Planning Ahead, TodayinAustin.com

Event: Collective Soul at La Zona Rosa, Sat, Jun 2 8:00p

2012-05-10T10:14:58Z

Event: Yanni at Bass Concert Hall, Fri, Aug 17 8:00p

2012-05-28T09:54:27Z

Be the tipping point

2012-05-27T16:27:44Z

Be the Tipping Point

In his book The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, Malcolm Gladwell writes about how the cumulative effect of small forces can result in a dramatic change when a threshold is crossed (the tipping point). During the last decade, a number of factors combined to reduce attendance at AIFD: an aging base; some valued dancers moving away or passing on; others starting families; people beginning careers or retiring and devoting more time to travel; an increase in other competing musical and dance events — no one factor resulted in a decline in attendance; but, taken together, suddenly we found ourselves with dwindling numbers.

But small actions can also result in positive change. The wonderful turnout at our recent 50th anniversary celebration reminds us all what a vibrant, exciting, joyful place Austin International Folk Dancers can be when we all come together as a community to dance. So, we appeal to everyone in AIFD to join our campaign to “Be the Tipping Point.” Commit to making small changes in how we participate in our dance community.

Each week, our newsletter will contain a “Be the Tipping Point” suggestion. Some may be simple (”arrive 10 minutes earlier for dancing”) or more challenging (”learn to lead a dance”), silly (”dance backwards”) or serious (”remind someone how much you enjoy seeing them at dancing”). Some you may already be doing; others may not be possible for you right now. We hope, though, that the suggestions may prompt us all to think about one or two small, positive changes we can make ourselves.

We all have the power and the responsibility to make Saturday night dancing the experience we want it to be. Small changes *can* make a big difference. Be the Tipping Point for AIFD!

Do you have a “Be the Tipping Point” suggestion or personal story to share? E-mail us at
contact@aifd.cc

Four On The Floor Class News - May 29th, and the June series

2012-05-27T15:39:00Z

Thanks to everyone who came to take classes with us in May.
Our Tuesday Night Classes will be closed this Tuesday, the 29th of May.
There will also not be an after-class dance on the 29th.
We hope you all are enjoying the Memorial Day weekend.

JUNE CLASSES BEGIN - Tuesday, June 5th
The June schedule is up on the web-site; it will be completely updated by Tuesday- http://fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

Stay tuned here next week for updates about our Summer classes.

Thanks.

Matt Jones and Laura Malloy

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Sun, May 27 8:00p

2012-05-22T20:57:24Z

Presented by Free Shakespeare in the Park. Featuring new music by Austin songwriter Naga Valli, Austin Shakespeare presents a Bollywood-inspired production of Twelfth Night; or What You Will! Twelfth Night is the story of “Viola,” a girl disguised as the boy servant “Caesario” in the fantastic world of Illyria. “Viola” falls in love with her master, “Duke Orsino,” as he sends her to woo for him “Olivia,” the woman he loves. Dance is by Austin choreographer, Prakash Mohandas and guest artists Mary Candler and Rafael Untalan.

Event: Red Bull Battlegrounds at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Sun, May 27 2:00p

2012-05-23T16:55:55Z

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Sat, May 26 8:00p

2012-05-22T20:57:23Z

SWING NEWSLETTER - Corrections for this weekend

2012-05-25T22:34:00Z

Sorry.

But I made some mistakes in the listing for this week.

Tonight, Friday the 25th.
Hot Club Soda is NOT playing at the Firehouse Lounge.

Saturday, the 26th
Spread Eagle Jazz Band and the White Ghost Shivers are NOT playing at the
Continental Club.

I accidentally left these listings in from the weekend, before.

Thanks.
Have a great weekend.

- Matt Jones

Join AIFD on Sat, 5/26/12. Kathleen will teach at 7:30

2012-05-25T19:56:13Z

Come to an enjoyable evening of dancing this Saturday. Kathleen will kick off the evening promptly at 7:30 with some fun teaching and walk throughs.

Bill will program assisted by John.

Cost: $5
Location: Hancock Recreation Center
Time: 7:30pm – 10:45pm

50th Anniversary Pictures:
Check out the great pictures from AIFD’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Fri, May 25 8:00p

2012-05-22T20:57:22Z

Summer Cinema at Hyatt (+ Kids Eat Free)

2012-05-24T18:55:00Z

Fridays and Saturdays this summer, beginning May 25, 2012, catch a free family-friendly movie in the Hyatt Regency Austin's Southwest Bistro. Parents can enjoy dinner while kids lounge on comfy beanbag chairs and picnic blankets in the Bistro's mini theatre. As a bonus, use the coupon below on any movie night, through September 1, 2012, and you can get a free meal from the children's menu (one per paying adult).

To see the complete movie schedule with the coupon, click here.

Southwest Bistro
Hyatt Regency Austin

208 Barton Springs,
Austin, Texas, 78704

The Final Blue Tuesday @ Antone’s 5/29

2012-05-24T21:28:00Z

We all recognize Antone’s as one of the most legendary blues venues here in Austin, so it makes sense that their Blue Tuesdays would be so popular among fellow blues lovers over the past few years. However, the time has come to say goodbye to these famous Tuesdays because this upcoming week’s will be the very last one. We know… it almost brings tears to our eyes thinking about it too, but you know that since it is the final one, it will be unforgettably awesome!

The Final Blue Tuesday will host Austin blues legends Derek O’Brien, Malford Milligan, Denny Freeman, and more! If you enjoy blues music, you seriously don’t want to miss out on these fantastic artists. Derek O’Brien is quite the guitarist who has graced the Antone’s stage many a times over the decades for good reason. But you won’t see why until you check him out yourself!

Malford Milligan is a great Austin-based blues singer who believe it or not has been compared to both Otis Redding and Al Green! If you feel like moving to some bluesy tunes, he has the perfect voice for it.

Denny Freeman, who has played with greats like Jimmie and Stevie Vaughn, is primarily a guitar player but also plays the piano and organ. He has also toured with Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, so trust us when we say he is exceptional.

Opening for these legends is Thee Unseen Eye. So, join us this Tuesday 5/29 in saying farewell to Blue Tuesdays at Antone’s. You don’t want to pass on this event because you won’t have another chance to see what these famous Tuesdays are all about! Tickets are $10, which can be purchased here, or click “I like it” here for a chance to win a free pair of tickets. Doors open at 7pm. Happy Blue Tuesday!

WEEKLY SWING NEWSLETTER - May 24, 2012

2012-05-24T21:47:00Z

June Classes Begin on June 5th.
We are closed next Tuesday, the 29th, for Memorial Day weekend.
We would like to see you back to finish out the month with us.
Get all the details of the Our Class Series on our website. http://www.fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

AND a whole lot of great dance opportunities, so ...

THIS WEEK IN THE CLUBS -
THURSDAY - MAY 24
SWING SHOWS:
> The Tony Harrison Band (Country music mixed with swing and bossa nova), 6 - 8 pm, BROKEN SPOKE
> The Dale Watson Band (His Swingin Country Band) 8 - 11 pm, THE HIGHBALL
> Austin Swing Syndicate Weekly DeeJayed Dance; with BallRoom DeeJays: Big Apple Lesson with Joanna Lucero at 8-9, Nathan Malone 9 - 10 pm, Matt Jones 10 - 11 pm, Reed Penney 11 pm - Midnight;
Fast Music Side Room with DJs Joanna Lucero at 9:30 and George White at 10:30; 8 pm - Midnight all at ALL AT TEXAS FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
> Tuba Skinny (Hot Trad Jazz from Naw'Lins ) , 11:00 pm - 1 am, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
OTHER SHOWS:
> Rosie Flores at 10 and Modern Don Juans at Midnight (Rockabilly music show), CONTINENTAL CLUB
> Mike and the MoonPies (Country western show) 11 pm, THE WHITE HORSE
FRIDAY - MAY 25
SWING SHOWS:
The Robert Kraft Trio, 8:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
Hot Club Soda, 10 pm - Midnight, FIREHOUSE LOUNGE (605 Brazos)
The Inheritance (Gypsy Jazz - with all 7 players ) , 11:00 pm - 1 am, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
OTHER SHOWS:
The Blues Specialists (Blues music event), 6:30 - 8:30 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Kick Butt Blues (Blues Music Show), 9 pm - 1 am, KICK BUTT COFFEE (Airport and 290)
Two Tons of Steel ( Country Music Show ), 9:30 pm - 1 am, BROKEN SPOKE
SATURDAY - MAY 26
SWING SHOWS:
Rockabilly Night. The Modern Don Juans at 10, Ruby Dee and the SnakeHandlers at 11, and Dragstrip 77 at Midnight, 10 pm - Closing THE HIGHBALL
The Violet Crown Jazz Review, 10 pm, THE FIREHOUSE
Spread Eagle Jazz Band at 10:30 and White Ghost Shivers at Midnight, CONTINENTAL CLUB
OTHER SHOWS:
The DeRailers ( Country Music Show ), 9:30 pm - 1 am, BROKEN SPOKE
SUNDAY - MAY 27
SWING SHOWS:
Jazz Brunch with Kris Kimura at Noon, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Slim Richey and the Jitterbug Vipers, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, HYDE PARK BAR AND GRILL (South location on WestGate Blvd, near the Central Market)
Hollywood Reveu (Brian & The Boys play the classic music from the films of the 20s, 30s, and 40s ) , 10:30 pm - 1 am, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
Bob Hoffnar at 10 pm, THE WHITE HORSE (500 Comal)
OTHER SHOWS:
Two-Hoots and A Holler (C-W, Rockabilly, Americana Music), 9 pm, MEAN-EYED CAT
HeyBale ( Country Music Show ), 10 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
MONDAY - MAY 28
SWING SHOWS:
Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, QUALITY SEAFOOD
Elana James and Friends (hot gypsy jazz show), 8:30 - 10, Marshall Hood Band at 10:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
The Inheritance Quartet (Gypsy Jazz) , 11:00 pm - 1 am, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
Little Elmore Reed Band (blues event), 10:30 pm, WHITE SWAN (1906 East 12th St)
OTHER SHOWS:
The Return of the Jim Stringer and the AM Band ( Country Music Show )10 pm, THE WHITE HORSE
Dale Watson Returns ( Country Music Show ),10 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
MoTown Monday with The MatchMaker Band (soul music event), 10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
TUESDAY - MAY 29
Four On The Floor Is on Break - we will return for classes and the After-Class Dance on June 5th, TEXAS FED;
Guy Forsyth and his Hot Nut Riveters at 10, Ghosts Along the Brazos at Midnight, CONTINENTAL CLUB
BorderTown BootLeggers (Western Swing and Gypsy Jazz), 8 pm - 11 pm, RATTLE INN (606 Nueces)
Erik Hokkanen's Hip Replacements, 930 pm, (limited dance space), FLIPNOTICS (on Barton Springs Rd)
WEDNESDAY - MAY 30
SWING SHOWS:
Hot Club of CowTown (Western Swing and Gypsy Jazz) 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Denny Freeman (Blues Show) at 10 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Jitterbug Vipers, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, LAMBERT'S
Black, Red, Black ("Superstars of Jazz"), 10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
OTHER SHOWS:
Chapparal ( Country Music Show ) , 9 pm - Midnight, BROKEN SPOKE

UPCOMING EVENTS -
FYI -- You'll also find our announcements on our blog newsletter: http://austinswingdance.blogspot.com/
and find us and more dance announcements on: www.TodayinAustin.com

Event: Memorial Day Weekend Screwfest Live at The Mansion, Sat, May 26 9:00p

2012-05-16T19:31:31Z

Event: Red Bull Battlegrounds at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Sat, May 26 2:00p

2012-05-23T16:55:55Z

Greg Laswell with Elizabeth Ziman @ The Parish 05/26

2012-05-23T17:19:04Z

Imagine this: It’s a Saturday. You spend a full balmy day under the illuminating sun in Zilker Park, enjoying the beautiful spring weather that Austin, Texas has to offer. You come home feeling alive. That great feeling isn’t going to be satisfied by staying in and vegetating in front of the television. However, due to a day in the sun, you’re not quite feeling up to clubbing. Well, lucky for you, this Saturday night Greg Laswell will be performing with Elizabeth Ziman at The Parish!

The soulful, delicate music performed by Greg Laswell is quite possibly the best way you can spend your night after a draining day in the sun. This eye candy was brought to us from San Diego, California. Laswell began as a frontman for an alternative Rock Band, Shillglen. In 2001, after their one and only album release, the band broke up, and Laswell went solo.

Laswell has released five solo albums, several EPs and singles, and has been featured in numerous television shows such as, One Tree Hill, Grey’s Anatomy, True Blood, and 90210. His song “Sing, Theresa Says” won Song of the Year in the 2007 San Diego Music Awards.

Greg Laswell is a singer, a songwriter, AND a producer. Ladies, you don’t want to miss out on this triple-threat cutie. Also, an insider tip for a Do512 blog reader: I checked out his twitter, and it seems as though he quite frequently replies to tweets. So, go follow him at @GregLaswell, shoot him a tweet, and maybe you’ll get a reply from a celebrity!

Touring alongside Laswell is Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth and the Catapult. Ziman is from good ol’ Brooklyn, New York. Ziman is made famous for being an insanely talented songwriter. Her style, much like Laswell, appeals to coffeehouse folk. She can definitely be classified in an indie pop sort of genre.

Until the age of 16, Ziman was a trained pianist. Her music contains a hint of downtown jazz, which is possibly the result of her piano playing. Whether it is, or isn’t, Ziman is a talented individual with a unique style of music.

Laswell and Ziman together form a power performance. This Saturday, May 26th at The Parish. Mark it in your calendar. Write it in your journal. Tattoo it on your forehead. Do whatever you need to do, but you’re not going to want to miss out on this magnificent, mellow concert after your play day in the sun.

Buy tickets here for only $15! For a chance to win a FREE (yes, FREE) pair of tickets click “I like it!” on Do512!

Community Pools in Greater Austin - 2012

2012-05-23T18:55:00Z

The Rock'N River Family Aquatic Center in Round Rock

Planning on spending some time at the pool this Memorial Day weekend? We've already covered the free pools in Austin and splash pads too. Here's a rundown of municipal pools in Austin and beyond. Remember, municipal pools do charge a fee, but a lot of them have some great amenities. Most also have pool passes available, which provide savings on admission fees. Make note of opening dates, as some of the Austin pools are NOT open for Memorial Day weekend.

Austin Municipal Pools*

Barton Springs Pool (2131 William Barton Dr) -- Fed from underground springs, the pool remains a cool 68 degrees year round and is one of Austin's favorite swimming holes. The pool is currently open daily.
Deep Eddy Pool (401 Deep Eddy Ave) -- What started out as a swimming hole fed from the Colorado River is now known as the oldest swimming pool in Texas. The pool is currently open daily.
Ella Wooten Pool in Mueller (4015 Pinckney St) -- The pool opens Friday, May 25 with an opening party from 4 - 8 p.m. Visit the open swim calendar for open swim pool hours. The hours of 5 a.m. - noon and 7:30 - 10 p.m. are reserved for residents.
Northwest (Beverly S Sheffield) Municipal Pool (7000 Ardath St) -- Currently open evenings and weekends, the pool will be open from noon - 7 p.m. on Memorial Day. It will be open daily beginning June 1.
Walnut Creek Pool (12138 N Lamar Blvd) -- Opens June 4.
Mabel Davis Pool (3427 Parker Ln) -- Opens June 4.
Garrison Pool (6001 Manchaca Rd) -- Opens June 4.

*All Austin Municipal Pools have the same fee structure: Seniors and children age 1-11 are $1, kids age 12-17 are $2, and adults are $3. Pool passes are also available.

Cedar Park

Buttercup Pool (411 Twin Oaks Trail) -- Features a diving board and small slide. Kids age 4-8 are $1, 9-17 are $2, and adults are $3. Currently open weekends through Memorial day, daily starting June 4.
Elizabeth Milburn Pool (1901 Sun Chase Blvd) -- 120 ft slide and a water playscape! Kids 5 and under can enjoy having the pool to themselves (with a parent or someone 16 and older!) during Tot Time Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Kids age 4-8 are $1, 9-17 are $2, and adults are $3. Kids 5 and under can enjoy having the pool to themselves (with a parent or someone 16 and older!) during Tot Time Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Currently open weekends through Memorial day, daily starting June 2.
Veterans Memorial Pool (2525 W New Hope Dr) -- Drop slide, jumping platform, water playground, family slide, cargo net log crossing, and water basketball. Wow! Kids age 4-8 are $2, 9-17 are $4, and adults are $5. Currently open weekends through Memorial Day, daily starting June 2.

Round Rock

Rock'N River Family Aquatic Center (3300 Palm Valley Blvd) -- Features a lazy river, crazy slides and a water playground with zero beach entry play area, located within Old Settlers Park. Opens May 26, admission is $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for ages 17 and under (non residents pay an additional $1).
Micki Krebsbach Pool (301 Deepwood Dr) -- Opens May 26. Features a cool new pirate ship with slides and climbing structures! Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for 17 and under (non residents pay an additional $1).
Lake Creek Pool (800 Deerfoot Dr) -- Opens May 26. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for ages 17 and under (non residents pay an additional $1 fee).

Pflugerville

Gilleland Creek Pool (700 Railroad Ave) -- Opens May 26. Kids up to age 18 pay $1, adults $2 (non residents pay an additional $1).
Scott Mentzer Pool (901 Old Austin Hutto Rd) -- Opens May 26. Features large slide and family slide. Kids up to age 18 pay $1.50, adults pay $3 (non residents pay an additional $1).
Windermere Pool (16804 Gower St) -- Opens May 26. Kids up to age 18 pay $1, adults pay $2 (non residents pay an additional $1).

Leander

Pool at Robin Bledsoe Park (601 S Bagdad Rd) -- Closed Mondays, except Memorial and Labor Days. Admission is $2 per person.
Splash Pad at Robin Bledsoe Park -- FREE! This area features a variety of water sprays and interactive elements from ground sprays to overhead buckets that randomly dump water. And as a bonus to us moms who are outnumbered, this playscape is completely enclosed, meaning no escapees!

Kyle

Pool at Gregg-Clarke Park -- Opens May 26. Admission for Kyle residents: age 0-3 are free, 4-12 are $1, 13-17 are $2, adults are $3. Admission for non residents is $4 for ages 3 and up.

San Marcos

Rio Vista Pool (555 Cheatham St) -- Opens Friday, May 25 for Memorial Day weekend (but closes again from May 29 - 31) Kids 5 and under are free, children 6 and up are $5, and adults are $5.

Elgin

Municipal Pool at Morris Memorial Park -- Opens Memorial Day weekend, then conducts regular hours beginning June 2. Admission is free for kids 5 and under, all other individuals pay $2 (no mention of a non resident fee).

Don't forget the list of FREE Austin area neighborhood pools and FREE splash pads!

Image credit: City of Round Rock

ACGS Community Guitarists Concert

2012-05-23T18:30:02Z

Under the direction of Eric Pearson, ACGS’ Community Guitar Ensembles will give their Spring recital at Trinity United Methodist Church. The concert is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a reception. If you’d like to relax and hear some great music played by friends in the community, please mark your calendars. If you’re a guitarist, and you might like to join one of our ensembles in the spring - this is a perfect opportunity to see and hear what its all about, and to

meet the players and the director!

Sunday, May 27th, 2012 at 5 pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
4001 Speedway Austin, TX 78751
Tickets - Free Admission!

The Haps at the Highball: Dale Watson, Dragstrip 77, Mad Men and More!

2012-05-23T19:36:14Z

May 24-28 Events

Alamo Drafthouse Summer Kids' Camp 2012

2012-05-23T19:38:00Z

Alamo Kids' Camp means free movies at area Alamo Drafthouse cinemas all summer long, starting this weekend! You can't beat free, air-conditioned entertainment where you get to sit down, relax, and have the option of eating lunch. Alamo Drafthouse has a kids menu, available upon request. It makes your outing less free, but more delightful. I love walking out of the theater thinking, "Movie, check. Lunch, check. That must make it... nap-time!"

So, get these movies on your calendar. You can see the complete Alamo Kids' Camp schedule on the Alamo Drafthouse website. I would list all of the show times here, but there are 230 of them. No lie.

You can also view show times by movie. Click on a link below and select a date from the drop down menu that will appear on the right-hand side of your screen:

All Alamo Kids' Camp movies are free, but tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis. You cannot reserve tickets online ahead of time, so be sure to arrive at the theater early. Kid-friendly entertainment plays on the screen half an hour before show time, so kids are happy and you have a bit of time to order food before the movie starts.

Only children ages three and up are allowed to attend Alamo Kids' Camp screenings, except on Baby Day, when all ages may attend. Baby Day is on Tuesdays at the Alamo Village, Alamo South Lamar, and Alamo Lake Creek and Alamo Slaughter.

Event: 10th Annual Keep Austin Weird 5K at Long Center for the Performing Arts, Sat, Jun 23 7:00p

2011-11-30T17:13:45Z

Clear your schedule for the 10th annual Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K. Anything is possible at this Austin extravaganza! You can run, skip or race three-legged through the streets of downtown Austin wearing the wackiest costume in your closet. Unofficially known as “the slowest 5K you’ll ever run,” you won’t want to miss this year! Start planning your costume to celebrate Austin's weirdness! Register for the 5K and get your festival passes at www.keepaustinweirdfest.com

Friday, May 25th 2012

2012-05-23T17:56:02Z

Come join us for a dance party extravaganza to celebrate the holy hallowed birthdays of three of thee Ghosty patrons and stir up a little more awareness for the Church of the Friendly Ghost-curated annual festival NMASS.

Some ghosts will all be turning an indiscernible number of years old, but that isn’t what’s important.

There will be cups (not just one), drinks for those cups, hungry ghosts (for what, we can’t say, but it might involve said cups), phantasma-orgasmic music, and much more.

Friday, May 25th 2012 at Club 1808 annex
1808 E. 12th st - Austin, TX
DJ sets for this night by
DREAMCATCHER TECHNNIC
SCORPIO
MANATEEMANN
BEAT IMPRINT/ CITY OF HUNGRY GHOSTS

Spinning the best of acid house, techno, coldwave, witchhouse, darkwave, drag, hip hop, R&B, italo-disco, minimal, and more.

NMASS is coming soon! Full Bronco coming always. NMASS awareness. Kickstarter kicked into full gear (bronco)
65% of the way there with 7 days to go!

Co-hosted by Church of the Friendly Ghost, NMASS, Haute Magie in support of NMASS (New Media Art and Sound Summit) is currently in its fourth year. Beginning Thursday, June 14th and ending Sunday, June 17th, there will be four full days of sights, sounds, sighs..
Visit http://nmassfest.org/ for more information and a full festival listing.

Ian Moore Band Reunion (Live) Dress Rehearsal Show

2012-05-22T16:06:59Z

Gypsy Lounge is having a very special ole’ friend visiting this Thursday, May 24, before they leave town – and you better be there.

All you Texas bluesy rocker folks out there know who I’m talking about. The Ian Moore Band is coming together for a spontaneous “dress rehearsal” (mistakes included!) and you’re invited. And it’s only $10 at the door!

