Chris Picks

Each week Chris brings you the best in music, dance, arts and entertainment opportunities in Austin and surrounding areas.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

I'm baaaaaaaaaaack (and it's hhhhhhhhhottttttt)!

May 29-June 4

Vacation was fun, fun, fun. I really like cool, dry air. I like high desert. I like tarantulas and antelope and art and caves and history and ghosts and ghost towns, and I really, really like $1 thrift stores (yes, you heard me. All clothes $1, except for shoes which were 10 cents -- got a great pair of suede boots for 10 cents). I also like Native American jewelry (Chris's guide to buying Native American jewelry: reveal to the merchant's husband, who happens to be in Disaster Management, that your son is a fire bomber [who left yesterday to fight fires in Arizona]. Wildfire fighters are held in Very High Regard in places where wildfires happen. Instant discount. LARGE discount. I wasn't sure how authentic the discount was until I looked up the jewelry online. DANG!)

The trouble with vacations is this, though: I have NEVER been away from home long enough that I was ready to come back. And I had to come back to (1) HEAT and (2) insurance adjustor. Yup, we'll be getting a new roof thanks to that nasty hail storm. I don't look forward to it, but at least the insurance company is paying for it.

The good part about coming home, though, is that I've got not one, but two plays coming up this summer. I'll be learning lines for both at the same time (one Shakespeare, one not), so I'll probably be feeling a little schizophrenic soon. I don't think it's contagious, but you might want to give me a wide berth the next few months.

Lots of exciting stuff coming up (another reason to come home), so let's cut to the chase, shall we?


Thursday, May 29


Glovertango
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm


Johnny Gimble
Guero's Taco Bar / 1412 S. Congress; 447-7688 / 6:30 pm (family)

Del Castillo
Shady Grove / 1624 Barton Springs; 474-9991 / 8 pm
Del Castillo unplugged. Lower volume, same high level of energy. Should be great!


Shearwater
The Parish / 214 E. 6th; 474-0474 / 8 pm; $12-$14
Not only are these guys conssumately listenable, but they'll have a special wind & string ensemble joining them for this special CD release show and my bassoon teacher will be playing with them, yee haw!

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

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

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm; $2-$5
The Swing Syndicate offers this weekly DJd dance with complimentary lessons at 8:15. This week there is a special Contra Dance going on in the "side room" featuring live music by Left is Right. Interesting combination.



Friday, May 30

Son y No Son
Central Market (central ) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)

Just Deserts
Copa / 217 Congress / 7 - 10 pm
A little tango happy hour. Nice.

Seth Walker
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail; 266-2442 / 7 pm (family)

The Eggmen
Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe / 5501 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm; $7 (family)
Can your kids sing every word to every Beatles song yet? If not, then get them to this show and start their education!

Atash
Ruta Maya / 3601 S. Congress / 11 pm; $10
Indrigit Banerjee and Gourisankar Karmakar open at
9. Sounds like a great evening of world music.

Two Tons of Steel
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm



Saturday, May 31

Seth Walker
Central Market (central ) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)

Nash Hernandez Orchestra
Donn's Depot / 1600 W. 5th; 478-0336 / 9 pm; $5
One of the best bargains in town -- two dance floors, a big band, a ladies room in a real caboose, a friendly staff, and a reasonable cover. Such a deal!

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
The Oaks / 10206 FM 973 (Manor); 278-8788 / 8 pm; $20
What a treat! Just be sure to drink plenty of water, as this is an outdoor venue.


Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm


The Gourds
Nutty Brown Cafe / 1222 US 290 S; 301-4648 / 7:30 $12


Saturday & Sunday, May 31 & June 1


Jewsapalooza Austin
Dell Jewish Community Campus / 7300 Hart Lane / 7-9:30 pm Sat; 1-3pm & 5-9:30 pm Sun (family)
Don’t miss Austin's First Jewish Heritage Music Festival, featuring two days of music, including rock, jazz, klezmer, soul, American folk music, and Jewish standards. The performers include Noah Budin, Sababa!, Yom Hadash, Hazzan Neil Blumofe, Mark Rubin and His Jews of the Golden West, and Sam Glaser. The event will also include a benefit for the family of Paul and Annie Skelton to help with Paul's medical expenses, as he is battling lung cancer. Individual tickets range from $18-25, family concert tickets are $5-7, weekend passes are $32-40. Click the link for full information.


