Rosario Dawson in Desccent. ACL Music Fest? What music fest?

If Music Fests Aren't Your Thing - See A Movie!

Since I'm trapped at work for the next few days during ACL this year, I've decided to attend a few ACL Aftershows. But for those who already get the limit of music in Austin 362 days of the year, may I recommend seeing a movie? The summer blockbuster seems to be a thing of the past, but the offering of small budget but well-made documentaries exposing the injustices around the world in our own backyard, independent and upscale revenge dramas, and comedy and action flicks based on a popular TV series and a bestselling novel are resplendent.

Instead of lengthy movie previews, I offer a one sentence synopsis of some movies I recommend this "holiday" weekend.

ACL is a holiday now, right?

Anyway, if you aren't attending ACL Fest or a plethora of aftershows (official and unofficial), here are my glowing recommendations. Simply click on the titles for a better synopsis or review, and for theater listings.

Documentary


Someone dares to question the policies of Bush?!

The Devil Came on Horseback: The controversy of the Darfur crisis in the Sudan and U.S. (lack of) intervention is explored through the p.o.v. of a dutiful soldier turned social activist.

Drama

(See top photo of hot actress.)

Descent: I know everyone is going ga-ga over the Jodie Foster revenge drama, and I expect an Oscar buzz about it, but I'd like to mention another revenge drama, an independent film featuring Rosario Dawson as a rape victim who blurs the line between vengeance and self-destruction.

Comedy


Better than the Flintstone Movies combined. Ha-ha.

The Simpsons Movie: While the thought of seeing a comedy about a nasty gym teacher named Mr. Woodcock, and a comedy about a washed-up ping pong ball prodigy avenging his father's death are oh-so appealing*, I'll have to pass on these flicks and recommend a movie I can't believe I haven't seen yet that may actually be a well-plotted extension of the famed animated series.

Action/Adventure


We've officially lost our indie cred.

The Bourne Ultimatum
I've seen it with my *BFF*, and we both agree that it was like a fast paced carnival ride - thrilling and entertaining for a moment, but lacking the depth of a theme park ride.

I'm probably going to some aftershows, but I had to buck against the local entertainment establishment. That's just how I roll...

~ DIY Danna

*Sarcasm is a lost art online.

In Memory of Damon O'Banion: A Music Benefit at Trophy's
Saturday September 8, 2007

Damon O'Banion w/The High Divers at the club formerly known as Velvet Spade - July 13, 2006.

The music benefit featuring an amazing line-up of solo artists and bands - including Gibby Hanes (Butthole Surfers), Jad Fair and Pong, will be a bittersweet affair. It's a music celebration, and a benefit for the family after the death of a loved one who contributed a lot to two music communities during his brief life. Less than 6 months ago, singer and music journalist Damon O'Banion died, leaving a wife and young ward for whom a college fund has been established. In August, musicians in his hometown of Houston, TX, held a benefit for O'Banion, who was in electrifying rock bands like Dixie Waste, and Austin's own The High Divers.


Toof: One of many talented local artists to perform this Saturday.

According to an unreliable but sexy source (Toof), and the wonderful Austin, TX Showlist, the line-up for the benefit dubbed Damon Fest will include:

The High Divers (featuring Gibby Hanes on vocals)
Honky
Dixie Waste (Houston, TX)
Unicorn Magic (11-year reunion)
Drunken Thunder
Toof
Pong
Jad Fair

The cover is $5 and doors open at 4:00 pm, with the show starting at 5:00. I will publish more pertinent details about Damon Fest as soon as I receive them. Here's the OFFICIAL Damon O'Banion Tribute Space.

Out of Bounds! The Return of The Best Comedy Festival in Texas




I'm really excited to present Out Of Bounds 6. Hosted by the bodacious and outrageous Shannon McCormick, the original improv comedy event promises to be "the best week of your life". Out Of Bounds originally started right here in Austin, TX, and has expanded to an annual festival in the deep, ferocious entertainment jungle of Los Angeles, CA.


Token Diverse Comedy Group Shot: Knife Fight (Hollywood, CA)

But don't expect the festival to pack up and leave Austin in pursuit of fame and fortune in LA any time soon. Out of Bounds is still keeping it weird and hosting a Labor Day festival. Thanks to the contributions of many sponsors (too many to list), the improv comedy fest has expanded to include three venues this year, and even more comedy groups have signed up for the fest, which promises to be a treat for locals, students, and tourists looking for exciting comedy entertainment.

Out Of Bounds (Tuesday, August 28th through Labor Day Weekend Monday, September 3rd)

Free Opening Night: Tuesday, August 28, 2007
7:30 pm
University of Texas
Calhoun Hall (The 6-pack on 21st St.)

