AUSTIN
LOCALE
es XGam n Editio
YOUR GUIDE TO ENJOYING THE CAPITAL CITY
SUMMER 2014
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LETTER FROM THE SHANNON SCHMITZ GROUP
Thank you for picking up our magazine! We are a small group of luxury realtors here in Austin, and LOCALE Austin is very simply an expression of our love affair with our city. Inside this issue you’ll find an eclectic mix of the people, places and events that make people say, “Only in Austin!”. We like to find Austin gems and celebrate them, and we pride ourselves on knowing our city and staying connected to what’s going on in the backyards we share. There are so many outstanding aspects of Austin to see and experience – Austinites have equal access to incredible, natural beauty and innovative, urban coolness. Our features in this edition of LOCALE exemplify the kind of unique qualities we have in Austin: from Lisa Rodman’s philanthropic entrepreneurship, to Phil Crawshay’s uniquely exquisite photography, to the upcoming X Games Austin experience. We hope to be a guide in your experience of Austin luxury.
We are all certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists, and what luxury means to us is having access to the best resources. What that means to you is that no matter what price range your home falls in, it will be marketed like a multi-million dollar estate. We know you are not always ready to buy or sell property, but when you are, please give us a call. Enjoy!
Shannon T. Schmitz, Morgan Smith & Kimberly Montonati
THE SHANNON SCHMITZ GROUP AT AUSTIN PORTFOLIO REAL ESTATE 1611 W. FIFTH STREET, SUITE 100 | AUSTIN TEXAS 78703 WWW.SHANNONSCHMITZGROUP.COM | (512) 466-5224 2
CONTENTS
SUMMER ‘14
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PHIL CRAWSHAY AN UP-AND-COMING AUSTIN ART PHOTOGRAPHER’S VIEW
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LISA RODMAN
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XGAMES
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XGAMES TWO WHEELS
AN EXPERIENCED PHILANTHROPIC RESEARCHER TALKS ABOUT THE PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN STARTING A PRIVATE FOUNDATION
XGAMES SKATEBOARDING THE COMPETITIONS, RILEY HAWK & DAVID REYES
BMX, MOTO X
20 XGAMES FOUR WHEELS RALLYCROSS, SUPER TRUCKS
PHOTO CREDIT: EVAN GEARING PHOTOGRAPHY
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22 XGAMES MUSIC 23 LA VIDA LOCALE SUMMER EVENTS IN AUSTIN
Phil Crawshay By Adrienne Foreman
Phil Crawshay has two beautiful galleries in Austin where he displays his exquisitely detailed, large-format, fine art photography. Every piece is hand crafted and produced at his gallery, and he seems able to turn any scene into a rich, deep, and meaningful piece of art.
Phil met with us at his downtown gallery in the Omni to talk about his business, photography and Austin. The walls of his gallery are covered with examples of his photography work. The colors are beautiful. The size is grand. The detail draws you in. The Crawshay Gallery represents the rise of quality art and retail to the ever-changing Austin scene. How did you get into photography? I’ve done a lot of different things and I’m a very creative person. One of my creative outlets was going to take over in the end, and my photography gives me the greatest satisfaction. Looking back everything I have done in my life has led to my photography career. I was born in Miami but I grew up in London. I started paying attention to computer graphics in my teens. I worked for the BBC in London for several years doing visual editing. Then, I fell into computer animation and freelanced for companies working on their corporate identity. I really started dedicating myself to photography about seven years ago. I wanted to do large format luxury photography and so I started learning the process that you can now see in my gallery.
How did you start specializing with this format and process? Digital photography hit the market quickly and it seemed that everyone I met wanted to be a photographer. I wanted to be different and have a huge WOW factor, and it seemed natural to me to do large format landscape photography. The process I use is very specialized, expensive and requires a lot of skill. Only four or five people in the whole of the US produce photography in this way. I print onto metallic paper and fuse the print onto an acrylic sheet, which gives it this vibrancy that you can’t get traditionally. You can see the images almost glow. I am always asked if they’re backlit, but it’s coming from the print itself.
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“Most of my large format sales have been local scenes. The skyline, Hamilton Pool… then I picked iconic scenes from across the nation including Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Colorado, and Bryce Canyon.”
