Austin, TX

It’s Texas, it’s summer and it’s HOT! Looking for a way to cool down this weekend? Then here is an events just for you:

2nd Annual Ice Cream Festival
When: August 9th, 2008, 10:00am - 7:00pm
Where: Waterloo Park
$$$: $2.00

Presented by Amplify Credit Union, the 2nd annual Austin Ice Cream Festival is an event centered around family, fun, and ice cream which hearkens back to a time when ice cream trucks roamed the streets and running through sprinklers was an art form. While having a great time, we’ll also be raising money for local charities, such as the Austin Children’s Shelter and the Young Womens Alliance.

Here is an event for those of you wanting to get your caffeine on:

Coffee Cupping at Caffe Medici
When: August 9 2008, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: Caffé Medici, 1101 West Lynn
$$$: Free

Coffee cupping, or coffee tasting, is the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee. A standard coffee cupping procedure involves deeply sniffing the coffee, then loudly slurping the coffee so it spreads to the back of the tongue. The coffee taster attempts to measure aspects of the coffee’s taste, specifically the body, acidity, and balance.

Austin InkFest & Piercing Convention
When: August 8-10, 2008
Where: Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces
$$$: $15 per day and $25 per weekend pass, Under 12 Free

Austin Ink Fest 08 will feature live entertainment by THE ENIGMA as well as side shows by Texas Ink and the Human Suspension Show as well as live music by various performers. Additionally, they will be crowning Ms. Ink Fest at 7pm on Saturday night.

Capital Confectioners Day of Sharing
When: Sunday, August 10th
Where: Lion’s Club, 500 N. Railroad, Pflugerville, Tx
$$$: $45 at the door

A Day of Sharing is something that is unique to the sugar art community. Decorators share their techniques unlike many fields where this kind of sharing just does not occur. Cake decorators are more than willing to share with each other and that is what a Day of Sharing is all about. It is a full day with demonstrations from 9 am to 5 pm and a great chance to meet fellow decorators. The demonstration schedule includes:

Two Sweet Sisters - Diamonds are Forever
Glenda Galvez - Pearl Edged Bows
Susie Rasmussen - Airbrush Techniques
Yvette Humbert - Cowboy Cakes
Jacque Benson - Beautiful Teacups
Sallia Bandy - Building Mechanisms into Your Cake

This a great line-up of demonstrations by very talented decorators. You won’t want to miss it! A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Classic Gamer Expo
When: Sunday, August 10th
Where: 10am-5pm. Norris Conference Centers, 2525 W. Anderson
$$$:

For all your old-school gaming needs. Expect a lot of Atari paraphernalia.

I was saddened to hear of the death earlier this month of one of Austin’s brightest slam poets, Shannon Leigh (Lewis), at the tender age of 20. Shannon was in Florida at the time of her death, swimming and diving with friends. According to the various reports I’ve read, she was experiencing some equilibrium problems and swam back to the cave entrance alone. A diving instructor from another group found her unconscious and assisted in bringing her to the surface. Shannon was taken to Shands Hospital at the University of Florida where she slipped into a coma. Shannon lingered in a coma for several days with no signs of brain activity before being removed from her respirator. Her death has rocked the tight community of slam poets who had known Shannon from the time she entered slam poetry at 14 years old.

I had the privilege to see Shannon Leigh perform two years in a row at the National Poetry Slam here in Austin. Shannon was a petite woman with a bold voice. She spoke of tough topics in an eloquent and thoughtful way. She toured the country giving voice to those who were unable to do so themselves. Victims of war, rape and poverty became real to those who heard her speak.

Shannon’s friends and admirers will be gathering at Ruta Maya next weekend to give tribute to Shannon. If you’ve never listened to slam poetry, do yourself a favor and attend. If you’re already a fan, you won’t want to miss it! Here is the flyer with more information:

Saturday, August 2nd @8pm
Ruta Maya World HQ
3601 S. Congress Ave
$10 Minimum Donation

For more information on Shannon’s death, read Michael Barnes’ article on Austin 360.

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I’m very excited to announce that the May/June edition of Mailbox News, a cake idea magazine, has just arrived and with it a bit of a surprise! Inside is a 4-page spread on the Capital Confectioners “That Takes the Cake” 2008 Cake Show. Four pages. We are just so pleased.

Today the club officers met with the Austin Convention Center to discuss having our 2009 Show there. If we decide to do it there we’ll double our space from the 16,000 sq ft we had last year to 32,000 sq ft.

So… what’s happening in Austin this weekend?

There is a new event taking place in Austin this year. It’s called The Luna Fest ATX and is brought to Austin by the creators of Sol Fest ATX. The new Fest will take place at the US Art Authority located next door to, and owned by, the Spider House. The evening will begin with the presentation of diverse visual art to a live music background. Many artists of diverse mediums and influences present their pieces individually and collectively; consequently, with their art becoming a part of the whole event layout. The night of this Midtown extravaganza provided by Spider House will continue with the sultry cabaret performances of some of Austin’s most gorgeous women, to the musical prowess of some of Austin’s best bands. Electronica, Funk, Rock, Jazz are just some examples of variations within, and are sure to create an optimal aesthetic experience.

