David Thomas - The Austinot

Rattletree School of Marimba Imports Happy Music from Zimbabwe

Posted on February 27, 2014 by David Thomas

Joel Laviolette, Founder of Rattletree School of Marimba

Joel Laviolette is the founder of The Rattletree School of Marimba

Have you ever been so inspired by something, you stopped what you were doing and began a quest to learn everything you could about it? Joel Laviolette has.

How It Started

Almost 20 years ago, Joel was traveling through New Mexico when he heard the music of the mbira. The instrument is indigenous to Africa and, after listening, Joel wanted to learn everything about it.

Traveling across North America, Joel did exactly that. When our fair continent could no longer provide new knowledge, he went to the source of another African instrument, the marimba. Over the course of several trips to Zimbabwe, Joel stayed with master musicians and continued his education.

He made his way to Austin six years ago and started a band named Joel Laviolette and Rattletree. He also started a marimba school named The Rattletree School of Marimba. [Read more…]

Staple! Holds the Austin Indie Comic Book Scene Together

Posted on February 19, 2014 by David Thomas

Chris Nichols Staple! Comic Convention Organizer

Chris Nicholas is the man behind Staple! (Photo credit: PunchingtheWallsofReality.com)

There are two types of people in this wide world of ours: those who are stopped by obstacles and those who find a way around or through them. Artists, writers, and those making a living through artistic expression have quite a few obstacles to overcome. Chris Nicholas is one such person who decided to not just go around his obstacles, but burst through them.

Why Staple!?

Chris, a comic book creator with 12 years of experience under his belt, knows how hard it is to break into the business. Every year, people with great ideas struggle to get their foot in the door of companies like Marvel and DC Comics. Even then, the struggle isn’t over. [Read more…]

Dart Bowl, Your Neighborhood Bowling Alley for 56 Years

Posted on February 4, 2014 by David Thomas

You can see Dart Bowl’s sign on Grover St. across from McCallum High School

Nestled away in the nooks and crannies of our fair city are tidbits of iconic Austin culture. One of those tidbits is quietly tucked away on Grover St., across the street from McCallum High School in North Austin. Dart Bowl is more than a bowling alley. It’s an Austin icon.

Dart Bowl’s Long History of Community Involvement

In 1958, Jerry and Betty Ray opened Dart Bowl in a shopping center near Anderson and Burnet Rd. (now a Bassett furniture store). They happily remained there for the next 38 years until 1996, when they took over the old Capitol Bowl on Grover St.

Along the way, the Rays also opened Highland Lanes at Burnet Rd. and 183, and Westgate Lanes on William Cannon Dr.

To be in business for 56 years is no small feat. Part of that success has got to be chalked up to Dart Bowl’s involvement with [Read more…]

Miracoco by Architects of Air Has Returned to The Long Center

Posted on January 27, 2014 by David Thomas

Architects of Air Miracoco at The Long Center

It doesn’t take much for a vivid imagination to run wild inside Miracoco

When I first moved to Austin, back when Emo’s was on 6th St., there was this dude who would sit out on the sidewalk of 6th St. and spray paint these crazy designs on canvas. He’d then light the canvas on fire and the end result was a beautiful alien landscape. That guy is no longer around, but Austin hasn’t stopped being an inviting environment for creativity.

What Is Architects of Air?

Until February 2nd, The Long Center will be hosting an extremely unique and interactive art exhibit called Architects of Air: Miracoco Luminarium. Created by Alan Parkinson, luminarium are unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures made of custom designed inflatables. Yes, you read correctly. These are surreal, labyrinthine inflatable structures that take advantage of a plethora of design elements and natural lighting. [Read more…]

Your Ride Is Here Helps Austinites Fight War On Cancer

Posted on January 15, 2014 by David Thomas

Ken Adams (left) wanted to give back after winning his bout with cancer (Photo credit: YourRideIsHere.org)

Cancer is a brutal enemy. It attacks your body, life, family, and your very existence. Every year, millions of people are affected by cancer. The disease wages war on us and our lives are the prize.

How It Began

Ken Adams has been one of the soldiers in this battle who can stand triumphantly, with his fist raised in victory. Though his personal battle may be over, Ken has returned to the fight. This time, he brings friends.

Cancer has this conniving way of disrupting life on an exponential level. Imagine this: you’re a cancer patient who has a treatment scheduled at 12 PM. You don’t get in until 12:45 pm because a person ahead of you was late. This wasn’t their fault – the doctor felt it would be unsafe for them to drive alone to their appointment, and their spouse works during the day. After all, since getting sick, a dual income has been reduced by half, but the bills have not.

