“Heirlooms” by Sara Hirneisen
Through November 17, Lydia Street Gallery
Reader, I must be honest: I am writing about this event 99% because the photo the gallery sent me is fascinating. In keeping with artist Sara Hirneisen’s sculpture use of casting, the object in question bears 10 plaster-cast fingers piked onto metal prongs and carries the title Finger Rake. I’m obsessed with Finger Rake, which makes sense given Hirneisen’s show is all about holding items in reverence. Playing with gendered objects, Hirneisen reimagines the contents of a hope chest as not so much jewelry and baubles but practical tools. Many of these objects include molds cast from herself and her own children. This process, she writes, stands in opposition to thoughts of marriage and motherhood: Rather, she is “making tools that set them [her children] up for independence and self-sufficiency.” – James Scott
Sip & Shop – A Benefit for Austin Bat Cave
Thursday 3, Letterpress PLAY
Hail to our young wordsmiths, who have a great ally in local writing nonprofit Austin Bat Cave. This group provides cost-free workshops in multiple genres – including journalism, crucial for future Chron bylines – for young pen-wielders, funded by their adult workshops as well as fundraisers like this one. Coinciding with First Thursday on SoCo, the crafty folks at Letterpress PLAY invite their usual customers as well as curious newcomers to have a jaunt around their space. Have a drink, a free taco, a listen to live music by Curtis Lee and his band, and know your purchases will have 10% of profits sent to ABC’s youth programs. Huzzah! – James Scott
Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience
Friday 4 – Sunday 6, AFS Cinema
The late John Aielli, paragon of radio excellence and a true Austin legend, gets the biopic treatment in a new documentary that “shines a light on his early life and scholarly personality,” writes AFS Cinema. “A portrait of a wonderful person and the community that loved, and still loves, him.” That community will come out to share stories about Aielli each screening – catch fellow radio titans Laurie Gallardo and Matt Reilly on October 4, and composer Graham Reynolds October 5, with filmmakers Sam Wainwright Douglas and David Hartstein joining on all three dates. – Lina Fisher
Gaga Gotham City Ball
Friday 4, Cheer Up Charlies
After this Friday’s premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux, hightail it to Cheer Ups for a drag and dance homage to Mother Monster herself. Whether you’re partial to Artpop’s bacchanalian sleaze or recent drop Harlequin’s jazzy covers, resident record spinner DJ BoyFriend ATX mixes like a bona fide Gaga scholar. On the drag front, catch hosts Jenna Talia and May Magdalene announce a plethora of paw-raising performances. Costumes are highly encouraged for the ball: “Come dressed as your favorite Batman character or era of Gaga!” – Genevieve Wood
Suddenly Last Summer
Through October 20, Factory on 5th
Filigree Theatre opens its sixth season, themed “Masks and Mirrors,” with a production of Tennessee Williams’ shocking drama Suddenly Last Summer. Taking place in 1930s New Orleans – a city beloved by the playwright and the setting of A Streetcar Named Desire and Vieux Carré – the story follows a troubled socialite named Catharine Holly. While traveling with her cousin Sebastian the year prior, Catharine had witnessed “terrible events” involving Sebastian, whose mother wants the story silenced at any cost. This moody opener for the season is followed by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in February. – Kat McNevins
Dogra Magra
Friday 4 – Saturday 5, AFS Cinema
Toshio Matsumoto may stand as one of Japan’s most prolific creators, responsible for dozens of experimental shorts, theatrical plays, and radio performances. When he ventured into feature films, it was always for something tectonic. While his trans tragedy Funeral Parade of Roses may be his most famous work, it might be his final feature – anti-mystery Dogra Magra – that is his defining and most difficult work. Adapting one of the Sandaikisho (the “Three Great Occult Books” of Japanese prewar literature), Matsumoto drags you into a realm of metaphysical terror and Jungian symbolism. – Richard Whittaker
Silents Synced Presents Nosferatu With Radiohead
Friday 4, Eastside Cinema & Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In North Central