How long does this post-processing take? The process can take a day or two. Framed pieces can take four or five days just because of the size of the piece. What about the shoots themselves? Each picture is multiple shots, sometimes up to 200. They can take up to twenty minutes at a time depending on the lighting condition. You can’t just point and shoot. Each photograph takes a lot of planning. If I shoot on location, I may be waiting for several hours or days to get the right light and weather conditions. I often don’t have a second chance.
What’s the biggest picture you’ve done? I would say… probably 40”x96.” I can go much larger, but I just don’t have the wall space to display them. They’re also more expensive to produce, so my large photos are usually custom-ordered by a customer. I try to appeal to all budgets and tastes where I can. However, the large pieces are my passion. That’s what I enjoy doing most.
Why did you move to Austin? I’m a US citizen, but I didn’t live here until my 30’s. When I decided to come home, Austin seemed to fit what I wanted. You hear a lot about Austin in London, primarily SXSW. Also being a musician, this interested me. It certainly seemed like a creative hub and a great entrepreneurial area. Austin just seemed like a great place to get started, so I moved here about eight years ago.
Does it live up to your expectation? Austin is amazing and Texans are such welcoming people. I can say that
we absolutely love it here. Austin has changed an awful lot in the eight years we have been here. There is no real photography scene, so I hope I can help make a difference. Someone said to me recently that a lot of the people in Austin who are looking for high-end furniture or art tend to shop in Houston and Dallas, where there is more choice.
really cool.
I see my work as a luxury brand and I think I’m here at the right time. So many people are moving here with different expectations. I hear from time to time people saying they don’t want Austin to change, but it really has become a worldwide destination in so many aspects. I don’t think Austin will ever lose its wonderful charm though.
There is always something going on - and something crazy. I remember the first time we experienced Eeyore’s birthday – we didn’t know what was going on - everyone wearing crazy hats - nobody believed me back in the UK. I love the lake… that is, I did before it disappeared. I am seriously into my BBQ’ing and I am in my back yard, pretty much every night, cooking. In fact, I don’t think my wife has cooked in two years. The music scene is amazing and I’ve managed to see some of my all-time favorite bands while living here. Some of the venues are really intimate, it’s just fantastic. I saw Crowded House with maybe 200 people at Stubbs. I’d have to see them at a stadium back in London.
Entrepreneurially, it’s easy to get stuff done here but it took me a while to get used to it when I first moved here, especially coming from England where the sun doesn’t shine so much - or get so hot! I used to find it amusing going to a nice restaurant wearing a suit when most people were in flip-flops and shorts. I don’t think you will ever see me in flip-flops but you’ll definitely see me in shorts. So it was a bit of a culture shock but I just love the vibe here and made the right choice.
You said there isn’t a big photography scene; do you have any other favorite artists here? I love the art scene here; it is so diverse from the bohemian in East Austin to the galleries on West 5th. One of the artists I have met that also showed some of her work in my gallery is Fallon Bartos. Her work is great and her pieces are made from solder blobs and paint. I hope she doesn’t mind my description of ‘blobs’ but believe me they’re
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You never know what the next change will be in Austin. It just seems to happen so quickly and I am very excited about being part of the scene.
What are your favorite things about Austin?
As your photography goes, what’s your favorite thing to shoot in Austin? The skylines. There is so much detail, and you can always see something new in the shot. Texas skylines are hard to shoot, but when I get it right they are truly beautiful scenes. We have spectacular sunsets here too. I’ll be driving along and see one and it’s just perfect.
How do you choose your shoots in general? I started with local scenes because that’s what people want to see. Most of my large format sales have been local scenes. The skyline, Hamilton Pool… then
I picked iconic scenes from across the nation including Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Colorado, and Bryce Canyon. As fall approaches, I’ll be off to Massachusetts. I definitely look at what contemporaries are doing. If you go to Las Vegas and visit the photographic galleries, you can see a lot of what I’m doing there. However, you will pay more than 20x what you would pay for my work right now. In Vegas, it was the photographer, Peter Lik, that originally inspired me.
What’s your best shoot story? The most demanding shoot I’ve done so far was Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. It was incredibly dangerous with my equipment (and me) just millimeters away from the edge of a 1000 foot drop. We hiked a mile in to the desert and a mile back with heavy equipment in 110 degrees heat, and my little dog – I have a little Dachshund Sheltie - the ground was so hot on her paws, so along with carrying my equipment I had to give her a piggy back too – it was exhausting. Doing this type of photography is generally pretty demanding. It takes a lot of concentration and hoping the light or weather doesn’t change in the time frame I’m taking the picture. The Antelope Canyon trip was another great experience. This canyon has only been accessible by permit since 1997, when the Navajo Tribe made it a Navajo Tribal Park. A stunning area and very spiritual - what an amazing place!