Additional Venues:

Esther's Pool (Home of Esther's Follies)
525 E 6th St.

Hideout Theatre
617 Congress Ave.

Visit the official web site Out Of Bounds 2007 to learn more about the seven nights of unpredictable behavior and laughs, or to buy $10 tickets (per night) online.

See you there this weekend!

Don't Let The [Indie] Music Die! Screening Party Tonight

Another screening party is happening for the acclaimed documentary Before The Music Dies, featured at SxSW Film Fest. Tickets are $10, benefiting KOOP 91.7 FM, a radio station known for supporting independent music.



Here's the 4-1-1 from a bulletin posted by experimental indie rockers Red Book Audio:

Celebrating independent music, artists and media with -


Who: 91.7fm KOOP Radio (www.koop.org)
and SweatBox Studios

What: Before the Music Dies movie screening and live music from Tito & the Man, Red Morous and Slow Train –
plus FREE FOOD AND BEER!!!!

When: Wednesday August 8th @ 6:30pm, movie @ 7:30pm

Where: Sweatbox Studios, 1406 Smith Road (off Bolm Road east of Airport)…

**********************************************************************

BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES tells the story of American music at this precarious moment. Filmmakers Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen traveled the country, hoping to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive, and whether corporations really had the power to silence musical innovation. The answers they found on this journey–ultimately, the promise that the future holds–are what makes BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES both riveting and exhilarating.

At the heart of BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES are interviews with musicians, industry insiders, music critics, and fans that reveal how music has reached this moment of truth. Featured performances from a truly diverse group of artists, ranging from The Dave Matthews Band and Erykah Badu to Seattle street performers and Mississippi gospel singers show us that great music is always out there… as long as you know where to look. BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES will renew your passion for great music, and inspire you to play an active part in its future.

*********************************************************************



For more info on the event go to www.koop.org
Info on the film at www.beforethemusicdies.com
Musicians info and schedule at www.freetito.com

Happy Independence Day! Rain or Shine...


Click for larger view of flier.

In a few hours, despite the 70% chance of rain, or 30% chance it won't rain (for the glass half full thinkers), the party begins in Austin with the benefit for local musician Billy Steve Korpi, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer. He's still beating the disease and needs our help to pay the medical bill. I'm not sure of the suggested donation, but I think $10 would be a good number to start with, especially since the fireworks celebration at Zilker Park is free. I can point out three other reasons to attend the benefit party, besides it being a good cause, and the beer: Americana meets World Beat wonder Ralph White; the hard rock 'n' jam frenzy of Australian Cattle God Records export Tia Carrera; and experimental label mates Attack Formation. If you love a show with variety, you won't be disappointed.

I've blogged about a previous benefit for Korpi, so here's the mailing address and a link to more info to make a donation if you can't make it out to Scoot Inn for today's festivities:

Send your donation (check or money order) to the
Billy Steve Korpi Benefit Account
c/o SNB Bank of Austin
3600 Bee Cave Rd.
Austin, TX 78746

Go here for more donation info.

4th Annual Beer Bob
Scoot Inn and Bier Garten
4:00 pm
1308 E 4th St.
Austin, TX
All Ages/21+ for Beer Bob


And After the Fireworks: More Fireworks with Horse+donkey


Horse+donkey: Jaime Zuverza at Scoot Inn, 24 March 2007. Photo by Danna Marrón Williams.

Head downtown to Beerland for a band that never ceases to blow my mind: Horse+donkey. It's another otherworldly psychedelic rock experience with Fire vs. Extinguisher, Headdress, and a new addition to my short list of best band names ever, The Aimless Never Miss (Oakland/San Francisco, CA). If you don't have to get up early for work tomorrow, or you're used to living on four hours of sleep, don't miss this one!

Beerland
10:00 pm
711.5 Red River
21+/$5
Austin, TX


Joining the mp3 Blog Bandwagon- Sort of...



Although I'm still opposed to the idea of becoming an mp3 blog, After having a positive Yip-Yip download experience, I've decided to post one free mp3 a week featuring a favorite local artist. Most selections will be streams you can enjoy online, but I hope to get permission from the artists to offer one free download per month soon.

This week I thought it would be fitting to feature a track from a CD I reviewed in last month's INsite, which was also our MySpace page theme song for a while:

"Favorite Movie" mp3 - Favorite Movie by B A S I C

And check out some brand new stellar tracks @ myspace.com/basicaustin.


Coming Soon:

Expect a weekend blog update soon, featuring a band recently signed with Joan Jett's Blackheart Records Group.


