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Austin’s OTHER Entertainment Magazine MAY 2009
Sensational Salads
And a Sumptuous Salad Bar
FASTBALL RETURNS
Releasing Lies, Playing Austin
Drew Barrymore
On Growing Up In the Spotlight
Art in Motion
The Kinetic Art of Jim La Paso
MOVIE REVIEWS
CD REVIEWS
RESTAURANT LISTINGS
MUSIC LISTINGS
CONTENTS MAY 2009 Ernesto "Roze" Rosas and Celeste Mendoza play Lord and Lady Caputet in Austin Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
PUBLISHER BoysenClaes Productions, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Sean Claes sean@insiteaustin.com COPY EDITORS Marsha Mann, Caprice Padilla, Jodie Claes FOOD EDITOR Marsha Mann marsha@insiteaustin.com MUSIC EDITOR Ana Wolken music@insiteaustin.com MOVIE EDITORS Cole Dabney Robert McCurdy PHOTO EDITOR Jay West jay@insiteaustin.com DESIGN Karry Thomas Graphic Design CALENDAR LISTINGS Do512 – http://www.do512.com
p. 17
Letter From the Editor
03
FOOD
Restaurant Guide
04
ART
05 Art in Motion
FINANCE
05 Ask the Naked Accountant
TECH
06
iPhone
MOVIES
08
18
Drew Barrymore Movie Reviews
COVER FEATURE 10 6 Sensational Salads and a Sumptuous Salad Bar MUSIC 12 Your Kisses Cause Crashes 13 Fastball 14 Saucido Slant 15 Do512 Music Calendar 16 Between Rock and a Hard Place 16 CD Reviews 19 INsite Hindsite THEATRE 17 Austin Theater
Cover Photo: Green Papaya Salad from 888 Vietnamese & Thai Restaurant. Photo by Greg Cooper (phivephotography.com)
Letter From the Editor
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CONTRIBUTORS Gleason Booth Jodie Claes Gregory Cooper Cole Dabney Kenneth Deville Tamara Tomko-Esquivel Joe Hamilton Chuck Loesch Bret Love Marsha Mann Robert McCurdy Scott Moore John Moore JoAnna Ordóñez Caprice Padilla Radames Pera Paul Saucido Brian Paul Scipione Jay West DeMarco Williams Ana Wolken Insite Hindsite Photographers 16221 Crystal Hills Drive Austin, Texas 78737 PH 512.462.9260 E-MAIL mail@insiteaustin.com WEB www.insiteaustin.com MYSPACE www.myspace.com/insiteaustin The editorial content of INsite is the opinion of the individual writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff or its advertisers. No portion of this paper may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of INsite. © Copyright INsite 2008. All Rights Reserved.
Bad Joke of the Month: Q: What do outlaws eat with their milk? A: Crookies.
abbit food. That’s how I’ve always referred to salad. For me, it’s been an
We’ve also got discussions about technology from two sources this month, our
optional side item that goes before my chicken fried steak. But, this month
“proper” tech writer Radames Pera talks about the iPhone and our celebrity “metal”
Food Editor Marsha Mann is changing my tune about salad, from the fan-
columnist Chuck Loesch talks about how technology has taken over.
tastic Green Papaya Salad from 888 that graces our cover to the less exotic but just as tasty Cobb Salad from Uncle Billy’s Brew & Cue. Sometimes salad, my friends, deserves to be the meal. Of course, we’re not all lettuce this month. We’ve got some great features as well. Music Editor Ana Wolken talked to Your Kisses Cause Crashes who are playing an INsite
Something that came to us too late for a feature, but I wanted to let you know about anyway, if you glance to the left, you’ll see an interesting show happening on May 9. The first ever Brew B Que. I’m not sure what I’m looking forward to more, the Lumberjack Show (chainsaw juggling, log rolling), the music (including Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe
Night at the always-great Parish Room on May 18 with The Boxing Lesson, Built By Snow,
“King” Carrasco, Patrice Pike), the beer tasting (featuring craft brews), or the BBQ
and DJ Czech One. Paul Saucido gives us a run down of the things happening this month
(Backyard BBQ Competition). We’ll see you out at Waterloo Park.
during Austin’s official Latino Music Month. Plus, Fastball is back with a new album and a tour, and we talked to them as well.
So.. you’ve got a full plate this month… whether you’re looking for salad or a big ‘ol slab of brisket. I’ll be out there for both. It’s all about balance. Have a fantastic May everyone!
In Art this month, we take a look at artist Jim La Paso, who creates amazing kinetic sculptures. In movies we talk with Drew Barrymore. In theatre we discuss a few shows that should be on your radar this month.
– Sean Claes Managing Editor AUS TI N ’ S OTH E R E NTE R TA I N M E NT M AGA ZI N E
PG 3
RESTAURANT GUIDE 24-HOUR
BBQ
KATZ’S DELI 618 W. 6th St. 472.2037
Can’t recommend the Matso Ball Soup, but they’ve got extra thick deli sandwiches and yummy Strawberry Blintzes to go with the complimentary dill pickles & potato chips.
ARTZ RIB HOUSE 2330 S. Lamar 442.8283
This lively roadhouse serves up perfect Baby Back & Country Style Ribs w/ top-notch sides (try a Veggie Skewer), soups & desserts. Great Burgers and $6.95 Lunch Specials.
KERBEY LANE 3704 Kerbey Ln – 451.1436 2700 S. Lamar – 445.4451 2606 Guadalupe – 477.5717
I know you usually have Pancakes at 1am here, but just for a change, try the all-natural Pork Tenderloin Salad and tell me you’re not impressed. Very eclectic menu.
GREEN MESQUITE 1400 Barton Springs Rd. 479.0485
A funky Austin original with spicy Mesquite Smoked Wings & yummy Pulled Pork Tacos. Sides are a little dicey but you can’t go wrong with the Fried Okra.
LA MEXICANA BAKERY & RESTAURANT 1924 S. 1st St. 443-6369
Bring your Spanish cuz this is the real deal. If you’re not mesmerized by all the shapes & colors of pan dolce, order a trio of Tostadas w/ fresh Mexican cheese & guacamole.
HOUSE PARK BAR-B-QUE 900 W. 12 th St. 472.9621
‘Need no teef to eat my beef’, says owner Joe Sullivan, who turns out some of the tenderest Brisket, Pork Loin & Chicken in town (no ribs). Lunch only/cash only, Mon-Fri.
MAGNOLIA CAFÉ 2304 Lake Austin – 478.8645 1920 S. Congress – 445.0000
Austin’s favorite all-night joint, probably due to the friendly vibe and excellent service. Good breakfasts and delicious homemade desserts.
RUBY’S 512 W. 29 th St. 477.1651
Melt-in-your-mouth Chopped Beef Sandwiches made w/ all-natural brisket; killer collard greens & potato salad; to-die-for AppleCranberry Buckle. Open‘til 12am.
THE SALT LICK 18001 FM 1826 858.4959
Gas up and head for the Hill Country cuz you gotta see how HUGE this place is! Famous for their Brisket, Pork Ribs & Sausage, slathered in brown-sugar sauce.
UNCLE BILLY’S BREW & CUE 1530 Barton Springs Rd. 476.0100
Sleek but friendly establishment with live music, yummy Cue, tasty sides, huge salads and great beer, brewed on-site by Brian Peters. Get a sampler and taste them all.
AMERICAN & TEXAN ARKIE’S GRILL 4827 E. Cesar Chavez 385.2986
Open Mon-Fri (5:30am-3pm), this friendly, 1948 home-style cafe serves up southern mainstays like Chicken & Dumplings, Sirloin Tips in Gravy, and every Thursday, Turkey & Dressing.
AUSTIN DINER 5408 Burnet Rd. 467.9552
A 50’s-style neighborhood diner w/ great pancakes, waffles & cinnamon rolls. For lunch, try a BLT (best bacon ever) or the madefrom-scratch Meatloaf. No tourists allowed.
AUSTIN LAND & CATTLE CO. 1205 N. Lamar Blvd. 472.1813
Classic downtown steak house, without the snooty attitude. Favorite choices include Ribeye & Top Sirloin, as well as Buffalo Lamb Chops, Grilled Chicken & Jumbo Shrimp.
BOOMERANG’S 3110 Guadalupe 380.0032
CAJUN & CREOLE ALLIGATOR GRILL 3003 S. Lamar 444.6117
SoCo headquarters for Mardi Gras revelers. Their extensive Cajun menu includes the popular Shrimp Orleans made with jalapeno, bacon & melted cheese. Good live bands.
Australian-style comfort food – gourmet meat & veggie pies topped with freshly mashed potatoes & gravy. Try the Guinness Steak & Potato, the Curry Chicken, or the Spinach & Mushroom.
CYPRESS GRILL 4404 W. William Cannon 358.7474
This charming café (in a strip mall) has the best Crawfish Etouffee in Austin! Also good, the Rattlesnake Chicken Pasta & 9-in-round Muffaletta Sandwiches. Cajun/Creole breakfast (wknds).
CENTRAL MARKET 4001 N. Lamar – 206.1000 4477 S. Lamar – 899.4300
Great place to take a date or out-of-towners. Delicious sandwiches, salads & daily specials at down-home prices. Opens for breakfast at 7am if you want an early start.
GENE’S POBOYS & SOUL FOOD 1209 E. 11th 477.6600
Friendly East Side staple. If you don’t crave the Shrimp Poboys here, try the Southern Fried Chicken or Smothered Pork Chops w/ Collard Greens & Sweet Potatoes on Thurs.
DART BOWL CAFE 5700 Grover Ave. (E. of Burnet) 459.4181
Where else can you enjoy some Chicken-fried Steak or Enchiladas topped w/ homemade Chili and still have enough money left over to bowl a few games?
Eating at this 18-seat establishment can earn you points in heaven! Stellar Gumbo loaded w/ chicken & sausage; tender, juicy Pork Chops; amazing Hamburgers.
FREDDIE’S PLACE 1703 S. 1 st Street 445.9197
Come play in Freddie’s backyard…eat, drink, pitch washers and listen to live music. I have a thing for the Blue Cheese Portabella Mushroom Burgers and the gigantic Onion Rings.
NUBIAN QUEEN LOLA’S CAJUN SOUL FOOD 1815 Rosewood Ave. 474.5652
GALAXY CAFÉ 9911 Brodie Lane – 233.6000 1000 West Lynn – 478.3434
You’ll love the Jetson-like décor in these places! The food is contemporary, tasty, and very reasonably priced. A good place to have breakfast or lunch with a friend.
SHOAL CREEK SALOON 909 N. Lamar 474.0805
A great place for Sausage Gumbo and cheap pitchers of beer. Be prepared for some loud, live (and quite possibly good) music in the adjoining space as well.
HOOVER’S COOKING 2002 Manor Rd – 479.5006 13376 Research Blvd. – 385.0300
Now with two locations. Southern comfort food that’s good enough for Mom. An awesome array of sides and the biggest portions around for the money.
HUT’S 807 W. 6 th St. 472.0693
An Austin legend as much for the funky, retro atmosphere as the huge, juicy burgers and two-for-one deals on Mon & Wed. Surprisingly good Veggie Burgers as well!
NXNW RESTAURANT & BREWERY 10010 Capital of Texas Hwy N 467.6969
Impressive stone lodge, exceptional food & damn good beer brewed on the premises. Start with Skillet-fried Cornbread, add a NXNW Cobb Salad, and end with some Duckabish Amber.
RANCH 616 616 Nueces 479.7616
Fine dining, Austin style. A cozy, elegant restaurant with crazy-cool décor, good vibes, and superb food created by one of the best chefs in town. Splurge a little!
SHADY GROVE 1624 Barton Springs Rd. 474.9991
Dine cowboy-chic inside, picnic-style outside with majestic shade trees. Texas home cookin’ featuring Chicken-Fried Steak w/ Green Chile Sauce & their famous Hippie Sandwich.
SOUTH CONGRESS CAFÉ 1600 S. Congress 447.3905
Classy but unpretentious – for a few dollars more, everything is beautifully prepared & presented. A great choice for Sunday Brunch, or Happy Hour (4–6pm) at the sleek little bar.
THE WOODLAND 1716 S. Congress Ave. 441.6800
Comfort food for SoCo hipsters…love the woodsy, minty-green décor! Gourmet Meatloaf, Pulled-Pork Sloppy Joes & house-made Veggie Burgers. Plus, check out those desserts!
ASIAN BUFFET PALACE 4608 Westgate Blvd. 892.1800
Every kind of Asian food (including Crab Claws, Mussels, Korean BBQ & Sushi) in a buffet the size of Texas! Lunch is $7.50; dinner is $10.95. Your meal for the day!
CHOSUN GALBI 713 E. Huntland Dr. (next to Highland Mall) 419.1400
The newest & best Korean B.B.Q. in town! Delicious cooked-at-thetable marinated chicken, pork & beef w/ rice, tea and a huge array of tasty side dishes all included in the price.
DIN HO CHINESE BBQ 8557 Research Blvd. 832.8788
The best BBQ Duck & Pork in town! Everything is super fresh & authentic. Delicious Won Ton Soup, Orange Beef, Oysters w/ Ginger & Green Onion, Sizzling Bean Curd.
888 VIETNAMESE & THAI 2400 E. Oltorf St. 448.4722
Forget the Pho - Flank Steak in Green Curry Sauce, Lemongrass Shrimp, or crispy Orange Chicken will blow your taste buds away! Big portions at meager prices. Open ‘til 2am.
ICHIBAN 7310 Burnet Rd. 458.3700
Excellent Appetizers & Sushi in a charming setting that includes semiprivate rooms with tatami mats and sunken tables. Better prices and service than many upscale places.
KORIENTE RESTAURANT & TEAHOUSE 621 E. 7 th St. 275.0852
Fresh, fast, healthy & cheap Korean-inspired food in a hip setting with cool music. Try the Summer Roll, Koriente Curry, or Bibimbap, then top it off with a Bubble Tea.
MADAM MAM’S 2514 Guadalupe – 472.8306 4514 Westgate – 899.8525
The best Thai food on the Drag now has a second location. Large portions & authentic flavors – hot means HOT here! The Tom Kha Coconut Chicken is perfection.
PHO SAIGON 10901 N. Lamar (Chinatown Center) 821.1022
Where all the 20-something Vietnamese go. Huge bowls, great broth, lean meats, lots of fresh herbs & veggies; and just as important, clean, fast and cheap!
SHANGHAI CHINESE RESTAURANT 6718 Middle Fiskville Rd. 458.8088
A current fave for weekend Dim Sum. Try the Steamed Pork Buns, Shrimp & Leek Dumplings, and Egg Custard Tarts, all brought to your table in rolling carts. Pace yourself.
