My new @myspace.com email address

Hey, I have a new email address: diydanna@myspace.com Drop me a line! -Danna

The Kominas, Sarmust, Propaganda Anonymous, Coma in Algiers, The Cocker Spaniels

diydanna has invited you to: The Kominas, Sarmust, Propaganda Anonymous, Coma in Algiers, The Cocker Spaniels Sun. 08/09 | 9:00PM Red 7 (Red River) 611 E. Seventh +44 (0)870 751 7377 Personal message from diydanna: MEET THE TAQWACORES: THE KOMINAS now on tour - only Texas show tomorrow night in Austin! w/ SARMUST, PROP ANON Red 7 617 E 7th St Local lyricist THE COCKER SPANIELS opens the show at 9 pm, and post-punk hardcore rockers COMA IN ALGIERS close the show after a medley set of Situationist hip hop/punk, sufi indie rock and a finale of punk served Sunni side up. Hope to see you there! Danna See who likes this event and show your support The Kominas on U.S. summer tour w/ Sarmust and Prop Anon! The Kominas' first performances west of Chicago - concerts that have been highly anticipated since the last tour in 2007 was profiled in Rolling Stone, Newsweek and Maximum Rock N Roll. They were recently featured on NPR's All Things Considered. The Kominas, Sarmust and Prop Anon bum rush the stage w/ locals Coma in Algiers headlining and The Cocker Spaniels opening @ Red 7 in Austin, TX on Sun. Aug. 9th. Click for tour dates! Music: The Kominas The Kominas are a taqwacore/punjabi punk band from Boston, Massachusetts Listen at Last.fm Sarmust Rock / Indie / Other Propaganda Anonymous Hip Hop / Post punk / Folk Coma In Algiers one day Killshire & Archbold were listening to the Electric Eels and were full of disgust & joy for their lack of talent; they armed themselves with cymbals, synths and large amps and, in the summer of 2001 in the fine city of Austin, called themselves Coma in Algiers. despite the arrival of the police and the threats to the public, this...read more The Cocker Spaniels The Cocker Spaniels began Christmas 1994, when then 13-year-old Brooklynite Sean Padilla received a Yamaha MT8X and a drum kit for Christmas after years of collecting and teaching himself how to play other instruments (guitar, bass and piano). He immediately began recording the stockpile of songs he'd been writing since age eight, with his two b...read more See who likes this event and show your support

©2007 Do512 LLC. 1805 S 3rd St, Austin, TX 78704

Summer Music Carnival II: Attic Ted, Mayor Daley and Preston Dukes

We had so much fun last year, we're doing it again!

The summer carnival of music returns for one night only – and it's the night Windy City noise rockers MAYOR DALEY blow into town! ATTIC TED (San Marcos, TX) once again headlines the carnival, and local music carny PRESTON DUKES opens the show after a short films premiere projection!

ABOUT THE MUSIC CARNIES:

ATTIC TED is an experimental "zolo" rock troupe based in San Marcos. Since 2003 they've released several LPs and EPs via self-distributed Pecan Crazy Records. Current members include Grady Roper on vocals and organ and Margie Osborne on cello, with guest performers on synthesizers and noise machines.

Attic Ted is self-described as "Insane Asylum Country Gothic Carnival", and according to local music critics: "Some songs sound disconcerting and vaguely catchy at the same time," (Austin Chronicle), and "[Attic Ted] is mad entertainment that deserves to be heard at least once in a lifetime." (Whoopsy! Magazine)

MAYOR DALEY is not just the name of a famous mayor but a band based in his hometown. The noise rock outfit has a wonderfully intense, searing sound complimented by ethereal and experimental vocals from Kelly Carr (guitar) and Dewayne Slightweight (bass), with weighty percussion from Paul Erschen...

Here's what The Hideout (Chicago) wrote: "Mayor Daley is definitely unique. There aren't many lyrics... but there are a lot of vocal sounds. Somehow, the "vocals" come together to work with the music. The music is intense. It moves along at constantly changing paces, creating something that sounds frantic, but carefully thought out... Mayor Daley's sound isn't catchy. It's raw, and that's what makes it memorable.”

