Ok, y’all! Voting for the Roaries is now open. You nominated them, and now you get to pick Austin top Female and Male Musicians, Band, DJ, Event, and Single and Album of 2009.
Head over to the Official Roaries Ballot and cast your vote for Austin’s Top Male and Female Musician, DJ, Band and Event. It takes 30 seconds!
If you need a refresher, check out the list of nominees with links to their sites.
Voting ends at 11.59P on Sunday, Febrarury 21st, 2010. You only get one vote, so make it count!
Winners will be announced at the Awards Show on Thursday, February 25th, at The Parish. Stay tuned for more details!
Ok guys. We received a lot of event information over the last week. We’re sitting on several events until the RSVP links are confirmed. In the meantime, check these out. They’ve also been added to the main page of SXSW Party RSVPs
Got a party during SXSW? Send us the RSVP and we’ll share the love: tips[at]republicofaustin[dot]com
SXSW Interactive (March 12th-16th, 2010) Party RSVPs
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SXSW {RV}IP Lounge and Karaoke, sponsored by Ning
- DATE: Friday, March 12th, through Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, 8P-11P daily
- LOCATION: Check @ning or @RVIPLounge to find location of RV
- RSVP
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Mobile Social SXSW 2010 <—BBQ and Party at Lance Armstrong’s Shop Mellow Johnny’s!
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- DATE: Saturday, March 13th, 2010, 2P-11P
- LOCATION: Mellow Johnny’s (400 Nueces St, 78701)
- RSVP
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RxSW Self-Medicated Film Expo <–Short Films and Free Drinks
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- DATE: Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, 12P-2A
- LOCATION: The Belmont (305 W. 6th, 78701)
- RSVP
SXSW Music (March 17th-20th, 2010) Party RSVPs
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Do It To It 3
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Village Voice 2010 SXSW Party, Featuring Superchunk, the xx, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Surfer Blood
- DATE: Friday, March 19th, 2010, 12P-5P
- LOCATION: La Zona Rosa (612 W. 4th St, 78701)
- FREE – First Come First Served <—Get there EARLY
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The Bay Bridged Presents the Bay Area Takeover
- DATE: Friday, March 19th, 2010, 12P-6P
- LOCATION: Beauty Bar (617 E 7th, 78701)
- RSVP
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Move Your Money–A Review of Five Austin Area Banks and Credit Unions You Should Look Into
A couple of weeks ago we talked about Move Your Money, a grassroots movement encouraging people to take their money from the big box banks and switch to local banks and credit unions. You guys posted lots of comments and several suggestions for local institutions. Since I hadn’t yet decided on which bank to move my money to, I checked out those recommendations and a couple other. Here’s the round-up:
Austin Area Banks and Credit Unions
United Heritage Credit Union:
- Membership qualifications are EASY. If you are reading this you can probably join.
- Free checking with no minimum balance, no monthly fees
- Free electronic bill pay and online access to your accounts
- Free copies of your checks
- Several locations around Austin and surrounding areas
- Member of local and national ATM network giving you free access to ATMs nationwide
American Bank of Commerce
- No monthly fee
- $100 minimum opening balance, but not one after that
- Free online bill pay
- A handful of local locations and a few others in Lubbock and North Texas
- Not a member of a ATM network (at least I didn’t find anything about it on their website)
University Federal Credit Union
- You have to go to school at or work for one of their associated companies in order to join
- $25 to open account
- No monthly fee
- Free online bill pay and online access to your account
- Free ATMs in Austin and Texas through a network
Velocity Credit Union
- Easy membership qualifications; similar to United Heritage CU
- No minimum balance and no monthly fee
- Free online banking
- Several locations around Austin and lots of ATMs
- Member of Austin ATM network for free access to ATMs
Frost (okay, so technically maybe a big bank, but it’s still local!)
- No monthly fee or minimum balance
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free mobile banking
- Able to earn interest
- Online tools for budgeting and savings goals
- Locations throughout Austin and Texas
- No fee on non-Frost ATMs
It’s a tough decision to change banks. There is a lot involved, like changing your direct deposit and automatic payments and transfers–but most banks will guide you through the process. I still think we should send a message (however small it may be) to those “too big to fail” banks.
