Monday, August 25, 2008

Vote for the Best of Austin



Have you voted in the Austin Chronicle Best of 2008 poll yet?

The Austin Chronicle is back with their annual poll, where readers can bestow honor among their favorite people, places, and things in Austin. I've already cast my vote, but I wanted to make a few recommendations in the Arts & Entertainment category:

Scenester/Mover and Shaker: Jerm Pollet - From music to comedy to hawking Italian ices, this guy makes Austin more entertaining for the rest of us.

Art Gallery: Okay Mountain - A small space with big talent, welcoming local and international artists - and they're music friendly too!

Museum: Blanton - No explanation needed.

Place to See Local Art: United States Art Authority - Instead of drawing plasma, this space draws a crowd for eclectic art.

Performance Space: Salvage Vanguard Theater

Comedy/Improv Troupe: I was torn between Master Pancake and Coldtowne Theater, so I flipped a coin, and Master Pancake won!

Comedian: Shannon McCormick - A master of improv comedy and co-founder /co-producer of Out of Bounds Improv Festival, which now includes stand-up and sketch comedy.

Movie Theatre: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Ritz - The new downtown location is not just a great escape from central Texas heat, but an escape from the boring cinema giants in shopping malls and off the highways, especially when you don't just want to see a summer blockbuster. Good service and food, too!

Emergent Local Filmmaker: Thomas Humphreys - Known for directing and editing video shorts of cinematic quality, eye-popping trailers, and catchy music videos, he's a versatile talent awarded numerous times for his work, competing among international filmmakers. Humphreys is best known as one of the talents in Black Magic Rollercoaster (see Filmmaking Frenzy).

Film Series: I won't mention my final vote, but it came down to Weird Wednesday with Lars Nilsen and Terror Thursday w/ Zack Carlson. Both series (and hosts) make watching movies more engaging with knowledgeable and funny introductions, and special programs and appearances within the series (celebrated directors, writers, and actors). Both series are awesome - and free - so that made it a tough pick.

Karaoke: Rock 'n' Roll Karaoke @ Beerland. I haven't been yet - but I hear it's a lot of fun on a Monday night!

I won't post all my Media picks, but I'd like to suggest Owen Egerton for best author/poet, Sean Claes for best journalist, Austin's INsite for best non-Chronicle publication, and myself for best blogger.

Vote for your favorites here:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/bestof/08/

You can also cast a vote for a special category, like Best Open Art Space: Austin's Enchanted Forest.

~diy danna

Friday, August 22, 2008

Out of Town: Connect The Dots Music Festival in Beaumont, Texas


The live music capital meets home of Spindeltop. Get details about the inaugural fest here.

I was raised in Beaumont, so I can make fun of it. Most of my friends know my cute nickname for the home of the first big oil gush known as Spindletop. There are a few exceptions to the rule that nothing exciting happens in Boremont unless it's the fair or a refinery accident. But this weekend I have to figuratively eat the nickname of the town that lies 90 miles east of Houston. all thanks to Connect the Dots Festival.

One of the few cool music haunts in my hometown, The Vortex, is opening its doors for an exciting mix of Austin based acts, some which still have roots in Boremont - I mean Beaumont. (Some habits are hard to break.) he bar that boasts the best sound guy in the world, also known to me as fellow La Snacks fan Chad, welcomes 11 bands in 2 nights. Known for showcasing Southeast Texas indie rockers like the former Joe Jitsu, and touring Austin bands like Flametrick Subs, The Vortex coordinated the best new Texas music fest with some smart young man who has ties to Austin and Beaumont music scenes. It was easy to connect the dots, crossing styles and geography to deliver two nights of music I highly recommend.

You may click on the links to hear the bands, or visit the official Connect The Dots site for fest details:

Tonight, 22 August

La Snacks (1 am)
Pataphysics (12 am)
Sharks From Space (11 pm)
Meryll (10 pm)
Uptown (9 pm)
DJ Totally Trash (8 pm - Doors Open)

Saturday, 23 August

Ringo Deathstarr (1 am)
Transmography (12 am)
Molly Maguires (11 pm)
Daniel Francis Doyle (10 pm)
We Were Wolves (9 pm)
DJ Totally Trash (8 pm)

The price ($10) more than makes up for the price of gas if you're traveling from Austin. If you pack quickly and head out soon, you'll probably get to hear the first band. Advance tickets are still available through Frontgate, but you can pay at the door. If you can't make the music fest, check out the bands above anyway. Some offer mp3 downloads of music you can enjoy wherever you are.