Sunday, June 1

Tex Thomas & His Danglin' Wranglers
Guero's Taco Bar / 1412 S. Congress; 447-7688 / 6:30 pm (family)
I'll be the first to admit I've never actually heard this band. But I'll also be the first to admit that I love their name enough to put them on the list!

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


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


Marshall Ford Swing Band

Momo's / 618 W. 6th; 479-8848 / 8 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442


Monday, June 2

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm; 10 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm


DJd Milonga
Esquina Tango / 209 Pedernales / 9 pm; $5 (advance); $? at the door
Call 512.524.2772 for at-the-door rates. Guest DJ is Silvia Ceriana, DJ at Canning in Buenos Aires (if you've been to BsAs, you've probably been to Canning, one of the great old ballrooms of the Golden Age of Tango).



Tuesday, June 3

Dale Watson
Belmont / 305 W. 6th / 457-0300 / 6:30 pm


Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm


Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


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


Wednesday, June 4

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm


Atash
The Red Fez / 209B W. 5th / 11:30 pm
I believe there will be dancers with this show as well.


The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm


Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

Kerrville, TX
Thru - Sunday, June 8
Kerrville Folk Festival
Quiet Valley Ranch
Click on the link for all the info about this perenniel favorite.


New Braunfels
Saturday, May 31
Del Castillo
White Water Amphitheatre / 515 Fm 2673 / 8 pm

Guy Forsyth opens.

Granger, TX
Saturday, May 31
Ricky Calmbach
The Cotton Club / 212 E. Davila; 512-859-0700 / 9 pm; $10


Jarrell, TX
Sunday, June 1
Texas Pioneers

Possum Creek Dance Hall / 7705 FM 1105; 512-930-9633 / 4 pm
This is a relatively new venture, and one that is definitely worth supporting. You can never have too many dance halls.

Gruene, TX
Tuesday, June 3
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 8:30 pm; $4
Two Ton Tuesdays have started up again. This is a great little, quick little mid-week get-away.



COMING SOON

Friday, June 6
Brave Combo
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm (family)
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Saturday, June 21
Texas Polka Jamboree

Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 2-6 pm
Yes! Polka party at the Spoke! Live music by The Fabulous Polkasonics; Texas Slavic Playboys; and Conjunto Los Pinkys. Dance lessons will be available as well, so mark your calendars and come on out!



See ya on the dance floor (when I get back from VACATION),


chris


Thursday, May 22, 2008

Gone Fishin'

May 22-28







See ya next week!

Chris

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Tennis (ball hail) anyone?

May 15-21

Wow, what a storm last night! Hope you're all OK. We lost some windows to tennis ball size hail, and we lost power (and sleep) for a few hours, but other than that, we seem to have come through pretty well. Our trees took a beating, but they're still standing. I've been on the phone this morning with the insurance folks and it looks like everything's going to be copasetic so that Mr. Ben and I can leave on our VACATION, woo hoo! Which means there will be no list next week because I'll be on VACATION! It's been way too long since I've had a VACATION, and I'm getting pretty EXCITED! Using LOTS of LOUD WORDS and LOTS and LOTS of EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been too dang long!!!!!!! We've got the kitty care all lined up, and the neighbors are watching over the house to make sure no one walks off with it. All we gotta do now is pack.

Thursday, May 15

Glovertango
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm


Lucky Strikes
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

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

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm

Chaparral
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm




Friday, May 16

The Studebakers
Artz Ribhouse / 2330 S. Lamar / 7:30 pm

Texas Swing Kings
Patsy’s Cowgirl Café / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)


DJd Milonga
Esquina Tango / 209 Pedernales / 9 pm



Friday-Sunday, May 16-18

Lindy Hop Workshop

The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel
Click on the link for full details about this workshop with Steve & Virginie. I have worked with these folks before, and they are fantastic instructors. And, of course, there will be dances with live music on Friday (Giant City Septet) & Saturday nights (Marshall Ford Swing Band & Emily Gimble).



Saturday, May 17

VACATION!

Third Satuday Contra DanceS
St. Paul Lutheran Fellowship Hall / 3501 Red River / 2 pm & 7:30 pm; $10 for one; $16 for 2
Yup, there will be TWO dances on Saturday. The afternoon dance is for advanced dancers; the evening dance is for everybody. For those of you who don't dance but want to learn how, contradancing is an easy, easy, easy way to get started. There will be live music by Notorious. Notorious is made up of Eden MacAdam and Larry Unger, two of the big names in traditional and acoustic music.