I’m intrigued by the Momentum account at Frost, so I’m going to check them out sometime this week.
DISCUSS: Have YOU decided to Move Your Money? What bank or credit union did you choose? Also, is there another local bank that we must know about? Let us know in the comments!
Susan Leibrock shows us the parts of the turnip.
A lot of folks don’t like turnips. Growing up, I sure didn’t. But maybe that’s because the turnip is misunderstood. In the first of a series on Seasonal Eating, we head to the Downtown Austin Farmers Market to get up-close and personal with the most hated root vegetable of them all.
Joining us on our journey is Susan Leibrock from the Sustainable Food Center. She’s working with the Austin Farmers Market to make a cookbook on seasonal eating (Be a part and submit your own recipes!). In our quest to get to know the turnip, we talk to several Austin farmers to learn to love the turnip.
Brenton Johnson from Johnson's Backyard garden tells us why he loves the turnip.
LEARN: In the 4-minute video, Chris and Susan chat with Brenton Johnson from Johnson’s Backyard Garden, Chef Madeline Pizzo, and Joan Gunderman from Gunderman farms. We learn a lot of interesting things about the turnip, including a couple ways on how to prep them!
SHARE: What’s your favorite way to cook turnips? Any tips on helping people like them?
Fun Facts About the Turnip
- Both the greens and the root can be eaten
- Roasting the root with olive oil and sea salt at 400 degrees makes the turnip sweeter
- Turnips are full of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need during the winter
- Predominantly a winter vegetable, turnip season can last until May
- Soak the turnip or its greens in milk to cut the more alkaline taste
Moskow Is Burnin–Smokin Hot Photos From Gadjo Disko-Austin’s Eastern Bloc Dance Party
Tomorrow is THE LAST GADJO DISKO party. What is Gadjo Disko? It’s Austin’s ONLY Eastern Bloc Dance Party.
Combining the best of Moscow glammed out oil tycoon wives with the best of Folk fashion (and everything in between), their tagline “Dress to Transgress” holds true. And DJ Chicken Kiev knows how to Rock the Kazah.
Still giving me that blank look? Check out the pics below (courtesy of Angeliska), and then you’ll see why this bimonthly party is the Molotov Cocktail–and that’s no Bolshevik-ing. It will be missed.
BUT WAIT: You have one last chance to shake it like a Matreshka. This Saturday at La Zona Rosa from 10P-4A.
PREP WORK: To help plan your outfit, check out photos of Gadjo Disko’s hottest costumes after the jump. More photos can be found on Gadjo Disko’s Flickr Feed.
EXPERIENCE: The Last Gadjo Disko (Feb 6th, 2010); La Zona Rosa (612 W. 4th, 78701); 10P-4A; $7 w/outfit, $15 w/o, 18+ Facebook Event
Smokin Hot Photos of Gadjo Disko (and NO that blonde dude in the hat is NOT me!)
Racier pics (and maybe a nip or two) after the jump—–> read more…
The Old Man in the Peanut at Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse
Rainy weather forces me to leave my outdoor sanctuary at Jo’s Coffee on SoCo and into the vegan-loving coffee den known as Bouldin Creek Cafe. On a particularly dreary day this week, I stopped in and saw this little dude inside of a peanut shell, and it full on brightened my day. I mean, look at him: He’s like a little wizard or something. And how did he get stuck inside that peanut?
Well, the answer is as simple as it is magical. Known as Abstract Extractionism, the sacred art of peanut carving is based on the The Secret of the Sages, a holy Leguminati Text. These texts were rediscovered in 2004 by 78704-dweller and sorcerer Ismael Cavazos. Since discovery, Ismael has learned to manifest the Old Man in the Peanut simply by uttering a few shamanistic mumblings.
Don’t believe me? Check out the Facebook Page and then read the complete e-book on the story of the Old Man in the Peanut!
And for those of you who want less Illuminati and more Intelligentsia, here’s a very literate description of the art:
The heart of the peanut, or germ, is the focus of the carvings as it looks the same every time a peanut is halved. The artist collaborates with nature by carving elements around the germ to convince you of his visions.