What’s it like working with your customers? Pretty much 90% of what I do is custom.
The pieces hanging in my gallery are for sale, but generally my gallery is just a showcase of what I can do. People come in with specific requirements, and frequently ask for help in making decisions on framing and size options. I find the best way to work with my customers is to have them send me a photo of the wall they want to hang the piece and I will superimpose the piece into their photo. They then get a good idea of the look. This certainly has been a great way to sell my work. One in a hundred who walks into the gallery will buy and I really do enjoy working with them to get the exact piece and framing right The final bit is my favorite - if my customer is local, I deliver and hang the photograph on their wall. I can’t tell you how great it is to see my work in someone’s house or office – an incredible experience for me.
Do they choose locations personal to them? There are a million different reasons why people buy a photograph. They want the skyline because their home is in it; they got engaged at the top of the 360 bridge look over or they spent time as a kid in Hamilton Pool. Maybe they’re leaving Texas, and they want a memory to take it with them. Very frequently it is just because they love my photo, think it’s beautiful and it works for them.
Do you sell more for personal spaces or business locations? Both, it’s really down the middle and to both men and women as well. If it’s a couple, I find it’s usually the woman that make the the final decision. It’s so nice to know the pieces are hanging statewide… nationwide! I also ship my work Worldwide. I shipped a piece to Australia
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just the other day.
Do you ever have showings or participate in art festivals? I haven’t yet as it’s not that easy since my work is so large but I am currently working on an event in a few months to showcase my new work . I am hoping to show at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in December this year.
Is there anything else you want Austin to know? I absolutely love what I do and I know I am fortunate to wake up every day and have a great job to work at. I am entirely selftaught and I do the whole process from the taking the photography right down to the mounting and framing. I make all my pieces out of my gallery in the Omni Hotel, downtown, Austin. You can watch me making a piece on YouTube. I am keen to open up a 3rd Gallery and over the next few months I am checking other locations in Austin and also looking at Houston and Dallas locations. We recommend you go see his masterpieces for yourself. The expansive prints cannot truly be appreciated unless you are right there with them. Visit Phil at either one of his Austin galleries (below). For more information, visit CrawshayGallery.com Located at the Omni Hotel 701 Brazos Street Austin, TX 78701 Located in the grounds of The Oasis, Austin, Texas 6550 Comanche Trail Austin, TX 78732
“There are a million different reasons why people buy a photograph. They want the skyline because their home is in it; they got engaged at the top of the 360 bridge look over or they spent time as a kid in Hamilton Pool. “
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THINKING OF STARTING A FAMILY FOUNDATION? T H I S
B E F O R E
Y O U
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G E T
PHOTO CREDIT: ANA CAROLINA FOTO AT DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER’S HEALING GARDEN
R E A D
S T A R T E D
Lisa Rodman’s 20+ year career in nonprofit management, corporate philanthropic initiatives, and organizational development is defined by outreach and service. Having served in leadership positions with organizations such as the Austin Children’s Museum, Breast Cancer Resource Center of Central Texas, Good Shepherd, GuideStar, HeartGift Foundation, Hospice Austin, the Junior League and United Way, she founded Rodman & Associates with the desire to help others experience the joy found in doing for others. “When I commit my time, my money and my energy to an organization at the point that I am acting on faith, there is no better feeling.” Rodman & Associates is dedicated to making their clients philanthropic mark. People want to know the programs and an unbiased and independent researcher, to make sure that their donations are used effectively and ethically, and continue to do so over time, has vetted organizations they fund. For more information, please visit www.RodmanAssociates.com.
A foundation puts a buffer between the individual and what can seem like thousands of nonprofits requesting support, taking the hassle out of the process.
The number of family foundations in Central Texas has been rapidly increasing for the last few years. According to the Foundation Center, a philanthropy data research firm in New York, there are over 40,000 family foundations in the United States making grants totaling more than $21.3 billion per year. But you don’t have to be a billionaire to create one. In fact, sixty percent of all family foundations have assets under $1 million. We all reach a stage in life where we begin to consider our legacy and place in society. Family or corporate foundations are a great way to strategically manage charitable giving over time. As baby boomers sell their businesses or take corporate buy outs, they commonly face a tax event that makes the launch of a family foundation extremely attractive.