All the original band members will all be there and they can’t wait to see you! They’ll be playing tunes from the first two albums, so it should be one amazing night of nostalgia. Come see Ian (guitar, lead vocals), Chris White (bass, vocals), Bukka Allen (piano, organ), and Michael Villegas (drums, vocals) do what they do best – rock out!

“It’s a last minute gig idea but we wanted to do something special for our friends that have always supported us.”

-Ian Moore

It has been a while since this groovy 90′s band played together. But I am sure they’ll reminisce with us about touring with stars such as Ted Nugent, Bob Dylan, ZZ-Top, and The Rolling Stones. It should be one heck of a show.

Doors open at 7 pm and the show is starting at 8:30 pm so don’t be late!

Be sure to visit and LIKE our page for a chance to win one of FIVE pairs of free tickets. You could even win a $25 bar tab for the night!

See you there!

Flosstradamus @ The Belmont 6/1

2012-05-22T17:04:25Z

It’s no secret that electronic dance music is skyrocketing in popularity. Chicago’s own DJs J2K and Autobot combined music-mashin’ forces to create a band that sells out every performance it plays, Flosstradamus.

In April of 2006, Flosstradamus made URB Magazine’s “The Next 100″ and have been nothing short of successful ever since. Flosstradamus has performed at huge music events such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and South by Southwest.

In 2007, Flosstradamus worked with Vice Records to release an album that was part of Toyota’s Scion “CD Sampler” series. The band also undertook Fancy Footwork, an international tour in which they played alongside Chromeo. Flosstradamus also allied with Chairlift’s Caroline Polachek to generate their first original production, “Big Bills.”

With all of their fancy button-pushin’, knob-turnin’, and effect-generatin’, Flosstradamus mixes everything live and knows how to read a crowd’s energy to produce heart pumping mash-ups. In recent years, the band has released the singles “Luuk Out Gurl” and “Total Recall.” “Look Out Gurl” has received over 46,000 hits on YouTube alone. Want to know what all the hype is about? Check it out!

Luckily for all you raving Austinites out there, Flosstradamus will be performing at The Belmont on June 1, 2012 with DJ Goon. You can buy tickets here for only $10! You don’t want to miss this chance to jam out and have some techno fun!

Sunday June 3, 2012

2012-05-22T17:28:55Z

Hello friendly ghosts!

Thanks for helping pass the information around about #NMASS2012 !
We are about 61% of the way there with 9 days to go.

This isn’t about supporting CotFG, the Kickstarter campaign will make NMASS happen! We think Austin needs a shot of pure culture without promoters, investors, consumers, and branding. It’s art, and it’s our responsibility to undertake ambitious projects where the outcome is unknown. It’s projects like NMASS that make Austin the thing it is.

There are some great items on our page that people can collect!

Also, on June 3rd Pillars and Tongues stopping by on tour
Here’s a new music video they just posted
Here are some different info pages about them on
Bandcamp, Pitchfork, Daytrotter

Also playing, haunting and beautiful Austin ensemble, Some Say Leland and a new project called No Future.

“No Future is a three piece flag wave band based out of Austin, TX. It’s members include Danny Blanchard on drums, Drew Emmons on bass, and Randy Reynolds on guitar and vocals. The band formed toward the end of Reynolds’ previous project, Leatherbag. No Future subscribes to the idea that punk is saying, doing and playing exactly what you want and that’s precisely what they have set out to do.”

Facebook event here

Chaparral Ice looking for teachers

2012-05-22T15:33:30Z

Chaparral Ice is looking for a dance teacher – Tuesday mornings – June 11 through August 17th

Greetings Austin Area Dancers:

First, I’d like to thank you all for participating in last year’s Era of Excellence training camp at Chaparral Ice I-35. You and your dancers made such a wonderful impact on our skaters and added such variety and color to our program!

This year, Chaparral Ice at Northcross Mall is offering a slightly different program in an effort to provide a high-quality developmental training program to our up-and-coming skaters who were not yet qualified to participate in last year’s program. This year’s Bridge to Excellence Summer Training (BEST) program will include many of the same aspects as last year’s, with more of a “survey” emphasis, giving skaters a taste of various programs they should be seeking out to further develop their abilities.

Once again, we are hoping to broaden our skaters’ horizons via exposure to ethnic and cultural dance styles that may be reflected in their skating programs. We were told by many Northcross skaters and coaches last year they were disappointed they were at the Northcross location instead of I-35 and didn’t get to see you perform. Therefore, you are hereby most cordially invited to dance for us this summer at Northcross!

We will be featuring outside groups and performers such as yourselves on Tuesday mornings 9:15 to 10 a.m. Camp will run from June 11-Aug. 17. We will, again, be most happy to make a donation to your organization, and will be glad to feature your literature and brochures at Chaparral Northcross.

Please let me know if you need any further information, and I look forward to seeing you all again!

Kathy Goeke
Director of Figure Skating
Chaparral Ice Northcross
2525 West Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78757
512-252-8500
www.chaparralice.com

Austin Bike Zoo's Midsummer in Motion

2012-05-21T14:00:00Z

Join the Austin Bike Zoo as they put their fantastical wheeled creations together for a whimsical presentation in Midsummer in Motion: a Pedal Powered Shakespearean Fantasy. Directed by Rudy Ramirez and featuring music from The Inheritance and performers from Sky Candy, this unique adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream is sure to wow and delight audiences.

The Austin Bike Zoo's performances combine "the beauty and strength of human movement with the artistry and theater of puppets and a dedication to creating interactive works which engage our community." Their large scale human powered puppetry makes their shows unique and unforgettable.

Midsummer in Motion is FREE and open to the public, and will be performed on the following dates and locations:

Republic Square Park (422 Guadalupe St), 7:30 p.m.

May 24, 2012

May 26, 2012

May 31, 2012

June 2, 2012

June 3, 2012

Brush Square Park (409 E 5th St) 7:30 p.m.

June 1, 2012

For more information, visit the Austin Bike Zoo.

Image credit: Austin Bike Zoo

Lights & Music’s “Silent City”

2012-05-21T16:13:50Z

Freakin’ laser beams and fog machines, y’all!

Yes, you heard me. Plus a truckload of badass tunes playing straight to your braaaain!

Okay, maybe not directly to your brain, but the headphones you get to wear will constantly be pumping multiple waves of music for your listening pleasure. You can even change the channel on your headset and listen to another DJ’s mix.

Here’s how it works: buy tickets, get there this Friday (May 25) at 9 pm, receive headset, grab drink at the bar, and then get down on the dance floor. Tired of that song? Change the station. Need a break? Take headset off and enjoy a quiet and relaxing atmosphere while watching others jam out in their heads.

Having been to an event like this, I know first-hand how amazingly awesome this event will be… It will be the most chill DJ’ed event you’ve ever been to, yet, at the same time, the most ingenious.

Joining us for an evening of bass-pumping goodness at The Eastern will be Joel Albers (The Burning Ear), apollo zeitgeist, uLOVEi, DJ KB and Feature Cuts.

Free Alamo Kids Club: The Great Muppet Caper

2012-05-21T17:04:00Z

Join the Saturday Morning Kids Club for a free screening of The Great Muppet Caper at Alamo South Lamar on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 11 a.m. Admission is free and no ticket is required, but seating is first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early. The Kids Club is for children age 6 and older, who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Go here for additional information.

Alamo South Lamar
1120 S Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704

Toy Joy 25¢ Treasure Sale!

2012-05-21T17:17:00Z

Toy Joy is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! How does a toy store celebrate? By sharing the fun! As a little kick off, Toy Joy will be having a gigantic tent sale on Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26, 2012, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. A vast assortment of slightly damaged, shopworn, or broken bits of magic will be on sale under the classy pink tent for a quarter a piece! 25 cents folks, you heard right! Get there early for the best pickings, but they will be bringing out new stuff all the time.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page, the website, or contact questions@toyjoy.com.

Toy Joy

2900 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78705

The Scabs, Speak, The Cover Girls @ Antone’s 5/25

2012-05-21T17:50:26Z

It’s going to be one hellova’ night at Antone’s this Friday with a lineup chock-full of booty-shaking, face melting rock.

Not only will The Cover Girls and Speak be there, but they got The Scabs for the headliner!

That’s right, The Scabs are back with front man, Bob Schneider, who needs no introduction. This reveled Austinite is bringing his wild band of badboys along. And I mean full band.

We’ve got Bruce Hughes on the bass, Carlos Sosa on saxophone, Fernie “Maddog” Castillo on trumpet, Rolo on the longhorn, and David “Snizz” Robinson on drums. Playing alongside Bob on guitars are Adam Temple and Charles Rieser.

Keep in mind that they don’t usually play “family friendly” events, especially with songs like “Big Butts and BJ’s” and “Pussy Fever.” So, leave the kids at home, folks, and get ready to get down and dirty with one of Austin’s most famous rockers!

So, bring your sex-machines and get ready to make love to the night with the wildest bunch of funk mobsters in Austin!

Get tickets now. Doors open at 9 pm on Friday, May 25th.

The Backyard’s getting another big one: Colbie Caillat & Gavin Degraw Tour

2012-05-21T19:09:09Z

In the Do512 office, we’re pretty spot on about being able to predict which events will be the most popular with users on our website. Sho ’nuff, as soon as we posted the Colbie Caillat & Gavin Degraw Tour, the number of “likes” shot thru the cyber roof. No surprise – when two American Pop sensations announce that they’ll be embarking on a co-headlining tour, fans go nuts.

Even if you’re not a fan of pop music, it’s 99.7% likely that you’re familiar with Colbie Caillat‘s hit single “Bubbly“. After all, it’s one of the best-selling digital tracks of all time! You may have even heard it a few times more than you would have liked since it was a long-running radio hit, and featured on Youtube, TV and the PS2 karaoke game, SingStar Pop.

Caillat, the multi-platinum, two-time Grammy winning singer/songwriter was named Billboard‘s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and recently performed one of her new tracks “Favorite Song” (a duet with Common) on Ellen.

Platinum recording artist, Gavin DeGraw’s hit singles “I Don’t Want To Be,” “Follow Through,” and “Chariot” were almost equally as hard to miss since they scored just as much radio time. On the tour, DeGraw is planning to perform songs from his third studio album, SWEETER, including his platinum selling hit single “Not Over You,” and his just-released new single “Sweeter,” both co-written with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder.

So far, 2012 has been a great year for DeGraw. In March, Gavin perform “Sweeter” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and showed America that he isn’t just a singer when he performed on Dancing With the Stars.

Caillat and Degraw’s Summer tour will hit 22 cities before wrapping on June 29^th in Highland Park, IL, and will be making their stop in Austin at The Backyard at Bee Cave. Opening for the artists will be the oh so lovable pop artist, Andy Grammer.

If you’ve never had the chance to catch a show at The Backyard : Get there early! Parking can be a pain with big shows. The City of Bee Cave is working hard to finish the road that will extend Bee Cave Parkway through to Hamilton Pool Road by July 9th. I am sure the flow of traffic and parking will improve by then, but it never hurts to be on the safe side and arrive with plenty of spare time!

Tickets have been available since late March, so if you want to make sure and get one, visit www.gavindegraw.com or www.colbiecaillat.com NOW. If you’re feeling lucky, you can also click “I Like It!” on Do512 for a chance to win one of TEN pairs of free tickets from us!

Enjoy kids!
~@do512_dominique

Free Screening of Dr. Who: Dragonfire

2012-05-21T20:18:00Z

Ain't It Cool News, BBC Home Entertainment and the Alamo Drafthouse are bringing a free screening of Doctor Who: Dragonfire (1987) to Alamo Slaughter Lane on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 1 p.m. This movie is absolutely free, but you may reserve your seat by purchasing a $5 food/drink voucher in advance.

For more information, visit the Alamo Drafthouse website.

Alamo Drafthouse
5701 W. Slaughter Lane
Austin, TX 78749
(512) 476-1320

Four On The Floor Class News (& Live Band) - May 22

2012-05-21T22:44:00Z

Our May class series will conclude tomorrow - Tuesday, May 22nd.
Even if you missed 1 or 2 classes this month, come back to finish the month with us.
TUBA SKINNY will play for the after-class dance. From 9:45 - 11:00, or so.
We're very happy to have this great band from New Orleans playing for us.
We will not have a cover charge, so PLEASE tip the band, - we will be passing the hat for them.

June Classes Begin - June 5.
We will be closed on May 29th, next week, the day after Memorial Day.
We have lots of fun classes set up for next month. In addition to all of our regular Swing and Lindy Classes, we have 2 fun "electives" at 8:30 pm.
The June class schedule is posted on our web-site; there will be more details to fill in as the week progresses.- http://fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

Get all the details of the great dancing around town each week in my Swing NewsLeter.

- Matt Jones

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Thu, May 24 8:00p

2012-05-22T20:57:06Z

Event: Crosby, Stills and Nash at Austin City Limits Live, Sat, Aug 18 8:00p

2012-04-20T03:51:18Z

Event: Tenacious D at Austin Music Hall, Thu, Jul 19 6:00p

2012-05-27T09:42:01Z

Event: Master Pancake: Choose Your Own Pancake at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, Sun, May 20 8:00p

2012-05-17T08:20:14Z

Event: Renegade Craft Fair at Palmer Events Center, Sun, May 20 11:00a

2012-05-09T18:58:05Z

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Sun, May 20 8:00p

2012-04-13T18:31:48Z

Event: School's Out Forever Rockaway Beach Party at Spider House, Sun, May 20 2:00p

2012-05-14T17:48:52Z

Event: George Lopez at Paramount Theatre, Fri, Jun 8 8:00p

2012-02-08T10:55:19Z

Event: Joel McHale at Michael & Susan Dell Hall, Sat, May 19 8:00p

2012-05-19T11:00:52Z

Austin City Limits 2012 Line-Up

2012-05-18T20:18:37Z

If you began counting down the days until this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival as soon as 2011 wrapped, then this song of the day goes out to you. As announced today, pop singer/songwriter L.P. will be headed to Austin this October as part of the 11^th Annual Austin City Limits. After a prolific career penning songs for chart toppers such as Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, L.P. is poised to take center stage with her recently release third album Into the Wild. Below is the title track for you to check out. Delta Spirit, Quiet Company, Punch Brothers, and Steve Earl are among the additional announced artists.

The rest of this year’s much anticipated 2012 Austin City Limits line-up is being unveiled throughout Austin starting today through Monday. Lottery tickets revealing headlining acts are available at a number of local businesses announced each morning at 10 AM CST. While finding out which acts will be taking over Zilker Park come October is prize enough, these lotto tickets also feature a number of prizes ranging from free food to VIP tickets as well. Stay tuned to the Austin City Limits website for announcements regarding lotto card pick-ups. Friday’s locations are listed below!

Not in Austin this weekend? You can still stay up to date on all the Austin City Limits information by following @ACLFestival or #acllotto on Twitter.

Friday Reveal Locations:

Austin Visitor Center // 209 E. 6th Street
Sweet Leaf Tea Co // 3601 S. Congress Ave, D-100
Bird’s Barbershop // 905 E. 41st Street
Leighelena // 1714 South Congress // OPENS AT 1030AM
Schatzelein // 1713 S. 1st Street // OPENS AT 11AM
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop // 1905 S. 1st Street // OPENS AT 12PM
Coolhaus // 6th & Waller // OPENS AT 4PM

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Sat, May 19 8:00p

2012-04-13T18:31:48Z

Event: Texas Longhorns vs. Baylor Bears at Disch Falk Field, Sat, May 19 1:00p

2012-05-18T09:13:09Z

Event: Renegade Craft Fair at Palmer Events Center, Sat, May 19 11:00a

2012-05-09T18:58:06Z

Event: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! at 29th Street Ballroom @ Spider House, Fri, May 18 8:00p

2012-05-15T09:05:22Z

The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue is proud to present Burlesque Hall of Fame worthy performances, featuring 2012 Reigning Queen of Burlesque nominee, Coco Lectric and 2012 Best Debut nominee Ruby Joule as they give you a sneak peek of the acts they'll be bringing to Las Vegas this year for the Burlesque Hall of Fame pageant! Also featuring Pearl Lux, Goldie Candela, your host Nicole Lucas, special guests, and our very own Jiggle-Bunnies! A portion of the proceeds go to the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

Enjoy Movies in the Great Outdoors!

2012-05-17T15:50:00Z

There are a ton of FREE outdoor movies showing this weekend for you and your family to enjoy, and a couple of indoor screenings as well. Grab a blanket and find a movie and location that works for you! As always, times are subject to change, so it doesn't hurt to double check before heading out.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

*Rescheduled from Thursday, May 10* Movies in the Park, Republic Square Park -- The Austin Parks Foundation screening of the anime film Princess Mononoke in Republic Square, postponed last week due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 17 at 8:15 p.m. 422 Guadalupe St.
Pick Your Flick, Austin Public Library Ruiz Branch -- Choose from a selection of candidates each month and view the selected film! Repeats every 3rd Thursday at 5 p.m. 1600 Grove Blvd.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Night Out at Cat Hollow, Cat Hollow Pool & Park -- Enjoy live music and a showcase of the Cat Hollow Aquatics Program beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a showing of A Dolphin Tale at 8:45 p.m. FREE pool entrance, pool games, pizza, refreshments, and crafts for kids. 8600 O'Connor Dr, Round Rock.
Movies Under the Stars, Metz Recreation Center -- This week it's the Adventures of Tin Tin, along with free popcorn and drinks. Movies start at dusk. See the rest of the schedule here.
Kyle Movies in the Park, Gregg-Clarke Park -- Bring along a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks and enjoy Kung Fu Panda 2. Movie starts 30 minutes after sunset. 1100 W Center St, Kyle.
Sunset Supper Cinema, Whole Foods Market, Lamar -- Whole Foods brings you West Side Story on the Alamo Drafthouse's Rolling Roadshow screen. Order dinner from the seasonal menu, get snacks and drinks from the concession stand on the plaza, or get dinner to go in the store. This event is very popular and limited to the first 250 guests. 525 N Lamar.
Family Friendly Movie Night, Laura's Library -- Friends of the Library bring you a free screening of Return to Neverland at Laura's Library from 4 - 6 p.m. 9411 Bee Cave Rd.
Friday Family Films, Austin Public Library Howson Branch -- Free screening of Flushed Away, the story of an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life. Geared for ages 7 and up. Movie begins at 3:30 p.m. 2500 Exposition Blvd.
Top Notch Movie Night, Top Notch Burgers -- Grab the kids and some chairs and enjoy a free screening of the original Toy Story at Top Notch Burgers. The film starts at dusk, around 8:15 p.m. 7525 Burnet Rd.
Movie Night at EsquinaTango (scroll down to May 18th) -- Movie Night is the 3rd Friday of each month from 6 - 8 p.m. This Friday enjoy the Spanish drama Amador, complete with English subtitles. Suggested donation $5. 209 Pedernales St.
Ski Shores Cafe Family Night -- Every Friday, you can catch a family movie on the big screen, starting at sundown. This Friday they will be showing Robots. 2905 Pearce Road.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Family Movie Matinee, Austin Public Library Southeast Branch -- Come to the library at 1 p.m. for a free screening of Happy Feet 2. 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd.
Hot Rod Drive in Night, Top Notch Burgers -- Enjoy live sounds from the Thunderchiefs and a showing of the 1977 film The Car. Music starts at 7 p.m. and the film begins at dusk. BYOB! 7525 Burnet Rd.

Image credit: o5com via Flickr

Austin Bike Culture Calendar Events: 5/17- 5/23/12

2012-05-17T16:13:24Z

Bike Month hits its full stride this week with Bike to Work Day on Friday and our first cyclovia Viva Streets on Sunday. Get out and ride your bike!

Here’s a quick run down of recommended events for the coming week from our comprehensive calendar of all cycling events. As always, if there is an event you know about that’s not on our calendar contact us, and we’ll add your event on and possibly add it to the weekly round up.

Thursday, May 17

Bicycle Advisory Council Bike Ride
5 PM, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St
Call it our Intro to Advocacy Night – Mellow Johnny’s wants to help you get involved with cycling issues in Austin. First we’ll take a short ride to see different types of infrastructure including the new cycletrack on Rio Grande. Next we’ll attend the Bicycle Advisory Council meeting at City Hall from 6-8pm. Post meeting, BAC members will head to The Ginger Man for a chance to informally talk issues and answer questions. Real change can happen as community members get together to solve problems so join the conversation. Ride rolls out at 5:00pm so please arrive a few minutes early to get signed in. Helmets are required. Lights are required if you will be riding after the BAC meeting. Bicycle Advisory Council meeting runs from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in the “Bull Pen” at City Hall 302 W. 2nd St.

Driveway Crit Series
5 PM, The Driveway, 8400 Delwau Lane
Weekly Thursday night road racing through October that takes place on the closed car-free driving course at the Driveway. Races include Cat 3/4 women’s and juniors race at 5:00, Cat 3/4 Race and Women’s Open at 5:30, Kids Fun Lap at 6:20, Cat 4/5 Race at 6:25, and Pro/Cat 1/2/3 at 6:55. Races registration Weekly: Men $25, Women $10, College Students $10, Juniors $10. 5PM Junior race is free. Additional races $10 each. Season Passes: $650. USA Cycling annual or one day license and helmet required. One days for sale at race.

Thursday Night Bike Polo
5:00 PM, Metz Park, 2407 Canterbury St
The Austin Bike Polo Club’s holds 3 hardcourt matches a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, at Metz Park. All bikes and skill levels are welcome and spare mallets and balls are available if you don’t have any. Check out our article on bike polo for more info.

Chrissie Wellington’s “A Life Without Limits” Book Signing
5:30- 7 PM, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St.
Mellow Johnny’s is hosting a book signing for four-time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington for her new book A Life Without Limits. Part memoir, travel diary, and training guide, A Life Without Limits is Chrissie’s firsthand account of her unlikely rise to the top. In addition to her personal story, Chrissie shares training tips, stories and lessons from around the globe, and what it takes to be a champion in competitive sport. Mellow Johnny’s will have copies of the book for in-store purchase.

Bicycle Advisory Council
6 PM, City Hall, Staff Bullpen
The Austin Bicycle Advisory Council is a committee of Austinites representing cyclists’ interests to the City of Austin and meets monthly to advise staff of the City of Austin Public Works Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.

Thursday Night Social Ride
7:30 PM, Festival Beach, Lady Bird Lake
Meet up at 7:30, ride at 8:00. “This week we will ride around and check out a new spot Jessie Street Eats for a KEG and some good ole dancin’. OH and cheap eats! Get on UR gooood foot!” Read our article on the weekly ride. Join the Social Cycling Facebook Group.

Friday, May 18

National Bike to Work Day
7-9 AM, all over Austin
Ride to work! There will be breakfast stations all over town to encourage you to dump the car and ride your bike. Find a station on your route at the Austin Bike to Work site!

Saturday, May 19

Real Ale Ride
8 AM, Real Ale Brewing, 231 San Saba Court, Blanco, TX
One of Bicycle Sport Shop’s most popular events (and the biggest ride in the Bicycle Sport Shop Signature Cycling Series) rolls through the scenic hills of Blanco, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, on Saturday, May 19, 2012. It’s a ride for all levels, with distances of 15, 30, 50, 65 and 80 miles. Routes are fully supported and all end at the Real Ale brewery for a post-ride celebration with local beer and barbecue. Register and start preparing for this premiere Hill Country cycling experience with group rides, maintenance classes, and tips and special pre-ride events from Bicycle Sport Shop.