SEE: Scroll down to see more peanut carvings by Ismael Cavazos.
EXPERIENCE: Stop by Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse (1301 S. 1st, 78704) to learn more.
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PICTURES-Sanctuary Printshop-Sneak Attack TWENTY TEN Premier Party-January 30th 2010
Last Saturday, we headed down to LoCo (that’s Lower Congress or the area of Congress South of Ben White) to the Sanctuary Printshop for a preview of their 2010 Spring t-shirt prints. Since we love their t-shirts and had a blast at their Grand Opening party, we couldn’t wait to see what TWENTY TEN had in store. Throw in a preview of new sneaker shop Sneak Attack’s kicks, and you had us at “TWE.”
Because the RSVP was pretty close to capacity and we didn’t want to have to wait in line in the cold, we got there a little earlier than usual. Normally I hate being early, but it gave us enough time to play around on the customized El Camino and shop the shirts and shoes before the crowd arrived. When it hit, it got a little crazy (as evidenced in the pictures), but that’s just how they do it in LoCo.
Three prints at the event really caught my eye: The Nuns with Guns, Undercover Punk and the Lion with Lightning Bolt Teeth. Sneak Attack also had some fly kicks. One cool thing about them: They don’t restock the shoe style you purchase for 28 days after you purchase them. If you’re a baller that wants one of kind shoes, check them out. I just wish they had less Nike and more boutique designs. Great selection nonetheless!
One more thing before the pics: The mixers were from Maine Root, my current favorite micro-soda maker. Their Blueberry Soda is boo-licious, their Ginger Brew has bite, and the Root Beer reminds me of being a kid and saying “Bartender, make mine a sarsaparilla.”
SEE: After the jump, take a look at the pretty peeps and the craziness that ensued at the Sanctuary Printshop & Sneak Attack TWENTY TEN Premier. You might lose an eye! You can also check out the full set of photos from Sanctuary Printshop & Sneak Attack TWENTY TEN Premier on our flickr feed or on our Facebook page. Tag your friends!
CHECK IT: Did you miss the party? No worries, you can still see the prints at Sanctuary’s website. Also, check out Sneak Attack at 2nd and Guadalupe.
Click for more photos—-> read more…
Chris chats with Niki, one of the waitresses at 24 Diner
For years, Austin’s Late-Night Restaurant scene has been controlled by a trifecta of tradition: Magnolia Cafe, Kirby Lane and Katz’s Deli. Everyone knows that Magnolia and Kirby have the queso and the pancakes, and Katz’s has fried pickles and a menu full of heartburn. Everyone has their favorite, and most people have grown set in their late-night eating ways.
As a Magnolia fan by birth (I inherited it from my mom and grandmother), I was actually offended by the thought of another diner coming into the market. After trying out 24 Diner on 6th and Lamar again-and again-and again, however, I’ve decided that change is good. In fact, the change at 24 is sooo good, that it’s making me fat.
This plate of Chili Cheese Fries got slaughtered!
From the collard greens with bacon to the massive challah bread French Toast to the Bananas Foster or Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshakes and thick azz burgers or the Pork Belly Sandwich, there’s enough comfort in that food to build a comfortable tire around my gut. But it’s Winter, and frankly, I’m ok with packing on the pounds–well at least until Lake Seasons starts in…ACK 5 weeks. Anyway, nothing tastes as good as being rolled out of a restaurant feels.
All joking aside, this may be my new post-bar destination. The Chili Cheese Fries are enough for a table of 8 drunks (see the video for proof!), and there isn’t the line that you might find at the more wider-known destinations. And while the menu may seem a little pricey at first, the portions are large enough that you’ll be able to take home half to help nurse your hangover the next day. And veggies harken: They’ve got a lot of healthy, farm fresh options on the menu.
These shakes are making Chris fat--esp the two he had that night.
24 Diner is still a new place. And while the food may be good, we did encounter a couple of problems, the biggest being consistency. Shakes don’t always taste the same, and it seems like recipes for simple dishes are constantly changing. Hopefully these kinks will work themselves out over time because I’m kinda starting to fall for this place.
Two more words before I go: Chicken and Waffles.
