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The year is 1960 and Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy is on the campaign trail with a charismatic senator from Texas, Lyndon Baines Johnson. The threat of nuclear war is ever present with families around the country building fall out shelters. The small city of Austin, Texas with a population of 186,545 takes the looming threat seriously as well. If a nuclear bomb were to fall on Austin, would residents be prepared? [Read more…]
Old Congress Avenue in 1947 with the Paramount Theatre illuminated on the right
Guest article by Lindsey Moringy
A walk through the basement of the Paramount Theatre is like a walk through time: its history is literally written on the walls. Over the years, many of the estimated 10,000 visiting artists have left their mark on the famed theatre by signing the walls downstairs, just outside the dressing rooms. Passing through the hallway you’ll notice that performers from BB King to Joan Rivers have left their ‘John Hancocks’ – many with a personalized message or illustration. Admittedly, I laughed aloud upon reading what Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman chose to leave: “Freedom. [Read more…]
Micael Priest’s music poster for The Ramones’ show at Armadillo World Headquarters, 1977
Sometimes you see them flitting by in the wind on a city street like a brightly colored bird. Sometimes you see them posted on telephone poles. You see others on walls inside clubs.
I’m talking about music posters. While they are silent in sound, their designs portend grand audio and visual experiences to come, as bands perform at a certain time and place.
For poster collectors, the memories these powerful scraps of paper evoke can be potent. Colored lights, sounds, lyrics, emotions, jockeying for the best position to see the stage, that special night at a club that doesn’t exist anymore…except in your mind.
Most posters were ripped off walls after the show or destroyed by weather and time. [Read more…]
Entrance to the French Legation Museum grounds (Credit: French Legation Museum and Daughters of the Republic of Texas)
The oldest wooden frame home in Austin sits alone on a hill with an unobstructed view of the State Capitol.
It dates back to the Republic of Texas, when France seized an opportunity to grab a piece of the new country and its wealth.
But the French sent the wrong man for the job. [Read more…]
Delicious French cuisine can be found in Austin, like the Steak Bearnaise at Chez Nous (Credit: Chez Nous)
Guest article by Kristella Montiegel.
Within the hip and diverse city of Austin, you’ll find an alluring presence of French culture and community. Fittingly so, since French colonization of Texas dates back to the the 1600’s. Traces of French influence – especially in historical locations, food and art – can be found throughout the Austin area.
While it might be a stretch to attribute the creative and experimental culture of Austin to the avant-gardism of modernist Paris, the fact remains that an impressive French community has been sustained through Austin’s growth and diversification. So, whether you’re a native of France or someone who’s simply curious about their customs, Austin has plenty of opportunities for you to get your daily dose of French lifestyle. [Read more…]
Statues become mental landmarks of people, animals, fantastic beings from creative minds…and legends.
Observing a statue can be a zen like or aesthetic experience. Or for those who love to do statue art, it’s a convivial fun fest of reactions and poses for statue photos.
Here are 14 famous statues in Austin you should include on your next public statue pilgrimage:
Lady Hare with Dog
Sophie Ryder’s mythical creatures stand throughout the world. Lady Hare With Dog is near the Zach Theatre and it’s a classic Ryder work. The figure of the hare holding the dog is funny, poignant and compelling. [Read more…]
The LBJ Presidential Library
You eavesdrop on a phone conversation. You realize the voices are President Lyndon Baines Johnson and former First Lady and now widow Jackie Kennedy on the line. It’s an emotional discussion. Even though the phone call happened more than 50 years ago, you feel like a kid sneaking on the extension. Your ear’s glued to the earpiece, listening to these two have a personal and almost awkward discussion about Jackie’s access to the President. You hear Jackie confess she’s received more letters from LBJ in the last 10 days than she ever received from John F. Kennedy.
You put the receiver down, a bit drained and surprised at the closeness of the phone call, as though you’d listened to a friend talking on their smartphone set to speaker.
Two presidents from Texas have built libraries in Texas in the last two decades. But you need to see LBJ’s library. [Read more…]
The Elisabet Ney Museum in Hyde Park
You don’t know it, but you know Elisabet Ney.
Her sculptures are part of your mental landscape. She’s credited by many for making Austin the Austin it is today – a center of culture. For anyone interested in the arts or Texas history, visiting the quiet little museum in the midst of a wildlife habitat at 304 E 44th Street in Hyde Park is a must.
Elisabet Ney self portrait
In the Austin of the 1880s, German sculptor Elisabet Ney insisted she be treated as an individual. The daughter of a stonemason, she won over misogynists and pushed herself to the highest power circles in Europe and United States. She always had short hair, which was extremely unusual for the times. She wore comfortable clothes, refusing corsets. She never took her husband’s name. [Read more…]
Moonshine is located on Waller Creek at the corner of 3rd and Red River
If there’s one thing all real Texans love, it’s comfort food. Give us fried chicken, grits, and basically anything with melted cheese, and we’re a happy bunch.
Combine our appreciation for comfort food with our pride in Texas history, southern hospitality, and a good Bloody Mary, and we are in love.
For these very reasons, Battle of the Brunches Round 3 goes to Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill.
Most Austinites have either visited or passed by the old Hofheinz-Reissig Store, a National Register property located at 3rd and Red River across from the Convention Center.
This 160 year old dry goods store, originally built as part of the Waterloo Compound, now operates as Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill, one of the most unforgettable brunch spots in the city. [Read more…]
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.
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…]
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