austin After the Music
E
ven without the tourist-targeting slogan “Live Music Capital of the World,” it’s clear that Austin is a good place to hear live music. Acclaimed touring acts play on Red River all week, and Blues rock cover bands can be heard from outside half the venues on Sixth Street. It’s all part of a vibrant music scene that consistently hoists local musicians into the national spotlight. Just don’t let all the attention live music gets distract you from the other types of entertainment Austin has to offer. Students can wine and dine in nationally acclaimed restaurants (or locally acclaimed dives), bust a gut at local comedy joints, hike and bike the nature trails or catch a film at our one-of-a-kind local cinema. There’s no better city for entertainment than Austin.
austin cinema
It would be impossible to be a movie fan in Austin and avoid the Alamo Drafthouse. The beloved local theater chain features full food service, and in addition to showing reasonably priced new releases, hosts an astounding array of events ranging from cult classic screenings to music video sing-a-longs. If you miss out on an obscure must see film at the Alamo, don’t fret, there is a pretty good chance you’ll be able to find a copy at one of Austin’s all-inclusive rental outlets. Both I Luv Video and Vulcan have extensive selections and knowledgeable staff, making them several steps ahead of the high school students working at Blockbuster who don’t know their Godfather from their Forrest Gump. Of course, movie theaters are also a great way to relax, cool down, and beat the heat, so it’s nice that both the Paramount and Central Park offer summer film series. Over the summer Paramount showcases weekly double features of classics, both new and old, while Central Park provides a nice outdoor area to relax with the family and enjoy some kid friendly fare.
austin outside
Though Austin’s horrendous summer heat waves often keep everyone as close to air conditioning as possible, there is plenty to do, see, and swim in around town. When it comes to keeping cool, nothing beats a lazy day spent lying in the shade by the always ice cold Barton Springs. Anyone who balks at Barton’s $3 entrance fee should be satisfied by the free swimming holes found in the Greenbelt, as well as the miles of scenic trails. And for those with an inclination toward inclines, Mount Bonnell is an equally hikable walk in the woods, complete with a gorgeous view of Austin’s skyline. Hikers might get lucky and spot a squirrel or two, but if you are looking for interesting animals, the best bet is the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, home to more than 100 different species of rescued animals. Despite suffering from that thermometer busting Texas heat, Austin is anything but dry, and both Lake Travis and Lady Bird Lake are beautiful, boatable destinations for folks trying to get out on the water without having to get their feet wet.
20
Life4U
austin comedy
The Paramount regularly hosts big name comedians and the occasional Comedy Central filming, but the ticket prices can run up to 80 dollars or more. That’s asking a lot of a cash-strapped student, so if you’re looking for a cheap laugh it’s probably best to stay local. Esther’s Follies has weekly shows that include everything from magic to sketch comedy to musical routines. Next door to Esther’s is the Velveeta Room, and your Esther’s Follies ticket gets you in for free, so there is no reason the comedy has to stop when the curtains close. If you like your comedy to be more on the spot, it doesn’t get any more spontaneous than Austin’s incredible improv scene. Tickets are typically ten bucks or less, and shows can be seen Thursday through Saturday at both the Hideout Theatre downtown and the Coldtowne Theater on Airport Blvd. If you like what you see and are interested in getting out of the audience and onto the stage, both theaters offer improv and comedy classes catering to any skill level or prior experience.
austin eats When it comes to eats, Austin has plenty of options suited to a student’s budget (meaning cheap.) Texas is renowned for it’s barbecue, but Austin has also has plenty of vegetarian dining, so if you need noncarnivorous cuisine, consider yourself covered. Veggie Heaven, Bouldin Creek, and both Mr. Naturals are all safe havens for health food types and vegetarians alike, serving up nutritious, meatless dishes at more than affordable prices. Those seeking more traditional fare will be happy to know that both Kerbey Lane and Magnolia Cafe sling high-quality, low price, greasy spoon diner food 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Three a.m pancakes and a bottomless cup of coffee make great companions during an all night study session. Of course, there are also those days when the financial aid check comes in (or your parents visit from out of town) and you feel like hitting something a little bit more upscale. Uchi, a modern Japanese and sushi restaurant on South Lamar will certainly satisfy your raw fish cravings, and is a step above the bento box size sushi spots on West Campus. Not into sushi, but still have the urge to dine fine? Vespaio on South Congress has high end Italian food that should delight the taste buds of anyone who can afford the stiff prices. For most college students though, eating out means eating cheap which is why pizza and subs make up half their daily caloric intake. Anyone craving a hot slice or hoagie is advised to head to Guadalupe’s main Drag, where you’ll find almost as many pizza/sub shops as UT students wearing burnt orange.
austin art
When it comes to keeping Austin Weird, no one does it better than the folks living out on the fringe of Austin’s art scene. Located just off of MLK on Austin’s east side, the lived in Museum Of Natural And Artificial Ephemera hosts a rotating collection of curious odds and ends with semi-regular events. Similar in eccentric devotion to the obscure and unwanted is the Cathedral of Junk, a South Austinite’s three story monument to the wonders of refuse, which is viewable by appointment. Back on the beaten path, both the Blanton and Harry Ransom Center are UT sponsored treasure troves of high art (the former) and artifacts (the latter.) Lastly, for those who like their culture less static, and more on stage, Austin has a wonderful theater scene with diverse productions appearing regularly at Hyde Park and Salvage Vanguard, as well as kid oriented matinee shows over at the Scottish Rite.
Fall 2009–Summer 2010
21