Parts of this video are mildly disturbing, but for my off-kilter mood this morning, 'tis just right.
If you saw 500 Days of Summer, you probably heard Black Lips's song "Bad Kids." All of their music videos are quirky and visually lo-fi, and remind me of a slightly darker version of old Weezer videos. (I'm thinking especially of Buddy Holly).
You may also heard this little tidbit of Black Lips gossip! As reported on My Old Kentucky Blog, apparently, Jared Swilley from Black Lips is in a little kerfuffle with Nathan Williams of Wavves. You can read the full report on MOKB, but may I share with you my favorite line from the incident? Jared Swilley:
"After that, I went outside and saw their tour manager hanging around with some guys. They started getting all chuckles with me and so I told them I wasn’t gonna have it."
I love this James Cagney version of the altercation. "Yeah, see! Tough guys, see? Gettin' all chuckles, see?"
Anyway, we can comfort Swilley in person when he comes to Austin next week, post-ACL. Black Lips are coming to Mohawk next weekend (October 9), and you can purchase tickets here.
So a few months ago at my day job, we heard about this cool thing that a handful of New Yorkers did called New York Makes a Book. It was, in fact, the world's first crowd-funded book, and being in the book industry ourselves, we thought this idea was pretty genius. Not to mention ballsy. 100 people. 100 pages. Submissions open to absolutely whatever.
I loved the idea because it reminded me of zine culture, and the cut/paste/copy zines of pictures, letters, and (eep) poetry we did at my all-girls camp in Wimberley. (A camp, I might add, that gave Austin Eavesdropper one of her first stage roles....The Little Mermaid....starring as - are you ready? - Scuttle).
So we got to thinking. Wouldn't Austinites dig this? It seemed like something offbeat and Austin-appropriate. I mean, look at us. We love Flash Mobs. We are downright OBSESSED with Twitter. We like doing strange things in crowd format. So, why not a book?
If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you probably know I'm a little cagey about endorsing things directly sponsored by my company - but I am really excited this. It's called Austin Makes a Book, and just like NYMAB, it is crowd-funded (meaning you fund your own page: in this case, $30) and is open to anything. Stories. Photography. One of those outlines of your hand that doubles as a Thanksgiving turkey (speaking of GENIUS!). As long as you live in Austin, your submission fits onto a 7x7" page and isn't, like, a picture of a newborn baby with a swastika tattooed on its forehead, it is accepted. All of the funding pays for the books to be printed by this lovely place, and anything we get over that amount will go to Room to Read.
Then, we will all take over a bar somewhere with our shiny new books, and have a party for our 100 authors!
Austin bloggers, I am especially curious to see what you guys submit. As for me - oh, I've got a few ideas, friends. A few ideas indeed.
Austin Eavesdropper comes from a family who believes in the "novelty Christmas card" tradition, and has photographic evidence of all three members, father included, dressed up as Carmen Miranda for Christmas 1995. Dad has the best legs. You think I am making this up, but you won't when I publish it.*
*Which reminds me: I really need to do a blog post sometime devoted solely to my family's Christmas cards.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Austin photogs, if you are going to ACL this week, hang onto those pics. Because we'd love to include them in our fabulous little book thingy.
Ok. Remember how we were talking about actor auditions for Mansion of Terror a few weeks ago? Well, the auditions have happened. The psycho zombies are now in place. Fake blood is prepared to squirt, bodily limbs prepared to be sawed off. The Mansion of Terror opened this weekend y'all.
My tickets to this lovely affair are posted on the refrigerator, and I feel a cold shiver every time I walk past them. This is not an exaggeration. I do not do haunted houses. The last scary movie I watched was The Ring (eek!) roughly 5 years ago, and I had to have a friend describe it to me in full detail before actually sitting down to watch it....in the bright shining daytime, that is, with R., with multiple closings of eyes until he assured me it was safe to open.
Anyway, I have assembled a full-on POSSE to do Mansion of Terror with me. Friends don't let friends battle killer clowns alone. I am going to be one of the dorks who wears a plastic poncho over her clothes to keep the fake blood off! I'll try not, however, to be one of those people who kicks the actors in the shins on instinct. I bet that's happened a lot before.
Reader, do tell me: Are you a fan of haunted houses? Can you provide a relative rookie some tips? My last haunted house experience was in the 3rd grade, and we all know how well that turned out.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It has been kindly pointed out to Austin Eavesdropper that Mansion of Terror and House of Torment are not, in fact, the same thing! This blog post has since been corrected since posting last night, where we mistakenly implied that MOT and HOT were one and the same. (Which further demonstrates AE's severe lack of knowledge in the haunted house department.) Apologies for any and all confusion.
Hello, interwebs. It's only been three days, but I've missed you.