Luna Fest ATX
When: May 3 2008, 11:00am - Sunday, May 4 2008, 2:00am
Where: United States Art Authority, 510 W 29th St
$$$: $12.00

Are you NORML? Nah, didn’t think so. Even so, Texas NORML is holding it’s Pot-Luck for Pot-Love Festival this weekend in Zilker Park. Is this the perfect Austin event, or what? NORML & Outgrow Big Bro are calling for citizens of Texas to break the silence and march for re-legalization of responsible marijuana use! The event will incorporate live music, a march to the state Capitol, and a pot-luck picnic at the Pecan Grove in Zilker Park. Festivities begin at 10am, in Zilker Park’s Pecan Grove, moving to the south Capitol steps from 1 to 4pm, and finishing with a pot-luck for pot-love back at Zilker Park from 4 to 9pm.

Texas Cannabis Crusade & Pot-luck for Pot-love

When: May 3 2008, 10:00am
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road
$$$: Free

Growing up as a military brat I always looked forward to the Air Shows. If you like Air Shows then you should head out to Temple, Tx, this weekend for the Central Texas Air Show. The schedule looks fantastic! This is a great family event and there will be lots of great military planes doing stunts as well as music and food, too.

Central Texas Airshow
Where: Draughon-Miller Central Texas Airport, Temple, Texas
When: May 2-May 4th
$$$: See Website

For over 30 years the Biannual Old Pecan Street Festival has provided Central Texas residents a family friendly venue to collect arts and crafts from local and national artists and artisans, experience live music and take part of a long standing Austin tradition. The Old Pecan Street Festival not only supports local artists and vendors but gives back to many of Austin’s most beloved charities as well as preserving Old Pecan Street (6th Street). Celebrate the Old Pecan Street Festival’s 30th Anniversary this weekend!

The Spring Festival

Where: Downtown Austin on 6th Street
When: May 3, 08 11AM - 10PM & May 4, 08 11AM - 8PM
$$$: FREE

Handmade Austin Women presents the third annual “Art in the Garden” this weekend before Mother’s Day. Handmade Austin Women are dedicated to unique design, and the highest quality in handcrafted work. Art in the Garden 2008 offers a beautiful array of fine art that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, stunning jewelry and fashion. This year they’ve grown to ten studio artists with four musical acts. Refreshments served. This would be a good opportunity to look for something cool to buy your mother for Mother’s Day.

Art in the Garden
When: Saturday 10 to 6 and Sunday 11 to 4
Where: Ginko Studios

There is a lot happening this weekend but those are my picks. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful and hot weekend so get out and have some fun!

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The Texas Renaissance Festival, the nation’s largest, most acclaimed renaissance themed park, seeks interactive character actors and specialty acts for its 2008 Performance Company.

Entertainers of all types are needed to fill various roles including nobility, fairies, barbarians, puppeteers and peasants. Two new character groups have been added for this year, a Halloween-themed Transylvanian court and a group of Christmas elves (requiring actors of diminutive stature). Previous stage experience is helpful but not required. Bilingual actors are especially welcome. Specialty acts (musicians, jugglers, singers, dancers, etc.) may also audition at this time.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 3rd and Saturday, May, 10th. The May 3rd auditions will take place at the Shenandoah Meeting and Convention center, near The Woodlands, north of downtown Houston, Texas. The May 10th auditions will take place on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival, 21778 FM 1774 in Plantersville, Texas.

Auditions are by appointment only and must be scheduled in advance. To schedule an audition, call the TRF office at 800-458-3435, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information visit their Auditions Page.

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It’s that time of year that many Austinite’s dread and some anticipate. SXSW has arrived in Austin. SXSW, for those of you not familiar with it, stands for South by Southwest and it’s one of two big music events that takes place in Austin every year. The other being the Austin City Limits Festival, better known as the ACL Fest. These two events, more than any others help to define Austin as the music capital of the US. It also bogs down traffic and clubs.

SXSW is more than just a music event, though. SXSW incorporates music, film and media. Where ACL Fest takes place in Zilker Park, SXSW takes over downtown Austin. There is a trade show that takes place at the Austin Convention Center. There are bands performing at some 80 stages throughout Austin and films showing at Alamo South Lamar and the Alamo Downtown locations as well as the Dobie and the Paramount. For those of you who don’t live in Austin, these are some of the coolest theaters you’ll ever have the privilege to attend.

One of the biggest misconceptions about SXSW is that you have to purchase a badge/wristband to participate. While a badge would certainly be nice and would allow you to see a lot more, you can see a lot for free and for a little bit of money you might see something great. Last year, for example, my youngest brother saw Lyle Lovett for a mere $10 at Stubb’s.

Here is your Film Guide. You can purchase a film pass for $70 from Waterloo Video. Having a film pass guarantees you won’t have to purchase tickets at the theater but you can purchase any available tickets for $10 fifteen minutes prior to the start of the film. If you’re on a budget just show up and try to get in for $10. It’s generally easiest to get into shows during work hours on the weekdays. Same goes for bands. After hours and weekends will obviously be more crowded. Check out Slackerwood’s excellent guide to participating theaters and how best to park and get around.

Make your own SXSW Schedule. For a list of music venues and their schedules check out Imeem’s No Badge Required guide. The beauty of SXSW is that you can have a lot of fun and not spend a ton of money. In addition the range of music is extraordinary. This year we have music talent ranging from R.E.M. to Dolly Parton. Really! Doesn’t that just blow your mind? As an alternative you should also check out the Austin Showlist.

