After Hours Halloween Party @ Green House (Sun. 10/30, 1am-6pm)

The gang at Austin's Best New Store, Green House, didn't want to miss friends' Halloween parties this year, so they decided to host an after hours in-store and backyard party! The fun starts at 1am and lasts pasts the dawn of the undead. You can BYOB, but their popular donation bar (which features yummy homemade cocktails) will be available. DJs will spin, horror movies will project, plus a kissing booth and a photo booth will capture romantic and costumed memories. The bonus for some guests? A $100 award for best costume, and other cool prizes for top contestants.


Green House is a green house in the central North Loop area that features original, unusual, and delightful upcycled and repurposed clothing, accessories, gifts, and artwork produced by Austin artists. Support a green local economy, and have a lot of fun doing it after whatever fun Halloween shindig you attend. 

'Love Your Body', Austin Women: Austin NOW's Love Your Body Day Resource Fair @ 5604 Manor Rd - Sun. 10/16, 1-5pm

Love Your Body Day presented by Austin NOW

@ 5604 Manor - Sun. Oct. 16, 1-5pm.

This is a rare blog that isn't specifically about Austin d-i-y art, entertainment, and culture. However, many d-i-y women in Austin struggle with the concept of body image in their daily lives and creative work. Many women face discrimination about their appearance based on "racist, sexist, unhealthy, and unattainable beauty standards sold to us by the mainstream media". Presented by Austin NOW, the local chapter of the National Organization for Women, Love Your Body Day is a timely national and local event for a diverse body of women, happening during End Fat Talk Week (October 16-22). 


On Sunday, October 16th, from 1 to 5pm at 5604 Manor, "Austin NOW invites women, girls, and those who care about them to join us in celebrating Love Your Body Day...aimed at questioning racist, sexist, unhealthy, and unattainable beauty standards sold to us by the mainstream media as well as encouraging women to love and take care of themselves as they are."


Sponsored by the NOW Foundation, the Austin NOW resource fair occurs a few days earlier than the official national event (October 19th), and features health and fitness guides, fat acceptance, and other valuable, empowering information provided by community groups that help women. 


For more Love Your Body Day details and to RSVP, go to Facebook.

Lady Legacy brings the 'Heat' to Freedom! A Juneteenth Celebration

Lady Legacy headlines a hot night of hip hop and spoken word with Whiteside the Poet

Friday, June 19, 2009
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
7-10 pm

Friday night was a hot one for music lovers at Cherrywood Coffeehouse, even with a breeze on the outdoor stage. DIY Revolution ends its hiatus since SXSW to bring highlights from one Juneteenth celebration in Austin, Texas from one music and poetry lover's perspective.

Pre-show Poetry Reading: Keep Your Hand On The Mic! Hold On!

It had been 16 years since a public reading, but I was compelled to share my love of African American Emancipation Day, bettter known as Juneteenth. It was a last minute surprise for everyone (including myself), but in the spirit of the holiday I opened the show with a reading of the poem that became lyrics to the Negro National Anthem, James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Every Voice and Sing". The song has become relegated to Black History Month events, but reading the words remind me just how far we have come as African-Americans and how these words led a generation through segregation, through protesting and marching for civil rights.

Next, I gave the audience a choice of poems by Johnson's fellow Harlem Renaissance writer, Langston Hughes. They chose "Freedom's Plow", a stirring lyrical history of America's common struggles and accomplishments, and ultimate freedom:

A long time ago,
An enslaved people heading toward freedom
Made up a song:
Keep Your Hand On The Plow! Hold On!

For last night's show, I exchanged the plow for the mic, but the sentiment is the same - freedom.

I didn't have enough time to read an original poem, but wanting to stay on topic, I ended my set with a brief, well known poem by Maya Angelou - "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings". Reading the book and meeting Angelou as a 16 year old aspiring writer inspired me to express myself freely with words.



Spoken Word: Yes, "We're Going to Mars" With Whiteside the Poet

Known for a lyrical flow of poetry that is all at once personal and universal, Whiteside the Poet delivered an uplifting set with hip hop beat accompaniment. Reading familiar and new poems and displaying a "spoken word artistry with hip hop sensibilities," the crowd was all in when invited to participate in "Sometimes I Wish I Was A Blind Man".



Whiteside ended the night with a poem inspired by a poem and lecture by Nikki Giovanni about the posibilities of space exploration (See "Quilting the Black Eyed Pea (We're Going to Mars)"). The poet took us to outer space - sharing a story of love, the choices we make (and the consequences) - ultimately suggesting the possibilities of leaving the world behind to discover something new.