Every so often, Austin Eavesdropper experiences this, like, introverted thing with the internet. Isn't that highly strange? Is the internet not, in fact, the classic cure for introversion? But all of a sudden, AE will run clean out of digital wit and just stop Twittering/blogging/Facebook stalking for a few days. I believe it is a bizarre and unhealthy only child holdover. Imagine a 5-year-old, stomping in a circle around her laptop, screeching: "BUT I DON'T WANNA GOOGLE ANYTHING! I don't wanna read email! I'M the boss of MEeee!"
That is what it is like, Reader. Except with a 27-year-old. And a meaningful shut of the laptop. (As opposed to full-on-stomp).
Basically what I'm saying is I have to show the internet who's boss sometimes. Which is totally weird, to anthropomorphize the internet.
(PS, if you're still reading this mini neurotic internet rant, I A) apologize, and B) am grateful. Thank you for not dismissing Austin Eavesdropper even when she gets off on these unpredictable tangents!)
Uh, who wants to talk about ACL parties?
So there are many awesome guides among the Austin bloggerati for ACL pre, during, and afterparties; in particular, The Peen Scene and of course The Michael have already posted thorough rundowns. And let's not forget that ACL itself has included Official Afterparties on their website. I'm going to share with you my top 4 here, beginning with Wednesday and concluding with Saturday.
wednesday wednesday wednesday
I interviewed Doneski a few months back for The Deli, and have been a fan of his shows/DJ thang for even longer. You may recall the Cave Party that he/The Famousish put on last year. Anyway, the email I received for this event was so awesome that I have to copy and paste some of this for you:
"This party is going to have a TRIPLE 3D THEME. 3 DIMENSIONS OF SIGHT - as in there will be TV's projecting 3D images ALL OVER the venue. From what I've heard, yet is hard to believe... is that there will be some screens that are 3D that you WON'T need glasses for. And it's rumored that there will be a dance floor made of these screens with plexy glass over it. We'll see on this one. I can't really picture it. But if it is true... Qua Shark tank dance floor who?" Doesn't that email make your day? "3 DIMENSIONS OF SIGHT!" Oh I heart you, composer of this email. Even more for the floor rivalry with Qua at the end there. HIGHBALL Soft Opening Party 10pm-2am No RSVP needed (so get there early) Located next door to Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar
One more gem from the email:
"Oh yeah... did I mention celebrities? Remember who was at the Fantastic Fest cave party last year... BILL motherfucking Murray... expect something like that."
thursday thursday thursday
Richard from Ultra8201 told Austin Eavesdropper this is going to be one hell of a show. I believe him. Here's the rundown:
Outside Stage: 1:15 - DJ Tweedy 12:30a - The Lemurs 11:30p - The Steps 10:30p - SPEAK 9:30p - Wallpaper With DJ Tweedy between sets
Inside Stage: 1:00a - DJ Orion 12:15a - Bright Light Social Hour 11:15p - The White White Lights 10:15p - The Authors 9:15p - Whitman With DJ Orion between sets
Art Disaster 2009 8pm - 2am RSVP needed Beauty Bar
friday friday friday
The buzz around this show has been a little bit insane, so be smart, go RSVP now. We are excited to see who this "Loyaute Soundsystem" is, and Austin Eavesdropper ventures to guess they may share some commonalities with these people.
This one just might be AE's most-anticipated ACL afterparty!
Learning Secrets Presents: Voxtrot, Survive, and Loyaute Soundsystem Time: 9:00pm RSVP not needed, but you will save $3 off door that way. Beauty Bar friday saturday friday
Finally, Seaholm Party for Broken Social Scene (wow?!) sounds pretty killer. It is being sponsored by WOXY.com, Voodoo Cowboy and Rare Magazine. This is totally free with RSVP, and it's in an offbeat, rad venue, for two nights.
Now Reader, Austin Eavesdropper is aware of the blighted Dos X Castle Party (that she admittedly did not attend). She also knows the, ehm, "kinks" there weren't all Rare's fault -- but frustrating to attendees all the same. Still, she is willing to bet they are going to do EVERYTHING THEY CAN to make sure this one is well-organized, so rock it out Rare.
Do you recognize this beautiful face? It's Rue McClanahan - a.k.a. Blanche Devereauk - who is in Austin right now for a champagne brunch this Sunday!
My chat with Rue will be posted on Austinist tomorrow (including an aside on Rue's cat Kate, who had her first heat at the McClanahan home...a milestone Rue would prefer to "not eva experience again" so spay and neuter your pets people!) In the meantime, if you are a breast cancer survivor or activist, I urge you to attend her talk this Sunday at the Renaissance Hotel, a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas.
This is such a beautiful photograph. (Thank you Lost At E Minor). The man you see so tenderly captured above is Rob Dickinson of the '90s rock outfit Catherine Wheel. Perhaps you remember their song Black Metallic?