Get out there and enjoy SWSX, even if you don’t have a fortune to spend! Lastly, here is a music venue and hotel map and a Film venue map.

For a really helpful guide, check out SXSX Baby!

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Celebrating Sustainability at the Austin Hostel!

Did you know Austin has a hostel? Me, either! Not only do we have a hostel but we apparently have a pretty nice one! HI-Austin, which stands for Hostel International, Austin, is located on the shore of Town Lake, giving it a nice peaceful feel. Guests are footsteps away from local bus lines, hiking and biking trails and the Colorado River. They also offer excellent amenities such as a kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, free parking, movies, and lockers for every guest. Hi-Austin is recognized as a “Sustainable Living Center” and has visitors from up to 35 countries each year.

A 10 minute journey could take you to the middle of the Red River music district, to the stylish hub of South Congress, to the cool waters of Barton Springs Pool, or to the natural beauty of the Austin Greenbelt. Our fun and friendly staff would love to give you some ideas of what to do in town and directions on how to get there!

For over 20 years the Southwest Texas Council of Hosteling International has provided an environmentally and economically conscious home for travelers visiting Austin.

This year, HI-Austin has teamed up with several environmentally conscious, local organizations such as Ecology-Action, Austin Carshare, TreeFolks, Ten Thousand Villages and The Natural Epicurean Academy, among others; to provide a casual party in celebration of sustainable living in Austin. Food donated by White Mountain Foods, and music by Austin’s favorite The Lennings.

Food donated by White Mountain Foods & and Music performed by Austin Favorite band: The Lennings. Winnie from our school with possibly another student, will be rolling sushi to teach and market to the community. Just a casual drop by event and hopefully we’ll have great weather to be outdoors as well! All welcome and free of course!

Join Hi-Austin for an afternoon of organic food, homegrown music and exhibits with other local “green” minded organizations. Kids are welcome!

Who: HI–Austin, Southwest Texas Council
What: A celebration of sustainable living
Where: HI – Austin Hostel, 2200 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Austin TX. 78741
When: Saturday, February 23, 2008

11:00 – 12:30 Annual Council Meeting

(HI Members encouraged to attend!)

1:00 – 3:00 Annual Party

(Everyone welcome!)

Austin, Texas, Tx, Sustainable, Hostel, Party, HI, International, Town Lake, Party, Living, The Lennings, Organic, Foods

Hate Valentine’s Day? Let’s face it, being single on Valentine’s Day can really suck. Red hearts and cupids everywhere you turn and lovey dovey cards in your face. You can’t even stop in at the grocery store without being inundated. Even those of you with significant others can hate Valentine’s Day, a holiday largely exploited by the greeting card industry. Your wife/girlfriend/significant other expects chocolate and flowers and a romantic dinner out and you see the dollar signs flashing before your eyes and the pressure is on to plan something spectacular or risk disappointing her. Well, for those haters out there, here is a list of Anti-Valentine’s Day activities happening in and around Austin for 2008:

What: 2nd Annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
Where: Hi-Lo, 301 W Sixth St, Austin, TX, (512) 480-9433
When: Thursday, Feb. 14 2008, 9:00pm - 2:00am
Menu: N/A
$$$: FREE
Ok, so its Valentine’s Day….. Thats right. The silly contrived and completely irreverent holiday that Hallmark invented to give them a boost at the end of Q1. Are you really going to let Hallmark make a fool out of you!??! HELL NO!! You are going to come to the second annual I’D RATHER BE SINGLE THAN WITH MY EX party at Hi-Lo. We will be there in full cupid attire rocking out from 10pm to midnight with plenty of shot specials and all kinds of other awesome things. We’re also looking for a few funny valentines or anti-valentines songs for the party so suggestions wouldn’t suck. DO IT. See you on valentines!!!

What: Anti Valentine’s
When: Friday, 15 February 2008
Where: The United States Art Authority, 510 W. 29th Street, Austin, TX 78705
$$$: $10 minimum donation
An art soirée benefiting the 4th Annual Art Outside Skits/Sounds/Performance/Conversations/Arts. Starring DJ Starsign and DJ Clauade 9. Featuring artists such as Alisun Graham, Andrea Burden, Joey Santori, Darren Minke and Mary Quite Contrary as well as many others.

What: Valentine’s Day Massacre
When: Thursday 02/14 (12:00AM)
Where: @ Beerland (Downtown), 711 1/2 Red River
$$$: ? Their website doesn’t say
Starring Aaron Blount, Karrie Hopper, Tenlon’s Fort & Deadman.

What: F@#$% Valentine’s Day
When: Thursday 02/14 (10:00PM)
Where: Trophy’s, 2008 S Congress Ave
$$$: $5
Get Wasted at Trophy’s. Featuring Monument to One, Exeter, Co-Pilot & For That Day. Bring your booze and drown your sorrows with some rock n roll. Forget that girl/boy that won’t go out with you and meet some other people (who are drunk) and maybe you can hook up!

For you couples wanting to take a poke at Valentine’s Day:

What: “Till Death Do Us Part” Murder Mystery Dinner
When: Thursday, Feb. 14 2008
Where: Messina Hof Winery
$$$: $99.95 per couple
It will be a night of Love, Marriage and Murder. This year’s theme, “Till Death Do Us Part,” will be filled with food, fun and all the wine you can drink. The price for the Murder Mystery Dinner is $69.95 per person plus tax and gratuity (5% discount for VIP’s). Speak now or forever a killer goes free! For more information or to make reservations for dinner or the Murder Mystery Dinner, call Shannon Ball at 979-778-9463 ext 34. Vist the website at www.messinahof.com.