TC NOODLE HOUSE 10901 N. Lamar (Chinatown Center) 873.8275
A dizzying variety of Chinese & Vietnamese noodle dishes to choose from, so try something different each time you return. Clean, modern setting with prices that can’t be beat.
TITAYA’S THAI CUISINE 5501 N. Lamar 458.1792
Some of the most authentic Thai food in town. Delicious Coconut Soup, Pad Ke Mao (Drunken Noodle) and Green Curry. Yummy exotic desserts. Even Thai exchange students eat here.
ZEN JAPANESE FAST FOOD 1303 S. Congress – 444.8081; 2900 W. Anderson Ln – 451.4811 3423 Guadalupe – 300.2633
Good, ready-made Sushi at affordable prices. Also try the Salmon Dashi Bowl or Spicy Dharma Noodle. My favorite: Seared Tuna Sashimi and a Ginger Pudding chaser.
M AY 2 0 0 9
PG 4
CARIBBEAN & SOUTH AMERICAN BUENOS AIRES CAFÉ 2414 S. 1 st St. 441.9000
A charming little cafe with the most delectable Empanadas…I could eat a plateful. But save some room for dessert cuz they sure know how to bake here!
CUBA LIBRE 409 Colorado 472.2822
Voted Best Happy Hour in Austin. A swanky, fun place in the Warehouse District serving delicious Tapas and Mango Mojitos. Favorites include Quesa Y Tomate and Pollo Caribe.
EL ZUNZAL 642 Calles 474.7749
This East Austin gem serves up inexpensive Salvadoran specialties like Papusas, Fried Plantains w/ Black Beans & Crème, and huge Tamales wrapped in banana leaves.
ART over it” says La Paso, sometimes artisans are their own
Art in Motion – The Sculptural Kinetic Art of Jim La Paso
worst critics, but Jim had nothing to worry about. All over Austin and the hill country you’ll find glimpses By JoAnna Ordóñez
of Jim’s works, so the next time you’re are the Domain or driving around keep your eyes open for those hidden surprises that are his contribution to the beauty of the area we live in. His work can be seen in Nashville, Longview and across the country in galleries and sculpture gardens. You can visit La Paso online at www.lapaso.com or in Austin at Artworks Gallery (1214 W. 6th St. Suite 105). JoAnna Ordóñez is a local glass artisan and owner of Vidriosa Glassworks. Her work can be found at The Lucky Lizard (412 East 6th Street), Things She Adores (2306 E. Cesar Chavez, Suite 101), Moxie and the Compound (2110 South Lamar Blvd), Old Town Gift Emporium (in Kyle) and Local Art Shows. Visit her online at www.4coolglass.com.
Courtesy Photo
Photo by Greg Cooper (phivephotography.com)
I
f you take a Drive around Austin and the hill country you are likely to see many variations of kinetic sculptures (sculptures with moving parts for effect), each evoking a different style and feeling. And if you’re on that drive, chances are you will come across the artwork of Jim La Paso. From an early age, La Paso began his journey into the world of woodworking and sculpture. From building his home to creating one of a kind sculptures, this jack-of-all-trades is a master at the art of taking recycled materials and creating exquisite pieces to insight and delight everyone. I remember first seeing one of his pieces and gazing at it in amazement as it whirled and twirled and I was mesmerized. “I do my best to inspire a broad group of people from a 3 year old to a grandmother” said La Paso. Even though he learned woodworking from his father, his love of metal and study of kinetic sculpture always fascinated him. He moved from wood to metal and created the “worlds greatest fireplace tool, the Bear Claw” and thus began his self-taught love of working with metal. Jim scours the local salvage yards for countless
hours in search of his materials and inspiration. “I only make what I want to make,” says La Paso, and what a variety that is. From space ships to llamas, stingrays to guitars and just free-form pieces, his work is a myriad of themes and loves. Kinetic Sculptures are known for their movement and the effortlessness of how they balance and move as the wind blows. Whether turning fast or slow, his pieces are ever changing sculptural delights. “I love the idea of tak-
Courtesy Photo
ing a heavy and seemingly unyielding metal and transforming it into a piece that floats like a feather and will last for years and years” says La Paso His favorite and most important work to date can be seen in Austin at the corner of 3rd and Nueces. Killer Riffs is a tribute to the local Austin musicians, “I wanted to honor all the local guitar pickers so I designed the piece around 6 of the most famous guitars ever designed. Musicians manipulate instruments to make music . My instruments are manipulated by the music and dance!” says La Paso. This stainless steel masterpiece is made with over 65% recycled materials, pigments and powder coats and embodies the music scene in Austin today. “I lost lots of sleep over the opening of this piece, but the musicians all went nuts
FINANCE is fair. It is splitting the family apart. I’m trying to make it make sense. Any advice? – Grieving off Mopac
Ask The Naked Accountant
D
ear Naked Accountant: I can’t seem to get ahead financially. Any ideas? – Broke in South Austin
Dear Broke, Stop spending more than you make. It isn’t a magic formula. The first step to be bullet proof is to always, always, always live below your means…leave some wiggle room so you are covered in case of a financial surprise or emergency (think current economy). Good luck!
Dear Shock & Paralyzed, You have a few options especially if you have always paid the amount due on time. I know it feels rotten and you probably feel singled out; however, you are actually in good company. Phone the credit card company and plead your case. Do not settle for the first person that answers the phone. Ask for their supervisor. Don’t get emotional…that is just a waste of good energy that could otherwise be used to negotiate successfully. Also, Google “credit card interest rate increase” for other good ideas. If you are just upset and resent the credit card company,
Dear Naked Accountant: I am in credit card debt up to my eyeballs. I pay the minimum amount due each month and always on time. Out of the blue, the credit card company raised my interest rate from 14.9% to 28%. Can they really do that? – In Shock and Paralyzed!
then “opt out” of the rate change, tell them you want the account closed then just keep making your monthly payments. Their loss! Dear Naked Accountant: A family member recently died, left a will and some of the family members do not think what they got
Dear Grieving, The best advice I can offer is that time heals all, usually. We hardly ever get to know why people who have died do what they do in their will. Stop trying to make sense of it because you probably can’t. I’ve heard there are two occasions that seem to invite the most family riffs….one is a wedding and the other is a funeral. I always say, “Where there is a will, there is your whole family!” Sigh. If you have a question to “Ask The Naked Accountant” e-mail jean@carplang.com. It may appear in a subsequent column. The Naked Accountant is Jean CarpenterBackus – a CPA, CFP, and a business owner. See more at thenakedaccountant.com.
AUS TI N ’ S OTH E R E NTE R TA I N M E NT M AGA ZI N E
PG 5
TECH
Talk It, Take It, Text It, Tweet It, or Twiddle It; Call me a Techie… By Radames Pera
C
all me late for dinner, call me what you will, I’m going to write about the iPhone. Half of you reading this already have one, so this article should boost your pride; but it’s really written for those who, like me until recently, have been sitting on the fence. Once one gets over the hype, refusing to ride on either the “damn, I’m so futhamukkin’ cool with my iPhone” (said the ego user) or “kcuf that corporate tihs, I’m a relovutionista” (said the person still dorking around with their flip phone) bandwagon, its easy to see the simple truth: the iPhone really is an amazing invention. While the Blackberry is now the preferred corporate, or as they say, “enterprise” device, due to its interemployee secure data-com architecture, the iPhone is screens down the best personal communicator, brain stimulator, music player, etc., etc. in existence. Particularly with the introduction of the 3G models, thousands of free and low cost applications, or “apps” are available with more being added every day. And if most of your computing is done on a Mac, there’s no reason not to complement it with an iPhone…its like having a miniMac* in your pocket, purse, or metrosexual man-bag. I was an early PDA user, having used a Casio BOSS (flip-open QWERTY keyboard, LCD screen with a PCsynching address-book, roughly half the size of a DVD box) way back in the early ‘90s, as well as a series of Palm Pilots in the last years of the 20th Century and several of the 21st, so I know the evolution of these devices…though I’ll admit skipping the Treo craze, (Palm married to a cell phone, a Crackberry precursor) forcing myself to carry around both a Palm TX and a cell phone for a while. Hey, it had Bluetooth! So why did it take me so long to warm up to the iPhone? I can hardly remember now. Was it the “2kul4U”
factor? Perhaps. Or it was it that I didn’t want to get dependent on another device just to have it gradually go all obsolete on me? Possibly. Oh, wait, I remember: it was the extra $30 a month at&t charges for the higher digital service (same for those other smartberries.) Yep, that was for sure the hardest thing to swallow – but I “justified” it by a matching proclamation to get rid of my DirecTV service in exchange. (So, how’s that going? Yeah, uh, I’ll get back to ya with that, mm-k?) When I finally decided that biting this $360-a-year bullet – to run around with a thing that has more computing
Free INsite mini-iPhone ( just cut out and glue together. You’re welcome.)
power than what put humans on the moon – was totally worth it, I got one…and I ain’t lookin’ back, y’hear? Seriously though, when it comes to technology to swoon for, the iPhone totally rocks. It has the clearest sound of any cell phone I’ve ever owned, has a very high build quality, feels so good in the hand, and works perfectly with its PC/Mac iTunes counterpart. Among several other post-space-age devices, it has a built in accelerometer (think motion sensor) and knows what position its being held in (portrait or landscape). This and other astounding built-ins have allowed for the creation of a ton of useful, and to be fair, some silly apps to be created for it, though not all of them by big corporations; in fact most by derfs like you and me who think they might have a killer-app in their heads. So in an odd, upscale way, the iPhone is a sort of proletarian device, managed and appropriately “leveled by the market.” Apple has bent over backwards in order to facilitate the creation of these apps, providing free software to first-time programmers and the highly skilled alike, then generously hosting their creations in their web store, effectively marketing them to the planet, all with a very fair sales model. Of course, this it is ultimately in their best interest. Apps run between $0 and about $6.99, with most costing a piddly .99 cents. Even those “more expensive” apps are still a bargain when you consider their practical or amusement value. And that’s only scratching the surface! There are apps for interactive maps, real-time weather and stock information, NPR podcasts, Twitter, Facebook, a decent camera, a virtual bubble-level (!), and a YouTube app that plays more smoothly than on my home computer, just to name a few. Oh, and not to mention the iPod is built right into it! Beyond awesome, here is a rare instance of a product that truly delivers on some of those “the future will be like this” expectations we were given as kids. And for that alone (which is a lot these days) I’ll gladly give Apple some of my loyalty. *Not to be confused with the Mac Mini™ – which will not quite fit in anyone’s pocket.
RESTAURANT GUIDE HABANA 709 E. 6 th St – 443.4252 2728 S. Congress – 443.4253
It’s like a vacation, sitting next to the river, munching on sweet & salty plantain chips. For a truly Cuban experience, order a Roast Pork Sandwich or Ropa Vieja w/ Congris.
HOG ISLAND DELI 1612 Lavaca 482.9090
Chow down on the Best Philly Cheese Steak in Texas! They also have great hoagies with a variety of high-quality Italian cold cuts.
SAO PAULO’S 2809 San Jacinto 473.9988
Skip the Tex-Mex and go for some Brazilian Black Bean Stew, Paella, or the Churrasquinho Meat Platter w/ all the fixins. For those who imbibe, the Caipirinha is a must.
JIMMY JOHN’S 601 W. MLK – 478.3111 3203 Red River – 499.0100
A locally-owned chain that’s out to please…they’ll make it how you want it. Start your addiction with the popular Beach Club or Italian Night Club.
LULU B’s (Food Wagon) 2101 S. Lamar 921.4828
Fresh & spicy Vietnamese Sandwiches on French rolls (BBQ or Lemongrass Pork, Chicken, Tofu); tasty Summer Rolls & thick avocado smoothies. (Cash only/noon–6pm)
MANNY HATTAN’S N.Y. DELI 9503 Research Blvd. 794.0088
If you’re craving GOOD Matzo Ball Soup or Cheese Blintzes, it’s worth the drive. Sandwiches so big you can take half home, and the Cheesecake is flown in from N.Y!
NEWORLDELI 4101 Guadalupe 451.7170
A neighborhood café offering excellent soups, sandwiches & salads. Classic Tuna Melts, piled-high Ruebens, a unique Chicken Salad, and a perfect Broccoli/Cheddar Soup.
PHOENICIA BAKERY & DELI 2912 S. Lamar - 447.4444 4701 Burnet Rd. - 374.9081
Everything you need to have your own Middle Eastern party…just hit the cold cases and then the olive bar. And don’t forget the Baklava for dessert.
TOP NOTCH BURGERS 7525 N. Lamar 452.2181
Mom & Pop run shop with old-fashion charbroiled burgers and extra thick fries at bargain prices. Not many of these left, so get it while you still can.
WHEATSVILLE CO-OP & DELI 3101 Guadalupe 478.2667
Where the health conscious shop and the biggest selling item is a Southern-Fried Tofu Patty on focaccia bread. And yes, they have outstanding ‘natural meat’ sandwiches, too.
COFFEEHOUSES AUSTIN JAVA 1206 Parkway – 476.1829 1608 Barton Springs Rd. – 482.9450
Extremely popular place with a huge selection of coffees and free WiFi. Brunch, lunch and dinner too, with fast and friendly service.
CAFÉ MUNDI 1704 E. 5 th St. 236.8634
An eclectic East Austin gem, serving fair-trade coffee, imported beer & wine, and some great food for vegetarians & meat eaters alike. Breakfast day & night.
CLEMENTINE 2200 Manor Rd. 472.9900
Sleek modern shop on the Manor Strip with signature specialties like the Peanut Butter Bomb & Mocha Clementine. Also, vegan treats by Celeste and live music on Tue & Fri.
EPOCH COFFEEHOUSE 221 W. North Loop 454.3762
A magnet for serious nerd types…laptops, chess, and tasty technoambient music. Beans provided by Texas Coffee Roasters and the pizza is brought in.
FLIPNOTICS 1601 Barton Springs Rd 480.8646
The coffee Mecca for Austin’s acoustic musicians, with an outdoor patio and some very good sandwiches. If you’re not a caffeine freak, they also serve beer.
THE HIDEOUT 617 Congress 236.8485
Funky & relaxed downtown hangout w/ excellent coffee & perfect foam! The Theater upstairs showcases comedy acts and offers cheap rehearsal space to actors & directors.
JO’S HOT COFFEE 1300 S. Congress – 444.3800 242 W. 2 nd St. – 469.9003
The hottest spot on the block, with a second location on 2 nd . Walk, run, bike or drive to this great local hangout and catch free outdoor movies or live music on Thurs. nights.
DOLCE VITA GELATO & ESPRESSO 4222 Duval 323.2686
Gelato as sustenance in this Hyde Park locale that also offers Italian sodas, dessert liqueurs, pastries & Panini with the feel of a Parisian sidewalk café.
