The Darkness @Stubbs 05/25

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Do512

“I believe in a thing called love. Just listen to the rhythm of my heart. There’s a chance we could make it now. We’ll be rocking ‘til the sun goes down. I believe in a thing called love. Ohh!” We all know the lyrics (or at least the chorus) to The Darkness’ most epic song, I Believe In A Thing Called Love, and if you don’t? Well, you should! I can’t judge too harshly though, because I always thought that the song went, “There’s a chance we’d be making out.” Whoops! Anyways, The Darkness is coming to Stubbs on May 25th and I don’t know about you, but I am not missing out on what is sure to be an amazing sing-a-long slash rock concert.

The Darkness is considered a British glam band, making them guys with goofy hair that can absolutely rock. While this group has an obvious sense of humor, they are serious about creating a blend of pop and rock music that their fans will adore. The Darkness has a reputation for putting on a good show and even won a Kerrang Award in 2004 for Best Live Act. In 2006, the band took a break after jimmy Hawkins stepped down as lead singer for personal reasons. Now, the band has officially reunited and is set to release their newest album, Hot Cakes, in August 2012. I’m glad these guys are back together and doing what they love, and if you are too then click here for chance to win a pair of free tickets! Click here to by tickets in advance.

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The Brew Exchange Grand Opening Party with Free Tito’s Vodka

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Do512

If you have never been to The Brew Exchange, now is the best time to go! Not only do they have the best beer selection in Austin, over 100 beers, they’re giving away FREE Tito’s vodka and Fireman’s 4 for their grand opening party on Thursday May 17! And don’t worry, DJ Kenja will be there providing the crunchy tunes for you to get your groove on. Party starts at 8, but get there early to try new beers!

The Brew Exchange is fun, engaging and it’s the only bar in Austin with prices based on supply and demand – stock market style! You can even watch the beer prices rise and fall on their 1960′s style ticker running around the bar and on big flat screen TVs.

Here’s how it works:  the beers are separated into categories (Lager, IPA, Cider, etc). For example, if your friend buys an IPA, the price of that beer goes up and the rest in the category go DOWN, allowing you to try a new IPA at a lower price. Sounds like a blast to me! Who doesn’t love great beer at a lower price?

Be sure to LIKE the event on our website for a chance to win a $75 gift card to spend at the grand opening!

See you at 706 West Sixth and Rio Grande right next to Opal Devine’s on Thursday!

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May CharityBash Benefiting KLRU @The Rattle Inn 05/17

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Do512

Citizen Generation is a foundation that believes that for Austin to be the best city it can be, Austinites need to get involved with local philanthropies and the betterment of their community. As a fervent Austinite, I one hundred percent agree! If you love your city, then take pride in it and give back. Well, May 17th is your lucky day, because Citizen Generation is giving you that chance by hosting the May CharityBash benefiting KLRU.

KLRU is Austin’s own licensed public television station and like Citizen Generation they believe in improving the Austin community. How? By providing educational and creative television programming. The CharityBash is taking place at The Rattle Inn and is sure to be an amazing event. Nelo, English Teeth, and Black Pistol Fire will be playing throughout the evening and there will be awesome swag bags for guests. Both Citizen Generation and KLRU rely on members like you, so head to the Rattle Inn and show your support! Click here for a chance to win a pair of free tickets!

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Anders Osborne TONIGHT at The Parish!

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Do512

New Orleans based singer-songwriter and rock and roller Anders Osborne has lived an interesting life to say the least.  He was born in Sweden in 1966, left home at age sixteen, and hitchhiked while playing music throughout Europe, North Africa, the Midle East, Asia, and the U.S.  Eventually Osborne settled in New Orleans in 1985 where he remains today, calling Louisiana home.

For the last 25 years he has built a reputation for his high energy blues Americana sound with a distinct NOLA twist.   In a city overflowing with stellar artists, bands and performers, Osborne is one of the Big Easy’s musical heroes.  Having an impossibly great, soulful voice, he is a songwriter of enormous depth and an incredibly passionate musician.  He has also won numerous awards, including a Grammy in 1999 for his work with Keb Mo.

Osborne is touring behind his brand new album Black Eye Galaxy, which was released on May 1st.  The downbeat hammer of opener “Send Me a Friend” and middle-set “Black Tar” rivals the crunch of the mighty Led Zeppelin.  His piercing solo on “Mind of a Junkie” would fit hand-in-glove on Neil Young’s classic On the Beach. The wah-wah wandering of the album’s opus and title track, the 11-minute “Black Eye Galaxy,” congers the Grateful Dead at its cosmic outer limit.  And the song craft of “When Will I See You Again?” could rest in the spiral-bound pages of Jackson Browne.

