The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

CASA of Travis County Seeks Advocates to Serve Local Foster Children

by Leave a Comment

CASA of Travis County in Austin

Volunteers are needed to serve even more Austin-area children (Credit: CASA of Travis County)

There is nothing more important than the well-being of a child. When children have to enter the foster care system, CASA of Travis County is there to provide an unbiased recommendation to the court.

CASA is already serving children in foster care ages four and up, but the organization is striving to care for children starting at age two. Volunteers are always needed to serve as advocates. Continue reading to learn how you can help today.

[Read more…]

Motion Media Arts Center Provides Affordable Space for Austin Visual Artists

by Leave a Comment

Motion Media Arts Center Networking Event

Motion Media Arts Center networking event in Austin (Credit: Motion Media Arts Center)

Guest article by Janet Lee

For Austin creatives, it’s often quite the journey to find space to fulfill projects, not to mention affordable space. Whether it’s having meetings, hosting an event, or simply finding a place to get work done, the hunt can be a job in itself.

But look no further. Motion Media Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent film, art, and technology center located in east Austin. From studio and event space, to equipment and classes, the center provides a variety of advanced resources and tools for visual artists. The organization’s focus is sustaining the Austin arts community by providing financially viable options for artists. [Read more…]

5 A-May-zing Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

by Leave a Comment

Cinco de Mayo Austin at Chuy's

Start your Cinco de Mayo first thing at Chuy’s (Credit: Chuy’s)

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, y’all! Celebrating Mexico’s surprise victory over the French has been a tradition for almost two centuries. And it’s a tradition full of great music, food, and cocktails.

Every year, Austin organizations and restaurants put together some spectacular events for all to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of where to go for Cinco de Mayo in Austin this year.

[Read more…]

11 Things You’ll Learn During Austin Symphony Orchestra’s 108th Season

by Leave a Comment

Austin Symphony Orchestra Performance

The Austin Symphony Orchestra recently announced its 108th season. A range of performances will make your musical dreams come true, from gorgeous classics to musical films that will invoke a sense of nostalgia.

If you’re already a fan of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, I don’t need to tell you the next season will be full of memorable performances you won’t want to miss.

But if you’re new on the scene, then you have a bit of catching up to do. Whatever happens, there’s no need to feel intimidated by or excluded from the symphony. The upcoming season has something for everyone. Classics from the Masterworks series, nostalgic songs in the Pops series, and special events will take place throughout the year.

To give you context and a deeper appreciation for the symphony, I wanted this article to be more than a bland list of song titles and composers slated for the upcoming season. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: 11 interesting facts you’ll have learned about the Austin Symphony Orchestra by its 108th season finale. [Read more…]

Preservation Austin Has Been Saving the Good Stuff for 65 Years

by Leave a Comment

Austin Texas Downtown Skyline

Our first love, Austin (Credit: Stuart Seeger via Flickr CC)

Our city is full of culture, thriving communities, and rich history. The stuff that makes Austin “weird.” Can you imagine The Continental Club in shiny, new digs? No, right? Its location and character are what make it special. While Austin continues to grow at break-neck speed, Preservation Austin strives to keep places like The Continental Club alive and thriving. This important organization has been “saving the good stuff” for 65 years now!

[Read more…]

Support AIDS Services of Austin During #DineOutATX on April 24

by Leave a Comment

Dining Out for Life 2018 in Austin

Swift’s Attic is one of many enticing options during Dining Out for Life 2018 (Credit: Swift’s Attic)

Guilt-free eating at your favorite Austin restaurants is possible during Dining Out for Life on Tuesday, April 24. Simply dine out on April 24, 2018, at any of the 60+ local restaurants that are donating a portion of their proceeds to Dining Out for Life that day. Calories don’t count when you’re helping our community by eating that delicious food!

The money from #DineOutATX goes directly to AIDS Services of Austin and will help serve more than 5,000 Austin residents living with HIV. AIDS Services of Austin also provides preventive screenings, education, outreach, and advocacy to at-risk populations. [Read more…]

Latinitas Empowers Austin’s Young Latinas With Media and Technology Skills

by Leave a Comment

Latinitas Austin Nonprofit

Latinitas serves girls ages 9-18 through after-school clubs, camps, conferences, and workshops
(Credit: Josie Hughes)

In this day and age, media and technology impact nearly every moment of the day. Though new jobs are constantly being created, women struggle to find their voice. Especially within the Latina community.

