Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > October
October 2008
Michael is home
Woozy, tired and sore, but healing. I lay under an anesthetic cloud for 7 of the past 30 hours. But after only one night in the hospital, I’m home with a stack of magazines and books, DVDs and CDs. Kip is acting like a prince-turned-nurse, but doesn’t he always?
Two posts ago, I tried to explain the heart procedure I endured in layman’s terms. Dr. Andrea Natale journeyed up three separate catheters — two in the groin, one in the neck — to reach my heart, where my particular form of arrhythmia was stimulated and the offending nerves and tissues were “ablated” or burned, thus the soreness in my chest.
I met more than two dozen doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, technicians, dietary specialists, housekeepers and administrators during my 30-hour stay. Tried to learn their names, but nothing doing.
Dr. Natale is something of a celebrity and most St. David’s workers were surprised we were from Austin, not some exotic locale. I’d drop some names of notables who’ve passed through his good care, but medical privacy laws prevent it.
My posts for the next few days will rarely touch on social issues, but rather on what can be safely viewed from our sage green and very comfortable couch. I’m not supposed to move — Kip is here to enforce that.
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Michael is out of surgery
Posted by Kip:
Michael came through the atrial-flutter ablation with no complications. He is recovering in his hospital room, and if all goes well, he should be home tomorrow afternoon. Let’s hope the third time’s the charm.
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A little hole in my heart
At 11 a.m. today, Dr. Andrea Natale, performs a third procedure on my heart, an ablation to correct an atrial flutter. (Dr. Rodney Horton performed the previous two for other varieties of arrhythmia.)
I’ll be completely out of commission for several hours. This is my third ablation — which is kinda like burning a little hole in one’s heart — so it feels a bit routine. The reason? My heart is otherwise perfectly healthy. Just too much electrical charge. (Too much love, some have teased.)
Kip will update my status on this site, also on Twitter and Facebook. Don’t worry. I’m in the best of hands. I’ll stay in the hospital for a while, then onto the couch, so no more social reporting for a week at least. Still, I’ll post regularly, once I’m home. Stay tuned…
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Your A-List, Best Place for a First Date
The A-List winner for Best Place for a First Date is also a theater, but a movie house, to be more specific. In fact, it’s a small group of movie theaters that have won numerous A-List awards for combining food, drink, film and socializing. Alamo Drafthouse — no particular location — took 28 percent of the vote.
Hula Hut, the playfully themed restaurant on Lake Austin, come in second with 13 percent. Eternally youthful Peter Pan Putt-Putt was not far behind with 13 percent. Two restaurants — Hyde Park Bar & Grill and Vivo — virtually tied at 9 percent. The coffeehouse and roasters next to Hula Hut, Mozart’s warmed to 8 percent, while the Restaurant Row veteran, Romeo’s, earned 7 percent of the love. Coming in under 6 percent were Enoteca Vespaio, Chez Zee and Mars.
Write-ins: Carrabba’s, The Steeping Room
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Guest blogger Marc Sherman is annoyed…
A Facebook status that’s just an intentionally vague song lyric. “Just because no one understands you, doesn’t mean you’re an artist” is a bumper sticker, not a status update.
Someone complaining about their love life via Facebook. “Jane Doe is wishing she had you back.” Keep it to yourself. I don’t feel sorry for you.
A grammatically incorrect status: “Mike Smith is wants to eat something” Look Mike, Facebook made it so you don’t have to use the “is” anymore because you just couldn’t express yourself with that “is.” Now that the option is there, you are either too lazy or too stupid to produce proper English. I hate you.
See more of Marc’s musings at Shallow Thoughts.
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Watching and being watched, Part 4
Continued from previous posts …
If his slim book could be compared with any other, it would be Peter Brook’s elegant and immensely influential 1968 contemplation, “The Empty Space,” which identified four types of theater: “Deadly, Holy, Rough and Immediate.”
“He was among those who first opened my mind to what is possible in theater,” he says. “I should have recognized that I internalized so much from Brook.”
What, then, are we looking for, ultimately, as humans, in theater or socializing? Emotional connection, Woodruff says.
