Get on your bikes today, Austinites! — Combine the two things you love the most about Austin, the killer biking community and the abundance of live music. In honor of National Bike Month and Bike to Work Day, ACL Live is hosting ‘Ride To Rock’ this afternoon. Every fan that rides their bike to the Flogging Molly show this evening will take home great prizes including upcoming concert tickets, show posters and bike gear from local bike shops.

The show starts at 8:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm. ACL Live creators and the best bike shops of Austin have teamed up to bring this great event to the community.

“We’re so happy to work great partners like Transmission Events, the City of Austin and Mellow Johnny’s to reward fans for riding bikes to ACL Live.  We want to make this a bigger program and easier for fans to make this choice,” said Caroline Burruss, General Manager of ACL Live.  “We’ll add more rewards and bike racks and will continue to encourage safety for cyclists.  We’re proud to be the largest LEED certified music venue in the U.S. and promoting green transport is part of this.”

Cyclists are encouraged to celebrate National Bike Month by riding to the show. There will be multiple perks for those who bike to the show downtown like special bike corrals by the front door.

“With the average bicycle trip being 2 to 5 miles and Austin’s growing bicycle lane network, riding a bike downtown from many Austin neighborhoods has never been better,” said Annick Beaudet, Bike Program Manager for the City of Austin.  “Riding to the show offers multiple perks, but most of all parking perks…front door parking at the new Bicycle Corral at 2nd and Guadalupe.”

Additional bike parking will be provided at ACL Live, on 2nd Street next to the Willie Nelson Statue. Tickets are still available. For more information please visit http://www.acl-live.com.

If you go to nothing else this weekend, you need to go to this event. If you have the flu and need to wear one of those SARS masks, you need to go to this event. If you’re care breaks down and you mama has to give you a ride, you need to go to this event.

The Red Bull Thre3style qualifier is this Saturday, May 19 at the new Beauty Ballroom (check out my love letter to the place, here), and it’s going to be one hell of a show. Every single DJ participating in the event is truly one of Austin’s best and brightest, and they all happen to be personal favorites of mine. Seriously, if I lost a toe this weekend, I would duct tape that bitch back on, knock a drunk chick off of a stool, and post up and watch this event. It’s. that. serious.

Which Austin DJs manage to elicit such love and devotion from me? Kid Slyce, DJ Orion, DJ Mike Swing, Abe the Assassin, DJ Chorizo Funk, Bird Peterson, DJ Protégé, and DJQD. Adding to the lovefest is host Zeale and guest judges DJ Mel (who doesn’t love Mel?), Big Once (2011 National Red Bull Thre3Style Champion), and DJ Klever, who will be headlining with a special closing set.

So what the hell is this qualifier event that has me all in a tizzy? Here’s what Red Bull has to say about it:

Red Bull Thre3Style is an innovative concept that gives highly skilled DJs a global platform to showcase their skills, battle and gain notoriety by rockin’ the dance floor.  Unlike other DJ battles that are based on solely technical aspects, Red Bull Thre3style has a creative and original format that seeks to find the DJ that has best perfected the true art of rocking a party.  Eight of Austin’s top DJs will vie for the audience and judge’s favor, each with a 15-minute set that MUST contain at least three different musical genres.   A panel of music industry judges will select the winners based on track selection, creativity, mixing skills, stage presence and crowd reaction; and ultimately decide who is the best on the decks in Austin.

Earning the title of Red Bull Thre3style World Champion is no easy task.  DJs will have to prove their skills in a series of qualifying battles before they reach the international stage. The Red Bull Thre3style qualifier in Austin serves as a pre-qualifying event where the winner will earn a chance to rock the dance floor at the upcoming National finals hosted in Orlando in June.  The winner of the National finals in Orlando then wins the shot to prove themselves against the world’s best at the International finals to be held in Chicago later this year.

There it is, y’all. Admission is free as long as you RSVP here or by texting ATX3STYLE to 72855. While you’re on your phone, follow Red Bull @RedBullATX #3StyleATX.

You can find Beauty Ballroom at 2105 E Riverside Dr.