PROGRESS COFFEE 500 San Marcos (at E. 5 th) 493.0963
Located in a revamped media complex, this socially aware, art savvy hub serves organic, fair-trade coffee and the best Bagel, Lox & Cream Cheese in East Austin.
HEY CUPCAKE (Food Wagon) 1600 Block of S. Congress 5530 Burnet Rd.; 476.CAKE
Line up at the Silver Stream and hope they’re not out of your favorite flavor (7 kinds to choose from) or the free whipped cream they squirt in the center. Yumm.
RUTA MAYA 3601 S. Congress 707.9637
Up on the hill where the big water tower looms over S. Congress, you’ll find the new location of this classic community coffee house. World Music & political fundraisers rule.
MADCAKES 3808 Spicewood Springs Rd. 795.9285
Cakes, cookies & dessert bars any Mad Hatter would devour. Made from scratch w/real butter & natural flavorings. Killer Lemon Bars & Pumpkin Cookies slathered in caramel icing.
QUACK’S 43rd St. BAKERY 411 E. 43 rd St. 453.3399
Another one of those places that makes Austin great. Righteous Key Lime Pie and huge Chocolate Éclairs. Perfect coffee & free Wi-Fi.
SUGAR MAMA’S BAKESHOP 1905 S. 1st St. 448.3727
Cupcakes are the current rage and this place does them proud, and all-natural! Fans crave the French Toast, Jack’s Lemon and the Black & Tan (made w/Guinness & Irish Cream).
SWEETISH HILL CAFÉ & BAKERY 1120 W. 6 th St. 472.1347
An old favorite in the Clarkesville neighborhood. Stop in for some coffee and a Chocolate Croissant, Banana Bread Pudding or whole Peach Pie, when it’s in season.
DELIS & SANDWICH SHOPS BEST WURST (Food Cart) 6 th and San Jacinto St. 912.9545
Great tasting (and smelling) Bratwaurst and Italian Sausage cooked in the great outdoors. Don’t forget the yummy grilled onions. Servin’em up 8pm – 3am.
DIRTY MARTIN’S 2808 Guadalupe 477.3173
80 years old and still a player. Delicious burgers, chili, fries & shakes at unbelievable prices. When everything is made fresh daily, the flavors stand out from the rest.
FOODHEADS 616 W. 34 th St. 420.8400
A short jog from the Campus to this cute little house with some of the most creative sandwiches in town. Daily specials and a build-yourown option as well.
FLYING FALAFEL & POBOYS 2001 Guadalupe St. 494.1400
Recently opened by a ‘Cajun Arab’ family, this whole-in-the-wall has some of the best Middle Eastern food (try the Sampler Plate) as well as excellent Poboys & Gumbo.
M AY 2 0 0 9
PG 6
DESSERTS
FRENCH & EUROPEAN BLUE DAHLIA BISTRO 1115 E. 11 th St. 542.9542
BIG, beautiful, open-faced sandwiches at fantastic prices! Try the Roast Beef or Egg Salad. Fabulous soups, waffles & blintzes (wknds) and a lovely bamboo patio out back.
RESTAURANT GUIDE CHEZ NOUS 510 Neches 473.2413
For a true French dining experience that’s still within reach, this downtown charmer delivers. Lunch runs $10-12; the set 3-course dinner is $24.95 and worth every penny.
DRAKULA ROMANIAN RESTAURANT 8120 Research Blvd. 374.9291
Affordable, authentic dishes straight from Transylvania! Stuffed Cabbage w/ fluffy polenta, creamy Chicken Stew w/ peas, and warm Apple Strudel will calm the beast within.
FLIP HAPPY CREPES (Food Wagon) Jesse & Butler (off S. Lamar) 552.9034
Even Iron Chef Bobby Flay admits Andrea & Nessa make the best crepes this side of France. Both savory & sweet varieties attain perfection. Lunch only/Wed-Sat.
GREEK & MEDITERRANEAN EL GRECO 3016 Guadalupe (around the corner) 474.7335
A little pricey but without a doubt, the best and most authentic Greek food in Austin. They even make their own melt-in-your-mouth pita bread & pastries.
FINO 2905 San Gabriel St. (upstairs) 474.2905
Hip Mediterranean dining w/ reasonable lunchtime prices. Lounge on the deck with a Bitter Queen (drink!) until your sandwich, salad, or Potato Gnocchi arrives.
MILTO’S 2909 Guadalupe 476.1021
Half Greek/half Italian, what could be better? The cheap prices! Good Greek Salads & Gyros alongside Lasagna & Fettuccini Alfredo. And, nothing’s fried.
TINO’S GREEK CAFÉ 5501 Balcones Dr. – 533.9292 9911 Brodie Ln. - 233.4999
Cafeteria-style w/ large portions of chicken or gyro meat, soup or salad, and 3 additional sides: $6.99-$10.99 (lunch & dinner). Tasty vegetarian plates also available.
INDIAN CLAY PIT 1601 Guadalupe St. 322.5131
Upscale, contemporary Indian cuisine in an historic stone building. If there’s a line, sit at the bar and order some Shrimp Tandoori & Mulligatawny Soup. Nice lamb dishes.
TAJ PALACE 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd. 452.9959
One of the oldest and most beautiful Indian restaurants in town. Excellent Saag Paneer (creamed spinach w/ cheese) and a Tandoori Chicken that melts in your mouth.
SWAD VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT 9515 N. Lamar 977.7923
Located in a vast strip mall, this authentic hole-in-the-wall serves inexpensive South Indian treats such as dosas, idli & samosas, along with a very good sampler Thali Tray.
WHIP IN (Convenience Store) 1950 S. IH-35 442.5337
A one-stop-global-shop for beer, wine & local specialty foods with a deli-cafe serving unique sandwiches made w/ chutney and tasty Indian entrees served w/ rice & naan.
ITALIAN
MAUDIE’S 2608 W. 7 th St. 473.3740
The most beloved of the local Tex Mex chains. The extra cheesy Enchiladas and nicely done Margaritas seem to do it for most people. Call for other locations.
NUEVO ONDA 2218 College (off S. Congress) 447.5063
GREAT Migas & Huevos Motulenos, tasty Lunch Specials for $5.15, yummy tamales by the dozen ($7.50), and the best horchata in town! Breakfast & Lunch only (seat yourself).
POLVO’s 2004 S. 1 st St. 441.5446
A festive outdoor patio, colorful muraled interior, and bountiful salsa bar. Huge veggie or meat-stuffed Rellenos; savory Fish & Shrimp Dishes. Good Mariachi band on Sat.
TORCHY’S TACOS 1311 S. 1st St. – 366.0537 2801 Guadalupe – 494.8226
Love the Green Chili Pork, the Fried Avocado, and the Dirty Sanchez (w/srambled eggs, guacamole & poblano). The trailer-park setting of the south location is actually a plus.
VIVO COCINA 2015 Manor Rd. 482.0300
Healthy Tex-Mex in a lush tropical setting with plenty of outdoor patio seating. Awesome Chili or Verde Enchiladas, and killer Cucumber Margaritas.
MIDDLE EASTERN & AFRICAN ASTER’S ETHIOPIAN 2804 N. IH35 469.5966
Get yourself to this authentic eatery for delicious Doro Wott (chicken simmered in Berbere sauce), a bountiful Vegetarian Combo Plate, and Coffee Ceremony at the table.
ALBORZ PERSIAN CUISINE 3300 W. Anderson Ln. 420.2222
For an exotic taste treat, try their all-you-can-eat Lunch Buffet for $8.49 (wknds $9.49). Lovely dishes full of unusual ingredients and lots of dill. Do not be afraid.
PARS MARKET & DELI 8820 Burnet Rd. 452.4888
A north Austin gem. Friendly, fast, inexpensive & delish. Try the Kebabs & Rice or the amazing Fesenjon (Persian chicken stew w/ pomegranate). Allow some time to browse.
MARAKESH CAFÉ 906 Congress 476.7735
Palestinian Café (not Moroccan) with great prices. Shawarma, Kebabs (beef or chicken) Falafel, Hummus, Grape Leaves and my fave, Mujadarah…they’ve got it all.
PUBS & SPORTS BARS AUSSIE’S SPORTS BAR 306 Barton Springs Rd. 480.0952
Laid-back vibe with 25 indoor/outdoor screens for your viewing pleasure – if you’re not busy playing volleyball on the real-sand court out back! This is some serious fun.
BD RILEY’S IRISH PUB 204 E. 6 th St. 494.1335
Brought from Ireland in pieces and reassembled in Austin…no shit! Some great Guinness, good Fish & Chips or Shepherds Pie, and Trivia on Wednesday nights.
CROWN & ANCHOR 2911 San Jacinto 322.9168
A friendly campus hangout with 30 beers on tap, 80 in the bottle, and excellent, cheap burgers (both meat & veggie varieties). Dogs welcome in the patio (the furry kind).
CASINO EL CAMINO 517 E. 6 th St. 469.9330
Great Vampire bar with a cool jukebox, weird movies, and a 1/2 lb. Angus Burger people have orgasms over. Pool tables in the upstairs lounge, Mayan-themed patio out back.
THE DOG & DUCK PUB 406 W. 17 th St. 479.0598
The Crazy Uncle of the pub scene. Nothing goes better with 42 beers on tap (mostly English & local brews) than delicious Fish’n Chips or Bangers’n Mash.
THE DRAUGHT HOUSE 4112 Medical Parkway 452.6258
To quote a yelper ’English on the inside, Texan on the outside’. Lawn chairs & dogs allowed in the parking lot. Huge selection of beer on tap, including some decent house-brews.
THE GINGER MAN 301 Lavaca 473.8801
The King of Pubs has a new home with a cozy dark wood interior and virgin patio out back. Still packing one hundred bottles of beer on the wall and another 80 on tap!
LOVEJOY’S 604 Neches 477.1268
A funky refuge for punks and misfits of all stripes…thank god! Some good house-made brews and a kick-ass jukebox stocked with the best of the local alt scene.
CRAIG O’S PIZZA & PASTARIA 4970 W. Hwy 290 891.7200
Old school Italian-American, with large portions and plenty of marinara, tucked away in a strip mall next to a used CD & DVD shop. Good prices and even better beer deals.
EAST SIDE PIES 1401 Rosewood Ave. 524.0933
Awesome, extra thin-crust pizza made with attitude. Lots of unique combos w/ quality ingredients (try the ‘Guiche’). It’s a dinky little place but they also deliver.
ENOTECA 1610 S. Congress 441.7672
A chic but affordable Italian bistro & deli with fresh pasta, Panini & pizza, handmade pastries & desserts (the Lemon Panne Cotta is to die for). Nice for brunch.
FRANK & ANGIE’S 508 West Ave. 472.3534
A little piece of Brooklyn. Check out the mural before settling in with an extra large pizza or heaping plate of delicious spaghetti & meatballs. Live balalaika music on Wed.
HOME SLICE PIZZA 1415 S. Congress 444.7437
A welcome addition to the SoCo restaurant scene…good pizza, great atmosphere and a huge kickass Cannoli for dessert!
MANDOLA’S 4700 Guadalupe 419.9700
Famous family-owned café, bakery, deli & grocery with ‘Mama Mia’ good, Sicilian-style pizza, pasta & panini – try the juicy Pot Roast Sandwich. Exceptional gelato & pastries as well.
MOTHER EGAN’S IRISH PUB 715 W. 6 th St. 478.7747
The Queen – Irish, English, German & Dutch beer on hand, with Shepherd’s Pie or Corned Beef & Cabbage. For the total experience, try a Deep-Fried Snicker or Milky Way!
PRIMIZIE OSTERIA 1000 E. 11 th St. 472.9299
Gentrification brings divine Goat Cheese Ravioli & Spaghetti Puttanesca to the east side ‘hood. At least it’s really good! I also like the Beet Salad…what a yuppie.
OPAL DIVINE’S FREEHOUSE 700 W. 6 th St – 477.3308 3601 S. Congress – 707.0237
An excellent selection of beer with a separate Scotch Bar upstairs. Good pub food, great service, and a rockin’ atmosphere make for some good times here.
ROUNDER’S PIZZERIA 1203 W. 6 th St. 477.0404
A dark, cozy place with fabulous pizza. The NY-style thin crust and high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Big-screen TV, vintage Atari games & free movies nights.
SCOOT INN 1301 E. 4 th St. 478.6200
Odd but cool Eastside dive with monthly sock hops, live indie bands & a big outdoor space occasionally used for fundraisers. Can be crazycrowded, or lonely-empty.
SPIDERHOUSE 2908 Fruth St. (E. of Guadalupe) 480.9562
Coffee, sandwiches, beer & cocktails in a converted old house and large garden patio with great atmosphere. DJ’s spin on Fri. & Sat. (unless its raining).
LAKE VIEWS JOHNNY FINS 16405 Clara Van Trail (off RR620) 266.2811
A casual, full-service, 2-story floating restaurant…the largest one in Texas! Good burgers, sandwiches, salads & seafood along with some interesting mixed drinks.
MOZART’S COFFEE 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 477.2900
Every kind of coffee drink imaginable, an on-site bakery, and a fantastic lakeside location. Lots of outdoor seating on the deck, where dogs are also welcome.
EDDIE V’S EDGEWATER GRILLE 301 E. 5 th St. 472.1860
If you’re willing to spend some real dough, this is the place. Extensive menu, but its the long happy-hours w/ 50-cent Oysters & half-price appetizers that make it seem fun.
SHORELINE GRILL 98 San Jacinto 477.3300
Expensive, but perfect for visiting relatives. Outdoor patio with a view of the bats at Sunset. Nice entrée salads for lunch, Seared Salmon & Prime Rib for dinner.
LA MOJARRA FELIZ 8624 N. Lamar 491.6961
Authentic Mexican Seafood in a modest, slightly kitch setting. Whole Talapia fried, grilled or steamed (get the Vera Cruz style), lovely Ceviche and tender, chewy Pulpo w/ loads of garlic.
SKI SHORES WATERFRONT CAFÉ 2905 Pearce Rd. 346.5915
Take the 2222 west to City Park Rd. and wind your way back to 1954, when this serene, dockside restaurant first opened. Then sit & savor a Border Burger, Philly Cheesesteak, or Shrimp Basket.
QUALITY SEAFOOD 5621 Airport Blvd. 454.5827
A well-worn Chinese dive w/ exceptional seafood that’s open daily ‘til 1am! Try the Salt & Pepper Shrimp or Steamed Tilapia w/spicy Malaysian Sauce. Good Dim Sum on the weekends.
T & S SEAFOOD 10014 N. Lamar 339.8434
This local seafood market & restaurant offers a dozen Oysters on the Half-Shell for just $9.99 and $2 Fish Tacos on Tuesdays! Also love the daily soups & house-made cornbread.
WAHOO’S FISH TACOS 509 Rio Grande St. 476.3474
Great location off W. 6 th with an authentic California surf & skateboard theme. Sweet Hawaiian fish cooked w/ teriyaki or Cajun spices & allnatural veggie options as well.