At times there was laughter and cheer, as well as silent reflection throughout the poet's set. A friend suggested a name change to 'Whitside', to reflect some of the humor intrinsic in his poetry.



Hip Hop: Lady Legacy's 'HEAT' Set the Stage on Fire

After an impromptu freestyle led by Whiteside, everyone was warmed up for a rare Austin appearance by "Austin's Hottest Female Hip Hop Artist" Lady Legacy. The sole Texas winner of the SEA, Southern Entertainment Award, has been busy performing throughout the Southeast, and leading a summer Performance Art Camp, a program supported by
P4P- PositivityforPurpose.

The bodacious MC's signature song, "Heat" was definitely the highlight of the set - regulars and newcomers alike in the audience burned with excitement. (I could have sworn even a few dogs at the pet friendly coffeehouse were mesmerized.) The Lady kept it raw and real, and at one point explained rather than apologized to the mixed crowd: "You have to excuse me. Sometimes I talk dirty."

So to the naysayers who say hip hop isn't alive and thriving in Austin, TX - to risk triteness - you just had to be there last night. Lady Legacy started and finished with lyrical flows like the finest crystal, vintage 2009. Austin's premier female rapper has definitely had a lot to celebrate in addition to the freedom of a people, and we were privileged to toast her success on Juneteenth.

Yeah, you just had to be there.

Managing Editor Sean Claes Becomes Publisher of Austin's INsite Magazine

Austin's INsite: "local focus, national mindset"

One of our bloggers, "DIY" Danna Williams has been a proud music contributor to "Austin's only entertainment paperzine" for three years, so we're pleased to announce the following:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Managing Editor Buys Austin's INsite Magazine

AUSTIN, TX – Sean Claes, who has been Managing Editor of Austin’s INsite Magazine (http://www.insiteaustin.com) recently completed negotiations to purchase the publication. His corporation, BoysenClaes Productions, Inc. bought INsite in May.

INsite is Austin’s only entertainment paperzine. It’s not quite a magazine, not quite a newspaper… but all Ausitn. The focus of the publication is the world of entertainment as it pertains to our city. From interviews with movie stars to local and national bands to tech trends to fashion to the capitol’s best restaurants, INiste is a local magazine with a local focus and a national mindset.

“It was a year-long process. The previous owners still have a lot of passion about the magazine, as it’s something they created ten years ago,” Sean Claes said. “They wanted to make sure the right person was taking over, and I wanted to make sure this was as much a business decision as it was a decision of the heart.”

One of the first decisions made was to name food contributor Marsha Mann as Food Editor. “Her passion about cuisine is amazing. We’re lucky to have her affiliated with INsite,” Claes said. “Her attention to detail when it comes to food and the restaurant guide is impeccable.”

Contributing photographer Jay West was also named as Photo Editor. “Jay has been a contributing photographer for the last two years and he’s done a great job of making sure the right photos are in the right issue of INsite,” Claes said.

Both contributors share the vision Claes has for INsite. “Everything you will find in INsite is positive. I simply don’t believe in negative publicity. It steals space from something you can write good things about. Why tell people not to go somewhere or to avoid a band when you can give them the alternative?”

Focusing on the future, INsite will see many changes in the August issue, which hits stands August 1. “I am working with Austin’s Fireside Creative to revamp the magazine and you will see a completely new logo, layout, and look in August,” Claes said. “I hope Austin likes the new paperzine as much as I do.”

INsite will host a relaunch party on August 15, 2008 at Emo’s Lounge with music by She Craves, The Banner Year, 6 Pack Deep and Litany for the Departed.

Sean Claes can be reached at sean@insiteaustin.com or by calling 512-462-9260.

Please note new mailing address:
INsite
16221 Crystal Hills Drive
Austin, TX 78737

Space Rock Coalition Presents: Monument to No One - Saturday, July 19 at Trophy's

Props to Daniel Skarbek (Monument To No One) for bringing this to our attention:

Space Rock Coalition Presents:

The Sugar Fire - myspace.com/thesugarfire
Exeter - myspace.com/exetermusic
Monument to No One - myspace.com/monumenttonoone
Far Beyond Pluto - myspace.com/farbeyondpluto

Saturday July 19th, 2008
Trophy's
2008 S. Congress
Austin, TX 78704
10pm

"The SRC has been established to link space rock bands and fans; to act as a
centralized hub where interaction between them may freely occur. We are
here to promote space rock and to help bring the associated music to
the forefront of public knowledge. It is the goal of the SRC to help
bands network and manage shows, information concerning shows, and their
music. Keep checking our site for announcements concerning some of the
best space rock the world has ever heard as well as information on an
official website and t-shirts. The SRC encourages all visitors to
browse through our friend's pages. You may just stumble upon some music
that could fill your space rock void." - Dan Skarbek

Listen to Skarbek's space rock band @

www.myspace.com/monumenttonoone
(RIYL: Cave In + Smashing Pumpkins + Failure)

I haven't heard the other bands yet, but if they're anything like Austin space rockers Jetsuns, I can definitely recommend this show. The cover is only $5. I'm not sure of the ages admitted for tomorrow night's SRC event, but you may visit www.myspace.com/spacerockcoalition or myspace.com/trophystx for more info, or call Trophy's at (512) 447-0969.

