Today is Willie Nelson's birthday! (mine too but that is beside the point) To celebrate we are attending two different events this evening that have nothing to do with Willie Nelson. FIRST! We will be out at Hill's Cafe on South Congress to see KVET'S Texas Music Series featuring Brandon Rhyder with Matt Skinner. The show kicks off around 7pm and is absolutely free. We'll have three of our newest Chrontouragers out there to give out the usual goodies as well as some special prizes for a lucky few. So go out and say hi and be gentle with them.
www.texasmusicseries.com LATER! We will be out at Emo's to check out Man Man performing with Yeasayer. Both of these bands made a huge splash at SXSW this year so their return is highly anticipated. Doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10. Visit our table in the back and tell our team what you think.
www.emosaustin.com
www.wearemanman.com
www.yeasayer.net Special thanks to Eric and Rebecca, our Chrontourage photographers. They photograph most of our events trying to capture the little moments that make each event great. Say hi to them (or better yet, buy them a drink) and your picture could very well end up in the Chrontourage newsletter or in the Chronicle print edition.
To see some examples of what they have been shooting check out the Chrontourage photo page: austinchronicle.com/whatyoumissed Read More | Comment »

For those lucky people that received passes we are holding a Special Advance Screening of Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay tonight at 7:30. It is sure to be filled with a bong's share of dick jokes and chronic innuendo with subtex that is smarter than you would expect. I re-watched Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle a couple of nights ago to prepare myself and I was impressed with how the jokes weren't tired or lame. From the buzz I am hearing on the internets it sounds like Harold & Kumar's second adventure holds up well with with the first. We still have some extra passes here at the office if anyone would like to try to make it. Just like most of our special screenings, you must have a pass to gain admission but the pass does not guaranty that you will get in so please show up early. www.haroldandkumar.com Read More | Comment »

It's gonna be a busy one for the Chrontourage. Tonight (Friday) we will make an appearance out at the Scoot Inn for "Murder Ballads Night". If you've got a penchant for romance with a dark side I highly recommend it. On Saturday April 19th you will find us out at the Austin Earth Day Festival at Republic Square Park. We will have our table set-up starting at 9am so come by and visit. If you sign-up on our e-mail newsletter at the event (or are already on the newsletter list) you can spin the chron-wheel and you could win some really cool prizes. Entry to the festival is free but dontations are accepted so there really is no excuse for not showing up. On Sunday April 20th we will be at the Austin Reggae Fest (insert 4/20 jokes here). Just like Saturday we will have our table set up (starting at noon) and you can spin the wheel to win some good stuff. FYI: In case you hadn't heard, the CAT POWER show scheduled for Sunday (4/20) night at Stubb's has been postponed because of vocal chord complications. Stay tuned to www.stubbsaustin.com for information on rescheduling. All tickets for the 4/20 show will be honored for the rescheduled date. If you've got the energy for it, check out the ArtErotica Art Show on Saturday night, or Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks at La Zona Rosa on Sunday night. Everyone be safe and as Bill and Ted would say, "be excellent to each other!" Read More | Comment »

Tonight the Chrontourage will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz downtown. We'll be in the lobby starting at 6:15pm to support the Harry Ransom Center's Beat Film Series. Come by and say "Hi" and you might just walk away with something cool! www.hrc.utexas.edu/beatfilm
www.originalalamo.com Read More | Comment »

So are are really starting to ramp up our online contests and we are looking for new ways to get you what you want. We now have three different chances to win something cool.
1. be our facebook friend and keep an eye out for our notes
2. be our myspace friend and keep an eye out for our bulletin posts
3. check out our contest page (www.austinchronicle.com/contests) Each option can have different prizes or their own set segment of the original prize. Of course the contest page on our website has the most and coolest stuff but we will constantly have other stuff to give out through these other social networks. Keep checking back and you could be the next winner. Hugs and Kisses! Read More | Comment »

Things we have done recently:
-Swamp Thing Crawfish Fest (George Clinton got the funk)
-The Grind Extreme Sports & Music Fest (upstream to the extreme, photos here)
-Colin Meloy at La Zona Rosa (sea shanty swooning)
-Austin Poetry Slamoff 2008! at the Long Center (snap snap snap snap)
-Ray Romano and Brad Garrett at The Austin Music Hall (everybody can't be wrong)

Personally, I had a blast seeing Colin Meloy perform his sailor ballads. It was a refreshing site watching his playful interactions with the crowd despite the occasional mistake or forgotten lyric... quite charming. Go check him out next time he comes into town. The Chrontourage is growing steadily. I would like to welcome our newest Chrontouragers Emily, Danielle, Malorie and our newest photographer Eric. If you see them out at the next event be sure to say hi. As always you can keep track of where we will be on our Chrontourage Events page (www.austinchronicle.com/chrontourage) and I will keep you updated here on the blog of my impressions of each event along with specifics on where you can find the Chrontourage team.