Assets transferred to a Charitable Foundation are not subject to estate taxes, and appreciated assets donated to the foundation can avoid capital gains tax. The donor is able to greatly influence the types of charities they want to support, even long after their passing. Does all this have you thinking you might be ready to take the leap? We spoke with Lisa Rodman, founder of Rodman and Associates, who specializes in researching philanthropic initiatives and assists with starting up, running and maintaining family foundations for her clients. She shared with us some of the great pitfalls to watch out for once you decide to take the leap.
COMMON TRAPS TO AVOID WHEN STARTING UP A PRIVATE FOUNDATION
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It’s important to involve spouses and children in this decision. Family members should feel involved and supported - not surprised to learn later that a portion of the family’s inheritance has moved to a foundation. Don’t define giving guidelines too strictly. Often the best intentions can wind up putting a stranglehold on future generations. One hundred and fifty years ago, awarding funds to improve the railroad system across the West may have been prudent, but what about today? Wouldn’t it be better to use the word ‘transportation’ instead? Same for the geographic area served. Too many grandchildren wind up managing charitable gifts made in their grandparent’s home state - from their new home, four states away. Consider who is going to run the foundation after you are gone. Managing the foundation may be just the thing to keep you and your spouse occupied during retirement, but is it fair to expect the same level of commitment from your children and grandchildren?
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Austin Goes Big s e m a XG BY BRENDA JOHNSON
There can be no better example of the merging of sports, music, media and pop culture all wrapped up in an interactive technological package with more bells, whistles and clicks
than you can shake a smart phone at. This summer, X Games begins a four year residency at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. The four day festival will be jam packed with all that is cutting edge in sports, music and gaming. We’ve put together a guide to the madness that is X Games, hitting Austin June 5-8.
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skateboarding mes X Ga
There are four different skateboarding events at X Games Austin... and the competition is gnarly.
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Skateboard Big Air
Skateboard Vert
This is the big trick spectacular. The competitors take off down a massive drop to gain speed and momentum - about a 60’ drop - into a jump from a kicker, into a landing then a quarter-pipe for a trick. 10 competitors will get 4 runs each; the top five advance to finals. One of the pioneers and continued innovator of Big Air, Bob Burnquist will be defending his gold medal win at this XGames. With 11 XGame golds, 5 silver and 7 bronze, Burnquist also holds the honor of being Tony Hawk’s favorite skater. The tallest known Vert ramp is in Burnquist’s backyard, at 59’.
This competition takes place on the gravity-defying Halfpipe. Twelve competitors will get two 50-second runs each, and the top 6 scores move on to finals. Veterans Bucky Lasek, Pierre Luc Gagnon and Andy MacDonald are all defending hard earned records in Vert. Lasek is the only athlete to compete in every XGames since its inception in 1995. Gagnon and Lasek are the only two to receive consecutive XGame gold medals. MacDonald holds the record for the most XGames medals in Vert. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Pro Tom Schaar holds two World Records: youngest (and one of 8 known) to land a 900 (2.5 revolutions), and the first to land a 1080 (3 revolutions) in a professional competition.
Skateboard Street
Taking place at the XGames Street course, athletes will battle it out on steps, rails, ledges and every crazy obstacle that a street skater can jump, flip, slide or fly over. Twenty men and twelve women will compete in 50 second runs, with the best half advancing to finals. Riley Hawk, the son of legend Tony Hawk, who some say has surpassed his father’s abilities in Street, is the one to watch in this competition.
Skateboard Park 15
You’ve got to check this out - It’s every skateboarder’s dream! The XGames skate park is an incredibly challenging course of bowls, ramps, rails and more. Twelve of the best will compete in 2 minute runs; the best 6 will advance to finals.