Have fun, safe weekend!

Now Playing: Summer Acts! Austin TheatreFest

Six companies, thirty-six performances, two weeks of great theatre!

I received the news late last weekend from City Theatre, and thought I'd make a weekend announcement for local theatre lovers:

Summer Acts! Austin July 10 - 20


Contact the theatre company for tickets and reservations. Festival passes are available at the box office.

Scene from Desdemona: A Play About A Handkerchief

THE FESTIVAL ACTS

Desdemona, A Play About a Handkerchief Rory Gene Productions

Bridget Farias directs Pulitzer winning playwright Paula Vogel's darkly comic spin on Shakespeare's Othello. Starring Jessica Allen, Molly McKee, and Rory Roberts.

210-415-6666/tickets@rorygene.com/www.rorygene.com

SA12@8, SU13@12, MO14@7, WE16@9, SA19@6, SU20@8

I'm Not Ghandi Alex Garza

In this all new solo performance, Garza plays a comic array of characters who attempt to
comment on their views of a sometimes, twisted, cruel, and tragic world.

512-619-5329/starlextheatre@yahoo.com

FR11@9, SA12@4,SU13@2, TH17@7, SA19@4, SU20@6

Crazy Like a Person: A Musical Austin New Music Workshop

A musical comedy that asks "What is crazy?" Katie thinks she is. That is until she meets a
psychologist, psychiatrist, and life coach whose lives make Katie's seem normal.

512-567-8202/crazylikeaperson@yahoo.com/www.austinnewmusicworkshop.com

FR11@7, SA12@12, TU15@9, WE16@7, SA19@8, SU20@12

POP! Rapscallions of the Periphery

The dark and wildly funny comedy (with song) about the ridiculous and
unfortunate dealings with time lines, creativity, friendships, and the baby Jesus.

352-871-8224/theperiphery@hotmail.com

TH10@9, SA12@2, SU13@4, MO14@9, FR18@7, SA19@10

St. Nicholas Phillip Ayliffe

A jaded Dublin theatre critic becomes infatuated with a young actress and follows her
to London whereupon he meets up with a vampires and goes to work for them.
One of Conor McPherson's best plays. Strong adult language.

512-508-3562/pheelforu@yahoo.com

TH10@7, SA12@6, SU13@8, TH17@9, SA19@12, SU20@4

In the Shadow of the Glen/Riders to the Sea The Fair Dog Players

Ireland, turn of the 19^th century - common people scratch out an existence, by the sea
and in the glens. The Fair Dog Players present a pair of brief, rich tragicomedies by J.M. Synge

stevenpricetexas@sbcglobal.net

SA12@10, SU13@6, TU15@7, FR18@9, SA19@2, SU20@2

For more information, including venue locations contact:

The City Theatre

3823 Airport Blvd., Ste. D | Austin, TX 78222 | 512-524-2870

info@citytheatreaustin.org / www.citytheatreaustin.org

Support theatre in Austin, TX - make a date this weekend with Summer Acts!


~DIY Danna

Inaugural mp3 Blog: Austin - Take Five!

Get your free mp3 from the latest Foot Foot release!

Expectations... (A Prelude)

What was supposed to be two or three personal MySpace blogs about free downloads by d-i-y and indie label artists who have profiles on the popular social web site has become a new labor of music love by technical default. Due to technical difficulties this weekend, it will now be a regular blog about music we like right here. Before I go into expectations, I'd like to explain that the following mp3 web log has been divided into two equal parts, featuring music by Austin, TX artists that is available for free via MySpace - worldwide - and without a membership. Eat your heart out, iTunes, Rhapsody, and Zune...

Now about expectations...

What you should expect are honest, brief (but insightful) artist reviews, previews, as well as news and advice for independent musicians. What you shouldn't expect is a lot of hipster hype. This isn't a hottest band fanzine, although you won't read a lot of negative criticism that takes a punch at popular musicians - unless it is laced with wit and gentle sarcasm. Art is subjective, and just because I or other diy revolution bloggers don't listen to (or like) most of what's on commercial radio doesn't mean we're going to give it a lashing. Expect criticism without castigation or name calling.

