Bill Tucker - The Austinot

Black Fret Awards $250,000 to Austin Musicians at 2018 Black Ball

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Black Ball 2018 was a celebration of music, giving, and community (Credit: Bill Tucker)

It’s tough to be a musician in the Live Music Capital of the World. On any given night, world-class artists ply their trade for the contents of a tip jar. Award-winning singers hold down regular jobs. Venues that find pride in treating artists fairly close the doors in favor of no-cover bars with a makeshift stage in the corner.

Enter Black Fret. By building a community of industry folks and music lovers, with a heart of keeping Austin music alive and well, this nonprofit provides an answer to the issues plaguing the local music scene. And on the Dec. 7 Black Ball extravaganza at the Moody Theater, Black Fret awarded $250,000 to deserving musicians. It was an evening of giving, music, and all around good vibes. [Read more…]

Family Business Beer Company Defies Expectations With Quality and Vibe

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Flight of Family Business Beer Company’s core lineup (Credit: Bill Tucker)

When an actor with a rabid cult following opens a brewery in Central Texas, it’s not just local news. It becomes a national sensation.

Within a week of opening the doors, Family Business Beer Company, co-owned by Jensen Ackles of “Supernatural” fame, exploded in popularity. It also drew the ire of a small, but vocal, corner of the Austin beer scene.

The narrative was silly one: how dare some tiny brewery in Dripping Springs get more popular than Jester King, all because it has a celebrity owner? Could this upstart brewery in a market full of them possibly meet the expectations set by its social media reach? [Read more…]

Willie Nelson Delivers Classic Set During 18th Austin City Limits Taping

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Willie Nelson Austin City Limits Taping 2018

Willie Nelson enjoyed every minute of his Austin City Limits taping on Nov. 19, 2018
(Credit: Scott Newton/courtesy of KLRU-TV)

As I stood at an upright table overlooking 2nd Street and Guadalupe on the Moody Theater balcony, a chilling thought ran through my head: I didn’t know much about Willie Nelson.

To Austinites with half an ear, the notion is blasphemy. How could any music reviewer worth his salt not know the King of Outlaw Country’s body of work? His statue is outside the dang theater.

Walking to my seat, I knew this was no longer a simple concert for me. It was a crash course on a living legend, plying his trade for the 18th time on the Austin City Limits stage. True to form, he did not disappoint. [Read more…]

Moviehouse Elevates the Cinema Experience With Comfort, Cuisine, and Care

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Moviehouse & Eatery’s Southwest Bowl adds a touch of spice to a sizable portion of chicken, rice, and veggies
(Credit: Bill Tucker)

Love you to pieces, Amazon Prime, but there’s something magical about going to the movies. Whether it’s the communal experience of watching a film with a large audience or the sheer size of the screen, “Netflix and chill” will never fully replace the old school theater experience.

But the formula can always be improved upon. By combining the comforts of home with top-notch eats and a cinema experience that rivals the best in the industry, Moviehouse & Eatery is rapidly becoming Austin’s new go-to for a dine-in movie going experience. [Read more…]

10 Things to Do With Toddlers in Austin

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Looking for things to do with toddlers in Austin? You are in the right place. Read on to find out!

Any parent of a toddler has asked this question with a sigh of soul-crushing dread: What are we going to do today? Coloring books? All scribbled on and ripped up. Watch “Moana” for the 80th time? He’s over it. Play with the dozens of toy cars he’s acquired in two short years of life? Either stuffed under the couch or tossed in the toilet.

Luckily, Austin has dozens of outings designed with little ones in mind. From splash pads, to parks, to trails lined with towering dinosaurs.

Things to do with Toddlers in Austin

[Read more…]

Gina Chavez Leans Into Songwriting With First Album Release Since 2014

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Gina Chavez looking onward as she releases her latest EP “Lightbeam” (Credit: Juice Consulting)

It was love at first strum. Three years ago during SXSW 2016, Gina Chavez played an early evening set at Sidewinder. Knowing her reputation alone, I showed up as a newbie. An hour later, I walked away a fan.

With a stylish and exuberant brand, melding samba, cumbia, and Latin influences, Gina Chavez has rocketed to the upper echelon of Austin’s music scene. And with her first record in four years, she’s refined her sound into something groovy, moving, and magical. [Read more…]

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2018: Photo Retrospective

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Tito’s Stage during Austin City Limits Music Festival 2018 (Credit: Brandon Navarro)

Zilker Park has been reclaimed. The massive stages torn down, ticket booths folded up. Mountains of debris, discarded AMEX swag, and unused ponchos carted away as though they never existed.

All that’s left of Austin City Limits Music Festival 2018 is in the minds and memory cards of those lucky enough to experience it. From the incredible headliners to your new favorite band, ACL Fest has always held something for anyone daring enough to brave the crowds and take it all in.

With our signature focus on the hyperlocal, here’s how The Austinot team experienced this one-of-a-kind festival, through pictures and words. [Read more…]

Ultimate Guide to Local Artists at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2018

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Cooler weather, Halloween party planning, Austin City Limits Music Festival. When I think of October, that’s what immediately springs to mind. For two weekends, Zilker Park transforms for a musical experience unmatched in our fair city and far beyond.

While headliners like Metallica and Paul McCartney dominate the headlines this year, our local music scene is well-represented for those intrepid enough to arrive early and support Austin artists. To help you navigate our local talent, here’s a rundown of every Austin artist playing ACL Fest 2018. Listen local!

For a Spotify playlist of every local artist playing ACL Fest 2018, click here! [Read more…]

Tradition and Innovation Meet Head-on at Independence Brewing Co.

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Independence Brewing’s newest year-round offering, Native Texan

These days, it feels like craft beer is ruled by the almighty trend. Be it session IPAs a few years back or the current haze craze, breweries seem to scramble to meet the whims of the drinking public. After all, IPAs that taste like mimosas are the hot new thing. Why not jump on the bandwagon and give people what they crave?

Independence Brewing Co. has a different philosophy. The local craft brewery delivers consistent, quality products peppered with original ideas and new ways of thinking. By blending expert craftsmanship with a Texan never-say-die attitude, this elder statesman of the Austin beer scene continues to impress with rock solid traditions and inventive off-shoots.

[Read more…]

Biderman’s Deli Serves East Coast Bagels and Sandwiches With Austin Heart

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Bill Tucker

Biderman’s Deluxe sandwich is a slice of East Coast-inspired heaven (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Growing up in northern New Jersey, bagels were more than an easy to-go breakfast. They were part of our culinary landscape. My hometown of Bloomfield had three unbelievable spots in the space of five square miles. Hot beds of conversation, cream cheese, and spongy, chewy goodness, Jewish bagel joints defined my upbringing. Yes, I’m a bagel snob.

Since moving to Austin, I’ve bemoaned the lack of quality bagels in the capital city. But after discovering Biderman’s Deli on Far West, I’m done complaining. [Read more…]

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