Filmmaking Frenzy's Unnecessary Sequels Part 2: Only 4 Hours Left to Vote!


Ulf Kastner in Kung Fu Halloween's "Powder 2".

"This time they're back again for more."

Filmmaking Frenzy, the site sponsored by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, tests the talent and movie-making skills of film fans around the world, is hosting a few contests coinciding with the upcoming Fantastic Fest. held annually at the South Lamar theatre. The rules were changed for Unnecessary Sequels in 2008, and the is competition stiffer, making it a successful contest - despite the dwindling number of contestants. There were about 90 applicants but only 24 official entries and one official screening, compared to one of the last contest's 140+ entries and multiple screenings. (See Rewind Kindly.)

I attended the single screening at the new downtown location, Alamo Ritz, and was impressed with most of what I saw on the big screen. I even got my 15 seconds of fame as a participant in one of this year's entries. Powder 2: Powder 2 The People is facing tough competition with other entertaining videos for best short/trailer in the latest frenzy. Last time I checked, Powder 2 was in last place, which is a shame because it's truly unnecessary and brilliant.

So I won't be accused of favoritism, I'd also like to point out some other favorites worth checking out. Actually, they're all worth viewing, with a word of caution to younger or sensitive viewers. There is adult content and language in several entries that may be unsuitable for some. My Picks (in alphabetical order): Alien v. Predator v. Rocky, Bonnie & Clyde: Resurrection, Charlotte's Web 2: All the Pig's Men, The Eighth Seal, It's A Wonderful Life 2: Wings of Vengeance, Monster Squad 2, Over The Top 2: Armageddon (about arm wrestling, featuring those funny Master Pancake guys), and Willy Wonka - Requiem for a Cocoa Bean. Worthy Mentions: Close Encounters of the 4th Kind, Clue 2: Hint, Harold & Maude II: A Love for the Ages, and OTT: The Rise of Mike Hawk.

Curiosity piqued?

Start watching now by clicking on this Filmmaking Frenzy link.

Newsflash to "Tropic Thunder" Director, DreamWorks and Hollywood: The "R" Word Can Be As Offensive As The "N" Word (And Blackface)


The trailer most of us have seen.

The movie some were afraid was racist is instead viewed as derogatory toward people with mental disabilities. Since all the controversy began, two days before the scheduled opening, Special Olympics chairman Timothy Shriver is calling for a ban of the action comedy "Tropic Thunder", even though he hasn't seen it.

"Special Olympics and Coalition of Disability Organizations Protest DreamWorks' 'Tropic Thunder'"

DreamWorks is marketing the movie as a satire of Hollywood actors and the industry, including Robert Downey, Jr. portraying a white Australian actor Kirk Lazarus portraying a black soldier in a movie. The premise? A group of actors (including director Ben Stiller as action star Tugg Speedman and Jack Black as comedy actor Jeff Portnoy) becomes involved in a real guerrilla battle, mistakingly believing they are being filmed. The word "retard" is used in the movie, and the Special Olympics, in a joint protest with a coalition of American disability organisations.

The picket signs are reading "Tropic Thunder = Tropic Blunder".

The groups protesting are taking offense to the words "retard" and "retarded" used in the trailer and poster promoting the now released movie. I have been unable to find the originally offensive clip and poster referring to the "Simple Jack" bits (which have been removed by DreamWorks marketing as a result of the alleged insensitivity). However, I was able to locate quotes from the movie that could almost make me forget that other DreamWorks blunder (also starring Stiller and Black) "Envy" (2004).

"Once upon a time … There was a retard." (On one of the promotional posters. It refers to Stiller's character, action star Tugg Speedman, who receives harsh reviews for his performance in a previous movie as a mentally disabled character.)

"Nobody goes full retard." (Clip featuring Downey's character Lazarus commenting on Speedman's performance as Simple Jack.)

One of the film's critics, a writer for BuzzFlash.com wrote an open letter to a DreamWorks spokesman. This article in letter format was forwarded to DIY Danna by a fellow film lover, and she forwarded it to me, stating "it could help the piece you're writing about the Tropic Thunder controversy". It does. Tony Peyser's letter to Chip Sullivan could add more heat to to the debate between the behemoth filmmakers and disability activists, and keep some revenue away from the box office. "The Dark Night" could remain the #1 draw in the U.S.

"Tony Peyser: Open Letter To DreamWorks About Ben Stiller's 'Tropic Thunder'"

I realise this is only part of the story, and we have not heard much from DreamWorks in response. And maybe that's a good thing.