Don't forget to check our contest page (www.austinchronicle.com/contests) regularly as I am constantly putting up new contests to win all sorts of stuff. Right now my personal favorites include Rush tickets, ArtErotica passes, and tickets to the Texas Wine and Food Festival Sunday Fair. Go check them out and see what tickles your fancy! That is it for now, see you on the town! Read More | Comment »

Wow! Things with the Chrontourage are growing so fast it is making our pretty little heads spin. Right now we are looking to expand our Chrontourage street team which means we need you!

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic young people who want to help promote the Austin Chronicle at various events throughout Austin and the surrounding community. The open positions are considered unpaid internships but there are a number of perks including movie screenings, live music shows, poetry/art exhibits, and class credit is available if you are a student. If you want to find out more about the Chrontourage and how you can get involved please e-mail chrontourage@gmail.com.

Keep checking back here and our contest page for more updates about Chrontourage events and promotions. We'll see you on the town! Read More | Comment »

What a crazy week of great films and music!! If you are basketball fan (like I am!) it would be considered the perfect week. We are gearing up here at the Chronicle for our March Madness Tournament Bracket - lots of great teams this year...should be some amazing games. My boys at Syracuse didn't make it in (no surprise there), but there are 8 Big East teams representing - better watch out BIG 12! Grab a beer and enjoy the games! Read More | Comment »

Before things get too busy today wanted to make sure & blog about the Music Awards tomorrow night. Tickets are on sale at Waterloo Records for $15 or you can buy them at the door for $20! If you have a SXSW wristband or music badge you can get in for free. We have a great line-up including a Walter Hyatt Tribute with Lyle Lovett, David Ball, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and closing the show we have indie rock darlings Okkervil River performing with the legendary Roky Erickson. Should be a fun night. Doors are at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:55pm SHARP! Hope to see you there! Read More | Comment »

Hey everybody! Sorry we haven't blogged in awhile...our fabulous Promotions Manager (we miss you Sadie!), moved to North Carolina for a job opportunity and we just haven't been the same since she left...and she was the one that posted our blogs! YIKES! It's nutty around here with SXSW about to kick-off...the Film & Interactive Festival starts on the 7th and the Music Festival begins on March 12th! Make sure to pick up the Austin Chronicle when making your SXSW plans. We also have our special DAILY ISSUES on stands March 13th, 14th & 15th. Have a great week - I know I am excited to catch some great films and bands...and drink a few beers! Read More | Comment »

Join us from 5 - 7pm...first beer on us!
Thursday, Feb 28, 5pm
The Belmont


Set to the beat of timeless music, this elegant, relaxed atmosphere creates the foundation for guests to satisfy their desires for classic American cuisine, generous cocktails, and some of Austin's most exciting entertainment.

From 5-7pm, $3 well drinks, $1 off wine, and draft beer.

The Belmont
305 W. Sixth
Austin, Texas 78701-2915 Read More | Comment »

Texas Independence Day Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, March 1 - 2, 2007

Downtown Austin Texas at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Congress Avenue, in the shadow of the State Capitol across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Saturday & Sunday hours 10am - 7pm

Admission $5 per day
12 and under FREE with an adult!
FREE parking in adjacent state parking lots. Most parking meters are FREE on weekends.

A celebration of the Independent Spirit of Texas with Music, Arts, and Fun!