Mellow Johnny’s Scout-A-Ride: West Public Art Bike Tour & Salon
10 AM, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces
Saturday mornings spent exploring City of Austin bike routes finding new neighborhoods and ways to get around on your bike. This week’s theme: West Public Art Bike Tour & Salon. Today’s ride explores some of our art treasures in the public space. The City’s Art in Public Places program has over 100 commissioned works and we’ll visit a sampling near downtown. The tour will begin at Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop and end at Open Room Austin, a public artwork in Sand Beach Park near the Pfluger Bridge (W. Cesar Chavez & Sandra Muraida Way.) Upon reaching Open Room Austin, AIPP staff will host a discussion salon featuring artists who have been commissioned by the AIPP Program. Participants can choose to do both the tour & salon, take the bike tour only, or just meet us at Sand Beach Park for the salon. This is an official event of the West Austin Studio Tour. Ride size is limited, please rsvp. Meet at 9:30 for coffee at Juan Pelota. Contact:Stephanie at Stephanie@mellowjohnnys.com.

BIKEBOT FASH BASH: A Bicycle Fashion Show
8 PM, Pine Street Station, 1101 E. 5th
A bicycle fashion show! An evening of music, dancing, bicycles, fashion, giveaways and…oh, did we mention adult beverages? Drinks on the house the entire night courtesy of Real Ale Brewing and Wiser’s Whiskey! Come see beautiful models in designer looks by SoLa and The Psychlist strutting..err, rolling down the runway on sleek, sexy bikes provided by Bicycle Sport Shop. The 1Love Tour is riding to encourage growth in our nation’s bicycle communities. The tour will ride from Vancouver to Imperial Beach (near the Mexican border) and we will host several big concerts and events along the way to benefit cycling non-profits. HOPE LIKES BIKES raises cycling awareness, encourages everyone to bike more often, and empowers Austinites to learn how to fix and maintain their own bikes. $20 in advance, $25 @ the door! Proceeds from your tickets support local cycling advocacy organizations, the 1Love Bicycle Tour and HOPE LIKES BIKES. Purchase tickets here

Sunday, May 20

AFWC Ladies Ride
9:00 AM, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St.
Join the women of the Austin Flyers Women’s Cycling Club every Sunday for an intermediate, ladies-only ride. This friendly, 2.5-3 hour ride averages 15-16 mph, with routes varying each week. It is a great opportunity for women looking to continue their fitness, learn new routes and meet new riding partners. Beginner women are encouraged to check out the Saturday Scout-a-Route ride for a shorter, more casual route.

Viva Streets Austin
10 AM- 3 PM, Sixth Street-from Brazos to Robert Martinez
Austin’s 1st Cyclovia: streets closed to cars and open to humans on foot, bike, and skates! Sixth Street-from Brazos to Robert Martinez will be closed and opened up as public space. Run, Play, Walk and Roll-A fun festival where a car-free street becomes your playground! Join the fun! This is a FREE festival that invites you to bicycle, play, get fit, people watch and celebrate good health. Over 2 miles of Sixth Street will become car-free for thousands of Austinites! This is a born-in-Austin take on the Ciclovia, a fast-growing, international phenomenon!

Tuesday, May 22

Dirt Remedy Race Series
5:30 PM, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, 1600 City Park Rd
The Dirt Remedy Race Series is a mountain bike racing series to cure your urge for short track mountain bike racing at Emma Long MTB Trails, TUESDAY’s in APRIL & MAY 2012. $20/race (save $5 with a protein rich canned food item), 2nd race = $5!
5:30- 1st timers clinic
5:40- Beginner’s Race (C)
6:15- Intermediate Race (B)
6:55- Expert Race (A)
6:56- Single Speed (A)

Austin Bike Chix Beginner Ride
6:30 PM, Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St.
There is a new series of bike rides in town for those new to cycling or for those that just need to dust off that bike. Austin Bike Chix will be offering a series of rides to Austin Area adults. The rides will start at Northwest Park on March 22 at 6:30 PM and will continue on Tuesdays for 6 weeks. The series of rides will be more like mini clinics (with topics ranging from chains to hills) to give new riders knowledge about the bike and confidence to be able to do the shorter distances on some of the local charity rides and beginner rides in town. These rides are perfect for those wanting to do ride in the Tour de Cure or are a first time triathlete. We will be riding on the road, all bikes are welcome. All rides are free.

Social Cycling Austin’s Yoga Ride
6:30 PM PM, Doug Sahm Hill, Butler Park
Bikes + yoga = fun! This yoga class itself is designed specifically for cyclists and appropriate for all levels including beginners. 6:30pm Meet on Spiral Hill, hang out, meet your fellow yogis, drink some hydrating beverages, etc. 7:00pm Ride to a mystery spot where we will have an hour of yoga. 8:15pm – 8:30pm Ride bikes even more! 10 miles or so. More if you’re up for it . Moderate pace, no drops.

Wednesday, May 23

Social Cycling Austin’ Hump Day Nooner Ride
11:45 AM, Lamar Blvd Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, Lady Bird Lake
We meet on the ped. bridge at 11:45am, get to know your fellow riders, ride out at 12:15pm. Ride up a hill or two and head to get a refreshing beverage and ride to get lunch. Rides are between 10 and 20 miles. The route is determined on the fly.

The X-Factor LIVE Auditions @The Frank Erwin Center 05/24-05/25

2012-05-17T17:26:15Z

Calling all X-Factor fans! Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid are starting their nationwide auditions and their very first stop is AUSTIN, and rightfully so, this city is full of talent. The judges are looking for the best singers in the country for the upcoming season and Austin is the live music capitol of the world, so obviously they will find what they’re looking for.

You can be apart of the studio audience, see the performances, and the amazing judges. If Simon Cowell is as harsh and judgmental (He is a “judge,” so I guess it comes along with the territory) in person as he is on TV, well, I might have to see it for myself. Seeing the fabulous Britney Spears wouldn’t be half bad either. The X-Factor relies on their TV fans, so they have no problem hooking you guys up with awesome seats! The auditions are taking place at The Frank Erwin Center on May 24^th and 25^th. Tickets are FREE, so click here for more information and to sign up for tickets!

Be in The X Factor Studio Audience

2012-05-17T18:51:00Z

The X Factor, with celebrity judges Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid, and Simon Cowell, will be taping live at The Erwin Center in Austin on Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25, 2012. If you would like to be in the studio audience, go here to get your free tickets.

The show tapings will last approximately five hours. You can choose from one of three shows next weekend and request up to four tickets. Your tickets will be available to print immediately and will also be sent to your email address. Be sure to read the fine print, including details on the Dress Code, which will be strictly enforced. Also, please note that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. The minimum age to attend this event is 12. The tickets are called "Line Vouchers", so I would recommend arriving early to get your place in line.

For more information and to print your free tickets, visit the On Camera Audiences website.

Crooks Record Release @ Antone’s 5/19 – w/ Wild Child and Wood & Wire

2012-05-17T19:10:24Z

Austin’s outlaw country heroes Crooks have big things on the horizon. The group is releasing their debut album, “The Rain Will Come,” this week and they’re throwing a blowout record release party at Antone’s on May 19^th. Best known for their stripped down country-blues that harkens back to Hank Williams Sr. and Townes Van Zandt, Crooks has managed to establish a large and growing fan-base. In the last year, the band has played Fun Fun Fun Fest, shared the stage with Deer Tick and Gary Clark Jr., and was chosen as “Best New Local Act,” by the Austin Chronicle Critics’ Poll.

Front man Josh Mazour started out playing bass in a garage rock band, but was not writing songs at the time. He walked away from music for several years before returning with a renewed focus in country music. The original incarnation of Crooks was a two-piece, but the band has now evolved into a four piece made up of Sam Alberts (guitar/trumpet/mandolin/banjo/piano), Rob Bacak (drums) and Andrew Vanvoorhees (stand-up bass), with an accordion player joining sometimes. Mazour says his songwriting continues to grow, and the debut album reflects that. He talks about wanting to write more traditional country songs, but he says his attitude about his music changes frequently. “That’s the whole thing with songwriting — you can do whatever the hell you want.”

Also on the bill is another band with major buzz of late is local indie-folk outfit Wild Child. The band consists of six players who all play off each other, accenting soulful vocals and folk-infused instrumentation with lush strings, keys, bells, banjo and percussion. Wild Child recently graced the stage at the Do512 Lounge for an unforgettable performance in which you can watch a clip of below.

Opening the show at Antone’s is Wood & Wire, a trio featuring mostly bluegrass & Americana with swing elements and original music. The band’s live show features everything from three part harmonies to ripping fast instrumentals. They mix an array of bluegrass traditionals along with original music written by Matt Slusher and Tony Karmel.

So come out to Antone’s this Saturday, May 19^th for a stellar lineup of some of the city’s finest country and bluegrass artists. Click “I Like It” for the chance to win one of three pairs of free tickets!

Free Music in the Parks This Saturday

2012-05-17T20:24:00Z

Celebrate the social, educational, health, cultural and economic benefits of living in Austin by checking out these FREE events put on by Music in the Parks:

Rosewood Recreation Center Concert - Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 1-4 p.m. Gina Chavez and Este Vato will be playing at the Rosewood Recreation Center (1182 North Pleasant Valley Road). Music in the Parks presents a free live music performance by two of Austin's premiere Latin bands, Este Vato and Gina Chavez, at the Rosewood Recreation Center. Bring your friends and family and enjoy cumbia, rock and folk rhythms from 1-4 p.m. Este Vato is a Latin fusion band that blends English and Spanish lyrics with cumbia, hip-hop and rock rhythms. Este Vato has performed at Pachanga Festival, Austin Vida showcases and is a frequent opener and headliner for Austin's Latin music scene. Indie Latin-folk songstress Gina Chavez is Austin's talented blend of folk, bluegrass and Latin music. Since launching her debut album Hanging Spoons in 2007, Gina Chavez has been featured on NPR's AltLatino and has toured with renowned bands such as Grupo Fantasma and Del Castillo. Chavez has performed at SXSW and Pachanga Music Festival, and in March 2012 was named an official Music Ambassador for the City of Austin to travel and perform at the Yumeiro Festival in Oita, Japan.
Montopolis Recreation Center Concert - Saturday, June 24, 2012, from 1-4 p.m. Kalua and Vitera will be playing at the Montopolis Recreation Center (1200 Montopolis Drive).
Dougherty Arts Center Concert - Thursday, July 26, 2012, from 4:30 - 8 p.m. Artists TBA. (This concert is not listed on the City of Austin website, so check back closer to the date to confirm.)
L ittle Stacey Park - Saturday, July 28, 2012, from 1 - 4 p.m. The Lost Pines, Bottom Dollar String Band.
Pease Park - Saturday, September 22, 2012, from 1 - 4 p.m. Mother Falcon, CJ Vinson & Nano Whitman.

For more information on the free Music in the Parks series, visit the City of Austin website.

Happenings: Lustre Pearl’s Final Spring Crawfish Bash this Sunday

2012-05-17T20:20:54Z

Laissez les bon temps roulez! “Pass a good time” during Lustre Pearl’s Last Crawfish Boil this Sunday. With crawfish season coming to a close, this will be Lustre Pearl’s last bash of season. Be sure to get your Cajun fix before it’s too late!

The boil kicks off this Sunday, May 20 at 4:00 PM. Lustre Pearl is located at 97 Rainey Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Cost is gratis.

Shawn Mullins with Griffin House at The Belmont

2012-05-17T21:09:10Z

Tired of the same old Austin music venues? Well time to try out a fairly new one, The Belmont. After proving themselves by hosting our Big One during South by, they have consistently booked some great acts. Whether the sun is brightly shining or it is pouring down rain they have made it work. This Saturday get ready to enjoy some more good music because Shawn Mullins and Griffin House are next to take the stage.

Shawn Mullins is a Georgia native who calls the road his home for no reason other than his job makes him a traveling man. With the help of Vanguard records he has gotten a lot of praise over his last album “Light You Up”. Shawn has been around the block performing thousands of live shows, 3 songs that have hit number one, and a Grammy nomination. The younger Griffin House picked up his first guitar at age 18 and never looked back. His solo acoustic act is something no one will want to miss, and who can resist that grin?

Doors are at 8 pm and tickets are $20. Click “I like it” for your chance to win a pair of VIP tickets or perhaps some regular tickets. Either way it can’t hurt to get in for free.

Fight for Air Climb 2012

2012-05-18T14:22:00Z

This Saturday, May 19, 2012, is the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb, a 30 story vertical race in Austin's own Frost Bank Tower. Whether climbing for a winning time or simply to cross the finish line, in honor or in memory of someone with lung disease, this event is a great way to challenge yourself physically.

Online registration for the event is closed, but you can register in person on Saturday. To register as a "walk-up" you must have raised at least $150 for your climb. But if you'd just like to come out to show your support, there will be lots going on! Enjoy live music, a free health fair with lots of valuable information, and yummy food samples from vendors such as the Evil Weiner food truck, Hickory Farms, Potbelly Sandwiches, Good Pops, My Fit Foods and more.

Check in for this event begins at 7:30 a.m. and the climb begins at 9 a.m. For more information about the event and the fight against lung disease, visit the American Lung Association.

Frost Bank Tower

401 Congress Ave

Austin, TX 78701

Image credit: American Lung Association

Weekend Top 10 FREE Events (May 18-20,2012)

2012-05-18T16:36:00Z

Happy Deutschen Pfest!

Austin Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or What You Will - Friday, May 18 - Sunday, May 20 at 8 p.m. Take your blankets or low chairs and head to Zilker Hillside Theater, next to Barton Springs Pool, to enjoy Bollywood-inspired sets, costumes, music and dance, in this unique production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies. The show is FREE to attend, but donations at intermission are appreciated. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2301 Barton Springs Rd., Austin.
French Music at Central Market North Lamar – Friday, May 18 - Sunday, May 20. Here is the lineup of FREE Passport France entertainment:

Friday, May 18, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. A true chanteuse, Christine Albert has a beautiful voice made for singing French love songs. She has brought together her love of Texas with her French roots and has come up with a sound that is part rustic Texas but smooth and sophisticated as an April Parisian night. 4001 N. Lamar, Austin.
Saturday, May 19, 6:30- 7:30 p.m. The show includes lots of Les Nubians, some Boubacar Traore (Je Chanterai Pour Toi, etc.), Nina Simone’s rendition of Ne Me Quitte Pas, and some sassy soulful dance driven la Chic French funk tunes. 4001 N. Lamar, Austin.
Sunday, May 20, 12:30-3:00 p.m.- Lex Land and her band play a mixture of French cabaret jazz and Parisian pop. 4001 N. Lamar, Austin.

Willy Wonka Junior - Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m. Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired presents a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, called Willy Wonka Junior. Featuring songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, this play brings to life the story of the famous candy man’s quest to find an heir. Tickets are FREE, but you need to reserve online. Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Fine Arts Building, 1100 W. 45th Street, Austin.
Movies Under the Stars - Friday, May 18 at dusk. See Adventures of Tin Tin under the stars while enjoying FREE popcorn and drinks. Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury Street, Austin.
What's the Story Steve? - Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. This is your last chance to see Steve, the improvising poodle, before he takes a little break (Saturday morning shows resume June 16). These improv for kids shows are pay-what-you-can. Plan to arrive a little early to snag a seat! ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin.
Free Music at Bob Bullock Museum - Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20.

Explore the Story: Everyday Music Makers featuring Staci Gray - Saturday, from 1 - 3 p.m. What do spoons, water glasses, and popsicle sticks all have in common? They can all be used to make music! Explore how you can use objects found around the house to create your own musical instruments. When your instruments are complete, join Austin children’s performer Staci Gray for a FREE concert packed with sing-along fun! The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress, Austin.
The Center for Texas Music History FREE Concert Series: Blues and R&B Night Sunday, from 6 - 9 p.m. Celebrating the tremendous diversity of live music found throughout Texas! The shows are FREE and open to the public. Presented by the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Austin Federation of Musicians and held in conjunction with the special exhibition, Texas Music Roadtrip, this live music series features different themes or genres each week, from cajun and zydeco to jazz and swing. Explore the dynamic musical traditions unique in Texas’s history and culture each Sunday night on the Museum’s Lone Star Plaza… then explore them in depth inside the Museum, where admission to the exhibits will be also be FREE. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress, Austin.

YMCA Splash Day - Saturday, May 19. Visit a Y near you for FREE swimming and activities! Splash Day activities include: FREE Family Swimming, FREE Swim Lesson Evaluations, FREE Water Safety Information, Water Sports and Games. Northwest Family Branch – Free swimming in the outdoor pool, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 5807 McNeil Drive Austin, TX 78729. East Communities Branch – Free swimming from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd. Southwest Family Branch – Participating; call for additional details. 6219 Oakclaire Dr. Hays Communities Branch – Activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pool open to the public from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., 465 Buda Sportsplex Dr., Buda.
Renegade Craft Fair - Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Look forward to hundreds of today’s brightest and best indie makers from the Lone Star State and beyond, as well as hands-on workshops, music, food, booze and more. There’s no better way to spend a weekend! Feeling a little crafty yourself? The creative folks from The WonderCraft will return with their Airstream o’ craft with make-and-take projects for all ages. You can get gussied up at the Gold & Glitter Folk booth before you strike a pose at the always free-to-use photobooth from the Magnolia Photobooth Co. As always, DJs from Austin’s finest record store, Waterloo Records, will be spinning records and providing the shopping + crafting soundtrack. FREE admission. Parking is available at Palmer Events Center for $7. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin.
Viva Streets - Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join the energetic fun at VIVA STREETS! – a FREE festival that invites you to bicycle, play, get fit, people watch, and celebrate good health. On Sunday, May 20, over two miles of Sixth Street will become a car-free and tobacco-free playground for thousands of Austinites. This is a born-in-Austin take on the Ciclovia, has become an international phenomenon. Sixth Street From Brazos to Robert Martinez Street, Austin.
Broadway Brass - Sunday, May 20 at 4 p.m. The Austin Symphony Brass Quintet presents its final FREE concert in celebration of the ASO’s Centennial season. This hour-long concert featuring the 5-piece Austin Symphony Brass Quintet will showcase hit music from the world of Broadway and film. Amphitheatre at Symphony Square, 1101 Red River, Austin.

One Bonus Event!

West Austin Studio Tour (WEST) - Saturday, May 19 and Sunday May 20, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. WEST is a self guided and FREE tour of more than 160 artists' studios that are located west of I-35. Guests are invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists' tools, techniques, and inspirations, and support the arts community by building their collections and supporting local businesses. The self guided tour is open to the public both days.

Fun in the 'Burbs

Night Out at Cat Hollow - Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music and a showcase of the Cat Hollow Aquatics Program, beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a showing of A Dolphin Tale at 8:45 p.m. FREE pool entrance, pool games, pizza, refreshments, and crafts for kids. Cat Hollow Pool and Park, 8600 O’Connor Dr, Round Rock.
Kyle Movies in the Park- Friday, May 18, 30 minutes after sunset. Bring along a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks and enjoy Kung Fu Panda 2. Gregg-Clarke Park, 1100 W Center St, Kyle.
Mudquest Family Adventure - Saturday, May 19 at 8:30 a.m. Round Rock Parks & Recreation Department presents the FREE MudQuest Family Adventure. The MudQuest Family Adventure is a themed adventure run offering the entire family more obstacles, more mud and more fun than your average run event. WARNING: You will get muddy from head to toe if you want to conquer the MudQuest Family Adventure! The event is FREE but you must pre-register. Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.
Round Rock the Boat Regatta - Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. Old Settlers Park will be full of spectators waiting to see who will float, sink or swim at the Round Rock the Boat Regatta. Contestants make boats out of cardboard and tape and will rely on their inventions to keep them afloat as they race across the lake at Old Settlers Park. Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.
Pflugerville’s Deutschen Pfest Children's Bike Parade - Saturday, May 19 at 10:45 a.m. Celebrate Pflugerville’s German heritage with a children’s bike parade at 10:45 a.m. (dress up for prizes!), followed by the main parade which includes local marching bands, community groups and organizations. Also, consider a jump into Gilleland pool which is open for FREE on Saturday, May 19, from 1 - 5 p.m. You can enjoy the parades and the pool for FREE, but admission to the Pfest in Pfluger Park is $5 on Friday and Sunday, and $7 Saturday. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Road, Pflugerville. The children's parade starts at the corner of Main Street and Railroad (judging at 10:40 a.m. at Wordyisms). The main parade starts at 11 a.m. Parade Route Map (pdf).

FUNd-Raisers

Hoops for Hope - Sunday, May 20, from noon - 3:30 p.m. Hula hoopers young and old will participate in Hoops for Hope. Hoopers will gather at the Long Center from noon to 3:30 p.m. and twirl and twist to the routine and hopefully break the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest hula hoop workout! Registration for the event is $25, but non-hula hooping friends and family can attend and observe for FREE! All proceeds benefit The Smile Never Fades, a local non-profit that focuses their energy, talent and resources toward the comfort and education of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. There will be lots of entertainment, face painters, and photo booths, so get ready for a day of fun! The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Drive, Austin.
Fight for Air Climb - Saturday, May 19 at 9 am. Join a 30-story vertical race in Austin's own Frost Bank Tower. Online registration for the event is closed, but you can register in person on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. (you must have raised at least $150 in donations for walk-up registration). There will be live music, a FREE health fair, and yummy food samples. Come on out and support the fight against lung disease! Frost Bank Tower, 401 Congress Avenue, Austin.

Want even more? Check out the Free Fun Calendar!

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Fri, May 18 8:00p

2012-04-13T18:31:48Z

Event: Martina McBride at Austin City Limits Live, Thu, May 17 8:00p

2012-05-10T18:53:53Z

AIFD ELECTIONS – May 19th

2012-05-17T20:16:14Z

AIFD ELECTIONS

The AIFD Bylaws require that the Board of Directors hold a Business Meeting every year in May to elect the next Board. The current Board has voted to hold the Business Meeting on Saturday evening, May 19, at 9:30 pm at Hancock Recreation Center, at which time we will elect the 2012-2013 Board. Please come and vote!
AND . . . Please consider serving on the Board!
Below is the description of each of the offices on the Board. If you see one that you would like to run for, please talk to one of the current Board members – Vlad, Iola, Franklin, John, Lila or Bill.

