Another Popular Local Venue Closes its Doors
Posted on February 2, 2009
Artz Rib House, a south Austin, TX staple for the past 17 years was forced to close it’s doors on Sunday. As has been seen much more often lately, the local restaurant and live music venue is feeling the effects of the economy in addition to personal financial problems.
Owner, Art Blondin has sited a more than 30% decrease in business on top of rising medical bills (while caring for his wife who is currently in the hospital listed in serious condition) as the reason for the closing. A fundraiser was held last Monday in an efforts to save the beloved bar-b-que and live music venue. Patrons, musicians and staff are still fighting to keep the doors open, agreeing to play and work for free.
Donations are still being accepted and can be made to:
Art Blondin c/o Rene Britt
P.O Box 91092
Austin, TX 78709
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Bass Concert Hall Set for Unveiling This Week
Posted on February 2, 2009
The long awaited opening night of the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX is drawing near. On January 23rd , the curtain will rise not only on a much anticipated performance but an unveiling of a multi-million dollar renovation. A previous blog mentioned the two-week long opening celebration beginning with John Legend on the 23rd , but now as the day quickly approaches the details of the renovation are the topic of discussion.
Although the number of seats hasn’t changed, the Bass Concert Hall is still the largest Performing Arts theater in Austin, TX. Some of the improvements include: an updated exterior façade encased by windows, expanded restrooms, a new member lounge that features a balcony overlooking the Bass Hall plaza, a new café and a new top-floor terrace overlooking campus. In addition the previously glass-enclosed box offices have been replaced with museum-style customer service desks, and the newly expanded lobby now hosts an art gallery, displaying 30 sculptures on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Bass Concert Hall continues to attract the world’s greatest performers and full-scale productions to Austin, TX. For performances or membership information visit the PAC website.
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Inauguration Day - Austin Style
Posted on February 2, 2009
Are you looking for a uniquely Austin way to spend the upcoming, much anticipated, inauguration day? Well you might want to consider a day at the Alamo Drafthouse for an Obama Inauguration Watch Party! Despite your political affiliation the historical value of this event cannot be argued. And what a better way to spend such an event than with other eager participants at the Drafthouse?
Doors will open at 10 am and feature a new weekend brunch menu. Champagne will also be available for everyone to take part in an inaugural toast. Admission to the party is free, however reservations can be made by pre-purchasing a $5 food and beverage voucher good for your order on inauguration day. Remaining seats will be available on a first come first serve basis.
For more information visit the Alamo Drafthouse website.
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DTV Government Program Running Out of Money
Posted on February 2, 2009
The previous blog proved to be timely in its reference to the country’s preparation for the digital switch. Just a few short days after that post the news hit the airwaves that the government program subsidizing the converter box coupons was about to run out of money (in other words it reached its funding cap set by Congress). So what exactly does that mean for those who have yet to request their coupons? The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the agency funding the program, is asking that consumers continue to place their requests for coupons online . At this point they will be placed on a waiting list, issuing coupons as currently issued unused coupons expire.
In the meantime the NTIA will appeal to Congress to do one of two things: raise the funding cap by waiving the accounting rules that require the NTIA to wait for unredeemed coupons to expire before issuing new ones, or Congress could approve more money for the program. The outcome remains to be seen, either way the NTIA hopes to avoid viewers losing their signals even temporarily.
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Preparing for the Digital Switch
Posted on February 2, 2009
On February 17th 2009 nearly all television stations in the country will switch from using an analog broadcast signal to digital. Currently many stations are using both signals, however on February 17th the analog signal will no longer be available to viewers. Cable and satellite subscribers will not be affected by the switch, providers will automatically convert the signal for you. In addition the FCC issued a rule stating that all televisions made after March 1, 2007 must include a digital tuner. This means if you own a newer set you will also not be affected.
However if you own an older set and do not have cable or satellite you will need a digital converter box to continue using your set. The federal government is offering coupons for these viewers (worth $40 each) to use towards the purchase of a converter box. Prices for converter boxes range from $40-$70. Coupons can be downloaded at www.dtv.gov .