Atash
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)


The Eggmen
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Albert & Gage Band
Donn’s Depot / 1600 W. 5th, 478-0336 / 9 pm


The Eggmen
Jovita's 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 7 pm
Ouch! opens at 7, so come early and stay late.


DJd Milonga
Texas Union Quadrangle Room / 23rd at Guadalupe / 9 pm


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 484-1500 / 7 pm



Sunday, May 18

VACATION!!

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 4 pm


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Momo's / 618 W. 6th; 479-8848 / 8 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm; $7


Monday, May 19

VACATION!!!

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm; 10 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm



Tuesday, May 20

VACATION!!!!

Dale Watson
Belmont / 305 W. 6th / 457-0300 / 6:30 pm


Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm


DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


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


Wednesday, May 21

VACATION!!!!!

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm


The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm


Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

VACATION!!!!!!

Ruidoso, New Mexico
Win Place & Show / 2516 Sudderth / 9 pm
Some of the Region's Finest Bands. That's what they advertise anyway, and I may just have to find out!




COMING SOON

MORE VACATION!!!!!!!


Thursday, May 22
Mundi
Barr Mansion / 10463 Sprinkle Road / Time TBA
I don't have the start time for this event yet, but I can promise you it will be wonderful! This is a fund-raiser for Mundi's July tour of Spain. Put it on your calendars now!


Thursday, May 22 - Sunday, June 8

Kerrville Folk Festival

Quiet Valley Ranch
Click on the link for all the info about this perenniel favorite.



See ya on the dance floor (when I get back from VACATION),


chris

Tennis(ball hail) anyone?

May 15-21

Wow, what a storm last night! Hope you're all OK. We lost some windows to tennis ball size hail, and we lost power (and sleep) for a few hours, but other than that, we seem to have come through pretty well. Our trees took a beating, but they're still standing. I've been on the phone this morning with the insurance folks and it looks like everything's going to be copasetic so that Mr. Ben and I can leave on our VACATION, woo hoo! Which means there will be no list next week because I'll be on VACATION! It's been way too long since I've had a VACATION, and I'm getting pretty EXCITED! Using LOTS of LOUD WORDS and LOTS and LOTS of EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been too dang long!!!!!!! We've got the kitty care all lined up, and the neighbors are watching over the house to make sure no one walks off with it. All we gotta do now is pack.

Thursday, May 15

Glovertango
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm


Lucky Strikes
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

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

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm

Chaparral
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm




Friday, May 16

The Studebakers
Artz Ribhouse / 2330 S. Lamar / 7:30 pm

Texas Swing Kings
Patsy’s Cowgirl Café / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)


DJd Milonga
Esquina Tango / 209 Pedernales / 9 pm



Friday-Sunday, May 16-18

Lindy Hop Workshop
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel
Click on the link for full details about this workshop with Steve & Virginie. I have worked with these folks before, and they are fantastic instructors. And, of course, there will be dances with live music on Friday (Giant City Septet) & Saturday nights (Marshall Ford Swing Band & Emily Gimble).



Saturday, May 17


VACATION!

Third Satuday Contra DanceS
St. Paul Lutheran Fellowship Hall / 3501 Red River / 2 pm & 7:30 pm; $10 for one; $16 for 2
Yup, there will be TWO dances on Saturday. The afternoon dance is for advanced dancers; the evening dance is for everybody. For those of you who don't dance but want to learn how, contradancing is an easy, easy, easy way to get started. There will be live music by Notorious. Notorious is made up of Eden MacAdam and Larry Unger, two of the big names in traditional and acoustic music.


Atash
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)


The Eggmen
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Albert & Gage Band
Donn’s Depot / 1600 W. 5th, 478-0336 / 9 pm


The Eggmen
Jovita's 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 7 pm
Ouch! opens at 7, so come early and stay late.


DJd Milonga
Texas Union Quadrangle Room / 23rd at Guadalupe / 9 pm


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 484-1500 / 7 pm



Sunday, May 18

VACATION!!

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 4 pm


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Momo's / 618 W. 6th; 479-8848 / 8 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm; $7


Monday, May 19

VACATION!!!

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm; 10 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm



Tuesday, May 20

VACATION!!!!

Dale Watson
Belmont / 305 W. 6th / 457-0300 / 6:30 pm


Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm


DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


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


Wednesday, May 21

VACATION!!!!!