Sorry about annoying commercial, but anyway - WOW, doesn't that whole sound take you back? The quasi-psychedelia thing prompted me to cue up Black Hole Sun just now, too. It's like my school's 8th grade dance happening right now in my living room.
Anyway, Rob Dickinson is coming to Mixx (612 6th St., next to Emo's) on Friday for his second performance in 11 years. Last year, he releasedFresh Wine for the Horses under Universal Canada, and at the behest of the label CEO added a second CD with a handful of acoustified Catherine Wheel classics. (The sample of Black Metallic, by the way, is pretty gorgeous). Do512 is hosting the affair, along with our friend Tyler at Two Groove.
Rob will be joined by Stereo is a Lie, Buttercup and Lost Werks at the show, which Austin Eavesdropper is attending. I think I might haul out my old Doc Martens, just for kicks!
We have a pair of tickets to give away too if you would like to come, Reader. To enter, just leave a comment below with your email, and we will select a winner before noon on Friday. You can also find me on Twitter, and get a hold of Austin Eavesdropper that way. Go!
Ladies, do you remember your first bodysuit? You know....those funny shirts that snap at the crotch, like a swimsuit you wore with pants? (or a skirt?) Perhaps you purchased yours at Limited Too. Perhaps it came in two blocks of color, as so many outfits from '90s era Limited Too did. Perhaps you even got a matching scrunchie.
Well 14 years after my first brush with the bodysuit, I'm into it again. This garment is slowly crotch-snapping its way back onto the bodies of little Austin hipsters, and I'll say it - I'm a fan. I had completely forgotten what a genius concept the bodysuit is! A shirt that ALWAYS stays tucked in! Just incredible.
Here are some bodysuits that UO is currently carrying. I think I like the little floral one best.
Also, Austin's own vintage stylist / amazing fashion blogger lady Sarah Dean is selling a few choice black bodysuits at The Year of Living Thriftily.
Am also digging that stacked, Greek sandal-esque heel Sarah's little model is working. I predict that soon enough, we'll see bodysuits make their debut on our local Common Birds.
What do you think of le bodysuit, Austin women? Yay? Nay? Are you feeling some drop-crotch harem pants style hesitation? (Austin Eavesdropper has yet to try that trend). Or are you already bodysuit snapping with glee?
How apropos that right after she spoke with Erin Hanson, Austin Eavesdropper was reminded of two art/craft parties going on tonight? The universe is trying to tell us something!
What: Music (Hollywood Gossip!), Rollergirl models, skateboard painting contest, fashion show, a DIY crafts table, drinks, photo booth, good-natured mayhem
How much: $6
Does this not sound like one of the most fun things ever? Austin Eavesdropper is given to hyperbole, but submits a straight-faced vote of awesome for this party tonight.
Also, a gallery opening for the incredibly talented Daphne Holland - AE's boss from days of yore at Dougherty Arts Center - is happening tonight at Gay Fay Kelly, beginning at 7pm. Here is a sampling of the pieces on display. daphne holland: new work 2009
Friends, I have recently discovered the joy that is Erin Hanson. A local photographer and graphic designer, this girl and her blog - Recovering Lazyholic - came to me by way of a work friend, who thought I'd like Erin's stuff. And she was RIGHT.
As you can see, Erin has a penchant for little "reminders" and visual riddles, kind of like the Public School kids. She is also a gifted photographer, focusing on subjects both haunting and adorable.
The premise of Recovering Lazyholic is a 12-step program of sorts, combating apathy and laziness through regular exposure to evocative, cool shit. I am now a regular reader and think you will want to be too, so I invited Erin to drop by Austin Eavesdropper for a little chat.
1. First things first: Introduce yourself, Erin. Who are you? And what's Recovering Lazyholic all about?
I am a photographer from Austin that has mediocre graphic design skills, but likes to play around with Photoshop/Illustrator and pretend that I can make something halfway decent. Really it's just an exercise in exorcising a bunch of thoughts. Recovering Lazyholic I guess is kind of my alter ego... one part self-deprecation and one part self-help. It originally existed in name as a reminder that I waste a lot of time and should try harder to do more, learn more, and in general fill my days with more than sleeping, eating, and working.
2. How did you come up with the idea for this blog?
The blog essentially came from a break up... that's how I remember it anyway. It was a few years ago and even though there were a lot of blogs around at the time, the idea still seemed a little foreign to me. I just thought I needed an outlet, something to do, a thing that existed that would sort of prompt me to focus less on work and more on creative endeavors. Ultimately I felt I was at a point in my life where I lived a very narrow existence and that life was unraveling due to laziness and apathy. So the blog was really more for me, as a sort of therapy, than striving to strike a chord or please other people.
