It's gonna be a busy one for the Chrontourage. Tonight (Friday) we will make an appearance out at the Scoot Inn for "Murder Ballads Night". If you've got a penchant for romance with a dark side I highly recommend it. On Saturday April 19th you will find us out at the Austin Earth Day Festival at Republic Square Park. We will have our table set-up starting at 9am so come by and visit. If you sign-up on our e-mail newsletter at the event (or are already on the newsletter list) you can spin the chron-wheel and you could win some really cool prizes. Entry to the festival is free but dontations are accepted so there really is no excuse for not showing up. On Sunday April 20th we will be at the Austin Reggae Fest (insert 4/20 jokes here). Just like Saturday we will have our table set up (starting at noon) and you can spin the wheel to win some good stuff. FYI: In case you hadn't heard, the CAT POWER show scheduled for Sunday (4/20) night at Stubb's has been postponed because of vocal chord complications. Stay tuned to www.stubbsaustin.com for information on rescheduling. All tickets for the 4/20 show will be honored for the rescheduled date. If you've got the energy for it, check out the ArtErotica Art Show on Saturday night, or Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks at La Zona Rosa on Sunday night. Everyone be safe and as Bill and Ted would say, "be excellent to each other!"

Tonight the Chrontourage will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz downtown. We'll be in the lobby starting at 6:15pm to support the Harry Ransom Center's Beat Film Series. Come by and say "Hi" and you might just walk away with something cool! www.hrc.utexas.edu/beatfilm
www.originalalamo.com

So are are really starting to ramp up our online contests and we are looking for new ways to get you what you want. We now have three different chances to win something cool.
1. be our facebook friend and keep an eye out for our notes
2. be our myspace friend and keep an eye out for our bulletin posts
3. check out our contest page (www.austinchronicle.com/contests) Each option can have different prizes or their own set segment of the original prize. Of course the contest page on our website has the most and coolest stuff but we will constantly have other stuff to give out through these other social networks. Keep checking back and you could be the next winner. Hugs and Kisses!

Things we have done recently:
-Swamp Thing Crawfish Fest (George Clinton got the funk)
-The Grind Extreme Sports & Music Fest (upstream to the extreme, photos here)
-Colin Meloy at La Zona Rosa (sea shanty swooning)
-Austin Poetry Slamoff 2008! at the Long Center (snap snap snap snap)
-Ray Romano and Brad Garrett at The Austin Music Hall (everybody can't be wrong)

Personally, I had a blast seeing Colin Meloy perform his sailor ballads. It was a refreshing site watching his playful interactions with the crowd despite the occasional mistake or forgotten lyric... quite charming. Go check him out next time he comes into town. The Chrontourage is growing steadily. I would like to welcome our newest Chrontouragers Emily, Danielle, Malorie and our newest photographer Eric. If you see them out at the next event be sure to say hi. As always you can keep track of where we will be on our Chrontourage Events page (www.austinchronicle.com/chrontourage) and I will keep you updated here on the blog of my impressions of each event along with specifics on where you can find the Chrontourage team.

Don't forget to check our contest page (www.austinchronicle.com/contests) regularly as I am constantly putting up new contests to win all sorts of stuff. Right now my personal favorites include Rush tickets, ArtErotica passes, and tickets to the Texas Wine and Food Festival Sunday Fair. Go check them out and see what tickles your fancy! That is it for now, see you on the town!

Wow! Things with the Chrontourage are growing so fast it is making our pretty little heads spin. Right now we are looking to expand our Chrontourage street team which means we need you!

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic young people who want to help promote the Austin Chronicle at various events throughout Austin and the surrounding community. The open positions are considered unpaid internships but there are a number of perks including movie screenings, live music shows, poetry/art exhibits, and class credit is available if you are a student. If you want to find out more about the Chrontourage and how you can get involved please e-mail chrontourage@gmail.com.

Keep checking back here and our contest page for more updates about Chrontourage events and promotions. We'll see you on the town!

What a crazy week of great films and music!! If you are basketball fan (like I am!) it would be considered the perfect week. We are gearing up here at the Chronicle for our March Madness Tournament Bracket - lots of great teams this year...should be some amazing games. My boys at Syracuse didn't make it in (no surprise there), but there are 8 Big East teams representing - better watch out BIG 12! Grab a beer and enjoy the games!

Before things get too busy today wanted to make sure & blog about the Music Awards tomorrow night. Tickets are on sale at Waterloo Records for $15 or you can buy them at the door for $20! If you have a SXSW wristband or music badge you can get in for free. We have a great line-up including a Walter Hyatt Tribute with Lyle Lovett, David Ball, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and closing the show we have indie rock darlings Okkervil River performing with the legendary Roky Erickson. Should be a fun night. Doors are at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:55pm SHARP! Hope to see you there!

Hey everybody! Sorry we haven't blogged in awhile...our fabulous Promotions Manager (we miss you Sadie!), moved to North Carolina for a job opportunity and we just haven't been the same since she left...and she was the one that posted our blogs! YIKES! It's nutty around here with SXSW about to kick-off...the Film & Interactive Festival starts on the 7th and the Music Festival begins on March 12th! Make sure to pick up the Austin Chronicle when making your SXSW plans. We also have our special DAILY ISSUES on stands March 13th, 14th & 15th. Have a great week - I know I am excited to catch some great films and bands...and drink a few beers!

Join us from 5 - 7pm...first beer on us!
Thursday, Feb 28, 5pm
The Belmont


Set to the beat of timeless music, this elegant, relaxed atmosphere creates the foundation for guests to satisfy their desires for classic American cuisine, generous cocktails, and some of Austin's most exciting entertainment.

From 5-7pm, $3 well drinks, $1 off wine, and draft beer.

The Belmont
305 W. Sixth
Austin, Texas 78701-2915