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Holiday Events-First Night Austin 2009
Posted on February 2, 2009
The new year is just around the corner and with all of the Christmas hustle and bustle out of the way it’s time to start planning the events for the your New Year’s Eve celebration. First Night Austin offers a little bit of everything to keep the entire family entertained. This annual celebration is uniquely Austin, transforming the downtown setting into a showcase of visual and performing arts. This is a public event organized by the City of Austin, that is family-friendly and alcohol free and of course, takes place on December 31st .
The fun begins at 3pm with performances and displays placed around several locations in the downtown Austin, TX area of South and West 1st Streets. At 11:45pm patrons will ring in the new year with a grand finale and fireworks show. For more information visit FirstNightAustin.org .
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Give a Pint Get a Pint Holiday Blood Drive
Posted on February 2, 2009
Are you looking for an alternative to the traditional wrapped box under the tree this year? This holiday season the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas and Amy’s Ice Creams have teamed up to offer you the perfect opportunity to give a very cherished gift this year, the gift of life. The Give a Pint, Get a Pint Holiday Drive gives donors a sweet thank you gift in return for their donation, a free pint of Amy’s Ice Cream. The drive runs through January 15th.
For more information, hours and locations call 512-206-1266 or visit InYourHands.org .
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Holiday Events-Zilker Trail of Lights
Posted on February 2, 2009
Every year during the holiday season Zilker Park is transformed into a wonderland of lights, music and displays that only Austin can imagine. The Trail of Lights Festival has been named one of the top ten Holiday Lightings by USA Today, and if you have every visited the sight you will agree. This year the trail will open in the park located at 2100 Barton Springs Road, on Sunday, December 14th and run nightly through December 23rd from 7pm - 10pm.
The grand opening of the Trail on December 14th will be marked by a parade and ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the opening you can join the many visitors and walk through the mile of lighted displays, enjoy the variety of refreshments, food and entertainment . Each night area performers will take the stage, providing trail-goers with diverse holiday activity. From Dancers and musicians to storytellers and comedians, you are sure to find enjoyment. At the end of the trail grab a cup of hot chocolate and stop by the yule log to warm up before taking a spin under the Zilker Tree, another popular Austin tradition.
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Holiday Events-Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Posted on February 2, 2009
If you are looking for something new and exciting to do this holiday season you might consider checking out the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world-famous Rockettes at the Frank Erwin Center. The Spectacular show has become #1 live holiday production in the world, this year Madison Square Garden Entertainment announced that it will launch the biggest production of the of the show in its 76-year history. To add to the excitement, the show is hitting the road on an 18 city tour, which includes Austin, Texas!
On December 30th and 31st the Frank Erwin Center will be transformed to host a show that is sure to provide the entertainment experience of the year. Some of the highlights include an immense LED screen that will transport the audience from a wintry landscape to Times Square to Santa’s Workshop, and larger than life sets with awe-inspiring special effects, such as Santa flying out into the audience as snow falls upon the crowd. Of course the show would not be complete without fan-favorites like “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which sets the standard as the signature Rockette number. But that’s not all, this year the Rockettes plan to bring the audience to their feet with a finale “Let Christmas Shine,” which honors and celebrates them as the stars of the show.
For tickets and show times visit the Frank Erwin Center website .
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Holiday Events-Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade
Posted on February 2, 2009
This Saturday November 29th will mark another year of what has become a very significant Austin tradition. Every year since 1989, on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade takes over Congress Avenue to collect toys and donations for Operation Blue Santa . This year the parade begins at 11 a.m. at 11th and Congress and will head south to Cesar Chavez, ending just north of the bridge.
Every year hundreds of spectators line the streets to participate in the event, enjoying the colorful floats, whimsical balloons, marching bands, and of course local celebrities. What makes it so special is that at designated spots along the route, the entire parade will come to a complete stop, allowing children, families and spectators to donate their toys. The end of the parade is highlighted by the arrival of Blue Santa himself.
All of the toys collected at the parade are donated to Operation Blue Santa, an outreach organization created by the Austin Police Department. Blue Santa serves more than 3,800 families, with 14,000 children in those families receiving gifts.
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