Have a happy 4th of July, everybody!

Horse+donkey: On The Radio- Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh...

+

The Daily Fix in The ATX is on hiatus until I find more time during the week to update the blogger. So I'll keep this short and sweet- like me. (Ha-ha...)

In a matter of minutes, experimental psychedelic rockers Horse+donkey will be performing live on KVRX 91.7 FM right here in Austin, TX. You can hear them online @ kvrx.org.

Good Samaritans Rock Club DeVille Tonight

At the very last minute, Youngmond Grand, the band that recorded my favorite radio-friendly indie rock song of 2005, "Pressing The Holes" (The Sculptures Fall), is having a benefit show for Tuscon, AZ natives The Solace Brothers, who fell on hard times when the transmission on their van went kaput. So show some love if you can and make your way to Red River and make a donation. Zookeeper opens the show.

The Solace Brothers Benefit Show
11:00 pm
Club DeVille
900 Red River
Austin, TX

Sing "Rock The Casbah" Outside The Shower Tonight:
Rock & Roll Karaoke @ Beerland



This is probably my shortest blog ever, after an 8-day hiatus from the exciting world of entertainment blogging. But I'm back to announce something besides the last days of The Original Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. (Alamo's actually moving to the location formerly known as The Ritz on 6th Street). I'd like to announce that other cool event that gives most Austin musicians a break.


I spy a trademark copycat pattern here...

Hosted by Nathan Black (Dr. Sketchy), Rock & Roll Karaoke Night at the indie rock hot spot Beerland is going strong with 1000+ songs. There's no cover, so you can afford to splurge on a beer or a frozen mojito- and you can impress your friends with your uncanny ability to sing. Or not...


I love this guy- actor Sam Rockwell.

Rock & Roll Karaoke
w/Nathan Black
9:00 pm
Beerland
711 1/2 Red River
Austin, TX
21+/No Cover

The Daily Fix in The ATX:
Sweatbox Reopens and Austin's Adult Swim Party Returns!

Since I'm still recovering from my day job training (still in progress), I've decided to restrict my Sunday entertainment updates to one or two event mentions, instead of the 7-day scoop.


I can hardly wait to review stellar local CDs produced here! (Click on image to get a better view.)

Sweatbox Recording Studio in Austin, TX Reopens and You're Invited to The Party- Today!

I got the official word from one of my favorite bands, Cat Scientist. Ever since reviewing their stellar CD Cicada (Australian Cattlegod) which features Austin's own partylife theme song "Precipice"), I've been a fan, and hope to see and hear a lot more of them this summer. You lucky Austinites will get to hear them in a free show today featuring a dozen other bands I adore, such as labelmates Attack Formation, and some other bands I enjoy hearing live- Tia Carrera, Youngmond Grand and MonkeyTown (San Marcos, TX).

These bands are celebrating the re-opening of the world-renowned Sweatbox recording studio, in a wonderful new East Austin location. You can read the official news in Austin360.com.

This is the line-up with approximate performance times, subject to change:

American People 6:00
Meat Purveyors 5:40
Attack Formation 5:20
Tia Carrera 5:00
Cat Scientist 4:40
Youngmond Grand 4:20
Good Times Crisis Band 4:00
Peglegasus 3:40
the Easies 3:20
Emily Sparks 3:00
Monkey Town 2:40
Snake Trap 2:20
Sisterunaked 2:00

Sweatbox Reopens!
2:00 pm
1406 Smith Road
Austin, TX
All Ages/Free

And according to Cat Scientist, besides "a shitload of bands", there will be 5 kegs! (Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver on your way to the next event.)

And later today...


Click to view larger image of flier.

The Compound Presents The Return of [austin swim] Tonight

I'm excited about it, but until my schedule allows me to stay up later, I'll be recording [adult swim] on Cartoon Network instead of attending the Austin's [adult swim] party. For those who can stay up a little later than the rest of us working stiffs, this is the 4-1-1 from the [austin swim] MySpace bulletin:

1) We're at the original location again
2) Paris Hilton WILL NOT BE THERE
3) Hellapeño @ 9pm, Lucas Molandes @ 8:30, and Troy Dillinger @8pm
4) You can TiVo the Sopranos and watch it later
5) Free Pizza from Rockin' Tomato @ 8pm
6) [adult swim] @ 10pm
7) You'll be done in time to get to Elysium

See ya there!!!