There’s no such thing as silent cinema. Even from the earliest days, movies were always intended to be played with a soundtrack, either performed live or with a vinyl disc or wax cylinder shipped with the print. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In maverick Josh Frank has taken that old wisdom for new releases of speech-free classics synced to classic alt-rock albums. He’s making these new-old chimeras available to indie cinemas around the world, and just wrapped a sold-out run in L.A. Now he brings the first of these pairings home with F.W. Murnau’s landmark expressionist vampire shocker Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror paired perfectly to two albums by Radiohead, Kid A and Amnesiac. – Richard Whittaker
“August” by Lindsey Verrill
Friday 4, Respec Gallery
In writing about her new show, Little Mazarn’s Lindsey Verrill describes a very contemporary horror story: taking a creative break and coming back to chaos. “This summer I explored the folly of taking time off ‘just to create,’” she writes. “The result was a tumultuous entry back into the working world in August when I found myself with no income and having created no art.” With this gallery show, Verrill puts on display that strange August’s productions: abstract block prints, a handmade quilt, and a soundscape indicative of “the boredom/freedom of giving myself this time.” Attend the opening reception on Friday, Oct. 4, or catch the show on the following three Saturdays: Oct. 5, 12, and 19. – James Scott
Bat City Review: Issue 20 Launch
Saturday 5, First Light Books
Bat City Review, an annual literary mag founded and run entirely by creative writing graduate students at UT-Austin, celebrates the launch of its 20th issue this Saturday at one of the newest additions to Austin’s literary scene, the lovely First Light Books on Speedway. Since its inception in 2004, Bat City Review has been dedicated to supporting emerging writers and artists, and publishes a wide swath of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art. It’s edited by MFA candidates from the New Writers Project, Michener Center for Writers, and UT Studio Art, and “has aroused the attention of the small-press literary scene and earned a reputation as one of the most consistently rich literary magazines published today,” First Light enthuses. The event will include short readings from authors and editors alike. – Lina Fisher
“Floral Realism”
Through October 27, Wally Workman Gallery
Artists have attempted to capture the natural elegance of flowers for centuries, but the flora in this exhibition have seen some shit. Natural droopiness, common species, and photorealistic imperfections define this series. Through watercolor, oils, and colored pencils, Carol Dawson, James Andrew Smith, and Molly Smith (respectively) showcase the effortless construction and everyday beauty that doesn’t want to be ignored or adored, only appreciated. – James Renovitch
Austoberfest
Saturday 5, Scholz Garten
What do you get when you mix Austin, autumn, a 214-year-old German tradition, and a hearty helping of beer? Austoberfest. Hosted by the Austin Saengerrunde, the full day promises live music (polka, rock, and more), sausage tasting, kids games, bowling, and even a yodeling contest. It’s all about camaraderie until the stein-holding contest, where finalists advance to Wurstfest, so start conditioning whatever muscles you use to hold (and not drink) a big ol’ beer. We wouldn’t know the names. – Amber Williams
Bunnicula
Through October 27, Austin Scottish Rite Theatre
Wait, you might say. Bunny business? During Halloween? Isn’t that more of an Easter-type deal? Not so with the titular hare in this classic children’s chapter book turned theatrical tale, taking to the ATX stage under the direction of Deanna Belardinelli. James and Deborah Howe’s story about a curious cat, bumbling dog, and a suspicious bunny found in a movie theatre remains a great introduction to horror for kiddos. They’ll delight in solving the “mystery” of just who is exsanguinating all the carrots and cackle at Bunnicula’s many antics. Look: Either you come see this, or be subjected to another screening of Hotel Transylvania 3 – the weakest of the franchise. Make the right choice: See Bunnicula. – James Scott
Outstanding in the Field
Saturday 5, Boggy Creek Farm
A “roving restaurant without walls,” the Outstanding in the Field tour connects award-winning chefs and sustainable farms for unique outdoor dining experiences. Founder and land artist Jim Denevan will be at the table for the Austin stop, where La Condesa chef Rick Lopez will be making the most of Boggy Creek Farm’s bounty. By the time you read this, tickets to the intimate dinner may have sold out, but you don’t need an excuse to visit this lovely and historic urban farm. We’ll miss the welcoming wag of farm dog Buddy, the very best of boys. – Kimberley Jones
Shock Treatment
Saturday 5, We Luv Video
