"Today in Austin" via TodayinAustin in Google Reader

COMMUNITY: Get a Piece of the Texas Media Incentives

2009-07-12T13:16:17Z

Live at the Lake Series: Nelo Sunday Night

2009-07-11T18:05:32Z

The Lakeway Resort and Spa has again partnered with 107.1 KGSR to create the 3rd annual Live at the Lake Summer Concert Series. This summer, KGSR will take music to the lake in a distinctive poolside venue provided by Lakeway Resort. Get some pool and cool tunes:

July 12th: Nelo (New EP launching July 14th)
August 9th: Bob Schneider
September 13th: The Gourds
October 11th: Encore Presentation, TBD

General Event Information:
Admission is $5 per person. Gates open no earlier than 4:00pm and only the first 1,200 guests will be admitted. Concert will begin at 6:00pm and continue through sunset until approximately 8:00pm. Concessions will be available, including a variety of food, beer, wine, and drinks. Parking is available on-site at the resort, including valet parking at $15 and self parking at $10. Complimentary parking lots are located at Live Oak Golf Course and Lakeway City Hall with shuttles to and from the concert provided by the resort.

Event: Free Improv Shows on Sunday! at ColdTowne Theater, Sun, Jul 12 7:00p

2009-05-28T16:25:51Z

The times may be hard, but our hearts are not. We want to bring the blessings of improv to all the peoples of the world, regardless of their ability to find five dollars' worth of change in the couch. So from now on, every Sunday will feature a full-featured improv show -- comparable to shows costing seven dollars or more -- absolutely FREE. Who loves ya, baby?

$6 wine and food at Aquarelle

2009-07-06T17:19:01Z

Aquarelle, the French restaurant at 606 Rio Grande St. (479-5117, aquarellerestaurant.com) will host a Bastille Day celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. July 14 with $6 French-style street food and cold rosé wines for $6 a glass, plus live music.

I went to this last year, and even in the heat, the patio was comfortable, and the pink wines, with their bright sweetness and notes of rose petal and strawberry, were refreshing. The plates were petite, except for the sandwiches, which were four or five good bites on a crusty baguette.

The menu this year includes a steak frites sandwich, shrimp po’ boy, country pate, a cheese plate, a vegetable plate and a mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich.

(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)

Swing Dance - Sunday - July 12

2009-07-09T13:13:00Z

Marshall Ford Swing Band, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, HYDE PARK BAR & GRILL (4521 West Gate Blvd, near the WestGate Central Market)

Warren Hood and the HoodLums, 9:30 pm - Midnight, MOMO'

A benefit for Michael Atkinson

2009-07-11T00:40:14Z

Austin Wine Guy Rob Moshein let us know about this event at Olivia on Sunday, July 12, to help Austin wine-and-food figure Michael Atkinson (Central Market, Mezzaluna, Emilia’s). I’m passing along the original release:

— As many of you may know Michael McGovern was recently diagnosed with MS. During the period when this was discovered Michael was hospitalized and incurred thousands of dollars in medical bills and was unable to work for several weeks.
— To help him weather this financial storm a benefit will be held in his honor on Sunday night, July 12th from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Olivia Restaurant (at South Lamar and Oltorf) in Austin.
— We will have tons of food, wine and beer and want for as many of Michael’s friends as possible to show up and lend their support. The hope is that every one will be able to make a donation to help Michael pay down this mountain of medical bills.
— Regardless of whether you can give money or not, please come enjoy the evening with us and show Michael your support.
— If you or your business would like to help with a donation of Food, Beer or Wine or a Gift Certificate for the silent auction please contact;
— Michael Atkinson 512.608.2146
— Erika Elliot 512.431.0120
— Melissa Pollard 512.804.5811

Blanton tour presents "Francisco Matto: The Modern and the Mythic"

2009-07-11T05:00:00Z

Sunday, July 12, 2 p.m., Blanton Museum of Art (BMA). Join one of the Blanton's docents on a tour of our new summer exhibition, "Francisco Matto: The Modern and the Mythic."

Alamo Drafthouse Presents The Garden [Director in Attendance]

2009-07-09T16:45:10Z

BlackValleyFilms

The Garden
July 12, 13 & 14
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar (1120 S. Lamar)
$8.75, 7pm
[info] | [tickets]

Part legal thriller, part true-life human drama, Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s The Garden has received more than a few accolades since its release last year and now Austinites have a chance to see it. This Academy Award nominated documentary follows the plight of a few Los Angeles citizens as they fight to save their 14-acre public garden from the bulldozers of wealthy land developers, and judging from the trailer, a compelling struggle most definitely ensues.