That’s all I’ve found so far. If you know of other anti-Valentine’s Day activities going on in Austin, please let me know!

[tags]Valentine’s, Anti, Austin, Texas, TX, Beerland, Trophy’s, Art Authority, Hate, Party, Parties, Murder Mystery, Dinner, Messina Hof, Winery, Events, Things to do, What’s Happening[/tag]

I apologize for being out of pocket the past week or so. I had a death in my family which necessitated a trip to Eastern Washington. I am happy to be back home. It was freezing up there. I had to travel through both Snoqualmie Pass and White Pass on my trips over the mountain and back to Seattle and those were two very scary trips. Thankfully I had the foresight to upgrade my rental car to a 4-wheel drive SUV!

This Thursday is Valentine’s Day so I thought I’d give you a few ideas to help you plan. Here are a few off-beat and or interesting things happening in our fair city:

What: Valentino’s Feast of Love
Where: Ararat Mid~East Fusion @The United States Art Authority, 510 W. 29th Street, Austin, TX 78705
When: From February 14, 2008
Menu: See Menu
$$$: $150, per person, BYOB
Alternately you can wait until the 15th and go for a slightly more limited menu and the much lower price of $40 from 6-10pm at the German-Texan Heritage Society, 507 E. 10th, 552-7365. Or on the 16th from 6:30-10pm at Hot Mama’s Espresso Bar, 2401 E. Sixth #104, 476-6262. $35.

For those of you who like to combine your romantic evening with a little charity, here are a few ideas:

What: Central Texas SPCA Valentine’s Dinner
Where: AMOA-Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th, 260-SPCA.
When: Thursday, February 14, 2008
Menu: Buffet from Pascal’s serving the following entrees: Pecan Encrusted Tilapia filet, Grilled Chicken Breast topped with Portobello Mushroom & Smoked Swiss Cheese, Butternut Squash Ravioli with Chipotle Alfredo Sauce and outstanding desserts.
$$$: $160 per couple.
Share some love with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals tonight at this annual dinner and dance at the Austin Museum of Art’s beautiful lakeside Italian villa, Laguna Gloria. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, and an open bar. 6:30-9:30pm.

What: Charitable Ladies Valentine’s Day Shindig
Where: Mansion at Judges’ Hill (Event Center), 1900 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78705
When: Thursday, February 14th, 2008 ~ 7 - 11pm
Menu: N/A
$$$: $40
Fabulous Raffle Prizes, Burlesque Shows, Live Music & cash bar available if wine isn’t your thing. Sterling Affairs & Charitable Ladies are teaming up to raise the roof at Mansion at Judges’ Hill and bring some fun into the holiday built by cupid and Hallmark. $40 gets you in the door to enjoy heavy appetizers, wine & entertainment you won’t want to miss. So whether you’re popping in to dance off that romantic dinner, or just want to shake up a Thursday night, join us for some fun while we support Austin Music Foundation & Art+Life+Kenya, two amazing non-profit organizations who will receive a portion of the eveningʼs proceeds. $20 tax deductible, $20 non-deductible

On a budget? Like Curry & Karaoke?

What: Valentine’s Day at Bombay Bistro
Where: Bombay Bistro, 10710 Research Blvd, Austin, TX
When: Saturday, February 16 2008, 9:00pm
Menu: All night dinner buffet (Their lunch buffet is pretty good)
$$$: $20 per person
Live Entertainment, Sumptuous Appetizers, Portraits Couples, Singles and Families, Open Bar All Night Long, DJ Perdes Milan, Karaoke Songs Available
Call at 512-769-6258 or 512-512-731-2345 for more details

Looking for something funny, dark and twisted? Here ya go:

What: Love Doll
Where: Lamberts, 401 W. Second, 494-1500.
When: Wed.-Thu., Feb. 13-14, 9:30pm.
Menu: N/A
$$$:
Like your romance just a little bit twisted, do you? Wanna see what the talented likes of Rebecca Havemeyer and Stanley Roy Williamson can do with “shady rituals, mannequins of meat, and songs of the heart and soul,” hey? We sure do, especially as this night of perverse and passionate love-fun also features Little Stolen Moments, Silky Shoemaker, and Bruce Kirkland. Recommended.

Feeling Decadent?

What: Merlot & Chocolate Tasting
Where: Becker Vineyards
When: February, 16 & 17, Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–6 p.m.
Menu: Wine & Chocolate, silly!
$$$: Complimentary
Pair Merlot with a dark chocolate…sumptious! Becker Vineyards will feature a guest chef with samples of chocolate creations as well as items for sale!

Or for a lovely Valentine’s Day Luncheon:

What: Sweethearts Luncheon
Where: Becker Vineyards
When: February 16, 2008, Doors Open: 11:30 a.m. Lunch Served at Noon
Menu: See Website
$$$: $65 per person
Reservations required: 830-644-2681
Payment due at time of booking.

Looking for something free or kid friendly, or both?

