Et Cetera Archives - Page 26 of 35

Kids in a New Groove Changing the Lives of Texas Foster Kids

December 12, 2013 by Matthew Champion 2 Comments

Karyn Scott, Founder of Kids in a New Groove (Photo credit: Impact News)

I first met Karyn Scott this past May while attending a training course for her non-profit organization, Kids in a New Groove. With a contagious smile and welcoming demeanor, she explained her passion for helping foster children through the gift of music mentorship, and how the program had developed.

Throughout her career as a prosecutor, she witnessed countless numbers of foster youth being subjected to the constant instabilities of the legal system. They would switch homes, schools, families, and friends at what often seemed like the drop of a hat.

I, myself, had developed a familiarity with this situation over the previous couple of years, which is what ultimately led me to Kids in a New Groove. Their mission is simple: provide Texas foster children with an element of stability in their lives that is desperately needed to develop their confidence and strategies for life-long success. [Read more…]

Can Austin Music Foundation Continue to Serve Our Local Musicians?

December 10, 2013 by Brittany Highland 2 Comments

Austin Music Foundation changes the lives of Austin musicians with free consulting and events

Every person in Austin should be familiar with the Austin Music Foundation. This amazing non-profit provides free consulting and resources to local musicians who are trying to earn a living pursuing their talents.

I’m not talking about shallow, generic advice given over a couple of sessions together. You’d be shocked and impressed by the lengths that Austin Music Foundation goes to for their (non-paying) clients, and the years of proven experience their team members bring to the organization. You can learn more in an article we published on Austin Music Foundation over the summer.

When Austin Music Foundation asked the Austinot to help spread the word about their building campaign that’s going on through December 19th, I didn’t hesitate. With nine days to go, they’re getting extremely close to their $20,000 “tipping point” goal. Everything helps at this point.

So What Is This Money For?

Up until now, the good people at Austin Music Foundation have been [Read more…]

Old Austin Still Alive at North Loop Food Park

November 29, 2013 by Dustin Vegas Leave a Comment

Photo credit: North Loop House & Yard

The North Loop House & Yard is a slice of Austin located just off of 53rd and Airport Blvd. Despite showcasing some of our city’s most unique food and people, it’s an easy place to pass without noticing. If you get the chance, stop by. You won’t be disappointed.

This small cluster of trailers is the center of Austin renaissance. Many Austinites are worried about how quickly Austin is changing. Dozens of people (including me) move here every day. The massive growth of our city has been good in many ways, but there are some who are concerned about Austin losing its weird, “small town” vibe.

Enter our own North Loop food park, taking a Braveheart-like stand for Austin’s traditions and neighborliness. Oh, and food. They do a lot of that, too. [Read more…]

Departure Lounge Takes Dine and Dash to a Whole New Level

November 25, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Departure Lounge in downtown Austin is cozy and comfortable

Editor’s Note: Departure Lounge closed its downtown location in July 2017. Owner Keith Waldon plans to open a new location in the airport.

Austin loves to mix things up. We want great food and drinks while watching the latest releases at the Drafthouse, or a quick round of embarrassing karaoke after rolling a few frames at The Goodnight. Austin entrepreneurs are taking mixed-use concepts to a whole new level. The latest to hit the downtown scene is a travel agency with a wine bar built in. Or maybe it’s the other way around? [Read more…]

Reflections on 2013 Veterans Day Ceremony at the Texas State Capitol

November 12, 2013 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Veterans Day Ceremony 2013 at Texas State Capitol

I’m proud to live in a state that takes care of its veterans. From property tax exemptions to complimentary state park admission, from vocational rehabilitation to specialty license plates, Texas has numerous policies in place to support veterans and ease the visible and invisible burdens they bring home after armed conflict.

I attended the 2013 Veterans Day Ceremony on the steps of the Texas State Capitol with certain expectations – given our state’s track record for veterans. After the morning’s parade up Congress Avenue concluded, veterans, public officials, and Austin residents gathered for an hour-long ceremony.