Austin Swim
When: Sunday Jun 10, 2007
at 8:00 PM
Where:
The Compound
1300 E 4th St
Austin, TX 78702
Click Here To View Event

The Compound is actually outside Scoot Inn in East Austin. It's the perfect new home for the [adult swim] summer parties here in th. Get there early to get a good seat, for free pizza (now ever Sunday!), to hear live music from Texas rockers Hellapeño and Troy Dillinger, and comedy from Lucas Simon Molandes. And of course, view [adult swim] on a jumbo screen. Don't quote me on this, but I think the cover is just a couple of bucks more than the cost of a gallon of petrol- $5.

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Moses and the Burning Bush "Sings Off Key and Says F*ck A Lot"


Moses and The Burning Bush @ Beerland(?). Thursday, 31 May 2007.
(Wow. Somebody's a worse photographer than I am.)

I'm so tired from my day job today, I was tempted to paraphrase a CD review. (One I actually wrote.) But I will take the high road and give you three reasons why you shouldn't miss the next Moses and the Burning Bush show.

1.) It's at The Beauty Bar. A really cool franchise I've never had the pleasure of visiting locally, but obsess about a lot these days. I've made a few attempts, in vain, to attend shows at the downtown cocktail party spot for indie rockers and DJs. But for different reasons, the gods don't want me to be there until I'm ready to rock with the beautiful people.

2.) There's no cover. Or at least it's not advertised anywhere. So you can knock back a cocktail or two and not break the bank.

3.) I recommend it. I was going to type "because I said so," but I thought that would be facetious. Just go and have fun this Tuesday!

Moses and the Burning Bush @
The Beauty Bar
617 E 7th St.
Austin, TX
21+/No Cover(?)
Call 512-391-1943 for more info.

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Music Monday at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema


This Week's Trailer!

I was busy getting baked by the sun on a party boat yesterday instead of doing some reading and internet research to post my picks for the week, so I'm still playing catch up about a lot of events. The description of this weeks so movie is so well-written and succint, I thought I'd save readers the agony of my writing for one day and simply post the link that describes this epic french new wave music flick:

Le Brune et Moi (1979)

For $2, you also get to hear local rockers The Teeners play before the movie. So call your friends, reserve some seats online, and get there early!

Le Brune et Moi
NR; 60min; Director:Philippe Puicouyoul
9:45 pm
Alamo (Downtown)
409 Colorado
Austin, TX
$2

The Weekend Fix in The ATX: Breaking Up and Getting Back Together in One Weekend


Taken the first night I met The Cocker Spaniels.
Photo by Merrick Ales (merrickales.com)

There are so many cool shows tonight with The Cocker Spaniels at The Parlor, and the big showcase @ Emo's outside stage with The Octopus Project announced in The Austin Chronicle, featuring Peel, Palaxy Tracks, and For Those Who Know. But there is a little bit of sad news I'm compelled to report.


For Those Who Know recently announced break-up. And they look so happy in this photo...

I'm sad to report that For Those Who Know, one of the first bands I interviewed for INsite, will be performing their last show tonight. James Vehslage, amazing drummer and manager, is moving on to pursue other music interests. He has performed with Ringo Deathstarr and Peel, filling in percussion sounds for the latter band's self-titled debut album (Peek-a-boo Records). So tonight's showcase is a goodbye for one more entertaining band.

But inside Emo's, it's hello again. After a 10-year hiatus, ska-punk legends Gals Panic reunite. I won't go on and on about how much I love and miss the band. You can read about it in this month's issue of INsite Magazine.

And here's the flier:



Don't miss the opening acts starting at 10:00, including the experimental rock 'n' blues band The Catfish Hunters featuring GP guitarist/songwriter Jerm Pollet (also of The Total Foxes) on piano. The nostalgia and mosh pit action og Gals Panic headlines the show.

Since The Cocker Spaniels is a one-man band, I'm happy to report they aren't breaking up or reuniting for a show. Unless he has some other issues I'm unaware of... Anyway- you can't go wrong no matter where you are this weekend. Just plan for crazier downtown traffic (more than usual) since the ROT/Biker Rally is still in progress.

The Cocker Spaniels w/The Grass Fight (Denton, TX)
9:00 pm
The Parlor (North Loop)
Austin, TX
Free/All Ages
(But bring $ for tips, pizza, and beer)

Gals Panic (Reunion) w/The Tricker Treats (ft. Dan Potthast of MU330), The Total Foxes, and The Catfish Hunters
10:00 pm
Emo's (Inside)
603 Red River
Austin, TX
$8/All Ages Pre-sale
$10 @ The Door

Free, High Quality, Uncompressed mp3s? Yip-Yip Hooray!