I remember when I was a kid and I used to get so excited to see a movie I couldn’t control my emotions. I remember drumming around the house, singing the Addams Family song until my mom ended up taking me to see Addams Family Values in the theater. After seeing the trailer for The Dictator, I had about the same enthusiasm as I did back then. But unlike Addams Family Values, The Dictator didn’t leave me wanting more. Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his previous shock value movies Borat and Bruno, has become the M.I.A. of the movie industry. Like M.I.A., Cohen peaked a long time ago and the projects he makes now just seem like a bland, overzealous attempt to grab some shock value in the entertainment industry.

Everyone will remember Borat and Bruno, but General Aladeen won’t be making his mark on cinematic history the way those characters did. In the end, I would say it’s worth at least one viewing, but I wouldn’t be excited to own it on DVD. I give the movie an overall B-.

When: TODAY!!  (Wednesday) March 14, 2012
Doors open at 1pm
Where: Geisha Room
422 Congress Ave. ATX 78701

So what you NEED to know about this event is that it’s not really going to be like anything else during SXSW 2012.  With the mix of DJ’s, live artists, special guests, SOUND, SOUND, SOUND and LIGHTS, LIGHTS, LIGHTS…why wouldn’t one WANT to attend this Epic and FREE (yes, I said FREE) event! I’m telling you, the raw and TRUE talent will be HERE!

The lineup for this event is the bread and oh so creamy butter!

Daniel Kutz  aka FASHEN is in all the way from the City of Angels to bring us his DJing brilliance and shake up the club with a blend of all genre’s, a show that is going to be one of a kind because, well….he IS known for never playing the same set…ever. He’s a DJ, he’s a monster, he’s been around the world, he’s coming to Austin and he is just one cool ass dude!

The headline worthy DJ JayCeeOh is a rare breed that combines turntablism and top notch selecting to move any crowd from intimate gathering to rammed out mega-club. He spins anything and everything from hip-hop, electro, rock, pop, mash-up, funk, soul, reggae, and house.  I’m getting excited just typing about it! He tours with Wiz Khalifa for special events and has grown a fan base all over the world!

The Freshest are “those dudes”! DJ’s Seko, Marvel, Kutcorners, and Rico Uno are quickly becoming the “most versatile party-rocking DJ collective in the country”. Whenever you step into a Freshest party expect the best hip hop, dance, reggae/dancehall, disco, Motown and more: they have a formula that has made The Freshest Vancouver’s most exciting and in-demand club DJ’s. They seem to be ALL over the board with past shows with Mos Def, Nas, De La Soul, DJ AM, Keys n’ Krates and sooo many more. They have collaborated with Monster Energy Drink, EA Games, Red Bull and even have fundraisers such as Japan Love, Charlies Angels and Salamat Typhon relief for the Philippines! I’m wondering if there’s anything these guys CAN’T do!

Special guests include Vegas Banger, DJ Wizdumb (love the name, btw), SteReyo, Chuck C, DJ A-Train and if all the music wasn’t a treat, H.O.P.E Campaign will be in tha house announcing the HOPE Campaign’s new soundtrack project for the new novel, DJ Rising, a uplifting story about a young DJ.  You know….we ALL gotta have a lil hope!

Live acts are going to be just as amazing as the DJ sets! One of my personal friends, who has a voice that will make you melt, plays the guitar like a BOSS and is quite possibly one of my favorite people (and I’m not just saying that because he’s cute…I said TRUE and RAW talent people!) Danny Oviedo and Diego Escobedo will be performing an acoustic set that has been hard work and years in the making for Danny O! A seriously great song writer and although he just recently became extremely serious about pursuing his music career, I’d say he’s right on time!  He’s a breath of fresh air, with musical influences such as Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, you can hear his passion and those influences, but he magically makes it sound just like Danny. I’m so proud to be able to support such a great person, artist and friend!

GET ‘em Danny!!