“We praise emotions in the theory in our culture but we don’t represent them,” he says. “We may be nervous about getting too close to them.”
So why are emotions so important?
“Understanding is something we do with our emotions,” Woodruff says. “Theater draws that out of you. And a good theater watcher can understand with his emotions. And it feels good to exercise the emotions. And we feel enormous pleasure in being connected to other people. In theater, the connection can be at the deepest and most raw level.”
The connection can also be made out there on the party circuit.
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Watching and being watched, Part 3
Continued from previous posts …
“A good audience understands what it watches, through an emotional attunement that is governed by ethical virtue,” he writes. On the largest theatrical scale, football games fascinate him, even if he’s not a close follower of the sport. (Ironically, he holds the Darrell K. Royal Professorship in Ethics.)
“How can you connect with people more directly than at a UT football game these days?” he asks. “It’s the most powerful form of theater, especially on a college campus.”
“I’m fascinated by emotion and the role of emotions in our lives,” says Woodruff, who wrote plays before he saw his first one onstage, and imagined the enacted dramas of his father’s opera recordings growing up in rural western Pennsylvania. “Opera brings out the big emotions like no other art form does. The Greeks in theory didn’t believe in emotion. The teaching was that a virtuous man would not betray grief or anger. And yet the Greek tragedies are overwhelmed with huge emotions.”
Woodruff faults those around him who don’t watch carefully. “I overhear my colleagues talking about students,” he says. “Even the professors best at paying attention can fail to see (students) as fully developed characters, in theatrical terms. ‘That little obnoxious student,’ they say. It might help to know that, say, the student’s mother loves him, or maybe it would help more to know his mother hates him. There’s always a back story.”
To be continued …
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Watching and being watched, Part 2
Continued from previous post …
Woodruff’s ideas come in clustered thought-bursts: Watching people encourages a capacity for caring through emotional connection. Virtue comes easier to those who pay attention to the conditions of others. Certain kinds of human experiences depend on witnesses, especially witnesses whose imaginations enable cognitive empathy.
“Humans don’t exist as independent, lonely trees on the veldt,” he says. “We are who we are through our interactions. A large part of that interaction is paying attention to each other in more theatrical ways.”
I’d add to the theatrical mix more social events: Backyard barbecues and glittering galas, book signings and movie premieres, musical concerts and club gatherings, intimate dinner parties and vast outdoor festivals. In other words, everything Out & About covers.
After all, while socializing, we also seek emotional connection by giving and taking attention. An intimate dinner party entails as much ritual, spectacle, choreography and improvisation as does the small theatrical presentation.
Given his rigorous training, Woodruff subdivides theater into categories and separates the functions of plot, character, action, choice, mimesis and sacred space. He delves into the dialogue in “Hamlet,” “Antigone” and other seminal dramas.
Yet his breakthrough conclusion is that theater leads to, not escape from the self, as entertainment so often promises, but “human wisdom — knowing ourselves.”
Photo courtesy of AdTechBlog.com
To be continued …
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Watching and being watched, Part 1
Theater is people watching people doing something worth watching.
So concludes Paul Woodruff, philosopher, classicist and University of Texas dean of undergraduate studies.
Socializing also is people watching people doing something worth watching. So concludes your Out & About social columnist.
The difference: In the latter activity, the watcher engages the watched more directly. As a former theater critic, I was drawn to the logic of Woodruff’s argument in “The Necessity of Theater: The Art of Watching and Being Watched,” which will be discussed at the Texas Book Festival on Sunday.
“People need theater,” Woodruff writes. “They need it the way they need each other — the way they need to gather, to talk things over, to have stories in common, to share friends and enemies. They need to watch, together, something human.”
Woodruff ranks theater alongside religion and language as essential distinguishing human characteristics. I’d add socializing to the list, for many of the same reasons.
Both kinds of watching and being watched, social and theatrical, start early in life. “We hardly take ourselves very seriously unless we can get others’ attention,” the slender, hesitant Woodruff says at rain-splashed Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin Boulevard. “The first thing we know as an infant, after finding a mother’s breast, is how to get her attention. And newborns are excellent at that.”
