New Handmade & Vintage Store: Las Cruxes Grand Opening + Mikaylah Bowman Photo Exhibit (Fri. 10/14 - 7:30pm)

Austin has become well-known for its handmade and vintage shops, which offer great finds and deals on items that avoid landfill overload while being fashionable. "Specializing in handmade, vintage, and one of a kind, re-purposed clothing, music, art, and miscellaneous items", Las Cruxes promises to be the greatest new addition to vintage and upcycling boutiques in central Austin. 


Las Cruxes owner and operator Veronica Ortuño, known as a respected d-i-y fashionista, visual artist, and musician (M'lady's Records, The Carrots, Mutating Meltdown, Finally Punk), unveils original and redesigned clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more during a grand opening event at 7:30pm on Friday, October 14th, featuring the artwork of Mikaylah Bowman, and DJs Benson Ellis, Dustin Coffey, and Jon Saltzman. Drink specials and goodies will be available at a private bar, courtesy of Spiderhouse.



Located at 2908 ½ Fruth Street, adjacent to Spiderhouse, beneath sister vintage and handmade clothing boutique The Fresh UP and the alleyway behind I Luv Video, Las Cruxes also operates as an online store, currently offering discounted items celebrating the new storefront.


RSVP on Facebook--UNVEILING: LAS CRUXES Grand Opening Soirée with Works  by Mikaylah Bowman.

SXSWeek Music Events That Won't Bust Your Budget

Part 1: Pre-SXSW Music and The Other Festivals, or
How to live like a V.I.P. SXSW badge holder and see the bands you love for free*

You may have received so many Facebook and MySpace invitations, you're not sure which event to RSVP to even with SXSW just days away. SXSW Interactive and Film festivals are happening as of today, and maybe you don't have a badge, or even a pass before the flurry of folks with music badges and wristbands make it nearly impossible to see your favorite new band.

Well, I've got some good news for you: There will be plenty of parties, day and night, to schedule in a few favorites - and a lot of them aren't official showcases. Many bands participating officially in SXSW are aware most of their true fans won't be at these shows, but really want a chance to see and hear them live. They're joining forces with (mostly local) bands that have become disenfranchised from the SXSW dynasty. Some are signing up for alternative festivals coinciding (uncoincidentally) with SXSW Music.

The result?

Awesome pre-SXSW shows and alternative showcases during the fest - and we're benefiting from the music mutiny. (Or is it musical disobedience?)

OK - end of introduction. Here's a list of festivals and mini-festivals preceding and coinciding with SXSW (Saturday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 17 and beyond).


Friday, March 13 (8 pm - 2 am)



Nothing Sucks Anymore, Again Fest @ Club 1808. According to Audra Schroeder (Austin Chronicle): "The name of this gig sums up the current state of music with tongue firmly in cheek... " The quality meets variety lineup also sums up the state of this one night only festival preceding SXSW Music 2009. Only $5.

Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15 (9 pm - 2am each night)



Psych Fest II @ Radio Room, 3 days, $15: Co-Sponsor Live Music Capitol has the scoop on all the action starting tonight at the Radio Room. There may even still be a chance to score a free pass or two. Heck, I'm not a big psychedelic rock fan, but there are more than few bands I'd love to hear at this cool drone fest, featuring underground/cult drug flick classics projected by curator and Austin Underground Film Society head Andy Gately. There may even be an after-party. Drone on...


Saturday, March 14 (9 pm-2 am)



The Strange Boys. Photo by diydanna.

Gigotron Best of Texas Party @ Emo's. It's free, and if I dared leave my party early this Saturday, this is probably where I'd be (to see Finally Punk).


Tuesday, March 17 (7 pm-2 am)



South by South DEATH is 1 night only @ Elysium, 7 bands, and only $5. A cool lineup of locals and foreign imports resist the man - I mean, SXSW. At least you know where they stand. Ume headlines.


Tuesday, March 17 (5:30-10 pm)



Tejas Means Friends Party @ Ms. Bea's. They had me at FREE. OK, maybe it's the lineup and the fact that this could be one of the very best Pre-SXSW Music bashes ever. All ages welcome. How friendly... Visit the venue's MySpace profile for details, or check them out with the events app on Facebook.


Saturday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20(?) (7 pm-2 am each night)

?

Yeast by Sweet Beast - $5/super lineup per night. What a cool, sexy and disturbing pun... The self described "outsider" festival (now in its 9th year) is happening before, during but not after SXSW. Facebook seems to be the best way to get details about locations (Salvage Vanguard Theatre and Plush), lineup and times. It's definitely a wildcard pick, with a spectrum of experimental sounds. Presented by Church of the Friendly Ghost.


Enjoy your weekend, whatever you do.


Recommended Sites for Building Your SXSW Music Itinerary on a Budget:

Austin Chronicle - I heard from a reliable source that the AC will feature more free parties this year. One of the perks of a recession?