It was designed as a joke, but in reality is a pretty accurate (albeit vague) system for overcoming laziness. As lame and simplistic as the second step (get out of bed) sounds, that one actually was a tough one for me to overcome and still is. I have had a love affair with sleeping since I was born and it has held me back from being a productive human being on several occassions. The other steps are pretty straight forward as well and no-brainers but I guess I like the idea of having a guide. I am addicted to making lists, sorting information, and categorizing things; it's almost a problem. So making a 12 Step program was kind of unavoidable considering how my brain works, and being the self-conscious person I am and afraid to take myself too seriously, I tried to inject some humor into the idea. I have no idea how it comes across and I suppose the bottom line is it was a fun outlet.
4. I love your Need/Want designs. Where can we get our hands on some?
Thanks!! Ooh, well I FINALLY will have some stuff for sale through my Etsy shop. My money situation has been pretty abysmal so paying for the initial printing was hard but I am happy to say that there were will be a couple of designs from both the Need/Want and 1 Minute Photoshop series. I have no idea what people might want or if they will want ANYTHING, but I'm starting with 5 designs from each and should have them up this weekend. I also will have a few photographs as well as some other nonsense. My goal is to make enough to have my gas turned on by this winter (how's that for a guilt trip :) ). But I joke-ish... I honestly would be happy if just one person thought something I made deserved to be up in their home/office.
5. I like the idea that laziness is a state you can addicted to...and that there is a cure for it, through visual (or other sensory) stimulation. I also enjoy the fact that you are, like me, a list person! Do you complete all the tasks on your own "prescription" lists?
Yes... and no... Lists in general are ridiculously hard for me to complete -- just as one is nearing completion I have somehow started a totally different one. Sometimes I rewrite lists just to have the satisfaction of feeling like I'm getting organized, even if it's repeated material that never got done and has been there for a while. It's almost like a high... the best of course is truly knocking out some tasks. I have come to the realization that a list never ends, but I enjoy trying and make small goals. As for the prescription lists for the most part I do everything on them. The books I suggest are the hardest for me to get around to.
6. You follow a ton of designers, photographers, and creative advertising folks. Where do you find this stuff? Trolling the internet, or is your RSS feed just massive?
I was unemployed for over a year so I had A LOT of free time. I subscribe to a ridiculous amount of feeds. And I'm sure you know the internet just doesn't end. You find one site that links to another that links to another and you're in heaven/hell. On a daily basis I am finding some cool stuff, whether it's through the feeds or their sites or locally or word of mouth. It's great how much is out there but it hurts my head.
7. Your work has been featured in various other publications/websites. Where can we check out more of your photography, designs, etc?
Mankind Magazine, Romka, Bored?, and Carpaccio magazines had some of my photographs. I contribute to a website called Share Some Candy. I'll also have something in Uppercase Issue #3 which is coming out in a few weeks. And I guess to throw out a few random odds and ends from some sites I really like... Paper Whistle, We Love Typography, Made In England, BuzzFeed, Draplin Design, and My Old Kentucky Blog.
8. Last words: What's the most important piece of advice you'd give to a recovering lazyholic?
To borrow from the 12 steps, I'd say don't stop at the idea. So many times I/people say I want to do this, I'm going to do this and just procrastinate. And maybe buy a lumpy bed... something that begs "get off of me, I suck to rest on."
I think I have a crush on KVRX. As in the whole station. I used to listen to this show last year on Monday mornings called Goblins for Breakfast, hosted by Jess Williamson. One time, I called her on the studio line just to say that I really, really, really loved her voice, and I would take a longer commute to work if I could just to hear her keep talking.
Which is a little creepy.
But fortunately, Jess wasn't freaked out. Instead, she visited my blog and left a comment. These days, there are many fab shows on KVRX, but one I particularly like is on Friday mornings and it is called Jammy Jams. It is listed under the music genre "parentcore." And that makes me giggle.
So it is with great pleasure I tell you about KVRX's music party on Friday, the Back to School Extravaganza, happening at Mohawk. Graciously enough, they have provided Austin Eavesdropper with a ticket to the show for giveaway, which comes with a plus one! So we're going to have a little contest....
HOWEVER. Instead of doing what we normally do for giveaways - i.e. leave a comment, I'll close my eyes, and throw my cat at the computer - let's do something different. To enter, you must answer this timely trivia question. Are you ready?
What was the name of Patrick Swayze's gang in Red Dawn?
Charlie Sheen was also in this gang. Go!
Actually, don't go yet. Listen to these links first:
And, did you notice that Austin Eavesdropper is a VERY OFFICIAL media sponsor? We love Better Than The Van! In addition to bringing musicians and couches together all over the country, BTTV has a pretty sweet music blog. Rock on brothers.
