austinEasta!

paperrtiger: I went to the Cabaret Voltaire tonight, you know...

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:44:43 -0500

I went to the Cabaret Voltaire tonight, you know for the novelty of it. I got a little lost but then wandered around the cobbled streets of Zurich. It was much more touristy around the Rathaus (I think the seat of the gov’t). There were steeples and the river and twinkling lights. Very picturesque. The Cabaret had no Dada antics and, instead, just a bunch of kids sitting around drinking beers. I kept wondering how I would have acted if I had walked in and Tristan Tzara was reading some nonsense. Everyone whooping it up. The other side of the bar had a restaurant and “why aren’t the waiters wearing this?” I thought. I had one beer which was not very good and then walked out and it was snowing.

I haven’t had a conversation with anyone in 3 days. I feel okay about this.

All Albee All the time in Austin this week

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:15:00 -0500

Following the Community Night* performance of At Home at the Zoo at The Off Center Monday night, the cast of the 2 plays that make-up the full performance were joined by cast members of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf (currently running at St. Edward’s) for a Q&A session led by St. Ed’s theater history professor, Brooks Bar. The group discussed playwright Edward Albees’s penchant for building his long terrains of dialogue with verbal boulders of unpredictable sizes, the challenge of understanding how his words were complicit in exposing the emotional fray in relationships (often of the marital variety) and his overall determination to punch holes in the generic brand of optimism bandied about by mainstream America. Nigel O’Hearn, creative director of Palindrome, the production company behind At Home at the Zoo, plays Jerry in Zoo Story, the original one-act play that inspired its first act prequel, At Home. In the play and in the post-show discussion, O’Hearn demonstrated an acute sensitivity to the cynicism of the writer, how the character he embodies needs to convey the complexities of a lonely soul struggling to connect with someone else, anyone else and the importance of modernist theater as a vehicle for examining real life. Although the other 2 actors in the ensemble give good performances, O’Hearn’s conviction in his portrayal of the harried Jerry is mesmerizing. He’s like Jake Gyllenhaal, when he still had some chops. The play runs through Sunday, Nov 21st.

*(reduced ticket price of $7 on Mon/Tues this week)

"Once you take the Bourdieuian view, you can see how hipster neighborhoods are crossroads where young..."

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:15:01 -0500

“Once you take the Bourdieuian view, you can see how hipster neighborhoods are crossroads where young people from different origins, all crammed together, jockey for social gain. One hipster subgroup’s strategy is to disparage others as “liberal arts college grads with too much time on their hands”; the attack is leveled at the children of the upper middle class who move to cities after college with hopes of working in the “creative professions.” These hipsters are instantly declassed, reservoired in abject internships and ignored in the urban hierarchy — but able to use college-taught skills of classification, collection and appreciation to generate a superior body of cultural “cool.” — Mark Grief, New York Times”

- If Austineasta ever publishes anything approaching this level of unctuous navel gazing, surge the server.

Join the Happy Hobo Food Co-operative and bring more healthy food options to East Austin

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:21:42 -0500

Join the Happy Hobo Food Co-operative and bring more healthy food options to East Austin

Absurdist drama for grown-ups (the only kind there is)

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:20:00 -0500

‘At Home At the Zoo’ (formerly titled Peter & Jerry) by the Pulitzer-winning dramatist and current University of Houston professor, Edward Albee, will be staged by Palindrome Theater at the Off Center through Nov 21st. The play is one of his most recent and expands on 1957’s ‘Zoo Story,’ the acclaimed writer’s first attempt at dramaturgy. Funny and absurdist, Albee’s work addresses the existential crisis of 2 strangers who happen to meet in Central Park and the mirrored conversation one of them has with their spouse prior to their run-in. This will be the finishing run of Palindrome’s 2nd season.

Veterans @ age 23: AFS Rough-cut Screening of Soldiers' Stories Nov 17th

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:43:00 -0500

Veterans @ age 23: AFS Rough-cut Screening of Soldiers' Stories Nov 17th:

In honor of Veteran’s Day, see the real life stories of 2 young soldiers in the Doc-In-Progress, Where Soldiers Come From, hosted by the Austin Film Society, to be held at the Austin Studio Screening Room, 1901 East 51st Street next Weds. For members of AFS, or become one for just $30 and support more filmmakers.