Yet the process doesn’t stop there.
“Learning how to give attention is a little harder,” he says. “We are naturally wired for getting it more than giving it.”
To be continued …
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DrumJam, Driver F, Alpha Rev at the Backyard
Dear Backyard: All is forgiven.
Well, not quite all. Not the heat. Nor the cold. Nor the rain. Nor the long-distance parking. Nor the perilous traffic on Texas 71. Nor the suffocating retail encroachment. Nor the dithering over where to relocate.
Saturday’s free second-to-last-night party, however, proved an outdoor rock apotheosis. Local bands — promising all — played to skipping tots, bouncing teens and whole lot of others, the most fatigued of them splayed on tiers to the rear of the 5,000-capacity outdoor venue.
Stars sparkled. A dry breeze brushed the giant oaks. And bands of the future made me feel as if the Austin music scene would go on forever. DrumJam’s operatic spirit and ambitions soared (someday they’ll have the production backing to fill such a stage); Driver F’s charismatic skittering and hard-working rhythms rocketed; then came Alpha Rev.
I know, I know, I’ve flogged this act into eternity, but hearing them expand their majestic sound on the big stage made me think, someday, these teens will remember when they could see Alpha Rev for free — and walk right up to the stage. I’ve been listening to the group’s live recording from 2007 — not issued, so I’m not supposed to acknowledge it — but I dip into it almost every day. I leave it to Hollywood Records to ensure their destiny.
I eventually left to the full party sound of Del Castillo, trying to make another social commitment downtown. I failed. And didn’t mind. I already had my perfect Backyard memory.
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Beyond the Lights set for March 27
Can’t get enough of those “Friday Night Lights” gridiron heroes?
That’s when the Beyond the Lights Golf Classic returns to the magnificent grounds and comfy resort and spa interiors off Texas 71 near Bastrop. Performances at the Colorado River Amphitheatre are promised (no artists announced yet) and the proceeds will again go to football-related spinal-chord injury charities.
Let’s hope some big Longhorn names step up to the plate this year. And let’s thank the BTL folks for avoiding either SXSW weekend (March 13-22) this time around.
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Greg Miller at Spazio
Let’s just agree that he was ahead of his time. When Lytle Pressley opened Spazio in 1999, almost no one believed a high-end modernist/contemporary furniture gallery with a sprinkling of expensive art would survive on West Sixth Street. Sure, the high-tech boom had spread wealth near and far, but faux Tuscan villas in the hills far outnumbered the few examples of modernist Central Austin infill.
Lytle Pressely with Haven Farcy, who hung the show, and Diana Amador. Note the easy mix of cultures.
Not only did Pressley survive the tech bust that followed, he proved the skeptics, like myself, wrong. Now, a parade of smaller, but equally high-minded furniture stores — including Kirk, Loft and Design within Reach — compete for the same downtown market, as multiplying modernist residence towers provide a ready supply of shoppers.
Joy Kling, Susan Brandt — mix in more cultures.
Pressley has not given up on art, either. Saturday, he opened a show for Greg Miller, whose big, graphically sophiticated concentrations of American pop culture seem as much at home in Austin as in his current base, Los Angeles. Already, several of the pricier pieces had sold, pre-opening.
Artist Greg Miller and girlfriend, graphic designer Barbara Chan
One of the joys of this job is reconsidering people on repeated exposure. I can’t claim to know Pressley personally, and this black-clad, silver-maned, vaguely distant figure — who might look more comfortable in Berlin or Chelsea — usually hovers in the margins of his own shows. But I’m now willing to give Pressley credit: He saw this trend coming, identified it as “Austin” and as his own.
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KLRU Block Party at Austin Music Hall
By the time I arrived at the KLRU block party, the Brad Paisley fans were already funneling out of the Austin Music Hall. Looked like the public television fundraiser was a success — with what was likely a rousing speech by general manager Bill Stotesbery; these are heady times for the ACL station — but what about those of us trying to spread the love around to multiple events on an October Friday?