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm


The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm


Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

VACATION!!!!!!

Ruidoso, New Mexico
Win Place & Show / 2516 Sudderth / 9 pm
Some of the Region's Finest Bands. That's what they advertise anyway, and I may just have to find out!




COMING SOON

MORE VACATION!!!!!!!


Thursday, May 22
Mundi
Barr Mansion / 10463 Sprinkle Road / Time TBA
I don't have the start time for this event yet, but I can promise you it will be wonderful! This is a fund-raiser for Mundi's July tour of Spain. Put it on your calendars now!

Thursday, May 22 - Sunday, June 8


Kerrville Folk Festival

Quiet Valley Ranch
Click on the link for all the info about this perenniel favorite.



See ya on the dance floor (when I get back from VACATION),


chris


Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Vacation next week, I hope?

May 8-14

I'm working on a silly little project this month, writing ultra-short fiction (100 words, no more, no less). My "assignment" has been "The Pirate and the Moth," and I've been trying to write one a day. Since I can't think of anything else to write about here this week, I decided I'd share a few of my favorites with you. Enjoy:

1. Black Flint the pirate lay dying on the deck of La Muerta Violente. A cannonball had severed his left leg just below the knee, and his fighting arm had been sliced to ribbons in hand to hand combat when the ship had been boarded.

He barely felt the sharp poke of a boot as a Royal Navy sailor rolled him onto his stomach.

“Blimey,” spoke the sailor, “would you look at that! What do you suppose it means?”

There, on Black Flint’s upper arm, right where a chunk of flesh had been carved away, was the elaborately tattooed word “Moth…”

======================

2. A black knight cantered into view, his armor making a most high jangling. Sir Lancelot, seeing the black steed so well caparisoned yet so rudely sat, addressed his page. “Tell me, lad,” quoth the legendary hero, his tongue firmly in his cheek, “by what device is this most puissant knight revealed? The sun blazeth in mine eyen and I cannot verify the knowing of him.”

“’Tis a black pennant, sir, bearing a moth rampant ’round a deathly pate and bones.”

A shiver ran through Lancelot. “’Tis L’Moth d’Arthur, boy! On our knees – quick! – lest the pirate king have our heads!”

======================

3. A pirate sneaks into my room when I should be sleeping. I sit bolt upright in my bed, my eyes suddenly wide open. Before I can speak, he raises a finger to his lips, shushing me so that my parents won’t hear us. He silently beckons me from my bed to the open window. A large moth, stained with moon shadows, waits for us on the windowsill. The pirate climbs onto its back and offers me his hand. I settle between the moth’s broad wings, nesting in the safety of my captor’s arms as we fly away into the night.

OK. That's enough for one week. Here's what you came here for...


Thursday, May 8

Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Aces
Cypress Grill / 4404 W. William Cannon; 358-7474 / 6:30 pm

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

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

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm



Friday, May 9

Bouree Texane
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)

Los Super Vatos
Jovita's / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 9:30 pm

Derailers
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm

DJd Milonga
La Tazza Fresca / 37th at Guadalupe / 9 pm



Saturday, May 10

Alma's Latin Women in Music Showcase
Jovita's 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 2 pm
The fun starts at 2 and goes till late, featuring (in order of appearance):

Gina Chavez
2:00-3:00pm
Frenetica
3:15-4:15pm
Cerronato
4:30-5:30pm
The Texana Dames
6:00-7:00pm
Eva Ybarra y Su Conjunto
7:30-8:30pm
Bocastria
9:00-10:00pm
Girl In A Coma
10:30pm


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 484-1500 / 7 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm

Two Hoots & A Holler
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Road; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Sunday, May 11

Mother's Day in the Park
Zilker Hillside Theatre / Zilker Park / 7 pm (family)
Bring Mom out for a lovely picnic/concert with the Austin Symphonic Band


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Momo's / 618 W. 6th; 479-8848 / 8 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm; $7


Monday, May 12

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm; 10 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm



Tuesday, May 13

Dale Watson
Belmont / 305 W. 6th / 457-0300 / 6:30 pm


DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


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


Wednesday, May 14

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm


The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm


Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

I'm sure there are some great road trips out there -- there always are this time of year -- but I didn't find any this week. (Admittedly, I've kinda got my mind on my own soon-to-be-decided road trip, wherever it may take me!)