Your Ride Is Here is a charity organization founded by Ken Adams, designed to alleviate some of the pressure cancer patients face during their treatments. In a nutshell, Your Ride is Here provides rides for patients going to their treatments. [Read more…]

Southern Metal Choppers: Customizing Bikes in Austin for 10 Years

Posted on January 3, 2014 by David Thomas

Bronson Williard Southern Metal Choppers

Bronson Willard and his painter, Kurt Mitchell, work their magic for Austin’s motorcycle scene

The Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally is six months away. How embarrassing would it be if you pulled that bike out a week before the rally to find it doesn’t start? What if your kid, who’s horrible at baseball, threw a fastball and your gas tank caught it? What if your cat had a litter of kittens in the saddle bag? You better get that thing to Southern Metal Choppers, and you better do it now.

From Humble Beginnings

I had a Harley Sportster in the spring of 2003. I was blissfully jamming around town when I got the bright idea to replace the rear shocks with a pair of solid struts. That would lower the rear suspension and give it a cool hot rod look. It would also be a spine-rattling experience.

I inquired about the modification at Central Texas Harley Davidson and the dude who sold me the bike told me about a pair of cousins who just opened a shop in an industrial park near Golfsmith. I cruised over and found Bronson and Jason Willard in a mostly empty shop. They were hurriedly trying to finish the wiring on a stripped down Buell Cyclone. We quickly became friendly and, while I never got those struts made, we had a blast at [Read more…]

3 Austin Comedy Showcases You Can’t Miss

Posted on December 17, 2013 by David Thomas

Matt Bearden drives the Punch! Showcase to continuously sold out shows

I should open this with a joke. After all, this is a comedy article. I won’t though. While I do have my moments, I will leave the jokes to the professionals and simply tell you where to find them.

Comedians come with different styles, personalities and preferences. For some reason, folks don’t always understand this. Brendon K. O’Grady, local comedian and co-host of the Sure Thing showcase, put it into perspective: “Comedy should be treated like music. You don’t go to a concert, hate the band and the next time you get invited to a concert say, ‘Oh, I went to music once. I didn’t like it.’”

Showcases are designed to fight this perspective by giving options to audience members. I have three Austin comedy showcases you should definitely attend to test your taste in comedy. [Read more…]

One World Karate Strikes Disability with Hope and Empowerment

Posted on December 4, 2013 by David Thomas

This young student has learned to use her braces to her advantage (Photo credit: Dan Carroll)

When I think of karate, I think of “sweep the leg,” the infamous line spoken by the Cobra Kai sensei from The Karate Kid. Others think of Bruce Lee movies. Most of us can see ourselves roundhouse kicking a mugger in the chin and saving the day. For most, learning karate or any other martial art is achievable. But to others, it seems like a pipe dream.

One World Karate Transforms Lives

Imagine being in a wheelchair with your muscles permanently in knots, or the frustration of being incapable of understanding the world around you.

Imagine being beset with these challenges and wanting to learn karate. How disheartening to not only you, but to those who love you.

People with special needs and their families are an overlooked and marginalized minority in our society. Sure, they are afforded handicapped parking spots and wheelchair ramps, but what are we doing to help them feel like members of our society? Dan Carroll teaches them karate. [Read more…]

Adventurous Austinites Stay Fit at Austin Rock Gym

Posted on November 20, 2013 by David Thomas

A climber at Austin Rock Gym looks up to where he lost his grip

Until recently, my experience in rock climbing was limited to a giant rock in Walnut Creek Park that my fiancé and I climbed for a picnic lunch.

It may be surprising, but Austin has quite a bit of outdoor rock climbing opportunities for adventurous types. Our glistening metropolis lies at the foot of the famous Texas Hill Country. A short trip to Lake Travis, Inks Lake or Lake Buchanan provides climbers with plenty of opportunities to practice their best Spider-Man impression.

But what is a newbie to do? The best option is to go to Austin Rock Gym.

Austin Rock Gym has two locations in north and south Austin. The north location is at 8300 N. Lamar Blvd. Suite B-102. My hardcore readers may [Read more…]

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Often Imitated, Never Duplicated

Posted on October 23, 2013 by David Thomas

Tim League is the mind behind Alamo Drafthouse (Photo credit: Wikipedia.org)

People love movies. Just ask them. They love seeing Rocky beat the odds against Apollo Creed. They love seeing an underdog truck driver win an arm wrestling contest and the heart of his son. They love seeing Rambo avenge the woman he loves by taking down a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp and freeing long lost soldiers. They might even love my love of Sylvester Stallone movies. Yet few people love movies as much as Tim and Karrie League.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

In the late 1990’s, Tim and Karrie wanted to share their love of movies, food and beer with Austin. With a bolt of inspiration, they opened a small, one-screen theater downtown. Their enthusiasm was infectious and drew the attention of directors like Richard Linklater and Quentin Tarantino. From there, their venture blew up. The Leagues expanded Alamo Drafthouse Cinema with multiple locations around Austin.

[Read more…]