Yip-Yip: Either Yip 1 or Yip 2... Awthum Fetht, 18 March 2007.
Photo by Danna Marrón Williams

I couldn't resist the pun. Today I neglected to read some MySpace bulletins or post recommended shows (besides Whoopsy! Night), and nearly missed one golden bulletin from a certain Winter Park, Florida duo. I feel like a gossip columnist, but I will freely admit that I was ready to be unimpressed, even after hearing Zom Zoms brag about touring with zolo soundscape artists and friends Yip-Yip (SAF Records). I finally got to hear them live at 2007's Awthum Fetht in March (the last day of SXSW) expecting an instrumental set dull from a week of overexposure to the behemoth 5-day music fest. Instead of being unimpressed I was flabbergasted. Yip-Yip could've played for hours and I would've sat there listening to every note. "Club Mummy" stole the show - no, the festival. (No disrespect to the other bands, including ASSACRE.) Kill The Critic is not an mp3 blog, but I had to share my thoughts about Yip-Yip, and links to all 6 available downloads mentioned in the bulletin. (Not that anyone cares, but that's my lucky number, 6.) And one of these 6 free mp3s is "Club Mummy". Oh, joy! And they've got the original track and a remix of "Candy Dinner" for In The Reptile House fans. It appears that a lot of people were complaining about not being able to properly download the free MySpace downloads they offered, so the guys put their checkered heads together to come up with a great alternative. OK - less blog and more mp3 file sharing:

Club Mummy mp3

Audacity Beach mp3

Candy Dinner mp3

Candy Dinner mp3 (Casio Remix)

High Heel to Mammal III mp3

Munch Much Mush? mp3


Yip-Yip: Candy Dinner

After downloading the tracks I didn't have without any trouble, they sounded great on my iTunes player. I recommend upgrading to the latest version of your mp3 compatible player of choice, and a high-speed connection (i.e., DSL, Cable) to ensure a successful download. There should be no need to disable your firewall or other internet security software if you're using a PC.

If you're reading this and will be on vacation in Orlando, or live in the area, forget the amusement parks for a couple of hours and don't miss their next live performances with Dan Deacon (Baltimore, MD) on Saturday, June 2nd, or Melt-Banana (Tokyo, Japan) on Sunday, June 3rd. A lot of us fans in Austin, TX eagerly await Yip-Yip's return.

mp3 Rating:

(4 out of 4 Joysticks)

I'd also like to add that I really think this dynamic duo needs to score movies and video games. My Nintendo DS-addicted nephew would probably agree. After I explain to him what a joystick is, I'll play a few Yip-Yip mp3s for him so he won't think I'm a fossil.

Yip-Yip* is
Yip 1: Jason Temple
Yip 2: Brian Esser
myspace.com/yipyip

*Kill The Critic's pick for best band web site.

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Get a HUG @ Whoopsy! Night


Click image above for larger view of hot green woman kicking ass.

I only have one minute to post this before I head out for the night, so I will just express that Whoopsy! Magazine is having their monthly fundraiser, and the line-up of bands is the bomb.

HUG headlines, but be sure to get there early to listen to all the bands. (Including Cry Blood Apache.)

Mohawk
912 Red River
Austin, TX
$5/o.b.o.

The Daily Fix in The ATX


Moses and the Burning Bush: I guess the hat is useful for those desert sabbaticals too.

Set Thursday Night on Fire at Beerland with Moses and The Burning Bush

There are a lot of great shows happening this weekend, and the weekend starts today. A lot of folks will be headed to Emo's and The Mohawk, but I'd like to point out the show at Beerland that features a band I recently reviewed for INsite Magazine's Local Trax (which will be in locations all over Austin Friday): Moses and the Burning Bush. I've referred to his sound and eponymous EP as "raw and refreshing", and although I haven't heard the band live (which is sometimes simply soloist Paul Raila), according to La Snacks vocalist Robert Segovia, Moses is badass. The band plays around midnight.


The Dirty Sound @ The Carousel Lounge, circa 2006.

Headlining the show at Beerland is the country/folk/punk good time boys The Dirty Sound, who have declared themselves the "drunkest band in Austin".


The New Pills: The newest garage rock prescription.


Guitarist "Don't Kill" Bill Rhodes of The Naysays.

I was impressed with the rock'n'roll garage vibes I caught at the bluesy The New Pills and lo-fi indie pop The Naysays MySpace profiles. Have these kids been listening to KOOP's "Stronger Than Dirt"?



The Dirty Sound, Moses and the Burning Bush, The New Pills, and The Naysays
10:00 pm
Beerland
711 1/2 Red River
Austin, TX
21+/$5/6(?)