k w a H y e l i R
SPOTLIGHT ON
Growing up in the sport, Riley Hawk began skating at a young age. He quickly adapted to the board and started pulling tricks that skaters his father’s age were having trouble with. As Riley grew up, street skating became his priority and he progressed quickly. His well-rounded abilities have helped him excel in contests while pushing his skating and level of fun to new places. During the last few years he has sprouted into a lanky young adult with a polished style and an obvious desire and confidence to push himself even further. His recent focus has been on shooting great photos and video footage and spending time on the road. His hard work has paid off, with The Skateboard Mag naming him Amateur Skater of the Year for 2013. In December of 2013, Riley Hawk turned pro. Never one for the spotlight, his unassuming, mellow demeanor belies a wealth of talent, and the staggering amounts of footage he’s been putting out over the last few years have made him one of the most talked-about pros in skateboarding, whether he likes it or not. –ESPN Real Street profile Riley is competing in the Men’s Street Skateboarding competition and the Real Street all-video competition at X Games Austin. Definitely the one to beat in street, Riley’s sets are creative, competitive and often mind blowing. Austinites will love Riley’s obsession with music- he is fast becoming known for setting his street video parts to incredible music, from old-school psych rock to local up-and-coming rock acts.
SPOTLIGHT ON
s e y e R d i Dav
AND THE XGAMES REAL STREET VIDEO COMPETITION
You may encounter a nicer and happier person than David Reyes, but we are not quite sure when or where. A must have for his team on trips where the sun-upto-sun-up schedules can leave the most experienced road warriors weary, David’s happy-go-lucky attitude and positive vibes keep the good times twisting no matter what the situation may be. Originally and aptly hailing from the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, David has recently traded in the long Rocky Mountain winters for the good life of never ending summer days in Long Beach, California. While even-keeled, it’s often the quiet ones that make the most noise and David’s skating is no different. Without hesitation he will take on some of the longest and gnarliest rails with uncanny balance and style that leaves you picking up your jaw, all while making it look like just another day at the park. David Reyes and Riley Hawk are two of the 16 world class street skaters chosen
for this year’s XGames Real Street all video competition. The Real Street competition allows street skaters to do what they do best. The 16 chosen finalists have each submitted a one minute video segment of their best work on the actual streets: showcasing tricks on stairs, handrails, walls, ramps, any and all obstacles these guys can jump on, skate down or flip over. The video “part” has become the most popular platform for street skaters to share their work, become known to fans, get sponsorships and go pro. This year’s Real Street lineup is an eclectic array of pro and amateur skaters with all different styles from multiple age groups. The video segments will be judged by a panel of leading skateboard experts, and the winner will be awarded a $50,000 prize. The top three will be awarded gold, silver and bronze X Games medals at a ceremony at the June games. In addition, fans will vote online for Fan Favorite - a $10,000 award. For more info on the XGames Real Street and to vote: xgames.espn.go.com/events/2014/austin/real/10767957/realstreet-2014
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FOURGawheels mes X
Rallycross
This will be the first time this competition is held at The Circuit of the Americas, and race fans are stoked. Rallycross consists of an extreme track with mixed surfaces: dirt-to-dirt jumping, asphalt drifting and hard-angle turns. The cars are modified or special-built road cars. Twenty drivers will compete in this XGames in 4 heats of 5 drivers each where the fastest lap counts. Bucky Lasek, also competing in Skateboard Vert, will be one to watch in this adrenaline pumping competition.
Super Trucks
Robby Gordon’s tour will be making the first XGame Super Truck appearance ever- another first for the Austin XGames. This event features high powered, off-road trucks racing on a mixed-surface track of jumps, crossovers and tight corners. Gordon called the competition “a 3,000 pound bundle of total chaos.” Six hundred horse power trucks jump distances over 150 feet, and heights over 20 feet.
Music X Games
Music is as much a part of XGames culture as high speed, big air and wicked falls. This year’s line-up features cutting-edge artists representing eclectic genres. Four different venues will host an array of jam-worthy bands and DJ’s. Headlining the Austin 360 Amphitheater will be Alt Rock-Psych geniuses Flaming Lips, Hip Hop giant, Kanye West and Electronic innovator Pretty Lights. Austin’s own Gary Clark Jr. will round out the bill on Sunday. The KUTX Stage will showcase mostly local Austin bands, while the Velocity Lounge will feature an array of local, national and international DJ’s. The Sound Factory Stage will host the 3-day Battle of The Bands. In keeping with the interactive nature of everything at the X Games, fans will vote online to decide the winner.
