Virtu

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Big Buisiness Breaks Culture

The Love of Art

Pg. 20

Coming out of the Garage Pg. 12

Outrage in the Movie Business

Your Guide to South Congress

Pg. 26

Magnet School Showdown

Pg. 22

Cactus Cafe Closure

Pg 10

Pg. 28

Allison Orr

Pg. 6

Jennymarie Jemison Actress Extraordinaire P. 16

Summer 2010

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F EATURES MOVEMENT OF US

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Willa B. spotlights Allison Orr as the Artistic Director of Forklift Danceworks in Austin. Learn about the process and thought behind the unique performances like the Trash Project.

A SCHMILLION SOUNDS

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Student and all-girl band, Schmillion, after their debut in September 2009, has quickly risen to something that most garage bands can only dream of. In March 2010, Schmillion won Best Under Eighteen Band in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards.

JENNYMARIE JEMISON...

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Jennymarie Jemison is an actress who’s been living in in Austin, Texas for almost 4 years. Here she reveals what her life is like, what the best things are about acting, and how she feels about Austin versus her previous home, New York City.

COME ON... DO THAT CONGRESS

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Sebastian C. interviews many local Austenites about South Congress. Read this article to figure out how to have a good time while your their and funky places to visit along the street.

COLUMNS LITTLE DOG, BIG BITE

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Lamar Middle School wants to become a fine arts program.

However, neighboring school and money issues are preventing it from becoming one.

MONEY VS. CULTURE

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Since the 1980s Austin as doubled in size. More people are moving to Austin for jobs, are we going to loose something along the way?

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

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A movie about famous Texan Lyndon B. Johnson has started production. However, a lot of people working on the movie are upset that a movie so close to the hearts of Texans is being filmed out of state. Is it really a problem at all?

CACTUS CUT

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They say it’s not because of the money, but and if that’s true, why is the Cactus Cafe being closed? Is there any good reason for this historic music venue to be closed?

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ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE THEATER LOCATED ON SOUTH LAMAR

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Photo By: Blwarren713

EDITORS’ LETTER

Who is Virtu?

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see you’re reading this magazine. That is truly interesting and flattering to the Virtu writing, editing and designing staff, also known as the Velocipede Writers. We the Velocipede Writers are very glad that you’re taking time out of your day to read this exquisitely crafted project that we have worked long and hard on to perfect to the best of our ability as amateurs. In this letter, we would like to accomplish several things; the first and foremost of which being the clarification, the view and the purpose of this body of work known as Virtu. According to the American Heritage High School Dictionary, Virtu is a knowledge of or taste for the fine arts; according to us, it’s a love of art.

We, the Virtu staff, have a passion for informing the public the interesting art events and phenomena that occur in our fair city of Austin, Texas, and the surrounding area. In the course of its production, Virtu’s scope has expanded to include more than just the arts of Austin but also the things that seem to make Austin, well, Austin-y.

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he truth is that we didn’t really want to have a letter from the editors, but our magazine has to have a number of pages which is a multiple of four, so this is the only thing we would think of to do. I suppose that we should thank some people for all the help they’ve given us in the past semester. First of all, the Virtu team would like to thank Ms. Richey for giving us the opportunity to make this magazine, though we should probably thank her more for teaching us how to do everything we know about designing magazines and The Liberal Arts and Science Academy for giving us this opportunity. We’d also like to thank the graphic designer Aimee Blase for telling us when our layouts looked terrible and how to fix them. On a side note, we should probably also thank Ms. Richey for introducing us to Aimee. There are probably more people who we should thank, though at the current time none come to mind. If

you helped us in this project, you have our eternal gratitude.

That includes everyone we interviewed for our stories who took time out of their day to talk to us about what they loved, or what they did, and myriad other topics.

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e, the Velocipede Writers, regret to inform our readers that they will never have the chance to become loyal to this magazine because although this is the first issue, it is also inevitably the last. Virtu will continue to hold this single issue as its identity for all time. If you’re reading this, we love you; you’re probably a little freshman in EZine, or someone’s mom. Then again, you might be Ms. Richey, and you’re grading this. The truth is, this magazine doesn’t have eyes, so we’ll never know who you are.

You could close this magazine at this very moment and we would never know, but please, out of common courtesy, don’t do that. We’d all appreciate it a lot if you read this whole magazine from front cover to back and then read it again the next day. Except, the Velocipede Writers hope you don’t actually do that because it’s not good to get obsessed, or ridiculously bored.

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egardless of our pleas, don’t try to force yourself through this magazine if you really don’t want to, but I can only hope that everyone could find at least one article in here which would interest them. So just try it, if you don’t like it, or if you don’t care about Austin or the arts, you don’t have to read Virtu. But if you do, once again, we love you. 2

Sincerely,

The Velocipede Writers

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STAFF

Kerry A. Kerry A. is an ordinary person. She is currently a freshman at LASA high school, and accordingly, has no social life to speak of. She enjoys sitting in her bedroom doing nothing by herself. Some of her favorite activities include theater, making things out of clay, digitally editing pictures of herself, playing Solitaire, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and stalking people. She has a pet albino corn snake and two pet cats. She also has a pet sister, who’s a junior at LASA. She spent three weeks in Australia and held a koala, hence the nickname her parents gave her, Koala K. Kerry’s strengths lie in things like baking cookies, writing fiction stories, and memorizing lines, and not in writing bios.

Photo by Kerry A.

Willa B. Willa B. was born and raised here in Austin, Texas. She is now a 14 year old who likes to attend dance events and spend time outside with her free time.

Every winter break you can find her in the Nutcracker show held at the Long Center. She spends much of her time in dance class, however, you may also spot her with a knee brace or crutches since going all out in dance class can get you hurt. Her dream goal is to be a professional dancer, make a dance company with her sister, and when retired from that, become a physical therapist and at some point in her life, move out of North America.

Photo by Bonnie D.

Sebastian C. Sebastian C. is from Madison, Wisconsin and has moved alot in his life but considers Austin as one of the best places he could ever call home. Without sports in his life he could not live and is a huge fan of any team related to Buffalo or Wisconsin. He is on the basketball, football and track teams at school.

His obsession for sports can sometime lead to random facts that no one cares about. He’s known for is extrordinarily large mouth and perfect imatation of monkey noises according to some and loves to eat. Other then being “a skinny white boy,” he is also considered a very nice and a great group member in the Virtu team.

Photo by Molly P.

Marci M.

If at this very moment Marci’s sister asked, “If you could be anywhere doing anything right now without limitations of time money or location what would you be doing? And you can’t say that it’s be summer and you’d be water skiing.” Marci would probably say that it would be summer, and she’d be at camp and she’d be eating lunch right after going water skiing. Marci M. is a native Austinite and can honestly say that there is no where whe’d rather live, except for Vancouver, Canada, despite having traveled cross country by car nearly every summer. She loves being a lacrose goalie, going kayaking and going cliff diving, into water of course. She could say that her goal in life is to be an individual.