For the record, I would like to include the definitions of retard according to the American Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Please note that the definition used in this context contains the asterisk (*):

Main Entry:

¹re·tard \ri-ˈtärd\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French retarder, from Latin retardare, from re- + tardus slow

Date:

15th century

transitive verb 1 : to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment : impede

2 : to delay academic progress by failure to promote

intransitive verb

: to undergo retardation

²re·tard*

Function:

noun

Date:

1788

1\ri-ˈtärd\: a holding back or slowing down : retardation2\ˈrē-ˌtärd\often offensive : a retarded person; also : a person held to resemble a retarded person in behavior

I am aware the word is used in slang, usually in a derogatorily humorous way, but even here the connotation seems limited. In or out of context, this reviewer and new blogger is curious to see the outcome of the protests, politically correct or not.

Elvis Hubert

Fans Are "Wondering About Wonder Woman"


How long must we wait?

While working on a film article about the dumbing-down of American films and audiences, I came across the following timely headline on Yahoo! News:

Wondering About Wonder Woman by Claudia Zap

The numbers of internet searches for "Wonder Woman" since the start of the summer blockbuster movie season (see "The Incredible Hulk", "Iron Man", and "Hancock") is staggering, justifying Wonder Woman fans like me who have been waiting for a movie since the first "Spider-Man", "X-men", and "Hulk" movies. DC Comics answered with two stellar Batman movies featuring one of my favorite actors, Christian Bale, and the moody blockbuster "Superman Returns", which I understand based on the popularity of the characters, but Marvel had already given Hollywood the greenlight for two Fantastic Four movies, while Joss Whedon's development of the Amazon Princess with a lasso was being stunted. I realize Hollywood has a problem with Wonder Woman, and it may have a lot to do with the marketing of singularly heroic women in movies.

Does anyone else remember the excitement about the news of Joss Whedon writing and directing a "Wonder Woman" movie? I had it posted on my MySpace profile for a couple of years before it became apparent it wasn't happening anytime soon. And then began the buzz about a live action Justice League movie, which would precede Whedon's adaptation but prominently feature Wonder Woman. Another reason for a fan to rejoice!

And to be let down again.

Whedon quit the project early last year due to "creative differences", and according to one online article about the Justice League movie, that idea was shelved indefinitely, allegedly due to the writer's strike. But maybe that was a smart move, with all the inferior CGI fodder since the ill-fated "Catwoman". Wonder Woman movie rights holder and producer Joel Silver seems to think putting it on hold is the best idea. It may be all about economics, and wanting to get top dollars in the box office competition. But if you look at successful movies featuring strong female characters (Sex in the City, Mamma Mia, and the potential of Sisters of The Traveling Pants 2), you would think Hollywood types like Silver would see the money is already there. Wonder Woman is still as familiar as Carrie and her three gal pals, and she's been around longer. And if we took a poll right now, I suspect a movie featuring the Amazon Princess would have more male fans in attendance than another movie featuring the four Manhattan princesses. Yet fans of Wonder Woman - men and women - are disappointed to find out the Justice League and Wonder Woman movies have been put on hold indefinitely.



Wonder Woman Trivia Questions

The following 5 questions will test if you're a true fan of the almost 67-year-old superheroine. (Answers at the end of this post.)

1. You probably already know who invented the DC Comics superheroine, William Moulton Marston, and when, in 1941. But do you know how the lasso she uses became legendary?

2. Do you know when the first Wonder Woman movie came to be, and who starred as the powerful princess?

3. Which famous actress was featured as Lynda Carter's sidekick in the 1970s television series "Wonder Woman", portraying a young Amazonian princess known as Wonder Girl?

4. Wonder Woman was featured on the long-running animated series "Super Friends", but this wasn't the first time she was broadcast on television. What and when was her animated debut?

5. How did the invisible airplane become a visible fixture in the Wonder Woman TV series and animated Super Friends?


But there is some good news for Wonder Woman fans: Comic-Con 2008 revealed a trailer new animated feature to be released on DVD. It's better than nothing. And Keri Russell (TV's "Felicity" and the late Adrienne Shelley's "Waitress") voices the superheroine.


Find more videos like this on ENewsi.com

Courtesy of ComicBookMovie.com

I can't wait to see it. And the list of possible leads for Wonder Woman will keep the myth of another live action movie alive. Just google "Wonder Woman Movie Lead Contenders" and you'll have fun speculating if you're a true fan.

~ Danna Williams

Trivia Answers:

1. The lasso of truth is based on the lie detector, invented by Wonder Woman creator. Her lasso became a symbol for truth and justice.