About the mp3 blogs: I don't have artist permission to post mp3s here (for now), but I can provide links to their MySpace profiles, where you can download mp3s gratis. Enjoy!

~ DIY Danna
diy revolution Group Moderator @ MySpace


Austin - Take Five!




7 Inch Stitch

I've heard of the band, but have never had the pleasure (I'm certain) of hearing them live. Like most talented d-i-y bands in Austin with a day job, 7 Inch Stitch isn't so talented when it comes to self-promotion. On the anniversary of 9/11 the band aggravated a six-year war wound the trio released The Phosphorus Tarot of Matchbooks, and from the four free tracks I've heard so far, it's something worth buying and listening to on repeat. Just listen with open ears and an open mind.

Current Featured Tracks (as of 10/02/08):

"Empty Trumpet"
"Energy Draining Church Bazaar"
"I Eat Fog"
"The Pernoctalian"

listen, download, and listen again to (4) 7 Inch Stitch mp3s




Amplified Heat (Arc Light Records)

The young brothers Ortiz are absolutely amazing, with a blend of blues and hard rock that I can't help but not my head to whenever I hear it on my iTunes player in between blogs and writing assignments. Say what you will about the proliferation (some may say pollution) of Stevie Ray Vaughan wannabes and Texas Blues, but Amplified Heat is the real deal - a rockin' blues band with youthful zeal and appeal. But like the best of Austin's bands, nothing beats Amplified Heat's live energy. I'm only fortunate to possess the self-titled EP, but I plan to purchase a copy of their full length, local label release How Do You Like The Sound of That soon (I can't review every local CD); in the meantime I'm content with a free download of "Man on the Road". We can also listen to an unreleased tune called "Get Yer Hands off My Baby". Get 'em both while they're hot.

listen and download (2) Amplified Heat mp3s




BASIC

Getting down to basics with rock that isn't afraid to roll is what this band is all about from a fan's p.o.v. Jason Pearson's voice rings like a bell tolling an homage the Texas rock great Buddy Holly, with the carefully laced doo-wop intonations - and occasional emotive yelps whenever the hell he feels like it. Nemir Naayem on bass has a classic rock stance and plucks wicked notes that live up to the evil bass player myth, and the Animal-esque meets "Theatre of the Absurd" quirks of percussionist Glenn Barovich (Baby Robots) brings the groove down to earth, and back to basics with live performances of BASIC's re-released debut LP Favorite Movie. I won't hide my disappointment about the title track not appearing on their MySpace player, but BASIC cleverly uploaded the first four tracks (as a teaser) of the album that was always on repeat at home (and in the car) in the summer of 2006 (and 2007).

Available Tracks:

01 "Tyco"
02 "It Isn't Wrong"
03 "Carolina"
04 "Come Home Soon"

listen and download (4) BASIC mp3s




Foot Foot (Bunkhaus Records)

Foot Foot is one of the longest and best kept secrets in Austin, TX, but hopefully not for another decade. After years of missing the psychedelic indie rockers live, I finally got a chance to hear them at Hole in the Wall. Well, most of their set. (Long story...) And I was impressed enough to remember them in my search for a short list of music artists who are making their art more accessible to the masses. Lucky masses... One of these accessible tracks is the scorching "The Quarters of Ole San Juan", which can also be heard on the recently released Everything Cool Has Been Canceled. Now I'm wondering when that other band called Foot Foot (L.A., CA) will cancel their account - or just get a new name. No offense (their music isn't bad), but they haven't had the name or been on MySpace as long as the original. Anyway... Check out Foot Foot (Austin, TX) and thank me later.

download (2) Foot Foot mp3s




Hit Space (Bunkhaus Records)

I'll keep this short and sweet: What happens when two members of the popular and critically decorated 1990s "noise pop" band Sixteen Deluxe* decide to make music together? Beautifully understated and mellow, but not hollow, indie pop. Carrie Clark and Jeff Copas join forces with Don Clark and Joel Ossar to record an EP released on Bunkhaus Records, label of fellow seasoned rockers Foot Foot and Baby Robots. I slept on (Verb) when it was released, but by some stroke of luck I'm making up for it now.

The Tracks:

"Dogs Dream" (demo)
"Winkiest Winks" (demo)
"Marbles Better Plus 2" (demo)

download and listen to these (3) Hit Space demos before the next release

*Hidden Bonus: Search "Sixteen Deluxe" on the MySpace Music page and find out what you may have missed in the gay old '90s.

Austin - Take Five! To be continued...


Label Links:

Arclight Records

Bunkhaus Records