~ diy danna

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Save Austin's Enchanted Forest @ Ruta Maya Tomorrow


Click on the sign for updates and to sign the petition. Help save this invaluable art, craft, and music space in Austin!

Wednesdays are the days I usually don't blog. On MySpace I started a personal trend when I'd repost someone else's blog or just a link to a blog or article that may or may not have any social relevance or importance. It became
"Lazy Blogger Wednesday". Today I honor that lazy tradition in this rare Wednesday post, ripped from MySpace:


----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: AUSTIN ENCHANTED FOREST
Date: Aug 13, 2008 1:57 PM


Hosted By: The Enchanted Forest Austin
When: Thursday Aug 14, 2008
at 8:00 PM
Where: Ruta Maya
3601 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
United States
Description:
The Enchanted Forest Austin

Click Here To View Event
~SAVE THE ENCHANTED FOREST~
www. myspace. com/austinenchantedforest
Benefit Show & Dance Party
Thursday, August 14th, 8pm-1am
RUTA MAYA
3601 South Congress Ave.
www. myspace. com/rutamaya

$15 Suggested Donation
We'll take more and we'll take less! Just be there to show your support, sign the petition and give what you can!
Please Repost & Help spread The Word!!

Hosted By
Ararat Mid-East Fusion
www. myspace. com/araratrestaurant
Come hungry!
Arawraps & Pastries available from 8pm-12am

Mistress Of Ceremonies
Jamie Teer

~ 8:00 ~
Doors Open With An Enchanting Artist's Bazaar Filled With
Intuitive Readings, Prayer Hoops, Henna & Glitter Body Art,
Airbrush Body Painting, Handmade Jewelry & Patches, Austin Made Soaps, & More......

~ 8:15 ~
Geppetto Dreams Puppet Company
www. myspace. com/geppettodreamscompany

~ 8:35 ~
Live Music With
The Righteous Tidings

~ 9:15 ~
Songs & Prayers By
Jamie Teer

~ 9:30 ~
Announcements & Enchanted Forest Updates By Owner
Albert Deloach

~ 9:45 ~
The Typsy Gypsys
Belly Dance Performances Featuring
Sahhira & Sonya
www. myspace. com/typsygypsys

~ 10:00 ~
Soul Glow Show Featuring
Sage & Zarah of Sangre del Sol
www. myspace. com/sangredelsolfire

~ 10:30 ~
Hula Hoopin' Dance Party

This Event Is Sponsored By
Ruta Maya
Sangre del Sol
Starlet Sweets
The Austin Daze
Airbrush By Amy
Synergy Entertainment
Ararat Mid-East Fusion
Hot Mama's Espresso Bar
Twist It Sister Productions

We look forward to seeing you Austin!

---End---

Lazy bloggers everywhere should be proud of me...

~ lazy danna

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

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

Monday, August 4, 2008

Pataphysics Local Addition to Ariel Pink Show @ The Mohawk - Saturday, 9 August 2008


"Ain't no party like a pop defects party..." - Anonymous Emcee*

Although the date is incorrect (it should be 8/9 Sat., not Fri. on the e-flier), the timing of this show is perfect! Besides Ariel Pink & Company (Los Angeles, CA) at The Mohawk being the perfect post to start our week (officially), it marks the day after the birthday of one of our favorite Austin entertainers - the frontman for the spasmatic dance inducing experimental pop band - Pataphysics.

You could call it a birthday gift to himself because Patrick Healy, a.k.a. Pataphysics, is a fan of Ariel Pink. A huge fan, according to our interview (INsite, January 2008). Healy's musical partnership with Pataphysics' lead guitarist Matt La Comette (Aunt's Analog, ex-Oblong Boys), was partly inspired by Ariel Pink's avant-garde pop solo shows. Both musicians are fans and thought Healy could start off with solo, acousmatic tape shows, then build the sound. And what a sound...The band includes Erich Ragsdale (ex-Oblong Boys) playing synthesizer, Dirk Michener (Cavedweller, Charles Potts' Magic Windmill Band) adding the bass lines, and Jason "Chef" Pittman (The Telephone Company, The Carrots) on drums, all adding depth of colors to the already decorative canvas of Pataphysics' sound.