MEXICAN & TEX MEX
SEAFOOD
AL PASTOR 1911 E. Riverside Dr. 442.8402
Don’t judge a book by its cover…look at the menu! There’s 17 different ways to enjoy your Al Pastor here – all superb. One of the most authentic Mexican joints in town.
CURRA’S 614 E. Oltorf 444.0012
Forget they have one of the best drink selections in town, its their Interior Mexican staples, the Seafood dishes and daily brunches that keep ‘em comin’ back.
EL AZTECA 2600 E. 7 th St. 477.4701
This 50-year-old east side gem is still run by the same family and is loved for their Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas & Cabrita, strong Margaritas, friendly service and kitchy art.
BABY GREENS 2316 S. 1 st St. 462.1697
A convenient drive-thru with lots of super fresh salads & veggie wraps but ONLY ten dressings to choose from! For a dollar more, they’ll add some chicken.
EVITA’S BOTANITAS 6400 S. 1 st St. 441.2424
Authentic border town cantina with superb Tacos, Enchiladas & Chicken Mole. They also have some of the best salsas in town…5 varieties on a rotating tray at the table.
BOULDIN CREEK CAFE 1501 S. 1 st St. 416.1601
Way funky South Austin café catering to the no-meat crowd with tofu scrambles, tacos & burgers. Or, hang with a great cup of Jo and make some new friends.
GUERO’S TACO BAR 1412 S. Congress 707.8232
Three reasons to come here: fun place to people watch (maybe spot a celeb); stays open ‘til 11pm; good Pollo Caldo (chicken soup) loaded w/veggies. Understood?
DAILY JUICE 1625 Barton Springs Rd – 480.9502 2307 Lake Austin Blvd. – 628.0782
Drink your breakfast, lunch, or dinner here. Fantastic tasting organic juices, smoothies & detoxifying concoctions, a stone’s throw from the hike & bike trails of Lake Austin.
HABANERO MEXICAN CAFE 501 W. Oltorf 416.0443
THE place for Fajitas and Grilled Lengua. Not much on atmosphere, but at these prices who cares? Have a Mexican beer or two and create your own.
MOTHER’S CAFÉ & GARDEN 4215 Duval 451.3994
Back in action after the fire, offering favorite staples like the Bueno Burger, BBQ Tofu, Mushroom Stroganoff & Artichoke Enchiladas. Good salads & dressings as well.
JUAN IN A MILLION 2300 E. Cesar Chavez 472.3872
If Menudo doesn’t work on your hangover, then try the Don Juan Special. Friendly east side joint with delicious, inexpensive breakfast & lunch and a lively patio out back.
MR. NATURAL 1901 E. Cesar Chavez – 477.5228 2414 S. Lamar – 916.9223
Tasty Tex-Mex vegetarian with daily specials like Tofu Tamales, Veggie Enchiladas & Zucchini Poblanos. Also, honey smoothies & some strange and wonderful pastries.
MARIA’S TACO XPRESS 2529 S. Lamar 444.0261
Got to love a place with this much character, great Pollo Guisado Tacos, and Hippie Church on Sundays. A South Austin original run by one of the nicest families around.
VEGGIE HEAVEN 1914-A Guadalupe 457.1013
This cheap and popular Campus spot serves Tofu, surrounded by veggies, in too many ways to count. They all taste similar, so just pick one!
VEGETARIAN
AUS TI N ’ S OTH E R E NTE R TA I N M E NT M AGA ZI N E
PG 7
MOVIES
The Rules of Love, or Lack Thereof, with Drew Barrymore By Bret Love
F
ew actresses achieve success as early in life as Drew Barrymore, who became an international star at the age of seven after her breakout turn in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi blockbuster E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. But even fewer manage to battle back from the brink of adolescent burnout to become one of Hollywood’s most beloved beauties. At age 34, Barrymore seems to have hit a stride in her professional life lately, with He’s Just Not That Into You (which she both starred in and executive produced) bringing in over $100 million at the box office, her HBO film Grey Gardens garnering universal critical acclaim and her directorial debut, Whip It!, due in theaters later this year. It’s a far cry from the controversy of her teen years, when drug addiction, battles with her parents and a penchant for outlandish behavior made her seem like a safe bet to be another child star tragedy in the making. These days, the charming, free-spirited actress credits a positive attitude with helping to turn her life around. “I believe you can be the person that you dream of being,” she insists with a smile. “I realized that I had to overcome the trials and tribulations of my life. You have to; you don’t have a choice. And the fact is that everything in life actually IS a choice, so I just chose to get my life back on track and continue to go on an incline for happiness and enjoyment of life on a daily basis.” The one area that has not yet seemed to click into place is her love life. Briefly married to Jeremy Thomas in the mid-‘90s and to comedian Tom Green from 20012002, Barrymore’s on-again/off-again relationship with actor Justin Long has made her a tabloid favorite in recent months. The actress readily admits that her lifestyle doesn’t make her the easiest person to have a romantic connection with.
“I’m a workaholic,” she confesses, “and I travel all of the time. To not have any routine about it can be very trying on a relationship, but I love my job. I try to be more rational than emotional in my approach. You choose to be this person. You choose to have this life. You choose to have these passions. These are choices we make. So let’s celebrate them instead of letting them bring us down all of the time and struggling with them.” Of course, struggling with the issues that plague single people looking for love in the modern world was the central theme of He’s Just Not That Into You, which was adapted from the best-selling book by author Greg Behrendt. The film foresees an era in which everyone will be dating electronically, which is a reality that Barrymore admits she struggles with herself. “I still have a wall phone, so this whole idea [of cell phones] and having to respond immediately and be quirky and quippy is strange to me. No guys call anymore; it’s all text messaging. So I wanted to discuss that in the film, because it’s so important in our day and age of Facebook and Internet dating and texting. It’s just a whole new ballgame.” Like the book, the film (which also stars Jennifer Aniston, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck and Long) deals primarily with professional women seeking more satisfying relationships, often making excuses for why the men in their lives aren’t giving them the things they want, need and deserve. The overall message is one of empowerment, urging women not to cling to something that clearly wasn’t meant to be. “I believe there are no rules,” Barrymore says when asked about her own philosophy of love. “But I think at a certain point something clicks and you’re just not willing to accept less than what your heart desires. You run into that wall and hit your head so many times that you’re just lying there bloody on the floor, like ‘I get it.’ I don’t think there are rules, but I think there is a good global case-by-case basis of how you should treat someone and how you want to be treated.” For Barrymore, whose life has seen more ups and downs than your average rollercoaster, treating herself well seems to be a major priority these days. As she continues to deny reuniting romantically with Long despite being seen out together numerous times since their breakup, the actress-turned-producer-turned-director seems content to focus on her career for the moment, trusting that all good things will come in time. “I’m not ready to have a family,” she insists, “and I’m not ready to get married. My head is so not in that place. It’s more about enjoying life, having fun, working and spending time with my friends. For me, those are my priorities right now.”
M AY 2 0 0 9
PG 8
6
COVER STORY
Sensational Salads
And a Sumptuous Salad Bar
By Marsha Mann
Green Papaya Salad w/Shrimp at 888 Vietnamese & Thai Restaurant
Cobb Salad at Uncle Billy’s Brew & Cue
Greek Village Salad at Milto’s
Photos by Greg Cooper (phivephotography.com)
W
hen the weather heats up, it’s natural to crave salad. The cool, crisp, crunch of fresh lettuce and veggies punctuated by the tangy sweetness of juicy red tomatoes, happily comingling with grilled meat, fish, cold cuts or hard-boiled egg, creamy avocado, black, white, or red beans, bell peppers, olives, artichokes, toasted nuts, or crumbled salty cheese
M AY 2 0 0 9
PG 10
Smoked Chicken Caesar at Hoover’s Cooking
– add up to a tantalizing combo of colors, textures, and
soned with brine and garnished with nuts and seeds. Over
tastes that also help cool the internal systems of the body.
time, cultures around the world created their own unique
That’s why a salad, cold drink, or your favorite gelato is so
versions, limited only by available ingredients, their pal-
refreshing on a hot summer day.
ate and imagination. Though hard-core carnivores might
The word salad comes from the Latin salata, which
find it hard to swallow, many salads contain more protein
means ‘salted’. During the Roman Empire, a common
than a slab of meat and easily, twice the nutrients! But who wants to eat a salad just because it’s good for
meal would often consist of herba salata –vegetables sea-
COVER STORY you? I think a salad should also be sen-sa-tion-al (adj. intended to arouse strong curiosity, interest, or reaction…outstanding, spectacular). In fact, a really great salad will make me get in my car and drive clear across town just to savor, once again, a particular combination of ingredients and perfect balance of flavors, meant to be the table’s star attraction and not merely a leafy side dish. Hence, the six salads (and one salad bar) chosen for this article are what I would call ‘destination salads’ – a completely satisfying meal in and of themselves and totally worth the necessary drive time. Here at INsite, we like to factor in the price as well, recommending places and things that offer the biggest bang for your buck. Except for the all-you-can-eat salad bar, the most expensive individual salad is $10.99, and several others are considerably less. What’s more, some also manage to use organic greens and/or all-natural meat, making them an even better deal in my book. So get in touch with your inner Roman and make your way, pronto, to one or all of these sensational destination salads…so what if it’s also good for you! 1) COBB SALAD ($9.99) at Uncle Billy’s Brew & Cue – Generous portions of lean, 100% Angus beef brisket and pulled smoked chicken adorn this perfect version of the classic Cobb Salad. Originally invented by the owner of Hollywood’s famed Brown Derby (from leftovers in the restaurant’s frig), Uncle Billy’s Texas rendition uses a mix of fresh field greens, tomato, avocado, hard-boiled egg, shredded carrots, cucumber, crumbled bacon and blue cheese. I usually order the house-made ranch dressing, but you can also request an additional side of B.B.Q. sauce to dip your meats in. And since one of Austin’s best brewmeister’s, Brian Peters, is in charge of the beer, don’t hesitate to order a cold one…you can even keep it ‘healthy’ by getting the organic amber ale. 1530 Barton Springs Rd, 476-0100. 2) GREEK VILLAGE SALAD ($6.85) at Milto’s – This huge, luscious salad has to be one of the best deals in town. Made with green leaf lettuce, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and anchovies on request, this otherwise vegetarian creation comes topped with a highly whipped (non-dairy) oil/vinegar/herb dressing so delicious they sell it by the bottle. The salad also comes with two heavenly soft and chewy garlic knots perched on the side of the bowl that boost the satisfaction quotient even higher. Grilled chicken can be added for a mere $1.25, but I suggest you try an order of the lemony, rice-stuffed grape leaves w/tzaziki ($4.95 for 6), instead. 2909 Guadalupe, 476-1021. 3) PORK LOIN SPINACH SALAD ($9.75) at Kerbey Lane – A great example of the aforementioned ‘perfect balance of flavors’. They start with locally grown, organic baby spinach (minus the usual bitterness), add slices of all-natural, pecan-crusted pork, crumbled blue cheese, bacon, red bell pepper, and roasted pecans, then dress it with a housemade peach vinaigrette that adds just the right amount of sweetness to unify but not overpower, the other flavors of the salad. It’s a sublime combination, tantalizing to both the eye and the taste buds. A fluffy, kolache-style dinner roll is also included and perhaps best of all, since Kerbey Lane is open 24 hours, you can satisfy those salad cravings any time of the day or night. 3407 Kerbey Lane, 451-1436 and 2700 S. Lamar, 445-4451. 4) GRILLED TUNA CAESAR ($10.99) at Hoover’s Cooking – I love a good Caesar salad – make it BIG and add a 6-oz tuna steak charbroiled to perfection and this foodie is in paradise. Hoover honors the original recipe invented by Tijuana chef and hotel keep, Caesar Cardini, using super fresh (and well-drained) romaine lettuce, house-made sourdough & wheat croutons (pan-herbed, buttered & baked), freshly grated parmesan cheese, and an egg-yolk-based dressing with plenty of garlic, lemon and anchovy flavor. The tuna steak is marinated in white wine, olive oil & herbs, charbroiled, then finished with a honey-mustard glaze. They also offer a more traditional variation, topped with succulent Smoked Chicken (pictured) – a bargain at only $8.99, but I’ve got it bad for the tuna version. Both are served with their signature corn bread muffins and cinnamon biscuits. 2002 Manor Rd, 479-5006 and 13376 Research Blvd, 385-0300. 5) MAYONESA DE AVE w/Roasted Chicken ($7.99) at Buenos Aires Café – More of a cold plate than a traditional leafy salad, this delicious and savory Argentinean staple is made with cubed potato, cooked carrots and green peas, a liberal amount of real mayonnaise, and chunks of slow-roasted chicken (brined for 24 hrs. before cooking, to insure tenderness). The creamy concoction is then served on a bed of crispy romaine lettuce and garnished with green or black olives. Though a relative of the common potato salad, the mayonesa de ave is in a class of its own. And at this price, you can probably afford one of Reina’s superb empanadas ($2.50) as well. 2414 S. 1st St, 441-9000, and a new location at 1201 E. 6th St, 382-1189. 6) GREEN PAPAYA SALAD w/Shrimp ($5.95) at 888 Vietnamese & Thai Restaurant – The most unusual, and perhaps most refreshing, of all the salads listed, is 888’s version of this classic Thai appetizer. Large enough to be the main course and presented like a work of art, the salad consists of a mound of thinly sliced, crunchy white papaya (similar to jicama root), tossed with red onion, tomato wedges, and halved sweet shrimp, then topped with purple-red beet curls and sprigs of bright green basil. The dressing is made of crushed red chili, lime juice, honey & fish sauce, and when poured over the salad, turns the white papaya a delicious pale orange. You can also order some steamed rice or a not-so-small bowl of their exceptional Pork Won Ton Soup ($2.50) with roasted garlic, to round out the experience. 2400 E. Oltorf, 448-4722. Now Open ‘til 2am. And finally, the most sumptuous salad bar in Austin: Estancia Churrascaria (all-you-can-eat, $12.90 lunch/$14.90 dinner) – I don’t usually like salad bars, but this one is quite different. Estancia is a Brazilian steakhouse that serves a dazzling selection of skewered meats, cut to order at the table by gauchogarbed waiters continuously circling the dining room. They also have one of the most amazing salad bars in the whole state of Texas – a virtual cornucopia of giant asparagus spears, artichoke bottoms, roasted red & yellow peppers, buffalo mozzarella, and marinated mushrooms. There’s a fabulous apple/pineapple/raisin fruit salad, an Italian chopped salad, a tri-color pico de gallo, stuffed green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and tabouleh; along with an assortment of salad greens, olive oils & dressings. When you sit down with your salad, the fun continues as small plates of garlic mashed potatoes, fried bananas, grilled polenta and a bottomless basket of warm, chewy cheese bread is delivered to your table, posthaste…and it’s all included in the price. If for some reason you can’t resist the constant parade of meats, then go for the whole bonanza ($32 lunch/$36 dinner/$28 Sundays). 4894 Hwy 290 West, 892-1225. AUS TI N ’ S OTH E R E NTE R TA I N M E NT M AGA ZI N E
PG 11
MUSIC
Your Kisses Cause Crashes – Bad name? Perhaps. Great Music? Indeed. By Ana Wolken
Photo by Jay West
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our Kisses Cause Crashes is just starting out, but their buzz is building and they won’t be local unknowns for long. Their synth heavy brand of pop rock is catching on, and early predictions have a bright future in store for the hometown quartet. Formed in the fall of 2008, YKCC is undoubtedly a young band, but they’ve already got a five song EP under their collective belt. Entited Deer in the Headlights, the
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EP is a sign of exciting drive and determination behind YKCC. It’s a major accomplishment for a band to get their first recording ‘in the can’ less than a year after forming, even more of a highlight when the recording is actually worthwhile, as is the case with Deer in the Headlights. The band is in agreement that the recording process, Alta Vista Studios in Austin, was an overall great experience. They are also itching to get a full-length album out by February 2010, which coincides with the anniversary
of Deer in the Headlights. The EP is a great introduction to a band comprised of four very diverse individuals who have equally diverse influences, that each of them bring to the table in the writing process. Your Kisses Cause Crashes is composed of Andy Kaminski on vocals and guitar, synth/keyboardist Michelle Jones, bassist Michael Tucker and drummer Richard Carta. Jones is the member credited with creating YKCC’s memorable name, though she only shared a spare few details concerning it’s inspiration, which involved wall-to-wall traffic on Interstate 35 and a close call. Their name is, incidentally, what first garnered Your Kisses Cause Crashes much of their early attention. When YKCC was selected as one of 2008’s worst band names by The Onion’s AV Club, YKCC noticed an immediate jump in the amount of hits and MySpace plays they were getting. That translated into higher attendance numbers at their shows and the band soon earned a spot playing Free Week at Emo’s. Since then, Your Kisses Cause Crashes have played some very memorable shows. Their most memorable show to date was during SXSW 2009, at an Elysium day show that also featured locals The Story Of, The Black & White Years and New York natives Palomar. They recalled a packed club full of energetic fans that truly enjoyed their set. The Elysium set was only one of four shows that YKCC played during SXSW, another sign indicative of the energy and drive that the young band possesses. Your Kisses Cause Crashes will take the stage at The Parish on May 16th for an INsite Night, along with Built By Snow and The Boxing Lesson. This is a very exciting all local lineup that should pack The Parish out. Tickets will be available at the door for $5 with 18+ admitted. This will also be Your Kisses Cause Crashes’ last Austin for at least a few months, so get there early and stay late. YKCC will be taking time to focus on out of town touring and perhaps some new material. Visit Your Kisses Cause Crashes on the web at Myspace.com/YourKissesCauseCrashes. Ana Wolken is the music editor for INsite. You can keep up with her other adventures in music at DeadBunnyMusic.com.