Luis Banuelos was 14 when he found his guitar in the trash, got it fixed and began playing after years of being a piano prodigy. 2 years later he was performing in Hollywood and realized then that performing was his true calling and has been doing it for the past 15 years. He has a different and very unique style that mixes his influences from Tool to Al Dimeola, The Roots to Stevie Wonder and from Dream Theater to Ravi Shankar. When he sits down to play that guitar the Austin music scene will see something truly unique and not the same ol same ol you hear downtown. And let’s face it, Austin IS FULL of talent! You might cry, you might yell, you will definitely have chills but you will also be in awe of the man behind that guitar.

Heru Odyssey hails from San Diego but has made his life here in Austin performing and doing his thang! He is an artist that you will never forget! The world is his Game Boy and all he wants to do is dance!

So if you have any smarts and I’m pretty sure if you’re still reading this, then you probably do, get your SXSW’ing ass to the Geisha Room, enjoy some of the best drinks Austin has to offer and be entertained for 12 hours straight!!

21 & over please. And DON’T forget to tip your bartenders!

NO Need to RSVP-Just BE THERE     No NEED for a BADGE-You’re already going to be there!

Music starts at 2:30pm and will last until the wee hours of 2:00am. So get that energy drink/caffeine pill/B-12 shot, whatever you need because this year, SXSW is a BEAST!!!

Tuesday night marks the transition period where SXSW Interactive winds down and SXSW Music starts to hit hard (though the line between the two seem to blur more and more every year). If you’re looking for a little night of rest in between, but don’t feel like kickin it on the couch with your footie pajamas and remote, here are two great events that will be more chill, but greatly focused on quality entertainment. Neither require an RSVP, badge, or wristband, so drop right in and get right down.

The first event is Disaster Comedy at The New Movement’s new downtown location at 616 Lavaca. From 9-11pm you get a fantastic lineup of comedians from The Onion News Network, Last Comic Standing, Conan, The New Movement, and special guest Mike Wiebe from The Riverboat Gamblers. It’s all free, sponsored by PartyEnds.com and The New Movement, with FREE BEER from the locals at Ranger Creek.

Check out a few of the funny peoples’ videos right here.

Featuring:
TJ Miller (Cloverfield, Conan)
Eliza Skinner (Conan)
Aparna Nancherla (Last Comic Standing)
Mike Wiebe (Riverboat Gamblers)
Chris Trew (The New Movement)
Chris Rose (The Onion News Network)
Jeff Tyc (Gotham New Talent)
Lindsay Schiffhauer

If you’re a local, you know how much we love the events put on by Strange Tribe Productions and Soul of the Boot Entertainment, and we’ll love tonight just as much at their Night Fever: SXSW Edition. It’s gonna be all 45s, featuring an array of amazing DJs. The cover is just $5, and you can find all the fun at Volstead Lounge at 1500 E 6^th.

Featuring:

1:15am J Boogie (San Fran)
12:30am Platurn (San Fran)
11:45pm Jeremy Sole (L.A.)
11:00pm DJ Sun (Houston)
10:15pm DJ Expo (L.A.)
9:30pm DJ Chorizo Funk (ATX)

So get out of the house or the hotel room and get down in downtown Austin.

When: TODAY! (Sunday) March 11, 2012
Doors open at 2pm
Where: Gypsy Lounge
512 E. 6^th St.

Ohhhhhh LAWD it IS that time of year where ALL of us Cajuns, non Cajuns and, of course, Cajun Lovers enjoy the sweet sweet gatherings brought to this amazing city we call Austin, by StrangeTribe Productions and Soul of the Boot Entertainment!

I mean, WHO DOESN’T have a freakin BLAST when the Cajuns are around?

So, for today, this FIRST weekend of SXSW 2012, our boys Papa Chop and Jeff Strange bring us that FIYAH!

BUGS & BRASS!! It’s a beautiful day, sun is shining, and I say this day is going to be EPIC! Come by Gypsy Lounge, the WHOLE patio will be covered just in case those pesky rain clouds decide to show up, but who doesn’t like getting wet?

Doors open at 2pm and J Boogie will be rocking it out San Fran style, showing us Southerners what he’s bringing with his dope sounds and not just on the turntables but with LIVE MC’s and possibly a full live band set!!