This "raw" and "memorable" sound is what makes Mayor Daley one of the best d-i-y/underground bands in the Windy City. The trio embarks on a tour in July, offering Mayor Daley II, a truly d-i-y four song EP for Austin's music freaks and geeks.

PRESTON DUKES the man is co-operator and promoter of Bundyhill Recording and longtime Business Deal associate who has shredded guitar for experimental lounge act Count Dracula's Weed Smuggling Jam Engine since the music apocalypse of the 1990s, and played bass and shared vocal duties for experimental country band Charles Potts' Magic Windmill Band. While jamming with bands that have long names, Dukes maintained a short eponymous solo side project that still declares a different (and perhaps more accessible) pop/rock approach.

In November 2008 Preston Dukes debuted a live band featuring Jam Engine mates Tim Bond (bass, vocals) and Scott Blanchard (drums), and occasionally featuring Adam “Sweatpants” Avramescu (of Fishboy) on keyboards and trumpet. Preston Dukes’ first release, Amarillo by Midnight (Business Deal Records) reflects Dukes’ “insightful lyrical range humorous self-deprecation to serious personal contemplation” (INsite Austin, March 2009).

SUMMER MUSIC CARNIVAL 2

ATTIC TED

MAYOR DALEY (CHICAGO, IL)

PRESTON DUKES

@ CAROUSEL LOUNGE

1110 E 52nd ST

AUSTIN, TX 78752

FRIDAY, JULY 10 - 9:00 PM

Event Listing Links:

Austin Chronicle Recommended

Do512

Eventful

Facebook Invitation

Wave Your 4th of July Freak Flag @ Club 1808 - Sat. 7/04

An AC Recommended Fourth of July event, direct from the event coordinator, Spork:

Fourth of July Freak ON!
Saturday, July 4th @ Club 1808
1808 E. 12th Street
8pm-2am

Get your 4th of July party on nasty style at Club 1808! Booty shakin', free food, and featured performers:

HUG (http://www.myspace.com/hug) What can I say about this band that they don't just wear on their love smeared faces? One band you have to experience, not just listen to.

Slow jams + dreamy pop + wild times = Scorpio Rising (http://www.myspace.com/scorpiorising) Light some candles and put on the silk sheets!

FM Campers (http://www.myspace.com/fmcampers) bringin' the weird by mixin' up styles. With two tables full of electronic goodies like pedals, boxes, and, laptops and combining it with acoustic guitar sounds and a hardhitting drummer, FM Campers have been the Austin up-and-coming band to watch this year! Make sure you say hello to their fourth member, the subwoofer Lupus.

Last but not least - going to get to see some grindin' on the dance floor with this guy - DJ Teenage Wolf. (http://www.myspace.com/djteenagewolf) Playing two hour sets!

$5 Cover, from 8-2am

Drink specials all day/night!

"Adult" contests with prizes, wet tshirt contest, cool down kiddie pools filled with ??? and more.

Click do512 event listing.

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.

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.

MakeMusic TalkMusic: Interactive Party @ Beauty Bar Sat. 3/14

Saturday, March 14, 2009 @ Beauty Bar – MakeMusic TalkMusic presents a truly interactive evening of music, films, robots – and dancing – during SXSW Interactive and Film. Live music, world premiere videos screenings, and Maker Faire-friendly demos culminate in memorable talk of crunk sounds, staggering sights, and things that go bleep.


Music meets the talk of the blogosphere @ MakeMusic TalkMusic

Indie music makers known for dynamic live performances highlight the party: Headliner Peel, a pop band with an experimental, art & craft approach to music, is not afraid make some noise. With an electronica alter ego the size of Texas, MVSCLZ hearkens the last days of disco and Studio 54 while not losing a future-minded boldness. Computer synthesized tunes don’t hold back the anti-Ritalin effects of electro/funk MC Neiliyo, who gets the party started after a short program of entertaining local films.