MUSIC started with the disco bass line and then melodies came. Miles sewed it all together and wrote great lyrics. We just dug it right away.
Fastball Regroups With Little White Lies By John B. Moore
When did you start writing the songs that made it on the new record? Zuniga: We started writing the record about two years ago. We did major surgery on some of the songs. Usually I try to screw the song up and Tony tries to keep it in place. That push/pull produces our best stuff. Scalzo: A couple songs are old: “How Did I Get Here” was written over four years ago! Most are new, like within the past 12 months. Any songs that you’re particularly proud of? Scalzo: I’m proud of all of ‘em. Zuniga: I love “Soul Radio.” That one was a real bugbear. It was a more up tempo Big Star/Tom Petty thing. When I was listening back to the piano track I thought, “What would that sound like backwards?” That took the song in an entirely different direction and we ended up rewriting and rerecording the whole thing. You guys have been together more than 15 years - a lifetime for a lot of bands recording now. How have you managed to stay together for so long? Zuniga: It still feels new to me. I feel like we’re just now becoming a really good live band. As long as it’s interesting and we have new places to go, I’ll keep doing it. Scalzo: Well, we take a lot of breaks! Have your musical influences changed much since starting the band? Scalzo: My musical influences haven’t changed much,
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hough they didn’t technically breakup, fans would be forgiven for thinking Fastball had called it quits after 2004’s Keep Your Wig On, arguably the band’s best album to date. Fastball has been keeping pretty quiet. The members have been busy putting in time with other bands and working on solo projects as well as catching up with families and just trying to live normal lives. Half a decade after putting the tour bus in storage, the Austin-based band is back with Little White Lies, their fifth full length. The record is, in the tradition of their early albums, straight ahead rock. Guitarist Miles Zuniga and bassist/singer Tony Scalzo spoke with us recently about the hiatus, the new album and really bad baseball porn. It’s been five years since the last record. What have all of you been doing during that time? Miles Zuniga: We’ve all been busy making music in one form or another. I put out two records with my other band the Small Stars. They’re kind of cabaret/glam/juke joint music. Tony Scalzo: I’ve been writing and recording some solo material. I’ve also been writing with other songwriters,
like Kathy Valentine from The GoGo’s and Jaret Riddick from Bowling For Soup. In fact, one of our tunes will be featured on the next Bowling For Soup CD due out in the fall. I’ve also been focusing on my family, my kids. Did you all know you were going to record again after Keep Your Wig On or did you ever consider ending the band? Scalzo: I think we all assumed we would get productive again at some point. Zuniga: I actually quit the band way back in 2002 or something. I ended up coming back. We never know what’s going to happen next but it feels like we’ve got some momentum going right now. What can you tell me about the new record Little White Lies? Zuniga: It’s our best album. Scalzo: Little White Lies was written with Ben Margulies who wrote most of Mariah Carrey’s debut album. I know it sounds weird, but the guy has a great feel for hooks and I think Little White Lies has a few of those. It kind of
but I utilize them more. Zuniga: As a pimply-faced kid, I grew up on Classic Rock and Heavy Metal. Later on I got more and more into jazz and stuff like Doug Sahm and Mexican conjunto music, just rootsier stuff. I like different rhythms. Rock music can be so square. Something I’ve always wanted to ask: is the band really named after a porno? Zuniga: Yeah. Our old sound guy had it on VHS. It’s like Bull Durham, but the lead guy didn’t look much like Tim Robbins. More like Kevin Costner with a mullet. It didn’t have much of a plot. Do you plan to do much touring behind the new record? Zuniga: Yeah, although I have a love/hate relationship with touring. I love playing the shows, but I hate getting there! Fastball will be playing to their hometown crowd on May 23 at The Parish (214 E. 6th Street).
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SAUCIDO SLANT Courtesy Photo
Every month should be “Latino Music Month…”
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t’s May in Austin and once again that means it is Latino Music Month. But what exactly is LMM? A gathering of Texas Latinos? Um, maybe. A Cinco de Mayo drunk fest at Baby A’s? Oh dear. Or a month long celebration marked with more than a hundred shows. A “Latino love child” of the Austin Latino Music Association (ALMA), this celebration has grown in depth and international appeal. From the first to the last day of the month, here are my picks on what shows you need to witness. May 1 – LMM Kick off Party At the Gibson Guitar Showroom with live performances by Vallejo and Los Bad Apples. Party also marks the release of the “Austin Music Mezcla” 2009 CD with Featured Artists: Terremoto – Brownout – A.J. Castillo – Los Bad Apples – Michael Ramos & Brian Ramos (collaboration) – Alejandro Escovedo – Tortilla Factory – Bocastria – Vallejo & Del Castillo (collaboration) – Rosie Flores & Patricia Vonne (collaboration) – Conjunto Aztlan – The Executive Life – Myrna Cabello & Haydn Vitera (collaboration) – Frank Gomez & Ruben Ramos (collaboration) – The Sweethearts May 3 – 19th Annual Austin Conjunto Festival @ Fiesta Gardens Get your Conjunto on! Los T-Birds (12:45 pm), *George and Mague (2:00 pm), Letti y El Conjunto Central de Corpus (3:30 pm), Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto (6:30 pm), Los Fantasmas del Valle (7:45 pm), Santiago Jimenez Jr. (9:15 pm) May 3 – Tito and Tarantula @ Emo’s From punk legend the plugz to Desparado flicks, Tito is rock history.
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Vallejo By Paul Saucido
Courtesy Photo
Camilo Lara of Mexican Institute Of Sound (MIS)
May 15 – ALMA’s Viva! Jose Alfredo Jimenez Mariachi Showcase @ El Sol y La Luna It’s Mariachi madness! Featuring Los Castros, Mariachi Mexico Lindo, Karaoke y mas. May 23 – The SaucidoSlant Showcase! @ Flamingo Cantina Featuring Kanko, Bombasta and Este Vato. I’ll be hosting the night with a great line-up that Robert Livar of San Antonio’s Bombasta has wrangled. The big highlight is the newly re-tooled Kanko, featuring members of Charanga Cakewalk. May 30 – Pachanga Music Festival @ Fiesta Gardens Pachanga Fest is back! At Fiesta Gardens this time around. With 3 three stages f Latin madness! Pachanga has added the family element to this year’s festivites. www. pachangafest.com On the Main Stage – Michale Salgado, Mariachi Altenas, an all-female act from San Antonio and the Peligrosa All Stars, put together by the Vajello brothers. Also a family friendly dance party with El Tule. Free Salsa lessons for all! Patio Stage – Austin’s Brownout, Ocote Soul Sounds, Gaby Moreno, and Cordero of New York. Yerba Stage – Latin Alternative amps into high voltage mode with Monterey’s Plastilina Mosh and Mexico City’s Mexican Institute of Sound. MIS’s Camilo Lara has put out a spaz-tastic new album, Soy Sauce! The first 500 tickets sold online will also receive a copy of the news disc. Tickets are $20.00 in advance, and children under twelve are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For a complete guide to the month long festivities www.austinlatinomusic.com
MUSIC CALENDAR
INsite Recommends - MAY 2009 5/1/2009
Death Cab For Cutie w/Matt Costa & Ra Ra Riot Live From The Plaza: Kalua FEDERATION OF HORSEPOWER, THUNDEROSA Billy Steve Korpi’s Birthday – Victims of Leisure, tba The Dark Water Hymnal, Coma in Algiers, Baby Robots Parlor Mob w/Satin Peaches The Austin Lounge Lizards * 29th Anniversary celebration T-Bird And The Breaks/Greyhounds/TBA (Outside) Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit w/Red Cortez Wreckroom: DJ Butcher Bear Grimy Styles Dana Falconberry, Bosque Brown, Monarchs (inside) Manifesto Lust Murder Box CD Release Party also featuring Chant! Osos Peligrosos Showcase: Lasa High School Concert Handshakes and High Fives, Fire From the Gods, By A Long Shot, Within White Shad Barebones Orchestra, Burl Wilkerson Shpongle w/Govinda, G.King & Pharo Brothers And Sisters w/the Happen-Ins, The Black, JC & Co., and Karrie Hopper Duke! The Golden Arm Trio Phoenix Jackson, Scraps of Life, Critical Assembly, Stonedakota, Hard Line Face ASO: Sarah Chang, Violin Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour
Austin Music Hall Austin City Hall Plaza Room 710 Beerland Lamberts Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Cactus Cafe Emo’s Antone’s Red 7 Flamingo Cantina Emo’s Trophy’s Elysium Emo’s Red 7 Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill The Parish Scoot Inn & Bier Garten United States Art Authority Red Eyed Fly The Long Center for the Performing Arts AT&T Center
5/2/2009
OVER THE RHINE Cactus Cafe The TXHC Superbowl w/Bitter End, On My Side, Full Contact, Coptic Times AND MORE Red 7 Soulive feat. The Shady Horns, Nigel Hall Antone’s Flametrick Subs, Tranzig Beerland Dredg w/Torche and Judgement Day Emo’s INsite Night Mike Truth & The Replacement Killers CD Release w/One Eyed Doll, Naked Empire Red Eyed Fly Murder Junkies/The Bulemics/The Ape Shits/ShIt (Last Show Ever) (Inside) Emo’s Sin City Social Club and M&S presents The Mother Truckers, Woodsboss, and Shurman! Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Kaos Radio Show!!!!!! Trophy’s Emalkay, Grommit Flamingo Cantina The Unbearables, One Hundred Flowers, Elaine Greer Lamberts Ultra8201.com presents: Ume, True Widow, The White White Lights La Zona Rosa KTSW 89.9 MR.Fest Various locations Dremnt The End w/Esther LaVonne & The Rottens, The Vehicle Reason Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Wynn Taylor, Chuck Bob Carnes Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill Ritmo 3 El Sol y La Luna Preston Dukes/The Cocker Spaniels/Horse + Donkey Cherrywood Coffeehouse WINE AND REVOLUTION W/CUSTODIAN & WHITE SAILS Creekside live ROGERS PORN COLLECTION, CASSETTE DRIFT, NEO LIBRE, CONFUSED, SUICIDAL FAILURE, IRON CLAD Room 710 Rebecca Havemeyer, Foot Patrol United States Art Authority Teisco Del Rey, Deke Dickerson Continental Club Curtis Clark Trio The Long Center for the Performing Arts SteveSongs One World Theatre RING THE ALARM W/JAH MIGHTY, DJ BABY G, & JR. VIBES ON THE MIC The Parish
5/3/2009
Sonny Rollins Sleepytime Gorilla Museum w/Death is not a joyride. and Opposite Day INsite Night: Road To The Backwoods Bash w/The Banner Year, Will Evans Project, Chartreuse, and Michael Gibson Tito and Tarantula/Micah Omega & the Neon Knights, The Fireants (Inside) Next Up at ALTWorld - BANDS, under age 19, submission forms due by 4/30 Bang Bang Go Local Chili Cookoff w/Shotgun Party, Leo Rondeau, Deadman, and more! KAOS radio’s THE VOMIT PINATA PARTY in the wreckroom FREE! FLAMING HELLCATS Ted Russel Kamp, Heybale w/Redd & Earl TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls: Rhinestone Cowgirls vs. Holy Rollers Texas Rollergirls Afterparty
5/4/2009
The Secret (Italy), Early Graves (Metal Blade), Plague Doctor The Birthday Massacre, I Am Ghost, Dommin: Early show!!! THE INEVITABLE BACKLASH w/English Teeth, You Make Engine (inside) Open Stage * 7pm sign up * hosted by Dan Grissom
5/5/2009
Toubab Krewe Sourvein, Mala Suerte, Curse the Heavens, RISEthyRUIN THE VINCENTS - CD Release Party at Momo’s!!! Cinco de Mayo! with Pinata Protest/Ultratumbados/Desconocidos (Outfloor) Ace Enders/Vedera/Pompeii/Zlam Dunk (Inside) BUTCH HANCOCK (Cinco de Mayo show) DJ Chris Crowley spinning Metal, Punk and Punkmetal! School of Liars, Guncotton Jason Shannon Height w/Friends, Ed Schrader and Guest!
