extremely close to their $20,000 “tipping point” goal. Everything helps at this point.
Up until now, the good people at Austin Music Foundation have been [Read more…]
Kacey Musgraves wraps up the 39th season of Austin City Limits (Photo credit: Scott Newton)
Austin, Texas in the 1970’s was not a lot unlike what we’re experiencing here today. Musicians and songwriters were fleeing the corporate music interests of Nashville to come to a city known for fostering a creative culture, yet struggling with rapid growth.
So it’s fitting that Austin City Limits wrapped up its 39th season by welcoming an up and coming country artist, Kacey Musgraves, and local favorite Dale Watson, who has made a career by staying true to his old school country roots. The night was a perfect blend of honky tonk country music you can dance to, along with the more contemporary, moody songs from Texas native Kacey Musgraves. [Read more…]