Jose Navia, Erica Navia
We had DJ Chicken George. It never ceases to amaze me how Austin’s nimble spinners can keep a crowd — or what’s left of one — not only entertained, but writhing deliriously well into the night. DJs are prime social connectors, touching the soft pleasure spots in our deep brains, shedding mass inhibitions and uniting disparate individuals into emotional cohesion.
Mark Pedini, Sara Robertson
DJs — underpraised in a town of four-and-five-piece bands and singer-songwriters — help keep Austin Austin. I’m not one of those columnists who celebrate Austin weirdness — and plenty was on display at the Music Hall — for its own sake. What I salute are the forces that generate or nurture weirdness, those dedicated to the real defining qualities of Austin — openness, sentience and social connection.
Beau Armstrong, Tamara Mewis
Who’d have bet a block party would spark such “deep thoughts”?
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Pompeii & Soldier Thread at La Zona Rosa
That CD is ages ahead of the band’s earlier efforts. We’ll let the critics parse its particular qualities, but vocalist Dean Stafford’s contributions have grown both more supple and more accessible. The act is coming into its own, thanks in part to its evolution from mere ambiance to pop transcendence.
The Soldier Thread depends in part on a new Austin essential — symphonic use of strings, horns, keyboards, woodwinds, strings and guitar, played out in long chord progressions and subtle dynamic interplay. So for those of you keeping score, that would also include Ghostland Observatory, Explosions in the Sky, Alpha Rev, Ghost of the Russian Empire, Grupo Fantasma, White Ghost Shivers, Del Castillo, Jets Under Fire and the former Meridianwest.
Who else would you nominate?
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Explaining Longhorns, Inc.
Texas Monthly photo by Van Ditthavong
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Diamonds & Denim without Rona
Entertainment journalism pioneer Rona Barrett could not make the Diamonds & Denim affair because of illness, but the fundraiser for Family Eldercare was nonetheless frisky at the historic Caswell House. Besides the usual food, drink, music and auctions, guests copped little cowboy boots in their favorite team colors.
Pat Hunt, Betty Hegarty, Lynn Roberson
I spoke at some length with local Eldercare representatives and backers, such as Karen Langley and Julie Freeman, who explained that many of their clients are assigned to the nonprofit group by courts because of abuse or neglect. Ill treatment of vulnerable children receives a lot of attention in this community, but parallel crimes against the elderly are generally swept under the carpet by the media.
Karen Langley, Julie Freeman, Alyce Parsons, Janelle Parsons
Also spoke with Alyce and Janelle Parsons of the Parsons Group Inc., the for-profit operation that provides housing for elderly in need. I kept noticing connections to the Central California region I’d just visited (Rona lives in Santa Ynez; Fess Parker Wineries donated vintages; Santa Barbara inns donated rooms to the auction.) Turns out my detections were not far off — Parsons is based in Santa Barbara, as Alyce explained, and the company pays all the expenses for fundraisers like this.
Keith Brandon, Aleasha Brandon (they actually building the housing for the needy elderly)
If only all for-profit partners behaved that way! Check out the explanatory video on the Family Eldercare site.
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Olympian Brendan Hansen at Jo’s, Part 4
Continued from previous posts …
Hansen is ready to contribute socially, already working with children’s hospitals and other charities. He’s kept up with his teammates, including Eric Shanteau, who competed in Beijing despite a diagnosis of testicular cancer (he’s cancer-free now).
The $2 million portable meet facility used for the U.S. Olympic trails in Omaha, with its speedy pool, showy lighting, jumbotrons and individual stadium-style seating, could be one answer.
Also, Hansen hopes to promote the sport incrementally, proposing, for instance, a open-water 5K swim from the Pennybaker Bridge on Loop 360 to Hula Hut.
“You’d have people in boats all along the way,” he predicts. “When a big race comes to town, people are excited to see it. Up until now, there’s been a lack of marketing in swimming. Nobody’s really getting the word out there. But you are also seeing a different breed of professional swimmer who understands sponsorships.”