5/6/2009
Lady Gaga w/The Veronicas Band 1420, Sensational Fibs 101X Homegrown Live - NO CONTROL Radio Edition 4th annual SLIMFEST featuring Slim Richey & Friends 8 bit Mania 2: Omega Death One Step Program, Rotton Wisdom, Speakeasy, Tyson Williams (CD Release)
5/7/2009
Perpetual Groove The Freeze|High Watt Crucifixers|tba Green Mountain Grass The Darby Drivers & The Contrabandits KGSR’s “Unplugged at the Grove” Presents: Brave Combo Twilight Broadcast w/Amy Glenn & The Forgotten Heroes, Courrier Drake: Live in Austin! Mario Matteoli, Dave Insely, Mike & The Moonpies, Penny Jo Pullus Chubby Checker Miles’ Birthday Bash: Unspeakable Things, Kaos Calling, Dead Earth Politics, Killing In Apathy
5/8/2009
Bass Concert Hall Red 7 Red Eyed Fly Emo’s Jovita’s Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Red 7 Room 710 Continental Club Austin Convention Center Beerland Red 7 Elysium Emo’s Cactus Cafe Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Red 7 Momo’s Emo’s Emo’s Cactus Cafe Red 7 Red Eyed Fly Continental Club Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Austin Music Hall Chain Drive Red 7 Cactus Cafe Beerland Red Eyed Fly The Parish Red 7 Cactus Cafe Flamingo Cantina Shady Grove Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Spiro’s Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Threadgill’s South World HQ Red Eyed Fly
TERRY ALLEN Live From The Plaza: Mariachi Estrella Richard Buckner w/guest star * Leatherbag EARLY SHOW (5pm) Parkway Drive, Mychildren Mybride, Set Aflame, By A Long Shot The Paper Chase + Valina and Haunting Oboe Music Kings N Things Murder, My Sweet w/She Craves,Underdriven, and Dented The Toadies w/The Willowz Texas Rockabilly Revival Featuring Lemmy Kilmister, Reverend Horton Heat, & Wanda Jackson Lucero w/Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears (outside) Grupo Fantasma with Special Guest Greg Boyer Night One- with Bavu Blakes First Annual Fresh Fest 8pm- Chameleon Kings Drew Smith, Suzanna Choffel The Sideshow Tragedy and Scott H Biram at The Continental Club DJ Jim Bradford FREE IN THE WRECKROOM THE FLASH BOYS, FREE2KILL AGAIN, BLACK PANDA, THE EXTRAVAGANZA Free Show - Focus Group, The Human Circuit, Continental Self Terri Hendrix Dark Summer Dawn (formerly Deejer), Trashy & The Kid, Hammer, Undergrowth, Rosedale Rippingtons ROOTS VS. MURPHY (STS9)
Cactus Cafe Austin City Hall Plaza Cactus Cafe Red 7 The Mohawk Elysium Emo’s Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Nutty Brown Cafe Emo’s Antone’s Flamingo Cantina Beerland Lamberts Continental Club Red 7 Room 710 Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Threadgill’s South World HQ Red Eyed Fly One World Theatre The Parish
5/9/2009
FIRST EVER BREW B QUE w/Fabulous Thunderbirds, Patrice Pike, The Mother Truckers, more Ellis Paul Mike Dillon’s Go Go Jungle CD Release of Rock Star Bench Press w/Hairy Apes BMX Screaming Females, Brickfight, The Dopamines, Send Help, TBA DC4, OKLAHOMOS, TEXAS DEATH SQUAD The Arm Reunion Show, The Lemurs, Good Times Crisis Band (Inside) Old Crow Medicine Show w/Justin Townes Earle When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, Exeter, Black Cock, Joy Bus
Waterloo Park Cactus Cafe The Parish Red 7 Room 710 Emo’s Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Red 7
Glass Candy Los Skarnales & Zydepunks Power Music Movement Presents: Brand Ur Band Live, featuring Three 6 Mafia & Gorilla Zoe Fuzz Club Presented by DJ Sue w/The Minx Reaction (formerly Dans La Lune), DJ Mike Hooker Black Panda, ELR Elery White w/Barry Whitesnake Adam Aguilar, Vato Valley Boys Born To Lose, The Von Ehrics (CD Release), Uncle Lucius, Izzy Cox LZ Love, Big Sam’s Funky Nation Playing To Win: Benefit for LLS w/Greyhounds & Blues Mafia The Brew B Que
The Mohawk Flamingo Cantina Austin Music Hall Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Lamberts La Zona Rosa Threadgill’s North Old No 1 Red Eyed Fly Continental Club Jovita’s 4th & Guadelupe
5/10/2009
Bonnie Raitt Jack’s Mannequin w/Erin McCarley & Matt Nathanson The Krunchies, Plexi 3, Love Collector, Naw Dude, Cruddy Fake Problems w/The Golden Boys, Broken Gold (Inside) The Roller Tour Kick-Off w/Green and Wood, Strider, Eagle Claw Cooper’s Quest Music Benefit Afroman Green River Ordinance (Jack’s Mannequin Aftershow) A Benefit For Max Moses Scott Allen’s Birthday Bash w/Best Love in Town, Convoi, Bob Showdown, Island Nation
Bass Concert Hall Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Beerland Emo’s Red 7 Nutty Brown Cafe Aces Lounge Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Antone’s Red Eyed Fly
5/11/2009
Elvis Perkins in Dearland The Forecast w/Stiletto Formal Amber Pacific/Houston Calls/Farewell/Fight Fair/Driver F (Inside) Other Lives Open Stage * 7pm sign up * hosted by Dan Grissom Isle of White
The Parish Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Emo’s Waterloo Records Cactus Cafe Red Eyed Fly
5/12/2009
311 w/Full Service Texas Tuesdays w/Django Walker Kevin Devine w/Sarah Jaffe, Miniature Tigers, & Brian Bonz Nine Inch Nails w/Jane’s Addiction & Street Sweeper Sequoyah Prep School
Austin Music Hall Aces Lounge Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Frank Erwin Center Red Eyed Fly
5/13/2009
Nico Vega & Red Leaves (inside) 101X Homegrown Live w/The Strange Attractors, STEREO IS A LIE, MoTel Aviv (Emo’s outside) TRCoA Unsigned Artist Competition 2009 101x homegrown: Strange Attractors/STEREO IS A LIE/MoTel Aviv (outfloor) Stacey Miller, Black Shirts, A Good Rodgering, TBA Ted Hadji (Cd release) FREE in the Wreck Room- The Giant Hornets From Japan Vinil Laranja, LeBaron Fairchild, Fate Defy, Mistic Journey
Emo’s Emo’s Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Emo’s Red 7 Cactus Cafe Red 7 Red Eyed Fly
5/14/2009
JIMMY WEBB Ninja Gun, Mike Hale (of Gunmoll, In The Red), Papermoons, F for Fake (inside) Jukebox the Ghost & Jenny Owen Youngs KGSR’s “Unplugged at the Grove” Presents: Ray Wylie Hubbard A Tribute to Flexipop: New Wave, Minimal Wave, All the Waves of the 80s! FREE in the Wreck Room - DJ Edmund LEGACY OF DISORDER (ex King Diamond), TEXAS HATE MACHINE (Corpus), BAT CASTLE, REND Woolgather, Beans N Rice, Dented, The FollowThrough Dave Insely’s Scootenanny w/Texas Sapphires, Horse Opera, Audrey Auld
5/15/2009
Texas Burlesque Fest II Live From The Plaza: AJ Castillo Centro-Matic w/Monahans, Future Clouds & Radar Return to Planet 9 Twenty Year Anniversary w/DJ Roger Wilson (Subspace Freakquency) Beautiful Supermachines, Tre Orsi Slaid Cleaves (everything you love will be taken away” * CD release!)” The Ron Westray/Thomas Heflin Jazz Project RECORDING SESSION! Stinking Lizavetta, Darsombra, Baron Grod, TBA WARTORN (WI), CHO0SE YOUR POISON (WI), TIL DEATH (CORPUS) The Ugly Beats, Amplified Heat, Ripe, & The Reaction (formerly Dans la Lune)- (Inside) See-I Featuring Members of Thievery Corporation Rocksteady Explosion w/Proper Villain Soundsystem, Double Barrel Soundsystem, & Special Live Music Guests FREE in the Wreckroom: DJ Ross Ott playing Rock, Punk, HXC and Oldies. SMOKE AND FEATHERS w/WINE AND REVOLUTION BAXTER BENEFIT - SABBATH CROW, ROOSTER SUICIDE, ELECTRIC CATFISH The Waybacks starring Warren Hood Live Taping Show: The Scotland Yardsale, The Banner Year, Say When, The Buzzkillers, Colours Susan Werner Theater Fire, Some Say Leland
5/16/2009
Pamela Hart’s TRIBUTE to BILLIE HOLIDAY Chain and the Gang, The Hive Dwellers, Peel InSite Night w/The Boxing Lesson, Built by Snow, Your Kisses Cause Crashes Duane Peter’s Gunfight, The Primadonnas, Exile, Blank Generation TV On The Radio w/Little Dragon Liquid Cheese, Subrosa Union & Radio La Chusma Brass and The Bride featuring Soul Rebels Brass Band Izzy Cox Bananas! w/Prince Klassen, Orion, & Guests FREE in the Wreckroom- DJ Angel von Ripper spinning Garage, Punk & Metal classix! Ze Dos Frangos CD Release Party FRIED BREADSTICK SHOW – THE HEROINE, HI-WATT CRUCIFIXERS, YEAR OF THE KID Broken Teeth, Powderburn, Love/Hate/Love Paramount’s 93rd & State’s 73rd Anniversary Gala starring Boz Scaggs Prince Paul
Emo’s Antone’s Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Red 7 Club de Ville Room 710 Threadgill’s South World HQ Red Eyed Fly One World Theatre Lamberts
Cap City Comedy Club Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Emo’s Cactus Cafe Emo’s Hyde Park Bar & Grill South at Westgate Austin Convention Center
The Offspring w/Alkaline Trio & Street Dogs Isis, Pelican Tombs (outside) The Crystal Method w/LA Riots Earth Crisis/Walls of Jericho/Reign Supreme/Unholy/Blood Stands Still (Inside) THE OFFSPRING Towers and Harder to Fall play Room 710 John Chambers Band w/Lee Simmons Tornadho, Starkiller, Realbook Fakebook, TBA White Rhino and friends Ponytail, Harlem, Teenage Cool Kids, Yellow Fever Forgive Durden w/You Me and Everyone We Know, Anarbor (inside) Melvins performing Houdini in entirety 25th Anniversary Melvins in 1983 featuring original drummer Pataphysics Tour Kick-Off Show! w/Dirty Dancing Butch Walker Over The Hill
Elysium Beerland Cactus Cafe Elephant Room Red 7 The Broken Neck
Room 710 Red Eyed Fly The Paramount Theatre Lamberts
Devo Cover Band The Dears w/Great Northern and Eulogies Intronaut/Lions of Tsavo/Baron Grod (Outfloor) The Invincible Czars/Orange Tulip Conspiracy (inside) Open Stage CREAM of THE CROP SHOWCASE * Hosted by Dan Grissom Free in Wreckroom: DJ Scorpio of EZ Action plays 70’s & 80’s New Wave
5/20/2009
Emo’s Austin City Hall Plaza The Parish
Red 7 Cherrywood Coffeehouse
5/18/2009
5/19/2009
Room 710 Red Eyed Fly Scoot Inn & Bier Garten
Elephant Room Emo’s The Parish Red 7 Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Flamingo Cantina Threadgill’s South World HQ Beerland Scoot Inn & Bier Garten
5/17/2009
Swinging Strings Anthropos Arts Annual Student/Teacher Concert Badfish, A Tribute to Sublime w/Scotty Don’t, Eleven Fingered Charlie JESSEE WINCHESTER Comedy Night at Emo’s w/Jim Jeffries, Doug Mellard, Charlie Watkins & MORE! (Inside) Sunday Swing w/The Jitterbug Vipers TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls: Cherry Bombs vs. Hellcats
Cactus Cafe Emo’s Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Shady Grove Elysium Red 7
Red 7 The Parish Emo’s Emo’s Cactus Cafe Red 7 Austin Music Hall Emo’s La Zona Rosa Emo’s The Austin Music Hall Room 710 Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Red 7 Beerland Red 7 Emo’s Emo’s Creekside Lounge Stubb’s Bar-B-Q The Parish
5/21/2009
Chaos In Tejas Presents: Cro-Mags/Skitkids (sweden)/Crude (japan)/ Annihilation Time/FUK (england..ex Chaos UK)/No Tole Tombstone Union, Rend, Scala Dei
Chaos in Tejas: the Bellrays, Broken Gold Yellow Bike Project 12th Anniversary show w/Shearwater! The Indigo Girls w/Lloyd Maines & Terri Hendrix Extra Golden (inside) KGSR’s “Unplugged at the Grove” Presents: Carolyn Wonderland The Steps w/ODIS and Quiet Company FREE IN THE WRECKROOM: DJ Johnny Walker VESPERIAN SORROW, GODHATE (Euro), DEVOLVED (Austalia), AYASOLTEC Lonesome Heroes, Dave Insley, Leo Rondeau, Jeff Hughes & Chaparral
Beerland Red 7 Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Emo’s Shady Grove Antone’s Red 7 Room 710 Scoot Inn & Bier Garten
5/22/2009
Live From The Plaza: Gina Chavez The Vibrators & Urgencies Chaos in Tejas presents: Cock Sparrer (England..first and only time ever in Austin!!)/Brutal Knights/Peligro Social Chaos in Tejas: Drunkdriver with Mattin (Billy Bao), Deflag Haemorrhage, Haien Kontra Rattletree Marimba Letters to Cleo w/Cruiserweight The Alice Rose w/Mario Matteoli - Click “I Like It” for a chance to WIN FREE TIX! The Thermals w/The Shaky Hands, Til We’re Blue or Destroy Balmorhea w/Pompeii & Alex Dupree and the Trapdoor Band FREE in the Wreckroom: DJ’s Frank from Chicago and Justin Bankston Trio Los Panchos
Austin City Hall Plaza Room 710 Emo’s Beerland Central Market North The Parish Hole in the Wall The Mohawk Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Red 7 One World Theatre
5/23/2009
KEVIN FOWLER W/Zack Walther & Cronkites WhiteWater Amphitheatre Honey Boy David Edwards (grammy award winner & legend of the acoustic blues) Cactus Cafe Nakia & His Southern Cousins Cheatham Street Warehouse Chaos in Tejas Presents: The Business, Krumbums, The Broadsiders Red 7 Chaos In Tejas Presents: Times New Viking/Nodzzz/XYX (Mexico), Ratas Del Vaticano (inside) Emo’s Chaos In Tejas Presents: Amebix/Judgement/Pierced Arrows/Outlaw Order Emo’s Chaos in Tejas Beerland Gary Allan Stubb’s Bar-B-Q 1ST ANNUAL ATX PNK/HC/INDEPENDENT RECORD SWAP!!! The Broken Neck Sole (Anticon) & Special Guests Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Fastball The Parish HUG, BABY DICK, INSECT SEX ACT, JAZZUS LIZARD IN THE LOFT! Room 710 Jungua The Long Center for the Performing Arts THE AUSTIN AIR SEX QUALIFYING ROUNDS 2009 Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz
5/24/2009
Chaos in Tejas Presents: Harvey Milk, Mind Eraser, Iron Age Chaos in Tejas: special guests, Young Offenders, Manikin, Deskonocidos Autumn at The Crossings The Duhks Sax for Stacks feat. Gerald Albright & Kirk Whalum
Red 7 Beerland The Crossings Stubb’s Bar-B-Q One World Theatre
5/25/2009
The Dollyrots, The Action Design, The Sweethearts Baby Robots, Cry Blood Apache, Rabbit Fist
Emo’s Plush
5/26/2009
Manchester Orchestra w/FUN (ex-members of The Format and Anathallo), Audrye Sessions & Winston Audio Austin Comedy Trainwreck Jeff Hanson (Kill Rock Stars) w/Pilot Speed (outside)
Emo’s Beerland Emo’s
5/27/2009
The Virgins w/Lissy Trulle, Anya Marina (inside) The Meatmen w/Chapstick, Adrenaline Pigs, The Blind Pets (Outside) Free in the Wreckroom: DJ CYBORG from The Breakfast Club Crew on HIP HOP Nite
Emo’s Emo’s Red 7
5/28/2009
DubYa Bass Night Bob Log III & Willem Maker, El Paso Hot Button Von Iva, The Boxing Lesson, Gliss (inside) TV Torso Cowboy Mouth DJ Mark Twistworthy Dave Insley’s Scootenanny! w/Dallas Wayne, JWW & The Prospectors, Arty Hill Bob Schneider’s Texas Bluegrass Massacre
5/29/2009
LIve From The Plaza: Tiburon Smoke & Feathers, The Diamond Center, & The Tunnels Detroit Cobras w/Dex Romweber Duo (outside) Sin City Social Club Moving Matter w/Grimy Styles & Toast FREE in the Wreckroom: DJ’s Trae and Johnny PUNK TARDZ play Guilty P The Pretty Things Peepshow Austin Lounge Lizards 1964...The Tribute Steve Tyrell
Elysium Red 7 Emo’s Beerland Antone’s Red 7 Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Threadgill’s South World HQ Austin City Hall Plaza Creekside Lounge Emo’s Scoot Inn & Bier Garten The Parish Red 7 Red 7 Threadgill’s South World HQ The Paramount Theatre One World Theatre
5/30/2009
Freakshow-A-Go-Go: Austin, presented by the Austin Drag Collective Preshow at 8:15 Pachanga Latino Music Festival 2009 Plutonium Farmers, Baby Robots, Magic Jewels BRANDI CARLILE The Domino Effect Tara Craig Band and Amanda Lepre General Smiley with McPullish Angladesh, Course Of Ruin, Vehement, Hatchetwork THRONES (Inside) Alpha Rev w/Deadbeat Darling, The Campaign, and Quiet Company Carmen Rizzo Wreckroom: DJ Chris Pfeffer IGNITOR, VOWS IN ASHES, BAT CASTLE, SAKREFIX DARK RABBIT during Happy Hour! Experimental Aircraft, Blackheart Society, The Tunnels, Teen Sensations