Many speakers took the podium during the ceremony. Multiple government officials gave addresses, resolutions were read, hands were clapped.

There were two standout speeches. The first was given by a World War II veteran with a [Read more…]

Stitch Lab: Sew Cute!

November 8, 2013 by Lizzy Newsome Leave a Comment

Ready to MAKE some cute new friends?!

For the past four years, there has been a serious party going on. I am sad to say, I have been missing out on some very fun times. Fortunately, the party is far from over. Did I mention this is a CRAFT party? To be specific, a sewing party, and the ladies at Stitch Lab are the hostesses with the mostest.

Before I get into how easily excited I am by large stockpiles of craft supplies, let me give you the particulars about Stitch Lab. Located at 1000 S. 1st St, the building is one of several converted 1920’s bungalow houses painted in a pastel rainbow pallet, re-purposed by local businesses. Ample parking was available on my weekday morning visit, though I could imagine it being tighter during class times. Entering through the backdoor, I received a welcome, but I could barely manage a response. I was surrounded by pretty things! [Read more…]

Explore Artwork by Local Homeless at Art From the Streets Annual Event

November 1, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Art from the Streets artist

One of the most magnetic things about Austin is that our streets, walls, and residents are billboards of color, creativity, and experimentation. Art is a way of life here and personality is praised.

Therefore, it was no surprise when Art From the Streets hit our radar: a non-profit that uses art to help local homeless residents connect to a sense of purpose and foster higher self-esteem. [Read more…]

Blanton Museum of Art Review: Imperial Augsburg Exhibit

October 31, 2013 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Imperial Augsburg Renaissance print, on display at Blanton Museum of Art

This guest blog article is by Jamie Deangelo.

If you ever wanted to see an unflattering portrait of Charles V or know what a 15th century indulgence looks like, here’s your chance to find out. Imperial Augsburg: Renaissance Prints and Drawings, is on view at the Blanton Museum of Art now through January 5, 2014.

This exhibition takes up four rooms and features about 100 woodcut prints and engravings, as well as a few coins and two small helmets. The artworks on display come from 15th century Augsburg, an imperial free city and one of the centers of the German print boom. The show highlights some of the biggest names of [Read more…]

The Ultimate Guide to Austin Beer Week 2013

October 23, 2013 by Edgar Barguiarena 5 Comments

Prosit!

Austin Beer Week (def): held shortly after Great American Beer Festival (GABF), a week dedicated to all things craft beer in the great city of Austin Texas, whereas brewers who are just getting over their GABF hangover celebrate their craft with the rest of the city during special keg tappings, meet-the-brewer sessions, anniversary parties, and the inevitable hangover or four.

On the brink of a record-setting run at the Great American Beer Festival (the granddaddy of all U.S. beer competitions) Austin is gearing up for its biggest week in beer yet. Six of the 10 Texas medals were earned by folks in the Austin area, including 2 gold medals (!). So you can be sure our favorite brewers are putting out their best stuff yet. Texas is still only 6th in medal count, but we are going up against the original regions that have always been known for craft beer. Given how young our breweries are, this is an impressive achievement. [Read more…]

Savor Cozy Italian Vibe at Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria Downtown

October 17, 2013 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria on West Ave., just off W. 6th Street

Editor’s Note: Frank & Angie’s shuttered in 2018.

Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria is fondly regarded by many Austinites, but somehow it manages to retain its undiscovered charm, year after year. I’ve never had to wait for a table here, and I’ve also never had a bad experience. It has everything you could want in your go-to Italian place: small, cozy, rarely crowded, cheesy décor, friendly staff, good food, fair prices, and big portions.

History

Frank and Angie’s was opened nearly twenty years ago by the same folks who run Hut’s Hamburgers around the corner. The founders stayed true to their ancestors with authentic Sicilian recipes. They’ve changed very little over time, as far as the menu goes. You can order a lot of the same items today that patrons enjoyed on opening day. [Read more…]

So What Is This Money For?

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