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Paramount Theatre Celebrates 100 Years with Special Events

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Old Congress Avenue in Austin

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…]

Black Fret Awards $100,000 to Austin Musicians

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Black Fret founders Matt Ott and Colin Kendrick

On left, Black Fret founders Matt Ott and Colin Kendrick (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

The red carpet was aglow with paparazzi flashes as Austin’s music royalty arrived at The Paramount for Black Fret’s inaugural Black Ball. A surge of music and energy was brought to the stage at 7 PM this past Saturday night, kicking off five hours of unique performances from 16 of the 20 grant nominees.

Black Fret lined up a night that will forever remain unmatched (at least until next year’s Black Ball), including talent from [Read more…]

Austin Musicians to Receive $100,000 at Inaugural Black Ball

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Paramount Theatre Austin

The Paramount Theatre will host the inaugural Black Ball on November 8, 2014 (Credit: JD Hancock via Flickr CC)

On November 8th, a new event will be introduced to Austin, TX. Under the historical roof of Congress Avenue’s Paramount Theatre, non-profit Black Fret will award $100,000 to 10 local music artists at the inaugural Black Ball.

Black Ball has been a long time coming. Following its Launch Party at the beginning of 2013, Black Fret marked its 100th member a year later. Throughout 2014, new members have continued to sign on to support Austin musicians and promote the maturing of our city’s music industry. The organization hit 170 members in October 2014.

Membership in Black Fret is exclusive and limited. Only [Read more…]

Now Playing: Paramount Summer Classic Film Series

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The Paramount Theatre Marquee

Marquee at The Paramount Theatre

For the past 99 years, Austinites have enjoyed having The Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue. When it first opened in 1915, it was called The Majestic Theatre.

When I was a kid, The Paramount presented a lot of kid-friendly plays that my parents and elementary school took me to all the time. I had always heard that it “used to” be a movie theater. What I didn’t understand then was that the venue hosted many types of shows, including plays, musical acts, cinema, and even Vaudeville in its early days.

One of the earliest memories I have of the theater was when my dad took me to see the entire Star Wars trilogy in one sitting. Today, The Paramount Theatre continues to show classic cinema favorites through its Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, allowing other Austinites to make memories of their own. [Read more…]

Moontower Comedy Festival Is Back and Bigger Than Ever

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Fred Armisen is one of the headliners for the 2014 Moontower Comedy Festival.

Saturday Night Live alum Fred Armisen is one of the headliners at Moontower Comedy Festival 2014 (Photo credit: austinculturemap.com)

If you haven’t noticed already, I’m a fan of stand-up comedy. Fortunately for me, I live in Austin freaking Texas where the comedy scene has been so successful that Cap City Comedy Club is consistently referred to by nationally-touring comics as one of their favorite clubs. I live in a city where the successes of showcases like Punch! have paved the way for other showcases to take hold throughout town. I live in a city that now has its own comedy festival that’s now in its third year.

It’s a Comedy Buffet!

Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival is back on April 23–26, 2014. They aren’t pulling any punches this year, as their lineup represents the cream of the crop: nationally-known comics, high-end local performers and a reunion of the vaunted sketch comedy troupe, Kids in the Hall. Marquee comedians like Demetri Martin, Dennis Miller, and  Mike Birbiglia are expertly teamed with local talent like Funniest Person in Austin Winners Matt Bearden, Mac Blake and Lucas Molandes, in a mix of shows spanning four nights, ten venues and over 100 performers. [Read more…]

1940s Big Band Musical at the Paramount This Sunday

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In the Mood Musical in Austin

In the Mood at Paramount Theatre this Sunday, January 26th

Editor’s Note: Our giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated! Our three winners are Richard Koehler, Justin Brosig and Laura S.

Many of us feel like we were born in the wrong era. For me, I often wish I had done my growing up in the 1960’s. I can imagine myself dancing on American Bandstand and profoundly appreciating the impact of influential Americans like Kennedy and Dr. King.

If you have a love for the 1940’s – particularly Big Band music and energized swing dancing – your chance to experience the era is coming to Austin this Sunday. In the Mood is playing at the Paramount Theatre on Congress Ave., and we’re excited to give away some passes to the Austinot community! [Read more…]

Guide to the 20th Annual Austin Film Festival, Starting This Week

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Austin Film Festival The Paramount

Austin Film Festival screening at The Paramount

October is upon us! Fall is in the air and maybe, just maybe, you can comfortably wear a jacket at night. Most of the world looks forward to the end of October because of Halloween. But in Austin, many of us look forward to the Austin Film Festival!

The Austin Film Festival is an annual film festival and conference that occurs at the end of October at different theaters and venues in downtown Austin. Currently in its 20th year, the event specializes in being the festival for screenwriters. Not only does Austin Film Festival feature many different films from around the world, it also hosts extremely memorable panels, as well as pitch competitions. So if you’re a budding screenwriter (like me) or if you happen to have that one script hiding under your seat, this is the festival to go to. [Read more…]

Attendance Explodes at Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival 2013

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Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival The Parish

Moontower attendees wait for a show outside The Parish

This guest blog post is by Kelly Love.

The Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival – yes, another festival in Austin! – premiered last year at main stage presenter Paramount Theatre. In its second year, the festival brought over 100 talented funny people here from April 24-27 2013.

This year’s fest saw a rise in attendance and badge sales, along with the introduction of midnight headliner performances at the Paramount. As with most festivals, it’s impossible to be everywhere at once. But since Bill Hader of SNL fame was one of this year’s headliners, I’ll give you a summary as Hader’s popular NYC club-hopping character Stefon (who made an appearance during his show) would put it (it helps to read the following in Stefon’s voice): [Read more…]

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