World Premiere Short Video Programs

For your viewing pleasure: An original short program from exciting Austin filmmaker BLACK MAGIC ROLLERCOASTER, eclectic media & visual art by Totally Wreck Production Institute, and a surprise short selection from M.A.L.I. Women's Film & Performance Arts Festival screen at MakeMusic TalkMusic throughout the night. M.A.L.I. Representatives will be present to talk about the 9^th annual event happening in May.

Live Interactive Robot Demo – Thingamagoop

Because it's not really an interactive party without robots, right? Creative robot tinkerer John-Mike Reed of Bleep Labs provides a cool noise robot display, customizable and available for purchase online. During the music performances, look for a noise bot to join in, maybe during a Peel guitar solo.

After The Show – DJ Mel in Residence

Immediately following MakeMusic TalkMusic interactive program: World-renowned turntablist DJ Mel mixes music just right, and every Saturday night at Beauty Bar. Hit the dance floor after midnight – and resist doing the robot dance.

Beauty Bar

617 E 7^th St

Doors: 9 pm

Interactive party begins @ 10 pm.

DJ Mel spins shortly after midnight.

21+, Free. NO SXSW Interactive/Film badge, wristband, or RSVP required.

Google Map & Directions

Sponsored by DIY Danna Communications – a copywriting service, zine publisher, and more; Make Magazine – “technology on your time”; M.A.L.I. (Media Arts & Literacy Institute); and interactive party participants.

Information: MakeMusicTalkMusic@gmail.com

An Entire Month Without DIY Revolution?

New logo for the blog & zine publisher. Warning: Handing out biz card versions during SXSW.

Consider February a holiday for diy revolution. Little did we know there are a few folks who read this blog. We apologize for virtually ignoring the independent local music and arts scene, and the spam that filtered through last month. Some of us (actually, all of us) were busy with the daily tasks of earning a living wage for work and finding a new day job.

To make it up to you we're posting information and commentary about local events at least once a week, every week, through June.

We've got a few exciting events to promote, so don't erase us from your "bookmarks" just yet.

Get Exposed to the Local Art Scene

Art Seen Alliance Presents Exposure Exhibit Tonight
Friday, 9 January 2009

Do-it-yourself, independent, or non-commercial artists need out support, and it's great when Austinites form an alliance dedicated to promoting individual artists. Art Seen Alliance epitomizes this dedicated spirit.

According to their web site, this organization "is engaged in cultivating artistic and cultural endeavors of all sorts. Our goal is simply to help artists get their art seen, facilitate making art, and bring art to places it is typically not seen."

The alliance engages in exposing Austin to photographers who bring different p.o.v.'s to local art. Meet these artists and view their work at the exhibit opener downtown tonight at one of those atypical places, IF+D (Innovation Flooring and Design). Entertainment from the illustrious DJ Chicken George highlights the reception. What a great way to expose yourself to Austin's art scene.

If you are a local artist seeking assistance in creating and displaying your work, contact Art Seen's director Warren McKinney through their web site form.

Exposure Opening Reception
6-10 PM Fri. 10 Jan.
IF+D
208 Colorado
Austin, TX 78701
Map and Directions

Thanks to Carl Webb and yelp.com for sharing about this event.

Three Free Weekenders @ Club DeVille: Thur. 8 - Sat. 10 Jan.

Loxsly, Haunting Oboe Music, and Peel - Thur., 8/01



La Snacks, The Weird Weeds, Cry Blood Apache, DJ Miss Manners - Fri., 9/01



Shapes Have Fangs, Cavedweller, and the Legendary Rockin' Rock City Rockingtons - Sat., 10/01

The Austin New Year tradition of Free Week began at Emo's; now other live music venues on Red River follow the tradition, under the inspiration and guidance of Emo's booking alumnus Graham Williams who now works with Transmission Entertainment. Beauty Bar, Club De Ville, Emo's, Mohawk, and Red 7 all take part in Free Week, lasting Thursday, January 2nd - Saturday, January 10th.