What: Special Public Tour: The Virgin, Saints, and Angels
Where: The Blanton Museum
When: February 14, 2008, 12:30-1pm
Menu: N/A
$$$: Thursdays are FREE!
Join curatorial interns in the Latin American art department Grace Londono and Alex Freeman for a tour of Jorge Macchi: The Anatomy of Melancholy.

What: Sesame Street Live
Where: Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River, Austin Texas
When: Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Menu: N/A
$$$: $13-27 depending on seating
Introducing Abby Cadabby! The newest Muppet on Sesame Street joins Elmo, Zoe, Rosita and all of her furry and feathered friends in asking, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ as they prepare for a pageant on Sesame Street. Get ready to sing cowboy songs, ride the rails and more when Sesame Street Live “When Elmo Grows Up” performs at Frank Erwin Center

Dance? Music?

What: Austin Chamber Music Presents: Move over, cupid. We’ll take it from here.
Where: Home of Diane Land & Steve Adler
When: Friday & Saturday, February 15 & 16 at 7:30 PM, Sunday, February 17 at 3:00 PM
Menu: N/A
$$$: $40 per person
Sparks are flying when the Austin Chamber Music Center presents “Move over, cupid. We’ll take it from here,” a Valentine’s Pops Concert featuring Sparks and Friends performing popular hits depicting love in all its forms.

What: The 2nd Biennial New American Talent/Dance a choreographic competition
Where: The Paramount
When: 8pm, Feb 14, 15, 16 - 3pm, Feb 17
Menu: N/A
$$$: $15 - $59 (service charges not included)
Share in one of the nation’s most exciting interactive ballet opportunities as Stephen Mills continues his biennial search to recognize exceptional choreographic talent! Emerging dance makers chosen from a national selection process by a panel of renowned jurors compete for prestige, up to $20,000 in cash…and the chance to realize their dreams. Join in the fun as YOU, the audience, vote on your favorites from a field of world-premiere works, with styles ranging from the classical to the abstract. “Ladies and gentlemen, turn ON your cell phones” and vote!

Want something classy and not cheap but worth every penny?

What: Valentine’s at Green Pastures
Where: 811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704
When: 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 14th 2008
Menu: I can’t seem to locate a menu for Valentine’s Day
$$$: $80 per person
Beautiful, romantic and the food is exquisite. They also do a mighty fine Sunday Brunch for $33 a person, if you’re inclined to wait until the weekend!

And finally for those of you Anti-Valentine’s Day haters, here is a list just for you.

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The 4th Annual Capital Confectioners Cake & Sugar Art Show & Competition is now just over 30 days away. We have over 100 competitors already registered and we expect to see more than 1000 attendees! This is going to be our biggest and best Cake Show yet.

We have some incredible celebrities lined up this year. If you’re a Food Network geek like I am, you’ll recognize some or all of these names:

Bronwen Weber, Executive Pastry Chef, Frosted Art in Dallas, TX, her cake designs are featured in Brides Magazines, & many cake magazines and is a current teacher & Food Network Challenge Star!

Nicholas Lodge, Chef, founder of the International Sugar Art Collection, Author, Food Network Judge, and commissioned to do work for England’s Royal Family and created the wedding cake for Lady Diana and Prince Charles!

Earlene Moore, Author, renowned Texas Sugar Artist and Teacher, her cake designs have been featured in American Cake Decorating Magazine.

Autumn Carpenter, a skilled Sugar Artist, teacher and author of a number of confectionery sugar arts books. Also, Granddaughter of the owners of Country Kitchen Cake & Candy Suppliers.

Steven Stellingwerf, an accomplished Sugar Artist, Judge and renowned cookbook author of “The Gingerbread Book” and “A Little Muffin Cook Book”.

If you’re a cake enthusiast at any level, don’t be intimidated, sign up now! Children are also encouraged to participate.

The event will take place on the 23rd & 24th of February at the Texas Star Meeting Event Center in South Austin. Entry on Saturday the 23rd will cost $5 and will include informal demonstrations, viewing of the entries, raffle prize drawings, cake competitions and specialty vendors. There will even be an Easter Bunny Gingerbread House building workshop for a small $5 fee to cover the cost of the gingerbread and candy.

On Sunday you can get in to view the cakes for just $2 but you’ll miss out on all the other fun. Unless, of course, you sign up for the Showcase Demonstrations! The Showcase Demonstrations will feature a 45 minute presentation by each of our celebrity guests who will be sharing expert tips and techniques. The Showcase Demonstration package will include a continental breakfast as well as lunch. Cost for the Showcase Demonstration is $90 and you can sign up on our website.

If you’re a local vendor and you sell anything confectionery related, we’d love to have you sign up for a vendor booth.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. For more details, check out our website.

Hey fellow Texans, come on over to Austin and join in the fun!

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The holiday is over and now you’re stuck with a big tree and wondering what to do with it. The obvious choice is to recycle your tree!

First things first, strip off all your ornaments and lights and remove the tree from it’s stand. Are there really people who don’t do that? Secondly, if your tree is over 6ft tall, cut it in half.

Trees can be dropped off at Zilker Park until January 6. The trees will get crunched down into mulch so they don’t wind up in landfills.

City of Austin Solid Waste workers will also collect all trees with yard trimmings on regular scheduled collection days, where they are recycled along with yard trimmings and composted with sewage sludge to make Dillo Dirt. Pay-As-You-Throw Customers: Christmas tree recycling couldn’t be any easier! Simply remove the stand and ornaments and place your tree at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on the same day your recycling is collected.