5/31/2009
Dirge, By Any Means Necessary, TBA The Atomic Duo (a.k.a: Fat Man and Little Boy) TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls: Rhinestone Cowgirls vs. Putas del Fuego
Emo’s Waterloo Park Club 1808 Cactus Cafe New Orleans Arena Thunderbird Coffee Flamingo Cantina Red 7 Emo’s Antone’s The Parish Red 7 Room 710 Scoot Inn & Bier Garten Red 7 Threadgill’s North Old No 1 Austin Convention Center
6/1/2009
Lorien, Farewell Flight Folsom, Lionheart, Crows Feet, Soulruin TBA
Emo’s Red 7
6/2/2009
The Kids Are Alright Fest BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW Mr. Lif, Willie Evans Jr., Notion & Kill City Bryan Adams Solo & Acoustic
Emo’s The Mohawk Red 7 The Paramount Theatre
6/3/2009
Brian McNiell & Ed Miller (The Scottish Titans) Langhorne Slim w/Samantha Crain Passion Pit (outside) Japandroids (Inside) Rarest of Them All Cave
Cactus Cafe The Parish Emo’s Emo’s The Long Center for the Performing Arts Beerland
6/4/2009
The FLATLANDERS (Jimmie Dale * Joe Ely * Butch Hancock w/guest star * Ryan Bingham) Robin Trower FREE in the wreckroom: DJs Ben Blackout and Stevie Sparks Morakestra w/White White Lights
6/5/2009
Animal Collective w/Black Dice (sold out) Live From The Plaza: Tje Austin Bonnie Prince Billy Bachelorette w/Pikelet VAST, Exit Sinsations Burlesque Show The Spirit of Flamenco: song , music & dance Ladyfingers Mothers Anthem w/Meriwether
Cactus Cafe La Zona Rosa Red 7 The Parish Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Austin City Hall Plaza The Mohawk Emo’s Elysium Red 7 Esquina Tango Beerland The Parish
6/6/2009 Emo’s Elysium
Girl in a Coma, The Boxing Lesson, Miss Derringer (outside) EARLY SHOW: Fire From The Gods, Ghosts of Rome, Antartica, TBA Constantines, Crystal Antlers, I Was a King (inside)
Emo’s Red 7 Emo’s
List your show on do512.com by May 22 to be considered for june's Music Calendar
sun, may 3
holy rollers vs. rhinestone cowgirls
y 17 mavs. n, su hellcats bombs cherry 31 y ma n, su rhinestone cowgirls vs. putas del fuego all bouts held at the Austin Convention center doors open at 6pm, bout starts at 7pm get ticket and other info at txrd.com can’t make it to the bout? check out our live webcast at txrd.com!
AUS TI N ’ S OTH E R E NTE R TA I N M E NT M AGA ZI N E
PG 15
MUSIC
By Chuck Loesch
I
am on the air every Friday night for my
wealthy and live completely off the grid and own a car
Gone are the days of an analog lifestyle, I grasp at
show NO CONTROL Radio. I have been in
that ran off my own farts or something, but now I google
pieces of it, I remarked last month about my return to
the radio business for over a decade now.
myself and all my old friends, I tweet messages at a show,
Vinyl as an alternative to the inundation of singles and
When I started in college, I was still cutting
about the show that I should be watching, I bulletin about
digital media. It is time we take opportunities to truly
and splicing tape, running cart machines and pioneered
my show during my show and upload drunken photos
disconnect, and I don’t mean that spot on MoPac where
our first computer-scheduling program in 1996. I used
before I am hungover.
your Blackberry won’t pick up messages, but truly turn
to subscribe to music magazines and do my research at
I don’t want to be one of those old guys reminiscing
Sundance Records’ (San Marcos, TX) used section for all
about days gone by, but it seems so far in the distant past
types of music.
was a time where I waited for an entire hour to get one
It sounds rather appealing, but I am not entirely sure
There are some obvious changes that have happened
naked girl on my 14in screen, and now I am typing this
I would be able to survive. We are haunted by these every-
in all of our lives over the past decade. I mean aside from
diatribe with three other pages open, myspace and face-
day things, which have taken hold of our lives, but have
mortgages, car loans, kids, and careers. When I used to
book updates popping up in my speakers, and MSNBC
come to depend upon them for everything. I have no idea
do my college radio show, I had a newspaper, and a wall
picking up the news in the background too.
where my friends live, how to send out invites to par-
of CDs and records. That was about it. Computers were
Are we built to take this kind of input? Is it any won-
getting there, but that was a luxury and mainly for the
der why I feel overloaded? Maybe my brain is about to
limited music library we had on hard drive.
explode? This type of voluntary torture has made my
Last week on my show I was logged in to no less than
attention span miniscule. Granted being able to come up
five different web sites for everything from blogging,
with the word ‘miniscule’ was only with the help of the-
concert updates, news and information and, of course,
saurus.com, but most of my communication with any one
tweeting.
these days is usually in 140 characters or less.
off the electronics and disconnect from this electronic control system that has become our lives.
ties, or write a letter without my trusty computer to spell check and quest for maps. I find it amusing at this point that, as someone who had so wanted to be unplugged, by virtue of my job, has been drug into the digital world. I don’t think I put up that big of a fight, at least until now when it has become yet another responsibility. Hopefully you are reading this
In a three-hour period of time I tweeted, blogged,
Just belting out this article is getting incredibly taxing,
updated, and uploaded over thirty times. I have become
thoughts of texting my bro about how hard it is to come
connected, and it happened seemingly overnight. I didn’t
up with this stuff distracts me (and oh yeah, he agrees it
even realize how much it had permeated every facet of
must be difficult). I think this was supposed to be about
my being.
music or something. Anyway, attention spans get shorter
Be Sure to Listen to NO CONTROL Radio every
as media inundates us, and we lose our connection with
Friday night at 10pm on 101X, and check out more of
I swear I didn’t ask for it, didn’t really even want it. I was hoping that someday I could be independently
the world around us.
fractured tirade with a magazine in hand, but if you are reading on-line, I think you just got a new message in your inbox.
my rantings online at www.nocontrolradio.com.
LOCAL and national TRAXX
Neiliyo – People Skills Digital releases are becoming the preferred format of many artists although many of their fans still enjoy buying hard copies of music regardless of the mp3 revolution. After first hearing the self-proclaimed “solo electro-funktionaire” Neiliyo on MySpace and reading an announcement of a digital LP release available as a free download, it became an offer many Neiliyo fans and new listeners couldn’t refuse. Neiliyo is in demand at parties, and live music venues that aren’t afraid of music powered by Powerbooks. Want proof? As of press time, People Skills is #19 on KVRX 91.7 FM’s Topless 39. His popularity may have a lot to do with local party hit “Ain’t Over”, which closes out the digital LP. The professional party-starter’s “Invitation Only” opens with electro/funk attitude reminiscent of Prince, pitching woo to the ladies on the dance floor. It rolls into a synthesized funk and guitar jam about breaking up, “Bigger Freaks”. With “U + I”, Neiliyo rebounds with more synth dance-inducing beats. The electro/funk man’s other party anthem, “Kinda Pissed” has a similar effect that sounds repetitive in theme lyrically, but the balance of guitar and synth sounds make it a charming recording. M AY 2 0 0 9
P G 16
Other standout tracks like “Quick Crush” and “Tru Funk” are well composed, with sharp hooks and choruses that are more universally uplifting than MC bragging. In less than 30 minutes, Neiliyo proves he has the people skills to make an entertaining digital release that connects with listeners as well as his live shows. But for the old school hard copy lovers, may one fan suggest an official CD release for the next LP? Go to Neiliyo.com for one man band updates and to find out how to get the hookup with People Skills, plus a free download of Copywriting 101: The Mixtape, Neiliyo’s first release. – Danna Williams
WILLIE NELSON – Naked Willie (Legacy/RCA) At 75, with his legacy as a national musical treasure already firmly cemented, you’d think Willie Nelson would at least take a little time off to relax. On average, the prolific cowboy churns out at least two or three releases a year. This year looks to be no different. Just three months into 2009, Naked Willie is his first offering for 2009. The record takes 17 of Nelson’s songs recorded between 1966-1970, when he was signed to RCA– all admittedly very slick, over-
polished tunes when they were originally released– and strips away the veneer. Back in those days, Willie had little say about the arrangements or the musicians that backed him up. Now that he’s got more pull, Nelson and his longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael have taken out the sappy string arrangements and hokey backing choruses and released the songs as Willie had originally envisioned them. The result, though not a massive departure, is definitely an improvement. Songs like “Laying My Burdens Down,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “I Just Dropped By” sound much better without the unnecessary musical distractions. For those who have failed to succumb to the charm of Nelson’s songwriting brilliance over the past three decades, Naked Willie isn’t likely to change their minds. But to fans of the redheaded stranger, this album is definitely worth owning. – John Moore
Chris Isaak – Mr. Lucky (Reprise) The sultry, retro-pop sounds of Chris Isaak and Silvertone have not had a full length release of new material until now entitled Mr. Lucky. He is the epitome of cool; a modern day musical version of an
Elvis and Roy Orbison combination, the movie swagger of James Dean, and simply pure eye candy for the ladies. In his twenty plus year musical career, no one has come close to mimicking his smooth sound, heartfelt songwriting or stylish performance. He is a unique musician and a total class act. For Mr. Lucky, Isaak keeps his signature sound, but blends in elements of modern rock music to give his music an expanded texture. This is evident on the 2002’s Always Got Tonight, and he continues the experiment here. From the beginning to the end—or should I say from cover to cover (he designed it)— the music flows fluidly with a mixed bag of ballads, love songs, and some poppin’ little rockers. What sets Mr. Lucky aside from previous releases is Chris doesn’t stay within one genre and touches down in other fields of interests. The addition of Scott Plunkett and Rafael Padilla add musically add to the expansion of Isaak’s modern venture through the addition of keyboards and added percussion. The alternative country opener Cheater’s Town is a somewhat different opening track for Isaak, but once the song kicks in, the familiar and lovable beat and rockin’ rhythm of his longtime sound embraces you emotionally and from that point, there is no escape or wanting to leave. We Let Her Down is a melodramatic melodic rocker that takes the pop route, but quite expectable for a first single. Of the two duets upon the release, the one with longtime friend Michelle Branch I Lost My
Theatre
Much Ado in May: Austin Theater By Brian Paul Scipione
W
hen it comes to the Dramatic Arts, Austin is a small pond with a lot of big fish, or maybe it’s a big pond with a lot of big fish, or maybe it’s a mystical pool at the center of the country that basks in the theatrical run-off of Chicago, New York, and L.A. What it is not, is just another college town with a lot of clownish aspirants mumbling stilted Mamet monologues to a half full audience of faithful friends and obligated family members. It doesn’t take a month of living here for the average Californian to realize that there are enough musical acts here that they can define their tastes by not only which bands they like but by which groups they absolutely hate, which venues have the best sound systems, and which attract the most vaulted regulars. The same can be said for Austin’s theatrical productions; there are more than enough artistic visions to go around. Something to suit anyone’s particular taste, whether they are classic, surreal, absurdist, Shakespearean, tragic or musical. It seems like Austin devotees of the muse come and go like wild flowers each Spring, bringing with them a new crop of original plays and daring interpretations of old standards: which isn’t to say that the old heavyweights aren’t still showing the neophytes how it’s done. From May 22 till June 28, The Fantasticks explodes onto the Austin Playhouse Theater’s Penn Field Stage (www.austinplayhouse.com). Not only is this musical old hat to the Austin Playhouse players, who count it among their first smash hits, but it holds the record as the world’s longest running musical with a 42 year run and 17,162 performances. This musical’s undeniable popularity may have something to do with all the familiar stories its plot borrows from. Loosely based on Edmund Rostand’s The Romancers, The Fantasticks contains elements of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and every other standard love story from The Iliad on down. Harvey Schmidt, who wrote the music, began collaborating with Tom Jones, who wrote the book and lyrics, when they were both students at the University of Texas at Austin. So it’s only fitting to celebrate Austin theater with a worldwide success that had its origins in these same fair hills. Or maybe you prefer to watch a production on one of these fair hills. Well then Austin Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet longs for your fair atten-
Heart possesses stronger spirituality in the typical Isaak fashion where simple is always best; it is not overdone and pure emotional spilled upon true heartbeat. And what a way to end! Big Wide Wonderful World, along with the horn accompaniment, is the perfect end of the night Vegas style ender for a soon to be classic. Mr. Lucky is another addition to the never ending catalog of a true genius. Maybe he’ll read this review and invite me to discuss it on his new show…. – Kenneth Deville
Joanna Barbera – Carnival Beginning Comparisons may automatically be made with indie folk pop darling Ani Di Franco from the first track, “Just As Well”, but Austin via California musician Joanna Barbera distinguishes herself with personal lyrics that traverse a poetic, self-reflective journal, complimented by polished hooks. Standout “Forgotten Trail” sparkles brief ly with a former lover’s knowledge, and serves as a proper introduction to potentially the next star singersongwriter to rise from the local ranks. “Goin’ Down” country ‘n’ gospel roots feel punctuated by a sinner’s unrepentant sentiments. The background vocals, violins and percussion provide an excellent, eclectic prop for the lamenting “Bus