Sprung from the few seeds of hope that managed to survive the 1992 L.A. riots, the film’s titular garden began as a distraction for a few disenchanted citizens and grew into an emblem of neighborly cooperation, culinary celebration and community betterment. Outrageously but somehow inevitably, this inner-city green space (and the downtrodden individuals who care for it) become endangered by greed and insensitivity, and Hamilton Kennedy was there to capture it all on film.

The development of a successful food-producing oasis amidst the gritty urban landscape of South Central Los Angeles makes for a fascinating story in itself, but The Garden encompasses so much more. Secret political dealings, racial tension and a battle that advances to City Hall and beyond make this doc a must-see for all you cinema verite junkies out there. Bonus: Hamilton Kennedy will be in attendance at the Sunday and Monday night screenings, so get your tickets now.

FF presents REC - special free screening!

2009-07-12T02:28:46Z

There's a rumor going around that REC is one of the most terrifying films of all time, and we're pleased to report that those rumors are incredibly true. This film has long been on our Fantastic Fest wish-list, but circumstances have delayed an Austin premiere until now, a mere two days before it's official U.S. release on DVD and Blu-Ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. No matter, because we're psyched as hell to finally screen this new terror classic at the Alamo (for FREE), and we insist - insist! - that anyone and everyone who loves horror films and loves to be scared witless in a movie theater must attend this special one-time-only screening. It may sound like we're overselling this one, but trust us when we say that die-hard horror lovers the world over have loudly voiced their approval of REC, and to finally share it with you at the Alamo Drafthouse will be an experience in horror that no one who attends will ever forget. Believe us on this one.

Special thanks to our friends at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

This show is FREE, first come first served, but priority seating will be given to current Fantastic Fest badgeholders! Please bring confirmation of your FF badge purchase to the show to be admitted first!

New Directions Film Series presents "The Juche Idea"

2009-06-03T15:35:48Z

Sunday, July 12, 3 p.m., Blanton Museum: Smith Building (EAS). This summer the Blanton and the Austin Film Festival are proud to present an exciting new collaboration, the New Directions Film Series. This special collection of five films will introduce the exceptional work of emerging independent filmmakers. The films will be screened in the Blanton's new auditorium during Third Thursdays and select Sundays through July 19. About the film: "The Juche Idea," directed by Jim Finn, U.S. Roughly translated, Juche, the official North Korean religion and political ideology, means self-reliance. But the official text on the state-sponsored philosophy, written by Kim Jong-il, leaves final authority over interpretation of Juche to the Dear Leader, himself. "The Juche Idea" tells the story of a South Korean video artist who takes a residency in North Korea. She becomes inspired by the Juche concept of revolutionary art, and intent to further adapt the ideology to modern cinematic practices. As in his earlier films "Interkosmos" (Opening Night 2006) and "La Trinchera Luminosa del Presidente Gonzalo" (NYUFF 2007), Finn's signature tone is in full effect - "The Juche Idea" is a deadpan yet poetic look at the relation of image to idea, and an investigation into the role of propaganda and politics in the creation of art.

ASO/Brass Quintet @ The Long Center

2009-07-13T02:30:00Z

ASO/Brass Quintet playing at The Long Center on 2009-07-12 19:30:00.0

P. Kellach Waddle celebrates the violin with Jessica Mathaes

2009-07-09T20:06:57Z

One instrument at a time, award-winning Austin composer P. Kellach Waddle has been offering concerts of his compositions.

Now, it’s the violin’s turn and Waddle has enlisted the considerable talents of Jessica Mathaes, concert mistress for the Austin Symphony Orchestra, to play the premiere of several new pieces this Sunday.

True to his penchant for long titles, the always colorful ever-prolific Waddle again delights. Here’s the program:

• Two Lyric Pieces for Solo Violin:
— The Mist in the September Wine: Aria-Bagatelle for Solo Violin
— On Passing Texas Churches At Mystic Sunset: Hymn for Solo Violin

• Bottled Dreams in Liquid Oak: Sonata-Ballade in One Movement for Bass and Violin

• Staring At the Unremembering Moonlight: Elegy for Violin and Piano

• The Attack and Reign of the Broken Stained Glass Angels: Trio Gloratio for Violin, Viola and Piano

• The Flowers of Darkness: Sonata in forma di 4 Legendes for Solo Violin

Joining Waddle and Mathaes on the program is pianist Nikki Birdsong along with guest composer and violist Lawrence Wheeler. Wheeler will play two of his own works.

‘The Violin According to PKW’
3 p.m. Sunday
Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 4001 Speedway
Free, with a suggested offering of $15 for adults and $7 for students.

Wait — here’s more:

Read a recent Q-and-A with Waddle here.
Read a recent Q-and-A with Mathaes here.

