Events Archives - Page 3 of 28

5th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest (Formerly titled Mermaid SPLASH SMTX) Returns to San Marcos

September 20, 2021 by Austinot Contributor 1 1 Comment

The Mermaid Fest of San Marcos, an annual festival celebrating the city’s designation (Mermaid Capital Of Texas – San Marcos), art, culture and heritage is returning this year!!!

Mermaid Fest San Marcos is back for its 2021 edition with a host of events in store for all its residents. The festival is a celebration of the city’s most important resource, the San Marcos River. There will be multiple events as a part of the festival including the two feature events: Mermaid Promenade and Downtown Street Faire.

The Mermaid Society of Texas hosts this annual family friendly event in celebration of a vibrant and creative eco-driven community united by the empowering symbol of the Mermaid.

What is the Mermaid Fest San Marcos?

The parades at the San Marcos festival are a must attend. Image via Facebook@Mermaid Society SMTX

The annual festival will see a vibrant display of culture in its parade which will feature floats, marches, music and of course, a ton of mermaids.

Among the events is the Downtown Street Faire you can encounter over 100 artisan vendors placed on the Hays County Courthouse grounds. This is the spot to enjoy local cuisine, supporting downtown eateries and pubs and swaying to live music.

There are a host of other mermaid-themed activities in store for family and friends as well. After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has returned with its usual excitement but a few of the events have been dropped keeping in mind social distancing norms.

Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest 2021 – Event Details Including COVID Guidelines

When: Saturday, 25 September 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon – Parade, Noon – 8:00 p.m. Downtown Street Faire

Where: Downtown San Marcos, Texas

How much: FREE to the Public

COVID-19 Guidelines: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain events have been eliminated from the festival. Free mermaid-themed disposable masks and hand sanitizing stations available throughout the parade route. There will also be an on-site pop-up vaccination site available for public during the festival.

For More Information: www.mermaidsocietysmtx.com

Event Contact: July Moreno 512-825-2819

Event Sponsors:

HEB Title Sponsor of the Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest

San Marcos Lions Club – Presenting Sponsor of The Mermaid Promenade

La Cima San Marcos – Presenting Sponsor of The Downtown Street Faire

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Classic Game Fest: More Than a Trip Down Memory Lane

July 20, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

A variety of classic game controllers at Classic Game Fest 2019 (credit: Bill Tucker)

When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020, it devoured events like a termite chews through wood. The rash of cancellations made sense given the seriousness of the pandemic, but it still stung thousands of organizers, venue owners, and attendees. Classic Game Fest, a yearly celebration of all things retro videogames, was one of the casualties.

Now with the pandemic slowed and restrictions lifted, Classic Game Fest is on with no limitations to the fun. Bigger than ever before in both size and scope, this love letter to the games of old offers something for everybody. Whether you’re an NES junkie or an Atari nerd, there’s something for everyone this year.

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Black Fret Keeps Live Music Alive With a New Festival

May 12, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Nakia SXSW 2018 Black Fret — Nakia enlivened an amazing Black Fret showcase during SXSW 2018. (credit: Bill Tucker)

For more than eight years, Black Fret supported the Austin music community with an unstoppable sense of purpose and accomplishment. When COVID brought live music to a near standstill, many of us wondered who would step up and take a stand. Black Fret came to the table and their brand new music festival, “Keep Live Music Alive,” is the comeback party we’ve been asking for since March of 2020. And with news of the 2021 class of grant nominees around the corner, there has never been a better time to become a member and support the music.

Doing The Right Thing Since 2013

Matt and Colin Black Ball 2018 — Colin Kendrick (L) and Matt Ott (R) pose before the 2018 Black Ball (credit: Bill Tucker)

Founded by Colin Kendrick and Matt Ott in 2013, Black Fret aims to support the local music scene through member support. Members pay a flat fee that goes toward yearly grants. In return, members get access to unique, intimate listening room style performances. Every year, members nominate twenty artists to receive either a minor ($5,000) or major ($20,000) grant. The year culminates in the Black Ball, a sensational awards show and concert blowout at the Moody Theater. I’ve been to multiple Black Balls over the years, and trust me. They are experiences!

And while COVID kicked the Austin live music scene in the gut, Black Fret fought back with the Happy Hour Concert series. The program paid out over $250,000 to over 150 musicians for playing shows for companies and businesses over Zoom. It’s that sort of innovation that helped Black Fret stay helpful and relevant during the pandemic.

How’s this for numbers? To date, Black Fret has awarded $2,000,000 to local musicians and $1,500,000 to Austin-area venues and music businesses. Every artist playing a Black Fret showcase gets paid as does every venue. And for the first time, this year’s season dues is $750. While that may seem steep, it’s a hefty discount from years past. And consider the amount of live shows you get exclusive access to, along with knowing you’re supporting the art that keeps Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World. It’s a donation worth considering if you have the means to do so.

The Keep Live Music Alive Festival

Buffalo Hunt during the Black Fret SXSW 2021 showcase.

Now that COVID restrictions are relaxing enough for Austin to dip its collective toe back into live music, Black Fret is launching its first membership drive of the season in the form of a festival. The “Keep Live Music Alive” festival will take place from May 14-16th at the Long Center Terrace. While the event is listed as members only, single-day tickets are available for non-members. But that’s not the point. With an incredible lineup to offer, becoming a member is the best way to experience this three-day extravaganza.