14 Bands playing non-stop! Something for everyone!
Times listed are approximate because band schedules sometimes change.
Visit www.RoadwayEvents.com for up to date info. Read More | Comment »

AUSTIN, TX, Friday, February 15, 2008 – It’s time once again to honor the music that makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World! Votes from this year’s Austin Chronicle Music Poll are being tabulated and the winners will be announced at the 26th Annual Austin Music Awards on Wednesday, March 12, at the newly renovated Austin Music Hall, the official kick-off to South by Southwest Music. This year's show features an array of only-in-Texas acts including South Carolina by Birth, Texas by Choice: The Songs of Walter Hyatt starring David Ball (of Uncle Walt’s Band), Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Warren Hood, the Belleville Outfit, Colin Gilmore, Taylor Hyatt, and Audrey Ball; San Marcos native Roy Head and American Idol finalist Sundance Head with Gene Kurtz, Burnin’ Mike Vernon, Mike Buck; Houston cult band The Judy’s (David Bean, Jeff Walton, and Dane Cessac); Honeydripper star Gary Clark, Jr.; and indie rock darlings Okkervil River performing with the legendary Roky Erickson. Man about town Andy Langer returns as emcee. The Music Awards are presented by The Austin Chronicle and SXSW and co-sponsored by 107.1 KGSR and is a benefit for the SIMS Foundation. Tickets on sale Tuesday, February 19 at Waterloo Records - $15 in advance, $20 night of show. Your SXSW badges and wristbands include entry into the show at the Austin Music Hall. Read More | Comment »

The Black Lips are what you could call true visionaries of a skeptical age. Even from their very first 7" EP, you could tell they were doing their own thing on their own terms, and of course it didn't sit well, even with the dawning of the 21st century and all it promised. Wildly cross-eyed broken stars destined to waver in their importance in the cosmos, they know no boundaries and they take no pretense. Tix thru ticketweb.com, waterloo records, sound on sound records and end of an ear records Read More | Comment »

The United States Art Authority will host “Art on Deck,” an exhibit of selected skateboards on loan from local private collector Warren McKinney. “This show is a fundraiser for the Austin EcoSchool, and this unique event should appeal to a wide range. There are a few decks from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, but most are from the 90’s through recent issues. They include one-of-a-kind prototypes, signed limited editions, rare foreign releases, and some ‘holy grails’ among skateboard collectors. The main focus is on the artwork itself – it just happens to use a skateboard as its canvas.” View more photos now. Read More | Comment »

Surprise your valentine with tickets to see singing heartthrob, Michael Bublé at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center February 27 at 8 p.m. Bublé, known for his modern interpretations of standards from a variety of eras, is performing on his third major concert tour of the US. Don’t miss your chance to make this Valentine’s Day special with tickets to see this Grammy-nominated artist as he brings his irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to Austin on February 27!

Tickets On Sale Now! Buy tickets at all Texas Box Office outlets including select H-E-B stores, or call 1-800-982-2386 or order online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

Tickets Make Great Valentine’s Day Gifts! Read More | Comment »

Friday, Feb 8, 6pm
Shoal Creek Saloon

Come kick off this new season event!

Every Friday and Saturday night at 5pm, beginning Feb. 8 and going through the season! Check out their daily specials at shoalcreeksaloon.com.

Shoal Creek Saloon
909 N. Lamar
Austin, Texas 78703-4946 Read More | Comment »

Click here for a printable version of the 2-for-1 coupon good at Opal Divine's Monday-Friday 11am-4pm. Serving Lunch Daily! Opal Divine's Freehouse restaurant and bar is located in beautiful downtown Austin, TX. With beautiful decks and a lovely view, come enjoy a pint under the Elms. American Grill served until 1AM, 4AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Friendly service in Historic downtown setting. Check out their calendar for seasonal live music under the Elms! Read More | Comment »

New Photos added to "What you Missed" Album from the Sheboygan CD release party at Hole in the Wall Feb. 01, 2008! Sheboygan features, Corey "CG Lazer" Glaser, Chris "Rusty" Gebhart, Johnny "JV" Vogelsang and Gray "Possible" Parsons. Check them out now. All photos by Rebecca Sikes. Read More | Comment »

Come down to B.D. Riley's between 6-8pm and have your first drink on us! Enjoy great happy hour drink specials: Big Import Pints are 20 oz. $4 and Domestic Beers $3.50! Be sure to stay for Pub Quiz & Blues with Hosea Hargrove starting at 8pm. Test your wits against Austin's best brains! It's our traditional Wednesday night Pub Quiz starting at 8pm. Join us and compete for $170 in prizes--it costs nothing to enter. Austin Blues legend Hosea Hargrove & the Road Runners take the stage at 10pm for a couple of hours of cool blues. No cover as always. Read More | Comment »