COMING SOON

Friday-Sunday, May 16-18
Lindy Hop Workshop
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel
Click on the link for full details about this workshop with Steve & Virginie. I have worked with these folks before, and they are fantastic instructors. And, of course, there will be dances with live music on Friday & Saturday nights.

Thursday, May 22

Mundi
Barr Mansion / 10463 Sprinkle Road / Time TBA
I don't have the start time for this event yet, but I can promise you it will be wonderful! This is a fund-raiser for Mundi's July tour of Spain. Put it on your calendars now!

See ya on the dance floor,

chris

May 8-14

I'm working on a silly little project this month, writing ultra-short fiction (100 words, no more, no less). My "assignment" has been "The Pirate and the Moth," and I've been trying to write one a day. Since I can't think of anything else to write about here this week, I decided I'd share a few of my favorites with you. Enjoy:

1. Black Flint the pirate lay dying on the deck of La Muerta Violente. A cannonball had severed his left leg just below the knee, and his fighting arm had been sliced to ribbons in hand to hand combat when the ship had been boarded.

He barely felt the sharp poke of a boot as a Royal Navy sailor rolled him onto his stomach.

“Blimey,” spoke the sailor, “would you look at that! What do you suppose it means?”

There, on Black Flint’s upper arm, right where a chunk of flesh had been carved away, was the elaborately tattooed word “Moth…”

======================

2. A black knight cantered into view, his armor making a most high jangling. Sir Lancelot, seeing the black steed so well caparisoned yet so rudely sat, addressed his page. “Tell me, lad,” quoth the legendary hero, his tongue firmly in his cheek, “by what device is this most puissant knight revealed? The sun blazeth in mine eyen and I cannot verify the knowing of him.”

“’Tis a black pennant, sir, bearing a moth rampant ’round a deathly pate and bones.”

A shiver ran through Lancelot. “’Tis L’Moth d’Arthur, boy! On our knees – quick! – lest the pirate king have our heads!”

======================

3. A pirate sneaks into my room when I should be sleeping. I sit bolt upright in my bed, my eyes suddenly wide open. Before I can speak, he raises a finger to his lips, shushing me so that my parents won’t hear us. He silently beckons me from my bed to the open window. A large moth, stained with moon shadows, waits for us on the windowsill. The pirate climbs onto its back and offers me his hand. I settle between the moth’s broad wings, nesting in the safety of my captor’s arms as we fly away into the night.

OK. That's enough for one week. Here's what you came here for...


Thursday, May 8

Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Aces
Cypress Grill / 4404 W. William Cannon; 358-7474 / 6:30 pm

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

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

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm



Friday, May 9

Bouree Texane
Central Market / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)

Los Super Vatos
Jovita's / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 9:30 pm

Derailers
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm

DJd Milonga
La Tazza Fresca / 37th at Guadalupe / 9 pm



Friday-Sunday, May 16-18

Lindy Hop Workshop
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel
Click on the link for full details about this workshop with Steve & Virginie. I have worked with these folks before, and they are fantastic instructors. And, of course, there will be dances with live music on Friday & Saturday nights.


Saturday, May 10

Alma's Latin Women in Music Showcase
Jovita's 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 2 pm
The fun starts at 2 and goes till late, featuring (in order of appearance):

Gina Chavez
2:00-3:00pm
Frenetica
3:15-4:15pm
Cerronato
4:30-5:30pm
The Texana Dames
6:00-7:00pm
Eva Ybarra y Su Conjunto
7:30-8:30pm
Bocastria
9:00-10:00pm
Girl In A Coma
10:30pm


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 484-1500 / 7 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm

Two Hoots & A Holler
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Road; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Sunday, May 11

Mother's Day in the Park
Zilker Hillside Theatre / Zilker Park / 7 pm (family)
Bring Mom out for a lovely picnic/concert with the Austin Symphonic Band


Marshall Ford Swing Band
Momo's / 618 W. 6th; 479-8848 / 8 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm; $7


Monday, May 12

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm; 10 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm



Tuesday, May 13

Dale Watson
Belmont / 305 W. 6th / 457-0300 / 6:30 pm


DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


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


Wednesday, May 14

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm


The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm


Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

I'm sure there are some great road trips out there -- there always are this time of year -- but I didn't find any this week. (Admittedly, I've kinda got my mind on my own soon-to-be-decided road trip, wherever it may take me!)