WATCH: In the 3-minute video below, Rachel and Chris hit up 24 Diner and try the Stuffed Swiss Chard and the Grilled Cheese. It gets rowdy when Chris invites their waitress to join them. Oh yeah, then there’s the flashback sequence of a drunken, late-night attack on a plate of Chili Cheese Fries. With its special “flashback” transition, it’s not to be missed!
DEETS ABOUT 24 DINER:
- WHERE: 600 N Lamar, 78703 (6th and Lamar–in the old Waterloo Ice House space), 512-472-5400
- WHEN: 24-7
- PRICE: Breakfast foods ($7-10), Burgers and Sandwiches ($9-12), Entrees ($10-20)
- OVERALL: B+ (super tasty, maybe a little pricey for diner food, problems with consistency over several visits)
SHARE: Have you been to 24 Diner? Tell us what you had. Did you like it?
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Toilet paper rolls ripe for a little creative recycling
The other day I was sipping coffee with some friends at Jo’s, when I was asked what suggestions I had for condo/apartment lodgers who don’t have a recycling program in place at their complex. Since I now live in a house, I had almost forgotten how frustrating and time consuming recycling can be if it’s not as easy as taking it out to your curb.
Flashback to college: If you weren’t an eco-warrior, it wasn’t very fun being my roommate. The bins in our kitchen took up a lot of space. And we would wake up early to sort our recycling at Ecology Action, the recycling center, on the way to school.
But that lifestyle doesn’t work with everyone. First off, if the recycling center isn’t part of your normal route, don’t start driving out of your way to Ecology Action to recycle. Because you are expending more energy than saving, it’s counter productive and ecologically irresponsible.
Instead, I encourage creative recycling. My dad is the king of creative recycling. For example, when my brother was a baby, he used his Gerber baby food jars to organize his nails and screws. He would glue the cap to the bottom of his shelves so he could easily twist them off and access the right size nail. Why buy tupperware when your deli meat container or butter container will suffice?
How to turn your toilet paper rolls into a fruit bowl:
- Save all your toilet paper and paper towel rolls.
- Cut them in different sizes between 2 to 5 inches… or whatever you feel like! Be an architect!
- Paint them.
- Glue them together however ya want.
- Balance fruit on the paper towers, and Violá: You have an unconventional fruit bowl!
Paper rolls into fruit bowl!
SHARE: How do you use your trash as treasure? Let us know your creative uses for recyclables!
So we’ve tallied all the ballots for the Roaries and are pleased to announce the nominees for Austin’s Best Musicians, DJ’s and Events of 2009, as chosen by you.Thanks for the overwhelming response!
Voting will commence next Monday, February 8th. In the meantime, you can catch profiles of the artists and events nominated on both Republic of Austin and Two Groove.
BTW: We’re finalizing the party/awards show, so look out for upcoming deets!
COMMENT: What do you think? Looks like a lot of good artists to me!
Announcing Your Nominations for the Roaries 2010
Best Female Musician:
- Amy Cook
- Erin Ivey
- Kat Edmonson
- Yadira Brown
- Tara Craig
Best Male Musician:
- Tje Austin
- Neiliyo
- Zeale Rapz
- Danny Malone
- Black Joe Lewis
Best Group:
- Alpha Rev
- Auto Body
- L.A.X.
- Hollywood Gossip
- White Denim
Best DJ:
- Orion
- Prepmode
- Car Stereo (Wars)
- Manny
- Sharkweek
Best Album of 2009:
- “Love Me Nots” – Tje Austin
- “Well Known Pleasures EP” – VEGA
- “You’re So Quiet” – Hollywood Gossip
- “Willie and the Wheel” – Willie Nelson
- “Shapes” – Soldier Thread
Best Single of 2009
- “Sugar Foot” – Black Joe Lewis
- “Sunshine” -Tje Austin
- “Bicycle” – Hollywood Gossip
- “Power to Change” – Black and White Years
- “No Reasons” – VEGA
Best Event of 2009:
- Fun Fun Fun Fest
- The Levi’s Fader Fort at SXSW
- Cherrypeel.com presents The Combo Plate featuring the Hood Internet
- Pachanga Music Festival
- Austin City Limits Festival
