Happy Birthday to The Ritz

Austin's historic Sixth St. theater The Ritz, aka the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz, recently celebrated its 81st anniversary and, honestly, it doesn't look a day over 29.

That'd be October 29, 1929, aka "Black Tuesday," which sent panicked investors and pretty much anyone with samolians in the bank scrambling for cover. Thankfully, The Ritz had opened two weeks prior, allowing for cinematic respite from the country's suddenly grim financial reality.

To celebrate (The Ritz, not the Great Depression) the Alamo will be screening Al Jolson's greatest hit (and cinema's first-ever talking picture), The Jazz Singer, accompanied by a pre-show performance from renowned jazz artist Erik Hokkanen and a tasty, multi-course feast. Considering the state of the State these days, it behooves us to eat and drink as much as possible, for tomorrow we may be hungry and thirsty (and bread lines are so totally not fun).

We penned an extensive piece on The Ritz's history, including its legendary punk rock era, exactly three years ago to the day. For anyone wondering why The Ritz is an integral part of Austin's beloved weirdness, you can read all about it here.

Not enough punk rock for you? Check out Craig Underwood's terrific Left of the Dial magazine article on The Ritz circa '82 here.

The shindig kicks off tonight, 7:50 pm, at the Alamo Ritz. Ticket info can be found here. Tell 'em Mammy sent you.