Decider - Bookmark this site. As the name suggests, you have little fuss about which day party, showcase or after-party to attend. (And Decider some of the best staff and contributing writers in town. ;-)

Do512 - They save you a lot of time, and even include a cool SXSW edition and widget you can schedule your events without all the hassle.

INsite - Austin's other entertainment rag dismisses all the SXSW hoopla in favor of a growing festival that's as big as the Heart of Texas. The magazine has a handy March issue that also serves as a guide for the festival Better known as Texas Rockfest, now celebrating it's 10th year of rocking without a badge, R.S.V.P., wristband or badge. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

New Music Tip Sheet - A once a year phenomena that sifts through press releases, bulletins and internet research to provide a handy list of (mostly) free events. It's like Christmas for the Ebenezer Scrooge's of the world.

Showlist Austin - A personal favorite for many reasons. If you want a lot of exposition, don't stop here. If you want a fairly accurate list of free shows that rock, stop here.

The Unofficial E.A.S.T. Afterparty: 3rd Annual Backyard Art @ The G-Spot

Backyard Art @ The G-Spot is an annual art party sponsored by the oldest craft brewery in Texas, Saint Arnold Brewing Company. It's free to the public, and a great way to spend a Saturday and buy cool and weird local art in East Austin.

I sat on this news for a few weeks, and now the event is only two days away. (Better late than never?)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2008

Third Annual "Backyard Art @ the G-Spot"
The Unofficial E.A.S.T Afterparty

One Night Only: Saturday, November 22, 2008
500 W. O'Dell, 5 p.m. to Midnight
Free Admission - Open to the Public

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Each fall, Austin artist and musician Colleen Gugan opens her backyard and art studio to the public for an evening to host "Backyard Art @ the G-Spot", an intimate and magical celebration of local art and music, rooted firmly in the "Keep Austin Weird" ethos. Starting at 5:00 p.m., at the close of the first day of the East Austin Studio Tour, "Backyard Art @ the G-Spot" serves as the unofficial 2008 E.A.S.T after-party—an art crawl with all of the art and none of the crawl, just west of I-35.

Ms. Gugan started "Backyard Art @ the G-Spot" three years ago out of a strong desire to give a voice to established and promising artists in a nurturing and inspiring environment. Those who have attended this show in previous years have learned to expect the unexpected with many artistic mediums on display – ceramics, collage, drawings, paintings, paper maché, photography, printmaking, silkscreening and sculpture, as well as experimental works comprised of discarded, found and broken items that defy description.

The show includes the following artists (subject to change):

The Amazing Hancock Brothers - Penny Van Horn – Edmo - John Weik - Colleen Gugan
Steve Landry - Bob Bechtol - Shelly Dread – Simon McCann - Vicki Fussell - Caroline Homer
Jason Huerta - Joe Caldwell – Henry Reynolds – Chantal Erie – Laura Tabor-Huerta

Long-time Austin performance artist Janine de Luna-Azul will perform her latest work, "What? This Old Thing?"—the musings, reflections and hopes of an obsessive-compulsive "80's hipster artist" moving into middle age and fighting it all the way. Also scheduled to perform are local bands Attic Ted, DD Dagger, and Candi and the Cavities; Dennis Campa of KOOP 91.7 FM's "Adventures in Sound" will DJ between sets. Beer will be provided, courtesy of the oldest craft brewery in Texas, Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

For more information, contact Caroline Homer at carolinehomer@gmail.com or 512-300-9693.

Fuzzy Portal Unlimited (organizers of "Backyard Art @ the G-Spot") is an all-volunteer, artist-run collective headed by Austin artist and musician Colleen Gugan, devoted to providing Austin artists, musicians and performers with an opportunity to speak and be heard, see and be seen, inspire and be inspired, no holds barred.

The Opera House Grand Closing (Last Shows Announced)

I got the news from a MySpace flier: The Opera House is closing. Just one more unique art space closing, most likely due to the strict (and some would say arbitrary) enforcement of city codes, although this has not been confirmed by the venue.

The Opera House is an acronym which stands for:

"The O.(open)P.(power)E.(experimental)R.(research)A.(arts) House"

Located behind the best little record shop in South Austin, End of an Ear, the creative space was home to many experimental, avant-garde local and touring music acts. It served as a store, gallery, and community education/workshop center for many he

Tonight: Liz Gomez (a.k.a. Dromez) sent invitations to hear the glamorous punk Wealthy Whore Entertainment (San Francisco, CA), making a summer tour stop in Austin. Also playing: visual guitarist Douglas Fergeson, experimental sound crafter V.C. Childkraft, and Young Clam (members of Rubble). Beer at 7, Music at 8.