E.A.S.T. Studio Tour starts this Saturday

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:04:00 -0500

Contemporary art in Austin is still largely under the radar as a ‘scene’, but the studio tour organized by the folks at Big Medium (Joseph Phillips, Shea Little & Jana Swec) goes a long way in exposing up and coming and established artists and studios on the east side. With a fairly dense assortment of gallery and work spaces within the 3 mile radius stretching from the river up to 45th Street, the E.A.S.T. Studio Tour Nov 13th-21st is a week lined with open doors into creative minds and spaces on the east side. Look for our 3 part series on the transformation of Willow Arts studio from an empty shell of a house into a vibrant showcase of hand made furnishings and fixtures.

JAZZ takes over St. James Church this weekend, Nov 5-6

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:16:00 -0400

JAZZ takes over St. James Church this weekend, Nov 5-6:

St. James Episcopal Church hosts its 16th annual Jazz at St. James Concert Series.

The origin of JASJ occurred largely due to the vision of, then St. James’ Rector,
Bill Miller. Fr. Miller (Bill) was very involved in the arts and the artist
community. Indeed, he did some singing and even acting; he was in a commercial
for Austin Realtors (yes, probably to the chagrin of his Bishop at that
time). Many of the people Bill interacted with in the community were
members of the arts community. Two programs that were initiated by the
church to address these artists were:

1) The establishment of a Sunday evening service to allow the late awakening artists an opportunity to become involved with the church

2) The introduction of newcomers to St. James Episcopal Church, through the love of jazz. The Jazz at St. James Concert Series and Jazz Mass was conceived in
1995. True to its mission as an inclusive and multi-cultural community in the city of Austin, St. James Episcopal Church conceived this exceptional project with the
following objectives:

The Mission of JASJ was and continues to be:

1. To promote and support jazz music and jazz musicians in Austin

2. To provide East Austin as a concert site, providing a positive event for
East Austin to bring together a diverse group of people from all of Austin,
that they might have fellowship together

3. To be part of the ministry of reconciliation, integrating the jazz medium into the sacred context, giving thanks to God for the beautiful gift of music

4. To support and enhance the music ministry of St. James Episcopal Church

The Jazz at St. James Concert Series has become a tradition in Austin
thanks to the diligent committees over the years, special support, and the
generosity of the St. James Family.

Featuring the magical sax of:

Donald Harrison

Also Featuring Gary Smulyan Joseph Dyson | Max Moran | Zaccai Curtis

Tonight is the last performance of “Prima” by the...

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:59:02 -0400

Tonight is the last performance of “Prima” by the NY-based LeeSar dance company. Over the past 2 nights, The Off Center has played host to the showcase of wild, angular movements from a 4 girl gang sliding and shaking their way across an urban soundscape in the mixes of DJ Filastine. The Asian and American female cast articulate the precision of their Israeli choreographers’ vision with remarkable calm through moments of intensely kinetic breakdowns. See this final performance for FREE this evening, courtesy of Julie Thornton and TestPerformanceTest and FuseBox.

BOO! Or, uh, CITIZEN ALERT!

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:08:00 -0400

Some silly cowards have been making robbery attempts (and succeeding) around the East 6th & 7th/San Marcos to Navasota area in the early morning hours on the weekend. Be prepared to tell them to bugger off if need be this bedeviling holiday.

Halloweasta!

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:43:04 -0400

It seems every holiday has so much meaning when you’re a kid - family, giving, candy, love, copious amounts of food, vacation and more candy. However, as an adult, they all ultimately end up being about one thing: Let’s all get unbelievably trashed. Halloween is no different. Unfortunately, this year’s frights fall on Sunday. Lucky for you, no one cares about dates. Boozing in costume on a reasonable night is too important. Here’s a few early options for all you Halloweeners (gross) on the East Side.

Pre-Halloween Dance Party

Esquina Tango, East Austin’s home for everything Latin dance, is having a celebration featuring the sounds of Afro-Caribbean group Frenezi. The event features a costume contest with prizes.

Deets
October 30
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
209 Pedernales St.
$7. BYOB (CLUTCH.)

Funk Freak Halloween Ball

Citing an influence from Parliament Funkadelic, Bemba Entertainment is hosting a ball featuring Akina Adderley & the Vintage Playboys, AFROFREQUE, Chorizo Funk and DJ Resinthol. Awards for “Funkiest Freak” will be handed out so get your P-Funk on and make George Clinton proud.