From a cultural perspective, Latinas have a powerful voice and important perspective to contribute to all creative sectors. This is where Latinitas shines, and why it’s become such a valuable part of the Austin community. Latinitas is empowering young Latinas to innovate through media and technology, find their voice, and let it be heard. [Read more…]

Dam That Cancer With 21-mile Paddle Across Lake Austin

by Leave a Comment

Dam That Cancer Austin TexasGuest article by Mathis Kennington

Stand up paddleboarding is a celebrated Austin pastime. You can’t drive around Lady Bird Lake on a sunny afternoon without watching a dozen or so Austinites slowly making their way across the water. Mark Garza, Executive Director and Founder of The Flatwater Foundation, knows this better than most.

Every year, Garza organizes a massive paddleboarding fundraiser called Tyler’s Dam That Cancer, which brings folks from all over the country together to paddle Lake Austin. Garza’s local nonprofit, The Flatwater Foundation, hosts this annual fundraiser to provide mental health coverage for people who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. [Read more…]

The Austinot Weekend Concert Picks: Mar. 9-11, 2018

by Leave a Comment

Austinot Weekend Concert Picks March 9

Hear that far-off rumble? See that cloud of smoke rising from the horizon, as the ground trembles beneath your feet? That’s the sound of 2,000 bands, artists, and musicians speeding towards Austin for SXSW Music 2018! This weekend is your last chance to check out some live, local music before the festival hits the streets.

Luckily, there are plenty of unofficial shows and showcases already going down this weekend. To narrow down your options, we recommend these three. The best part: you can get into all of them for free.

Friday, March 9

Otis The Destroyer Band

Otis the Destroyer (Credit: Andrew Bennett)

Otis the Destroyer, Sailor Poon, Holy Wave, Shmu, Marmalakes, more

@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free

The key to any good showcase is finding variety. On Friday, Cheer Up Charlies presents two stages of rock and roll goodness. From Sailor Poon’s aggressive, nails-out punk to the trippy psych rock of Otis the Destroyer, there are plenty of styles and genres to choose from. My personal recommendation? Get there early for subtle and haunting Cross Record. The full line up and RSVP information is available on the event’s Facebook page.

Saturday, March 10

Megafauna Black Fret

Megafauna rocked Black Fret’s 2108 season kick-off at Mohawk (Credit: Bill Tucker)

SX Soundcheck Saturday w/Megafauna, Ume, Magna Carda, Annabelle Chairlegs, more

@ Hotel Vegas (1502 E. 6th St.) – 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Free to $5

What a lineup! Nearly 10 hours of music across two stages await intrepid SXSW revelers. Highlights include the ’60s-era head music of Annabelle Chairlegs, hip hop duo Magna Carda, and the old-fashioned metal burn of Megafauna. And when the music’s over at 10 p.m., DJ Orion Garcia takes over at The Volstead until who knows when. Check out the Facebook event for the entire lineup and RSVP details.

Sunday, March 11

Jackie Venson

Jackie Venson (Credit: Bill Tucker)

All the Friends Ball 2018 w/Jackie Venson, Alesia Lani, Ruby Jane, Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, more

@ Spider House Ballroom (2908 Fruth St.) – 1 p.m. – Free

Every year, Spider House Ballroom holds a series of splendid SXSW extravaganzas and this year is no exception. This Sunday bash has too many incredible Austin acts to count. Favorites include guitar virtuoso Jackie Venson, R&B stunner Alesia Lani, and violin prodigy Ruby Jane. Ten hours of music across five stages equals the best SXSW Sunday in Austin. Check out the Facebook event for the full schedule.

 

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?

***
We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like CDs, event tickets and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here!

Welcome to The Austinot!

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We'll respond if you comment. Heck, we'll probably invite you to come and hang out with us.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Recent Comments