Photo by Marci M.

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Summer 2010

SEBASTIAN C.

WHAT IS

THE VIEW The Oasis incredible view (above) of Lake Austin is one the many beautiful sights of Austin. Some other great sights are watching the bats at sunset from the Congress Bridge, the U.T. tower lit up after a university sports win, the skyline of Austin (above in oval) during the day and jaw-dropping view at night, a 360 scenic view from Mount Bonnell or even seeing thousands of people filling Barton Springs up on a hot summer day. Everywhere you go there is a nice view to see.

THE PEOPLE

AUSTIN? THE NIGHTLIFE The Austin “night” functions around Sixth Street (below) and Congress Avenue. From sundown to sunrise the street is alive playing many genres of music from blues to hard rock. Some of the best Austin venues are Antone’s, Emos and Continental Club (below). You will find all your neccessites of food, drinks, and even dancing provided.

The City of Austin is home to over 750,000 people. It is the fourth largest city in Texas and keeps growing exponentially every year. Austin has a large population of Hispanics and Photo By: Kristen Hillery Latinos. Leslie (near left) is a well known “celebrity” around Austin, dressing like a female and parading around town and is one of the many actors and musician that can be seen. The people range from hippies to celebraties to computer geeks to congressman to athletes.

Photo by Alex R.

THE EVENTS

Photo by Kmahn22

Photo by Kmahn22

Austin is known as the live music capital of the world. Austin has many events throughout the year that are a big success. Some are Kite Fest (right picture), ACL (left picture), SXSW, Pecan Festival, Eeyores Party, Spam-o-rama, First Thursday and First Night. Each one of these events are well known all around town and tend to draw in a big crowd. The biggest event is ACL where music is played live with musicians from around the world. Many of the events find a way to bring the culturaly diverse Austin together.

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WILLA B.

ALLISON ORR

in Transit, a piece she choreographed with two dancers and two women over the age of 65.

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MOVEMENTS OF US

n a rainy night, almost 2,000 people show up with raincoats and towels, ready to see the long awaited performance at the old Mueller Airport. The performance consisted of the the employees and machinery of the Austin Solid Waste Services Department driving around in patterns and synchronized formations. Showing what they do in their daily lives, it becomes a sort of dance that connected with everyone’s hearts. Anyone would be just as shocked to see how a crane can move with the beauty

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Photo by Amitava Sarkar

of a ballet dancer. If you just take a second and look closer everyones daily actions become something more.

And this is what Allison Orr spends her time focusing on.

As the founder and artistic director of Forklift Danceworks she sees, imagines, and pulls together performances such as the Trash Project. “Forklift Danceworks celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary by creating original performances inspired by the

Summer 2010

movement of everyday life.” Allison finds it most interesting how diverse the things we do with our bodies are in different subcultures. She has choreographed performances on Elvis impersonators, pregnant women, Venetian gondoliers and roller skaters. She pulls these things out dayto-day lives and makes people see things they never knew where right there in front of them.

I survived that”. In the dance world ballet is thought of as a base for many other forms of dance because it has very strict technique. It is a good foundation and many people start with ballet when becoming a dancer. Allison says,”(in the ballet realm) ...seen, respected, and it’s not what I want to do. I can’t stay up all night in bed thinking about Ballet.”

When working on the Trash Project she got up at five in the morning everyday to go on the routes with the solid-waste employees because it’s most important to connect with the

She then went to Wake Forrest College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and majored in Anthropology. She went to Mills College for two years after getting her MFA in cho-

“I’m really interested in the movement when they don’t think they are dancing.” people she represents in her work. Allison Is committed to doing what she is interested in. She has dedicated herself to doing something more meaningful with her life. Her job, even though very satisfying, can be challenging and has many strains on her loving family. “This is complex. The whole family had to get behind my project. Everyone had to be flexible with my crazy schedule.”

The method Allison goes about is very different than what you might expect. The most important thing about a project is the confidence-gaining cycle. She has to connect directly with her subjects. She watches and allows herself to be molded.

“It takes more work to get them to do a show. I have to make them like me and be comfortable with me before they will be committed...If you ask anyone I’ve worked with they will say “I did it for Allison.”...I could represent them respectfully. I’m for real.” Allison said. It is not hard for them to go through the actions she asks of them because they do it everyday. The hard part is for them to get up in front of an audience knowing that everyone is looking at them.

Allison knows a lot about performing because she has had a background in dance. Allison grew up in Austin and took dance classes when she was younger doing “what every little girl did”. She took tap and jazz classes such as those fun classes for little kids. She was an Austin High Red Jacket. Reflecting on the experience of preppy girls doing high kicks in tiny cow-girl out fits, she says, “...well

reography. “That was when I first tried making dances with people who aren’t trained dancers. I worked with campus employees and made three short dances. I also researched choreographers who made dances with “nondancers” and learned a lot about what other artists had done in this area.”

Her first project was at Mills, which was an all girls school, about the male campus employees. She shadowed the employees and had a lot of fun getting to know the people that took care of the school. The first part was a five-minute duet where the employees hung banners while Avett Costello music blared. The second part were five men mowing the lawn, and the third was a solo of the campus formen washing the cafeteria windows as people watched from inside and listened to a recording of him talk about his job. Allison recalls how wonderful it was how the word got around by the last piece and many people showed up.

It was a success.

“One thing I would recommend if anyone wants to do something like me-work for an art organization. Learn about the business side of it. Make it sustainable.” Allison has been lucky to get support for many of her projects including “The Gondola Project”. She had the idea for “The Gondola Project” when she first went to Venise to be a teacher aid. When she came back to Italy to put on the show the teacher let her stay with free housing because he was very supportive of her work. With a commission from the city, and having learned the language, Allison put

Continued page 34

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KERRY A.

LASA Coffeehouse ‘10

Performers

Every year, the students of LASA high school perform onstage at the social event of the seeason, Coffeehouse. Students put on short acts that can include singing, dancing, playing instruments, doing magic tricks and more.

Burn These Bones

Station Identification, the first act of the night.

Scott and Ana performing a bossa nova.

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Owl!

caption caption

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Amanda and Tess

Gabriel Jaffe, piano songwriter

Summer 2010

Laura Austin sings and plays an original song on the piano.

Werewolf Sleepover

Banjovi

caption General Jambalaya plays an instrumental version of “You are my Sunshine.”

Ashlee Rossler performs a lyrical dance.

caption Haley and Andrew Addie Poris and Zoe Yin sing and play a cover of “Hey Stephen.”

caption Insomnia and fans

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Kelvin Read Irish dances.

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SEBASTIAN C.

LITTLE DOG BIG BITE Lamars struggle to become a Magnet Fine Arts school has become a city wide controversy. The AISD board is currently discussing this topic during recent meetings and parents are speaking out.