Photo: P. Kellach Waddle by Benjamin Sklar.

BREAKING AWAY at Mellow Johnny's (Rolling Roadshow)

2009-07-12T02:24:10Z

We've teamed up with Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop (at 4th and Nueces in downtown Austin) to put together a couple of free events for the cycling-oriented families of Austin. On July 5, you can join us for their Tour de France Launch Party, and on July 12 we'll have a special screening of BREAKING AWAY.

1979 saw the release of the film BREAKING AWAY, a film that spoke to the hearts of all the Euro-phile cycling fans embedded within American Cycling Culture. 2009 marks the 30 year anniversary of the Academy Award winning film, and to pay tribute to this film Rapha has teamed up once again with Austin, Texas based shop Mellow Johnny's to present:

BREAKING AWAY with Rapha and Mellow Johnny's.

Taking place right in the middle of the Tour de France the event will pay tribute to Cycling and Breaking Away by re-entacting the final race scene of the film. Ten teams will compete in our own version of the Little 500 on July 12th. We have even brought back some of the local flavor that was a part of the Roller Races and added a few new teams. But the night doesn't end there. Following the racing The Alamo Drafthouse has come onboard to show the film in a special outdoor screening directly behind Mellow Johnny's.

Screenings

Sunday, July 12, 2009
6:30p

COMMUNITY: Bastille Day Festival

2009-07-11T12:59:31Z

Event: Improv Comedy Classes at Hideout Theatre, Sat, Jul 11 3:00p

2009-03-15T00:00:52Z

The Hideout Theatre has been selflessly offering improv classes to working actors, disgruntled engineers, college students and all manner of Austinites since 1999. Hundreds of people have discovered that improv is a fun hobby, a unique art form and a powerful tool in their personal and professional lives. We offer classes year-round, with Level 1 classes starting every month. The Hideout is at the epicenter of Austin's current improv explosion with sold-out shows on Saturday night like Maestro, Improvised Shakespeare, Start Trekkin' and Gorilla Theatre. Our instructors are the most experienced and passionate in Austin and our curriculum (based on the work of Canadian improv guru Keith Johnstone) will blow your mind.

today! : Seth Walker Austin at Central Market North

2009-07-11T14:46:18Z

Central Market North 4001 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin 78756

Zilker Cleanup

2009-07-10T18:12:57Z

Want to win a pair of 3-day sold out passes to ACL? The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help clean up the newly renovated area of Zilker Park and a chance to be rewarded with ACL passes. The ‘Great Lawn’ near Barton Springs Rd. needs volunteers to help mulch trees, weed volleyball courts, and clean up sidewalks. Volunteer days are all Saturdays: July 11,18, and 25 from 9am to noon. Volunteers on each of the Saturdays will be eligible to win a pair of passes. Just show up, sign in, and get to work! With the new irrigation system, no more nosebleeds at ACL whoop whoop!

Free Slurpees

2009-07-10T18:39:45Z

Don’t miss out on the annual tradition of free slurpees at all 7-Elevens tomorrow, Saturday 7/11/09. You learn something new every day: Addie Broyles of the Statesman says in 1963, an Austin 7-Eleven was the first to stay open 24 hours.

Hogwarts Reunion Party

2009-07-08T16:57:00Z

Wizards and witches are invited to compete in the costume and trivia contests at the Hogwarts Reunion Party at the Yarborough Branch of the Austin Public Library, 2200 Hancock Dr., on Saturday, July 11 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the July 16 release of the 6th movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The party is targeted for ages 8 and up, but there will be plenty of simple activities for children ages 5 to 8. Hogwarts graduates and returning students can revisit the Potions, Charms, Divination and Care of Magical Creature classes, and challenge classmates to Tabletop Quidditch, as well as take detours to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the Forbidden Forest. "A" level students will give demonstrations of wand tricks and creative wand designs will be on display. Friends of Harry, Ron and Hermione are invited to share their "Fan" fiction and art. Light refreshments provided by Honeydukes. Proper Wizardry attire is recommended, but Muggles are also welcome. The Hogwarts Reunion Party is free and open to the public. For more information please call 512-454-7208 or visit www.cityofaustin.org/library.

Expertise with a human touch at the Austin Public Library.

Healthy Eating Store Tour

2009-07-11T14:00:00Z

Saturday, July 11th

11:00am | Free!
With an ever increasing amount of diseases and ailments being linked to diet, there has never been a better time to choose our food with wellness in mind. However with such an abundance of information available about what to eat, what not to eat, how much to eat, and the healthiest way to prepare it, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Let our Healthy Eating Specialist Mary be your guide. She will lead you through the store, and find the foods that best fit your needs and budget. Meet at the Healthy Eating Desk in Produce.