Austin area residents who live outside the city limits, in apartments or don’t have curbside pickup can also drop off real trees at the Austin Community Landfill on Highway 290 East and Giles Road through Saturday January 5 for recycling. The mulch made from the trees will be donated to Austin Habitat for Humanity for landscaping material.

Other drop-off locations open from Dec. 28, 2006 – Jan. 12, 2007

Del Valle Softball Complex, behind the Southwest Rural Center

Manchaca Fire Hall, 1310 FM 1626

RM 620 Low Water Crossing, Low Water Crossing Road

TDS-Eco Depot, RM 620, east of Texas 71. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays

Travis County Satellite Yard No. 1, Johnny Morris Road, one-half mile south of U.S. 290 East

You can drop off your tree at the Austin Community and Williamson County landfills through January 6.

Williamson County Landfill, 600 Landfill Road (off 1660), 78634

Austin Community Landfill, 9900 Giles Rd, 78754

Pflugerville residents may bring your Christmas trees to the Wells Point Soccer Fields parking lot for recycling. Trees can be unloaded on the south end of the parking lot. The program will run December 26, 2006 – January 10, 2007. Christmas tree mulch will be available once the trees are recycled. The mulch is free, just load it up! For more information call the Parks Department at 251-5082.

Cedar Park - From Friday, Dec. 28 until sometime Monday, Dec. 31, special “Christmas Tree Only” dumpsters will be available for Cedar Hill residents. One will be at the Senior Center, 1740 Mansfield Road (in the back); and the other will be at the south end of Clark Road, across from Dot Thomas Park. Please remove all decoration, tinsel, wires, nails, metal of any kind. These trees will be mulched and used in landscaping, soil reclamation. This is a free service. Please do not place any other type of material in the Christmas tree dumpsters.

Round Rock - 12/29 - 1/5 at the Round Rock Recycling Center, 310 Deepwood Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78664
The City of Round Rock encourages you to recycle your Christmas tree. Round Rock residents will get more than just a good feeling from recycling their Christmas trees. The City will give away a free seedling (while supplies last) to residents who bring their Christmas trees for recycling.

The City of Leander will offer Christmas tree recycling this year at Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Road. Trees may be dropped off Dec. 26 – Jan. 7 from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Only natural trees may be dropped off, and should have all lights and ornaments removed. For more information, contact Steve Bosak at 528-9909.

Georgetown - Bring your tree to the City of Georgetown’s Collection Station from January 2 through February 1. We’ll grind it into mulch and give it back to you, free of charge. Trees should be free of all ornaments, garland, lights, and other decorations. The Georgetown Collection Station is located at 250 W.L. Walden Drive, which is near the McMaster Athletic Fields parking lot off of N. College Street. For further information, call Environmental Services at (512) 930-8131.

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ARABIC CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
The Arabic Bazaar & Zein’s Dance Studio, 51st & Duval, 533-9227. Free.
Dec. 2-23. Sundays, 11am-6pm
Belly-dancing performances and classes, henna tattoos, free Arabic coffees and desserts, and Middle Eastern music. Oh yeah, and shopping! Get your handmade gifts imported straight from Syria, Egypt, and Morocco.

32nd ANNUAL ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR (One of my favorites!)
Austin Convention Center; 500 East First Street
December 14-24
Featuring 24 musical performances on the Capital Metro Music Stage, a full bar, good food, local and regional fine artists & craftspeople plus that special Austin feeling that can only be found here.

KEEP AUSTIN BIZARRE
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, 404-4500. $5.
Dec. 14-23.
Billed as “not your typical quilt and wind chime show,” this 10-day holiday market brings you shopping from artists and crafters all over the Southwest along with live music, avant garde dance, magic shows, and a sprinkling of keep-it-weird personalities like Congress Avenue’s 7-foot-tall banjo player.

GÜERO’S HOLIDAY MARKET
Güero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress, 447-7688.
Fri.-Sun., Dec. 21-23, noon-6pm.
A SoCo artists market for the chicest people on your holiday gift list.

BLUE GENIE ART BAZAAR
Through Dec. 24. Sun.-Thu., 10am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-12mid (Sun., Dec. 24, 10am-6pm).
Monarch Event Center, 6406 N. I-35 #3100, 371-3711. Free.
Runs right up through Christmas Eve, featuring 80 different artists and artisans. You can visit each artist’s website to check out the goodies you can expect to find.

JERRY’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT & MARKET
Jerry’s Artarama, 420-9508
Sat., Dec. 22, 12-5pm.
Watch artists at work and enjoy live music, art demonstrations, kids activities, and more while you shop for original artwork, art supplies, and other gifts for the creatives on your list.

For a look at other activities happening this weekend, check here.

Austin, Texas, Holiday, Christmas, Bazaars, Markets, crafts, Fair, Jerry’s Artorama, Event, Arabic, Armadillo, Keep Austin Bizarre, Blue Genie, Artisan, Artists, GÜERO’S

What: Gingerbread House Workshops
When: See website for schedule. Only a few days left so sign up now!
Where: Austin Children’s Museum
$$$: $28 per house for Members and $33 per house for non-members.
Call 512-472-2499 x201 to register.