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BY SEBASTIAN CANIZARES

he bell rings as kids file into the empty hallways. They’re now filled with laughter and smiles, with kids having a good time and enjoying life. Lamar Middle School is a prime example of students having fun. They have the school and faculty to become a fine arts program and it should be allowed. It is Lamar’s decision, not Fulmore’s.

“Little Dog, Big Bite” is the motto taught to all Lamar students.

Lamar was established in 1955 and is still located on Wynona Drive. The current principal, Eleanor Duncan, has pressed the idea of opening up a fine arts program to the AISD board, and it has been controversial ever since it was brought up.

Fulmore has been a fine arts magnet program for a long time, and does not like the idea of a school.

Left: Photo By Ari Stiles.

McCallum drumline performing at a regional competition Right: Fulmore middle school sign and building.

within the district opening up another program just like it. They fear they will lose a lot of popularity within the community and applying students. Fulmore would not only lose some of the best students in Austin, but also lose some of the best teachers to Lamar. The battle of the fine arts magnet programs might lead to a loss of teachers at Fulmore. Also, Lamar might not have enough teachers that meet their qualifications. This could

going to a fine arts school.

A concerned parent posted this comment online based on their opinion over whether Lamar should be given the fine arts program titl; “Fulmore is not a fine arts magnet, it is a humanities and law magnet [program]. All middle schools offer choir, band, orchestra and theatre, but Lamar wants to take it to the next level.”

Lamar is willing to take the program to the so-called next level, and want to make it a true fine arts program.

lished school that may become nationally recognized just like McCallum has over the years.

Many parents that have children going to Fulmore have complained about the commute. Lots of students live up north, and having to travel long distances everyday can eat up money for gas and cause migraines from traffic. The majority of magnet students travel from the northern part of Austin, and adding another fine arts program would benefit many parents. A parent by the name of Susanna Sharpe stated this

“FULMORE IS NOT A FINE ARTS MAGNET IT IS A HUMANITIES and Law Magnet [program]. All Middle Schools offer choir band orchestra and theatre, but Lamar wants to take it to the next level.” make both Fulmore’s and Lamar’s They have already hired more band and magnet programs worse, or even choir directors just to show they mean end them all together. business. However, Fulmore is not a true

Fulmore accepts around fine arts academy as they focus on politi100 students a year and rejects cal science, law and humanities. Lamar the rest of them. The students that would strictly focus on the arts, just like applied and got retheir neighboring school, Mcjected don’t have a Callum High. McCallum would Left: McCallum dance school like Fulmore benefit greatly as well, and is studio performing live for an audience to go to now. With the also strictly a fine arts school. addition of Lamar, Lamar could become just like Right: The main entrance to Lamar Middle they would have a them, and become an estabschool. higher chance of Photo By Brooks Boatright

in an interview conducted by KXAN; “Transportation is an issue, and the distance is an issue,”

Her daughter was recently accepted into the Fulmore program, and has been bothered by the long commutes day in and day out. There are many parents just like her that would find it much easier going to a school up north that offers the same things as Fulmore.

Lamar should be allowed the opportunity to try out the program and if it works, than continue on with it. Competition between two schools can bring out the best in each, where you are constantly creating newer and fresher ideas to make your school the best. The battle between Lamar and Fulmore will make both schools better and in the long run, they will learn to deal with their issues.

MARCI M.

A SCHMILLION SOUNDS Almost everyone knows someone who’s in a band these days, even if it’s just the school’s. This is one band that’s destined not to stay just a garage band for long. But what is it that makes this all girl band such a sensation? Can anyone put their finger on it?

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he band didn’t exist last July. This march, it won Best Under 18 Band in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards. This is Schmillion, an all girl, fun-loving group that works very hard not to say anything bad about anyone or anything else despite their hardcore performances.

Frankie Conover, age 14, Zoe Graham, 15, and Sienna Blaw, 15, Natalie Shea, 17, and Ceci Blackwood-Cross, 14, make up this outgoing band that has had a quick trip to success that few bands ever experience. It’s hard to put your finger on what exactly makes them the crowd pleaser that so many aren’t, but despite that fact, Schmillion is not just another garage band.

“You know, we’ve only been together since like August. I know we met in June,” says Frankie. The band started when they all attended The Girl’s Rock Camp of Austin. Upon arriving, they all realized that

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Photo by Marci M.

The all girl band Schmillion demonstrating their distinctive head-stacking routine showcased in their 2009 cristmas specital on YouTube.

Top to bottom: Zoe Graham, Ceci Blackwood-Cross, Natalie Shea, Frankie Conover.

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the camp was more geared towards girls you didn’t have much musical experience. “All of us had been [playing] for a while, had experience or some experience in my case.

Frankie definitely wrote my riff for the first [song],” Zoe said.

Because of this, Frankie, Natalie, Ceci and Chandler Lindsey, who played keyboards, decided to be in a band together for the camp. Looking for another member, Zoe, whom Frankie and Sienna and gone to school with, was brought in after being rejected out of another band for another girl determined by a game of rock, paper, scissors.

“That was like the most important Rock Scissors Paper or whatever game, ever,” said Natalie. Zoe, having lost, ended up in their band, but would say that in the end she didn’t lose.

“Yeah! You won fun!” said Frankie. As the camp came to an

The Members Ceci Black-Wood Cross, bassist, is an eighth-grader at St. Stevens and has a song named after her called “Ceci’s Badass Bass.”

She would also probably disagree with how Frankie told the story of how Schmillion got it’s name, or, at least that’s what Frankie says. She and Frankie were bethrothed by their parents to be friends from birth.

Sienna Blaw, drummer and backup vocals for Schmillion, also a freshman at McCallum High School, has been told that she shouldn’t be a drummer because she is too lyrical and doesn’t like the repetion of drumming. Sienna once broke a kick drum pedal in the middle of a concert. They didn’t fix it until their next practice.

Frankie Conover, guitarist for Schmillion, and freshman at LASA high school, hosts most practices in her living room, accompanied by her two huge black dogs, yet another way that Schmillion isn’t another garage band.

Frankie was once given a pair of pink and purple polka dotted corduroy pants by Zoe at the suggestion of Zoe’s mother.

Zoe Graham, guitarist for Schmillion, and freshman at McCallum high school, became friends with Sienna becuase she knew the Beatles’ Birthday song and Zoe didn’t. Zoe really wants there to be a mosh pit at one of their concerts, and thinks they should have more fans over 21.

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Frankie, who now plays guitar, had played drums for the band during the camp, decided that she didn’t want to play drums all the time. Because of this, Sienna, whose band didn’t continue playing, was brought in as the new drummer.

After that, everyone’s roles in the band were solidified as: Natalie on vocals, Frankie and Zoe on Guitar, Ceci on Bass, and Sienna on drums and backup vocals.