President: As the elected leader of AIFD, the President sets the standard for success of the group. The President leads the Board, presides at AIFD events, serves as liaison with facilities used for AIFD events, plans special events (e.g., workshops, parties) with the concurrence and support of the Board, carries out Board decisions and serves as backup Treasurer. Whenever appropriate, the President delegates these duties to other officers or to members of the group.
Vice-President: The Vice-President’s assigned duties are serving as backup for the President, welcoming guests, doing publicity and serving as custodian of AIFD’s “cultural” files. These duties help promote attendance at weekly dance programs. In the past, the Vice-President has frequently served as “party planner”.
Program Director. The Program Director is responsible for directing weekly dances, recommending recording acquisitions, recommending guest teachers and safeguarding AIFD’s physical assets. Close oversight by the Program Director of the planning and execution of weekly dance programs is needed to maintain continuity in the character of the dance program. Since 2009, responsibility for AIFD’s electronic music library and associated electronic components (computer notebook and external hard drive) has been assigned to the AIFD Music Librarian, who is appointed by the Board.
Teaching Director: The Teaching Director is responsible for all teaching, teacher training and teacher recruitment. A pre-planned teaching program and periodic assessment of the effectiveness of teaching efforts is needed to ensure high-quality, well-attended teaching.
Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for AIFD correspondence, Board meeting minutes, written records and the address file, as well as publishing a newsletter. An e-newsletter, utilizing AIFD attendees’ email addresses on a list-serve, was initiated in 2000, which AIFD Secretaries have continued to the present.
Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for receiving money collected at weekly dance programs, maintaining AIFD financial accounts, signing checks, issuing a financial report every three months and filing required tax forms.

(For a comprehensive list of positions compiled by Franklin, check out Board of Trustees information sheet)

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS DAY – Saturday, May 26

2012-05-17T19:55:40Z

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS DAY
Music with Folk Dance Club “Bulgarian Rose”
Singing by Maria Koleva
Bulgarian dinner
7-12pm, 700 N. Kirkwood, Houston
Tickets purchased before May 20, $25; children ages 10-16, $10.
To purchase tickets, send a check, payable to Katerina Eleazar
to “Bulgarian Rose”, P.O. Box 319, Barker, Texas, 77413
Check out the flyer at: http://tsurikov.mailcan.com/HouBulg/
For more information, call Iva at 832-659-8452 or Katerina at 713-382-7398.

Event: Movies in the Park: "Princess Mononoke" at Republic Square Park, Thu, May 17 8:15p

2012-05-10T18:28:30Z

WEEKLY SWING NEWSLETTER - May 17, 2012

2012-05-17T17:21:00Z

May Classes Wrap Up - Tuesday, May 22nd
We would like to see you back to finish out the month with us.

June Classes Begin on June 5th.
We are closed on May 29th, the day after Memorial Day.
Get all the details of the Our Class Series on our website. http://www.fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

COMING THIS SATURDAY:
Austin - May 19th - Intermediate Balboa Workshop with Laura Malloy and Matt Jones.
Details on - http://fouronthefloor.com/Workshops.htm

PassPort to France Shows.
This wonderful music, fod and wine event closes after this weekend. Catch it while you can.
From a Reunion of Continental Graffiti, to Naomi Emmerson's Edith Piaf Tribute Show, to LexLand's French Cabaret Jazz Show, to Albanie and Her Fellas reviving the swinging hot jazz of 1930s Paris. And more !
Many of these shows will play on different nights at both the North Lamar and WestGate Blvd Central Markets.
Look in the calendar below for the bold type, (PassPort to France Show) , and you will find these shows.

TUBA SKINNY COMES TO AUSTIN:
This great trad jazz band from New Orleans is appearing for one night only at 11 pm at Skinny's Ballroom on Wednsday.
Details on - http://skinnysballroom.com/

AND a whole lot of great dance opportunities, so ...

THIS WEEK IN THE CLUBS -
THURSDAY - MAY 17
SWING SHOWS:
> The Tony Harrison Band (Country music mixed with swing and bossa nova), 6 - 8 pm, BROKEN SPOKE
> Naomi Emmerson performs a tribute to Edith Piaf, (PassPort France Show) 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (WestGate)
> The Marshall Ford Swing Band 8 - 11 pm, THE HIGHBALL
> Austin Swing Syndicate Weekly DeeJayed Dance; with BallRoom DeeJays: Big Apple Lesson with Joanna Lucero at 8-9, Matt Jones 9 - 10 pm, Joanna Lucero 10 - 11 pm, Brooks Prumo 11 pm - Midnight;
WestCoast Music Side Room with DJs Mike Topel at 9:30 and Tommy Schwegman at 10:30; 8 pm - Midnight all at ALL AT TEXAS FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
> Violet Crown Serenaders (Hot Jazz with Lauren Holman) , 11:00 pm - 1 am, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
OTHER SHOWS:
> Rosie Flores at 10 and Modern Don Juans at Midnight (Rockabilly music show), CONTINENTAL CLUB
> Mike and the MoonPies (Country western show) 11 pm, THE WHITE HORSE
FRIDAY - MAY 18
SWING SHOWS:
Continental Graffiti (PassPort France Show) 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (WestGate)
The Robert Kraft Trio, 8:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
The Copa Kings, 7-10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Hot Club Soda, 10 pm - Midnight, FIREHOUSE LOUNGE (605 Brazos)
OTHER SHOWS:
The Blues Specialists (Blues music event), 6:30 - 8:30 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Kick Butt Blues (Blues Music Show), 9 pm - 1 am, KICK BUTT COFFEE (Airport and 290)
Roger Wallace at 10 pm, Derailers at Midnight (Country western show), THE WHITE HORSE
SATURDAY - MAY 19
SWING SHOWS:
Akkina Adderly's Tribute to Paris' Les Nubians, (PassPort France Show), 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (N. Lamar location)
Hollywood Reveu, 7-10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Spread Eagle Jazz Band at 10:30 and White Ghost Shivers at Midnight, CONTINENTAL CLUB
OTHER SHOWS:
Dale Watson and His Lone Stars ( Country Music Show ), 9:30 pm - 1 am, BROKEN SPOKE
SUNDAY - MAY 20
SWING SHOWS:
Jazz Brunch with Kris Kimura at Noon, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Brunch with Lex Land performs French Cabaret Jazz and Parisian Pop, (PassPort France Show) 12:30 - 3:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (N. Lamar Store)
Hot Texas Swing Band with Katie Holmes and Emily Gimble, 7 - 10 pm, JOVITA'S
Bob Hoffnar's WhiteHorse Orchestra at 11 pm, THE WHITE HORSE (500 Comal)
OTHER SHOWS:
HeyBale ( Country Music Show ), 10 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
MONDAY - MAY 21
SWING SHOWS:
Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, QUALITY SEAFOOD
Hot Club of CowTown (hot gypsy jazz show), 8:30 - 10, Marshall Hood Band at 10:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
Little Elmore Reed Band (blues event), 10:30 pm, WHITE SWAN (1906 East 12th St)
OTHER SHOWS:
Dale Watson Returns ( Country Music Show ),10 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
MoTown Monday with The MatchMaker Band (soul music event), 10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
TUESDAY - MAY 22
Four On The Floor May Classes Continue, After-Class Dance at 9:40 pm with DJ Nik Brauer, TEXAS FED;
BorderTown BootLeggers (Western Swing and Gypsy Jazz), 8 pm - 11 pm, RATTLE INN (606 Nueces)
Erik Hokkanen's Hip Replacements, 930 pm, (limited dance space), FLIPNOTICS (on Barton Springs Rd)
WEDNESDAY - MAY 23
SWING SHOWS:
Hot Club of CowTown (Western Swing and Gypsy Jazz) 6:30 - 8:30 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Lisa Mills and Earl Poole Ball, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (WestGate Store)
Paper Moon Shiners (Oliver Steck's Old Timey Blues and Jazz Band), 9-11 pm, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
Black, Red, Black ("Superstars of Jazz"), 10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Tuba Skinny, 11 pm, SKINNY'S BALLROOM
OTHER SHOWS:
Chapparal ( Country Music Show ) , 9 pm - Midnight, BROKEN SPOKE

UPCOMING EVENTS -
FYI -- You'll also find our announcements on our blog newsletter: http://austinswingdance.blogspot.com/
and find us and more dance announcements on: www.TodayinAustin.com

Progress

2012-05-17T14:35:32Z

56% of the way there w/13 days to go
We purchased Dan Higgs plane ticket this week!
Let’s make this awesome thing happen Austin!
Get your #NMASS2012 pass and other goodies HERE before May 31st!

May 19th 2012

2012-05-17T14:30:29Z

Small instruments on canoes activity this Saturday.

(mandolins, ukeleles, guitars, accordions, melodicas?)

with Rebecca Ramirez
Adam Hilton
Jeff Luna and Aja McMillan
Anissa Bryant
Ralph White and other friends!

Let’s meet around 5pm, get out on the water and play some songs!

Let’s meet up here! http://www.zilkerboats.com/

2100 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX
Don’t forget to wear sunblock and/or skin protective clothing!

View Larger Map

Sunrise and Sunset times in the month of May

Run DMT @Beauty Ballroom on 5/17

2012-05-16T18:02:47Z

Run DMT has only been around a short while and they have already become a very high profile duo grazing the stage of Nocturnal Festival, Snowglobe Music Festival, and Camp Bisco. This Thursday at Beauty Ballroom they are playing an intimate show that can be characterized by a mix of dubstep and heavy bass beats that will make you feel like you have been transported into another dimension.

If House, Electro, and Groovy music are down your alley then you won’t be bored before Run DMT takes the stage. Electrifying performances are set to be played by Larkside, Kromly, and Bearmanderson. These are big names in the Electronic Music Scene so I am prepared for all of them to deliver high energy sets that will have us sweating our lives away. Note to self: Wear shorts.

Start stretching because Doors are at 9 pm and the entertainment will last till 2 am. These performers will have the whole room dancing until Beauty Ballroom pulls the plug. Click “I like it” on Do512 for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. Tickets are $10.

Texas Rollergirls All-Star Game @Austin Convention Center 05/19

2012-05-16T20:08:21Z

Austin’s very own Texecutioners of the Texas Rollergirls are playing an interleague WFTDA game for international ranking this Saturday, May 19th. This all-star team is challenging the Rose City Rollers’ Wheels of Justice from Portland, OR. This is more than just a game between two teams, but a hipster city show down. Roller derby bragging rights are on the line! Not only is this a huge game for the Texecutioners, but the Texas Rollergirls are introducing the league’s newly formed B-team, the Firing Squad, who will play the Rose City Rollers’ B-team, the Axles of Annihilation in Bout 1.

The All-Star Game is a big deal and shows how much flat track roller derby has grown as a sport. If you read Do512’s last blog about the Texas Rollergirls, then you already know the basic rules of the game and the role of the jammer, pivot, and blocker. Roller derby has a rich history too, so here’s a little background….The term “roller derby” was first used to describe roller skate races in the 1920s. A man named Leo Seltzer saw potential in the skate races to become a physical sport. In the late 1930s, Seltzer began to tour with teams consisting of five skaters. He emphasized the role of falls and collisions, and created a raised track to serve as the athletes’ arena. Roller derby acquired such an avid fan base that it began to be televised in the 1940s. Leo Seltzer’s son, Jerry, took over the business in the 1960s, but when the sport lost popularity, he closed the organization in 1973. A roller derby renaissance occurred in Austin when the Texas Rollergirls started a women’s league. Before the sport has been co-ed, but the Texas Rollergirls decided that women were more suited to such a tough sport, and they were right.

Now that you’re a roller derby connoisseur, you should head to the Austin Convention Center at 5:15pm this Saturday to cheer on the Texas Rollergirls’ Texecutioners and the city of Austin. The stakes are high, so there will be plenty of hip checking, booty blocking, collisions, and falls. So, come support these babes on speed skates by clicking here to buy tickets in advance or here for a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets!

The Haps at the Highball: Hollywood Revue, Magnifico, Motown and More!

2012-05-15T20:00:57Z

May 18-21 Events

3rd Annual Renegade Craft Fair

2012-05-16T15:00:00Z

Hundreds of today's brightest indie crafters and artists will be showing their best goods at the 3rd Annual Renegade Craft Fair at the Palmer Events Center this Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, 2012. Artists are coming from all over Texas and beyond for a chance to show off their wares and interact with other crafters and craft lovers.

The event is FREE and open to the public and runs from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Along with rows and rows of crafty booths, guests can take part in make-and-take projects for all ages at the Airstream o' craft put on by The WonderCraft, or get all glittered up at the Gold & Glitter Folk booth before having your picture taken in the free photo booth. DJs from Waterloo Records will be providing a soundtrack for everyone to shop to.

For more information, visit renegadecraft.com or RSVP to the event here. You can also keep up with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704

Image credit: Renegade Craft Fair

Free Swimming at YMCA's Splash Day

2012-05-16T18:00:00Z

YMCA of Austin is hosting Splash Day on Saturday, May 19, 2012, a community-wide celebration of their outdoor pools. Visit a Y near you for swimming and activities - the pools at the East Communities, Hays Communities, Southwest and Northwest Family YMCAs will be free and open to the public!

Splash Day activities include:

FREE Family Swimming
FREE Swim Lesson Evaluations
FREE Water Safety Information
Plus...Water Sports & Games

Participating locations:

Northwest Family Branch - Free swimming in the outdoor pool, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
5807 McNeil Drive Austin, TX 78729
(512) 335-9622 ‎

East Communities Branch - Free swimming from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd. Austin, TX 78723
(512) 933-9622

Southwest Family Branch - Participating; call for additional details.
6219 Oakclaire Dr Austin, TX 78735
(512) 891-9622

Hays Communities Branch - Activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pool open to the public from 10a.m. - 7 p.m.
465 Buda Sportsplex Dr. Buda, TX 78610

For more information, visit the YMCA website or contact your local YMCA of Austin branch.

Event: Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Wed, May 30 8:00p

2012-05-23T16:55:55Z

Event: Art Bra Austin at Austin Music Hall, Sat, May 19 7:00p

2012-05-15T17:36:49Z

Art Bra Austin is a tribute to the fighting spirit of breast cancer survivors. Clad in eclectic art bras, breast cancer survivors strut their stuff down the runway to raise funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas (BCRC). One-of-a-kind live and silent auction packages, including several art bras, are second in allure only to the models themselves. Join the BCRC and fashion-forward Central Texans for a night art, fashion and fun at Art Bra Austin.

slow supper at green gate farm, 5/22/2012

2012-05-16T13:25:48Z

Date: Tuesday May 22, 2012, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Green Gate Farm, 8310 Canoga Ave., Austin, TX 78724

Slow Food Austin & Slow Money present:
A Slow Supper at Green Gate Farms

Is there anything more gratifying than spending a spring evening eating with friends on a local farm? Join old and new friends at a potluck dinner on the farm with live music, beverages, and a to…ur of the farm.

Bring a “slow” dish of your choice to share. We also suggest bringing your own dinnerware, camp chair or blanket, and extra money if you would like to buy goodies from the farm while you are there. At this event, you can learn more about all organizations involved and we will feature education about local CSA’s including a list of CSA’s that are still accepting new members.

Learn more about what might make a dish “slow”.
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/slow_food/good_clean_fair/

$15 suggested donation will support Slow Food Austin, Slow Money Austin, and The New Farm Institute.

West Austin Studio Tour Inaugural Event

2012-05-15T16:00:00Z

This Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, 2012, marks the first ever West Austin Studio Tour (WEST). Inspired by the ever popular East Austin Studio Tour (EAST), WEST is a self guided and FREE tour of artists' studios west of I-35. Guests are invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists' tools, techniques, and inspirations, and support the arts community by building their collections and supporting local businesses. The self guided tour is open to the public both days, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

WEST technically kicks off Friday evening, May 18, at 6 p.m., at the People's Gallery at Austin City Hall with a reception and open house to highlight the work of Austin artists included in the 2012 People’s Gallery exhibition, hosted by The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division.

The list of participating artists is looooong, and that's exciting! Personally I would love to check out Christopher St Leger and Rebecca Bennett, and don't forget to check out the funky Yard Dog Art on South Congress.

For more information about WEST, visit their website or like them on Facebook. You can peruse the list of participating artists and check out the map of the studios.

Image credit: WEST

Free Friday Night Lights Screening

2012-05-15T17:41:00Z

ATX Television Festival will present a FREE outdoor Alamo Rolling Roadshow at Hotel San Jose on Saturday, June 2, 2012. This event will include Friday Night Lights actors-turned-musicians playing live music, a screening of Explosions in the Sky's new video, and a screening of the pilot and finale of Friday Night Lights.

The schedule:

6:30 p.m. - Alicia Witt, Tigerbone (Dora Madison Burge), and Cowboy and Indian (Jesse Plemons) will play live music

7:30 p.m. - First public screening of Explosions in the Sky's music video "Postcards from 1952"

7:40 p.m. - Friday Night Lights cast/crew will announce the back-to-back screenings of "Pilot" and the finale, “Always”.

Cornucopia Popcorn, Blue Bell, and Sweet Leaf Tea will be on hand for some sweet treats. This event is sponsored by Hotel San Jose, Alamo Rolling Roadshow, Blue Bell, and Cornucopia.

For more information, visit the Alamo Drafthouse website, the ATX Television Festival Facebook page or the ATX Television Festival website.

Hotel San Jose

1316 South Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas

You may also be interested in: Free Cartoon Event with Free Pancakes

Whole Foods Bee Cave Store Grand Opening

2012-05-15T20:07:00Z

Whole Foods opens the doors of its brand new store in Hill Country Galleria on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Head over there early for a traditional Bread Breaking Ceremony with Bee Cave Mayor, Caroline Murphy, at 7:30 a.m. Then stay for a fun day filled of music, and food! The store opens at 8 a.m.

A sampling of the free fun scheduled for the Bee Cave store this week:

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Lake Travis Education Foundation Community Giving Day, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

7:30-8:00 a.m. - Lake Travis High School Drum Line and Whole Foods Market Bread Breaking Ceremony
9:00-11:00 a.m. - Face Painting station
11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Autograph Alley with LTHS athletes, Performance by the Cavalettes, Lake Travis High School Cheerleaders accompanied by their team mascot
4:30-6:00 p.m. - The Lake Travis High School Fiddlers
6:30-8:00 p.m. - Lake Travis High School student band, Andrea & Company

Thursday, May 17, 2012
Friends of the Bee Cave Library Community Giving Day, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. - Story time on the patio with the Bee Cave Library
11:15 a.m. - Story time on the patio with the Bee Cave Library
12:00-7:00 p.m. - Crafts
5:00-7:00 p.m. - A visit from two classic storybook characters

Friday, May 18, 2012
Bee Cave Arts Foundation Community Giving Day, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

4:00-6:00 p.m. - Watch a local artist while they work.

Saturday, May 19, 2012
KDRP Public Radio Community Giving Day, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 20, 2012
RED Arena Community Giving Day, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - RED Arena’s training horses will be at the store.
Noon - 3 p.m. - Live Music on the patio with Austin’s own Phillip Gibbs.

For more information, visit the Whole Foods store calendar.

Whole Foods Market - Hill Country Galleria
12601 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 206-2730

Free Austin Symphony Concerts in the Park

2012-05-15T21:02:00Z

Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park” will return to Hartman Concert Park, in front of the Long Center City Terrace, Sunday evenings this summer. Each week, from June 3 - August 26, 2012, a different ensemble of The Austin Symphony will be featured. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy free music from a variety of genres. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

2012 Schedule:

June 3 – Strings
June 10 – Brass
June 17 – Woodwinds
June 24 – Big Band
July 1 – No Concert
July 8 – Strings
July 15 – Brass
July 22 – Woodwinds
July 29 – Big Band
August 5 – Strings
August 12 – Brass
August 19 – Woodwinds
August 26 – Big Band

Free Parking is available at One Texas Center, located on Barton Springs Rd. at S. 1st Street. Paid parking is available at the Palmer Garage, next to The Long Center, for $7.

For more information, visit The Austin Symphony website.

The Long Center for Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive

(Directions)
Austin, Texas

Queen tribute night @ The Highball 5/19 – FREE

2012-05-15T18:37:17Z

Is this the real life or is this just fantasy? For real. We. Will. Rock your face off with this incredible night of Queen-tastic music, videos, a tribute band, and a mustache competition!

The Highball really knows how to throw a tribute party. They’ve invited Austin’s official Queen tribute band Magnifico for your listening and dancing pleasure! They’ll be plenty loud so you can sing along at the top of your lungs… I know I will!

The party starts at 10:30pm, but get there early and enjoy the Action Pack’s mix of glam-rocker music videos to warm up to!

This isn’t your normal college kid karaoke night. It’s going to be one epic night. Queen is the ultimate power-house rock band. You think you know Queen, but you ain’t seen nothin’ yet (unless you saw them live). The Highball has one vision, and that is to rock your socks, or leg warmers, off, so make sure to wear your dancing shoes and to limber up.

If you haven’t been to The Highball yet, it’s at 1120 S. Lamar Blvd. So take a back seat, hitch-hike or take a long ride on a motorbike to get there. Or even your bicycle. Either way, they know how to rock-and-roll, and you will be square if you ain’t there!

Snow Patrol Afterparty at Haven

2012-05-15T20:52:06Z

Photo By: BradleyQuinn.com

If you were ever a fan of the TV show Greys Anatomy you are undoubtedly familiar with the band Snow Patrol. Their most widely known song ”Chasing Cars” seemed to hit a chord with any and every kind of person. It is no wonder that the group has reached international acclaim because their music can make anyone sing. According to the band, their latest album A Hundred Million Suns is their “most complete record by far… touched by our entire history, and hopefully sounds like our future too.”

This Thursday is your chance to get a taste of their talent at their afterparty at Haven. Two members of the band have a DJ set prepared. Don’t worry, this set will surely be appropriate for dancing to liven the mood! Although I am excited to dance to Snow Patrol, Im equally excited to experience the music of the talented Kelley James who will show off his hip hop beats and nice free style flows with an acoustic guitar. His reggae rythyms and witty lyrics do nothing but showcase his one of a kind style.

Lastly, it would be in your best interest to click here to RSVP on Do512. WHY? The first 50 people to get in the door with an RSVP get in absolutely free. This is an 18 and up event and Doors will open at 9pm. Head over to Haven this Thursday for a spectacular night of music.

Museums recognize Art Museum Day with free admission

2012-05-15T16:06:15Z

May 18 is Art Museum Day. Did you know that? It’s a happening invented by the American Association of Museum Directors to coincide with International Museum Day. Both the Blanton Museum of Art and AMOA-Arthouse are offering free admission.

Big Sing 3!

2012-05-15T15:49:39Z

05.17.12 (6pm) St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Austin, TX Map
FREE! No reservations required.

We sing together.

Where the audience is the choir!

Come to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church this Thursday, May 17 and raise your voice in song with Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare Symphonic Choir. We guarantee that you and hundreds of singing friends will be the biggest choir in Austin that day.

Craig Hella Johnson will lead the assembled multitude in singing popular American folk songs, classics from Broadway and the Great American Songbook, and traditional choral music. You can also expect some favorites from past Big Sings, back by popular demand. No experience is needed and songbooks are provided. It’s fun, informal, and FREE – see you then!

press release

Fun at the November Big Sing at First Baptist Church

Event: Flogging Molly at Austin City Limits Live, Fri, May 18 8:00p

2012-05-10T18:54:56Z

Blues on the Green Returns May 30, 2012

2012-05-15T15:00:00Z

KGSR's popular FREE summer concert series, Blues on the Green, is back May 30, 2012, and the lineup so far is looking awesome!