Austin is one of the first stops on an extensive summer tour that will take Osborne to every nook and cranny of the U.S.  Don’t miss your opportunity to see him live tonight at The Parish, arguably the best mid-size room in the city, boasting pristine sound and ambiance.  Buy tickets HERE and be sure to click “I Like It” on Do512.

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The Dead Left w/ Paul Banks & The Carousels @ Lamberts 5/12

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Do512

Don’t know about you, but we here at Do512 love Lamberts! So whenever we get the chance to see a live show at that delicious downtown BBQ spot, we just can’t say no. That is why we are pumped to go see the Austin-based band, The Dead Left, this Saturday, May 12th. Never listened to their music? Well, you should because it is awesome. You can’t help but move your feet and bob your head to their tunes. If you watch the video below, we guarantee that you will be itching to hear more. And get this, the band features a female guitarist! There is just something about female guitarists that just seems so cool. But maybe it is because all of us Do512 girls secretly want to be in a band.

Opening for The Dead Left is Paul Banks & The Carousels and believe us when we say that Paul Banks has quite the voice. Just go see for yourself… You won’t regret it.

So rally up your friends and head to Lambert’s this Saturday for a night full of great eats, delicious cocktails, and awesome music. Worried about expensive ticket prices? Not necessary because tickets for this show are only $5. Talk about a deal! Doors open at 10pm and if you are one that wants to sit down during this show, be sure to come early to grab a good seat as they tend to be taken quickly!

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Austin Sketch Fest 2012 – May 23-27

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Do512

If you’re like me, all this dreary weather has you a little down and in need of a pick me up.  There’s no better cure for the blues than to laugh your butt off to some world class sketch comedy!  The third annual Austin Sketch Fest is happening over Memorial Day weekend, and it will showcase the very best scripted comedy America has to offer.  Organized by ColdTowne Theater, the 2010 and 2011 festivals were massively successful sellout events, and this year promises to be bigger, badder, and more hilarious than ever!

Sketch Fest 2012 will feature a dozen world class comedy troupes on stages across the city.  Some of this year’s performers include Stag Comedy, an Austin-based collective known for their high-energy live show that brings together a love of dumb people, dumb problems, and smart writing.  Stag promises to bring a smile to your face and frowns to the faces of your many enemies.  The group performs Friday, May 25 at 8PM at Hyde Park Theater with Chicago-based Astronaut Theater.

Other performers include Paul F. Tompkins, who is regarded as one of the best stand ups working today.  His credits include Mr. Show with Bob and David, Community, Comedy Bang Bang and his own podcast, the Pod F. Tompcast.  Paul is appearing at the 29th Street Ballroom as part of his Crying & Driving Tour on Saturday, May 26th and Sunday, May 27th at 8PM.

Fantasy Sex Picnic has consistently packed the house of The Second City in Hollywood.  Some of their skits include a “hardcore ‘Top Gun’ volleyball game, plenty of robots, and real actual dinosaurs.”  The group puts on a high energy show with a lot of physical comedy, while still maintaining a fresh, organic approach with every performance.  Fantasy Sex Picnic will be showing off their stuff on Friday, May 25th at 10PM at Hyde Park Theater with Mystery Science Theater 3000 alumni Mary Jo Pehl.

So shake off those rainy day blues and head out to local venues around the city for Sketch Fest 2012.  Get your tickets here while they last!

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Joel McHale @The Long Center 05/19/12

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Do512

I kind of have a thing for men with strawberry blonde hair and comedians. So, to say that Joel McHale is my dream man is an understatement. I may have shed a tear of excitement when I saw he would be performing in Austin on May 19th at The Long Center. What can I say? I am a sucker for sarcasm. While he might not be your definition of a dreamboat, he is without a doubt an amazing comedian.

You may know him from his hosting gig on E! or his staring role on NBC’s Community, and if you don’t, shame on you! There’s much more to Joel than his mischievous smile and sense of humor. He also happens to be a husband and father (to my dismay), making him a pretty average guy, yet with the ability to give you a laughing cramp. You know kind – where you can’t catch your breath and your abs start to ache. So, if you’re a huge fan or just looking for a good laugh in a Saturday night, make sure to check out Joel McHale on May 19th at The Long Center. Click here to buy tickets in advance or here for a chance to one of two pairs of tickets!