How many supposed The Rocky Horror Picture Show fans don’t even know there’s a sequel? Well, less a sequel and more a follow-up, with genius provocateur Richard O’Brien following the further psychosexual misadventures of Brad and Janet (now played by Cliff DeYoung and Jessica Harper) and their respective emotional meltdowns after the first film. Cover story subject of the very first Austin Chronicle, there’s none of the sing-along B-movie homage fun of the first film, but rather a depressingly prescient warning about the rise of reality TV, set to a New Wave soundtrack. – Richard Whittaker
Sterling Stage Grand Opening
Saturday 5, Sterling Stage
It doesn’t get much better than free food paired with free live music. Come celebrate the grand opening of the Sterling Stage, and treat your soul to some Motown and savory Southern comforts by Hoover’s Cooking. Watch Austin musicians Roderick Sanford, Cicely Renee Jones, and Gene Walker break in this new theatre and live music venue with their tribute to Motown. If you’re feeling generous, take your chance at the auction supporting Hoover’s. – Eden Shamy
Future Lands
Saturday 5, the Future Front House
Appalachia is currently experiencing climate disaster, with floods from Hurricane Helene devastating much of the area. This awful scenario puts extra weight on this weekend’s collaborative teach-in from local org Future Front TX and Appalachian grassroots organizer Highlander Center. Focus centers on third spaces – finding pleasure, healing, and visualization while building a movement in the Southern U.S. Each session over the day channels these ideas through a Black feminist lens, with scholars, artists, and organizers providing their thoughts as well as listening to yours. Food is provided by chef Grace Aguilar and her Honduran Creole concept Five O Four. – James Scott
Boiler Room World Tour 2024: Austin
Saturday 5 – Sunday 6, The Concourse Project
The legendary Boiler Room brings its world tour to Austin, peddling in all things Jack. The Saturday lineup was so spicy (including the likes of Cowgirl Clue, Dorian Electra, and members of the Perreo Club), the show sold out in a flash, prompting organizers to add another day. Sunday’s lineup gets even tastier with Boys Noize, BAMBI, HiTech, and the House of Lepore – hosted, of course, by the Legendary Natalie Lepore. For the house heads and party monsters who nabbed a Saturday-night ticket, make your way to the Concourse Project. For those holding out for Sunday, the location is still TBD. Stick close to your inboxes. – Cy White
Pflugerville Pfright Pfest
Saturday 5, downtown Pflugerville & Hanovers Draught Haus
You may be excused for imagining this to be an All Hallow’s Eve event due to the title, but a fool you’ll still be. This here’s our neighboring city’s Pride event! Daytime activities include a kids Pfun zone, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, and costume contests – all for freesies! Pretty good deal considering Austin’s Pride is priced and doesn’t have any trick or treating. But if you’re in the mood for a little grownup fun, drop 25 bucks and attend Pride After Dark: an adults-only event featuring burlesque, undie models, DJs, dancing, and – oh, of course – costume contests. Some things never lose their luster, no matter how old you are. – James Scott
Bloody Sunday: Scream
Sunday 6, Double Trouble
Okay, I’ll admit it: I talked a little smack on this event during an editorial meeting. I merely said that the films in Double Trouble’s October horror movie series Bloody Sunday are not all that bloody. Of course, editor-in-chief and horror-movie avoider Kim Jones gave me a look that said “Are you kidding?” And she’s right: Curatorially speaking, what Dub Trub and presenter Michael aka feral_boifriend have put together is a real who’s who of horror stalwarts that deserves my respect, not my weenie comments. The series kicks off with perfect scary movie send-up Scream, whose seventh movie is having a totally normal production with no big scandals attached. Drop in for a – you guessed it – scream and make sure to hit ’em up on Tuesday when they screen the less bloody but more goopy Death Becomes Her. – James Scott
Lesbian Wedding: Mother Energy
Sunday 6, Sahara Lounge
Attend Lesbian Wedding at your own risk; any nuptial ceremony you attend afterward will pale in comparison. Fat Bottom Cabaret performer and host of recently launched podcast City Cast Austin Nikki DaVaughn emcees this season’s sapphic gathering. Catch performances by Gothess Jasmine, Sir Beauregard Elliot Esq., Papi Culo, Damiana Divine, Miss B Nassty, and Venus Rising, plus DJ sets from Chorizo Funk, Winona Grindr, Schi The God, and Jenny Hoyston. Take a break from the dance floor at a sign-making station for this month’s Dyke March. – Genevieve Wood
Want to see all of our listings broken down by day? Go to austinchronicle.com/calendar and see what’s happening now or in the coming week.
This article appears in October 4 • 2024.