Da 411
October 30
ND at 501 Studios
501 N IH-35
$10 w/costume; $20 if you’re no fun

Monster Show Five

Domy is having its fifth-annual exhibit featuring a collection of pieces depicting our worst nightmares. You know, the ones hiding beneath our beds, in our attics and behind our closet doors. Come dressed in your worst. Here’s some snapshots of previous years.

Sup?
October 30
Opening reception: 7-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through December 2
913 E Cesar Chavez
FREE

Watch online: a documentary about the unfair treament of Mexican-American employees at Economy Furniture in Austin in 1968.

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:39:00 -0400

Watch online: a documentary about the unfair treament of Mexican-American employees at Economy Furniture in Austin in 1968.:

Basically, the company reneged on agreements it made with the people who built its furniture to pay them fairly and treat them with respect after the employees agreed not to unionize. Under threat of losing their wages entirely, all 250 of the laborers at Economy went on strike. This was a significant development in negotiations involving disparity for Mexican workers that has had a long term effect on the Austin community, so it’s fitting that Austin Community College Center for Public Policy and Political Studies would produce the film, alongside Paradigm Shift Multimedia. Watch the trailer at the link above. The full length film will be on the same site soon.

Tonight is Ume’s 2nd NYC show for CMJ. She’s set to...

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:46:21 -0400

Tonight is Ume’s 2nd NYC show for CMJ. She’s set to meltdown a Marshall stack at Mercury Lounge, the perfect launch pad for this little blond rocket. Last night she pelted RELIX Magazine party attendees with her rapid-fire rock at their Keith Richards issue release. See the complete photo set from last night’s party at Brooklynvegan.

KVRX, UT’s indie rock outpost, hosts its first CMJ...

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:07:00 -0400

KVRX, UT’s indie rock outpost, hosts its first CMJ showcase ever this Friday at Bruar Falls in Brooklyn (well, co-hosts with A&M’s campus station). Good on the KVRX kids for getting buzzy wuzzy band Magic Bullets on the billy willy. College radio soldiers on.

Sprecht Harpman Architects hosted a benefit for the HOPE...

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:43:00 -0400

Sprecht Harpman Architects hosted a benefit for the HOPE Farmer’s Market (Sunday mornings, 5th & Waller @ the Pine Street Station) at BEAST Studios Thursday, Oct 13th. The West 6th production facilities were redesigned by the architectural firm, who also invited the 12-person chamber pop group Mother Falcon to play the event. Libations were donated by East End Wines, artisan cheese from Antonelli’s and salumi and pickles came from Salt & Time. Kooky, crunchy Kakak’wa chocolate varieties were also part of the elegantly sparse spread that showcased local producers and vendors, just like the HOPE Market does each week.

Stax recording artist Leela James will perform at “The...

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:50:00 -0400

Stax recording artist Leela James will perform at “The Deck” on 11th Street, Saturday evening, Oct 16th. James’s youthful neo-soul style caps off African-American Heritage District Day with great cross-generational appeal. Her lilting voice, deep and disarming, seems rounded by the practical wisdom she gladly imparts in her pop-inflected lyrics while her song arrangements harken to classic R&B. This show will smolder just enough to enjoy the approaching autumn chill.

District Day Spotlights East Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District: Day-long Festival of Art, History, Music & More Sat OCT 15th.

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:53:00 -0400

District Day Spotlights East Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District: Day-long Festival of Art, History, Music & More Sat OCT 15th.

Have you seen The Carrots listed on bills around town but...

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:15:00 -0400

Have you seen The Carrots listed on bills around town but weren’t quite sure what the girl doo-wop group sounded like? They’re actually less of a throw-back to Motown power harmonies than the doo-wop tag suggests and are more of a singer-songwriter with back-up singers and band assemblage. Their clear sweet voices, led by Jennifer Moore (also of Yellow Fever), are charming and bassist Chris Lyons and drummer Jason Pittman hold down the rhythm section with relaxed assuredness. Listen to a snippet of their set at Cheer-Up Charlie’s on Saturday, Oct 9th.

Video

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:16:38 -0400

One of the tightest, smartest MC’s to come onto the scene...

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:06:00 -0400

One of the tightest, smartest MC’s to come onto the scene in the last year or so is Austin’s Zeale. His freestyle was enough to drop jaws @ Cheer-Up Charlie’s Ditch the Fest Fest Saturday, October 9th. Kanye and Drake already have their eyes on him…