Transmission Entertainment presents a crunk and eclectic mix of indie music on two nights at Club De Ville worth mentioning. With all the hoopla about The Lemurs, What Made Milwaukee Famous, and Riverboat Gamblers, it's great seeing the lesser known - but equally talented - locals getting their props.

Thursday night, aural teasers Loxsly kick off a busy month with the mercurial Haunting Oboe Music, and live show rarity Peel opens, still pushing the underrated self-released EP August Exhaust Pipes.

On Friday, La Snacks play smart indie standards from the debut LP and Newfangled EP. The Weird Weeds experimentally sound off with songs from 2008's I Miss This, and Cry Blood Apache surprise local music lovers by not crashing the party. KOOP's Hip Hop Hooray host DJ Miss Manners spins between sets.

Saturday, the final night of Free Week, brings a retro garage rock vibe with 21st century verve. Master tape & reel recorders Shapes Have Fangs bring a new bag, with the acid-tinged folk rock of Cavedweller, and heavy-named The Legendary Rockin' Rock City Rockingtons. Some of us can only guess this band rocks.

Club De Ville
900 Red River
Austin, TX
Map and Directions

Have fun during the rest of Free Week, no matter what you do.

Cherrywood Art Fair @ Maplewood Elementary (Sat. & Sun, Dec.13-14)

Art Corsage/Pin by Austin based designer and artist One Creative Girl

CAF: Helping students connect with art - and you buy unique holiday gifts

If you missed the well organized and musical Wheatsville Arts Festival, no worries - there are at least two arts & crafts festivals where you can find original gifts this holiday season, both happening this weekend. The twelve days of Christmas starts with the 2nd Annual Keep Austin Bizarre Bazaar at the Palmer Event Center tomorrow (featured vendor interview next week), and the charitable Cherrywood Art Fair, commencing Saturday morning. Musical acts make it a festive holiday party, with artist and musician Ethan Azarian (Orange Mothers) performing at 5 pm on Saturday.



Go to cherrywoodartfair.org for more info, including participating artists and musicians.

Have fun this weekend, whatever you do.

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.

4aaasp! Today @ Salvage Vanguard Theater

Another analog synth & primary color friendly festival founded and sponsored by Chad A: (Mutating Meltdown, Low Red Center, Zom Zoms and Oblong Boys) is happening from 3-6 pm today at the Salvage Vanguard Theater. You and your friends are encouraged to b.y.o. analog synths, stands, headphones, and power strips. Live musical performances by Low Red Center, Operation Playmate, and Douglas Ferguson happen after 6 o'clock.


Music From Outer Space Soundlab and modular - 3aaasp. Photo by Zonkout (a.k.a. Chad A:)

4aaasp (4th Annual Austin Analog Synthesizer Party)
3-10 pm
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Salvage Vanguard Theater
2803 Manor Rd, 78722

It's the perfect Sunday event I wish I could attend this year, but my time will be spent working on a paying project. Perhaps Chad A: and company will post a video and a few cool photos in lieu of a review?

~ diy danna

In honor 4aaasp!, diy revolution is posting a 24-hour free mp3 download of a local synth-pop tune "Bright Colors", by the band formerly known as Things That Go Pop. It's available on their eponymous debut LP which received radio play on KVRX, KOOP, and 101X's The Next Big Thing way back in 2005.

Experience A "Third Life" by Ben Aqua @ CRL (Thursday-Saturday, November 6-8)

Austin artist Ben Aqua is a well-known visual and performance artist, photographer, DJ, and musician with a distincive talent for juxtaposing the familiar with the alien. Aqua recently completed a new work, "Third Life", is based on geometrical figures and Michaelangelo's famous hand of God, which ponders the future of the human race according to his blog, aquabotic.com. It's part of an 8 artist exhibit FUTURE PROLOGUES: The Compression of Post-Pop Narratives into Non-Space and Pre-Time. The artists are part of a collective called Totally Wreck Institute, formed five years ago to promote art on the "fringe"-off the beaten local art path.



