After a Fashion
From a new Hush and some new grooves to a big voice on The Voice, Your Style Avatar covers the sounds
By Stephen MacMillan Moser, Fri., July 8, 2011
WHAT'S IN A NAME? Do we need another gay bar in Austin? Sure, why not? Hush (408 Congress) has an interesting name, a great layout including a roof garden, and a policy of inclusion and no drama. In addition to a handsome and accommodating staff, my old friend DJ Sliver is spinning there. He's been playing most recently at Kiss & Fly, a place at which I've never had a good time, but Hush is fabulous enough that I'd go there all the time to hear Sliver. The soft opening last Thursday night was packed with the curious and the adventurous, and immediately upon entering, it was like taking a trip back to when that same location housed the wild and unforgettable Forum (aka "Scorum"). I think this place will take off like no one's business, and it will certainly keep the other bars on their toes.
WAY HOT Imagine. Oilcan Harry's Red Hot fundraiser is celebrating its 20th anniversary of food and fun on July 15, 6-10pm. Benefiting Project Transitions, this milestone is being commemorated with a very special lineup including performances by Zach Theatre's cast of Hairspray and City Theatre's cast of Hair, gourmet treats, a Champagne bar, and a knock-your-socks-off silent auction. Highlights of the auction include autographed Broadway posters and Playbills; tickets to see Michael Feinstein at Bass Concert Hall, Idina Menzel and Huey Lewis at the Long Center, A Tuna Christmas at the Paramount Theatre; and season tickets and offerings from Zach Theatre, Ballet Austin, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Cabaret Theatre, and the Capital City Men's Chorus. Oilcan Harry's is located at 211 W. Fourth, and there's a suggested donation of $5 for admission. For more information, call 320-8823 or visit www.oilcanharrys.com.
DEAR NAKIA, I thought you were fabulous on The Voice. You stretched your range and catalog beyond anything I imagined. There was some very fierce competition on the show, and you slayed them every time. I'm so proud of you for making it as far as you did and so pleased that you'll be touring with the other finalists. In my heart, you're always a winner. Love, Stephen.
RECORD SETTING There's a surge. Can you feel it? It's international in scope, but the ripples are originating right here in Austin. Electronic dance music has renaissances every few years, but some of the latest innovations are taking place in Austin right now, with international artists like Tritonal calling Austin home. This movement has a new addition: Francis Prève, Billboard-charting producer, remixer, and sound designer (www.francispreve.com). Prève has launched Academik Records to support local and national artists and DJs and to provide the impetus for music software development. Catch him and his crew at their regular second and fourth Fridays at Kingdom (103 E. Fifth) and first and third Saturdays and second Wednesdays at Lanai Rooftop Lounge (422 Congress). Got that?
BIRDS & BEER Well, what could be more relaxing than sitting in a cool salon on a hot day, sipping a cold beer while getting your hair cut? You don't have to wonder what that's like – all you have to do is drop by any location of the beloved Birds Barbershop, where you will find a selection of stylists and styles to suit your taste, a fridge full of Shiner Bock and Shiner Blonde to slake your thirst, and a soundtrack to put you in the mood. Details like this make Birds far more than just a barbershop. In fact, it sets the bar – a complete experience of sound, visuals, and service – and it even has its own hair-care product line, Verb.