tion. Located at 2206 William Barton Drive, a few minutes amble from the pool at Barton Springs you will find the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater. The play is free and runs most Thursdays through Sundays in May and part of June. You provide the blanket; the stars above provide the atmosphere and the youthful players before you provide a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic. Here’s an intriguing hint: Texas in the 1940’s. Check www.austinshakespeare.org for more details. But enough of the tried and true, maybe you want to venture into unexplored territory with a local original work. Well then there is no better recommendation than the Vortex Repertory Company’s world premiere of Oceana by Bonnie Cullum and Content Love Knowles. The Vortex, which hits its landmark 21st season this year, is located at 2307 Manor Road. They have won countless local awards including most recently the B. Iden Payne Awards for Outstanding Production of Musical Theater and Outstanding Director of Musical Theater but they are far from resting on their laurels. This production of Oceana includes live music, a dazzling lighting scheme, fantastical costumes and actual indoor rain. Their website (www.vortexrep. org) warns you to “Beware the Splash.” But a few drops
Romeo and Juliet
Stop.” And the easy shifting of gears to deliver cool ballad “Drive On” confirms this debut LP is just the beginning of a distinguished musical journey. Overcoming first impressions may be a challenge for some listeners, but appreciation of Barbera’s songwriting craft and top-notch execution will leave a lasting impression and a desire to experience Carnival Beginning live. Joanna Barbera is RIYL: Cat Power, Patty Griffin and Gillian Welch. Discover more about the artist online at reverbnation.com/joannabarbera. The CD is also available to order via CDBaby. com. – Danna Williams
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Art of Field Recording Volume II (Dust-To-Digital) Picking up in 2007 right where the landmark Anthology of American Folk Music left off, the first installment of Dust-toDigital’s Art of Field Recording established University of Georgia art professorturned-amateur folklorist Art Rosenbaum alongside legends like Harry Smith and Alan Lomax as one of the greatest documenters of this nation’s musical history. Universally lauded by critics and collectors alike, the 4-CD boxed set recently
can only add realism to the journey of the Gulf Girl as she travels through the various underwater mythologies from around the world. And what a panoply of mythical creatures that have been filling the sunburned daydreams of all the mariners in history: the mermen and mermaids, the Sirens of Greece, the Olokun of Africa, the Selkie of Northern Scotland, the Lakshmi of India, the Sedna from the frozen Arctic waters and the Chalchiuhtlicue Central Mexico just to name a few. If any company can take you away to another land (even if it is inundated with water) the performers and production team of the Vortex can. These three productions are just a small sampling of what’s happening in May. Spoilt for quantity is one thing, but in Austin you’re also spoilt for quality. won a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album, whetting fans’ appetites just in time for the release of Volume II. It’s safe to say that if you loved the first edition, you’ll love the second. With the same subtitle (“Fifty Years of Traditional American Music Documented By Art Rosenbaum”), similar packaging (four cardboard-cased discs inside an albumshaped box) and equally impressive liner notes (featuring extensive track annotations and Rosenbaum’s photos and paintings of his subjects), the set is an immersive experience designed to take listeners on a journey through the past 50 years of American folk, blues, gospel, bluegrass and country music. Though the compilation features a few notable names, such as the Balfa Brothers, Scrapper Blackwell, Buell Kazee and Ola Belle Reed, the vast majority of the musicians are largely unknown. But upon listening, it’s difficult to determine why obscure artists such as Walnut Grovebased Golden River Grass (with its spirited bluegrass take on the gospel classic “Over In The Glory Land”) or Bronwood’s Cecil Barfield (who tackles “Georgia Blues” with a fiery old-time passion and a voice every bit as distinctive as John Lee Hooker’s) never made it beyond the backwoods borders of their small Georgia towns. No matter. Ultimately, Art Rosenbaum has made them each stars in their own right, and in the process made himself a virtual lock for yet another Grammy nod next year. – Bret Love
DOOM – Born Like This (Lex) If Doom isn’t the oddest man in hip-hop, he and #1 almost certainly come from the same galaxy. This character, raised on Long Island but somehow teleported to Atlanta in the late ‘90s, has worked with animated co-stars (the Cartoon Network collabo The Mouse and the Mask) and done several CDs under several pseudonyms. No matter. He’ll still come out with a peculiar project that excites fans, amazes critics and bewilders just about everyone else that dares to listes. Wit h t his latest head-scratcher, Doom’s (“M.F. Doom” is soooo 20th century) sound can best be described as WuTang Clan meets The Watchmen. There are so many interludes and random blips happening here, you won’t know if “Cellz” and “Batty-Boys” are tracks or movie trailers. At least with the sound effectsfree “Ballskin,” the Raekwon-killed “Yessir!” and the Tony Starks-backed “Angelz,” we get a more solid glimpse of where Doom’s going. But on “Still Dope,” relative unknown Empress Starhh goes crazy over breezy orchestration. Damn, guess our wacky lead is starting to rub off on others... – DeMarco Williams
AUS TI N ’ S OTH E R E NTE R TA I N M E NT M AGA ZI N E
P G 17
MOVIE REVIEWS right time to develop and mesh. Though
through the wretched Paul Blart: Mall
Drift, drained the fun, lost the actors of
not in the historical league of the afore-
Cop. Fast forward 3 months to only the
the original (Walker stayed around for “2”,
mentioned political thriller, this piece is a
second mall cop movie ever made and
Diesel cameod in “Drift” with a promise
solid spring entry and could end up as one
you’ve got one of my favorite movie-going
of producing the next installment) and
of the best thriller-dramas of the year.
experiences of the year.
somehow managed to make driving with
- Bobby McCurdy
STATE OF PLAY As far as political journalism thrillers go, the gold standard is and will always be All the President’s Men. A transcendent work describing the process of two reporters taking down the most powerful man in the world, the movie hits every nuance and is riveting theater. The most recent entrant to the esoteric genre is State of Play, a piece that brings together a tightly woven story with a big-name cast to form one of the better thrillers in recent memory. After a congressman’s (Ben Affleck) mistress is murdered, a Washington reporter (Russell Crowe) and a blogger (Rachel McAdams) are assigned to the story. Through their investigation they learn the case involves several murders, deception, a military contractor, and general conspiracy all around. The two reporters must settle their differences in age and medium, deal with their frenzied editor (Helen Mirren), and get to the bottom of the story that they’ve quickly become embroiled in. The story begins by shooting off in a variety of directions and stays confusing for a good portion of the film. The movie settles for clichés initially, and the feuds between the print reporter and the blogger are forced and unnecessary. As the investigation heats up, the talent of the cast really shines and brings the picture together. Most noteworthy are Mirren as the foul-mouthed editor, and a serious turn by Jason Bateman as a sleazy promoter with intimate connections to the mistress. As usual, Crowe and McAdams turn in steady performances that keep the plot moving Directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), the movie starts slow but soon picks up a breathless pace that culminates in a solid resolution. The presence of such big names could have hurt the movie, but Macdonald is careful
Fighting, a misnamed movie presenting itself as a look into the world of underground fighting in New York City, really contains quite a bit of everything except fighting. It has a lot of talking and it has
the n M AY 2 0 0 9
The fourth and latest installment,
Ronnie Barnhardt, a depressed and psy-
Fast & Furious, aka “(The) Fast and (the)
chotic mall cop hungry for more power
Furious (4)”, is an attempt to revamp the
and obsessed with Brandi (Anna Faris), a
once exciting series by bringing back the
makeup counter girl in a department store.
(ironically) four main characters (Walker,
After a series of incidents by a flasher at
Diesel, and the two supporting ladies:
the shopping plaza, he takes it upon him-
Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster)
self to declare war on the perv, enlisting
and sticking them in a script that follows
his “deputy” mall cops and rejecting any
the basics of the original, that is, cop and
and all help from the local police.
criminal must work together in order
The tone of the film is decidedly
to get at the really bad guy who they are
dark, and it seems that while director
both after. This time it’s a notorious drug
Jody Hill set out to make a black com-
lord named Arturo Braga (John Ortiz).
edy when writing the script (he admits
Toretto (Diesel) and O’Conner (Walker)
being stoned the whole time), he never
both get a job running heroin in packs of
expected the outrage and backlash the
muscle cars across the US-Mexico border
film is receiving. Most of this dialogue is
doesn’t have much fighting. (I counted
focused on a scene that may or may not
three fights total, lasting probably around
be depicting date rape: Brandi lies there,
ten percent of the entire film.)
seemingly unconscious after a night of
Shawn, a young hustler on the streets
pills and tequila shots, while Ronnie
of NYC (Channing Tatum) defends him-
conducts intercourse on top of her. Sud-
self in a street fight after getting robbed
denly he stops to check to see if she’s even
and is seen by a promoter (Terrence How-
breathing. The audience sits in shock for a
ard) who decides to take him under his
moment, not believing what’s happening,
wing. Putting him in fights with crowds
until she, in a flustered tone, asks why
of about 8 people, somehow he manages
he’s stopped. Add all this to heroin use,
to place bets worth thousands of dollars
tazing helpless people, racism towards
as he moves Shawn up the ladder. But
various minorities and beating up kids
alas, as he moves towards his next match
and you’ve got yourself Travis Bickle: Mall
he is pressured to throw the fight for a
Cop. (Not to say that director Hill is quite
quick and easy buck.
Scorsese in 1976.)
Tatum, who we’ve previously seen in
Despite previous Hollywood déjà vu’s
Step-Up and Stop Loss, gives such a lousy
such as Deep Impact/Armageddon, Finding
and steadily annoying performance that I could hardly stand to watch him. Conversations filled with awkward and poorly delivered dialogue are consistent throughout, whether they’re with him and his trainer (Howard) or his sexual interest Zulay (whose character is bizarrely named Zulay as well). I went to this movie to see fighting. I mean that was pretty much the only reason. I wanted the cheesy and clichéd training montages with inspirational
Nemo/Shark Tale, and Capote/Infamous, it’s still beyond belief that two mall cop movies could come out within a few months of each other. But as you can see with the previous examples, there tends to be one that stands head and shoulders above the other. Make no mistake: Rogen’s mall cop buries Kevin James and his Segway into the ground, but expect the morbid humor that comes along with it. - Cole Dabney
working for the mysterious Braga after successfully completing a race across the busy streets of Los Angeles using voice guided GPS systems. Toretto, who wants to kill the kingpin after his former lover is killed, is still bitter towards O’ConnEr after the FBI egent successfully infiltrated his gang, but doesn’t rat him out as he tries to apprehend Braga to save his job at the Bureau. The problem with the film in terms of being a “revamp” is that director Justin Lin and writer Chris Morgan were the duo that brought us “Tokyo Drift”, and there are so many other directors and writers who could have brought a hint of creativity to this attempted facelift to the franchise. Lin, who also crafted the atrocity that was Annapolis, seems clueless behind the camera but delivers exactly what I’m sure Universal asked for when they signed him on to the project: a formulaic picture with big action racing scenes filled with lame explosions and a variety of sequences where Vin Diesel looks off into space while contemplating his next move. I’m curious about Morgan, who wrote Wanted, a movie from last summer that I enjoyed tremendously; it seems that he has quite a bit of talent but will sell out for the right price.
music, the shady trainer turning his back on the protégé he picked up from the
The title of the film, which may seem
streets and more than anything I wanted
curious to most, comes with the slogan
a ton of fighting. I mean, the movie is
“New Model… Original Parts”. Unfortu-
called fighting!! How can there possibly
nately the new model is much slower and
be such a small amount of fighting?! I
a lot less exciting, and the original parts
know I’m saying the word ‘fighting’ itself
(especially Walker) still can’t act. Fast &
quite a bit, but do not despair, it’s inten-
Furious is not fast, furious or worth your
tional; because a movie called fighting
time.
should have a lot of fighting in it.
– Cole Dabney
- Cole Dabney
FAST & FURIOUS Eight years ago, The Fast and the Furious took moviegoers by storm and created a new legion of illegal street racing around the country. Featuring the relatively unknown (and slightly talentless) Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, the film burst onto the scene with implausible (but entertaining) high speed racing, hot girls, and a fun cop/bad guy having to team up action story. Despite it’s flaws the movie was
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nitrous oxide, well, dull.
comedic powerhouse, takes on the roll as
a lot of standing around, but it really
ake d ac c o un t
a n t. c om
throughout and gives each character the
FIGHTING
Seth Rogen, an ever-growing subtle
OBSERVE AND REPORT
well conceived and an overall good time.
One of my least favorite movie-going
Unfortunately it’s two sequels, 2 Fast 2
experiences thus far in 2009 was sitting
Furious and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo
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