Aqua's Future Prologues installment is available for public view through Saturday, November 8th at the Creative Research Lab, part of the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Austin, and a diamond in the rough local art space.

CALL FOR "THIRD LIFE" VOLUNTEERS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Ben Aqua calling for volunteers to participate in a special "cosmic" photographic portion of the exhibit Thursday night. To find out how you can become a part of "Third Life", e-mail ben@benaqua.org by 8 pm tomorrow.

EXHIBIT LOCATION & HOURS:

Creative Research Lab - UT Austin
2832 E Martin Luther King Jr.
Austin, TX 78702
Tue.-Sat. 12-5 pm

Support local art - make a date with a museum or gallery in Austin.

~ Danna

The Weekend Starts Today With 'Newfangled' Music and Recycled Fashion

Hallelujah, praise geezus - La Snacks' "Newfangled" EP is released!

Yes, another d-i-y friendly and fun weekend in Austin starts today with two events: A "go green" fashion show and after-party for Treasure City Thrift Store, and a hot new release party for your favorite smart indie rockers (and mine) La Snacks at the Mohawk-with a free copy of the EP upon entry. Read on, dear readers, read on...

Treasure City Thrift Store Fashion Show 7 pm

If I can escape from suburbia soon enough, I'll be here to see the latest fashion from the fashionable thrift store Treasure City. If you live in Austin, you may have noticed a fashion trend-from musicians to hipsters to techies. More recycled, or "vintage" clothes and accessories. I'm no fashionista, but even I joined the recycled fashion movement when hosting a fab party for Lipstick Pages with Blue Velvet at the Beauty Bar this spring. The trend explodes this fall with a hot fashion show courtesy of Mike Litt and  Treasure City. 

There's a dance warm-up with The Bomb Squad, and DJ Bullet rocks the store runway with recycled fashion at 8 o'clock, with a live music filled after-party at 10 pm. Victory Grill presents indie rockers The Always Ready, Sunset, and hip hop upstarts Blacklisted Individuals, and Damp Heat. It's just a $5 donation at the door to party with the bands till last call. 

Treasure City Thrift
1720 E. 12th St.

Victory Grill
1104 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702

Where I'm making tracks to after the fashion show:

La Snacks "Newfangled" EP Launch Tonight @ Mohawk 10 pm

You can't beat the deal-a free copy of La Snacks' Newfangled EP with admission to one of the hottest local music showcases in town. La Snacks has a bang-up new drummer Jimmy Evans, one-half of Ambient/Crunk/Ghettotech experimentalists Transmography. Evans and his musical half Michael Frazier (on keyboards, vocals, and everything + the kitchen sink) are releasing new music tonight too - a cassette (of course!)- and limited edition collection of tunes recorded since Polydactyl.  Check out "Car Commercial" and you will hear why the Austin Chronicle called their sound "as bizarre as it is beautiful..." Indie pop hip chicks Follow That Bird! and Stay Gold DJ John Gross set the stage for an engaging mix of musical  art and craft. 

Have a fun this weekend, whatever you do.

HAAM Benefit Day: How You Can Help Local Musicians Get Health Care

"HAAM is an amazing gift to the Austin music community!" - Kimberly Freeman, a.k.a. One-Eyed Doll

The live music capital buzzes throughout the week, every day of the year, but this Tuesday is special. It's HAAM-the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians-benefit day. By local music lovers giving just a little, we can help our musiciams a lot. I've been out of the loop for the past week, recovering from illness (not ACL dust and allergen related) and our other blogger is missing in action, focused on his band and other projects. But I'll plug for new bloggers here (and on Craig's List) later. This is all about HAAM.

Many fine partners or sponsors, local businesses that have benefitted from local music, are contributing at least 5% of proceeds (in the form of sales) to HAAM today. Some of these donors are welcoming musicians to perform in-store, so it's a special treat for customers. The schedule and map of activities for the day was a bit overwhelming for us at such short notice, but we encourage youour readers (all 10 of you if we're lucky) to visit the HAAM web site @ www.austinmusicianshealth.org and click on the updated schedule and interactive map.

