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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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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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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.
[Read more…]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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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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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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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.
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Welcome to 2020! With the promise a new year brings, many of us have resolved to improve our lives in a number of ways. Health, happiness, and fulfillment are part of the equation to living our best life.
But how do we go about doing so? Many of us take the usual roads and quickly find ourselves stuck in our previous patterns. With an eye towards keeping those resolutions with some outside-the-box suggestions, here are six local ways you can keep your New Year’s resolution in 2020.
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You made up a list and checked it off twice.
You’ve cruised around Google for buying advice.
The presents all finished, it’s time to relax.
When holiday madness mounts an attack.
A knock on the door from your cousin Hannah
That last-minute party, a work Secret Santa.
Panicked about all the season what-ifs?
Here are six local places for last-minute gifts!
Random visitors can be half pleasant surprise, half panic-inducing. A-Town makes it easy to snag a last-minute gift that shows your unexpected visitors you truly care. Everything from boutique clothing to local art is on offer at this long-standing Burnet Road shop.
And did I mention local? A-Town specializes in hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind gifts made by Austin artisans. And the best part is, it’s mostly stuff your guests can wear or use. From cool coasters with ATX landmarks to handmade jewelry, you can avoid the knick knacks and get your loved one something they’ll truly enjoy–all while supporting local brands and businesses. A win for everyone.
5502 Burnet Road – Website
Tired of running to H-E-B for that boring bottle of wine? When you get an invite to a last-minute get-together, then grab some craft beer! WhichCraft, one of Austin’s premier bottle shops, excels in both service and selection.
The X factor is an extremely knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re headed to a holiday potluck or traditional Christmas tamale feast, the WhichCraft crew will pair the perfect beer to your food stuff of choice.
Here’s a pro-tip: if you can’t find something on the shelf that suits your mood, then get a couple of tastes (or pints if you have the time) from one of the 30 on-tap beers. Once you find a favorite, grab a couple crowlers to go, and you’re officially set for the soiree. A hip alternative to that plain old bottle of red.
1900 Simond Ave. #200 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Kick Back at These 4 Bars in the Expanding Mueller Community
From toy cars and trains to mind-bending puzzles and furry friends, Terra Toys is an oasis of enriching playthings for kids of all ages. Nearly everything in the store is designed with hands-on play in mind. You won’t find video games or electronic gizmos on the store floor.
This fits perfectly when it comes to last-minute gifts. The Terra team members are pros at helping customers select the best gift for a kid you may not know very well. And with their focus on ensuring stock is filled with mentally-nourishing toys, you can feel good that your gift will not only entertain, but also enrich.
2438 W Anderson Lane – Website
Need a dopamine hit of pure holiday happiness? Wander into a Toy Joy location and prepare to be delighted. An explosion of lights, sounds, and color, I’d recommend swinging by even if your shopping is done for the season.
In the context of gifts, Toy Joy shines with pure variety. When I worked downtown, every company White Elephant came from these masters of holiday magic. It’s the epitome of Austin weird, sure to make your random gift one everyone is lobbying to steal.
403 West 2nd St. / 4631 Airport Blvd. #114 / Austin Airport by Gate 11 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: 6 Locally-owned Austin Toy Stores
Have a gamer on your holiday list? Instead of running to GameStop or Amazon, considering swinging by Game Over Videogames for all your button-mashing needs. While many of today’s hot titles are on the shelf, the bulk of the shop is dedicated to retro experiences.
From ancient Atari 2600 games to classic Super Nintendo titles to the original X-Box, Game Over is a old school gamer’s dream. They also sell retro consoles, including modern machines that can play every game in the box stuffed into your best friend’s closet.
And everything can be tried before purchase, so you can get your game on before making the buy. An easy one-stop shop for all your last-minute gamer needs.
110 N I-35, Round Rock / 911 W. Anderson Lane / 3005 S. Lamar, #B105-B – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Game Over Videogames Keeps Retro Gaming Alive
In the bustle and rush of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the most important person on your list: you! One of the oldest businesses in Austin, Lammes Candies is the perfect place to treat yourself for being an incredible gift giver.
With multiple locations all over town, you’re guaranteed to be near one. And the instant sugar rush will help fuel you through that final push of holiday shopping. An excellent way to take care of yourself during this stressful yet wonderful holiday season.
5330 Airport Blvd. / Lakeline Mall / Barton Creek Mall / 2927A W. Anderson Lane / Market at Round Rock, 110 I-35 – Website
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What are your go-to local stores for last-minute gifts?
The original version of this article was published Dec. 11, 2014.
Music is the lifeblood of Austin. Anyone who tells you different hasn’t spent a Saturday night on Red River or discovered a random artist during SXSW. On any given night, there are 100 shows to choose from in the greater Austin area. Music is a piece of who we are.
But the vein is starting to clot. Rising cost of living, higher venue rent, and dozens of entertainment options force world-class artists to stagnate.
Enter Black Fret, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, both financial and practical, to Austin musicians. On Dec. 7, 2019, during the annual Black Fret Ball gala, the group awarded $250,000 to 19 local artists. It was an evening of heart, community, and giving.
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