“This singer-guitarist may be the next Hendrix... churning his distorted strings into a euphoric moment of psychedelia” - New York Times about gary clark, Jr. 20
SPOTLIGHT ONClark, Jr. Gary
Growing up in Austin, Gary Clark Jr. was surrounded by guitar gods who taught and inspired him to play at a young age. Discovered by Clifford Antone early on, Clark began playing gigs around town and touring with the likes of Jimmie Vaughn. Quickly becoming known for his smooth vocals and fuzzy, distorted signature sound, Clark has made a name for himself around the country, playing with artists like Alicia Keys, Doyle Bramhall II and Sheryl Crow. At the recent tribute concert The Beatles: The Night That Changed America, Clark played “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” with Dave Grohl and Joe Walsh. He won the 2014 Grammy for Best Traditional R&B song “Please Come Home.” http://www.garyclarkjr.com/
LA VIDA LOCALE
JUNE X Games
http://xgamesaustin.com/ It’s the biggest, baddest combination of cutting edge sports and music beginning its four year residency at Circuit of the Americas this summer. June 5-8, 2014
ATX Television Festival
http://www.atxfestival.com/ The ATX TV Festival is a full weekend of celebration of all things television: screenings, meet and greet with cast and crew, panel discussions with industry experts and the first annual Achievement in Television Excellence Award will be presented to actor Henry Winkler. June 5-8, 2014
Galleries First Thursday
http://www.artaustin.org/westend.html This gallery-hopping event occurs on 5th and 6th streets every first Thursday of the month (year round). June 5, 2014
enjoy the amazing motorcycles, the Austin nightlife and of course the beautiful Texas women. June 12-15, 2014
Keep Austin Weird Festival
http://www.austincivicorchestra.org/ This free concert series is held in Zilker Park under the stars and features the Austin Civic Orchestra. This year’s theme is “That 70’s Concert.” June 6-7, 2014
http://keepaustinweirdfest.com/festival/ Think about one blowout party full of music, family activities and local vendors eager to reflect the creative nature of Austin… and there’s even a 5K billed as “the world’s slowest”! Be there and be costumed! June 28, 2014
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
Blues on the Green
Zilker Pops
http://www.rotrally.com/ The Republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Biker Rally) is the biggest motorcycle rally in Texas and one of largest motorcycle events in the U.S. Enthusiasts come 21
http://www.kgsr.com/botg/ This series of free summertime concerts are hosted by KGSR Austin Radio and held in Austin’s Zilker Park every other Wednesday. So, bring a blanket and the
the family for some live music from your favorite artists. May 28 – August 6, 2014
JULY Austin Symphony July 4th Fireworks
http://www.austinsymphony.org/ events/austin-symphony-h-e-b-july4th-concert-fireworks/ Features patriotic music and the ever-popular 1812 Overture and spectacular fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. July 4, 2014
SoCo First Thursday
http://www.firstthursday.info/ This popular monthly event that takes place along South Congress Avenue the first Thursday of the month (year round), generally from Barton Springs Road to Elizabeth Street. It’s just one big block party and it is perfect for all ages. July 3, 2014
Deep Eddy Pool Splash Movie Night
http://www.deepeddy.org/ Various dates in July and August. Family-friendly movie nights at Deep Eddy Pool. July 6 – Aug 3
Bastille Day Festival
http://www.afaustin.org/ Annual celebration of Bastille Day and all things French at the historic French Legation Museum July 12, 2014
AUGUST Austin Ice Cream Festival
http://www.icecreamfestival.org/ Bring yourself, your friends, your family and even your dog to the 7th Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival and come scream with us. This event will include lots of games, activities, contests and live entertainment. August 9, 2014
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
http://www.austinchronicle.com/ gyrobase/Market/HotSauce Come sample the spiciest hot sauce you can handle and help end hunger. Free admission with the donation of three healthy food items. August 24, 2014
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
http://www.outofboundscomedy. com/ “The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival is a seven-day live performance
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festival that showcases the best in improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy from all over the country and across the globe”.
Bat Fest
http://www.roadwayevents. com/RoadStar/Events-cat. asp?media1Id=1323 Join in on the fun as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk, two stages filled with live music, more than 75 arts & crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities. August 23, 2014
Dragon Boat Festival and Race
https://www.givepulse.com/ event/2414-Austin-Dragon-BoatFestival-2013 August 24. This Asian-inspired festival featuring dragon boat races, food, music and more at the beautiful Lady Bird Lake. Don’t miss this fantastic culturally-inspired spectacle!
Have a safe and happy summer! -Your friends at the Shannon Schmitz Group 23