I'm not certain HAAM partner ME Television is hosting a telethon this year, possibly due to programming and financial difficulties. ME raised $10,000 in 2007, but this year it seems they're too busy posting VH1 news, like Eminem being crowned "Best Rapper Alive" by Vibe magazine, to help local rappers. Joking aside, I don't (and can't) watch much ME to know. With a lack of a telethon to promote, and on such short notice, I'm not sure which events to recommend. Despite the lack of preparation I managed to come up with a few highlights of HAAM Benefit Day for those looking to help Austin musicians get the health care they need, so they can keep giving us the music we want:

Amy's Ice Cream

Not sure if there will be any live performances, but who really cares when there's ice cream? Today is a good excuse to get premium ice cream with all your favorite mix-ins, and your heart and mind will feel as good as your tastebuds with some of the proceeds going to HAAM. Check the web site amysicecreams.com for nearest locations and hours. (Don't forget to tip your scooper.)

Waterloo Records

Famous for in-store performances, the stage will be set for two afternoon performances at Waterloo, the largest independently owned music store in Austin-and Texas. Customers enjoy listening to live music while they select music from the extensive stock of music - international icons and local wonders that aren't separated by genre or geography. Well, maybe a little geography... musical shell game artists Asylum St. Spankers and the honky-tonk Derailers are two mega-popular Austin bands that may amuse and rock you. Get there before 4:30 this afternoon to browse and buy.

Antone's

At post time, I somehow misplaced my detailed notes about the benefit at Antone's. But trust me, there is something going on at the legendary rock, rhythm and blues club tonight at 8:00. Go to their web site www.antones.net for details.

Room 710

It's a night of full throttle rock 'n' roll. Dixie Witch, Tia Carrera, Adrian & the Sickness headline with cover proceeds going to HAAM. I'm a fan of one of the hottest rockers in town, Adrian, so this show comes with a gracious recommendation to experience her band live for a very good cause. Room 710 is a 18+ and non-smoking venue in the heart of the Red River entertainment district. They serve beer and mix two of my my favorite drinks very well-ask for the Cape Cod and Dreamsicle. Not sure of the cost and when the fun begins, but a typical show at Room 710 starts at 10:00 or 10:30, with doors open at 9:00. Go to Room710.net, myspace.com/room_710, or give them a call this evening at 512-476-0997.

Unfortunately I don't have a clue what's going on in the local underground, experimental or avant-garde music scenes to benefit HAAM. But if I excavate the internet enough before tonight, I'll post an update.

Have a happy HAAM day!

A Free Alternative to ACL: Freewater Festival at Clementine's Saturday September 27th

Plutonium Farmers bring the freshest surf rock to Clementine Coffee Bar.

The Freewater Festival - Free Music, Free Water - is a good alternative to Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest) , especially if you subscribe to the Poor Girl's Guide to Austin, like me. Eight bands, artists, and surprise fun on two stages, plus good coffee and food by Clementine is happening this Saturday at the darling coffee bar central/east Austin. You can probably avoid traffic from the game and festival if you skip the downtown streets and stay off IH-35.

Freewater is inspired by the once free-spirit music festival that was an offspring of the popular KLRU (PBS) series. According to a few critics, ACL Fest is quickly becoming a festival of corporate proportion, exclusively webcast by AT&T, censors of Pearl Jam, a band who dared critized Bush during a live performance last summer. There have been increased restrictions at the festival, and getting a good deal, like free water in the sometimes overbearing heat at the 3-day music fest is becoming as elusive as winning a golden ticket in a Wonka bar.  

ACL Fest is still considered a great time for many music lovers, so don't mistake my complaints for a lack of enthusiasm about many of the performances on the stages and at after-shows. I'm not attending the fest this year at Zilker Park, but I'm watching a some bands thanks to the live AT&T webcast, which I've read won't be censored like the Pearl Jam debacle. It's just nice to know at least one venue  in Austin still embraces the do-it-yourself ethic of musical talent, without a corporation to back its progress. That's part of what cultural diversity is all about - having options in the arts and entertainment, including music. 