He jokes - reminded of beach volleyball’s success - that Nike should come up with swimwear that shows more than the currently popular armor-like body suits. For the record, Hansen’s not single and has been dating the same woman, a teacher from the Rollingwood area whom he declines to name, for six years.
“We’re in no hurry,” he says. “We were best friends before we started dating. It’s a slow ride and we’re enjoying it. We both love Austin.”
He’s content with his Southwest Austin home, but longs to live closer to the action downtown. He hangs out with buds at central spots like Fogo de Chao, Uchi and El Arroyo.
“You can go out to eat every night and not hit the same thing in Austin,” he says. His El Arroyo reference gives away his salesmanlike - or just conversational - cunning.
“It’s got such an Austin crowd,” he says. “It’s mixed. You get twentysomething students, but also 55-year-old young professionals.”
Pause.
Fifty-five qualifies as young? Then I remember I’d betrayed my 54th birthday earlier that day.
Brendan, you’re good. Real good. Sold again.
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Olympian Brendan Hansen at Jo’s, Part 3
Continued from previous posts …
And he’s a gifted salesman.
Didn’t expect that one, did you? The man with a degree in corporate communications (along with kinesiology) could sell a subprime mortgage to a laid-off investment banker. After all, as a middle child in a large Irish-Italian family, he learned to make his case around a crowded dinner table.
He circles (“Oh yeah, PureSport must have set this interview up”). He shares anecdotes about the drink’s origin (“I’d come to class totally beat from training and told my professor, John Ivy, that I was eating everything I could see, but still totally beat up…). He lays out the scientific data about the electrolyte-rich, protein-carb balance (“What sets it apart is the lack of sugar, so even a diabetic can drink it…).
Sold!
For his part, Hansen plans to continue training. After all, the upper age limit for swimmers has climbed into the thirties (Jason Lezak swam his best Olympics at age 31, while Dara Torres was an off the charts 41). He may change training groups, and, if sponsorship is pulled for his pro team, he might opt out of competition altogether.
“I’m not afraid of hanging up the suit,” he says. “I never swam to be in the limelight. Luckily in Austin, it doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. You just enjoy what Austin has to bring.”
To be continued …
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Olympian Brendan Hansen at Jo’s, Part 2
Continued from previous post…
In the flesh, Hansen is anything but a bumbling, introverted pool rat with his head permanently underwater. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, yes, like most competitive swimmers, but he’s relaxed in his regular-guy gear and boots. He talks freely about his family in Pennsylvania, his non-breaststroke interests and, especially, his love affair with his adopted hometown of Austin.
He’s an avid outdoorsman. Loves to camp (recently witnessed elks bugling in Rocky Mountain National Park) and fish (bass and fly fishing - “It’s an art”). He climbs rocks and bow-hunts (not a crossbow, naturally, since he’s a breaststroker).
“When I’m in nature, I completely forget about everything else,” he says.
He glories in local music and soaked up the acts during the Austin City Limits Festival (John Fogarty was his personal fave). Not a runner, he felt a huge sense of accomplishment just crossing the finish line during the Human Race after only two weeks of training.
And he’s a gifted salesman.
To be continued…
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Olympian Brendan Hansen at Jo’s, Part 1
Brendan Hansen is not what he seems.
At least, he’s not the Brendan Hansen we glimpsed on television during the 2008 Olympics.
In part because of NBC’s Olympic coverage, Hansen, a longtime Austin resident and University of Texas alumnus, class of 2004, remained something of a mystery. When the network wasn’t thumping “Michael Phelps, Michael Phelps, Michael Phelps,” the swimming commentators focused instead on fellow Longhorns Aaron Piersol’s surfer persona or Ian Crocker’s cars and guitars.
Hansen’s only claims to notoriety were his hyped rivalry with breaststroker Kosuke Kitajima - covered mostly by the Japanese press — and his disappointing fourth place in his specialty event.
One could be forgiven for thinking that the ultimate gold-medal winner - earned handily in the 4x100 medley relay — was terminally shy and maybe a bit dopey. Absent-minded, to boot, given that he lost his medal on a plane - until it was returned by a thoughtful Austinite who hunted Hansen down to return it. (He stays in contact with her.)