The jam packed schedule reads like a who’s who of new Austin music. While ATX staples like Ley Line and Darkbird make me smile, I’m dying to check out Zach Person. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this local up-and-comer. The full schedule is as follows:

Day 1	Time
Eimarl Sol	4:00
Darkbird	4:45
Mike Melinoe	5:30
Miggy Milla	6:15
Zach Person	7:00
Buffalo Hunt	7:45
Nane	8:30
Day 2
Night Blooms	3:00
Motenko	4:00
Ley Line	4:45
Clarence James	5:30
Lisa Morales	6:15
Harry Edohoukwa	7:00
American Dreamer	7:45
Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy	8:30
Jake Lloyd	9:00
Day 3
Special Tribute to Bob Dylan	11:00 AM
Jon Muq	2:00
Casey McPherson	3:00
Dom Fisher	3:45
Pat Byrne	4:30
J Soulja	5:15
Matt the Electrician	6:00
The Reverent Few	6:45
Deezie Brown	7:30

Looking Forward to the Season Ahead

Austin band Motenko performing during Black Fret’s SXSW 2021 showcase.

And the festival is a jumping-off point. On June 11th via a private event at the Moody Theatre, Black Fret will announce this year’s class of artists. After months of live shows, the season will culminate in this year’s Black Ball on December 4th. As a fan of this wonderful organization, it’s great to see it up and running as intended: promoting and stewarding Austin live music. And if Black Fret’s re-emergence is the goal, the Keep Live Music Alive festival is its proof of concept.

“Black Fret is all about supporting our local music as the art that it is and we thank the Long Center for hosting our first ‘Keep Live Music Alive’ festival,” said Matt Ott, Co-founder of Black Fret. “COVID knocked our music community on our collective ass and it is time for us all to come together to support our artists, venues, and vendors that create our amazing music ecosystem in Austin. Joining Black Fret is a great way to accomplish that.”

When the music community was sucker-punched by COVID over a year ago, it hit everyone hard. From artists to venues and everyone in between, it was a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Despite it all, Black Fret continued to do what it does best—provide a lifeline to Austin’s cherished and storied music scene when it needed it most. And with this weekend’s celebration, the Austin music community hopes to turn the page on the year that was, and look forward to a great season of sounds ahead.

To become a member and attend the festival, visit https://www.blackfret.org/klma/ for everything you need to do so.

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Ever been to a Black Fret event? Tell us about your experience!

Top 5 Personal Takeaways From SXSW Online 2021

March 28, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

JaRon Marshall performing during the KUTX The Breaks showcase at SXSW Online 2021

And just like that, it was over. Rather than a ten day marathon of sights, sounds, and showcases, SXSW Online 2021 concluded in five. It was different and while I still long for the traditional SX experience, this year’s event was full of innovations that made it feel like home. In fact, some of these should stick around for years to come.

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2020 Austin Music Awards at Moody Theater to Celebrate Austin’s Finest

March 6, 2020 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Charlie Sexton 2019 Austin Music Awards — Charlie Sexton performing at 2019 Austin Music Awards (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Days before the swarm of SXSW, the Austin music scene takes a moment to pause and reflect. For one lovely evening at the Moody Theater, local artists and industry leaders gather for an evening of recognition, celebration, and community. Less a stuffy awards show and more a party with a few statuettes tossed in, the 2020 Austin Music Awards on March 11 promises to be an unforgettable night of explosive performances and heartfelt thanksgiving.

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Everything You Need to Know About SXSW Film Festival Venues for 2020

March 4, 2020 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Alamo Drafthouse Ritz Theater Seating — Alamo Drafthouse Ritz prepares to host SXSW Film 2020 (Credit: David Hill via Flickr CC)

Batten down the hatches, y’all! SXSW is nigh! SXSW Film runs from March 13 to 22, 2020. This exciting film festival is in its 27th year. The film screenings, world premieres, and special events take place across 10 Austin film venues. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from each.

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Support Local With This Big List of Austinites Presenting at SXSW Interactive 2020

March 3, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Austinites Presenting at SXSW 2020 — SXSW 2020 is rightfully full of Austin-based presenters, like Britty Hamby of Planted (Credit: Planted)

With a seemingly never-ending list of panels and sessions for SXSW Interactive 2020, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your schedule. To make it easier, I’ve pulled the sessions I recommend that include Austin-based businesses and organizations. Pick the topics most relevant to you and show up to support local.

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6 SXSW Activations You Need to Check Out in 2020

March 2, 2020 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

When combing through the SXSW schedule, it’s easy to miss out on the activations. These are chances for businesses big and small to showcase their latest and greatest products in cool, engaging environments. Plus, activations often offer the sweet swag festival-goers crave.

From a list of hundreds, here are six SXSW 2020 activations worth your time waiting in line. Enjoy!

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SXSW Volunteer Program Offers Free Badges and Other Cool Perks

February 4, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

About SXSW Volunteer Program — The SXSW volunteer program has grown from 800 to 3,000 people

It’s easy to think about the special appearances, film premieres, concerts, and other cool things coming to Austin in March. But did you know an army of volunteers staff the events and lounges at SXSW? They work long hours, answering questions and scanning badges with smiles on their faces. It’s quite a commitment!

I volunteered at SXSW back in 2018 and it was a marvelous experience. And I would recommend doing it for more than just the free badge. From someone who lived it herself, here’s what it’s like to be a SXSW volunteer.

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Austin Musicians Granted $250,000 at 2019 Black Fret Ball

December 9, 2019 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Dr. Joe closed Black Fret Ball 2019 in explosive fashion (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Music is the lifeblood of Austin. Anyone who tells you different hasn’t spent a Saturday night on Red River or discovered a random artist during SXSW. On any given night, there are 100 shows to choose from in the greater Austin area. Music is a piece of who we are.

But the vein is starting to clot. Rising cost of living, higher venue rent, and dozens of entertainment options force world-class artists to stagnate.

Enter Black Fret, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, both financial and practical, to Austin musicians. On Dec. 7, 2019, during the annual Black Fret Ball gala, the group awarded $250,000 to 19 local artists. It was an evening of heart, community, and giving.

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