Add the Freewater Festival to your busy Do512 calendar this weekend.

And what diverse sets! Bands and solo artists include: Plutonium Farmers, L.A. Dies, Canopy, Ella Minnow (Denton), Elisa Ferrari, Household Names,  Clint Niosi (Fort Worth) and FM Campers. Everything from newborn electro thrash to the rebirth of surf rock - and it's free.

I'm sure there are other unofficial ACL Fest after-shows going on, so support local and visiting musicians by checking out listings in your favorite weekend entertainment guide, or make Freewater your place to be this Saturday. 

Freewater Festival
5pm-12am
Clementine Coffee Bar
2200 Manor
Austin, TX 78722
(Click here for map and directions.)

Have a fun and safe weekend, no matter what you do. 

Music Outside The Box: A Weekend w/ The Box Set at Emo's - And More

:

The Box Set blows into Austin, TX - Saturday 13 September @ Emo's Lounge.

Despite Hurricane Ike barreling toward Texas, there's a lot of music happening here in the live music capital. It can all be overwhelming sometimes, finding just a few d-i-y and truly indie label bands to blog about, but with a little inspiration - like nature brewing up a storm - the choices become a little bit easier. Thanks to one storm, The Box Set (Beaumont, TX) may have an unexpected entourage from Southeast Texas Saturday night at Emo's. But I'm getting a bit ahead of myself. I'd like to make a few weekend recommendations, starting with Friday night. 

What's going on Friday, September 12th at Beerland:

Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re join forces with Powerpuff Girls, both celebrating 10 years with a CD!

If you missed the hard rock candy of Lick Lick (Australian Cattle God Records) at Make Austin Weirder Fest last Saturday, don't sweat it - you can hear them headline a night of tsunami force rock with Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re, and The Captains (both on tour from Tokyo, Japan), plus the delightfully noisy pop of Peel (Peek-A-Boo Records) opening the show.  

 
711 1/2 Red River St.
Austin, TX 78701
21+/$? (Call 512-479-7625 ) 
Doors: 9 pm

On Saturday, September 13th you can catch a double feature - two venues for the price of one:

The Lovely Sparrows (Abandoned Love Records) perform live at End of an Ear records at 6 pm. I first heard the rolling acoustic cast of musicians at Emo's two years ago, and was as impressed by their enchanting simplicity as much as their numbers. Shows at the best little record shop in Austin are always free, but browse and buy - and feel free to ask the courteous, knowledgeable staff if they can order something for you. Based on personal experience, they can and will.

According to a MySpace update, The Lovely Sparrows show at End of an Ear has been cancelled and rescheduled:

"The in-store for tomorrow at End of an Ear has been rescheduled due to the hurricane, and band members not being able to get into Austin due to the storm! It will now take place next Saturday, September 20th at 6pm."

The band's official CD release is still happening at Emo's next Tuesday, September 16th at 9 pm.

Tickets are still available through ticketweb.com.

September 13th Beaumont based The Box Set makes a live performance debut out-of-town. I'm not sure how they sound (no demos on the MySpace page yet), but the duo's resume makes them the perfect powerpop 'n' rock match you won't want to miss this weekend. Jamey Matte played drums for smart indie rock La Snacks, and once all-female punk band Small Town Massacre, and Poppy Robbie was formerly part of The Koopas and Southeast Texas wunderkinds Joe Jitsu. If you want hyperbole where a hyped impression of their sound might be here it is: The Box Set may be the musical Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, or Mike Nichols and Elaine May.  They are special guests of pop/rock duo Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby (Stiff Records), two powerful solo artists from the U.K. and U.S., respectively. They're pairing for a tour in both countries to support their self-titled album, released last week.