“It’s funny that now that’s more important to people than the actual Olympics,” he laughs before pulling the medal out of his pocket for a nervous reporter to manhandle. “I keep running into to people: ‘I can’t believe you lost medal.’ They don’t remember we won. Of course, what are you going to do with an Olympic gold medal if you find one? You can show your buddies, but they’re going to go: ‘You didn’t win this.’”
To be continued…
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Ballet Austin: Fete of Fetes, Part 2
Continued from post below…
Talk turned to politics — don’t imagine that everyone agreed; it is Austin — at our table, which included Kate and Robert Hersch, who did such a good job with the Film Society gala, Austin Ventures foursome Carla and Jack McDonald, Julie and John Thornton and jaunty Brilliant publisher Lance Avery Morgan. Others nearby included Admiral Bobby and wife Nancy Inman, immaculately dressed Karen Landa and Dale Dewey, UT Fine Arts Dean Doug Dempster and his fundraising sidekick, Sondra Lomax, all-round arts philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler, place-namers Teresa and Joe Long, power pair Elizabeth Christian and Bruce Todd, Endeavor newsmakers Amy and Kirk Rudy, inveterately social Joan and Ben Bentzin, as well as cool redheads Melanie and Ben Barnes.
Cookie Ruiz, Melanie Barnes, Ben Barnes
Seems Ben was shopping at Central Market, when a woman approached him. “Are you that Barnes guy?” she quizzed. “Yes ma’m,” he answered. “Well you got something wrong in your column …” and, as you might guess, she lit into him. Ben apologized again, saying: “Just e-mail me at the Statesman and we’ll get it right.”
Rare image: Your columnist with hostess Maria Groten.
Ben Barnes, this giant among Democratic Party power-brokers — the man who might have been president had it not been for Dick Nixon’s dirty tricks — fell on his sword for your (unrelated) columnist.
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Ballet Austin: Fete of Fetes, Part 1
If ever Austin charities instituted a league of competitive galas — and Lord help us if they did — Ballet Austin’s annual Fete would rank in the Top 5 every year.
Jack McDonald, Karen Landa, Dale Dewey, Carla McDonald
For the 2008 iteration, the Fete did not match the historic singularity of the Long Center opening, nor the international celebrity tally of the Nobelity Project or Roddick Foundation fundraisers. It wasn’t attended by as many political stars as benefits for health and human services, especially those dedicated to protecting women and children, nor as many sports figures flashing burnt orange as one sees at University of Texas events, nor the Hollywood glamour of the Texas Film Hall of Fame parties.
Kathleen Ward, Greg Ward, Jennene Mashburn
Instead, the Fete relies on one distinction: Class. Ascending the stairs to the Long Center plaza, one was met immediately with refreshments and warm welcomes from the many hosts. Eveningwear looked lustrous, stylish, never gaudy. Befitting the Frank Sinatra theme, a saloon singer crooned, while guests lingered too long, deep in conversation and glittery-eyed over the framed Austin skyline on a serene October night.
Frances Thompson, Robin Thompson, Lisa Trahan
On to the dining tent, where tables were spaced in a civilized manner and table-hopping was encouraged. Each station was laden with scented floral arrangements, but the one small element that made Maria and Eric Groten’s hosting efforts bewitching were the faceted, crystalline boughs that hung over most tables, mesmerizing the guests.
Erin Horton, Kate Hersch
The food, including intensely marinated hangar steak, came in modest portions, so nobody felt overstuffed by the time Ballet Austin’s dancers performed in the Dell Hall one selection from the weekend’s season-opening fare. Dance icon Suzanne Farrell was introduced by artistic director Stephen Mills, but she did not speak. During Twyla Tharp’s “Nine Sinatra Songs,” we mostly noticed the newcomers, who add strength and panache to the established troupe.