What: Nightmare Before Christmas Party & Toy Drive
When: Friday, Dec. 21st, Doors open @ 9:30pm
Where: Elysium
$$$: NO COVER WITH TOY DONATION! Only $5 without a toy.
Holiday themed Costume Contest. Pictures with & Presents from Sandy Claws!

What: CAROLING IN THE CAVES
When: Festivities start at 5:15pm (with food, games, and music from the Flyin A’s), but you can meet up at 3:30pm, Saturday, December 22
Where: (REI, 9901 Capital of TX Hwy.) to carpool to the park with the folks from Hill Country Outdoors. 5:15-10pm. Longhorn Caverns, 6211 Park Road 4 SBurnet, 512/619-0932.
$$$: $17.50 ($14, ages 2-12)
A journey down to the Indian Council Room in the Cavern for caroling in a unique setting with awesome acoustic. Enjoy Christmas music, food, games and door prizes as we gather together for a Christmas Party not soon forgotten!

What: Celtic Christmas at the Cathedral
When: Thursday 12/20 (08:00PM) - Friday 12/21 (12:00AM)
Where: St. Mary’s Cathedral 203 E. 10th Street
$$$: Tickets available at Things Celtic for $22 or online for $18 (plus $1 processing fee). No phone orders.
A night of Celtic Christmas Music presented by the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas and the Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Music by local and international Celtic Artists: John Doyle and Gregory Grene, Irish Dance champion David Bologna, the Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums, Ed Miller, Heather Gilmer, Chris Buckley and the Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Jones Ragona.

What: HOLIDAY FAIR AT THE ARTIST’S MARKET
When: Sat.-Sun., Dec. 22-23, 10am-8pm.
Where: Mother Egan’s Irish Pub, 715 W. Sixth, 535-5761.
$$$: Free
This weekly market, known for its live music and local, handmade items (no imports or resales), has extended its hours this weekend so that you have no excuse for missing out on their one-of-a-kind paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, clothing, candles, and more.

What: YULE RITUAL
When: 3pm, Saturday, Dec. 22nd
Where: The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd, 478-5282.
$$$: Free
Gather round the yule fire at the Vortex for a family celebration of the winter solstice, with storytelling, crafts, food, and more. Dress for the cold!

What: JERRY’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT & MARKET
When: 12-5pm, Saturday, Dec. 22nd
Where: Jerry’s Artarama, 420-9508
$$$: Free
Watch artists at work and enjoy live music, art demonstrations, kids activities, and more while you shop for original artwork, art supplies, and other gifts for the creatives on your list.

What: Capitol Christmas Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 22nd, 12:00pm
Where: Texas State Capitol Rotunda
$$$: This event is FREE and all ages are welcome.
The Young Texas Harp Ensemble invites you to join them for an hour of favorite classical and contemporary holiday music at 12 noon.

What: HERITAGE ARTISANS
When: Sunday, Dec. 23rd, 1-5pm
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, 837-1215
$$$: $8 ($6, kids)
Visit Pioneer Farms today for special demonstrations of 19th century rural life in Central Texas (and don’t forget to buy your annual PF pass at the special introductory rate before it expires Dec. 31).

For an updated list of Holiday Bazaar’s, Markets and Fairs, click here.

Austin, Weekend, Events, Texas, December, Things to do, What’s Happening, What to do, 12/21/07, 12/22/07, 12/23/07, Heritage Artisans, Caroling, Caves, Nightmare Before, Party, Elysium, Celtic, Christmas, Holiday, Fair, Gingerbread, House, Workshop, Yule, Ritual, Pioneer Farms, Toy Drive

A little late this week but here it is:

What: Round Rock Family Christmas Night
When: 6:30-9pm, Friday, Dec 14th
Where: Downtown Round Rock, 221 E. Main, 512/218-5540.
$$$: Free ($1, pictures with Santa; 50 cents, chestnuts)
This free event includes activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, Cowboy Bunkhouse storytellers, candle-making, carriage rides, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Guests can also shop for holiday gifts at the Christmas Family Night market. Children need to bring their “wish lists” for Santa Claus (pictures with Santa are only $1.) Plus, enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities and snacks. Shop arts and crafts in the Christmas Family Night market where vendors will display holiday gifts for sale.

What: FRANKENBIKE
When: 11am-4pm., Dec. 15th
Where: Club Primo’s, 1700 E. Sixth, 801-3892.
$$$: Free
All are welcome to buy, sell, or trade bike parts and gear at this friendly once-a-month swap meet.

What: MIDEAST FEAST & BELLY DANCE SHOWCASE
When: 7-10pm., Saturday, Dec. 15th
Where: Hot Mama’s Espresso Bar, 2401 E. Sixth #104, 552-7365.
$$$: $15 ($7.50, ages 6-12). kelly_ararat@yahoo.com
Enjoy a cozy evening in Hot Mama’s heated courtyard, where there will be tasty Ararat cuisine, organic coffees, performances from Mirage Belly Dance Troupe, and intuitive readings for $5-10.

What: Jo’s Coffee 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off
When: Saturday, Dec. 15th
Where: Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress Ave.
$$$: Cost to enter is $25.00. all entry fees go to charity.
Prizes for best 3 chili and a showmanship award for best theme or set-up. There’s only one rule - Chili must be cooked on site from scratch. Good Luck!

