Bill Tucker - The Austinot

Splash Shack Indoor Water Park Provides Refreshing Spot for Families All Year

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Splash Shack Water Park Play Structure — Splash Shack in Cedar Park is an indoor oasis of watery fun

Whenever people talk about summer in Austin, water activities are always recommended. Dipping in Barton Springs, a trip to Hamilton Pool, floating the river. All fantastic ways to beat three straight months of 100-degree heat.

But what if you don’t even want to be outside? Regardless of your water activity of choice, the blazing sun can turn the coolest of pools into bath water, and fry skin to a crisp. And forget it if you have little ones. Spending any amount of time in broiling temperatures can be downright dangerous. What’s a parent to do?

Cedar Park’s micro indoor water park may be the perfect solution. Allow me to introduce you to Splash Shack, a family-focused waterscape and play area, designed with big and little kids in mind. All without reliance on greasy sunscreen or suffering through triple-digit temps.

And, more good news: Splash Shack is open year-round. So when the heat has passed and it’s actually a bit cool to swim outside, you can find swimming fun right here, every month of the year.

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6 New Austin Music Singles You’ll Want to Turn Up Today

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Gina Chavez New Music Single in Austin — Gina Chavez, Ley Line, Flora & Fawna, and others have released new music to brighten our days (Credit: Gina Chavez)

Just when people assume the Austin music scene has been chocked lifeless by the pandemic, our local musicians continue to release absolute bangers. Whether you dig dreamy synth pop or Latin love, here are six sensational singles you need to listen to today.

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10 Austin Businesses Doing Right by Employees During COVID-19

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Austin Businesses Caring for Employees During COVID-19 Crisis — Local Austin restaurant groups like Tc4 & Co. are making sure employees are cared for during the COVID-19 crisis (Credit: Tc4 & Co.)

Like many around the world, I’m making a mental list of businesses that value profits over people. Make the list and you loose my patronage. Simple as that.

But businesses are in a tough spot. Lay off employees so they can stay afloat, or continue to pay and everyone goes down with the ship? It’s a literal no-win situation.

But some Austin spots are trying to both stay in business and support employees via creative methods. Here are 10 local businesses that are doing right by displaced employees. Not only do they deserve your dollar when this crisis is over, but they’ve earned a virtual high five right now.

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5 Ways You Can Support Austin Music During the Coronavirus Crisis

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Support Austin Musicians During Coronavirus — Let’s prove what the Live Music Capital of the World is made of (Credit: John Cabuena/Flipintex Fotos)

It’s dark days for the Austin music scene. With every venue closed for the foreseeable future, the effects of coronavirus are a gut punch to everyone from artists, to venue owners, to the fine folks slinging drinks and checking your ID.

But all is not lost. There are still several ways to support the Austin music community despite the crippling closures. Here are five ways you can make a difference.

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15 Austin Artists We Wish We Could’ve Seen at SXSW Music 2020

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Go Fever Band Live — Acey Monaro from Go Fever (Credit: Bill Tucker)

And just like that, it’s over. With one proclamation of imminent disaster, the city of Austin pulled the plug on SWSX 2020. Regardless of your personal opinions, losing the biggest event of the year stings from a dozen difference perspectives.

But those of us who live in Austin are the lucky ones. We have an incredible talent pool of bands, artists, and musicians who live in our backyard. Even though the official SXSW showcases are dead and buried, many of the bands in this year’s Top 15 will be doing unofficial shows throughout the week and in the future. So why not celebrate some of our local finest? More than ever, come out to a show, buy some merch, and support our local scene.

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2020 Austin Music Awards at Moody Theater to Celebrate Austin’s Finest

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Charlie Sexton 2019 Austin Music Awards — Charlie Sexton performing at 2019 Austin Music Awards (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Days before the swarm of SXSW, the Austin music scene takes a moment to pause and reflect. For one lovely evening at the Moody Theater, local artists and industry leaders gather for an evening of recognition, celebration, and community. Less a stuffy awards show and more a party with a few statuettes tossed in, the 2020 Austin Music Awards on March 11 promises to be an unforgettable night of explosive performances and heartfelt thanksgiving.

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6 SXSW Activations You Need to Check Out in 2020

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Bill Tucker

When combing through the SXSW schedule, it’s easy to miss out on the activations. These are chances for businesses big and small to showcase their latest and greatest products in cool, engaging environments. Plus, activations often offer the sweet swag festival-goers crave.

From a list of hundreds, here are six SXSW 2020 activations worth your time waiting in line. Enjoy!

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6 Austin Music Social Media Accounts You Need to Follow NOW

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Shakey Graves by Photographer Suzanne Cordeiro — Suzanne Cordeiro is an Austin-based photographer who shares gripping images of Austin musicians on her social media accounts

Music used to be all about the sound. Put on some good headphones; crank up an album; and allow yourself to be swept away. But these days, artists and industry types need a social media outlet.

Here are six must-follow Austin music social media accounts curated by people who truly care about the content they create, and use the medium to enhance the local music community.

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Austin-born Rev Gum Energizes the Caffeine Scene

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Bill Tucker

Rev Gum for Energy — Rev Gem offers an energy kick in an easy-to-consume package (Credit: Bill Tucker)

If you’re like 92 percent of Austinites, then you’re exhausted. Between work, family, and other commitments, it’s impossible to juggle everything without catching a case of the sleepies. So what are your options? Coffee? Soda? Adrenaline shots?

Personally, I’m diabetic (so sugar is out) and I don’t drink coffee (sacrilege, I know). My options are limited–until now. Enter locally-owned and Austin-made Rev Gum, a high octane caffeinated chewing gum designed to provide an energy kick in an easy-to-consume package. After weeks field testing at my office desk during my 2 p.m. energy dip, I’ve come to some conclusions. Read on to find them!

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Austin’s Community Radio Station, KOOP FM, Celebrates 25 Years in Style

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Bill Tucker

KOOP FM Independent Radio Station in Austin — Inside the KOOP 91.7 FM studios (Credit: Bill Tucker)

We need independent radio. In a world of soulless, corporate-owned Top 40 stations, local radio gives a voice to the people. It breaks the mold, inspires conversation, and injects new ideas into a culture thirsty for something different.

A vanguard of this movement, Austin’s own KOOP 91.7 FM is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. With new ways to listen, a broader programming schedule, and a legendary birthday party right around the corner, KOOP promises to ring in the next 25 years in grand fashion.

[Read more…]

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