The Daily Fix in the ATX: Mr. Brown's Last Reggae Wednesday at Flamingo Cantina


Diedrich Jones of Mr. Brown

Tonight is the last night reggae band Mr. Brown will perform at Reggae Wednesdays. I hope the hump-day tradition continues with another solid band. I enjoy listening to the reggae, rock, and hip hop at Flamingo Cantina, and for 15+ years the club has proven to be my favorite club on 6th Street. (The Parish is a close second.) But don't be sad about this last performance at the Cantina. Mr. Brown will be performing around Austin in the near future, and I hope to catch one of these shows so I can ask them if their name is indeed inspired by the Bob Marley song. Just another trite interview question...Also: Dance to the afro-beat music of Rattletree. White musicians performing music inspired by traditional African music never sounded so good. Music is indeed a universal language. You can hear the universal band every Sunday at the rear entrance of Barton Springs from 4-6:00 pm.



Mr. Brown and Rattletree
live @ Flamingo Cantina
515 E 6th St.
Austin, TX
$5/Doors 8:30 pm (18+)

Rio Rita Cafe y Cantina Art Auction Benefiting Local Musician Billy Steve Korpi


Billy Steve Korpi: Guitarist for The Crack Pipes, Victims of Leisure, and The Bloody Tears.

Here's an update about the auction from sister venue Beerland:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Rio Rita Art Auction Benefiting Austin musician Billy Steve Korpi is underway.

Artists who have contributed include Win Wallace, Tim Kerr, Alfonso Rabago, Alex Cuervo, Lisa DiRocco, Michael Schliefke, Brettany Boozer, Billy Bishop, Everett Lamb, Shanti Deva, Jeff Swanson, Jerry Czyzak, and Caioneach. A wide variety of styles and media are featured.

Please stop by and bid soon as this auction is ongoing and ends the middle of this week.

Billy Steve Korpi is our dear friend and beloved guitarist of The Crack Pipes, Victims of Leisure, and Bloody Tears. He is winning his fight against leukemia but needs everyone's help to offset the enormous expense he is incurring.

Rio Rita is located at 1308 E. 6th on the eastside at Navasota.

Thanks for all your help.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Mild-mannered coffee shop by day, swanky lounge by night."


Other benefits for Billy Steve will be announced soon. There are other ways you can help too:

Mail a donation (check or money order) to the
Billy Steve Korpi Benefit Account
c/o SNB Bank of Austin
3600 Bee Cave Rd.
Austin, TX 78746

Make a donation online via PayPal @ leukorpia@hotmail.com

Donate Blood in Billy Steve's name at
Blood Center of Central Texas
4300 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX
You will receive a voucher that can be dropped off at Rio Rita and will help defray the cost of his upcoming transfusions.

Send Billy Steve a note through stillybeve@hotmail.com or solidgold@thebloodytears.com.

Our positive thoughts and prayers are with Billy Steve as he wins the battle with cancer.


Rio Rita Cafe y Cantina
1308 E 6th St. (at Navasota)
Austin, TX

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Urban/Folk Music?



Singer/Songwriter Suzanna Choffel May Surprise You Tonight @ Momo's

I'm finally going to admit something that's bothered me for a long time: I find most singer/songwriters who play solo sets with just a microphone and a guitar almost as boring as that guy making music with his laptop in front of a large audience. (That boring!) But one night, over a year ago I heard singer/songwriter Suzanna Choffel perform at Writers Who Rock, a Tuesday evening showcase hosted and booked by Melissa Mullins. Choffel's voice rang out with soulful - and dare I mention this - sexy assurance, and I've been a fan of hers ever since.



Suzanna Choffel seems comfortable with so many different music genres, performing with Hip Hop collective The Word Association's Omari Kamau, flying solo with her blend of folk and urban/street influences, or jamming with a band that compliments her urban meets folk voice and musical arrangements. You can hear elements of R&B, folk, rock, and jazz in her sound that meld into a unique sound that is comfortable headlining an intimate lounge setting, or opening the show at a stadium packed with a rowdy crowd ready to rock. Tonight Ms. Choffel shudders and rings with her Tip-Top Band at Momos - 9:15, after Kacy Crowley graces the stage at 8:00. I recommend hanging out and listening for a few hours too. You can thank me later.

Momos (Above Katz's)
618 W 6th St.
Austin, TX
$5/18+

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Movies and Music @ The Alamo



Music Monday Presents: Zachariah and The Weird Weeds


Sandy Ewen of The Weird Weeds @ The Mohawk, March 2007. Photo by Danna Marrón Williams

Tonight Music Monday presents Zachariah: The Electric Western (1971), a roundabout music-filled adaptation of Herman Hesse's Siddarth, with homoerotic overtones. Besides the interesting appearance of pop music culture icons, this flick boasts a script penned by the Firesign Theatre. The world famous comedy troupe celebrated 40 years of entertainment last year. One of my very favorite bands, The Weird Weeds, performs before the movie! This could only happen in Austin... And maybe San Francisco. Visit the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema link below for more information.

