The Austinot

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Austinot Music Podcast, Ep. 10: Ron Kewin

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It’s summertime in Austin, and that means it’s time for some folk on this episode of the Austinot Music Podcast. That’s right. To me, Summer means folk music, road trips and bare feet. Those images personify an American summer in my mind.

Similarly, folk music personifies a few things as well. First, it personifies the stripped-down appeal of the Summer and a very American way of approaching problems. Historically speaking, folk music has provided a way for the everyman to comment on his society, religion or historical period. It’s a vital part of the American identity. [Read more…]

Top 3 Father’s Day Events in Austin

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Movie night at Deep Eddy Pool in AustinHead’s up. Father’s Day is Sunday the 17th. It’s alright if you’re unprepared – take a breath and check out our top 3 Father’s Day events in Austin.

Here are a few awesome things to do with Pops this Father’s Day:

#1: Deep Eddy Pool Movie Night: The Goonies

Now this is the way to kick off a Father’s Day weekend. Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest swimming hole in Texas, having been formed from part of the Colorado River in 1915. Long story short: it’s been an Austin icon and pastime every since. [Read more…]

The Austinot Tex-Mex Food Challenge #5: El Mercado

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Summer is well on its way, and this weeked I had a chance to beat the heat at El Mercado. So far during The Austinot Tex-Mex Food Challenge, I’ve learned that the title of “Best Tex-Mex in Austin” is very subjective. Plus, it takes a ton of time and work for an out-of-state immigrant like myself to fully understand it.

Despite these hurdles, I can do my civic duty by telling people a bit about some Tex-Mex places they haven’t visited yet. Check it out! [Read more…]

Austinot Music Podcast, Ep. 9: Daniel (Kai) Kalin

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Kai Daniel Kalin master of experimental rock in AustinClick the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Music Podcast.

For today’s Austinot Music Podcast, we are featuring local musician Daniel Kalin…but you can just call him Kai. He is originally from the Northeast, and has brought to Austin a truly unique blend of classic rock. It’s safe to say that Kai truly makes his music his own, blending genres left and right.

Sometimes you’ll catch him heavy into country sounds, like in his song “Heart of Fire” that I use in the intro to this week’s episode. At other times, Kai blends so many different styles together and creates something wholly individual. That’s why I love Austin music. You get a little bit of everything here. [Read more…]

Austin Coffee Shops Hunt #5: Hip and Young at Thunderbird Coffee

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As you arrive at Thunderbird Coffee on Koenig, you’ll probably first notice how it glitzes up an otherwise drab street. Dogs and their owners may be lounging on the open-air patio. Bay windows cover most of the available wall space, allowing natural light to filter into the coffee house. The spacious interior of Thunderbird is marked by pastel-colored walls and obtuse hanging lanterns. If it’s not too packed, grab a seat at a table or couch.

Established in 2007,  this coffee shop is where people come together – the type of place where you and yours can grab drinks and chat. Though the music may seem a bit too overbearing for casual studying, you’ll probably see many people clicking away at their laptops regardless. There aren’t many power outlets available, so those who do study will probably be planted for a while. The clientele is mostly composed of hip twenty-somethings who have time to kill. Still, the drinks and food at Thunderbird have cultivated a community of regulars of all ages. [Read more…]

Austin Nonprofit Revitalizes City Using Unique Art

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Looking for a date spot in Austin this weekend? Well hold on and let me tell you about a unique place you can check out with your significant other. Austin is known for its off-the-wall approaches to art. This weekend, you have a chance to get an artistic take on something you may have seen a thousand times before, just never like this.

Local artist Heather Trolleston has been working with the “Urban Musuem,” named Art on the Way, to display her Spiral Plexus artwork.

Art On The Way (AOTW) is an Austin nonprofit organization/museum which purposefully utilizes public and private plots of land that would otherwise fall into disuse. AOTW reclaims this land and does something incredibly special and beautiful it. You may have seen a few of their older displays driving across the city. Basically, they transform forgotten pieces of land into venues where local artists can [Read more…]

Austin Coffee Shops Hunt #4: Bennu Coffee

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At first glance, Bennu Coffee adds a touch of elegance to the Austin coffee shops scene. Walk through its doors and you’ll see high-backed chairs surrounding varnished tables and counter tops. Elegant sofas line the walls beneath paintings and pictures from local artists. A grandfather clock slowly ticks across the room.

Look a little deeper though, scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find that Bennu Coffee is more than an upscale coffee house. Over the years, it has partnered with many environmental, social and cultural organizations to make Austin, Texas a better place to live. Plus the coffee is delicious and it’s a great place to study – that too. [Read more…]

Austinot Music Podcast, Ep. 8: Shelby Anderson

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Click the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Music Podcast!

Hey, look at that! It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time for another Austin music podcast! Today I am moving a bit out of my comfort zone by featuring some serious Mississippi blues. Today’s artist is Shelby Anderson. He recently moved to Austin from Mississippi, and he brought with him a unique blend of experimentalism and blues music.

Shelby’s love affair with music began years ago. He comes from a musical family. Growing up, he listened to one of his grandfathers play the saxophone and clarinet, and his other grandfather play the guitar and fiddle. These musical instruments would prove to have a catalytic effect on this young musician. [Read more…]

Austin Coffee Shop Hunt #3: Caffe Medici

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Caffe Medici is a local Austin coffee shop that has succeeded through its customer loyalty. This place has been recommended to me more times than any other coffee shop. Since the majority of the recommendations were positive, I decided to place it high on my list of shops to check out. Here is what I found out:

Founded in 2006, Caffe Medici opened up shop with a Clarksville location. The company was started with a simple mission: be responsive to customers, their neighborhood and the environment. Customers quickly began to appreciate Caffe Medici for its myriad of available coffee styles. You can get anything from an espresso, to drip coffee, French press, or latte. Moreover, the employees of Caffe Medici take the time to study each type of coffee so they can explain and customize for their customers. Soon, however, Caffe Medici’s reputation outgrew its small seating capacity. It was time to grow. [Read more…]

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