Donald Patrick, Sarah Butler, Bobby Inman
To be continued …
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House of Torment 16: Victoria Estrada
The clunk of the heavy exit door as it closed behind me was heaven sent. After being mentally pummeled and provoked for 30 minutes, the Haunted House of Torment finally vomited me back into the real world. We quickly rejoined the rest of the group, checking to see if everyone made it out alive and with dry pants intact.
At the suggestion of a group photo, we arranged ourselves dazedly before the gargoyle statue at the front. I didn’t even have time to flash my cheesy smile before the picture had been taken. As we stood awkwardly waiting for the next flash, a high pitched screeching noise exploded from behind us. Everyone turned to see the gigantic gargoyle lurch to life above our heads, flapping its long, ripped wings in all of its animatronic glory, threatening to clobber the taller people in the group.
I stumbled back, losing my balance and stepped on someone’s toe in the process. Fed up and a little more than disoriented, I speed-walked to the car.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Victoria Estrada. For more of Victoria’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, Kid in Austin. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 15: Danielle Bauman
After exiting the House of Torment, I was pleased to be informed that my night was not over and that there was a House of Illusions awaiting me around a shadowy corner. Upon entering the attraction I was taken aback by a blind tunnel of flowing, yet taut fabric that left no end in sight.
As I inched in, the web of sheeting clung to every part of my body leaving no room to assess my situation or direction. I was trapped and confused in a cloak of darkness; very reminiscent of being four years old and having the covers thrown over my head while being bullied by an older sibling.
With my eyesight gone, and an overwhelming sense of vertigo setting in, my other senses heightened. All I could hear were the frantic screams of my fellow classmates entombed within the same tunnel… and all I could hope for was a way out.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Danielle Bauman. For more of Danielle’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, What’s Good. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 14: Mackenzie Jenkins
I have, without dying, successfully reached the exit. I made it. It is finally over. I walked down the exit ramp in relief. Right before I heard this, “I need to see your tickets for the second part, Illusion Manor,” said an employee.
Another one? I have to go through all of this again? I spoke too soon. I showed the ticket, my combo-package ticket, and walked in defeat down the sidewalk to the entrance of my next challenge. The break between rapid heartbeats and the blood covered dead was cut short.
Out of the bushes he jumps, chainsaw in hand, ready to make me wish I had chosen to stay in my car. In an effort to escape from Mr. Chainsaw, I had no time to delay the next exhibit. I hustled to the entrance doors, and as the man covered in piercings greeted me, it was time for Round 2.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Mackinzie Jenkins. For more of Mackinzie’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, Day by Day. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 13: Jen Obenhaus
I entered the fetid corridor with a determined façade of fortitude. I came upon what looked like an entrance shrouded in dingy curtains. What this “drape impersonator” turned out to be was a pair of billowy, rancid, plastic sheets inflated in such a way that one was enveloped in a suffocating darkness. I had gone in to the haunted house with someone both in front of and behind me, but I quickly lost them as the asphyxiating black pushed itself upon me from all sides. Claustrophobia quickly set in.
I then thought of drowning. The black material, although putrid to one of the senses, was soft and quiescent to others. I heard and saw nothing. I could only feel the warm darkness drenching me and dampening my spirits. My arms were outstretched with cold fingers spread apart, feeling through what little space I could find between the two pillows of dank air and heavy darkness.
Then there was light. A breath of cold air. My senses flooding back.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Jen Obenhaus. For more of Jen’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, Le Fou. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 12: Christian Cabazos
Abby, 19, never made it to the entrance of the House of Torment.
Running across the parking lot as fast as her legs could take her screaming and on the verge of hysterics, Abby propelled herself towards the parked cars with a purpose. That purpose; to get as far away from the House of Torment as possible.
“Mommy it’s scary, I’m going to have a heart attack,” Abby said.
As I approached Abby to ask for an interview she clutched my arm and clung to my side while refusing to let me walk away from her.
“Don’t leave me, don’t leave me, he’ll come and get me if you leave me,” Abby said.
She dragged me 20 feet away into the Highland Mall parking lot near the Macy’s entrance and next to a faded gold Toyota Corolla where she continued to cry and scream as she was taunted by the ghoulish figure dressed in full black shredded clothes holding a skeleton.