The matter of a name had to be decided. “Ceci was playing monopoly with our friend Sam and he was like “Ha! I beat you, I have a million schmillion money!’ and then Ceci quoted that a bajillion times over and over and over and over and then ‘schmillion’ got stuck in my head, and people we were like, ‘Hey, what should we name the band,’ and I was like, ‘Let’s name it Schmillion,’” recalled Frankie, as well as another name in the running, Mitch Mitchell Jamboree.

“It’s just a fun word to say,” so everyone agreed. Along with their name came “schlang”, in which any word relating to Schmillion was given an “sch” to start with, including “schleep overs” and “schminions,” which refers to all the avid fans of their music.

“My sister’s college friends have described [our music] as grunge, but I don’t think it’s grunge,” said Natalie. The rest of the band members agree that that it’s not grunge but rather “punk pop garage rock fun” as Zoe said.

“It’s definitely rock music though, fun rock music,” said Frankie.

Schmillion’s first paid gig was at The Parlor. “We didn’t have a full set so we were trying to cushion it with a cover and a song that wasn’t really done yet or that we didn’t really like, but we had to play it, because we didn’t have enough songs,” recalled Sienna. The day before they had spent the entire day practicing so they would have enough to play in order to fill up all the time for the set. All their friends and families had come to the point where many people were standing or sitting outside.

“I was so nervous, I started hyperventilating, I had a sore throat for a week,” said Sienna.

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Summer 2010

All photos by Marci M.

Natalie Shea, vocalist and junior at Sri Atmananda Memorial School, is said to never wear pants in favor of skirts and dresses, she disagrees vehemently at the mention of this and says that it’s just one of the days when she isn’t wearing pants. Natalie was asked by Bob Schneider at the AMA award ceremony if her braces gave her calluses in her mouth; she asked him if he was drunk.

end, the band had to decide whether to keep playing. “[The people at the camp] thought we had a relationship with the crowd that other bands, well...” Zoe trailed off; the rest of the band nods in agreement. And so they decided to continue practicing. On the topic of Chandler Lindsey, who is no longer in the band, Natalie said that “Things change, and she doesn’t live here anymore.” Frankie clarified that she moved to Oklahoma with her family, making it more than difficult for her to come to band practice.

Upcoming Local Austin Concerts & ACL June

October ACL

2nd: MISHKA - Stubb’s 5th: MIRANDA LAMBERT - White Water Ampitheatre 19th: PASSION PIT - Stubb’s 21st: BOB SCHNEIDER - Saxon Pub

July 4th: JACK INGRAM - The Backyard 4th: ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL -

The Backyard 4th: KEVIN FOWLER - The Backyard 23rd: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - Stubb’s

August 3rd: DEVIL WEARS PRADA - Emo’s 5th: SOILWORK - Emo’s 10th: CYNDI LAUPER - Paramount Theatre 28th: WEEN - Stubb’s

Friday 8th: Friday 8th: Friday 8th: Friday 8th: Friday 8th: Friday 8th:

PHISH THE STROKES SPOON VAMPIRE WEEKEND SONIC YOUTH BROKEN BELLS

Saturday 9th: Saturday 9th: Saturday 9th: Saturday 9th: Saturday 9th: Saturday 9th:

MUSE M.I.A. PAT GREEN PETE YORN OZOMATLI TEMPER TRAP

Sunday 10th: Sunday 10th: Sunday 10th: Sunday 10th: Sunday 10th: Sunday 10th:

THE EAGLES FLAMING LIPS NORAH JONES SWITCHFOOT THE NATIONAL BAND OF HORSES Devil Wears Prada

F A M O US PEOP L E F ROM A U S T I N Sandra Bullock

Mathew McConaughey

Andy Roddick

Willie Nelson

In 2010 she won an Academy Award for best actress in “The Blind Side”. She owns a house by lake Austin and has lived here for many years.

Filming Miss Congeniality here in Austin she also owns a popular restaurant, Bess Bistro, and owns another bussiness downtown, Walton’s Fancy and Staple. She is a great actress and has appeared in over 40 films in her still bright career.

Born and raised in Texas he attended the University of Texas at Austin for undergrad school. He is a Texas Longhorn fanatic and you can see him attending home football games often. “Just Keep Livin” is a foundation he started dedicated to helping young kids make healthy choices and decisions in there life.

He is an amazing actor and has appeared in over 30 films in his career.

Growing up in Austin Texas from the age of 4-11 he attended regular tennis camps and is now the 8th best tennis player in the world. He currently resides in Austin when not playing tennis matches.

He has won over 500 matches in his career and won the U.S. open in 2003. Ranked number one in the world in 2003 he has dominated the tennis courts all around the world.

Austin’s culture has helped make Willie Nelson a star.

He moved into Austin in the 60’s retired and somewhat a star. However Austin got Willie rolling, he created a new style of music and opened a new music studio named Pedernales. He has won over 30 awards for his achievements. Not only was he an singer, but an actor appearing in Austin Powers and TV shows like Monk.

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KERRY A.

Jennymarie Jemison Actress Extraordinaire

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t’s warm and breezy outside a coffee shop when Jennymarie Jemison to arrive. She walks up to me wearing a black dress, short heels, and dark sunglasses. She’ll be going next door in 40 minutes to watch herself in the first screening of a movie that she played the lead in, called Waiting Rooms. She worked on this movie two years ago, and it has finally been edited to perfection. She says that this movie is one of the best acting experiences she’s ever had.

This headshot of Jennymarie was taken in 2005.

Photo by Carla Coria

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Jennymarie Jemison is a prominent Austin actress. She has been in several productions here in Austin, such as a play called St. Matilde’s Malady, a musical called Lone Star Texas, and a film entitled “No One’s Watching” about an alien abduction. However, acting doesn’t pay much, so she has a job as a graphic designer, too. She studied both of these professions in school, and is happy with her job now.

Being an actress isn’t easy. Jennymarie said that there were two auditions she wanted to go to the next day. She often does more than one project at the same time. When performing in plays, she gets the busiest.

Summer 2010

“Theatre takes the most time,” she says.

Musicals are even more. “With dance rehearsals as well, I’ve rehearsed something like 20 hours a week.”

Film is much less time-consuming. Usually, film directors don’t rehearse the actors at all before shooting begins.

“More often than not, you just show up, shoot a few scenes, and call it a day,” she says. She prefers directors who give the actors time to practice together before beginning to film.

A lot of times, the actors aren’t paid very well. In New York, where Jennymarie used to live, some of the best-paying acting jobs were commercials, but here even they only pay a few hundred dollars.

“If you’re in it for the money, you are A, in the wrong profession, and B, in the wrong city.”

Jennymarie Jemison and co-star Sean Micheal Martin in her performance of The Frog Prince.

Photo by Caroline Poe

“The library bought 12 copies of it,” she says. “It was cool.”

In college, Jennymarie had to decide between art and theater for her major.