2. It's complicated: Technically, the first time fans saw Wonder Woman on film is when Ellie Wood Walker starred as the superheroine in the short (4 minute) feature "Wonder Woman: Who's Afraid of Diana Prince?" in 1967. She was cast as Diana Prince, and Linda Harrison was cast as her Wonder Woman alter ego. The first full-length "Wonder Woman" was a test, or pilot film for the eventual live action series. It was a 1974 movie airing on TV, starring Cathy Lee Crosby as Wonder Woman. (So if you guessed either one, consider yourself correct.)

3. Debra Winger. The academy award nominated actor made her debut as Wonder Girl in two episodes.

4. According to Wikipedia, "‎Wonder Woman's first actual broadcast appearance was as a guest in an episode of The Brady Kids cartoon series in 1972, entitled "It's All Greek to Me". The Brady kids meet Wonder Woman and together they find themselves accidentally transported back to the time of the Ancient Olympic Games. " Groovy...

5. That's a trick question: The invisible plane was invented early in the comic book series, 1942, not on television. It's not featured much in the recent comic book and animated series.

Free Form Films Presents A Live Film Score: "Tetsuo: The Iron Man" - Thursday 31 July



Thanks to Ben Aqua for sending the following announcement our way yesterday.

This Thursday:

Free Form Films Presents:
Tetsuo: The Iron Man live film score performance

Ben Aqua and his group of tiny machines will perform a live synth-filled, mechanically-manipulated score to the 1989 Japanese film "Tetsuo: The Iron Man" as part of the Free Form Films live film score series.

Thursday, July 31, 10pm
@ Red 7 (patio)
611 E. 7th, Austin, TX

$5 21+/$8 21-

Performers include:

Chad A (ex-Zom Zoms, Low Red Center)
Ben Aqua (ASSACRE, MVSCLZ, Totally Wreck)
Johnny Cisneros (aka VC Chldkrft, Totally Wreck)
Matt LaComette (Low Red Center, Aunt's Analog)
Erich Ragsdale (Low Red Center, TJ Laserphone)
David Salinas (Totally Wreck)
Sam Vandeliner (aka Gary B, Night Viking)
Eli Welbourne (Belaire, Totally Wreck)



View event on Facebook

From the list of performers, it looks to be a delightful night of experimental film scoring.

So Much to Do, So Little Time

Wednesdays in Austin are the best humpdays you'll ever know, especially after work. You can relax and unwind with a happy hour at almost every downtown club with a bar, catch a movie downtown at Alamo Drafthouse Ritz on 6th Street and still have time to see an opening act on Red River, then return to 6th Street for free midnight movie madness if you don't care to stick around for the headliner. To quote an old jazz standard - who could ask for anything more?

Well, sometimes I wish teleportation was available. It's getting tougher and tougher to decide which show you'll be attending on a Wednesday. And sometimes it's the same for Monday and Tuesday. Geez...

I'm keeping the synopses short and sweet this time. You can read the fliers and get a good picture of what's happening around town that may hold your interest.


Recommended Movie




The NY Times and All Movie Guide summarize "Dixie Dynamite" without filling in all the eccentricities you're sure to witness on the screen: "Two sisters (Jane Johnstone, Kathy McHaley) seek vengeance when they are evicted from their farmhouse and a gunslinging sheriff shoots down their moonshining father." ~ John Bush

Yee-haw!

Alamo Weird Wednesday happens every Thursday. Lars, the programmer for this original film series introduces every film, giving us a 5-minute (or less) lecture in odd cinema history.

"Dixie Dynamite"
11:55 pm
Free
Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
320 E 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701


Recommended Music



Here's what one brilliant blogger wrote @ do512.com:

"Recently featured on NPR's Latino USA, San Antonio's Girl In A Coma returns to Austin, TX - the night before the day you realize you don't have a date - February 13th. This will be an inside Emo's show with outside show caliber performances from these ladies, plus local classic rockers Adrian & the Sickness, and punk darlings The Sweethearts, who open. Girl In A Coma's first full-length album Both Before I'm Gone was released on Joan Jett's label Blackheart Records. They've been building a steady fan base across Texas and the nation touring for years, as well as in the UK and France - opening for Morrissey. It only seems these talented Texas grrrls are becoming an overnight success. GIAC makes it look so easy, with melodic, thoughtful rock and sweet as honey vocals. Don't sleep on this one..." - DIY Danna

Girl in A Coma (San Antonio, TX)
Adrian and The Sickness
The Sweethearts
Emo's (Inside)
613 Red River
Austin, TX 78701
All Ages: $5/21+ $8/21-
Doors: 8pm
Show: 10pm


Also Recommended (Music)


See Darling New Neighbors (not a remake of "Children of the Corn") tonight @ The Mohawk.