Zachariah (Unrated 35 mm print, 93 min, dir. George Englund)
w/The Weird Weeds
9:45 pm
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
409 Colorado
Austin, TX
General Admission: $2

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Seven Days of Music in "The Live Music Capital of The World"



The Up and Coming Zeale32 [ zeal-ee thirty-two] (One of my first and best interviews.)

News Flash: Hip Hop is alive and kicking it in the ATX, and I found the blog to prove it.

Thanks to fellow blogger Minto Tsai's Austin Hip-Hop Scene, I discovered that live hip hop isn't just a myth. After catching a few shows with Austin's own Zeale 32, Mr. Bavu Blakes, and San Marcos, TX collective The Word Association, I was a little disappointed that more hip hop acts weren't choosing to stop in the ATX. Pardon all the the name dropping, but I did catch memorable shows with Tha Fucking Transmissions (Houston, TX) at The Mohawk and Little Brother (Durham, NorthCarolina) at Emo's. I've interviewed most of these solo artists and bands for local press, and I'm really looking for more "alternative", or underground artists to play more shows in Austin by word of mouth and blogs- like Cali Agents and The Alias Brothers (formerly known as Asamov). Thank goodness for Tsai's ear to the ground. I look forward to posting about local and touring hip hop acts.

Sunday, May 27th


El-P or El-Producto (Jaime Meline, one of the masterminds behind Definitive Jux)

El to the P at the E to the Mo: EL-P, a.k.a. El Producto, hits the stage with Hip Hop at Emo's Tonight

Brooklyn, NY native EL-P is now on the pop culture radar with his track on the free Definitive Swim album, which is currently hyped on Adult Swim. But I was really impressed with the fact that he operates his own label, Definitve Jux, which seems to have a penchant for indie hip hop that is smokin'. He's made a bold marketing move by producing the album with Williams Street, and premiering the "Flyentology" video on the Adult Swim site. It's a "f*ck you" to corporate labels, commercial radio, and MTV who don't seem to get it that hip hop isn't a trend. (And yeah, there's an explicit version.) My favorite track is "Smithereens (Stop Cryin')", which is also available on his LP-CD I'll Sleep When You're Dead. EL-P performs with a crew - DJ Mr. Dibbs & The Mighty Quin, Hangar 18 (N.Y.C.), Yak Ballz from Queens, and Slow Suicide Stimulus (New Jersey), so expect some stage antics, and not just two turntables and a microphone.

Emo's (Outside)
603 Red River
Austin, TX
All Ages/$15

The Daily Fix in The ATX: Melt-Banana, with XBXRX and Finally Punk!

A lot of people slept on the Aviador Dro appearance at Flamingo Cantina last year (shame, shame). But I'm sure that won't be the case this time with the legendary noise band from Japan. Perhaps due to the American fascination with Japanese pop culture. Melt-Banana's appearance was briefly mentioned in the Music Listings section of The Austin Chronicle:

"Melt-Banana, xbxrx, Finally Punk
Emo's, Saturday, May 26
Music for breaking things."

I made a bet if they weren't listed in the Recommended or Roadshows section, then I would buy and listen to the next Killers album. Damn. Anyway... Melt-Banana is touring the west with Oakland punk phenomenon xbxrx.


xbxrx defies the bubblegum punk trend- and gravity. Photo by Chris Woo.

One day I hope to have time to sit down with them for a nice chat and interview, because they have made punk an exciting genre again. After stopping in the DFW area last night (at Rubber Gloves in Denton, TX where Austin's experimental heavies Count Dracula's Weed Smuggling Jam Engine opened the show Friday), Melt-Banana continues the western leg of their Bambi's Dilemma U.S. Tour at Emo's. The album brings a quick-paced fury to the band's controlled chaos. Local little darlings Finally Punk open on the outside stage tonight.


Finally Punk live at The Parlor in Austin, TX (2006). Photo by Ben Aqua.


Finally Punk will be on KVRX's Local Live the following night, and have already announced a tour of the west and mid-west in June, and the release of Primary Colors (7" EP). I'm crossing my fingers that "Environmentality" and "Boyfriend Application" make the cut.


Crazy fan art: You could say I went a little bananas with this.

