East Austin Live: Strength in numbers

Quick, how many arts and entertainment venues do you think there are on the Eastside? Eight? 10? 12 maybe? Try 19, with new ones popping up all the time. Add to that number almost as many arts companies that work in East Austin but don't have their own spaces and the dozens of restaurants and coffeehouses dotting that side of the city, and it's clear that the Eastside is not just a cultural hot spot but may be the hottest in town. To ensure that the rest of the city knows that, 33 theatre, dance, and multimedia companies and a host of dining establishments are joining forces to provide an ongoing guide to entertainment in their part of Austin. East Austin Live is its name, and it will provide, through a Web site – www.eastaustinlive.com, natch – and a brochure, maps to and information about the many places where you can catch live performance and good eats across East Austin – from established venues such as the Vortex, the Off Center, and the Blue to newer ones such as play! Theatre, City Theatre, New East Arts Gallery, and, coming in June, Salvage Vanguard Theater. To give this initiative the kickoff it deserves, Vortex Artistic Director Bonnie Cullum is hosting an East Austin Live launch party this Tuesday, May 1, 5-7pm, at the Vortex, 2307 Manor. It's open to the public. Enjoy free food and a cash bar, and get to know who's who on the Eastside. For more information, call 478-LAVA or visit www.vortexrep.org.