A staple of Austin summer lifestyle, Blues on the Green is in its 22nd season. Every other Wednesday from May 30 - August 8, 2012, KGSR invites music lovers to come out to Zilker Park and enjoy a free show with thousands of their best friends. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and hang out and listen to some great music. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

The lineup for the 2012 season is:

May 30: Charlie Mars (with Max Gomez opening)
June 13: Rhett Miller (with the Wheeler Brothers opening)
June 27: Ben Kweller (with Amy Cook opening)
July 11: BoDeans (with Quiet Company opening)
July 25: Marcia Ball (with Nakia opening)
August 8: To be announced

For more information about Blues on the Green, including parking info, and what to bring and what not to bring to the event, visit KGSR's Blue on the Green page or like them on Facebook. You can also text BLUES to 43981 for updates and special offers (standard messaging rates apply).

So who are you excited to see? I (Leigh Ann) would like to see Ben Kweller, but I would LOVE to see Rhett Miller.

Zilker Park
2200 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746

Image credit: KGSR

The Brew Exchange Grand Opening Party with Free Tito’s Vodka

2012-05-15T15:43:38Z

If you have never been to The Brew Exchange, now is the best time to go! Not only do they have the best beer selection in Austin, over 100 beers, they’re giving away FREE Tito’s vodka and Fireman’s 4 for their grand opening party on Thursday May 17! And don’t worry, DJ Kenja will be there providing the crunchy tunes for you to get your groove on. Party starts at 8, but get there early to try new beers!

The Brew Exchange is fun, engaging and it’s the only bar in Austin with prices based on supply and demand – stock market style! You can even watch the beer prices rise and fall on their 1960′s style ticker running around the bar and on big flat screen TVs.

Here’s how it works: the beers are separated into categories (Lager, IPA, Cider, etc). For example, if your friend buys an IPA, the price of that beer goes up and the rest in the category go DOWN, allowing you to try a new IPA at a lower price. Sounds like a blast to me! Who doesn’t love great beer at a lower price?

Be sure to LIKE the event on our website for a chance to win a $75 gift card to spend at the grand opening!

See you at 706 West Sixth and Rio Grande right next to Opal Devine’s on Thursday!

Free Play: Willy Wonka Junior

2012-05-14T18:16:00Z

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired presents a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, called Willy Wonka Junior. Featuring songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, this play brings to life the story of the famous candy man's quest to find an heir.

There will be four performances, all free and open to the public:

Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

The show on Thursday night will have live audio description for audience members who are blind or visually impaired.
Reserve your free tickets here: http://willywonkajr.eventbrite.com/

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Fine Arts Building
1100 W. 45th Street
Austin, Texas 78756

Free Improv for Kids and Teens at ColdTowne

2012-05-14T18:58:00Z

So, what are your plans for Saturday morning? How about taking the kids to see Austin's only improvising poodle, Steve? He'll be making one last appearance before summer, along with his adult acting buddies from Move Your Tale, at ColdTowne Theater this Saturday. The show starts at 10 a.m., but the theater is an intimate space, so be sure to arrive early to snag your seats. You'll be glad you did! What's the Story Steve? is a fun, interactive, improv show for kids that is free to attend, but donations are appreciated.

Can't go this Saturday? Well, that's okay. Steve and friends will be back in action on Saturday mornings this summer, from June 16 to August 18, 2012 (excluding July 1). Summer shows will open with a performance by the children and teens enrolled in Move Your Tale's Summer Camps. This will be a great opportunity to support young performers, see some entertaining, improvised storytelling, and even get up on stage to try it out!

Move Your Tale also offers free Teen Improv Nights at ColdTowne Theater. The first Sunday of each month, two teen improv troupes and one adult troupe will perform for an audience of young people. Following the shows, audience members will be invited to join performers onstage for a spirited improv jam. Summer Teen Improv Nights are scheduled for June 3 and August 5, 2012, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The shows are free to attend, though donations are accepted! Also, please note that although the name is "Teen" Improv Night, the audience has often included grandparents and kids as young as 7 who've jumped up and improvised with the best of them.

For more information about Move Your Tale, visit their website.

If you are interested in adult improv fun, be sure to take advantage of this half price coupon currently available at ScoutMob. It will save you up to $10 on shows and $100 on Level 1 classes at ColdTowne!

ColdTowne Theater

4803 Airport Blvd.

Austin, Texas

Children's Day Art Park - 2012 Schedule

2012-05-14T19:46:00Z

One thing Austin families can count on every summer is live music and fun galore at the weekly Children's Day Art Park. From interaction with members of The Austin Symphony who wander the crowds performing for children, to onstage jams by some of Austin's best children's entertainers, it doesn't get much better than these festive Wednesday mornings in the Symphony Square amphitheater.

For a mere 50¢ per child, kids will enjoy test-driving instruments at the instrument petting zoo, free balloons, bubbles, storytellers, magicians, free crafts, and free face painting! There are often surprises, like free Blue Bell ice cream, too.

Make plans to attend Children's Day Art Park on Wednesday mornings from June 13 - July 25, 2012 (excluding July 4), from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

2012 Performance Schedule:

June 13 - Beto y los Fairlane

June 20 - Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico

June 27 - Joe McDermott

July 4 - *No Children’s Day*

July 11 - Jon Emory’s Teddy Bear Picnic (Bring your bear!)

July 18 - Lucas Miller

July 25 - The Biscuit Brothers

Plan to arrive early to find the most convenient parking. After the headlining performance, which usually starts around 10 a.m., follow the Pied Piper across the street to the Art Tent, for crafts, stories and more. Bring sunscreen and drinks (or pockets filled with dimes to buy 10¢ lemonade) because it gets hot out there, even that early in the morning.

Admission is 50¢ per child. Adults are free. For more information, visit here.

Symphony Square
1101 Red River St.

(Directions)
Austin, Texas

Movie in the Park Rescheduled for Thursday

2012-05-15T01:29:00Z

The Austin Parks Foundation screening of the anime film Princess Mononoke in Republic Square, postponed last week due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 8:15 p.m.

Movies in the Park 2012 Schedule:

Thursday, May 17, 8:15 p.m. -- Princess Mononoke (1997)(PG-13), anime film directed by renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Friday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. -- Jurassic Park (1993)(PG-13), Steven Spielberg's phenomenally successful sci-fi adventure thriller starring Sam Neill and Laura Dern.

Thursday, September 6, 7:45 p.m. -- The Best of ACL, A special screening of some of the best concerts in ACL history.

Thursday, October 4, 7 p.m. -- Labyrinth (1986)(PG-13), produced by George Lucas and directed by Jim Henson, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.

Thursday, November 8 - 5:45 p.m. -- Soul Power (PG-13), a documentary concert film featuring some of the most popular African and American musicians of the '70s, who saw their journey to Africa as a unique opportunity not just to perform for a new set of enthusiastic fans, but to explore their roots as well.

Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Alcoholic beverages, glass and styrofoam are not permitted in the park.

As always, we ask that you double check the event website before heading out for the evening, as dates and times are subject to change.

For more information, visit AustinParks.org.

Republic Square
422 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX. 78701

Image credit: Austin Parks Foundation

Pretty poster by Mark Pedini

2012-05-14T21:21:04Z

Nearly 50% of the way there.
C’mon Austin! YOU can make this awesome thing happen!

food revolution day: brunch ‘n learn

2012-05-14T19:49:45Z

Date: Saturday May 19, 2012, 11 am – 2 pm
Location: private home in central Austin, directions will be sent to all who RSVP
RSVP: president@slowfoodaustin.org

Food Revolution Day is a chance for people who love food to come together to share information, talents and resources; to pass on their knowledge and highlight the world’s food issues. All around the globe, people will work together to make a difference. This “revolution” is about connecting with your community by sharing the pleasure of eating.

The ideals of Food Revolution Day are aligned with Slow Food Austin and so we are hosting an event on May 19, 2012 to inspire us all to think about where our food comes from and promote food education for everyone. Whether you are a skilled locavore or you are new to the movement, you are welcome at our table.

Join the Revolution! If you’d like to attend this event please RSVP to president@slowfoodaustin.org . We will send more details about the event (location and format) one week before (only to those who have RSVPd). We encourage you to bring a friend who is not familiar with Slow Food so RSVP for the total # of guests.

Event: Congress Avenue Mile at Texas Capitol, Sat, May 19 8:00a

2012-05-12T15:15:01Z

The Congress Avenue Mile is the premiere mile event in Texas. Starting just in front of the State Capitol building this slightly downhill course produces some amazing battles finishing to a roaring crowd on the Congress Avenue Bridge. This race annually brings together the top high school milers and two-milers from around Texas for one last race before summer hits. With its proximity to the State Champs, all the top high-school studs in Texas are still primed, tapered and ready to roll. Come join us May 19th, and see how fast you can conquer the Congress Avenue Mile! or just join in the festivities on the bridge. PACKET Pick-Up: Friday, May18th at RunTex Riverside:

2012 O. Henry Pun Off

2012-05-14T12:52:00Z

Are you ready for another extremely unique Austin event? This Saturday, May 19, 2012, marks the 35th annual O. Henry Pun Off. At the Pun Off, 32 contestants will compete in two different categories. First, contestants will prepare a piece of "punny" material to be judged for "Punniest of Show," and then "punslingers" will compete in a shoot out of sorts to see who has the quickest wit.

The Pun Off begins at noon, but music will begin at 11 a.m. There will also be door prizes, a Bargain Book Sale, and a live auction at the event, to benefit the museum and its programs. Revenue from refreshment and souvenir sales helps to support educational projects at the Museum, including writing programs for local students.

For more information about the Pun Off and for a schedule of the day's events, visit the event site.

O. Henry Museum
409 E 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Last Big Sing of the season is Thursday, May 17!

2012-05-14T05:05:54Z

Where the audience is the choir!

Yes, that means you! Come to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 17 at 6pm and raise your voice in song. We guarantee that you and hundreds of singing friends will be the biggest choir in Austin that day.

Craig Hella Johnson will lead the assembled multitude in singing popular American folk songs, classics from Broadway and the Great American Songbook, and traditional choral music. You can also expect some favorites from past Big Sings, back by popular demand. And May 17 is Norwegian Independence Day, so there might even be music for that too.

No experience is needed and songbooks are provided. It’s fun, informal, and FREE (no RSVP required) – see you then!

Fun at the Big Sing at First Baptist Church, 11.17.11

Hoops for Hope at the Long Center

2012-05-14T12:57:00Z

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, hula hoopers young and old will participate in Hoops for Hope. Hoopers will gather at the Long Center from noon to 3:30 p.m. and twirl and twist to the routine and hopefully break the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest hula hoop workout!

Registration for the event is $25, but non-hula hooping friends and family can attend and observe for free! All proceeds benefit The Smile Never Fades, a local non-profit that focuses their energy, talent and resources toward the comfort and education of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. There will be lots of entertainment, face painters, and photo booths, so get ready for a day of fun!

For more information, visit Hoops for Hope, The Smile Never Fades, or the Hoops for Hope Facebook page.

The Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704

Run, Play, Walk & Roll at Viva Streets!

2012-05-14T14:00:00Z

Remember when your mom told you not to run in the street? Well this Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., you can throw that old warning out the window and participate in Viva Streets!

During Viva Streets, a two-mile stretch of 6th Street between Brazos and Robert Martinez Jr. Street will be closed to motor vehicles and open biking, running, walking, skateboarding... whatever you want to do that gets you moving! The mission of the event is "to build community, transform a street into public space and encourage active living through recreation, fitness activities, and healthful food options." While the stretch of 6th Street will be closed to traffic, there will be some police controlled intersections where cross traffic will be allowed through.

At Viva Streets, guests are encouraged to play, run, dance, or just take a leisurely stroll down 6th Street. There will also be several opportunities to try activities such as yoga, Zumba, or climb a rock wall. The event is pet friendly, but don't forget to keep pets on a 6-foot leash and clean up after them!

So come be active, try something new, and play in the street!

For more information, visit Viva Streets. To find parking information and a map of the designated area, visit the event details.

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Thu, May 17 8:00p

2012-04-13T18:31:48Z

Event: 10th Annual Keep Austin Weird Fest at Long Center for the Performing Arts, Sat, Jun 23 2:00p

2011-11-30T17:13:45Z

Clear your schedule for the 10th annual Keep Austin Weird Festival. Be sure to wear the wackiest costume in your closet! There will be a variety of vendors at the event which in the past have included Amy’s Ice Creams and Austin’s Pizza. Shots of Republic Tequila may also be available! Each participant will get free entry into the festival with live music and local grub, drink and craft vendors. Start planning your costume now and register at www.keepaustinweirdfest.com to get your passes.

Four On The Floor Class News - May 15

2012-05-13T21:26:00Z

Our May Series Continues this Tuesday May 15th.
Hey - we know it was raining all last week, it seems.
If you missed class last week (week 2), then you can, and should, come back and re-join us this week for week 3 classes.
The after-class dance will be deejayed by Nathan Malone, and it is open to all.

Our June Class Series Begins on June 5th.
We will be CLOSED on May 29th, the day after Memorial Day.
Get all the details of the June Class Schedule next weekend at our web-site - http://fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

COMING THIS WEEK-END:
Austin - May 19th - Intermediate Balboa Workshop with Laura Malloy and Matt Jones.
Details on - http://fouronthefloor.com/Workshops.htm

We are happy to announce these fun May classes:

7:15 pm Classes:
Lindy 4 with Jennifer Monk and Jonathan Jow
A great series with Jennifer and Jonathan for all the Lindy 4 Dancers. Lindy 4 remains in the Georgian Room, and for the months to come.

Lindy 3, with Laura Malloy and Chia-Wen Lin.
Topic - Frankie's Favorites - Old School Lindy Hop Fun. Laura and I are glad to welcome Chia-Wen back to teach this class with Laura. A great chance to learn the fun, dynamic patterns and movement that made this dance so popular in the 30s and 40s.

Lindy 2, with Sally Matsumae and Johnny Serrano.
This month's class series includes Tandem Charleston, some new Lindy Patterns and technique. The Syllabus is all on the website. This class is for the graduates of Lindy 1 who want to move their Lindy Hop up a level and learn the basic technique and patterns that make Lindy so fun and friendly.

8:30 Classes:
Introduction to Swing Dancing with Sally Matsumae and Johnny Serrano
If you're new to swing dancing, even if you have done a little social dancing, this is the class for you. Sally and Johnny will help you "get your game on" and become dance-ready for the social dance floor with Austin's most popular social dance form.

Lindy 1 with Charlotte Brady and Philippe Wilson
So, you've been swing dancing for a while and you know how to do a triple-step. But you want to learn the Lindy and the Charleston. This is the class for you. Come and learn it and stick around to dance in the Ballroom in the after-class dance.

Intermediate Collegiate Shag with Joseph and Tabitha
Joseph and Tabitha are from Washington, D.C. They have been here the last 2 years for the Hot Rhythm Holiday, where they taught some excellent Collegiate Shag classes. Austin in now their home and we are very grateful to have them here. This is their first class series to teach here in Austin. We hope all the Shaggers will come out to take this class. To take this class, you need to have completed a Beginning Collegiate Class series..

Beginning Balboa, with Laura Malloy and Matt Jones.
If you've seen Balboa and want to learn more about it, this is the class for you. Laura and Matt will take you through all the basics over 4 weeks and get you ready for the social dance floor.
Come learn this fun, fast-paced swing dance which is especially popular in Austin because of all the great live music which the dance fits so well.

9:40 - 11 pm - After-Class Dance with DeeJay, Nathan Malone.

Get all the details of the May schedule at our web-site - http://fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

WANT A PRIVATE LESSON IN SWING, LINDY, BALBOA, CHARLESTON ?
Please e-mail Laura Malloy - laura@fouronthefloor.com
She is a great teacher in swing, lindy hop, balboa - whatever you need.

Thanks.

Matt Jones and Laura Malloy-Auderer

Event: Mothers' Day at Sagra at Sagra, Sun, May 13 10:30a

2012-04-19T19:35:09Z

Mom deserves the royal treatment on Mother’s Day, and the thoughtful minds behind Sagra have designed an intimate Mother’s Day Brunch fit for your household queen. Nestled in a cozy Italian farmhouse in the middle of Austin’s downtown historic center, Sagra has set the scene for a relaxing and elegant Mother’s Day dining experience. The brunch will feature a gourmet Italian buffet complete with Banana French Toast, Caprese Salad, Pastiera, Chicken Piccata and more.

Event: Mother's Day Luncheon at Hyatt Regency Austin Downtown (Southwest Bistro) at Hyatt Regency Austin, Downtown on the Lake, Sun, May 13 11:30a

2012-05-01T13:41:31Z

Chef Paul French of Southwest Bistro in the Hyatt Regency Downtown Austin will be whipping up a seven-station buffet fit for a queen, complete with complimentary Champagne. A delectable bounty fills each station; antipasto, salad, seafood, breakfast, carving, hot entrée and dessert. Menu items include herb-roasted prime rib, cider-glazed park and maple-glazed cedar plank salmon, and among other lavish desserts; Godiva Chocolate Shooters.

Event: Mother's Day Concert at the Capitol at Texas Capitol, Sun, May 13 7:00p

2012-04-18T18:44:43Z

Event: Pachanga Fest 2012 at Fiesta Gardens, Sat, May 12 12:00p

2012-04-11T22:02:16Z

Event: A Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown at Mexican American Cultural Center, Sat, May 12 11:30a

2012-05-02T15:18:47Z

Hosted by the Mayor’s Fitness Council, A Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown is a FREE event open to the public where folks can sample the tastiest healthy entrees from 15 restaurant finalists and vote on their favorite. Celebrity-food critics will also cast their votes and the final winners will be announced at he end of the day. Live music, cooking demonstrations, kids activities and a preview of HBO’s Weight of the Nation round out this family event you won’t want to miss!

Weekend Top 10 FREE Events (May 11-13,2012)

2012-05-11T16:12:00Z

Metz Movie Under the Stars - Friday, May 11 at sunset. Bring a blanket or chairs to see An American Tail. Enjoy FREE popcorn and drink as well! **Call 478-8716 after 4 p.m. to ask if the movie is still scheduled. It will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.** Metz Recreation Center, 2704 Canterbury Street, Austin.
Happy Feet 2 - Friday, May 11 at dusk. Movies in the park is often described as a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the nostalgia of the 1950s drive-in. The Movies in the Park series provides families the opportunity to spend time together un- der the stars while enjoying first run movies . Movies begin at dusk. We encourage you to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. **Check the Facebook page or call 528-9909 for weather updates. It depends on how the field dries out, whether or not they will cancel.** Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 South Bagdad, Leander.
Austin Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or What You Will - Friday, May 11 - Sunday, May 13 at 8 p.m. Take your blankets or low chairs and head to Zilker Hillside Theater, next to Barton Springs Pool, to enjoy Bollywood-inspired sets, costumes, music and dance, in this unique production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies. The show is FREE to attend, but donations at intermission are appreciated. **Check the website for weather updates.** Zilker Hillside Theater, 2301 Barton Springs Rd., Austin.
Get Babied! Spring Spa Fest, Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - FREE admission! FREE food and drink! First 100 guests get an awesome FREE schwag bag with spa goodies! FREE belly shots for pregnant mamas! FREE infant portraits for the little ones! FREE Yoga! Henna! Massage! Qi Gong! Chirorpractic assessments! FREE Facials! Mini Manis & Pedis! Mimosas! Flowers! FREE Petting Zoo! Music! FREE Face Painting for Kids! RSVP online to receive a FREE $10 gift card. Baby Earth Round Rock Store, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd, Round Rock.
Austin Chef Showdown - Saturday, May 12, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. To be presented by the Mayor's Fitness Council at the Mexican American Cultural Center, the Austin Chef Showdown is a FREE event where the public can sample the tastiest healthy entrées from 15 restaurant finalists and vote on their favorite. Celebrity-food critics will also cast their votes and the final winners will be announced at the end of the day. In addition to the FREE tastings, the event will feature music, movies, kids activities, cooking demos and more. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin.
Super Cinderella - Saturday, May 12, from 12:30 - 2 p.m. Violet Crown Community Theatre performs an updated, modernized, super charged, and empowered this Cinderella story. Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar, Austin.
Grand Opening of Discovery Lab - Saturday, May 12, from 2 - 4 p.m. Join the Austin Public Library on Saturday for the Grand Opening of the Dell Discovery Lab. Bring the kids to Willie Mae Kirk Branch for fun activities and pizza, and to hear remarks by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Steven Weinberg about the significance of scientific discovery in his life. Willie Mae Kirk Branch, Austin Public Library, 3101 Oak Springs Drive, Austin.
Staci Gray at Ruta Maya - Sunday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. Kids show with Staci Gray. Ruta Maya, 3601 South Congress Avenue, Austin.
Free Music and Admission to Bob Bullock Museum - Sunday, May 13, from 6 - 9 p.m. Women in Texas Music Night. Presented by the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Austin Federation of Musicians and held in conjunction with the special exhibition, Texas Music Roadtrip, this live music series features different themes or genres each week, from cajun and zydeco to jazz and swing. Explore the dynamic musical traditions unique in Texas's history and culture each Sunday night on the Museum's Lone Star Plaza... then explore them in depth inside the Museum, where admission to the exhibits will be also be FREE. For a special treat, each Sunday before the main stage show, enjoy a half hour of music from the Austin Symphony Chamber Players inside the Museum's Rotunda, beginning at 5:15. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin.
Mother's Day Concert at the Capitol - Sunday, May 13 at 7 p.m. What better way to close out a great day with Mom than by taking her to a free concert at the Texas State Capitol in her honor? The band will perform well-known tunes, including marches and musical numbers, that you and your Mom are sure to enjoy! Get there early to select the best seating... this concert gets more popular every year. Texas State Capitol South Steps, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin.

Please note that several of the events we have featured this week have either been canceled or postponed due to the weather. We recommend checking event websites, or calling venues, before heading out this weekend.

For more Mother's Day events and freebies, head over here. Have a great weekend!

May CharityBash Benefiting KLRU @The Rattle Inn 05/17

2012-05-11T18:43:48Z

Citizen Generation is a foundation that believes that for Austin to be the best city it can be, Austinites need to get involved with local philanthropies and the betterment of their community. As a fervent Austinite, I one hundred percent agree! If you love your city, then take pride in it and give back. Well, May 17th is your lucky day, because Citizen Generation is giving you that chance by hosting the May CharityBash benefiting KLRU.

KLRU is Austin’s own licensed public television station and like Citizen Generation they believe in improving the Austin community. How? By providing educational and creative television programming. The CharityBash is taking place at The Rattle Inn and is sure to be an amazing event. Nelo, English Teeth, and Black Pistol Fire will be playing throughout the evening and there will be awesome swag bags for guests. Both Citizen Generation and KLRU rely on members like you, so head to the Rattle Inn and show your support! Click here for a chance to win a pair of free tickets!

Event: Snoop Dogg at Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Thu, Jun 7 7:00p

2012-05-28T09:53:24Z

Thanks again Recspec!

2012-05-11T19:15:18Z

You’re going to be sweating through a lot of shirts this summer,
so why not get ready for a fresh round w/our new NMASS shirt by Laurel Barickman?

