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Film
Special Screenings
American Graffiti (1973)
One of the biggest myths in Hollywood is that George Lucas became a big deal with Star Wars. Well, only if you don’t count the massive critical and commercial success of his five-time Oscar-nominated ode to the teenage California car culture in which he grew up, all set to a diegetic soundtrack of the best of early Sixties American pop. Its seemingly aimless anti-structure, set across one night in Modesto, was a precursor to Slacker, and it matches Dazed and Confused for a packed cast of future stars, including Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Joe Spano, and Ron Howard in his first major “grownup” role after growing up onscreen in The Andy Griffith Show. But beyond the revving engines and that soundtrack, relayed to the world by legendary DJ Wolfman Jack, it’s Lucas’ most touching eulogy for the dying American dream. – Richard WhittakerMay 28 - June 1 -
Arts
Books
Austin African American Book Festival
Totally free and with activities for all ages, the fest offers a full day of thought-provoking discussions, author connections, and celebration of Black culture and literature.Sat., June 28 -
Community
Events
“Roots Unveiled: Exploring the Chinese Experience”
Among the many anti-civil rights bills creeping their way through the Texas Legislature is Senate Bill 17, which would bar Chinese and many other Asian citizens from buying land here. Denounced by detractors as racist and reminiscent of 19th-century laws targeting Asian immigrants, its 2023 origins, along with growing anti-Asian sentiment after the pandemic, inspired Houston artist Jane Xu to found the multi-city Asian American Art & Culture Initiative and initiate this multidisciplinary exhibit. Curated by renowned international independent curator Sylvia XuHua Zhan, it brings in-depth research and archives along with work from a wide range of artists to offer a look at the rich history of Chinese Americans in Texas. Opening reception is Sunday, May 18, noon. – Kat McNevinsThrough August 31; opening reception, May 18 -
Qmmunity
Arts & Culture
Category Is...
House of Lepore and Kind Clinic team up for this bi-weekly class on "practices for ballroom members to commune and develop their craft across various ballroom categories (i.e., Vogue Performance, Sex Siren, Runway, and Face, etc.)." Kind Clinic will also provide STI/HIV rapid testing services.Every other Wednesday, 7-10pm -
Music
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Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Divina: Noche Drag Latinx
At the start of her drag career, Divina host Tatiana Cholula told Qmmunity she’d be critiqued for not assimilating enough “American” culture into her acts. “Before I started Divina,” she said, “the scene was rich in amazing Latinx drag performers and artists, but there weren’t any spaces focused on them or they didn’t feel comfortable performing certain songs at certain spaces.” Thankfully, Tatiana did start Divina, and now every other Wednesday you’ll see Oilcan Harry’s stage taken over by the spirits of Latina legends like Gloria Estefan and Paulina Rubio – courtesy of local Latinx drag talent. – James ScottEvery Wednesday -
Community
Events
Hot Summer Nights
When the nights barely get below 80 degrees, it’s hard to want to hit a packed club. The Red River Cultural District inspires sluggish music lovers the best way they know how: by offering up the music for free. Clubs all over Downtown will have stacked local lineups, all free of charge – but you still have to tip your bartenders!July 24-26 -
Arts
Dance
Indonesian Angklung and Dance Performance
Ah: the angklung! This Sundanese percussion instrument is formed by carving multiple bamboo tubes, which, after being attached to a frame, produce a particular pitch when struck. Each instrument is carved for one specific pitch, so often players form angklung ensembles in order to play multiple pitches. As AANHPI Heritage Month comes to a close, Indonesian cultural society Rumah Budaya Indonesia di Austin brings the instrument to the library where not only will you be able to enjoy the music that once honored rice goddess Dewi Sri but also take in traditional dance. – James ScottSat., May 31 -
Community
Events
Jump on It Week
Founded by rapper/promoter NOOK Turner, this long-running “Black Culture 360 Experience” includes conferences, music performances, and community events like a basketball game and water park day throughout the first week of June.June 1-8 -
Music
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Music
Stay Black & Live: Juneteenth Cookout and Music Festival w/ Taméca Jones, Chalie Boy, Lady Shacklin, Blakchyl, D-Madness, Gio, Jon Deas, Bavu Blakes, more
Sat., June 14, 3pm. Free & open to the public. -
Community
Events
Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate Juneteenth with performances by Taméca Jones, Chalie Boy, and more, plus free BBQ and a Black vendor market, at the George Washington Carver Museum. Saturday’s festival wraps a week’s worth of Freedom celebrations via a Free Your Mind symposium series.Sat., June 14 -
Music
Swamp Dogg, L.C. Franke
Swamp Dogg is an artist so original, he coined his own genre – or so he claims. “Swamp music” is R&B, heavy on the funk, with an extra helping of soul and a hearty side of experimentation. The original D-O-double-G made a name for himself writing country and blues music before adopting his Swamp Dogg moniker and character in the 1970s. He’s since amassed a cult following behind his soulfully irreverent, socially conscious lyrics and his refusal to slow down or be categorized. Make it a whole Swamp Dogg spectacular and catch a showing of the new documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, opening Friday at AFS Cinema. (Read our film review.) – Caroline DrewSun., June 1, 7pm -
Community
Kids
TechKermés by Latinitas
Nonprofit Latinitas unveiled a new mission and vision statement in January, reframing the mission “To empower girls and their communities through culturally relevant education,” envisioning “A future where Latinas lead with confidence.” To that end, they’re throwing a free afternoon community festival celebrating all things technology and arts, featuring interactive, hands-on activities with drones, 3D printing, virtual reality, robotics, and more. Radio-star emcees Karla “La Guerita” Alonso and Ana Caremi present live performances from Danzas Folklóricas, Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico de Texas, Estilo Peruano, and more at the noon-4pm fest. – Kat McNevinsSat., May 31H-E-B Eastside Tech Hub, 2416 E. Sixth St. -
Music
Vampires Everywhere!, Psyclon Nine, Cultus Black, Ariah Falls
Thu., June 19, 7pm -
Community
Events
Young Meditators Group
Youngsters ages 18-39 who'd like to cultivate mindfulness are welcome to gather and reflect on and discuss topics about everyday life.First Thursdays, 7-8:30pm. Free.