She chose art, saying that she “went the practical route.” After she had been in the graphic design business

“Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences aren’t always the most fun.”

However, Jennymarie loves the Austin community. She’s lived here for 4 years, and there are many things she likes about it that she didn’t get to experience in New York City, where she used to live. Something she loves to do here is hang out with her friends.

“One great thing about Austin is how many amazing women live here. It’s much more collaborative and less competitive.”

One of her friends, a photographer by the name of Rama Tiru, published a photo story about Austin in the form of a book, called “Austin: East of I-35”, released in 2009. As Jennymarie works as a graphic designer, she helped with the layout of the book.

for several years, she went back to her childhood dream of acting.

“A lot of what makes a project enjoyable is the people you work with,” she says, and a lot of her favorite experiences were here in Austin, where she’s found the people to work much better together and had more fun.

However, the productions that are the most enjoyable aren’t always the most worthwhile.

“Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences aren’t always the most fun,” she tells me.

Busy as Jennymarie is, she usually only tries out for leads and larger parts.

While a lot of her friends go out for being extras in films and other productions, she doesn’t feel like that’s the best thing for her to do.

“If you do extra work, they see you as an extra actor,” she says, as she voices her concerns. She’s worried that if an actor tries out for a role as an extra, directors don’t see them as anything else.

As far as her aspirations for acting go, Jennymarie is pretty satisfied.

“I’m not one of those actresses who wants to tackle these ultimate parts,” she says. While she would like to play Rosalind in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, there isn’t really a certain role she wants to fill. She’d rather play something new, she said, “something that isn’t already associated with anyone else.”

Looking forward to the future, Jennymarie has decided to just go with the flow and live her life. On her blog, she posts: “This is the sphere I am operating in now… Embracing what life presents to me and spinning wildly, but deliberately, into my own destiny.” 2

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The Missing Picture Selin K., freshman of the 2013 class at LASA, is going to be a new photographer for the newspaper and yearbook for the 2010-2011 school year. She is very excited about the new role and resposibility. She can already be found walking around with her camera trying to catch the sudent life. Here are a selection of photos that represent her passing year at LASA high school and show a sneak peck of what’s to come.

Here are some beautiful pictures taken by the LASA

student Selin K. representing the schools community.

Left page: Top right corner, clockwise starting with top left picture.

Chearleader Jes M. at the LBJ vs.

McCallum football game. Selin’s puppy named Fistik (Peanut in Turkish). Annalee A. dying her hair purple for team spirit for the District swim meet. A street musician playing the violin. Bottom of page. Selin K. and Makala K. having a laugh in class.

Right page: Top of page. Football players in action at the LBJ vs. McCallum game. Bottom left corner, clockwise starting with top left picture. Arlan B. in the morning with his coffee and hairbrush. Cactus Flower. Juliana H. in spanish class.

Kevin S. eating a snack at the LBJ District swim meet.

WILLA B.

S

tanding on the street corner downtown I was dumbfounded as I looked up and saw a towering monster of a building in the same spot where there used to be a park. I remember walking by the block years before and seeing green trees and a grassy lawn. I saw the new construction as I was on my way to Barton Springs. As I was thinking about how crazy it is that one-day there will be a park and the next day it’s gone, a flyer caught my eye about the trees at Barton Springs. They were going to cut down 30 historic trees without any public input. As our environmentally friendly city starts to lose its green life more and more people are coming to live here. Some may say we have more job opportunities with the help of large companies like Dell but I wouldn’t say this is a good thing at all.

Austin has many programs to fight environmental issues like Save Our Springs (S.O.S), conservation of the Barton Springs salamander (an endangered species), the fight against global warming, and our new recycling system. EvTHE AUSTONIAN ery where you turn you www.lifeofjustin.com Justin Wright in downtown Austin it is can find different groups of in the process of being people standing up for what build. It is scheduled to be completed in 2010. they believe and pushing for a better world. The people in Austin need to hold on to their beliefs and keep fighting against these issues. Every new person in this city adds to the environmental footprint and makes it harder to fight.

Austin is a very unique beautiful city that has We have preserved land and homes developed a strong culture over the years. for plants and animals that are slowResently large businesses have started to ely but surely being destroyed. Every new person that moves to Austin move to Austin. The city is starting to grow makes it harder to keep the water rapidly covering up the cool vibs that we clean and preserve habitats of imporpride ourselves on. tant local plants and animals.

All the new people have to be sup-

Money vs.

Culture

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Summer 2010

plied with homes. New construction can be seen any where you go. The suburbs are growing outward and over the Edward Aquifer’s re-change zone, polluting the water. To help the Edwards Aquifer, which is a main source of water for Texas, serving about 1.7 million people, Austin has started to grow up. Large condominiums have less of an environmental impact as the sprawling suburbs but the new condominiums rising in downtown Austin such as the Austonian, the Monarch, the 360, and more, are ruining the skyline.

Greg Anderson

There’s not even a chance to see the legendary state capital building in the middle of downtown. If you feel like taking a look there’s even a W going up downtown, which is a very high end hotel.

Small businesses, that locals love, are closing down such as the Cactus Cafe. If we shop locally then our economy will be stronger because the money will go back directly to the people who live in

Austin, unlike large chains. Some may say that the growth of Austin is a wonderful thing because it’s helping the economy grow. If we didn’t rely on large companies then we could sustain an economy with our money staying here and helping those around us. The local businesses are well known

local music venues are what we need to remember about this city.

In the 1980s Micheal Dell started Dell Incorporation in Austin, TX. Dells foundations in Austin have drawn people here for the jobs making the city double in the past since the 1980s. The Dell company has drawn other technology

IF WE DIDN’T RELY ON LARGE COMPANIES THEN WE COULD SUSTAIN AN ECONOMY WITH OUR OWN MONEY STAYING HERE AND HELPING THOSE AROUND US . corporations to Austin over the years. Now that Dell is recognized all over the world they have moved to larger cities around the U.S. Austin will always be the place where Dell was founded but it doesn’t have to be where all the business is done. Dell has become part of Austin. The company support many good causes and is admired. This doesn’t mean that the city should become a factory.

Austin needs to preserve its identity. We need to keep the image of Austin as BARTON SPRINGS a place where evIn the summer with many eryone here loves Austonites flocking to the their city and holds cool water. in the background you can see the downtown to have an Austin onto the strong construction. spirit to them and to foundations. We sustain our culture. love Austin beA couple of weeks ago I wanted cause of its rich life style that is to go to Z-Pizza, a locally owned just so much fun to be part of. I business that made organic pizwant to be able to come back to za. I walked to the spot and it Austin in years to come and still had closed. It hadn’t even been feel welcomed by Hippies, bright open for an entire year. Things colors and bike riding hooligans. like SoCo with local pizza parlors To let Austin stay how it is we and crazy boutiques, or the farmneed to stop presenting the city ers markets around towns, or the as a place to move to. 2

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SEBASTIAN C.