Sometimes, coffee alone just won't do it on Mondays. Sometimes, you need a comforting bosom of Internet. The soothing warm glow of YouTube to start your week properly.
This is a band I WISH would come to Austin, Boy in Static. They are from San Francisco and are actually touring this year, so hopefully they will decide to swing on down to ATX.
Fun fact (and quite fitting for a brain-still-waking-up Monday): this music video is also a game you can play!
It's quite the Shangri La weekend for Austin Eavesdropper, who may or may not have been doing just fine last night, liquor-wise, until chatting with a dear friend and toasting to our mothers (?) with a shot of Jager (??). After that, eye witnesses report near-instant wobbliness on legs, and on-the-spot matchmaking with strangers. As in, "hey, YOU. You look like a pretty girl, would you like to go out with my friend here standing next to me? He's pretty gReAt."
While these allegations cannot be confirmed, Austin Eavesdropper did wake up this morning still fully dressed and jewelried. Which she takes as a sign of simply being ready for the day.
Anyway, for those in attendance tomorrow night, guess what I found just now cleaning out my closet? MY OLD POLAROID CAMERA! Which means that it, and I, will be out in full effect at SSSH. See you cats there.
I really, really should be working on an article deadline right now, but instead I'm going to blog about this totally awesome band. And then link to a site where you can buy tickets. These are the things I do for you.
Wait, I think they're on drugs! Or maybe that drooling girl is just really, really tired.
Ok so I can't remember when I originally heard Junior Boys, but "In The Morning" was definitely the first song. I tormented R. for the summer of 2007 when I had just moved back to Austin, playing this song on repeat again and again and again while painting our kitchen cabinets celery green. (Me = gay man in woman's body). I began stalking their MySpace page, saddened to see that they only really toured Europe.
UNTIL NOW.
Junior Boys are coming to Mohawk on August 19, and considering what people all over the world pay to see these guys, I can't believe tickets are so cheap! (Under $15). What any self-respecting Waldorf might find in between her couch cushions!
Tickets are on sale here, Austin Eavesdropper got hers today.
A few months ago at The Trunk Show for Rene, I met a woman who told me she specialized in "helping people create quiet." Um, like, white noise machines? I asked. No, she said. I invite people to a space in the middle of downtown, where they can be perfectly still, for just 20 minutes. No noise allowed.
I was intrigued.
The woman is Molly Beth Emerick, and she's trying out this idea tomorrow. It's called CITYSIT, and they are taking RSVP's today to reserve spots. It happens in the Monarch on 5th St., and there will be three "sits:" morning, noon, and night. The official names for these are "Urban Silence," and CITYSIT also has plans in the works to do longer, more extended silence programs for stressed-out urbanites: CITYCAMPS.
I thought the whole idea of manufacturing quiet for downtown Austin, one 9-to-5er at a time, was so offbeat and cool that I invited Molly Beth to come talk about it on Austin Eavesdropper. Read on to hear Molly Beth's insights about Austin's silent secret.
First things first, Molly Beth: introduce yourself. What is your background?
My education and profession for many years was architecture. I’ve also been an art educator teaching at risk youth through an outreach program created by Dougherty Arts Center, volunteered with the teen program at Arthouse, created after school architecture programs for the Eanes School District, and founded a non-profit art studio for kids where we did collaborative art projects and musical performances showcasing their work in professional galleries. I’ve also worked in the hospitality, restaurant and retail industries. For the past five years I have brought art, meditation, and life skills courses to incarcerated women as a volunteer at Lockhart prison. I am a wife, a mother to 3+2 boys, and currently a sous carpenter-remodeling our home.
What is CITYSIT?
The idea for CITYSIT came from wanting meditation to be more accessible and approachable. I wanted people to know that they could be a regular (very) busy person like me and still make time for sitting still. It’s added such dimension to my life over the past 6 years but, it’s hard to share exactly what that is with someone. They really have to experience it for themselves. We’re here to help them get started.
CITYSIT is an opportunity to experience everything and nothing. We sit quietly for about 20 minutes and then do a variety of activities that promote an exchange of observations for 40 minutes. Eventually we plan to add longer sits, but this format always gives newcomers an opportunity to get in some practice that’s simple and fun. It also helps them create a network of support.
Does this kind of thing happen anywhere else? Like in other urban metroplexes?
Not yet. We’re launching here in Austin but have plans to go to other cities as well.
I remember meeting you at Rene's Trunk Show a few months back, and you said something that really struck me: "These days, it is hard for people to find quiet in their days." But couldn't someone just go sit in their car for a while? How does CITYSIT provide, for lack of a better phrase, “quality” silence?
