Living in a creative world

May 31-June 6

I got an interesting e-mail last week from a young woman I had not met before. She's an entertainer, and she had met some people who know me. When she told them about her project, they said, "Oh, you should tell Chris about that." So she e-mailed me and we had fun exploring each other's websites and getting to know one another electronically. I definitely plan to go to her show tonight (I've already bought tix).

Her name is Thee Lobster Girl, and she's part of a troupe called 999 Eyes, who travel with a band called THAT Damned Band. Maybe you've heard them? They do a sort of circus/gypsy jug band type thing. Anyway.... This is a troupe of 'freaks.' They entertain, vaudeville style, and educate their audiences about the history of freak shows, famous sideshow entertainers of the past, etc., while celebrating their own uniqueness and artistic accomplishments. They even have a small museum of oddities that they bring with them for your enlightenment (and to satisfy your morbid curiosity).

I am constantly, constantly, constantly amazed -- and inspired -- at the million zillion ways people express themselves artistically. So yeah, I've got my tickets for tonight's show at Antone's (details below; would love to have you join me).

And in keeping with my appreciation for the myriad ways people find to express themselves, I have decided to make an effort to embed a video each week that truly showcases the most amazing artists I can find. Last week it was the lovely Chinese dancers who just about broke my heart with their beauty. This week I'll feature a young man, Aichi, from Japan, who dances in a mostly decidedly usual and artistic way. I suggest that you click on the 'YouTube' logo rather than the 'play' button for the best, smoothest viewing experience. You definitely want a good, smooth viewing experience for this one. And be sure to watch the entire video. Though it's a little repetitive in the middle, it's definitely worth getting to the end. Enjoy. (And don't try this at home.) Then after you've seen the video, come back and plan your week(end).


Thursday, May 31

Cornell Hurd
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm (family)

Glovertango
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

DJd milonga
Copa / 217 Congress; 479-5002 / 9 pm; $5
There will be a free tango lesson at 8 so come early.

999 Eyes Freak Show; White Ghost Shivers
Antone’s / 213 W. 5^th; 478-0336 / 9 pm; $11
This is the show I was telling you about in the opening paragraphs. It looks like sooooooo much fun. Click for tix.

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm Read all about the Austin Swing Syndicate and their activities.

Damian Green Band
Cypress Grill / 4404 W. William Cannon / 6:30 pm

Chaparral
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189

Marc Devine & Denia Ridley
Reed's Jazz Club / 9901 Cap of TX Hwy; 342-7977 / 8:00 pm


Friday, June 1

First Friday Contradance
Carpenter's Hall / 400 Josephine; 970-4919 / 8 pm; $8
Live music by The Flaming Kilts (now doesn't that conjure up an image?)

Albert and Gage Band
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000

Paris 49
Cactus Café / Texas Union Bldg; 23rd at Guadalupe; 475-6515 / 9 pm
It's a CD release party!

Mr. Fabulous & Casino Royale
Reed’s Jazz Club / 9901 Cap of TX Hwy; 342-7977 / 8:30 pm


Friday & Saturday, June 1 & 2

Ballet Under the Stars
Zilker Hillside Theater / 8:30 pm; free (family)
Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble will be performing two nights. Take a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy.

Texas Greek Festival
Laguna Gloria / 3809 W. 35th / 6pm-midnight; $10 (family)
Food, dancing, and live music. info@texasgreekfestival.com for more info.

Saturday, June 2

Cornell Hurd Band
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000

The Eggmen
Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail; 266-2442

Jim Stringer's AM Band
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Road; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Sunday, June 3

Texas Swing Kings
Artz Ribhouse / 2330 S. Lamar / 6:30 pm (family)

Damian Green Band
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / noon; free (family)

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail; 266-2442

Heybale!
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm; $6

Monster Big Band
Ruta Maya / 3601 S. Congress; 707-9637 / 7 pm; $7


Monday, May 28

Paris 49; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; 10 pm ($5)


Tuesday, May 29

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:45 / no cover Free dance after Four on the Floor’s classes.

Erik Hokkanen's Laboratory
Flipnotics / 1601 Barton Springs; 322-9750 / 8:00 pm

Bayou Cajun Band
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane / 6:30 pm
With special guest Peter Schwarz

Dr. Zog
Alligator Grill / 3003 South Lamar; 444-6117 / 6 pm
A little Tuesday evening zydeco.

Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm
I believe this is an every-Tuesday event, but you might want to call just to make sure.

The Lucky Strikes
Belmont / 305 W. 6th; 457-0300 / 6 pm
This will be an every-Tuesday-in-May event.


Wednesday, May 23

The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017

Mr. Fabulous & Casino Royale
The Belmont / 305 W. 6th; 457-0300 / 6 pm
This is an every Wednesday happy hour.


ROAD TRIPS

Houston, TX
Saturday, June2
Accordion Kings and Queens
Miller Outdoor Theater / Hermann Park / 7 pm; free
This always great show includes Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Mingo Saldívar Y Sus Tremendos Cuatro Espadas and Ginny Mac & the Road to Texas Band , plus the three finalists from The Big Squeeze, Texas Folklife Resources' first accordion contest.

Gruene, TX
Tuesday, June 5
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 7:30 pm $4
Two Ton Tuesdays have returned.


COMING SOON

Friday, June 15
Norah Jones
The Backyard / 13101 Highway 71 West / 8 pm Click for tix.

Saturday, June 30
The Fabulous Polkasonics; Brave Combo
Moose Lodge / 2103 EM Franklin / 9 pm; $10 ($5 for members)
Mark your calendars now. Even Brave Combo has been enlisted to help save the Moose, so you know it's important!

see ya on the dance floor,
chris