After 2 hours of jamming, DON’T get tired now because the fun will still be in full effect! Starting at 4pm Austin’s only New Orleans style brass band, Austin Knight Brass Band will be up and poppin! With influences such as Rebirth Brass Band, Neville Brothers and Uptown All-Stars, they are sure to keep our feet moving, hearts pumping and feeling that lovely feeling of good ‘ol NOLA! I personally CAN NOT WAIT!

And, just when you think you’ve had enough…DON’T GIVE UP! At 5pm Ursula 1000 hailing from the Big Apple, will be spinning that KILLER mod soul and boogaloo that will shake you to your crawfish eatin soul!

So, as the saying goes “COME EARLY, Be LOUD, Drink a LOT, Eat a LOT, and STAY LATE!” or something like that right??

Live Art by B.e. Strange

Special Guests and a Second Lineup to be announced so you MUST attend if you want it on the fun!

21 & over please.

$10 Cover: Free CRAWFISH (while it last, so get it while it’s hot!)

NO Need to RSVP-Just BE THERE     No NEED for a BADGE-You’re already going to be there!

So let’s do it DURRRTY Louisiana style! Have some fun, eat some damn good food, drink some damn good drinks, BE RESPONSIBLE and remember to ALWAYS tip your Bartenders!

BugsNBrass ya’ll!

The Zero Gravity chairs are INSANE photo by Ryann Ford

OK, so maybe I just made that SpaXSW thing up…

If you’re anything like most people I know, you already need a vacation before SX even starts. The giant game of party-Tetris is enough to make one want to pack it up and head north for Spring Break. Who am I kidding, though, SX is the best time of year, especially when you make a little extra time to take care of yourself either before, after, or hell, during the fest. If you’re looking for a little bit of pampering this month, here are a couple of relaxing options:

Austin’s newest and most awesome spa is Hiatus Spa + Retreat. During the fest they are offering a SXSW Escape promotion-anyone can come in and book a service for 25% off, or any two services for 30% off (discount not valid on member pricing). You can find Hiatus at 1611 West 5^th Street, Suite 155, just west of all of the downtown madness.

At Lakeway Resort and Spa in the gorgeous Central Texas Hill Country you can find a post-SX special of $125 per night, from March 18-22 (use promo code SPRING). Current spa specials include the Citrus Spa Pedicure and San Saba Spa Delight.

Tonight the Austin chapter of RAW: Natural Born Artists is hosting an event at The Parish called ACTIVATE. The RAW organization throws parties and awards shows to feature local emerging artists in film, fashion, music, art, performing art, hair & make-up artistry, DJs, and photography.

The event is cocktail attire and may very well be one of the social events of the season. With SXSW right around the corner, likely there will be important heads there checking out the local talent. Artists that will be featured include:  Photographer Kelly R. Hawkins, musical guest The Lovely Brigade, artist Cassie Bishop, and hair & makeup by K Touch. The event is geared to show off upcoming Austin artists’ talent.

RAW: Austin is sponsored by Mojo Staging and Midnight lighting. Meghan Jones will be hosting. DJB Hiney will be playing in between musical sets.

There are few things better in this world than puppy kisses. OK, maybe George Clooney holding a puppy while they both give out kisses. If you’re looking for a place to get your fix, you’ll certainly want to stop by Austin Pets Alive’s SweetBarks event this Saturday. While I can’t promise George Clooney will be there, there will for sure be plenty of puppies to go around at their Puppy Kissing Booth. Lisa Marshall and KP & the Boom Boom will also be there to help keep the crowd entertained. Other entertainment includes a wine toss, spinning wheel, bag toss (with a tournament from 2-5pm), beer and chips and queso, and pooch pedicures. There’s also a raffle, with prizes from places like My Custom Yoga Mat, Sukia Pet Toys, PupLife Dog Supplies, and more. And if you donate a dog leash, you get a free raffle ticket. So share a little of your Valentine’s love with the puppies and kitties this weekend, they certainly need it. The event is at the SoCo adoption site at South Congress and Gibson from noon to 5pm.