, on C ome e your body baby, do that S S E R k a sh CONG

Left: View of Downtown Austin from South Congress Below: Lucy In Disguise located on south congress

Photo by gdsanders

S

outh Congress is mostly just a social gathering place,” states LASA freshman Selin K., “People meet up, hang out, eat, shop, and have a good time. It really is just a perfect place for people to make memories.”

South Congress, or otherwise known as SOCO, is always filled

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with people making it a popular place to go to. Almost at any time of the day you can find a large mass of kids or adults walking around, browsing and buying at the local shops. SOCO is a complicated area to get acquainted with and helping you understand what goes on will enhance your love for the street.

Photo by Sebastian Canizares

“Saturdays are definitely the busiest because there is a lot of people down here. Local artists set up their tents and people come by to check out the artwork,” says Blakesly King, an

Summer 2010

employee working at Big Top. “Any other day of the week there will still be a large amount of people checking out the local shops.”

If you find yourself hungry the big signs of Home Slice Pizza, Magnolia Café, Big Top, Gueros, Jo’s, Enoteca Vespio, and Hey, Cupcake are spread all along the winding street. There are places to grab a bite and eat or even to sit down at a fancy restaurant and share a glass of wine with business assoRight: A band playing ciates. You can live on Congress for find a variety SXSW of foods from Below: Magnolia Cafe sushi to Italian located farther up on Congress

Photo by Labomusic Photo by pand0ra23

food to hot chocolate.

Drinking some coffee at Jo’s, Jorge told the story of how he “met” South Congress. “I used to go that restaurant that used to be right over there.” He was pointing at the new snack and bar place that took out the restaurant El Sol Y La Luna. “The first time I moved to Austin from out of town I got locked out of my new house. My family and I couldn’t get in so we decided to walk to this place called Congress and the first place we saw was El Sol

“The first real place that I fell in love with was on this street right over there.”

Y La Luna. The first real place that I fell in love with was on this street right over there.”

That street, Congress, can also provide you with not only a large food selection but also a ton of clothing and artifact stores for the shopaholics. SOCO includes in-style boutiques to some funky clothing to the cowboy suits and boots. Shops like Urban Outfit-

ters, Allen’s Boots, and Lucy in Disguise are always packed with people of all ages hoarding over the new accessories and sales.

“You walk a little bit, get into a store, walk a little more and you still keep arriving [to] a new and funky store every single time, it never gets old,” says Annalee A. When food and shopping are done people can always sit continued pg 35

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WILLA B.

A Week in the Summer

Sitting at home during the summer you want to get out and have some fun. But doing what? Here is a brainstorm of some exciting things you can do and places you can go. Each day plan to get out with your friends or family. Don’t let the

beautiful summer days go to waist. There is a great variety of things out there from hiking up a mountain or just going to eat some ice cream. Take advantage of the free time we have away from school and live it to the fullest.

Mini-Golf Peter PanGo back to the old

Enchante

d Rock

Take a day trip out to the gorgous natural wonder for a hike up to the top of the dome.

days when you went to mini-gold for birthday parties. Your never too old to go again.

Go for a hike along the river or take a dip it the cooling water. Sit on the bank with your toes dipped in or for more advendure try going into Airman’s Cave.

hn

ba Schlitter

Go with a group of friends to have a blast at Schlitterbahn.

Beat the heat with the fun water rides, go on a nice trip around the whirl pool or get a tan while relaxing in the summer sun.

Zilker

onnell

Mount B

Botan

Go to visit the highest point in Austin and enjoy the weather. Bring a picnic to share with your family or your darling.

Once you have reached the top look out and take in all of Austin.

ic

al Take in the beauty and peaceful nature while taking a strole through the lushious gardens right across from Zilker Park.

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Garde

ns

Green B

elt

Arboretu

Do a little shopping and go out for lunch. For some dessert get some local Austin Amy’s ice cream and take it to sit on the stone cows in the grassy fields.

m

Summer 2010

True Grit

MARCI M.

Just because you’re famous doesn’t mean you can be in a movie, you have to audition first.

L

ast fall, I, Marci M., for some reason that no one knows, including myself, attended the open audition for the remake of True Grit. I’ve never been the girl who wanted to be a movie star, like 95 percent of the girls there were and are, but I didn’t have much better to do on that Saturday morning. My mom, who would have been the one to take me, decided that I should draw a card out of her most trusted deck of cards; if it was red, we would go, if not, I wouldn’t. I drew the seven of diamonds, which in the esoteric sciences that my mother follows, represents luck and skill. I have

never really been into the whole idea, but I must admit that this gave me a bit of a confidence boost.

The Coen Brothers, with Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges. This was no small budget film; this was Hollywood.

The entire time at the audition was actually incredibly boring except for the fact that almost every girl was dressed up as a cowgirl, thinking that it would make them look like they fit the role, but many of them very obviously didn’t. The character we were all trying out for was Mattie Ross, the star of the whole movie, who is supposed to be 14. Though at the time I was 14, I was and am fivefoot-nine-and-a-half, and have a little bit of trouble not looking two years older than I am. Regardless, I had a call back, based entirely on my looks. I was excited; I could be in a movie, directed by

My call back was scheduled so that I had to leave Latin early, and of course, Mr. Browne made fun of me and told me to inform the casting director that I was a Latin student. I forgot to tell them, but the audition went alright and I went home. Let’s just say I never heard from them, and I’m not going to be a movie star in the near future, but Mo Q. tells me in Latin, “Just because you’re famous, Marci, doesn’t mean you can finish the warm up before everyone else.” I tell her, “I’m not famous.” She tells me, “Just introduce me to Matt Damon.” 2

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KERRY A.

Painting of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Photo by afagen on flickr.com

Location, Location, Location A movie about the iconic Texan president Lyndon B. Johnson is scheduled to begin production in April of this year. The only problem is, most if not all of the shooting of the movie will be done outside of Texas.

A

movie about an iconic Texan— Lyndon B. Johnson—started production in April. I’m sure the film will describe the life and contributions to the state and the country by this president, as well as many personal aspects. The thing is, it won’t be filmed in Texas. Director Robert

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Benton, who is a native Texan himself, stated that only a few minutes of the movie will be shot in Texas, if any at all. A lot of people feel that this takes away from the Texan heart of the film.

Not me.

The people who get bent out of shape about how the heart and soul of the movie is corrupted, that

it should be pure, and lovely, and completely and totally Texan… they don’t know the facts. I’m not saying it wouldn’t be convenient if shooting the movie in Texas was the best idea, but it’s not. A lot of things are more important than the feeling of the movie. The point of this movie is showing the life of one of the most iconic Texan figures, and the specific

Summer 2010

location of filming really shouldn’t be all that important.