What: 5th Annual Central Market / KGSR Christmas Showcase!
When: 5p - 9p, Saturday, Dec. 15th
Where: Central Market (4001 North Lamar)
$$$: Free
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and catch the Christmas spirit at the 5th Annual Central Market KGSR Christmas Showcase. Guests will not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy this great music line-up on one stage! Headlining the festive show is award-winning guitarist Stephen Bruton and his band, Brannen Temple and Yoggie Musgrove. Joining Bruton on stage is Ian McLagan, Redd Volkaert, Patrice Pike, Lisa Hayes, Joel Guzman, and Sarah Fox. Financial donations to the Capital Area Food Bank will be welcome during the event.

What: 32nd Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
When: December 14th - 24th 11am - 11pm Daily
Where: Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street
$$$: $3.00 weekdays before 7PM & $6.00 evenings and weekends
ned up to fill your 10 days of shopping with the sweet sound of local music. The Armadillo’s fine arts and crafts are made by Central Texas artists, and you can mail your gifts straight from the bazaar (11am-7pm) – your package will even have a special Armadillo Christmas Bazaar postmark.

What: ARABIC CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
When: Through Dec. 23. Sundays, 11am-6pm.
Where: The Arabic Bazaar & Zein’s Dance Studio, 51st & Duval, 533-9227.
$$$: Free
Features belly-dancing performances and classes, henna tattoos, free Arabic coffees and desserts, and Middle Eastern music. Oh yeah, and shopping! Get your handmade gifts imported straight from Syria, Egypt, and Morocco.

What: FIBER FRIENDS FESTIVAL
When: Dec. 15-16. Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm.
Where: Hill Country Weavers, 1701 S. Congress, 707-7396
$$$: ?
Features handcrafted items from more than 20 fiber artists.

What: A FESTIVE FEMINIST SOIREE
When: 6-9pm, Sunday, 16 Dec.
Where: The Old School, 1604 E. 11th, 552-7365.
$$$: $40
An evening of spoken word, music, storytelling, belly dancing, Middle Eastern cuisine, organic coffees, fine wines, and a silent auction to raise funds to save Austin’s beloved feminist bookstore, BookWoman.

If you’re into local music and let’s face it, if you live in the music capital of the US, you should be, then head over to Debbie’s blog and see how you can win Maren Morris` new CD.

Austin, Weekend, December, Texas, Activities, Things to do, Events, 12/15/07, 12/16/07, Armadillo, Dillo, Bazaar, Arabic, Feminist, BookWoman, What to do, What’s Happening, Jo’s Coffee, Chili Cook-off, Round Rock, Family, Christmas

If you’ve ever been to the City of Austin website, you’ll know that it’s in serious need of revamping. Several months ago I was looking for information on homelessness in Austin and my search took me to the City of Austin website. The information on the page I found was over 4 years old. I don’t need to tell you how bad that looks to visitors. As we all know, the first step toward improvement is admitting you have a problem. That’s just what the City of Austin has done and furthermore, they want Austinites to participate in the re-design. That’s a smart move. If you want people to use your website, it’s a good idea to involve them in the design and it’s a great idea to find out what they want from your site.

To facilitate the re-design, the City of Austin has created a survey. To participate in the survey you may either fill out a paper form, available at several municipal locations, or you may take the online survey. The survey is even available en español.

I took the survey and it took less than 5 minutes to complete. They will ask you what things you would find useful on the upgraded site so it might be a good idea to look over the current site and have a think about what works and what doesn’t work. This is your opportunity to make a local government site more useful so don’t miss out on the opportunity.

In addition to the Web usage survey, focus groups and town hall meetings are planned for early 2008 to further collect public input and ideas for the new Web site and its services. The survey will ask you if you wish to participate.

Austin, City, Website, Survey, Usage

What: Blazer Tag Adventure Center
When: December 12th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Where: Blazer Tag Adventure Center, 1701 W. Ben White Blvd., (512) 462-0202
$$$: Laser tag player tickets are $20. Non-player suggested donation is $10. Fourty percent our proceeds will go to the local charity Emancipet.

Do you have it in you to change the tide of the fictional future-history? Can you bring the Browncoats to victory at last? The future is now and the war’s not over yet- it’s only just begun. Join other Austin Browncoats as we re-enact The Battle of Serenity Valley to the not-actually-at-all-bloody end.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 Blazer Tag Adventure Center will be exclusively Browncoat territory from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Don’t want to play tag? No problem! There will be side games, a full arcade and even a rock climbing wall!

Come in costume! There will be prizes for costumes and tag and game play including $25 gift certificates to Target and iTunes, free Blazer Tag game passes, gift baskets and more! Free Serenity posters for everyone!

There are only 33 player spots available for laser tag but anyone can come for the party. There will be free food, plenty to do and best of all - Browncoats!

For more information and to purchase laser tag tickets please visit the Austin Browncoat’s website.

Prizes:

Serenity Posters - free for everyone who comes!

$25 Target gift certificate

$25 iTunes gift certificate

Chinese gift basket ($30 value)

Done the Impossible DVD

and more!

Non-Tag Activities:

Thumb Wars Tournament

Cupcake Walk

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

Say Thanks to Joss

Purple Belly Marshmallow Stuffers

Video Arcade

Revolving Climbing Rock Wall

Austin, Browncoats, Battle, Serenity Valley, Blazer Tag, charity, Emancipet