Event: An Intimate Night w/ R. Kelly (Mothers Day Weekend) at The Mansion, Sat, May 12 9:00p

2012-05-01T19:25:29Z

Exit Black/ Mansion/ 1 Society/ 102.3 / Black Elite

Free Cartoon Event with Free Pancakes

2012-05-10T13:44:00Z

As part of the upcoming ATX Television Festival, kids of all ages are invited to attend a free community event on Saturday, June 2, 2012 in the ballroom of the Stephen F. Austin hotel. From 9 - 10:30 a.m., kids can bring their sleeping bags and pillows to watch cartoons and eat free pancakes in their pajamas! There will also be giveaways and games.

Although the ATX Television Festival is not free to attend, this Saturday morning screening is free and open to the public. For more information on the Festival, click here. The schedule is not yet posted, but should be up later this month. Check back for updates.

Stephen F. Austin

701 Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas

Grand Opening of Discovery Lab

2012-05-10T15:00:00Z

Join the Austin Public Library on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Dell Discovery Lab! Bring the kids to Willie Mae Kirk Branch from 2 - 4 p.m., for fun activities and pizza, and to hear remarks by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Steven Weinberg about the significance of scientific discovery in his life.

To read more about the Dell Discovery Lab click here. To read the press release about the Grand Opening, click here.

Willie Mae Kirk Branch

Austin Public Library

3101 Oak Springs Drive

Austin, Texas

Free Pools in Austin - 2012 Schedule

2012-05-10T17:00:00Z

School is almost out, and the kids will be aching to go swimming, especially since it's bound to be eleventy billion degrees by 10 a.m. every day. We've already comprised a list of splash pads, so now here is your list of FREE pools around Austin, complete with opening dates. Thanks to the City of Austin for the info.

Make sure to check the pool schedule (pdf) for hours and days of the week that they are open -- some of them are kinda wacky.

North Austin Facilities

Balcones Pool - 12017 Amherst Dr. - opens May 14
Brentwood Pool - 6710 Arroyo Seco - opens June 4
Canyon Vista Pool - 8455 Spicewood Springs - opens June 4
Kennemer Pool - 1031 Peyton Gin Rd. - opens June 4
Murchison Pool - 7022 Hart Ln. - opens June 4

East Austin Facilities

Civitan Pool - 513 Vargas Rd. - opens June 11
Civitan Wading Pool - 513 Vargas Rd. - opens June 11
Dottie Jordan Pool - 2803 Loyola Ln. - opens June 4
Givens Pool - 3811 E. 12th St. - opens June 4
Govalle Pool - 5200 Bolm Rd. - opens June 11
Martin Pool - 1626 Nash Hernandez Sr. Dr. - opens June 9
Metz Pool - 2309 Canterbury St. - opens June 4
Montopolis Pool - 1200 Montopolis Dr. - opens June 4
Parque Zaragosa Pool - 2608 Gonzales St. - opens June 4
Patterson Pool - 4200 Brookview Rd. - opens June 4
Rosewood Pool - 2300 Rosewood Ave. - opens June 2

South Austin Facilities

Big Stacy Pool - 700 E. Live Oak St. - open for the season, but closed May 14-18 for maintenance
Little Stacy Wading Pool - 2000 Alameda - opens June 5
Dick Nichols Pool - 8011 Beckett Rd. - opens May 14
Dittmar Pool - 1009 W. Dittmar Dr. - opens June 4
Dove Springs Pool - 5801 Ainez Dr. - opens June 4
Gillis Pool - 2504 S. Durwood Ave. - opens June 11

West Austin Facilities

Ramsey Pool - 4200 Burnet Rd. - opens June 4
Reed Pool - 2614 Pecos St. - opens June 4
Shipe Pool - 4400 Ave. G - opens June 5
Shipe Wading Pool - 4400 Ave. G - opens June 5
West Austin Wading Pool - 1317 W. 10th St. - opens June 5
West Enfield 2008 Enfield Rd. - opens June 4

Image credit: City of Austin

Joel McHale @The Long Center 05/19/12

2012-05-10T17:05:54Z

I kind of have a thing for men with strawberry blonde hair and comedians. So, to say that Joel McHale is my dream man is an understatement. I may have shed a tear of excitement when I saw he would be performing in Austin on May 19^th at The Long Center. What can I say? I am a sucker for sarcasm. While he might not be your definition of a dreamboat, he is without a doubt an amazing comedian.

You may know him from his hosting gig on E! or his staring role on NBC’s Community, and if you don’t, shame on you! There’s much more to Joel than his mischievous smile and sense of humor. He also happens to be a husband and father (to my dismay), making him a pretty average guy, yet with the ability to give you a laughing cramp. You know kind – where you can’t catch your breath and your abs start to ache. So, if you’re a huge fan or just looking for a good laugh in a Saturday night, make sure to check out Joel McHale on May 19^th at The Long Center. Click here to buy tickets in advance or here for a chance to one of two pairs of tickets!

Austin Sketch Fest 2012 – May 23-27

2012-05-10T18:42:58Z

If you’re like me, all this dreary weather has you a little down and in need of a pick me up. There’s no better cure for the blues than to laugh your butt off to some world class sketch comedy! The third annual Austin Sketch Fest is happening over Memorial Day weekend, and it will showcase the very best scripted comedy America has to offer. Organized by ColdTowne Theater, the 2010 and 2011 festivals were massively successful sellout events, and this year promises to be bigger, badder, and more hilarious than ever!

Sketch Fest 2012 will feature a dozen world class comedy troupes on stages across the city. Some of this year’s performers include Stag Comedy, an Austin-based collective known for their high-energy live show that brings together a love of dumb people, dumb problems, and smart writing. Stag promises to bring a smile to your face and frowns to the faces of your many enemies. The group performs Friday, May 25 at 8PM at Hyde Park Theater with Chicago-based Astronaut Theater.

Other performers include Paul F. Tompkins, who is regarded as one of the best stand ups working today. His credits include Mr. Show with Bob and David, Community, Comedy Bang Bang and his own podcast, the Pod F. Tompcast. Paul is appearing at the 29^th Street Ballroom as part of his Crying & Driving Tour on Saturday, May 26^th and Sunday, May 27^th at 8PM.

Fantasy Sex Picnic has consistently packed the house of The Second City in Hollywood. Some of their skits include a “hardcore ‘Top Gun’ volleyball game, plenty of robots, and real actual dinosaurs.” The group puts on a high energy show with a lot of physical comedy, while still maintaining a fresh, organic approach with every performance. Fantasy Sex Picnic will be showing off their stuff on Friday, May 25^th at 10PM at Hyde Park Theater with Mystery Science Theater 3000 alumni Mary Jo Pehl.

So shake off those rainy day blues and head out to local venues around the city for Sketch Fest 2012. Get your tickets here while they last!

All of Your Summer 2012 Fun in One Place

2012-05-10T18:47:00Z

Alright, friends. We've been posting summer activities like mad this week and I know some of you must be thinking, "But it's only May! How on earth will I keep track of all this information?!" Well, I certainly don't want you to stress about the overwhelming amounts of free fun coming your way. So, here are two links you can bookmark, to reference whenever you need a summer activity in a pinch:

Free Fun Calendar - updated daily
Summer Fun 2012 - handy new page, created just today!

The Summer Fun 2012 page can be accessed at any time by clicking on the link bar at the top of Free Fun in Austin, or you can head there directly. The page includes links to free summer events and activities in each of these categories:

Music
Movies
Theatre
Summer Reading Programs
Water
Outdoor Fun
Camps
Sports
Amusement Parks
Indoor Fun
Library Events
Free Meals for Kids

Does that about cover it? Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to see! I will continue to update the page as more information becomes available online. It's shaping up to be a fun summer in Austin, don't you think?

The Dead Left w/ Paul Banks & The Carousels @ Lamberts 5/12

2012-05-10T21:09:50Z

Don’t know about you, but we here at Do512 love Lamberts! So whenever we get the chance to see a live show at that delicious downtown BBQ spot, we just can’t say no. That is why we are pumped to go see the Austin-based band, The Dead Left, this Saturday, May 12th. Never listened to their music? Well, you should because it is awesome. You can’t help but move your feet and bob your head to their tunes. If you watch the video below, we guarantee that you will be itching to hear more. And get this, the band features a female guitarist! There is just something about female guitarists that just seems so cool. But maybe it is because all of us Do512 girls secretly want to be in a band.

Opening for The Dead Left is Paul Banks & The Carousels and believe us when we say that Paul Banks has quite the voice. Just go see for yourself… You won’t regret it.

So rally up your friends and head to Lambert’s this Saturday for a night full of great eats, delicious cocktails, and awesome music. Worried about expensive ticket prices? Not necessary because tickets for this show are only $5. Talk about a deal! Doors open at 10pm and if you are one that wants to sit down during this show, be sure to come early to grab a good seat as they tend to be taken quickly!

farm tour: countryside family farm, 5/20/2012

2012-05-10T21:47:04Z

Date: Sunday May 20, 2012, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Countryside Family Farm, 376 Jones Road, Cedar Creek, 78612, TX, USA
Tickets: $28 THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

Say goodbye to spring with the final Slow Food farm tour before the summer heat! Meet Sebastian and Esther Bonneu of Countryside Farms in Cedar Creek, just 30 miles outside Austin and specializing in chickens, ducks, rabbits, geese, pheasant, hogs, and turkey. Countryside will be featured on a summer episode of “Bizarre Foods” with Andrew Zimmern. Now is your chance to get a sneak peak of their thoughtful animal husbandry. The tour will include a roasted pig lunch on the farm, prepared by our hosts.

*Please note: to learn about how animals enter our foodsystem, there will be a chicken slaughter and processing– guests will have the option to not view this portion.*

All funds from ticket sales go back to the farmers. Come out and meet the folks who are helping to bring you food that is good, clean, and fair!

Event: Sold Out: M83, I Break Horses at Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Fri, May 18 7:00p

2012-05-18T08:44:55Z

Event: Sold Out: Snow Patrol, Gary Go at Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Thu, May 17 7:00p

2012-05-17T08:54:35Z

WEEKLY SWING NEWSLETTER - May 10, 2012

2012-05-10T18:05:00Z

May Classes Continue - Tuesday, May 15th
If you came week 1, but missed last week, please come on back to finish the month..
Get all the details of the May Class Series on our website. http://www.fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

PassPort to France Shows.
Sean Hopper, bass player and booking master for Central Market in Austin, has put together some great shows over the next 10 days for all of the dancers.
From a Reunion of Continental Graffiti, to Naomi Emmerson's Edith Piaf Tribute Show, to LexLand's French Cabaret Jazz Show, to Albanie and Her Fellas reviving the swinging hot jazz of 1930s Paris. And more !
Many of these shows will play on different nights at both the North Lamar and WestGate Blvd Central Markets.
Look in the calendar below for the bold type, (PassPort France Show) , and you will find these shows.

COMING THIS MONTH:
Austin - May 19th - Intermediate Balboa Workshop with Laura Malloy and Matt Jones.
Details on - http://fouronthefloor.com/Workshops.htm

AND a whole lot of great dance opportunities, so ...

THIS WEEK IN THE CLUBS -
THURSDAY - MAY 10
> The Tony Harrison Band (Country music mixed with swing and bossa nova), 6 - 8 pm, BROKEN SPOKE
> Naomi Emmerson performs a tribute to Edith Piaf, (PassPort France Show) 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (N. Lamar Store)
> Danielle Reich (of Hot Club Soda) Quartet performs a French cabaret show, (PassPort France Show) 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (WestGate)
> The Lucky Strikes, 7 - 10 pm, COAL VINES, a pizza and wine bar (314 WestSecond Street; across 2nd street from City Hall)
> Austin Swing Syndicate Weekly DeeJayed Dance; with BallRoom DeeJays: Big Apple Lesson with Joanna Lucero at 8-9, Nik Brauer 9 - 10 pm, Nik Brauer 10 - 11 pm, Mike Roberts 11 pm - Midnight;
Fast Music Side Room with DJs David Bradford at 9:30 and Victor G at 10:30; 8 pm - Midnight all at ALL AT TEXAS FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
> Tameca Jones (the diva is reborn), 10:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
> Hollywood Revue (Music from old Hollywood Movies) , 11:00 pm - 1 am, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM
FRIDAY - MAY 11
The Blues Specialists (Blues music event), 6:30 - 8:30 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Lex Land performs French Cabaret Jazz and Parisian Pop, (PassPort France Show) 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (N. Lamar Store)
The Robert Kraft Trio, 8:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
Kick Butt Blues (Blues Music Show), 9 pm - 1 am, KICK BUTT COFFEE (Airport and 290)
The Magnificent 7, 7-10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Albanie (Falleta), Katie (Holmes), Emily (Gimble) & Hal (Smith), 10 pm - Midnight, FIREHOUSE LOUNGE (605 Brazos)
Two Tons of Steel at 10, Mike and the MoonPies at Midnight ( Country Music Show ), CONTINENTAL CLUB
SATURDAY - MAY 12
Continental Graffiti, (PassPort France Show), 8 - 9:30 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (N. Lamar location)
Jitterbug Vipers, 8:30 - 10 pm, JOVITA'S
SUNDAY - MAY 13
Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies Mother's Day Brunch Show, 11:30 am, LAMBERT'S
Ephraim Owens and Kevin Lovejoy (Not a dance show, but a great jazz show), 7:30 - 9:30 pm, LAMBERT'S
HeyBale ( Country Music Show ), 10 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Rat Pack Night with Bob Hoffnar's WhiteHorse Orchestra at 10 pm, THE WHITE HORSE (500 Comal)
MONDAY - MAY 14
Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, QUALITY SEAFOOD
Hot Club of CowTown (hot gypsy jazz show), 8:30 - 10, Marshall Hood Band at 10:30 pm, THE GALLERY (Above the Continental Club)
Little Elmore Reed Band (blues event), 10:30 pm, WHITE SWAN (1906 East 12th St)
Jim Stringer Band at 10 pm, THE WHITE HORSE SALOON
MoTown Monday with The MatchMaker Band (soul music event), 10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
TUESDAY - MAY 15
Four On The Floor May Classes Continue, After-Class Dance at 9:40 pm with DJ Nathan Malone, TEXAS FED;
BorderTown BootLeggers (Western Swing and Gypsy Jazz), 8 pm - 11 pm, RATTLE INN (606 Nueces)
Erik Hokkanen's Hip Replacements, 930 pm, (limited dance space), FLIPNOTICS (on Barton Springs Rd)
Guy Forsyth and the Hot Nut Riveters at 10, Ghosts Along the Brazos at Midnight, CONTINENTAL CLUB
WEDNESDAY - MAY 16
Hot Club of CowTown (Western Swing and Gypsy Jazz) 6:30 - 8:30 pm, CONTINENTAL CLUB
Albanie and Her Fellas performs swinging hot jazz from 1930s Paris, (PassPort France Show) 6:30 - 9:00 pm, CENTRAL MARKET (N. Lamar Store)
Jitterbug Vipers, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, LAMBERT'S
Chapparal ( Country Music Show ) , 9 pm - Midnight, BROKEN SPOKE
Black, Red, Black ("Superstars of Jazz"), 10 pm, THE HIGHBALL
Paper Moon Shiners (Oliver Steck's Old Timey Blues and Jazz Band), 9-11 pm, EASTSIDE SHOWROOM

UPCOMING EVENTS -
FYI -- You'll also find our announcements on our blog newsletter: http://austinswingdance.blogspot.com/
and find us and more dance announcements on: www.TodayinAustin.com

happy hour: boggy creek farm, 5/17/2012

2012-05-10T14:59:25Z

Date: Thursday May 17, 2012, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons Road, Austin TX 78702
Cost: $15 suggested donation

Slow Food Austin will host our seasonal third Thursday farm Happy Hour at Boggy Creek Farm. The evening will feature food sourced directly from the farm and prepared by Chef Matt Taylor, cocktails will be whipped up by Bartender Lara Nixon (owner of Bad Dog Bar Craft Bitters) and will showcase spirits from Balcones Distillery and Dripping Springs Vodka. Sommelier Dirk Miller will be pouring wines that can stand the Texas Heat. Music will be graciously provided by Jerry Hagins and Crew. This should be a beautiful evening! We hope to see you there. A suggested $15 will cover food and drinks. Proceeds from the evening will go to support Slow Food Austin Programming.

2012 Summer Reading Programs

2012-05-09T14:30:00Z

School's almost out, but there are plenty of fun summer reading programs to keep kids reading all summer long. Here are several programs for your little book worm to enjoy. Keep checking back though, because some libraries and programs haven't rolled out their 2012 information yet.

Bookstores

Half Price Books -- The Feed Your Brain program offers $5 in Back to School Bucks to kids who have read a total of 300 minutes in a month's time, logged on a reading log. Parents may read to kids who are still learning. One Top Reader from each age group will win a $20 HPB gift card.
BookPeople -- BookPeople's brand new summer reading program lets kids in grades K-8 (broken up into age groups) complete a six book challenge and claim their reward. Check back after May 15th for the list of summer reading titles.
Barnes & Noble -- No details yet for 2012, but in 2011, kids could read any 8 books, log them into a reading journal, then earn a FREE book from an approved list when they turn in the journal to any Barnes & Noble location. Last year, the summer reading program was announced on May 23. Check their website for updates.

Libraries

Austin Public Library -- Sign up at the library or online, record books you read all summer in a reading log, return your completed log to any Austin Public Library location between July 1 and August 26, 2012, and get a FREE book! (Pssst! There's a reading program for adults too!)
Round Rock Public Library -- "Get a Clue!" Set goals and earn books and prizes for reading 5, 10, 15 or 20 hours between June 4 and August 6. The library will also host special music, movies, and other fun activities all summer, starting June 4.
Cedar Park Public Library -- Also with the "Get a Clue" theme, the program runs from June 4 - July 27. Check their website for updates and more details.
Georgetown Public Library -- Kick off their summer reading club on June 2 with free food, face painting, and train rides. Sign up for the Texas Reading Club, where readers get small incentive prizes throughout June and July and all kids who complete their reading logs will be eligible for the grand prize drawing at the end of July.
Wells Branch Community Library -- "Get a Clue," June 2 - August 11. Ages 0-10 track reading in a reading log and earn prizes at 500 and 1000 pages. Those with additional 1000 page logs enter into a grand prize raffle. Kids age 11-18 participate in the teen summer reading club.

Online Programs

Scholastic Summer Challenge for Kids -- Read and log as many minutes as you can and complete weekly challenges for a chance to win some awesome stuff!
Book It! Summer Break Reading Challenge -- From June 15 - August 15, kids who just completed grades K-6 and meet the challenge of reading 5 books will be eligible for a chance to win one of 50 Diary of a Wimpy Kids prize packages.
Book Adventure by Sylvan -- Kids in grades K-8 can find a book, take quizzes on what they've read, and earn prizes for their reading success.

Businesses

Chuck E. Cheese's -- Download a Reading Rewards Chart (they have many different ones to choose from and it is a year-round program), read every day for two weeks and redeem your chart for 10 free tokens. The only catch is that this is not totally free. You must purchase food to get these “free” tokens. Take it or leave it…. at least they have air conditioning!
H.E.Buddy Summer Reading Club -- Pick up or download a form, log ten books, mail the form in to get a cool prize. What kid doesn’t like getting a prize in the mail?

Image credit: BookPeople

Go Fish! Event at McKinney Falls State Park

2012-05-09T15:00:00Z

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, children age 5 and up can learn the basics of fishing at McKinney Falls State Park through fun, hands-on activities. From 9 a.m. to noon, families are invited to Go Fish! Head over to the park at 9 a.m. for registration, enter a drawing for prizes and take away a fishing fun pack! Equipment and bait will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Participants are also encouraged to bring sun protection and water. No license is necessary. Adults must accompany children.

Please note that although the Go Fish! event is free, you will still need to pay admission to the State Park, which is $6 per person age 13 and older.

For more information, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website. To see the schedule of upcoming Go Fish! events, click here.

McKinney Falls State Park

(Near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport)
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway

Austin, Texas 78744

Art of the Pot Studio Tour

2012-05-09T16:00:00Z

Four studios and fifteen artists will be showcased in the 9th Annual Art of the Pot Austin Ceramic Studio Tour and Sale during Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13, 2012, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Art of the Pot started modestly in 2004 when local potters invited potters from around the country to Austin for a weekend show and sale, giving the public a chance to see something new in contemporary pottery.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information and to download the tour map, visit artofthepot.com.

Image credit: Art of the Pot

Yellow Bike Project & REI Bike Drive

2012-05-09T20:22:00Z

REI Austin Downtown will host a bike drive on Saturday, May 26, 2012, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Austin's Yellow Bike Project (YBP) will be accepting bikes and parts at any level of completeness and disrepair. Donated bikes will be fixed up by YBP volunteers, who'll learn while they work, and put back into action on Austin streets. All bikes are welcome, but in an effort to help kids get outside, YBP is specifically requesting KID'S BIKES for an upcoming project with the Major Taylor Bicycle Club! Come join in the Fun of Giving!

For more information, visit REI Austin Downtown or Austin's Yellow Bike Project.

601 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-3357

Classical Cactus winds up its season May 10

2012-05-09T13:18:38Z

Austin Classical Guitar Society winds up its Classical Cactus concert series for the summer after presenting guitarists Eric Pearson, Stephen Krishnan and Mark Cruz in performance on May 10. In one of the smartest presentations of classical music in

Event: Janes Addiction at Bass Concert Hall, Sat, May 12 8:30p

2012-03-12T07:29:07Z

NOMN: Nueva Onda alum wins Camera Novo, & a screening Thurs!

2012-05-09T06:23:33Z

Hello to long-unseen friends!

The Nueva Onda we remember is now Lucy’s Fried Chicken. But the spirit of Nueva Onda lives on, and the filmmakers from the Nueva Onda Movie Nights are still going strong!

What are you doing Thursday?

How about a movie? Maybe one starring our own Kevin Cox, multiple-term NOMN screener and man about town?

Kevin writes, “RESET, my latest film project, will be shown as part of Miguel Alvarez’s End of Semester Screenings at Studio 4D in UT Building CMA . CMA.A is the windowless building on East side of Guadalupe where Austin City Limits used to be filmed. The screening is free and runs 8p to 10p.

“In RESET I play a Physics Professor who has invented a Time-Travel device who gets caught in a loop of events that he can’t change.

“Free on street parking can be found north of Dean Keeton, or west of the UT Campus.”

Susan Youssef wins the Camera Novo!

Our splash image today comes from the Cinema Novo Festival, where NOMN alumni Susan Youssef (“Marjoun and the Flying Headscarf”) has landed a mighty big fish!

Habibati | Darlings,

I am happy to announce that Habibi has just won the jury prize at Cinema Novo Festival in Belgium, the Camera Novo.

Thanks to your support behind me and Habibi, which has allowed the film to successfully screen internationally, I am currently listed as number 25 of the ’100 Most Powerful Arab Women,’ in Arabian Business.

We’re committed to giving back to Gaza. On May 10 at 7 p.m., Middle East Children’s Alliance screens Habibi at the historic Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, CA. This is a fundraiser for clean water for childen in Gaza, a special project led by Dr. Mona El-Farra.

We screen Habibi in festivals this spring, in addition to our education tour… To check out where Habibi screens next, please vist our website.

Finally, if you would like to order a Habibi book featuring photos and poems from the film, you can do so at Blurb.