This movie doesn’t need to be shot primarily in Texas. The movie crew is filming mostly in Louisiana and Georgia, where the states provided richer tax cuts and benefits for them. The Texas government has more important things to spend its valuable money on than a movie. If you look at the landscapes of Georgia and Louisiana, you’ll find places that look practically identical to those of Texas.

For viewers of this movie, it won’t make a difference where it was filmed. The director of the movie,

Robert Benton, has done long, thorough location scouting, searching for the best place to shoot, and the scenery in nearby states was just as good as it is in Texas. Whip It!, a movie that came out last year, was also supposed to be set in Texas (specifically in Austin), but was filmed almost completely in Michigan, with only a few necessary seconds of film in Austin. Yes, that was a different situation, and no, Whip It! was not based on one of the most influential Texans in history, but it’s the same principle. The question is whether or not it’s worth it to sacrifice money for Texan pride, and the answer is no.

Think about things like education. Think about conserving the environment and building new structures. I would say

“It’s not worth it to sacrifice money for pride.”

that things like that are much more important than a movie, especially because there’s nothing about this movie that would be of lower quality if Texas decided not to waste money on a movie.

It’s been mentioned that local businesses would get a boost from the business of the movie crew, and that by shooting in another state is providing valuable money for corporations there instead of in Texas.

According to a CsMonitor.com study, Texas is listed in the top 10 states in terms of economy. The money lost for businesses won’t be as hard of a hit. I’m not trying to say that the economy here is good, or that the businesses wouldn’t benefit greatly from a movie being produced, but Texas isn’t in need of that money as much as other states.

And those other states that are getting the money? Those are the ones who need it. A person with any sense can see that this is for the best. 2 Top: Texan landscape, Bottom: Georgian landscape

Photo by Quinn Dombrowski

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

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MARCI M .

The interior of the Cactus Cafe, as it is until this Augsust when it is due to be closed.

Cactus

Photo by Marci M.

CACTUS CUT

As state funding has decreased, The University of Texas has faced a $29 million budget deficit.

One of their proposals, closing the Cactus Cafe, has many Austinites up in arms to keep thier beloved music venue and open and running as it has for the past 31 years.

T

he single stage which has lead such

when compared to the $29 million budget cut. On Facebook,

musical artists as Lyle Lovett and Nanci

as soon as it was announced that the closure was planned, a

Griffith to fame, is due to be shut down

group was formed called "Save the Cactus Cafe." Since then,

this coming August. For 31 years, the

almost 24,000 people have joined. In previous years, the cafe

Cactus Cafe has been a locale where

has been self sufficient, requiring no budget money at all, so is

college students have spent their Fri-

there any reason that it cannot be returned to this state, es-

day nights, and where many Austinites

pecially if those who have joined aforementioned group were to

have learned various skills at a fairly

regularly attend classes and concerts at the Cactus Cafe? The

low price. Its closure is estimated to save $122k- a small amount

closure of the Cactus Cafe is not only a gross unnecessary bud-

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Summer 2010

get cut but also an awful action against an irrelevant problem that could be solved in a much simpler manner with less resistance.

The closing the Cactus Cafe would be one of the many losses of Austin's culture.

In the past 31 years, the Cactus Cafe has provided a place for UT students to relax, learn new skills, listen to music and perhaps perform themselves. It is true that they are many other music venues in around Austin, but the Cactus was known for their very relaxed atmosphere where people actually listened to the music instead of simply having it as background. Because of this, Photo by Marci M.

it was a great place for local unknowns to

In past years, the Cactus Cafe has actually made a profit for the university.

T

he Cactus Cafe, in addition to being a music venue, offers informal classes for myriad skills. The classes are intended for UT students in addition to their normal classes and are therefore

are very reasonably priced; most are under $100 for 1-10 meetings.

Because these classes are primarily utilized by non-students, UT officials say that these classes cause them to lose money despite the 10,000 people who use them each year. Despite the fact that there is a different price for UT students and non-students, it is a very small

play and see what fellow citizens thought of

difference, maybe only $14 for one of the most

them. With the loss of this local icon, start-

expensive classes: 10 weeks of one-hour begin-

ups, particularly UT students, may have to

ner guitar classes. For non-students, this class

go off campus to a much less convenient

is $96 dollars; similar classes at the Austin Gui-

venue, such Flipnotics or The Continental

tar School are $495, at Austin Guitar Classes:

Club. It is not particularly difficult to get to

$310, and at The School of Feedback Guitar:

these places, but when bands must tote their

$400.

instruments and sound equipment, things

prices, but for patrons who aren't already paying

can get much more difficult.

The Cactus

the $5,000 tuition, more if they aren't a Texas

Cafe isn't just some stage for nobodies, but

resident, it's not unreasonable for them to pay at

a place when giants such as Lyle Lovett and

least another $50 for these classes, particularly

Nanci Griffith have started their careers.

if it's an alternative to the Cafe being closed and

The primary reason that the Cactus Cafe

having to pay $300 more for a similar class. The

is being closed is UT's $29 million budget shortage. The entire Cafe operation requires $1.3 million, but has enough income that the university only loses an average of $122,000 per year. This cut would hardly have a large effect on the deficit. In past years, the Cactus Cafe has actually made a profit for the university.

Photo by Marci M.

Top, the Union Underground, an underground complex on the UT campus with food, hangouts, a bowling alley, and the Cactus Cafe.

Above, Below the Cactus Cafe is another popular college hangout, the bowling alley. However, it doesn’t have live music or classes.

Yes, the

The Cactus Cafe does advertise low

hundreds of people against the Cactus Cafe being closed would surely be willing to submit to

a small price hike if it meant that the cafe would remain open.

The Cactus Cafe is a city icon, which has provided services to Austinites for the past 31 years. Should a budget deficit be the cause for the end of this place where Austinites have spent their evenings, listening to musical start-ups and taking classes in the fair city of Austin, TX? I say no, as do 24,000 others, equal to almost half of the entire UT enrollment. Such a closure would be an attack against the es-

Cafe probably wouldn't have a profit to match the money that

sential Austin culture of live music in homey venues, and should not

it's closure would save, but over several years, and with invest-

be tolerated by the citizens of Austin, nor those who appreciate and

ment, the Cactus Cafe could once again be a producer for UT.

take pride in Austin's title as the Live Music Capital of the World.

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KERRY A.

An Alliance of

Heroes Art from redraspus on flickr.com Chris Evans will be playing Captain America in the 2011 movie The First Avenger: Captain America. Interestingly enough, he played Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) in the Fantastic Four movie released in 2005 and in the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer.

The Avengers, a movie starring several Marvel superheroes (such as Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Nick Fury) will be released in 2012. Chris Evans will return to play Captain America, a crucial member of the Avengers.

Chris Evans has been in a variety of other films and TV programs, including Robot Chicken, the Nanny Diaries, Boston Public, and the Fugitive. He also appeared on the Kids’ Choice Awards in 2007.