Emo's
603 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors: 8:00 pm
Show: 10:00
$8/All Ages




The Last of the Gang to Die: Morrissey Comes Back to Austin

We all want more Morrissey, and I hope La Snacks drummer Jamey Matte finally gets to see him live after a couple of missed opportunities. The man is legendary (there's a lot of use of that word this week, "legendary"). From his fronting The Smiths eons ago, to orchestrating a "comeback" that involved huge music festivals instead of small venues as is customary. Morrissey proves that this wasn't really a comeback feat, but a triumph of good taste. Opening is rock vocalist and pianist Kristeen Young. She's so cool, she doesn't have a MySpace profile. Or I just couldn't find it.

The Backyard
Austin, TX
Tickets Still Available

For Those Who Slept: 3 Shows We [Almost] Overlooked


Don't try this at home either.

So I reported the LP release party for Voxtrot at Emo's, and the Metal Mayhem fest happening at Red 7, but I feel like such a jerk - neglecting the other shows you shouldn't miss tonight. I'm overdosing on theatrical and DVD releases this weekend with my family and friends (more about that later), but I wish my favorite former co-worker at iTunes would hurry up with that Trans-Teleportation invention so I can attend more than one or two live music shows in one night. Yes, Austin is living up to it's reputation for bringing you the best live music. The competition is fierce tonight, but we're not supposed to call it a competition. You can't lose with these three "sleepers", no matter where you go this holiday weekend.

#1: The Mary Timony Band, LaLaLand, and Horse+donkey @ Club DeVille




Mary Timony: File under "Indie Rock Legends"

Mary Timony (of Autoclave and Helium fame) is touring the U.S. with her band and making a stop at one of my favorite places for amazing "sleeper" shows. Club DeVille is the same place where I heard Heartless Bastards for the charming third time, before they became a buzz band. Mary Timony is releasing her songs with Kill Rock Stars, a label known for having an ear for music that is avant-garde and avoids being trendy, nevertheless pleasurable. LaLaLand had me convinced it was a lackadaisical band from California. But it turns out they're indie rock slackers from right here in Austin, TX. One of my local favorites, Horse+donkey, opens the show with stunning psychedelic rock that will take you places you've never been. I just had a crazy thought. What if Horse+donkey's first album (now in progress) was released on Kill Rock Stars?

Club DeVille
900 Red River
Austin, TX
Doors: 9:00 pm
Show: 10:00 pm
21+ (?)/Cover (?)

#2: Tonight in the Emo's Lounge, Tune In and Drop Out with Cavedweller


I had an Indian Jewelry flashback with this re-designed Business Deal flyer. (Props to "Bobcat" and "Pops".)



At the moment I feel like a journalist writing about Tori Amos performing in an airport lounge way back when. I am a biased fan of Cavedweller's music. Music which could immediately be compared to Devendra Banhart. But let's give the man a chance. Performing live since the mid 1990s, Cavedweller (a.k.a. Dirk Michener) has a gift for imaginative songwriting and a voice with an octave range that will make you wonder why he never trained for the opera. Sometimes he performs with a band, sometimes he doesn't. Who cares? See him open for local indie folk rockers Cartright (more about them at a later date), and The Willowz, an amazing folk rock band from California on a limited tour that touts the newly released CHAUTAUQUA (Dim Mak). A little movie soundtrack trivia: The Willowz have a song featured in the soundtrack "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Yeah, I had to bring it back to movies. If you miss the show, check out The Willowz album and Cavedweller's psychedelic touch in his latest release, The Best Version of 'Gloria" Ever There Was (Business Deal).

Emo's Lounge
603 Red River
Austin, TX
All Ages/$5-10 (?)

#3: Music at The Parlor with MrandMrsMays, The Dirty Hearts, and Manager's Choice


The Parlor: Family Owned Pizza, Beer, and Live Music Joint Since 2000.

I won't bore you with a lot of details about this one. I just learned that Manager's Choice is playing a short set to open the show. One hot band on the scene, The Dirty Hearts, is playing tonight - and it's a birthday performance by Misti Watkins (also of Mr. Lewis and The Funeral Five) And Sometimes I disappointment myself. I pride myself on knowing about most of the popular locally based bands with punk sensibilities. MrandMrsMays is not one of these bands. I visited their MySpace profile for the first time today, and got goosebumps. So don't sleep on the Mr. and Mrs. I'm crossing my fingers that they'll do more live shows this summer. The Secret Weapons may still be playing, so get there early - 8:30?

The Parlor
100-B E North Loop
Austin, TX
8:30 pm
All Ages/No Cover

And that's all she wrote. Have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend - no matter where you go and what you do.