Thanks to all of you who have come out to our screenings! I look forward to meeting more of you soon as we continue our tour.

Salamaat,

Susan Youssef
Director, Habibi

Follow me at Twitter – @susanyoussef
Join our Facebook group – Habibi Rasak Kharban

A hearty congrats to Susan and Kevin. We hope to see you around town!

Filed under: Austin movies Tagged: Austin movies, habibi, kevin cox, miguel alvarez, miguel alvarez screening, RTF screenings, UT movie

Mother Earth Festival at the Springs

2012-05-08T15:10:00Z

Families and students are invited to spend a few fun hours learning about ecosystems and habitats at the Mother Earth Day Festival at the Springs on Friday, May 11, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special guest Sara Hickman will be at the festival, along with children's entertainers Laura Freeman and the Hey Lollies and Bill Oliver & The Otter Space Band.

Bill Oliver will bring together music, puppet shows, interactive educational booths, games, art, ecological activities, and local wildlife for this free weekday festival. Participants will celebrate Mother Earth, with a focus on Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and the special watershed in and around Austin, while learning about habitat and water conservation, solar power, and endangered and protected species. The activities are designed to engage kids ages 4-13.

Some of the fun planned:

All Solar! Powered by Austin Energy Solar Trailer
Turtles of Lady Bird Lake & Barton Creek
Barton Springs Puppet Show
TreeFolks’ Mascot "Barkley" Event
Keep Austin Beautiful: "Beautiful Bugs"
Tours of the Splash! Exhibit
Maypole dancing and music
Permaculture Demonstration
Watershed Exhibits
Salamander sock puppets!
SOS Endangered Species of Barton Creek Mural
Magic Shows
Giant Chess Game
Hula Hoops
Pirates at large

Mother Earth Day Festival at the Springs will be held in Zilker Park, located just across the parking lot from the Zilker Hillside Theater, next to the Barton Springs pool and bath house. Click here for a map.

Please note that the rain date is May 18 and there is rain in the forecast for Friday. For more information, visit the Mother Earth Festival website.

Free Admission to Wildflower Center on Friday

2012-05-08T15:58:00Z

Take part in National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11, 2012 by visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The Wildflower Center is participating in the nationwide celebration, but is not, however, listed on the online National Public Gardens Day coupon download form. Instead, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center shared on Facebook that you can simply mention "National Public Gardens Day" as you enter on Friday, to receive free admission.

For more information, visit the National Public Gardens Day website, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Facebook page.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, Texas 78739

Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown

2012-05-08T18:00:00Z

Healthy eating is important to a lot of Austinites, and local restaurants try their best to create fresh, healthy foods to serve to their patrons. Now in the Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown, participating restaurants, food trailers, and cafeterias have created healthy entrées and will compete to see which ones Austinites love the most. You decide- where’s the best food in town that makes our bodies feel good too?

To be presented by the Mayor's Fitness Council at the Mexican American Cultural Center on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., the Austin Chef Showdown is a FREE event where the public can sample the tastiest healthy entrées from 15 restaurant finalists and vote on their favorite. Celebrity-food critics will also cast their votes and the final winners will be announced at the end of the day. In addition to the free tastings, the event will feature music, movies, kids activities, cooking demos and more.

For more information, visit Austin Chef Showdown.

Mexican American Cultural Center

600 River Street

Austin, TX 78701

Image credit: Austin Chef Showdown

Vacation Bible School (VBS) - Summer 2012

2012-05-08T21:00:00Z

Summer vacation is nearly upon us... are you ready? If you're interested in free or cheap church programs to help fill those long summer days, here is a list of local Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs for you to consider.

We will continue to add to this list as more information comes in, so feel free to bookmark this page and check back for updates.

VBS programs are listed by city, in chronological order:

Austin

Hyde Park Baptist Church - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." Free. June 4-7, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Family VBS Kick-Off Event, June 3 at the Quarries at 5 p.m.) Completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. (For children completed 6th through completed 8th grade Hyde Park is offering Next Level which will be held simultaneously with the Hyde Park VBS). VBS is held at the Quarries - 11400 N. Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78759. Register online.
High Pointe Baptist Church - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." Free. June 4-7, 2012, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. For children in grades 1 - 6. 12030 Dessau Road, Austin, TX 78754. Register online.
Riverbend - "Zapped." $50. June 4-8, 2012, from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Age 4 (by 9/1/12) through 5th grade. 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy N., Austin, TX 78746. Register online.
Lake Hills Church - "The Secret Door." Free. June 11 - 14, 2012. Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Entering Kinder - 5th Grade. Register online. Family VBS Session: June 11 - 14, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Lake Hills Church West Campus, 11521 Bee Caves Rd., Austin. Register online.
Lord of Life Lutheran - "Operation Overboard." $20 per child ($50 per family max). June 11 - 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. to noon. 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin. Register online (click the red "Vacation Bible School" button at the top of the screen).
Covenant Presbyterian Church - "Sky!" $25 per child. June 11 - 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. Ages 2 - 5th grade. 3003 Northland Drive. Register online (registration closed May 25, 2012).
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church - "ReNew!" June 11 - 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. to noon. $15. Ages: 4 to entering 6th grade. 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759.Register online. (This church is also offering Cooking Camps and Summer Musical Camp for $55 - $85 / week).
Anderson Mill Baptist - "Sky." June 11-15, 2012, from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Free ($5 for a t-shirt - optional). Ages completed K - 5th grade. 10633 Lake Creek Pkwy. Register online (registration deadline June 1, 2012).
St. David's Episcopal Church - "Sky!" June 11 - 15, from 9 a.m. - noon. $40 per child. Ages 3 - 12. 301 E. 8th Street, Austin. Register online.
Redeemer Lutheran Church - "Sky." June 11 - 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. Free ($20 donation suggested). Completed preschool - 5th grade. Registration deadline June 4. (They also offer a soccer camp that is $10 and includes lunch.) 1500 West Anderson Lane, Austin. Register online.
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church - "Babylon." June 11 - 19, 2012, from 9 a.m. to noon. $35 for the first child, $20 for each additional child. 4800 Convict Hill Road, Austin. General registration is closed, but you may put your name on the waiting list.
St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church - June 11 - 15, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. - noon. 126 W. Oltorf, Austin. Registration May 26th-27th after all Masses and June 2nd-3rd after all Masses. For more information, contact 512.442.3602.
Woodlawn Baptist Church - "Encounter God's Awesome Power." June 18 - 22, 2012. Free. 4600 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX, 78745. (512) 442-7858. Register online.
Great Hills Baptist Church - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." June 18 - 22, 2012. Free. For ages 4 - 6th grade. 10500 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759. Register online (registration deadline is June 10, 2012).
Austin Ridge Bible Church - "Zapped!" $15 per person. June 18 - 22, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ages 4 (as of 9/1/12) - completed Grade 5. 9300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas 78733. Register online.
Bethany Lutheran Church - "Amazing Desert Journey." June 18 - 22, 2012 from 9 a.m. - noon. Ages 3 (and potty trained) - entering 6th Grade. 3701 West Slaughter Lane, Austin. (512) 292-8778. Register online.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church - "Sky." June 18 – 22, 2012, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. $50 per child. Scholarships are available. 4 years old (by 9/1/12) – Entering fourth grade. 5455 Bee Cave Road, Austin. Register online (registration deadline June 4, 2012).
New Life United Pentecostal Church - "Sky!" $20 one child, $37 two siblings, $52 three or more siblings – includes t-shirt(s). July 23-27, 2012, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 4001 Adelphi Lane, Austin. Register online.
Northwest Hills United Methodist Church - "Operation Overboard." Free. June 24 - 28, 2012, from 5:45-8:00 p.m. (dinner M-Th from 5:00-5:45 p.m.). Ages 3 - 5th grade (as of Sept.). 7050 Village Center Dr, Austin, TX 78731. Register online.
Prince of Peace Lutheran - "Free to Follow" Day Camp. Monday, July 2- Friday, July 6, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Thursday night at 7 p.m. there will be a Community Celebration for all campers, their families, and the congregation. Free. For completed Kindergarten through sixth grade. Day Camp is offered in partnership with Cross Trails Ministry. Camp staff, together with volunteers from the congregation, will lead the experience. This summer’s theme is “Free to Follow”. Campers will be exploring the Exodus story. There will be games, Bible studies, worships, songs, snacks, crafts, and more. Kids should bring a sack lunch each day, but breakfast and lunch can be provided if needed. Snacks are available twice a day. Before and after care is available for an additional charge. Email poplcyouth@gmail.com or stop by Prince of Peace at 1711 E. Oltorf St. 78741 to pick up registration forms. Please plan to register by June 25, 2012.
St. Mary Cathedral - "The Vatican Express." July 9 - 13, 2012. $60 per student until May 18. $75 per student from May 20 - June 8. - Pre-K through 6th grade. 203 E. 10th Street, Austin. Download registration form.
First Evangelical Free Church - "Sky!" July 9 - July 13, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $20 per child (includes a t-shirt). 4-years-olds through 5th graders (as of September 2012). 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd, 78749. (512) 891-1600. Register online.
Austin Baptist Church - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." July 9 - 13, 2012, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free. Ages 4 - fifth grade (completed). 9003 Waterford Centre Blvd., Austin, TX 78758. Register online.
Hill Country Bible Church - "Great Adventure" Backyard Bible Clubs. July 9 - 12, 2012. Free. Families host Backyard Bible Clubs in the back (or front) yard of their home or apartment complex. Clubs are held at 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Ages: current Kindergarten - 4th graders. Various Austin neighborhoods.
Shoreline - "Big In God." $15 per child. July 16 - 19, 2012 from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Ages 4-7. 3 locations: North, South, and West. Register online.
Church at Canyon Creek - "SonSurf Beach Bash." Free. July 23-27, 2012 from 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Ages K - 5th grade. 9001 FM 620 North Austin, Texas 78726. Register online.
St. Alban's Episcopal Church - "Operation Overboard." $15. July 30 - August 3, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. 11819 IH 35 South, Austin,TX • 78747. 512-282-5631. Register online.
First United Methodist Church - "Operation Overboard." August 6 - 10, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. You can register online at:http://fumcvbs2012.blogspot.com/ for a reduced fee of $30/child. After June 15th cost increases to $40/child. 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, Texas 78701.

Cedar Park

Good News United Methodist Church - "Operation Overboard." June 25 - 29, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. $10/per child. K - 5th grade. 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX. Register Online.

Georgetown

Main Street Baptist Church - "Sky!" Free. June 4 - 8, 2012, from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. K - completed 4th grade. 1001 Main Street, Georgetown. Mail in registration form.
First United Methodist Church - "Operation Overboard." $15-$20 (includes t-shirt, CD, art supplies and snacks). June 4-8, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. 410 East University Avenue, Georgetown, Texas 78626. 512-863-2370. Mail in registration form.
Crestview Baptist Church - Camp Crestview 2012. June 11 - 15, 2012 or June 18 - 22, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. $28 - $42. Within each of the one-week camps, there are three distinct camps designed for specific age groups: completed Kindergarten; completed 1st -4th grades; and completed 5th-6th grades. 410 East University Avenue, Georgetown.
Grace Bible Church - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." June 25 - 29, 2012, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. (ages 4-completed Kindergarten) and 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (completed 1st - 6th grade). 302 Serenada Drive, Georgetown. Register online.
First Baptist Georgetown - Music Camp, Art Camp, Princess Camp, Kidz Kamp, SuperCharge (boys') Camp. $25-$75. Go here for details.

Hutto

Hutto Bible Church - Backyard Bible Clubs. Free. July 9 - 12, 2012. Families host Backyard Bible Clubs in the back (or front) yard of their home or apartment complex. Various Hutto neighborhoods.

Kyle

First Baptist Church, Kyle - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." Free. June 18-22, 2012 from 9 a.m. - noon. Completed K - 5th Grade. Register in the church office the week before or register the first morning of VBS.

Lakeway

Lakeway Church - "Zapped!" $15 per child; $25 maximum per family. June 4-8, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. VBS is open to all children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis. Registration fees are waived for all children of any parent who volunteers three days or more during VBS. 2203 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway, TX, 78734. Register online.

Leander

Believers Fellowship Church - "Backstage with your Bible." Free. Wednesday, June 6 – Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Preschool through 5th Grade (3-year-olds invited with adult). Your kids will have a great time learning the books of the Bible, the ten commandments, and how to be saved by grace through faith...and that’s all just in the first few minutes of singing each day! Our goal with this Vacation Bible School is to clearly present the gospel of Jesus Christ while having as much fun as humanly possible. It’s time to put the Bible back into Vacation Bible School! 1650 CR 270, Leander, TX 78641. To register, contact Deborah Miller at deborahmiller2004@yahoo.com or 512-763-5403.

Manchaca

Manchaca United Methodist Church - "Operation Overboard." $15. July 30 - August 3, 2012, from 9 a.m. - noon. Ages 4 years to 5th grade. Early Drop-Off Available from 8:00-9:00 for an additional $10 fee. (Children will be supervised on the playground). Space is limited so register early! Please Note: To guarantee a t-shirt and CD, the registration and payment deadline is July 20. 1011 FM 1626, Manchaca TX 78652 (SE corner of Manchaca RD and FM 1626). Register online.

Pflugerville

First Baptist Church Pflugerville - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." Free. June 11 - 15, from 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Thursday Family Night on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. Ages K - 6th grade (completed). 306 South 10th Street, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. 512-251-3052. Register online.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church - "Sky!" $35 for 1 child. $25 for each additional child. June 18-22, 2012. Ages 4 to 6th Grade. 1520 N. Railroad, Pflugerville. For more information call the RE office at 512-251-9842.

Immanuel Lutheran Church - "Babylon." June 25 - 28, from 9 a.m. - noon. Completed Kindergarten through completed 5th grade. 500 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville. Online registration begins May 25, 2012.

Calvary Austin - "Xtreme Bible Camp." June 18 - 22, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $50 for first child, $25 for each additional child (before and aftercare are available for an additional fee). Experience the wonders of the world and the God that created them all at this exciting week long camp! There will be bible teaching, games, missions, crafts, a science class, a wonders class, and much much more! XBC is designed for children in preschool through incoming sixth grade (ages 4 - 12). Childcare will be offered in the morning beginning at 7:30 a.m. and after care is availble until 5:30 for additional fees. Each child will need to bring a sack lunch clearly labled Monday through Thursday. Pizza will be provided on Friday. Also on Friday, will be the Closing Ceremony for Parents from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Before care cost is $10 dollars for the week and begins at 7:30 a.m.; aftercare cost is $10 for the week and goes till 5:30 p.m. 1601 Pecan St. W. Pflugerville, TX 78660. Register online.

First United Methodist Church - "Operation Overboard." $5 donation requested. June 25 - 28, 2012, from 5:45 - 8 p.m. Family VBS for ages 3 and up (nursery for ages 0 - 2). 500 East Pecan Street, Pflugerville. Mail in registration form (pdf).

Hill Country Bible Church Pflugerville -Backyard Bible Clubs. Free. July 9-12, 2012 with SummerFest on July 13. Each club lasts one hour and fifteen minutes. Club times are 9:00am, 10:45am, 5:45pm and 7:30pm. Various Pflugerville neighborhoods.

Round Rock

Central Baptist Church - "Zapped." June 4 - 8, 2012 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Kick off party Sunday, June 3, 2012, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Completed K - 5th grade. (There is also a 6th grade VBS held at a private residence). 301 N Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock. Mail in registration form (pdf).
Round Rock Presbyterian Church - "Bug Safari." June 11-15, 2012, from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages (potty trained) 3 years to 5th grade. $7 per child with max $20 per family. 4010 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock. Mail in registration form (pdf).
St. Philip's United Methodist Church - "Sky." June 18 - 22, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. - noon. Ages 4 - entering 5th grade. 16321 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock. Register online.
First United Methodist Church - June 25-29 or July 16-20, 2012. Children may register for only one week. VBS is from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Monday - Friday of each week. The cost is $30 per child. Preschool - 5th grade. Registration for SKY VBS is open and will close on May 15 or when each age level has reached the maximum number of children for the program. Register online.
Grace Presbyterian Church - "Sky." June 25 - 29, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. - noon. A registration fee of $25, or a family max of $50 will be due at the time of registration. Children who have completed Kindergarten through rising 5th graders are encouraged to register. There are limited spots for preschoolers aged 4 & 5 (not completed Kindergarten). 1705 Gattis School Road, Round Rock. You can register at the church or by calling the VBS registrar, Kathy Roalson at 512-628-0994.
Faith Baptist Church - June 26 - 29, 2012. Visit the website for updates. 3625 Gattis School Road, Round Rock.
First Baptist Church Round Rock - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." Free. July 22 - 26, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Kids entering K - 6th grades. 306 Round Rock Avenue. Register online.
Palm Valley Lutheran Church - "Daniel: Courage in Captivity." July 30 - August 3, 2012. Free. Ages 4 - completed 4th grade. More information here (pdf). 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. Online registration.

San Marcos

Calvary Baptist - "Amazing Wonders Aviation." July 8 - 12, 2012, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Free. Calvary VBS is open to children 3 years old to completed 5th grade. 1906 N. IH 35, San Marcos, Texas 78666. 512-353-8540. Register online. Registration will be open each night at 5:30 p.m.

To add your church's summer programming to this list, or to update a current listing, please send Heidi an email at freenius@gmail.com with details.

Ozomatli @Stubbs 05/27/12

2012-05-08T19:58:51Z

I’ve heard many people from the West Coast refer to Austin as the “New LA.” While I think Austin is a city with a personality all its own, it’s hard not to be flattered by the comparison. Ozomatli, a band that hails from the City of Angels and is quite passionate about it, are playing here in Austin. These guys are considered hometown heroes and claim that their music could not have been inspired anywhere else but Los Angeles. Austinites can definitely relate to a love for their city and keeping things local. Ozomatli is a blend of Latin, hip hop, and rock music, which is a pretty awesome mix. This nine-member band of musical eclecticism are playing at Stubbs on May 27^th, which is going to be an amazing show!

Formed in 1985, Ozomatli originally came together to play at a Los Angeles labor protest. Ever since then, the band has stayed true to their politically active roots by using music as a language to communicate a need for change and to promote peace. In 2007, they were invited by the U.S. State Department to serve as official Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Not only is Ozomatli a voice for their city, but a voice of the world. These guys are playing for more than just fame and fun, but to make a difference.

Ozomatli is the name of the Aztec astrological symbol of the monkey, which is the god of dance, fire, the new harvest, and music, meaning that these guys must be a ton of fun. For fifteen years, these “culture-mashers” have been playing for audiences all over the world, so click here to buy your ticket in advance or here for a chance to win a pair of tickets, because this is a show you won’t want to miss!

This week only! Handel & Pärt 9pm tickets 50% off

2012-05-08T16:43:25Z

Through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th, tickets to the 9:00pm Saturday, June 9th performance of “Handel & Pärt: Brilliant Baroque, Sublime Silences” are half-price when purchasing 2 or more (up to 20) with the promo code HANDEL.

The concert is an exceptional opportunity to hear masterworks by favorite composers, performed by our Company of Voices and a string orchestra. The program includes George Frideric Handel’s dynamic, virtuosic Dixit Dominus, Arvo Pärt’s spacious, luminous Berliner Messe, and the meditative On the Beach at Night by Andrew Imbrie, set to a text by iconic poet Walt Whitman. These rich works invite reflective listening, and the 9:00pm show sets the stage with subdued, dramatic lighting.

Promo details:

9:00pm concert only

Minimum purchase for half-price offer 2 tickets

Limit 20 half-price tickets

Ends midnight May 13th

Offer does not apply to already discounted tickets (group rates, student rate)

Use promo code HANDEL

Link to buy (Enter code on this page above event description boxes.)

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Central Market Hosts Passport to France Event May 9-22

2012-05-07T23:35:56Z

How would you like to take a Tour de France with no passport, plane fare, or packing required? Beginning Wednesday, May 9, Central Market will send guests on the ultimate culinary excursion through France during a two week celebration of the country’s most delicious offerings.

During Central Market’s ‘Passport to France’ event, stroll through the aisles to discover artisanal cheeses, from-scratch breads, and a spectacular selection of French wines. If picking the perfect apéritif or fromage isn’t your cup of tea, there will cheese and wine experts on hand to play guide throughout the event. Each store location will also host special French themed cooking classes to help guests discover their inner Julia Child. For the home chef, visit Central Market’s well-stocked seafood and meat markets for the right ingredients to create the perfect steak frites or bouillabaisse. Work up an appetite by engaging in a traditional game of Pétanque before devouring a freshly made crepe. Better yet, stock up on usually hard to find French pantry staples such as Melfor Vinegars, Nectors de Bourgogne juices, and Paysan Breton Butters for a taste of France all summer long. Bon Appetite indeed.

At an event held at the lovely French Legation Museum, I received a taste of some of Central Market’s ‘Passport to France’ offerings. With glasses of (reasonably priced) wine, bites of decadent cheese, and Nutella-filled crepes, it was an excellent preview of what to expect during the special two week event.

Passport to France

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Central Market’s ‘Passport to France’ event, running from May 9-22, will kick off this Wednesday with a champagne toast at each store location. Central Market North Lamar will host an opening ceremony Viva la France! event from 6-9 p.m. featuring French cuisine, wine, and live music by Rumbullion. Central Market Westgate will raise a champagne glass at 3 p.m. at the store’s Bistro 420 café followed by live music from Datri Bean from 6:30-9 p.m.

Full list of events after the jump!

Central Market North Lamar Passport to France Events:

Wednesday, May 9:

Viva la France! Event – 6-9 pm on the Café Deck

Parisian Bistro Classics Cooking Class – 6:30 pm; $55 per person, reservations and class details here.

Michel Fonne, Owner/Winemaker, Domaine Rene Barth – 4-7 pm in the Wine Department

Thursday, May 10:

Frank-Lin Dalle, Winemaker, Chateau de Campuget from Costiers di Nimes – 4-7 pm in the Wine Department

Begin with a Bit of Bubbly Cooking Class with Thomas Henriot – 6:30pm; $65 per person, reservations and class details here

Live Music by Naomi Emmerson – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Friday, May 11:

SEAFOOD 101: WITH A FRENCH ACCENT – 6:30 pm; $65 per person, reservations and class details here

Live Music by Lex Land – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Charles Neal, Bidalere/Perrin, Charles Neal Selections – 4-7 pm in the Wine Department

Saturday, May 12:

Crepes Cooking Class – 10 am; $55 per person, reservations and class details here

Cinderella Supérieur en France – 12:30 – 2 pm; the Violet Crown Theatre will perform this famous French children’s story.

Michael Lee & the Austin Mime Theatre – 6:30 – 7:30pm; Mimes!