We hope that people will just sit in their cars, at home, wherever. That really is the whole point of what we’re doing. But, the reality is that most people won’t. We all know people that have had more success starting an exercise program when they joined a gym then when they tried doing it at home by themselves. (I’m one of them!) We provide a structure for comfortable, quiet space. This place also gives people the opportunity to establish a regular habit around others who have the same commitment to sitting still. We scout cool locations all over town to find businesses that support this as well. It’s the combined intention of all these folks coming together to invest in each other that makes it so powerful.
How much does it cost to for one hour of CITYSIT: Urban Silence?
It ranges anywhere from $3 to $9 depending if you choose a one-time event where you just show up, if you pre-register, buy a session pass or an annual passport. If you become a member you get discounts and support the outreach work we do with non-profit organizations. No matter how you participate you are always one of our silent partners.
For those of us who want a little more CITYSIT, tell us what CITYCAMP is all about.
CITYCAMP is for people that want to explore silent territory in either half or full day weekend programs. We sit in intervals throughout the day that gradually increase in length. In between each sit, we send you out in groups or individually to the urban landscape to use these observing skills and report back. Sometimes this looks like a scavenger hunt, a photo shoot, a street interview, etc. When we come back together we sit some more and then assemble all of the information as a group creative project. The result is a “souvenir” that each person will take with them to remember their experience.
I remember you saying that your CITYSIT team can also be hired out for offices or homes, to help create more peaceful atmospheres. Give us an example of how you might restore peace to a particularly cacophonous space?
First, we do a couple of activities with the person to have them experience the level of “noise” in the current space and create a list of intentions for the new space. Noise can be created by clutter, technology, circulation patterns, functional issues, etc. If there is a lot of clutter we remove it, or repurpose it. Sometimes people are comforted by the things they collect. So, it’s often a challenge for them to let go of it. We bring common sense, clarity, and a sense of humor to this process. We clear the space, prepare it, then thoughtfully select the items, colors, textures, and furnishings that go back into it based on the information we gathered at the beginning. We can create quiet space in a tiny corner or a whole building.
Tomorrow, you'll be following the 20-minute CITYSIT with music and art. Tell us about these folks?
The art installation is really created by the public. We’ve set the scene with eight 300lb blocks of ice that create the circle where the chairs will be placed. The water that will be collected throughout day as the ice thaws is symbolically represented in 182 preserve jars that line the candlelit store front window. These jars were found discarded on a lawn of a house that we tore down in East Austin. They were originally part of another exhibit on the East Austin studio tour a couple of years ago. We’ve also used that recycled lumber from the home to create the bases for the ice blocks. After sitting quietly, each person will be adding something to each of these vessels that will represent their participation in the silence. We don’t want to give away too much. It’s an easy activity that takes a few moments and is a simple gesture that speaks volumes.
Then, we’ll end the day with a completely unplugged performance by Mother Falcon. We chose this group because of their youthful exuberance, amazing collaboration (8-12 talented musicians) and orchestra instruments. We think the strings will sound great in this concrete space! Their brand of baroque pop music is garnering a huge following around town. Here’s a link to a recent review in the Austin Chronicle, and their MySpace page.
Thanks for joining us on Austin Eavesdropper, Molly Beth!
Austin Eavesdropper has a HORRIBLE memory, so to keep track of all the many shows and parties and stuff happening this week in ATX, she is posting them here.
thursday thursday thursday
My Cousin Roy at Barcelona: YES. I interviewed Mr. Roy Dank this week for The Deli, where we will also be holding a ticket giveaway. So remember to check there to win.
My Cousin Roy owns and operates the Wurst Edits label, is a choice DJ himself, and is also coming out with his own clothing line. A downright entrepreneur, non? (I've actually found this to be the case with many DJ's. Just look at Learning Secrets, those local DJ's / event planners!)
Speaking of Learning Secrets, do you enjoy their posters as much as I do? Ian Orth, one half of LS's namesake DJ duo, designs these. I asked him what was up with these new faces posters, and here's what he wrote back:
"Two things actually inspired me with the faces, the first being this idea of creepy faces peering out at you from a bowl of milk, like after you're done eating a bowl of cereal. The second being really just wanting to do something different than what I've been seeing lately, which is why for Learning Secrets stuff I like to work in black and white imagery; it's different, and limiting in a way."
Our friends at PartyEnds are also hosting a lineup at Beauty Bar:
Can I tell you guys what sold me on Custodian? The fact that they sample on of my FAVORITE songs of all time, "True Affection" by The Blow. (listen to "Demo" on Custodian's MySpace page). Good call guys.
"Two people, two guitars, and simple iTunes drums create a minimal yet throbbing Interpol like sound. The duo tends to decorate the stage with creepy kid mannequin bodies and have been known to cover a mean Gun Club track."
Tell me you aren't a little bit intrigued by the mannequin bodies.
This is a private event, but I must admit I'm so intrigued by these Yelper parties. (Partly because I'm a little afraid of Yelp. I can't hang. I've written a whole two reviews, while some people have written, like, thousands).