COMING SOON

Thursday, May 22
Mundi
Barr Mansion / 10463 Sprinkle Road / Time TBA
I don't have the start time for this event yet, but I can promise you it will be wonderful! This is a fund-raiser for Mundi's July tour of Spain. Put it on your calendars now!

See ya on the dance floor,

chris

Thursday, May 01, 2008

To sleep, perchance to vacation

May 1-7

Things are sort of winding down again. Trick the Devil closed on Sunday; I taught my last Informal Class of the semester on Monday. The trouble with stopping something, though, is that it all becomes very, very clear to me how tired I am. Holy moly. Got nearly 9 hours of sleep on Tuesday night and woke up Wednesday dragging tail again. This 'I'll sleep when I'm dead' mentality, which I confess I live by, is killing me! I need a vacation, and this might be a good time to take one. It's been three YEARS since my last one. I think it's time. So if I suddenly disappear, it's because I've run away (temporarily, of course).

In fact, I think I've just talked myself into something. This would be the perfect time. It's May, the nation's kids are still in school, so the national parks won't be quite so crowded yet. Yeah. I think it's time.


This week's fun video shows a couple of people who have considerably more energy than I do at the moment. How do they do this?



Thursday, May 1

Jim Stringer & the AM Band
Patsy’s Cowgirl Café / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm

Glovertango
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm


DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 10 pm

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

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


Two Hoots & A Holler
Beerland / 711 Red River; 479-7625
I'm not sure whether this is the early or late show, so give 'em a shout.



Friday, May 2

Texana Dames
Patsy’s Cowgirl Café / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)

DJd Milonga
Quadrangle Room / Texas Union Bldg; 23rd at Guadalupe / 9 pm


Dale Watson
Nutty Brown / 12225 Highway 290 West; 301-4648 / 7:30 pm; $8 (family)


Chaparral
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / midnight




Saturday, May 3

Gulf Coast Playboys
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 12:30 pm (family)

Then come back at 6:30 for L'Angelus!!!!!

Jon Emery
Patsy’s Cowgirl Café / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)

Del Castillo
Antone’s / 213 W. Fifth; 474-5314
Charanga Cakewalk opens at 9, so I'm guessing it will be after 10:30 before Del Castillo takes the stage for this Cinco de Mayo show.


First Saturday Contradance
Carpenters Hall / 400 Josephine / 8-11 pm; $8
Live music by the Lost and Nameless Orchestra. sealantsby5@aol.com for more info.


Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4

Pecan Street Festival
6th Street downtown / 11 am (family)
Lots of live music of course, by such folks as Grupo Fantasma and Two Hoots & a Holler (to name only two) and dancing by Csardas Hungarian Dancers, Hawaiian Kona Isle Dancers and more. Click the link for the full line-up.


Sunday, May 4

Bouree Texane
Central Market (South) / 4477 S. Lamar / 12:30 pm (family)
These guys don't play nearly often enough, so catch 'em while you can!


Gulf Coast Extravaganza
Threadgill’s / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 4-9 pm; $10 (family)
Live cajun music by Larry Lange & his Lonely Knights (Austin) and L'Angelus (Lafayette). This is a fund-raiser for KOOP radio. You know you want to go.


Dale Watson

Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Road; 458-1813 / 4 pm

Texas Swing Kings
Artz Ribhouse / 2230 S. Lamar; 442-8283 / 6:30 pm (family)


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

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10 pm; $7


Monday, May 5

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm; 10 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm



Tuesday, May 6

AIO and Mundi
Cactus Café / Texas Union, UT campus, 23rd at Guadalupe, 475-6515; 8 pm
This is a NO-COVER fund-raising event to help Mundi get to Spain this summer, so you know what to do: Come out and support them mightily! Buy their CDs! Put a generous sum in the tip jar! Help them get to Spain.


Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 pm

Dale Watson
Belmont / 305 W. 6th / 457-0300 / 6:30 pm


DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


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


Wednesday, May 7

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm


The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm


Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm


Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm



Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

Gruene, TX
Friday, May 2

Dale Watson
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281


Gruene, TX
Saturday, May 3
The Gourds
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281



COMING SOON

Friday-Sunday, May 16-18
Lindy Hop Workshop
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel
Click on the link for full details about this workshop with Steve & Virginie. I have worked with these folks before, and they are fantastic instructors. And, of course, there will be dances with live music on Friday & Saturday nights.

See ya on the dance floor,

chris