I have traditionally associated Labor Day weekend with pool parties, boating on the lake, or tubing on the river. However, this year I executed a slightly different holiday weekend game plan and ventured out to the beautiful outdoor camp grounds of Rockdale, Texas, to check out the first annual Texas installment of Insomniac Events’ Nocturnal Festival. Established in 1993, Insomniac, is the biggest promoter of nightlife culture in North America, producing more than 250 music events in … [Read more...]
“Fun Fun Fun Fest”: The economics of the ‘Trickle Down Effect of Fun’
Fun Fun Fun Fest announced today in a press conference that would be putting into effect a "Fun Stimulus Plan." The Fun Fun Fun Fest executive team presented an engaging laser-guided Power Point display where they explained in full details of the "trickle down effect" of fun. The full lineup for the 5th annual Fun Fun Fun Fest to be held November 5 - 7, 2010 at Waterloo Park in Austin, TX. And, for the first year ever, a third evening has been added to the official FFF festivities. The … [Read more...]
Harvest time at the Messina Hof winery
If you’ve ever wanted to help pick grapes from the vineyard and then squash them with your feet, now is the time to do it at Messina Hof. The winery’s 2010 Summer Harvest continues every weekend until August 15. I was fortunate to have been invited to their July 16 Moonlit Harvest Dinner and got to be among the first group of people to pick the grapes. Messina Hof is just a short two-hour drive heading northeast from Austin, in Bryan, Texas, the perfect distance for a daycation. Upon … [Read more...]
Fourth of July events around Austin
Not sure what to do to celebrate America’s 234th birthday? Below is a list of events happening in and around Austin this July 4th weekend, fireworks included. Fri July 02 Carlos'n Charlie's Fireworks (Emerald Point Marina, 5973 Hiline Rd) The infamous bar and grill on Lake Travis will have fireworks on July 2 and July 3. Show starts at sunset, so it is advised to arrive around 8:00pm. Admission is FREE. The restaurant will not do fireworks on July 4; however, they will have live music. Gates … [Read more...]
Austin Celebrates World Refugee Day
Austin residents are invited to join in the celebration of the United Nations World Refugee Day at the Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, this Saturday to learn more about the international refugee community in Austin. This year’s celebration coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, landmark legislation signed by President Carter. Included in the festivities will be a special naturalization ceremony in the Spirit Theatre, where 15-20 refugees from the … [Read more...]
Sweet summer sounds for free around Austin
It is summertime in Austin and it is HOT (which you may have noticed!). What are you supposed to do to enjoy this wonderful time of year when you are short on cash? Listed below are just a few of the amazing music events in Austin that will help keep you cool and busy. After all, Austin is the Live Music Capitol of the World. Check out these opportunities to check out free summer tunes: KGSR’s 10th Season of Blues On The Green When: Every other Wednesday evening, June 9 – August 18 at … [Read more...]
A Cultural-ist Challenge, Are We Up To It?
Returning home after a busy, sleepless week in New York City attending BookExpo America 2010 (BEA), I spent a whole day in a couple of airports among the usual business travelers and familiies initiating their summer vacations. I certainly had a book along with me, as I always do, even when not traveling, but it was not one I had picked up at the show. This novel was sent to me by the author; I requested it and she graciously supplied me with a copy. I carried Margo Candela’s Good-bye to All … [Read more...]
BAM: Celebrating Black Arts
“There [are] not a lot of activities about African American culture and arts,” said Ms. Lisa Byrd, Founder and Artistic Director of the Black Arts Movement performing arts festival. Black Arts Movement festival (BAM) is a celebration of African American artists in the new millennium. This three-week long event, she said, is “an opportunity to come out and focus on culture.” The goal is to spotlight the Black aesthetic of modern artists. Now in its’ fourth year, BAM invites artists of all … [Read more...]
Pachanga Latino Music Festival 2010
The Pachanga Latino Music Festival, which took place on Saturday, May 22 at Fiesta Gardens in East Austin, was a lively party indeed. Now in its third year, the event had a stellar lineup, including local and international acts ranging from DJs to mariachis and traditional Tejano to electronica infused with Latin sounds. There was something for everyone at this family-friendly event, including the Ninos Rock Pachanga tent, where local artists Vallejo, David Garza, Brian Ramos, and Hayden Vitera … [Read more...]
Out and Proud in the ATX
Just three months ago in Downtown Austin, two men were attacked near City Hall and brutally beaten because of their sexual orientation. Yes, this happened here in Austin – the recently named 9th most gay-friendly city in the U.S. by The Advocate, a national magazine that covers lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) issues. Protests and rallies took place in response to the brutality. Despite this attack to the community, LGBT folks and allies will once again come together; this … [Read more...]