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RedBull Thre3Style Qualifier Party

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Do512

We all know when Redbull gets involved something big is going to happen. Upon first glance this party may seem like any other with several Austin DJ’s set to perform, but place your bets now because this party will have a winner.  While you are partying and dancing to the music, these DJ’s are competing to represent Austin in the RedBull Thre3Style National Finals in Orlando, Florida.

This party doesn’t come without paramaters.  Each DJ is given 15 minutes to show what their made of.  The catch is they have to spin 3 different genres of music during those 15 minutes, hence the name “Thre3Style.”  DJs set to battle include Abe the Assasin, DJ Orion, Kid Slyce, DJ Mike Swing, DJ Protege, DJQD, Bird Peterson, and DJ Chorizo Funk.  Be sure to go crazy and yell the loudest for your favorite!

This Battle will take place next Saturday May 19th at Beauty Ballroom.  This is an 18 and over event so dont miss out!  There is going to be a special opening set by Big Once who was last year’s Thre3style national champ.  Then special guest DJ Klever is set to close.  Doors are at 8:30pm and there is a $5 cover unless you RSVP on Do512. What could be better than dancing to Austin’s favorite DJs and cheering them on to the finals.  Who knows maybe one of them will make it to the International Thre3style championship and then you would have tons of bragging rights.  You could easily say you were there supporting them since DAY 1 before they gained International acclaim. Head over to the Beauty Ballroom Saturday to find out “Who’s the Best on the Decks?”

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Ready to take on the Fair Trade Challenge?

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Do512

Every Austinite knows their dwellings are incomplete without a touch of authentic decor.  One of the best places in Austin to find original hand crafted products from all over the world is at Ten Thousand Villages.  Their mission is to provide artisans in developing countries the chance to sell their products in our market. This allows them to earn a steady income from their beautiful and distinctive work.    This week they are asking us to help take part in their mission by taking the FAIR TRADE CHALLENGE.

The challenge is to eat, drink, and wear Fair Trade products from now until May 12th to raise awareness about the importance of fair-trading relationships.  The second part of the challenge is to take pictures of yourself everyday demonstrating how you use their products by uploading and tagging your photos on Twitter and Facebook.  Your friends and family might get inspired to support the cause and join you in the challenge.  Make a quick pit stop by the store to get your hands on the 2012 Fair Trade stickers.  I’m sure Ten thousand Villages will give you as many stickers as you want to put on your bumper, t-shirt, or face to literally become a walking advertisement for the cause.  If you are single, score some brownie points with this great conversation piece that will instantly demonstrate your more philanthropic side.

After taking Fair Trade Challenge the fun isn’t over, stop by Ten Thousand Villages this Saturday to pick up an award as a token for your support and also celebrate World Fair Trade Day.   There you can get wonderful art printed on your body by the talented henna artists, enjoy music, drink hot coffee, and enjoy the delicate taste of sweet chocolate.  Everyone is invited to join the fun at their store located on South Congress.  It is an all day event from 10am-7pm, so don’t miss out!

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Ozomatli @Stubbs 05/27/12

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Do512

I’ve heard many people from the West Coast refer to Austin as the “New LA.” While I think Austin is a city with a personality all its own, it’s hard not to be flattered by the comparison. Ozomatli, a band that hails from the City of Angels and is quite passionate about it, are playing here in Austin. These guys are considered hometown heroes and claim that their music could not have been inspired anywhere else but Los Angeles. Austinites can definitely relate to a love for their city and keeping things local. Ozomatli is a blend of Latin, hip hop, and rock music, which is a pretty awesome mix. This nine-member band of musical eclecticism are playing at Stubbs on May 27th, which is going to be an amazing show!

Formed in 1985, Ozomatli originally came together to play at a Los Angeles labor protest. Ever since then, the band has stayed true to their politically active roots by using music as a language to communicate a need for change and to promote peace. In 2007, they were invited by the U.S. State Department to serve as official Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Not only is Ozomatli a voice for their city, but a voice of the world. These guys are playing for more than just fame and fun, but to make a difference.

Ozomatli is the name of the Aztec astrological symbol of the monkey, which is the god of dance, fire, the new harvest, and music, meaning that these guys must be a ton of fun. For fifteen years, these “culture-mashers” have been playing for audiences all over the world, so click here to buy your ticket in advance or here for a chance to win a pair of tickets, because this is a show you won’t want to miss!

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