After a long hiatus (guitarist Amy Moreland suffered an injury that prevented her from playing until it healed), Darling New Neighbors have returned with their own quirky... No, wait. I'm tired of using this word to describe bands that don't fit in neatly in our Top 40 Pop box. Here's a new phrase: The idiosyncratic trio that somehow falls into sync... Oh, well... Basically, DNN is a quirky band opening an all local show that may end up being one of the best nights for live music this week.

Darling New Neighbors
w/The Pillow Queens
Militant Babies
The Mohawk (Inside)
912 Red River
Austin, TX 78701
All Ages/Cover ? (Probably not more than $8 if you're under 21.)
10 pm (DNN opens the show!)
map & directions




Pase Rock (The Mohawk - Outside)
w/Prince Klassen
DJ Orion
10 pm
All Ages
21+ $6/21- $8

From what I could decipher from their last MySpace bulletin, Party Ends presents Pase Rock, one of the hottest new MCs straight outta Brooklyn. He happens to rap one of my new favorites "So Fucking Disco", a tongue-in-cheek rap attack on house with one of the tightest beats I've heard in a while. Oh, and there's the Lindsay Lohan song. Also Starring: Prince Klassen, and Party Ends darling DJ Orion.

Have fun and be safe tonight, no matter what (or who) you do.

KOOP Was Up in Smoke: How We Can Help Rebuild Our Community Radio Station (and How An Arsonist Was Brought to Justice)

First the good news you probably already heard on Friday, January 25th: KOOP 91.7 FM is back on the air.

And now it's time to make sure we continue to show KOOP how much we support "radio de la comunidad" - "community radio".

The rebuilding of KOOP radio is a touchy subject with Kill The Critic. As a former volunteer, I have had some wonderful times at the station, and gained a lot of experience thanks to dedicated volunteers. Whenever I login to MySpace, it warms my heart to read a a post or re-post of a bulletin about local venues, magazines, bands, and station volunteers coordinating fundraisers for KOOP. This confirmed that other people missed one of Austin's premier community radio stations, one of our community stations; it also reminded me that someone who intentionally set a fire at our station was somewhere out there walking around, free. And when I heard negative criticism about KOOP programming after all we've been through with another fire, it compelled me to take action. Not to mute the critics (I say let the asses bray), but to embrace a station that has never striven for perfection, but has always striven to bring diverse music, news and information you won't hear on commercial radio.


Now act like you know.

For 19 days, the station was off the air, and it was 19 days too long. Tomorrow at 1:00 pm on KOOP's "Inner Views", you can hear an interview conducted by host Abigail Mahnke, with KOOP officers and the Austin Fire Department. KTC will be listen for an update in the investigation, and about the safety measures KOOP will be taking to prevent another nut from trying to silent their voices, which represent so many of our voices. And I can hardly wait to hear about the fun events planned to raise money to help pay for the repairs and replacement of equipment. Perhaps a few "big brother" type surveillance, motion detector cameras*, as well as topnotch smoke detectors and sprinkler system? Of course, money raised should go to day-to-day station operations too.

And later in the evening, "Now Playing Austin" DJs RGDG (Rebecca and Deidre) are guest bartenders at The Mohawk Happy Hour. Besides getting the hottest drink specials ($1 whiskey shots, $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller High Life, and $2 16-oz. Stone Lar - I mean Lone Star) from 5 to 8 pm, you'll also be hearing the hottest slection of tunes that have a lot to do with... fire.


What is that creature? Looks like Gorilla vs. Bear decided to mate instead.

And on Monday February 4th it's a party with Soundcheck in residency at the Beauty Bar, which features electronica freaks from John McCain's home state, Peachcake. The show opens with Ian Orth of Learning Secrets, and perhaps the only black guy at the indie rock show, The Cocker Spaniels. Donations will be taken at the door for KOOP, so be generous (the cover is a mere $3).

But the fun doesn't end at the beginning of the month of love and black history. KOOP is throwing a shindig that will make all of us mutants who didn't get a Valentine feel a lot better, or at least a little less like freaks and geeks.


Because it's not easy being green.