My buddy Amber Demure is my date, and will be competing in this contest. Given her advanced alcoholic palate, I am quite excited to taste her creation. In true Yelper fashion, the cocktails will be put before the community for a vote.
Also Friday:
Yes, that's Jason Schwartzman you see there.
The poster is a leetle confusing - September 11, or 20? - but trust me, the screening here in town is on the 11th. RSVP only, and admission based on capacity, so take care of that here. saturday saturday saturday
There are two parties happening on Saturday; I'm going to talk about one here.
Geezus, have my prayers been answered? Has Agent Ribbons moved to Austin or something? This is the third show I've heard about in less than two weeks from those talented ladies!
(Actually, AR is on tour. And headed to Europe after this. But a girl can dream).
Here's a cute interview I found with Lauren and Natalie from Agent Ribbons. I'm particularly interested in what Lauren has to say about downloading songs:
Anyway isn't this just a ridonkulous week, friends? What am I leaving out?
I got the text message first. My friend K., my beautiful little Jersey spitfire, was hurt. K. is a dancer you see, and had gotten hurt before - but this time she was dancing at Kiss & Fly on the same night as Crystal Waters. You know...the "back to the middle and around again, I'm gonna be there to the end, 100% pure love" lady. (GOD don't you love that song).
I asked R. if he knew what happened. He had spoken to K's man the day after the injury - Saturday - and apparently, a hospital visit was involved. "Jesus," I thought. "What the hell happened?"
K. is fine, but currently has eight stitches right above her EYE. Not eyebrow: the crease of her eyelid. That is what I'm talking about. A few hours ago at a friend's party, I tackled her in hug upon arrival, relieved those stitches weren't a centimeter lower. "HOW DID YOU ALMOST BLIND YOURSELF?" I asked.
Alright. So every few weekends, K. and her fellow dancers are hired to dance all night Kiss & Fly at various levels of the club. But they aren't exactly in the crowd, mind you. Sometimes they dance in cages, sometimes on platforms. And sometimes, Reader, they dance on poles.
Three nights ago, K. was one such pole dancer. Now K. is very good at what she does, but she's not a dirrrrrty dancer. At all. She is a gorgeous girl and knows how to entertain, but keeps it classy San Diego. This does not mean, however, that she doesn't approach the pole with zeal. If you are as flexible as K., and are a former gymnast, there's really no excuse for half-assing the pole dance I'm afraid to say.
So equipped with gymnastic ability, flexibility, and exceptional arm strength, K. grabbed that pole with both of her hands. She prepared her next move. With feet grounded and knees bent, she leaned back.....ALL the way back. And, with her head nearly touching the ground, hands still gripping the pole, and body arched beyond what you or I could ever hope to do, she popped back up like a many-coiled spring. Grinning - no doubt - from ear to ear.
And promptly smacked her face ON THE POLE.
"Oh---! Oh HOLY what the ---!!," said K's friend, standing nearby. ("My gay guardian angel" as she now refers to him). "Girl, come with ME."
He grabbed her hand, pulled her out of the dancing throng and hurried her into the bathroom.
K. looked up into the bathroom mirror. Saw blood all over her face. (PS, are you reminded of our Carrie story yet?) And - this part's funny, I think, in a gross but hilarious sort of way - saw blood dripping all over the dollar bills stuffed in her waistband. And if that's not a metaphor for something I just don't know what is.
The rest of the story is about what you'd expect. K's sweet and wonderful boyfriend immediately picked her up. Took her to a hospital, where she was treated, stitched up, and is perfectly non-blind now. THANK GOD. I have long asked K., who possesses the most amazing true stories one person could ever hope for, to let me write her memoir. I believe this shall be the opening chapter.
But the best part? K. joked tonight that she's waiting for the video evidence of the whole affair to appear on YouTube. So just for kicks, I got on YouTube and typed in "pole dancing accident." Wait for minute 0:31.
My very first foray into the world of social media was pre-blog. Sometime around 2002, I stumbled onto the message boards at Get Crafty. Message boards were still kind of a novelty back then, and I was totally fascinated by them. This one didn't even have avatars yet - just words. And, like many not-quite-20-year-olds, I hadn't quite figured out my own game yet and was an early adopter of that irritating liberal-arts-college-kid-I-know-everything stance. "Sorry guys, I can't watch The Bachelortonight, I no longer subscribe to oppressive and socially-constructed heteronormative gender roles, but have fun!" Isn't it amazing I had any friends?
But message boards....ah, message boards were anonymous. I could be as opinionated as I want, on subjects ranging from feminism to decoupage. I even got my first freelance writing assignment through Get Crafty, from my then-editor Jean Railla - author of Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec. (And PS, it is both entertaining and EXTREMELY humbling to go back and read your first actual piece of feature writing.)