Sunday, September 14th: Not Your Average Church-going Sunday

 

Sunday evening at 7:30, Austin music mainstay Church of the Friendly Ghost sponsors an evening of entertainment with Nick Hennies (The Weird Weeds) performing a solo percussion set at the Salvage Vanguard Theater. His show marks the first of five performances in the "Open Spaces" series sponsored by the group. The cover for this rare performance is $5. Since there will be additional musicians playing, I'll be sure to post an update.  If you're interested in volunteering for Church of the Friendly Ghost, go to www.churchofthefriendlyghost.org. The organization helps keep Austin music alive and original, so they're taking part in a benefit, Party on the Vanguard, to help keep a rare arts & entertainment space open. The party happens Saturday, September 20th,  so diy revolution will have an update next week. 

Have a great weekend, whatever you do. 

~ diy danna

Believe The Hype: Audible Hype Offers Valuable DIY Hip Hop Resources in Hard Times

?uestlove of The Roots: Professor of DIY Hip Hop Marketing & Promotion @ Audible Hype U.

I won't bore you by bragging about Audible Hype. It's one of the very few do-it-yourself music blogs I take the time to read, and it's simply a good resource for d-i-y musicians trying to make a living doing something they love - without falling back on the day job. You have to admire a blog that states it's all about "DIY Marketing and Promotion for broke rappers, DJs, and musicians".

In August, Audible Hype blogger Justin Boland (a.k.a. Humpasaur Jones), introduced a series of interviews with illustrious and independent Hip Hop heads that offer their research and experiences as a tool for musicians who don't have a clue about marketing themselves, or don't think they have the time to read and research it for themselves. (Not that this is necessary.) Boland is part of anarchic hip hop label/collective World-Around Records, and uses their experience as a model for the blog. And they are connected in the music community, offering insightful interviews with musicians turned diy marketing experts. 

Read Audible Hype's latest: Getting Ready for a Long Cold Winter, which discusses the cold, hard realities of being an underground, diy rapper in failing economy. And check out the DIY Hip Hop Business Master Class, if you want to graduate with more than diploma paper. This post features instruction by one of the members of my favorite bands in the wide world of hip hop, The Roots. 

May I also suggest reading our pick for diy music and weekend fun this Saturday in downtown Austin? (See below.)

Have a fun - and safe - weekend, no matter what you do. 

Your Immodest DIY Muse,

~ diy danna

Wave Your Freak Flag This Saturday at Make Austin Weirder Fest!

Ain't no party like a weirdo party 'cause a weirdo party always rocks...

Hanging out in the lobby of the Alamo Ritz after Music Monday was a serendipitous moment. I spoke with and hugged one of the outrageous HUG dancers who thanked me for the three-disc retro review of HUG in Whoopsy! What a great memory he has, because that was a few years ago, when the Make Austin Weirder Fest was just a tiny, freaky toddler. Oh, and how it is growing into a big freak music fest, one worthy of a mention in national press. (See SPIN Magazine, July '06.) And this summer, according to the Austin Chronicle: "Hug leads the [freak] parade, with Lick Lick, Attic Ted, the Jazzus Lizard, and more in tow."


HUG photo by Caroline Homer

You can get weirder all day long this Saturday, 6 September at Lovejoy's starting at 3 pm. HUG hits the stage around 11 pm, but you probably want to get there early to get your freak on with lounge quartet The Jazzus Lizard, ambient experimental rocker Steve Marsh, also known as Radar Cave, diy revolution artists of the month (July) Attic Ted, a punk/country band that could be Napoleon Dynamite's worst enemy - Zero Skills, Inc., freaky death metal outfit Death Hell Battle Tank, the psychedelic riffing of Crapulence, and Lick Lick, the rock 'n' roll band that has been kicking ass since a tour of Japan, performing at 10 o'clock. Oh - I almost forgot to mention: It's FREE!

MAKE AUSTIN WEIRDER FEST
3pm-Midnight
Saturday, 6 September 2008
LOVEJOY'S
604 Neches St.
Austin, TX 78701

Come on over to Lovejoy's this Saturday and get your freak on!

~ double d