See a few of my favorite mutant bands and dance with that guy who has been giving you the eye all night, the one in the middle of his forehead. And according to my favorite KOOP blogger Paul Borelli:

"Beings of all species can make meaningful connections and engage in highly charged information exchange while dancing the night away to the sounds of KOOP DJ Scott Gardner of Stronger Than Dirt and the following electronically enhanced live music performers: Alright Tonight, The Carrots, and Pataphysics."

No suggested donation was mentioned, but I plan to give $10 at the door. I may even have a date with a tall and sexy mutant who enjoys listening to KOOP too.

If you have any information that may lead to the arrest of the idiot(s) that set fire to our radio station, the Texas State Arson Hotline is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

The hotline may be reached 24-7 at 1-877-4FIRE45 (1-877-434-7345).

KTC is happy to report that an arrest has been made. For more details, please tune in to KOOP 91.7FM at 1:00 pm today, or listen online @ koop.org.

For more information about KOOP Radio, contact KOOP at (512) 472-1369 or online at www.koop.org and www.myspace.com/koop917. KOOP is still acccepting donations. If you don’t have money, donate time, if you don’t have time, donate money here.


~DIY Danna

*Kill The Critic does not support the use of spy equipment in the name of security, but a few after hours cameras couldn't hurt.

Looks cool... But would it have killed them to add an "s"?

I have a love/hate relationship with dance movies. I simply wanted to express where I'm coming from before I give my two cents about the new release that is plastered on the MySpace login page - "How She Move". (I'll save my opinions on "Meet The Spartans" and "Semi-Pro" after the paid critics roast both, well done or burnt.)

Long before "Dirty Dancing" swept me off my feet (then made me gag a few years later), I was mesmerized (and then nauseated) by "Flashdance". What a feelin'! No offense against my sister Jennifer Beals (who shines in "The L Word"), but she wasn't winning any academy awards with her first starring role in a feature film. But I thought her day gig as a welder was hot. Feminist hot, believable to the average blue collar worker or not... But this blog isn't about "Norma Rae" - it's about dance movies. A year later there was the modern dance masterpiece "Breakin'". And who can forget the urban legend sequel, "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo"? I tried breakdancing for a while, but my career never took off after being dissed by my family during a dance-off with my sister. There's a laundry list of them, the dance movies we love or hate - or both - from the forbidden waste of dance fad flick "Lambada", to my all-time favorite that revels in underdog feel-goodness, "Strictly Ballroom". And I'm not ashamed to admit "Save The Last Dance" is in my DVD collection. It's ironically bold that MTV recycled this plot, featuring a young black female lead on the screen.

But when I first watched the preview for "How She Move" on television, I couldn't help but hear the "ch-ching" of cash registers (do they still make that sound?) and my high school English teacher Mrs. Gonzales sighing in exasperation. And it made my heart lurch. Street slang now pervades pop culture, and this culture - our culture- loudly proclaims that it's alright to be grammatically incorrect. No - it's the cool thing to do. Nevermind all the connotations of racism and illiteracy, two things a lot of people loathe. At least in my house.

Well, I'll never be one of the cool kids, spouting urban street slang even if I'm suburban or rural offspring. That time has passed, so I can be that corny old broad who insists your kids get off the street and play in their own backyards.

Would it kill them - the writer(s), director, producer(s), and post-production - to have added an "s" to the title? "How She Move" definitely grabs your attention. You read it and say it to yourself just once. You sound like a street hustler, or most likely a wannabe urban white hipster with one black friend. (Yeah, I went there.) Now say it with the "s". "How She Moves" doesn't sound so bad. It still flows like a rappers rhyme. Maybe it's a little softer... Too soft? Too romantic?


Almost makes you want to watch MTV again, right old folks?

As I write this critique, the words sounding off in my head, I wonder if the filmmakers were having the same debate.

I'm not admitting defeat about the "s". I'm sure the movie would still find an audience. I'm just not sure if that audience would be teenagers with expendable cash, searching for the freshest dance moves to bring to the Valentine's Day dance, or Prom floor. If they would have added the "s", would the majority of the audience be older men escorting women on dates?

The world may never know.

Here's the IMDB.com description of "She Hate Me" - I mean "How She Move": "Following her sister's death from drug addiction, a high school student is forced to leave her private school to return to her old, crime-filled neighborhood where she re-kindles an unlikely passion for the competitive world of step dancing."

Here's my one sentence review: A black teenager exiled from suburbia searches for social acceptance with her old neighborhood's step team.

And here's the trailer for "How She Move", which opens today in theaters across the U.S.A.:



Enjoy the movies this weekend, whatever you watch.

~ DIY Danna

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.