Entertainment Archives - Page 64 Of 73

23rd St. Artists’ Market: For the People, By the People

September 4, 2013 by David Thomas 2 Comments

23rd St. Artists’ Market draws a lot of foot traffic from the Drag, especially when UT classes are in session

A couple of years ago when my fiancé and I were first dating, I took her to the Drag. We ate at Dirty Martin’s and went for a walk. Coming across the 23rd St. Artists’ Market, we perused the booths and went about our day’s adventures. Little did I know, we had actually come across an Austin institution as time honored as Eeyore’s Birthday and Barton Springs Pool.

The Market

23rd St. Artists’ Market was founded way back in 1972 after a citywide vote in 1971 led to a referendum establishing the market. In 1976, vendors were restricted to selling only handmade crafts by local artists, and the market hasn’t been moved or changed since.

This past weekend, my fiancé and I returned to 23rd St. Artists’ Market to check things out. The market is [Read more…]

Made in Austin: Affordable Customization from Moniker Guitars

September 3, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

A Moniker guitar made here in Austin

This guest article is by Kyle Bailey.

Moniker Guitars is a boutique guitar maker in Austin, with a twist. With a name like Moniker, you kind of expect that there’s more than meets the eye, but I’ll get to that.

If you play electric guitar, you probably have a favorite. Be it Les Paul, Strat, Tele, Paul Reed Smith, or something else, electric guitars fall into two main categories: single coil and humbucker (the history here is fascinating, but alas, no room! Google shall deliver thee from thine angst). It’s all about the tone you want, and each category has its pros and cons.

Now, what if you want a Les Paul looking body with a single coil setup? Not possible (off the rack)…until now. [Read more…]

That’s a Wrap: Austin Sports Film Intramural Completes Production

September 2, 2013 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

I arrived on the set of Intramural shortly after 11 PM on their last day of shooting. They were wrapping the film on the football field of Manor New Tech High School, which seemed very quiet that night. I was surprised to hear the breeze and my own footsteps as I walked toward the shoot. A few days earlier, there had been hundreds of extras in the stands along with a booming high school marching band. Despite everyone looking exhausted, each person I spoke with on set told me they were sad this was their last night together. [Read more…]

Red Bull Sound Select Showcases Local Musicians in Free Monthly Concerts

August 1, 2013 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

It’s fabulous when big companies choose to support our local scene, so I’m all about Red Bull’s recent expansion into Austin with their Red Bull Sound Select program. Red Bull Sound Select is hitting cities around the country, using national music acts to increase fan support for local musicians.

Red Bull Sound Select concerts will take place in Austin monthly through December 2013. The latest show happened this past weekend at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater. The Dandy Warhols of Portland and hip-hop artist Theophilus London headlined, with Austin bands Gentlemen Rogues and The Sour Notes kicking off the show. Local rapper Zeale emceed.

Red Bull Sound Select shows are free, but attendees have to earn their way through the gates. If you want to go to an upcoming show, you need to log onto RedBullSoundSelect.com, create a profile, and request a ticket. [Read more…]

New to Austin, The Chorderoys Are Old-Westerners at Heart

July 25, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Clockwise: Band members Jeremy Newberry, Andrew Simmons, Jon Deen and Greg Denn

This guest blog post is by Joana Ortiz.

Prepare to swoon, Austin. Just a couple of weeks ago, I had a date with four guys. Okay, it wasn’t a date, but you must meet The Chorderoys. The Americana quartet, composed of brothers Greg and Jon and their mates Andrew and Jeremy, were kind enough to have a chat with me over dinner at the Austin staple, Stubb’s, before the start of their gig. (Quick plug for Stubb’s: BBQ upstairs and quality live music just below? Sold.)

You can find The Chorderoys at popular venues in town with black ties, black vests, Sunday shoes, and charming smiles. But before I dive into their current affairs, let’s talk history. [Read more…]

Expert Guitarist Redd Volkaert Still Innovating After 40 Years

July 23, 2013 by Guest Blogger 2 Comments

This guest blog post is by Kyle Bailey.

In a city known for live music and GREAT players, Redd Volkaert stands as one of the true giants. It’s always fun to discover a hidden gem in this wonderful nook-and-cranny-filled town of ours. So I invite you to enter The Continental Club (Austin legend in its own right) at about 3:30 on any given Saturday afternoon and prepare yourself. You’re about to meet a legend.

