CAPITAL CHRISTMAS, ETC.
The citizens of Austin indeed have the holiday spirit: from the resurrected Trail of Lights creations on display on the Long Center‘s terrace to the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree, from the SoCo decorations and festivities to the 2nd Street District. The district is all aglitter with fun and breathtaking window displays. Through Dec. 21, every Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-9pm, visitors may indulge in in-store promotions, treats, and cocktails. The W Hotel‘s Trace will also host live music on its patio. Many retailers will donate 10% of sales made during those hours to a number of charities, including the Capital Area Food Bank of Central Texas, Project Transitions, Austin Pets Alive!, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Go experience the magic, shop locally, and have faaabulous holidays.
REST IN PEACE
My belated and deepest sympathy to my friend, the very talented hairstylist Georgia Bramhall, on the loss of her father, Doyle Bramhall. Her father was best known for working with Stevie Ray Vaughan. Georgia’s brother Doyle Bramhall II is one of the world’s leading guitarists. My condolences to the entire Bramhall family.
REDRESS
When I originally heard about the renovation of Peter Pan Mini Golf, I was really pleased. It’s a pop culture landmark. I’d thought it worth noting, so I gave it a mention. Since I did not intend to do a full investigation in the 125 words allotted, I did not include behind-the-scenes details about the artists or crew – just the basics. That week on Facebook I saw that the artist had posted my column, calling it a backhanded compliment: I hadn’t mentioned her name. Her friends took umbrage at this. Apparently the artist does not feel she gets enough name recognition. That’s a shame. I’ve seen her work and admire it, but my item was not intended to be a list of credits for the renovation. The item wasn’t intended to be about the talent of the artist. The item was simply an announcement that the legendary establishment had undergone major work. The Facebook comments turned a bit nasty toward my column (you know, the column that everyone hates but somehow manages to read every week). Then, oddly, the comments dissolved into a dialogue about how many times the artist’s name had not been mentioned in previous articles by other writers. I see. I was neither the first nor the only. If lack of credit is the issue, perhaps a little PR assistance could remedy that problem? Or perhaps insistence on name recognition in all future work contracts? Whatever the case, I’ll repeat what a wise sage once told me when I’d gone off about something they’d written: “If you don’t like what you’re reading, turn the fuckin’ page.”
DANCE FEVER
Jacki Oh (resplendent in a burgundy ball gown) and I went to the Center for Child Protection‘s annual Dancing With the Stars Austin. The Hilton was decked out, and guests wore their best evening finery, ready to throw down money to benefit abused children. This was the event’s fifth anniversary, and I’ve raved about it every time. But something was missing this year. Perhaps it was the “celebrity” dancers, many of whom people did not recognize. Perhaps it was the variety show format. It looked and felt different than previous years. The event is still grand and among the best of Austin’s A-list events, but some of what we saw could hardly be called dancing. Sometimes both dancers in the couple seemed to be new at it, sometimes the couple appeared to be doing different dances, and sometimes it was just plain silly. Forgive me, Center for Child Protection, for the criticism. You did rake in the money for the children, and you do marvelous work, but this year’s DWTSA did not have the glamour and verve that you’ve given us many times before.
This article appears in December 16 • 2011.