Flier by Deena Hyatt (NanoBangBang)

Sunday Evening - 10/08/08: Last night @ the O.P.E.R.A. The "Grand Closing Party" starts at 5 pm with movies (Lori 16mm), water fun, and music by the seemingly naive minimalist musical act Night Viking, ichnisanchi (which I'm curious to hear), experimental vocal pop artist NanoBangBang, and the "old timey goodness" of Teddy & Marge. "BYOFood to grill!"

Let's hope there will be a reincarnation of the O.P.E.R.A. at a different location. Austin needs more beautiful art space and beautiful people who support artists and their work!

Contact Info:
The O.P.E.R.A. House
(512) 440-1401
liz.theoperahouse@gmail.com
theoperahousestore.com
myspace.com/theoperhousestore

~ diy danna

Waxing Vaudeville with Luna Tart

A Recap of The Parlor Show (Friday, July 11th) - Part One

I arrived a little late with my date, but just in time to catch most of cabaret-style crooner Luna Tart's opening performance for another diy revolution bi-monthly music party. Friday night's theme was Cabaret Meets Carnival, and the first act of the night lived up to the former with a
performance that would make a vaudeville veteran smile.

Luna Tart sang mostly saucy, mid-tempo to fast numbers like the modernly inconvenient "What's The Point". But the audience tried to keep the tears from falling into their beers when she sang another rhetorical tune, the slower tempo "Why Cry". And we all sang along to the wickedly delightful "We Like Bush", after Luna Tart's quick popularity poll. (Not to be confused with the popularity of George W.)

Created by Laura Freeman for the musical Luna Tart Died (of A Broken Heart), Luna Tart has a life of her own, going beyond channeling tin pan alley songbirds. Her live performance was a vibrant work of musical art, with strong vocals only aided by ukelele, and marching french horn.

I'm not sure when and where Luna Tart is playing next, but in the meantime, we can check out her debut release at local records stores (like End of an Ear) and online (CDBaby), and put "Life's A Party" on repeat until it becomes less ironic.

~ diy danna

Tomorrow: Doing The Attic Ted Shuffle

"Cabaret Meets Carnival" @ The Parlor - Friday, July 11th

Vote for our event @ Do 512!

It's all about cross-marketing and flexibility. Soon we'll have a do512.com calendar posted of weekly picks, and you'll get to check out some of the events our MySpace group/blog sponsors and promotes. In the meantime, click on our link and express how much you like our latest event: Cabaret Meets Carnival with Attic Ted, NanoBangBang, and Luna Tart - another all ages, all local musical night at The Parlor (North Loop). And it's free. (Musician and bartender tips are always appreciated.)

The unofficial press release, sent in the form of a mass email:

Dear Friends & Music Lovers:

DIY Revolution (that music blog and MySpace group that supports and promotes independent, do-it-yourself artists), presents another musical event you don't want to miss. The crazy carnival sounds of Attic Ted, the spacey pop/noise maker vocals of Nano Bang Bang, and the cheeky cabaret of Luna Tart highlight a surreal night of local music. It's another all ages, free show at The Parlor on North Loop in Austin, TX. The fun starts at 9:00 pm. Hope to see you there - and tell your friends!

"DIY" Danna

There are a lot of good shows around town, and this is one of them. I complain a lot about people missing good local music, or attending trendy, hipster shows instead of music that you won't forget after hearing it (for better or worse), but I've missed a few shows too. So there will be less preaching and more practicing from this blogger. I want this to be more than a scenester or mp3 blog. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) But diy revolution is about changing the corporate, commercial drone and payola that's even effecting our independently owned local radio stations. It's just sad when you hear a white guy complain about the lack of a Tejano station. Damn. ¡Viva la revolución!

Send all comments, including complaints and death threats to adiyrevolt@gmail.com

~ diy danna


Addendum: Some crazy blogger completely redesigned this blog, but forgot to promote the blog's next show earlier this week. But don't worry - a local press employee told her off today for not including the date of the show in an email sent on Monday. Oh - and she also forgot to mention a successful night with Peel and MonkeyTown in May at The Beauty Bar (pictures coming soon). It has not been a good past two months, but this is what doesn't happen when your blogger is also the boss working on her own web site and feminist zine. Stuff doesn't happen. Forgive me? I remembered to include the date this time...

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

DIY REVOLUTION EVOLVES!

Transmography - myspace.com/transmography

The official blog for the MySpace group has returned, and a network of do-it-yourself music blogs is on the way in 2008!

DIY REVOLUTION COMMUNICATIONS IS A NON-PROFIT PUBLICIST/PRESS AGENT/CONSULTANT FOR INDEPENDENT MUSIC ARTISTS, AND AN ONLINE ART, LITERATURE & ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER. FOR A LIST OF SERVICES OFFERED AND ONLINE PUBLICATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE MODERATOR @ ADIYREVOLT@GMAIL.COM.