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Less than two weeks until Christmas. If that sentence fills you with anxious thoughts of Lakeline Mall, 360 traffic, and stockings left unfilled, then chill this weekend with live music. This time around, we recommend a fun-filled supergroup, more Sabrina Ellis than you can handle, and a guitar queen’s celebration show. Relax, enjoy the holidays, and always listen local! [Read more…]
ZACH Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” is one of many brilliantly entertaining shows you can see in Austin this holiday season (Credit: Kirk Tuck)
With the clock counting down to Christmas, you’re probably rushing to holiday markets, searching for presents, and fitting holiday parties into your (sparse) free time. Let’s be real. The holidays tend to be more stressful than fun sometimes.
If you need to take a step back and enjoy a fun activity with the family, the Austin area has multiple classic and original Christmas shows that can transport you away to another place. Here are my nine recommendations for 2018.
Black Ball 2018 was a celebration of music, giving, and community (Credit: Bill Tucker)
It’s tough to be a musician in the Live Music Capital of the World. On any given night, world-class artists ply their trade for the contents of a tip jar. Award-winning singers hold down regular jobs. Venues that find pride in treating artists fairly close the doors in favor of no-cover bars with a makeshift stage in the corner.
Enter Black Fret. By building a community of industry folks and music lovers, with a heart of keeping Austin music alive and well, this nonprofit provides an answer to the issues plaguing the local music scene. And on the Dec. 7 Black Ball extravaganza at the Moody Theater, Black Fret awarded $250,000 to deserving musicians. It was an evening of giving, music, and all around good vibes. [Read more…]
Salutations, music fans! Another holiday weekend is upon us. While you may be tempted to run around town searching out that perfect ugly Christmas sweater, may I suggest taking a break with some fine local music? This time around, we recommend two benefits for worthy organizations and a classic Austin folk artist. Enjoy the weekend and remember to listen local! [Read more…]
The Gentle Grifters play Second Saturday Surf in Austin (Credit: Kim Yarbrough)
Guest article by Camellia Falcon
Started with the intention of bringing more awareness to surf music, Second Saturday Surf is now established as a home base for the Central Texas surf guitar scene. The monthly event at Knomad Bar has been going strong for over five years.
Bastrop is aglow with the warmth and twinkly lights of the season (Credit: Colin Guerra)
Shine on, you beautiful diamond! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around.
We adore Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, but this article goes above and beyond for my kind of people who are truly extra in their love of shiny objects. I’m eternally beguiled by the night and mesmerized by shiny objects, so I’m way into the holiday light trail scene.
These aren’t your subtle, modest light displays, but rather full-on Clark Griswold affairs. If you crave holiday glitz and are up for a quick road trip, then these nine Hill Country destinations will satisfy your quest to shine on.
[Read more…]
Ley Line (Credit: Thom Washburn)
When I think of Ley Line’s music, I instantly think of what it means to connect. This Austin band’s mission is to bridge the listener and remote parts of the world. Ley Line does this by creating a tapestry of sound that blends language, rhythm, and stories. In action, this multilingual group expresses a deep reverence for the traditions that inspire it.
Happy weekend, ATX music lovers! By now, the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone (?), holiday shopping/procrastinating has begun, and the Instant Pot you snagged for 60 percent off during a Black Friday sale is resting comfortably on a shelf somewhere.
It’s time to renew our collective love of local music with these exceptional shows. So read on, enjoy the weekend, and listen local! [Read more…]
Willie Nelson enjoyed every minute of his Austin City Limits taping on Nov. 19, 2018
(Credit: Scott Newton/courtesy of KLRU-TV)
As I stood at an upright table overlooking 2nd Street and Guadalupe on the Moody Theater balcony, a chilling thought ran through my head: I didn’t know much about Willie Nelson.
To Austinites with half an ear, the notion is blasphemy. How could any music reviewer worth his salt not know the King of Outlaw Country’s body of work? His statue is outside the dang theater.
Walking to my seat, I knew this was no longer a simple concert for me. It was a crash course on a living legend, plying his trade for the 18th time on the Austin City Limits stage. True to form, he did not disappoint. [Read more…]
Ceramic bowls by jpear Design
The holidays can be a joyous time of year with friends and family. But this season can also be stressful, as you try to find the perfect gift for those you love.
Whether you’re looking for arts, crafts, Texas foods, or gift certificates, our team at The Austinot believes local gifts make the best gifts! So here’s a rundown of the best bazaars, fairs, and markets in Austin to make your holiday shopping a breeze. [Read more…]