Saturday night I had the opportunity to attend the KOOP Radio’s Surfin’ 17 A-Go-Go Birthday Party (yes, that was the official title), and it was a really good time! I was surrounded by grass skirts and mismatched cowboy hats and most of the Real Ale brews–tell me how that’s a bad night.

SPOILER ALERT:  Even when I’m having a great time something in my DNA forces me to be a cynical jerk when I type notes into my phone. It’s like I’m an X-Man! (Jerklops? Jerkerene? Jerk Grey? We’ll figure it out later. Jerk Man? Too Easy.)  The surfgasmic birthday mega party was held at Antone’s, a place that in my threeish years of living in Austin I’ve never been to but heard numerous stories about, most of them involving my friends throwing up (but let’s not think about that now!) Everyone kept telling me that the venue was “sooooooo small” and pontificating about how KOOP planned on getting “soooooo many people” into the venue for the surfcity party time excellent anniversary show. To those friends I say “you guys are ridiculous. Don’t talk to me anymore. I’m kidding. Let’s go get dinner.” Antone’s looked fantastic, I’m sure that some KOOP volunteer spent most of their day decorating the bluesy Austin staple with grass skirt material and creepy Tiki masks. Good job volunteers! Now go get me some coffee!

If you’re like me, one of the main draws for wanting to attend the KOOP kick flip into a shark tank birthday party would be to view your favorite local DJs in their (semi) natural habitat (never mind wanting to hear some great music and bid on goofy stuff in a silent auction). I could never actually figure out which DJ was which, but I came to the conclusion that they either all had glasses or mustaches and that was good enough for me.

The first group to play was Austin’s own Del Vipers, a great mix of local players that tore the roof off of the joint (yep!) about four notes into their first song. Antone’s began to fill up a few songs into the Del Vipers’ set and failed to relent until they finished their last note. Besides played a rollicking set of great tunes they were also flanked by a group of male and female go go dancers that were charismatic as well as  entrancing in their sadness. Not to take away from how good the Del Vipers were, but the go go dancers seemed to have stolen the night from everyone else. A flash of questions surged through my head. Are modern go go dancers complete weirdos? Are they absolute nuts or victims of some horrific time machine incident? Whatever it is it seemed like in the briefing before the show the male go go dancers weren’t informed of whether or not they could interact with the female go go dancers. “Should I acknowledge that there’s a female dancing next to me or should I flail wildly like I’m being sucked under a lawn mower? I’ll flail wildly like I’m being sucked under a lawn mower.”

If you go to a lot of local radio station fund raising parties/anniversaries then you probably have a lot of money. Can I have some money? Maybe five hundred bucks? I’ll watch TV for you while you go to a fund raising party. In between artists I had time to peruse the silent auction that included local items ranging from a handmade toboggan that was made out of sweaters (real talk), a lot of lotion (like a lot a lot, what are you guys up to in there?), and a gift basket from the Barton Creek Farmer’s Market that included coffee from Katz Coffee and a lot of sauce. There were also some ACL passes and a guitar, but the real get was obviously the gift basket (find me on Pinterest @ coffeesaucelover420).

By the time I made it through the maze of gifties and lookie loos at the silent auction (I bid negative five dollars on some Texas State thumb tacks), Bill Kirchen had tuned up and let himself loose on the unexpecting crowd. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a neophyte to the country genre, and I was completely blown away by his ability to hop genres like it was business to do so (I suppose it was). Bill and his top notch band had the feel of crack bar band but without the chicken wire. With some of the most inspired guitar playing that I’ve ever seen Bill Kirchen flew through an hour long set filled with hearty originals and covers that spanned rock n roll from Bob Wills to Dylan to Iggy Pop.

As I left Antone’s the party kept raging on behind me (I had to go to work in the morning, I can’t party all night like you damn fourty-five year olds). I know that I wasn’t the intended audience for KOOP’s birthday surf bash thing (the intended audience had waaaaay more money in their wallets), but I think it’s great that so many people came out to support a local radio station that plays anything from Native American chants to black metal and will hopefully keep doing so for another seventeen years and beyond.