Yves Glotin, Owner, Chateau Goudichaud – 3-6 pm in the Wine Department

Live Music by Continental Graffitti – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Sunday, May 13:

FAVORITES OF THE FRENCH CHEF Cooking Class – 11 am; $65 per person/$120 Mother/Child, reservations and class details here

Jean de Castelnau, Export Director, Domaines Paul Mas – 11am-2pm in the Wine Department

Live Music by Danielle Reich – 12:30-3 pm on the Café Deck

Monday, May 14:

SOUFFLÉS 101 Cooking Class – 6:30 pm; $55 per person, reservations and class details here

Tuesday, May 15:

Macaroon Mania Cooking Class – 6:30 pm; $55 per person, reservations and class details here

Wednesday, May 16:

French SAUTEING & FRENCH PAN SAUCES Cooking Class – 6:30 pm; $60 per person, reservations and class details here

Jon David Headrick, Owner, JDH Selections, and Maarten Luyckx, Owner/Winemaker, Chateau Famaey – 4-7pm in the Wine Department

Live Music by Albanie Falletta – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Thursday, May 17:

French Wine 101 with CM Beer/Wine Experts and CM Cooking School Staff – 6:30 pm; $50 per person, reservations and class details here

Live Music by Blackbird 3 featuring Hailey Tuck – 12:30-3 pm on the Café Deck

Friday, May 18:

Hearty French Fare – 6:30 pm; $60 per person, reservations and class details here

Live Music by Christine Albert’s French Show – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Saturday, May 19:

PARENT & CHILD: A SIMPLE FRENCH MEAL FOR THE FAMILY – 11:00 am; $80 per parent/child, reservations and class details here

Live Music by Akina Adderley – 12:30-3 pm on the Café Deck

Sunday, May 20:

Live Music by Lex Land – 12:30-3 pm on the Café Deck

AN INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL FRENCH CHEESES with Cecile Delannes – 4-6 pm; $50 per person, reservations and class details here

Monday, May 21:

PATE A CHOUX – $55 per person, reservations and class details here

Tuesday, May 22:

A NIGHT IN PROVENCE – $60 per person, reservations and class details here

Central Market Westgate Passport to France Events:

Wednesday, May 9:

Viva la France! Event – 3 pm; Bistro 420

Live Music by Datri Bean – 6:30-9 pm

Thursday, May 10:

Michel Fonne, Owner/Winemaker, Domaine Rene Barth – 4-7 pm in the Wine Department

Live Music by Danielle Reich – 6:30 – 9 pm

Friday, May 11:

Live Music by Rumbullion – 6:30 – 9 pm

Saturday, May 12:

Yves Glotin, Owner, Chateau Goudichaud – 11 am-2 pm in the Wine Department

Live Music by Tameca Jones – 6:30 – 9 pm

Sunday, May 13:

Jean de Castelnau, Export Director, Domaines Paul Mas – 3-6pm in the Wine Department

Live Music by Ava Arenella – 12:30-3 pm

Monday, May 14:

Don Levine – 4-7pm in the Wine Department

Tuesday, May 15:

Maarten Luyckx, Owner/Winemaker, Chateau Famaey – 4-7pm in the Wine Department

Wednesday, May 16:

Live Music by Christine Albert’s French Show – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Thursday, May 17:

Live Music by Naomi Emmerson – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Friday, May 18:

Live Music by Continental Graffitti – 6:30-9 pm on the Café Deck

Saturday, May 19:

Live Music by Datri Bean – 6:30-9 pm

Sunday, May 20:

Live Music by Blackbird 3 featuring Hailey Tuck – 12:30-3 pm on the Café Deck

slow session: city policy for slow food, 5/16/2012

2012-05-08T22:32:18Z

Date: POSTPONED
Location: Palm Square Community Center, Conference Room 1000, 100 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Austin, TX 78701
RSVP: email Chelsea Staires
Due to circumstances beyond our control, our session will be cancelled and postponed. We apologize for the late notice- hopefully it is not too late for you to make other plans. We aim to reset this session for June and will keep you all posted. Thank you so much for your support of Slow Food Austin and we will see you soon.

Ever wonder what the Austin City Government does to help improve local food quality and responsibility? Come to the next Slow Session and hear from members of Austin’s Sustainable Food Policy Board to find out!

In this Slow Session, you’ll learn about the SFPB commission formation, mission, operations, month to month happenings, and strategic future plans. Find out how you can support the SFPB and help the City of Austin improve our food quality.

About the SFPB from: http://www.austintexas.gov/sfpb

Advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioners’ Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents, particularly those in need, by coordinating the relevant activities of city government, as well as non-profit organizations, and food and farming businesses.

Adult Skeeball Free Skee on Wednesday

2012-05-08T01:41:00Z

Do you, like me, always sneak a few of your child's tokens to play skeeball when you visit Chuck E. Cheese's? Well, sneak no more. Austin Skeeball League has skeeball fun for grown ups! The League invites you to help kick off Skeeson 8 with Free Skee at Betsy's Bar on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, from 6 - 9 p.m. Spend the evening practicing on skeeball lanes and competing in fun contests (for prizes!). Contest entry fees will benefit Austin Sunshine Camps.

Free Skee is open to the public and no RSVP is required. The more the merrier! You do, however, need to be at least 18 years old to attend, as the event is held in a bar.

For more information, visit the Austin Skeeball League website or Facebook page. You can also email Paige at AustinSkeeballLeague@gmail.com with questions.

Betsy's Bar

6th and Lavaca

301 West 6th Street

Austin, TX 78701

The ultimate dance experience this weekend with MSTRKRFT @Emo’s East

2012-05-07T19:48:18Z

With Mother’s Day inching it’s way closer, we’re sure many of you good sons and daughters are putting aside your hard-earned cash for a special present your mother will love. Wait, don’t spend it all though! …Not that we don’t want you to get mom something totally awesome, we just think you should take the opportunity to first hear about what kind of amazing madness you can treat yourself to if only you save $30 of it for this weekend.

Saturday, May 12, MSTRKRFT, along with Araabmuzik, Bird Peterson and Applied Pressure will be turning Emo’s East into one huge bumpin’ boom boom room.

If you’re a electronic music enthusiast, chances are you’re more than familiar with MSTRKRFT. For those who aren’t, here’s a lil’ must-know info: The group is comprised of two guys with serious talent – Toronto musician, Jesse F. Keeler and studio wizard, Al-P. Their sound is a crafted mix of house, hip-hop, grime, punk, and all kinds of electronic experimentation rolled into one. Lastly, their name (pronounced “Master Craft”, not as a super long acronym) is synonymous with master remix-ologists. In fact, their remixing skills scored them a Grammy nomination for Annie and Wolfmother’s track “Woman”. Take a listen.

“We’re interested in making people feel like they want to dance, at least a little bit, so it’s all about whatever it takes to get people there.” says AL-P. ‘Nuf said. If you’re in the dancing mood, allow yourself to become part of the huge cult following of obsessed MSTRKRFT dance fans.

If you really want to dance but think $30 is a little steep, just make it a point to save $6 a day until the weekend – we know you can do it Especially when acts like Araabmuzik and Bird Peterson will also be taking stage. Check out videos of all these groups in one place on our event page. While you’re there, be sure to click “I like it” for your chance to enjoy Saturday night at Emo’s East for free!

If you got your dancing skills from your mama, maybe you can share this awesome gift of music and night of dancing with her… If not, go on and treat yourself.

Thanks for stoppin’ by
~ @Do512_Dominique

“In The Room” at Hotel Vegas

2012-05-07T19:53:20Z

Join us for the two-day “In The Room” series presented by the Hotel Vegas Bar that you don’t want to miss.

This weekend, Hotel Vegas has a lineup that will blow your hair back, literally. ROLL is getting a double shot of ROCK on Friday, May 11 with My Empty Phantom kicking off the evening – doors open at 9pm.

Then, get a dose crunchy tunes with What Made Milwaukee Famous dishing out not one, but two sets of musical goodness! WMMF will be playing classic tracks from older albums in their first set, then, will be gracing us with new sounds from their latest album “You Can’t Fall Off The Floor.” So, you won’t want to miss it!

DJ Mahealani will be jammin’ out the rest of the evening with her heart-pounding bass and groovy beats. Your hips and feet won’t be able to resist movin’ and groovin’ – I know might won’t!

Come back again Saturday, May 12 and get ready for a wild ride with the Austin trio, Ume, whose lead singer guitarist has the looks of a dainty damsel, but will rock your face off if you’re not too careful. If you don’t believe me, just look at her photo:

Need more proof? Check this video:

Needless to say, they rock.

The Shake will be continuing the jam fest with a special DJ set… just for you.

So come out Friday for sets by My Empty Phantom, What Makes Milwaukee Famous, and DJ Mahealani…

and again on Saturday for sets by Ume and The Shake.

Get your tickets early because they are very limited! Also, if you click “I Like It” you will be entered for the chance to win a free pair of tickets!

Tommy Trash @ Haven 5/11

2012-05-07T20:39:51Z

Do you want to jam out to some really stellar house music? Are you in the mood to get a little crazy and just rock out at a great live show? Of course you are.

WELL, we have just the artist for you…

Tommy Trash‘s name says it all. At his notoriously wild shows, you are very likely to get crazy, maybe get a little bit trashed, and definitely have a freaking great time.

He’s an Aussie DJ who’s well-known for his rock star-sound and those insane live shows. He has since made L.A. his home and his signature sound has already made him a rising star in the dance music world.

This April he started out on his very first headlining tour across the nation. And, luckily for us, he’s making a stop in ATX.

This Friday, May 11 Tommy Trash is bringing his signature crazy live show to Haven.

Let’s get real for a second…in Austin we love to have a good time. We like to party. We just do. And there’s nothing quite as fun as going nuts on the dance floor at a really great show. And trust us, this show will be one of epic proportions. His performance will be jam-packed with “head bangin’, grey goose swiggin’, champagne sprayin’ and massive tracks you simply can’t hear anywhere else.”

But not only are Tommy Trash‘s lives shows the sickest around, but his tracks are also crazy impressive. Unlike most DJs who base their shows around remixing other artists’ work, 80 percent of Tommy’s show is centered around his original tracks, remixes, and re-edits. Tommy is classically trained in piano, trumpet, and composition. He applies these skills with his love of rock and house music to create some seriously sweet mixes.

Check out his May 2012 Mix

Essentially this is the perfect show for this time of year. Summer is in the air and all anybody wants to do is to go out, party, and just generally have a rockin’ time. And Tommy Trash’s show is the place to accomplish it all. Great dance music and a sick live show? Sounds pretttty rad to me. Don’t miss out and what is sure to a freaking great time.

Jesco White w/ Pick Up The Snake @ Antone’s 5/17

2012-05-07T21:11:41Z

Does “Dancing Outlaw” ring a bell to any of you? Yes, we are speaking of that cult classic documentary from the early ’90s starring Jesco White. You know… The famous mountain tap dancer from a small community in the Appalachian Mountains of Boone County. Well, he is coming to Austin very soon and how can we say no to seeing someone who is referred to as “Appalachian royalty” or a “dancing outlaw” live?

Jesco White is the son of the famous D. Ray White, the man who has been recognized as one of the greatest mountain dancers in the United States. Jesco continues his father’s legacy by combining tap and clog dancing and performing across the U.S.A. On top of the “Dancing Outlaw” documentary, Jesco has also been featured in 2 other popular documentaries. He is so popular that he is even mentioned in Big and Rich’s song “Comin’ to Your City” and Hank Williams III’s song “Legend of D. Ray White.” Better yet, he also sings so his shows are quite enjoyable. A singing mountain tap dancer… We love it!

Opening for Jesco White is Pick Up The Snake, the heavy rock band from Knoxville, TN. They are extremely entertaining especially if you are a metal fan, so be sure to check them out! Little hint — Jesco usually performs live on stage with them at their shows.

Tickets for this not-to-be-missed show are $15, which can be purchased here, or click “I like it” here for a chance to win a pair of free tickets! The show is at Antone’s on May 17th and doors open at 8pm. See you there!

An App for Eaters: Chef’s Feed

2012-05-07T19:38:49Z

Never, ever wonder “what’s good here?” at a restaurant again. The app Chef’s Feed has recommendations for your city from the folks with a true and trustworthy appetence: local, noteworthy chefs. Hurrah. This app is awesome.

Event: Snow Patrol with Ed Sheeran at Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Thu, May 17 7:00p

2012-02-12T14:13:09Z

Austin Chronicle Spelling Bee ~ $3

2012-05-07T12:51:00Z

People always ask you how to spell things. You're a walking dictionary. And now it's time to put your money where your letters are and join other local spellers for the 10th Annual Austin Chronicle Adult Spelling Bee, benefitting the Austin Public Library. The bee takes place at Threadgill's World Headquarters on Thursday May 10, 2012. Registration is $3.

The spelling bee begins with contestants taking a spelling test, after which the top 50 participants will move on to a second test, in hopes of making it to the final stage. Spellers will receive great prizes but more importantly raise money for a great cause. Former Spelling Bee winners and representatives from The Austin Chronicle will be the Spelling Bee judges for the evening.

All spelling bee contestants must be over 21 to participate. Registration is from 4:30 - 6 p.m. The first test will be distributed at about 6:15 p.m., the second at 7 p.m., with the finals at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support the Austin Public Library in the name of good spelling!

For more information, visit the Austin Public Library.

Image credit: Austin Public Library

Anime Movie in the Park: Princess Mononoke

2012-05-07T13:40:00Z

It's time for another free movie in the park! The Austin Parks Foundation presents the anime film Princess Mononoke at Republic Square on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 8:15 p.m. Come early for free yoga before the movie, with instructors from the Be Yoga studio.

Movies in the Park 2012 Schedule:

Thursday, May 10, 8:15 p.m. -- Princess Mononoke (1997)(PG-13), anime film directed by renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Friday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. -- Jurassic Park (1993)(PG-13), Steven Spielberg's phenomenally successful sci-fi adventure thriller starring Sam Neill and Laura Dern.

Thursday, September 6, 7:45 p.m. -- The Best of ACL, A special screening of some of the best concerts in ACL history.

Thursday, October 4, 7 p.m. -- Labyrinth (1986)(PG-13), produced by George Lucas and directed by Jim Henson, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.

For more information, visit AustinParks.org.

Republic Square
422 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX. 78701

Image credit: Austin Parks Foundation

Mother's Day 2012 Freebies & Events

2012-05-07T14:00:00Z

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 13! To honor all of the wonderful mothers in our lives, take a look at this round up of Mother's Day activities happening around town.

Mother Son Date Night at Chick-fil-A, Tuesday, May 8 at Austin area restaurants -- Make your reservation online for a restaurant near you.
Mother's Day Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids, Tuesday, May 8, 11 a.m. Pottery Barn Kids, Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital Of Texas Hwy, Space E11-B.
Mother's Day Crafts at Michaels, Wednesday, May 9 - Saturday, May 12 -- Four Mother's Day crafts to choose from (2 require a purchase to participate). Go here to see the schedule.
National Mom's Nite Out with Simon Malls, Thursday, May 10, 5 - 8 p.m. -- Moms can gather at area malls and expect to be pampered and get giveaways from brands such as Diet Coke, Dove Body Wash, Little Black Dress Vodka, and more. At Barton Creek Square, the event will be in the Macy’s court and offer free food, beauty demonstrations and swag bags. At Lakeline Mall, head to the Dillard’s court for fashion tips and makeovers. At the Arboretum, the fun includes beer and wine tastings, live music and makeovers. (Update: The Arboretum has rescheduled their outdoor event for next Thursday, May 17, from 5 - 8 p.m., due to the weather.)
Free Oil Change for Single Mothers and Military Wives, Saturday, May 12, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. -- Free oil changes and pampering at Celebration Church. 1202 Westinghouse Rd., Georgetown.
Get Babied! Spring Spa Fest, Saturday, May 12 at Baby Earth, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Enjoy a day of pampering for pregnant and new moms, with free workshops and seminars on everything from making homemade baby food to maternity and postpartum fashion. RSVP to receive a $10 gift card. 106 E Old Settlers Blvd, Round Rock.
Mother's Day Craft at Lakeshore Learning, Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Every Saturday Lakeshore Learning offers a free craft, and this Saturday, it's one for Mom. Kids will make a handprint keepsake for their mom to treasure. 9828 Great Hills Trail.
Picture Frame Holder Project at Lowe's, Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. -- Register to reserve your child's spot to build a free Picture Frame Holder at a Lowe's near you.
Mother's Day Celebration at Safari Champ Round Rock, Sunday, May 13 -- Take the family to Safari Champ where moms can enjoy a FREE 5 minute chair massage (10 a.m. - 12 p.m. only), FREE Mommy Power Shake: any flavored smoothie with an energy or protein boost mixed in (all day), and $3 admission per child! 1400 E Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock.
Mother's Day Picnic at the French Legation Museum, Sunday May 13, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. -- Celebrate the French (or not) mother in you with a FREE picnic at the French Legation Museum. 802 San Marcos St.
Mother's Day Craft at Whole Foods Lamar, Sunday, May 13, 12 - 2 p.m. -- Make mom a special gift on her special day with the Whole Foods Kids Club. 525 N Lamar Blvd.
Mother's Day Event at Whole Foods Gateway, Sunday May 13 -- Visit the special Mother's Day tent from 9 - 11 a.m. and from 1 - 3 p.m. for complimentary brunch tastings, refreshments, and a live string quartet. 9607 Research Blvd, #300.
Mother's Day at the Capitol, Sunday, May 13, 7 - 8 p.m. -- End your special day with a FREE concert on the south steps of the Capitol Building with the Austin Symphonic Band. The band will perform well known tunes, including marches and musical numbers. Get there early for good seating!
Free DVD Rental from Redbox, Sunday, May 13 -- Send a Mother's Day eCard through Facebook, and the recipient will get a free one-night rental code from Redbox. The code will be valid for a kiosk rental beginning between 12 a.m. and 11:59:59 p.m. CT on May 13, 2012. After sending the card, you can enter your cell phone number and you'll get a free code via text message! Your free promo code will be valid through May 20, 2012.
Mamas Eat Free at Mama Fu's, Sunday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 16 -- Get a free entrée for Mama, with a minimum purchase of $15, May 13 - 16 2012. This deal is available for dine-in only and cannot be combined with other discounts, including Kids Eat Free or Happy Hour.
Free Treat for Mom at TCBY, Sunday, May 13 -- From noon - 11 p.m., mothers can choose any flavor of frozen yogurt - no purchase necessary. 303 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Free Dessert at Mangia Pizza, Sunday May 13 -- With purchase of an entrée for Mom, at two locations. See the promotional email for details.
Free Breakfast for Mom at IKEA Round Rock, Sunday, May 13, from opening until 11 a.m. 1 IKEA Way, Round Rock.
Free Play Zone and Arts & Crafts Room at All Things Kids in Georgetown -- Sunday, May 13, from noon - 5 p.m. -- Free for all dads and their kids, so Mom can have a break! There will be plenty of Mother's Day crafts too so you won't go home empty handed! Historic Square, Downtown Georgetown.

What's on your agenda for Mother's Day?

Image credit: GetBabied.com

The Capital of Texas Triathlon Memorial Day Weekend

2012-05-07T16:49:00Z

In downtown Austin on Sat. May 28th from 6:45 am until 1:30 pm. Events are scheduled over May 26th, 27th, and 28th, 2012. Full details are available from the official web site:

The CapTexTri begins with a swim in Lady Bird Lake with the spectacular backdrop of the downtown Austin skyline. Bursting out of T1, bikes cross the 1st Street bridge and head north past the Texas Capitol and up to the University of Texas, then returning through the heart of Downtown Austin on Congress Avenue and heading west along Cesar Chavez Blvd and Lady Bird Lake to Austin High School and then back to the 1st Street bridge. Olympic distance competitors complete four laps, Sprint distance is 2 laps, and the First Tri is one and done. Back to T2 and then out on the run which follows the south side of Lady Bird Lake then crosses the Ann Richards Bridge famous for the largest urban bat colony in the U.S. and the millions of bats that take to the skies from its superstructure at dusk. Olympic distance athletes complete 2 laps of the run course and everyone finishes on Auditorium Shores to a jammin’ Finish and Post-Race Festival.

For details, http://www.captextri.com/

still believing

2012-05-07T05:59:01Z

Acquire your #NMASS2012 pass HERE

Event: Bollywood-Inspired "Twelfth Night" at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Thu, May 10 8:00p

2012-04-13T18:31:48Z

Four On The Floor Class News - May 8

2012-05-06T19:13:00Z

May Classes Continue with week 2 - Tuesday May 8th.
If you could not make it to the Fed last Tuesday, we want you to know you can join us this Tuesday.
The teachers will review week one material at the start of class, and do their best to make you all feel right at home.
So join us this week - you can still be a part of May Classes. All the details at http://fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

COMING THIS MONTH:
Austin - May 19th - Intermediate Balboa Workshop with Laura Malloy and Matt Jones.
Details on - http://fouronthefloor.com/Workshops.htm

THIS IS THE FULL CLASS SCHEDULE IN MAY:

7:15 pm Classes:
Lindy 4 with Jennifer Monk and Jonathan Jow
A great series with Jennifer and Jonathan for all the Lindy 4 Dancers. Lindy 4 remains in the Georgian Room, and for the months to come.

Lindy 3, with Laura Malloy and Chia-Wen Lin.
Topic - Frankie's Favorites - Old School Lindy Hop Fun. Laura and I are glad to welcome Chia-Wen back to teach this class with Laura. A great chance to learn the fun, dynamic patterns and movement that made this dance so popular in the 30s and 40s.

Lindy 2, with Sally Matsumae and Johnny Serrano.
This month's class series includes Tandem Charleston, some new Lindy Patterns and technique. The Syllabus is all on the website. This class is for the graduates of Lindy 1 who want to move their Lindy Hop up a level and learn the basic technique and patterns that make Lindy so fun and friendly.

8:30 Classes:
Introduction to Swing Dancing with Sally Matsumae and Johnny Serrano
If you're new to swing dancing, even if you have done a little social dancing, this is the class for you. Sally and Johnny will help you "get your game on" and become dance-ready for the social dance floor with Austin's most popular social dance form.

Lindy 1 with Charlotte Brady and Philippe Wilson
So, you've been swing dancing for a while and you know how to do a triple-step. But you want to learn the Lindy and the Charleston. This is the class for you. Come and learn it and stick around to dance in the Ballroom in the after-class dance.

Intermediate Collegiate Shag with Joseph and Tabitha
Joseph and Tabitha are from Washington, D.C. They have been here the last 2 years for the Hot Rhythm Holiday, where they taught some excellent Collegiate Shag classes. Austin in now their home and we are very grateful to have them here. This is their first class series to teach here in Austin. We hope all the Shaggers will come out to take this class. To take this class, you need to have completed a Beginning Collegiate Class series..

Beginning Balboa, with Laura Malloy and Matt Jones.
If you've seen Balboa and want to learn more about it, this is the class for you. Laura and Matt will take you through all the basics over 4 weeks and get you ready for the social dance floor.
Come learn this fun, fast-paced swing dance which is especially popular in Austin because of all the great live music which the dance fits so well.

9:40 - 11 pm - After-Class Dance with DeeJay, Reed Penney.

Get all the details of the May schedule at our web-site - http://fouronthefloor.com/Classes.htm

WANT A PRIVATE LESSON IN SWING, LINDY, BALBOA, CHARLESTON ?
Please e-mail Laura Malloy - laura@fouronthefloor.com
She is a great teacher in swing, lindy hop, balboa - whatever you need.

Thanks.

Matt Jones and Laura Malloy-Auderer