Playing professionally for more than 40 years, he started playing in bands long before he was old enough to drink with them. Names like Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Johnny Paycheck, Kenny Rogers and Eric Johnson mark the long list of artists he has shared the stage with (the list is longer, a LOT longer), and he just keeps on going. “I’m always searching, never happy with my sound; I still listen for new licks. There’s always somebody better, and I can learn from them.” [Read more…]

Buckle Up for Turtle Racing at Little Woodrow’s

July 10, 2013 by David Thomas Leave a Comment

At turtle racing, the first turtle to reach the checkered border wins the heat.

The turtles scramble for the finish line

I mopped my brow as the stiff summer breeze did little to alleviate the sweltering heat on the porch of Little Woodrow’s 6th St. location. I bit my lower lip and placed my ticket stub in bucket two. Standing next to a bucket in the middle of a small area with a checkered circle, BDOE started the count, “One…two…THREE!” His assistant lifted the bucket and six turtles scrambled to the checkered outer ring.

I clenched my ticket in anticipation of victory, but it was not to be. I bet on #2, a turtle named Soup. Soup decided it wasn’t worth his while to even move in any direction. The folks who placed their tickets in #3’s bucket were stoked, since that little guy beat feet to the checkered finish line. I hung my head, resolved to win the next race. [Read more…]

Find Your Spotlight at The Hideout Theatre in Downtown Austin

June 27, 2013 by Cris Mueller 2 Comments

Theatresports Show at The Hideout Theatre

Kissing the trophy at The Hideout Theatre’s Theatresports show (Credit: Dave Alley)

Remember that feeling you had on the first day of school, every year from the age of five to fifteen? When I walked into The Hideout Theatre, I had that same feeling of sneaking into some kind of secret society for the first time.

Tucked away amongst its varied neighbors, which include those of political, artistic and hotelier fame, The Hideout opens up beyond a narrow doorway at 617 Congress Avenue. Filling two theaters (one 50-seat and one 90-seat), with a coffee house that offers breakfast, lunch, drinks and desserts, The Hideout is much more than first meets the eye. [Read more…]

Summer Nights the Austin Way: Sound and Cinema at the Long Center

June 19, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Sound & Cinema at the Long Center

This guest post is by Edgar Barguiarena.

Austin has Wednesday figured out. Instead of being driven indoors during 100+ degree weather in the thick of summer, we flock towards the siren call of free, live outdoor events.

Fortunately, we’re blessed with a multitude of public parks and outdoor event centers that facilitate this addiction. KGSR has spoiled us over the last 23 years with their Blues on the Green series featuring live music at Zilker park, with the majestic Austin skyline as a backdrop, every other Wednesday over the summer. Alamo Drafthouse has us covered with Rolling Roadshow, featuring classic movies at a unique Austin locale, shown on a huge inflatable screen with top-of-the-line sound system. Even the venerable Austin Symphony has jumped in, showcasing their free “Concerts in the Park” series at the Long Center on Sunday nights over the last 11 years.

Most world-class cities would be fortunate to have even a few of these options. But Austin and Austinites don’t stop there. I mean, what are we supposed to do on the Wednesdays that Blues on the Green isn’t running? What other outdoor events are out there? [Read more…]

Bikers Set to Party During 19th Annual ROT Rally

May 30, 2013 by David Thomas Leave a Comment

Bikes line Congress Avenue in front of the Capitol during ROT Rally

Motorcycles line Congress Ave. in front of the Texas State Capitol (Credit: High Voltage via Flickr CC)

There’s always something going on in our humble town. Usually it comes in the form of some festival or another. Sometimes it’s a concert series or a cartoon character’s birthday. Still, there are other events that cater to a different type of crowd. The type of crowd that will party until the sun comes up.

The 19th Annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Rally) is one of the latter events. This year it takes place June 13–16, 2013. And if last year is any indication, somewhere around 50,000 bikers will descend on Austin and its Central Texas neighbors. The event is ticketed, so that means you have to pay to play…at least if you want to actually get inside the gates of the Travis County Expo Center. [Read more…]

The Market

Recent Posts

Welcome to The Austinot