So when Austin's crafty ladies mentioned Handmade Nation going on this weekend, I was immediately excited to tell you guys about it.
This is a documentary by director Faythe Levine about DIY and craft culture, which has enjoyed a resurgence indeed in the early 21st century. Several Austinites appear in it too, like Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching. While the film will premiere Sunday at the Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar), there are a TON of events happening around it so I'm going to paste this fantastic poster and list, courtesy of Jennifer Perkins at Naughty Secretary Club:
(Sorry the image is so tiny.)
SATURDAY SEPT 4, 2009 Swap and Sew + Sweets 12-6pm Space 12 Bring your old fabric and craft supplies plus a sewing machine if you have one and let the Austin Craft Mafia help you whip up something new and fresh. Don’t forget to snag a sweet or bring a canned good for free sweets!
Handmade Nation book signing party (yep, it's a book too!) 7-9pm, Domy Books Faythe Levine will be signing books alongside artists featured in the book (Whitney Lee, Jennifer Perkins, Magda Sayeg, and Kathie Sever) Sounds by DJ Bullet, free beer from Live Oak brewing, and an awesome raffle, packed with prizes from artists and local businesses. Free.
SUNDAY SEPT 5, 2009 Handmade Nation Screenings 1:30pm and 4:10pm, Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar The film's Austin premiere! Q & A to follow with director, Faythe Levine, and several of the films' subjects.
Craft Bazaar noon-6pm, Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar Craft fair featuring some of Austin's most talented up and coming artists, craft demos and giveaways, and stuff for the kiddos. Take a look at a list of vendors right here. Free.
Austin Handmade Post Screening Shabang 6:30pm-9pm Austin Handmade Austin Handmade is hosting an after party at their new location - more crafty goods, free drinks by Treaty Oak Rum, snacks by Nada Moo and a DJ. Free.
So there you have it: craftivities galore this Labor Day weekend!
Speaking of DIY, I am excited because R. and I are going to take our first cooking class together tonight. I haven't even told him yet. It's going to be at Central Market, and the name of the class is Food & Music of Africa: Guinea. The instructors prepare African food in front of you AND play music from their homeland (although I don't think simultaneously. But how cool would that be.)
So handy! Just saw this little gem on the always-wonderful East Austinite, those purveyors of goings-on and cultural rumblings just east of I-35. It was created by Joshua Bingaman of Progress Coffee, and soon, it will run in those printed Alamo Drafthouse guides. Which are startingly well-written, non?
If you would like Joshua to add your sweet east side establishment to the map (looking in your direction Vain Salon, Buenos Aires Cafe), just email Joshua joshua[at]progresscoffee[dot]com.
B) If Dave Grohl were a Biblical character, surely he would be Lazarus. Them Crooked Vultures is, what - his fifth band? This man doesn't stop!
Anyway, Them Crooked Vultures were ("was?" Help me out, copy editor) just added to the lineup at this year's ACL, so I decided to investigate on YouTube. Here they are in Belgium, playing a "surprise show" at the Pukkelpop Festival.
I'll be honest - I'm intrigued. Not FLOORED (yet), but I'll take a little more. If Them Crooked Vultures sound a little Led Zeppelin-like to you, that's because John Paul Jones - bassist for Led Zeppelin* - is in the band. Yowza.
Them Crooked Vultures are also playing an after party at Stubbs, and you can get tickets here. *Opinion poll. Favorite Led Zeppelin song? My first album was Houses of the Holy, so D'yer Mak'er shall always be mine. So sexy.
How fun is this! "Caleb Does" is this rad Do512-sponsored TV show on the interwebs. Caleb and his partner-in-crime Emmett, the man behind the camera, go to Austin parties around town and ask attendees what's what. About a week and a half ago, they came out to the very awesome launch party for Cherrypeel, and some of us Austin bloggers got a little face time!
Logan from Chrontourage, Richard from Ultra8201, and yours truly appear around minute 6:20 to talk about the next Austin Bleet-Up. (Which I am so excited about!!) Logan even receives a formal invitation.
Speaking of the Bleet-Up - as soon as we get our date straight with Mohawk, we'll tell you Austin bloggers and blog-readers all about it. All I can say now is we're busy putting it all together, and I can't wait to dish.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks Kristen and Scott for the shout-outs!! Reader, I'll have you know that those two, along with Logan as a matter of fact, have a pretty fantastic happy hour event coming up that we'll be talking about soon here on Austin Eavesdropper.
I would be remiss if I didn't also thank Flip Scene and Cherrypeel, and the really wonderful job they did reaching out to the local blogging community. As Kristen and Scott mention around the 9:20 minute mark, it truly was like a little social media utopia. Rock on you guys.
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