It's almost SXSW time. And on the family-friendly lineup this year are a few FREE shows at the Auditorium Shores stage @ Ladybird Lake.
On March 21, check out Atlanta-based Daddy A Go Go, brainchild of former TV news producer (and - don't hold it against him - Sooner) John Boydston. We concur with the reviewer at Nashville Parent magazine in our adoration for Daddy A Go Go's rockin' version of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."
Same day, same place, catch Joe McDermott, Biscuit Brothers, and Jambo.
There will be food and arts/crafts for sale on-site. What not to bring: No food or drinks - EXCEPT food and beverages made specifically for babies and children under the age of five. (I.e., If you've got a baby bottle or a sippy cup, you can slide on by.)
SXSW music badgeholders can show your credentials for admission to the private Registrants Hospitality Area at Auditorium Shores. You fancy folks get bleacher seating, complimentary snacks, and beer for the grownups.
February 2009 Archives
Tickets are on sale now, starting at $27, for Ballet Austin's "Cinderella," coming to the Long Theater Mother's Day weekend, May 8-10, with both matinee and evening performances.
We also love Ballet Austin Academy's creative movement and ballet classes for ages three to 12, with both weekday and Saturday class times. And they offer summer camps and classes for all ages, and summer intensives for older students. Classes are centrally located, downtown at 501 W. 3rd St.
A quick synopsis:
1) S'mores @ Halycon in the Warehouse District.
2) Eating @ the Driskill Hotel's 1886 Cafe & Bakery, followed by a carriage ride or (for older kids) a stroll to the Alamo for a movie.
3) Fancy dinner @ Kenichi - a tabletop cookout.
4) Free live music @ Austin's City Hall, Fridays at lunchtime in the front plaza's amphitheater.
5) Saturday mornings @ the Austin Farmers Market, located at 4th & Guadalupe.
6) Sunday gospel brunch @ Stubbs.
7) Classic films and all-time faves @ the Paramount's Summer Film Series.
8) In October and November, Movies in the Park @ Republic Square. Bring a picnic!
9) Dia de los Muertos Procession/Parade hosted by Mexic-Arte Museum around November 1, complete with bat-winged chihuahuas.
10) First Night Austin on New Year's Eve
We love Wynn's suggestions, which include many of our own downtown faves. Enjoy.
The Texas Book Festival has launched its 8th Annual Fiction Writing Contest, open to all junior high and high school students in Texas.
Submit your original fiction, no more than 2,000 words in length, to be judged by a panel of fancy-pants Texas authors (some of whom will appear at the 2009 Texas Book Festival, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in Austin). This year's theme: "In My Own Backyard."
What are the judges looking for? Excellent use of dialogue, character development, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. Work will be judged in three divisions: Grades 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 (as per the 2008-09 school year).
The first place winner will receive the award and read the winning story at the Texas Book Festival in Austin this fall. Get busy, aspiring writers!