Art from poi3 at Picasa Web Albums

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Art from redraspus at flickr.com

Art from Zachary Tirrell on flickr.com Iron Man 2 was released on the 7th of May this year. Robert Downey Jr. starred as Tony Stark/Iron Man once again. This sequel follows the first movie, where the worl was made aware of Tony Stark’s double life as a suberhero and a billionaire inventor. Stark and his allies, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) has to face dangerous enemies as well as pressure from the government.

Robert Downey Jr. will also play Iron Man in the 2012 movie, The Avengers.

Art from Scott Monty on flickr.com

Next year, a movie based on the Marvel superhero Thor. Playing the lead role will be Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. He also had a small but important role in the Star Trek movie released last May- Geogre Kirk, the main character’s father. He also made a few guest appearances on Dancing With the Stars in 2006.

The movie will be about the mighty Norce God, Thor, who was sent to Earth as a punishment. During his time on Earth, Thor learns about heroism while facing one of the most dangerous villians of his world. The movie co-stars Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, and Anthony Hopkins.

Thor movie poster

In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. played the role of Sherlock Holmes in the movie of the same name.

Summer 2010

MARCI M.

SHOELACE STYLING WHEN ONLY WHITE OR BLACK LACES ARE ALLOWED

Photo by Marci M.

The truth is, every time you wear your shoes with little designs on the laces or just use some pretty yarn, you are breaking the dress code. So go ahead, be a rebel, but there is a better way. Just take your black or white laces out of the eyelets in their standard criss-cross method and re-lace them into one of the near 2,000,000,000,000 other ways. Of course, most of these are in no way practical or at all good-looking, but there are those that do stand out and much cooler than anything that can be done with any sort of colored laces just going criss-cross on your feet.

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Double Cross

Ladder In short, the double cross method is simple but effective. It isn’t at all cluttered so it stands out without drawing attention. It can be laced tighter or looser to control how much the crosses underneath show.

This style is great for keeping high lacing boots, shoes and skates tight. On the flip side, it is harder to loosen than many of the other styles though, in this case its fault it its triumph.

Zipper

Pentagram lacing is the most hip and stying shoelace design there is. It shortens lace ends but this look is worth that difficulty by far. If you’re looking for something unique, practical and decorative, here it is.

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In this pattern, everything about it is completely average except that each lace loops under itself around the eyelet. Don’t forget to do this or else your shoes will end up looking like the ones in the picture.

Summer 2010

All photos by Marci M.

Pentagram

Loop Back

Lattice

Lattice style is most definitely decorative, but practical too. Tightening takes a little bit of thought, but unlike styles like checkerboard, can be done without completely re-lacing.

This one almost looks like the criss-cross, but with closer examination turns out to be completely different. Each half loops around the other before going back to the same side.

Bar Lacing

Checkerboard This method that hardly looks to be just shoelaces can be made even more distinctive by using two different colored laces on each shoe with one for the verticals and another for the horizontals.

Bar lacing is perhaps the perfect marriage of practicality and interest. This is a classic that looks best when used on shoes with closely spaced eyelets.

For details on these sytles and more visit the Virtu blog.

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Movements of Us by Willa B. Continued from page 7 on a show of Gondoliers rowing, once in 2003 and once again in 2004.

Recently she’s been working on her new project “T Stands for: 200 Two-Steppers at the Texas Capital”, which also got a commission to be performed as the opening performance of the Fusebox Festival here in Austin. For this project she went out to clubs, such as the Broken Spoke, to look for dancers. She had a good time while keeping an eye out for anyone who might look good in the performance. “I’m really good at picking out people who don’t look like they would be good- with a unique stage presence...showing their spirits coming out.” Once she spots someone she goes up to them and asks if they would like to volunteer to be in her new piece, and many are very enthusiastic to help her pull it off.

When Allison Orr isn’t researching and working on her projects she teaches dance at ACC, hangs out with her family and works with the outreaches programs of Forklift Danceworks. Allison has made it so elementary school girls with low-income that can’t afford dance classes can take creative movement classes for free. Forklift also collaborates with VSA Arts of Texas having workshops for people with disabilities.

Many of Allison’s dreams have taken shape and are inspirational to other artists, but she still has more to come and keeps reaching further. “Astronauts! I have a huge list.

So many things- power lineman, cowboys, body builders.

The list goes on and on.” 2

Photo by Marci M.

A Schmillion Sounds by Marci M. Continued from page 14 Frankie would said that she wasn’t nervous until their second gig, at Momo’s, when they opened for another band, Asian and the Sickness; it was late at night and there were a lot of people that they didn’t know.

“I eat all the time. It’s like constant intake of food and then the day of the gig, I’m just like zip,” said Frankie, who worries she’ll throw up if she eats anything before she plays.

Zoe admitted that she keeps eating her five meals a day regardless of whether or not they have a gig.

In March, Schmillion won an Austin Music Award for Best Under 18 Band.

“It’s crazy, my dad must be like telling everyone because everyone I walk up to, like, my principal, my music teacher, my principal’s secretary, have all come up to me and been like ‘congratulations’” said Natalie. Frankie admit-

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Summer 2010

Come on Baby, Do that Congress, by Sebastian C. Continued from page 23 back and relax, listen to some local musicians play around in different areas of the street. You can usually find a couple of guitar soloist or saxophone players playing for some spare change. When there is a big event such as SXSW, a lot more bands can be found playing at Guero’s bar or at the clubs Also, it’s not rare to find lesser known bands playing at local shops and sometimes even right on the street every day Dylan S., a student who attended many SXSW concerts this past spring break really enjoys spending time on the crowded street and listening to his favorite music and bands, “SoCo is the most happening place to spend South By South West!” Even when its not SXSW he likes to be on South Congress listening to music at some of his favorite restaurants. “You can’t top having good music and food all on one street”.

Photo by Marci M.

You can start at East Riverside; keep walking south on the populated road. Walking past Academy Drive, past Elizabeth Street where Fulmore Middle School stands tall and past East Annie where the Red Gigantic Headed Fran’s holding a guitar and tray is ready to serve you.

Don’t stop until you hit Oltorf where the small business shops tend to disappear and big chain companies start.

As long as you have a big appetite, a knack for windowshopping, or even wanting to have a good time and listen to music, South Congress is the place to be. 2

ted that she checked her phone when she got the text that they had won during biology, “I just kind of knew, I just need[ed] to check this text,” she said. Everyone was extremely excited and had a lot of trouble keeping the award secret until the winners were announced to the public.

“I want to play at ACL,” announced Sienna, expressing where she wanted the band to go in the future. The rest of the band followed up, listing just about every major music festival in Austin, as well as finishing their EP and recording an album. Schmillion as a group is in it in for the long run and hopes to tour the world, including Antarctica, playing their music that has already won an AMA after less than a year as a band.

After it was suggested that they skip school next year to work on their music Zoe said joking, “Its not like I need a future,” Frankie corrected her, “We have one.” 2

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