Pataphysics @ Emo's 22/10/07. Photo © 2007 Danna Williams

You know it's going to be be a good time if you're rambling about the opening band.

Pataphysics' recent shows have more than made up for the truncated slap in the face performance last time at The Mohawk (8 December 2007), possibly in response to uncalled heckling after a technical defect with the stunning Yip-Yip (Winter Park, FL), which led to a cancellation of their performance. Pataphysics performance highlights in summer '08 include kicking off the Tangled Snark Summer Parties, and performing on KVRX's Local Live.

But their live performance at Mohawk this Friday is the Pataphysics event of the summer.



The official Ariel Pink Summer tour 2008 poster, and a work of art.

Headliners Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti is the solo artist's amazing band, on tour this summer, because that's the best way to earn money when greedy corporate labels control the marketing of commercial (payola) airwaves. (Feel free to correct me if I'm completely wrong.) he gets my respect for being a truly d-i-y artist/musician who records and produces his own music in limited release. Since I've already taken so much time with the show opener, I'll let the reader decide what Ariel Pink sounds like by mentioning the free mp3 downloads** currently available for your listening pleasure. For me, they're just teasers until the consummate live performance, but it could appease you for a few days.

I don't know much about Brooklyn, NY trio Chairlift, but from a doesn't offer a free sample of their recordings, but if you're the artsy type, you may get a kick out of their MySpace profile graphics. from what I've heard, their odd, haunting indie musings fit in perfectly with touring mate Ariel Pink. Pitchfork includes a review plus two previews (streaming and mp3) in a review of the album Does You Inspire You, now available for digital download. A hard copy will be available in late October.

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
w/ Chairlift
Pataphysics
Live @ The Mohawk - Austin, TX
Saturday, August 9th
RIYL: Animal Collective, Beck, Captain Beefheart, R. Stevie Moore, Frank Zappa, and music that makes you go "hmmm...".

For more info, including admission amount, ticket availability, and age limit, go to mohawkaustin.com. After-party with A Faulty Chromosome inside.

Thanks to Archbold for hipping me to this show last month!

End of transmission.


~ diy danna


*No, we just made that up...

** But this is true. We're certain you'll have to be logged into MySpace for the mp3 downloads to work.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

How We Do 512: Saturday, 30 August - The Return of Baby Robots!

We interrupt our summer vacation for a special announcement:

One of the bands I interviewed for the August issue of Austin's only paperzine, INsite (out sometime this week), is performing live after a brief hiatus. I'm also thrilled about the other bands playing later this month in Austin, TX:







Freaky fan flier by me, photographer unknown.

A night of rock and country you may never forget... It's the first Baby Robots performance since live line-up changes post Ten Year High (Bunkhaus Records 2007), "enough to bring a tear of pride to the third eyes of at least two historic Austinites of the psychedelic persuasion: Roky Erikson and Gibby Haynes..."* The campfire freakout of Cavedweller (The Best Version of Gloria Ever There Was, Business Deal) and alternative torch and twang of Silver Pines complete the trip.

Check out the band featured in this month's INsite @ Do512, and mark your calendars with a vote of "I Like It"!

diy danna

*Pop Culture Press Review by Don Simpson

Friday, August 1, 2008

Blog About A Blog: Kill The Critic


The official KTC logo, until QT gets wise...

We're pausing from a week long vacation to announce the return of our sister blog, Kill The Critic, which is all about local, national, and international movie releases - with a bit of news about theatrical and comedy events.

Usually, one woman rants about theatrical and video releases, film, theatre, and comedy fests for your entertainment. But we're recruiting more local film, theatre, and comedy nuts to blog about what they love - as long as it is timely and informative. Kill The Critic might look good on a resume when applying for that entertainment magazine gig, so if you're interested in this volunteer position send us a message. And we're always on the lookout for new and exciting events happening in Austin for KTC. Send inquiries about blogging and submissions of your events to KillTheCritic@gmail.com.


Fan art by diy danna.

This Week @ KTC: "DIY" Danna Williams proves she's a diehard Wonder Woman fan. (Includes sneak peak at the new animated Wonder Woman movie coming in 2009!)

Next Week: Fantastic Fest 2008 Preview: KTC Picks and Pans.

Have a great weekend, whatever you do.