Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Credit: Leland Ohlinger
Guest article by Ben Snyder
SXSW is a moment when Austin gets the chance to show weird-seekers and perpetual partiers from around the world what it’s been doing for the past year.
We’re highlighting four live comedy shows coming up during SXSW 2015 that will showcase the growing comedy scene in Austin, so you don’t miss this year’s comedy awakening. [Read more…]
Guest article by Lindsey Moringy
SXSW is right around the corner, meaning our beloved Austin is about to explode with film premieres, pioneering technology and–most notably–lots and lots of music. While it may seem like an overwhelming, anxiety-inducing 10 days (don’t even think about trying the line for Franklin BBQ), it can also be a great opportunity to network, learn and experience new art.
Luckily, local legend Rock n Roll Rentals has some tips for making the most out of this year’s SXSW. [Read more…]
Guest article by Lindsey Moringy
If there is one thing Austinites have in common, it’s that they’re proud to give back to the city they love. It’s easy to see that hometown love put into action by looking at the amount of money donated to hundreds of Austin non-profit organizations each year. One annual project serves as a one stop shop for finding and funding the organizations that speak to you – Amplify Austin.
Created in 2013 by I Live Here, I Give Here, Amplify Austin is a 24-hour campaign to raise funds for over 500 local non-profit groups. Over the past two years, they have helped raise $8.5 million for community organizations participating in the campaign. Can you believe that sum was donated in only 48 hours? [Read more…]
Performing “Vicissitudes of the Heart” (Credit: Rene Michaels/DanceDigitals.com)
I confess that my knowledge of dance is slim, but First Street Studio provides an accessible space to discover a love for dancing. They aim to support emerging artists by providing a nurturing area for small organizations, dance instructors and dancers to connect with Austin audiences by holding classes and performances.
I was fortunate enough to see Chaddick Dance Theater’s Winter Showcase In the Company of… as my introduction to First Street Studio and the work of Cheryl Chaddick, who uses dance to tell relatable stories that reflect inner struggle and self-discovery.
Cheryl Chaddick was the artistic director and choreographer for Company Chaddick in San Francisco [Read more…]
The 87th Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival is March 1, 2015 (Credit: David King)
One of the best ways to forget yourself and all the baggage that comes with you is to buy or make your own personal aircraft. You can use string, paper, sticks or whatever’s handy. Just make sure you’re finished by March 1, 2015, when Zilker Kite Festival returns for another year. [Read more…]
Self-taught composer Nathan Felix will debut sections from his second orchestra at Indie Orchestra Night (Credit: Nathan Felix)
Imagine a show that combines the dramatic power of a symphonic orchestra, the full range of a choir and the modern edge of indie musicians. Indie Orchestra Night, which will be presented by the Texas Choral Consort on March 7, 2015, involves the musical prowess of a wide spectrum of talented individuals. In other words, this will be an epic concert for Austinites.
The brainchild of self-taught composer Nathan Felix, who has roots in the indie rock world, Indie Orchestra Night required creative risks for the artists and lots of coordination. Those who see the show will be immediately impressed by the sheer amount of musicians on stage—between the Texas Choral Consort and the orchestra, there will be 120 musicians accompanying the indie artists.
To create this progressive orchestral show, Felix and Brent Baldwin of Texas Choral Consort reached out to Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater, Dana Falconberry, Zeale and The Rocketboys to join the ranks and collaborate on a truly unique concert. [Read more…]
Sunset at Pan Am Park during MapJam 2014
This weekend’s MapJam, presented by KUTX 98.9, is a one day music tour that brings Austin Music Map to life.
KUTX is a relatively young radio station – they just celebrated their 2nd birthday – and one of their first ideas was Austin Music Map. The Music Map is an online collaborative effort between KUTX and their audience. It gives Austinites the opportunity to highlight their favorite up and coming musicians and promote their preferred music venues by charting them on an interactive map. It was revolutionary.
With MapJam, KUTX found a way to connect radio to the community. Having a “Jam” session with local musicians at local venues listed on the “Map” brought a formerly online experience to life.
So here is the lowdown on the 9 bands, 4 venues and grub you can sample tomorrow, February 21st, during KUTX’s Third Annual MapJam. [Read more…]
Fine wine and good eats await you! (Credit: WFFT)
Feel like planning a wine tasting getaway? Forget about flights and expensive hotels. Some of the best wine in the country lies in your own backyard.
Since 1985, the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas (WFFT) has been celebrating the best our state has to offer and this year is no exception. With a number of fantastic events on the horizon, the WFFT is poised to kick off their spring 2015 season in style.
The fun kicks off in grand scale with Toast and Roast on March 1st, 2015. Taking place at Rancho Cuernavaca, the event is a celebration of wine, food and music. The highlight of the afternoon will be a tasting of every vintage in Texas Monthly’s 2014 Best Wines of Texas list. This is a rare and special opportunity to sample the best wine in the Lone Star State.
With food provided by [Read more…]
2nd Street Soundcheck is an opportunity to experience local food, shopping and free music (Credit: 2nd Street Soundcheck)
If you’re familiar with Austin at all, you know March brings the music loving masses to our city during SXSW, one of the biggest music festivals around. What better way to prepare for the madness than by attending 2nd Street Soundcheck for free music, food, shopping and just plain fun?
2nd Street Soundcheck takes place February 28, 2015, from 1-8 PM and admission is free! The event features 22 artists downtown on Second Street, spanning three city blocks from San Antonio Street to Colorado Street.
We are fortunate to live in a city with so much musical talent surrounding us, and this is an excellent opportunity to experience it for free. Below are a few of my favorite artists who will be playing during the festival. [Read more…]
Guest article by Lindsey Moringy
Has anyone ever told you that you have the personality of a lamp post? Well that might not be such a bad thing anymore!
A new project called Hello Lamp Post Austin enables residents to have in-depth conversations with objects and local treasures around town – everything from parking meters to buildings to Treaty Oak. For instance, on Thursday, City Hall (the building itself, not a representative) and I were discussing Austin’s biggest claim to fame. I suggested our longest-running music television program “Austin City Limits,” while City Hall was thinking more along the lines of breakfast tacos. [Read more…]