By the time Abby’s parents found her in the parking lot I had almost lost full feeling in my arm. I was left with a red imprint of Abby’s hand on my forearm to remind me that sometimes the scariest parts of haunted houses don’t always take place inside.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Christian Cabazos. For more of Christian’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, Ipso Factor. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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‘Downtown’ Season Preview at AMLI on 2nd
You can bet that if a social event is planned for Amli on 2nd’s pool deck, the affair will head in a sybaritic direction. So when the invitation arrives, respond “yes.” The Downtown Austin Alliance chose this high platform for a dusk preview of its regional Emmy Award-winning series “Downtown.”
Linda Asaf, Alex Griffin
Folks dressed in the invitation-requested gold scattered around the apartment tower’s pools (none of them really for lane swimming, despite the black lines). They relaxed as slices from various upcoming episodes were shown against the backdrop of the building. I talked at length to social connector Karen Frost and Josh Allen, former mayoral speechwriter now working for the group that promotes Sixth Street. (Later, he showed me around his cool 360 Tower condo.)
Karen Skloss, Jay Tonne By the end of the evening, the Alliance’s Molly Alexander was barefoot with joy. She later shared this story: “The funniest part of the evening happened when my boyfriend Gary Luedecke, who always goes the extra mile to be a part of my life, went yesterday afternoon looking for something gold to wear. He ends up at Lucy in Disguise and buys a gaudy gold shirt and wears it to the party. Totally wonderful and tacky at the same time. About 15 minutes after Gary shows up, Dave Sullivan shows up in the exact same shirt!”
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Fuse Box Preview Reception
His highest achievement, however, might the be the Fuse Box Festival, which combines theater, dance, art, film and other forms in what some critics have called the most provocative such festival in the country. It’s an international event that arrives each spring behind SXSW (April 23-May 2, 2009) and is distinguished by artist-friendly projects that promote creation of the pieces on the ground. This coming year, he plans to include collaborations with entrepreneurs and arts writers.
Berry spoke during a Fuse Box preview at the home of Steven Tomlinson and Eugene Sepulveda. The Rude Mechs’ Lana Lesley also testified about the fest’s effectiveness to a small group that included philanthropists Amy and Kirk Rudy. Video testimonies from playwright Lisa D’Amour, the collaborative artists in the Debate Society and director Phil Soltanoff continued to build the case for the 2009 iteration that will include experimentalists Forced Entertainment, Nature Theater of Oklahoma and Miguel Gutierrez.
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House of Torment 11: Ian Gillespie
As a virgin to the haunted house scene, I didn’t know what to expect from the House of Torment. How long would it be? Do they touch you? And is it OK to cry?
Well, it’s only 15 minutes long. Thankfully they aren’t allowed touch you (even though it is hard not to push them away in self-defense). And even me being the wimp that I am, did not cry.
The house tries to spook you from the start, with ghouls roaming free by the ticket line. All of the monsters look a little to real for comfort. Especially when they get right up in your face, you can’t help but feel a little uneasy.
What impressed me was the diversity in each character and room. You have all your horror essentials: zombies, aliens, pig-men, skeletons, mummies, clowns, and a handful of other bizarre creatures. All of them placed in a room befitting for their evil persona. Exiting the haunted house is quiet a sight, watching distressed customers trying to forget the experience they had just inflicted upon themselves.
And like every attraction, there is a souvenir shop in the parking lot.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Ian Gillespie. For more of Ian’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to his blog, What I’d Say. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 10: Marloes Lemsom
One of the few advantages of being a short person is the ability to hide. Since my eyes were totally focused on anything unexpected that could happen in front of me, I was glad I found a tall guy standing behind me to alert, calm or pacify me.
After a couple of frightful but seemingly safe minutes I felt some inhuman puffs reaching my neck and merciless shouts numbing my sense of hearing. I knew something was wrong. The human chain broke. The tall guy-little girl chain broke.
Looking back I saw his posture reflecting agony. He was slouching all the way down in order to look smaller and more fragile. Obviously, small people wish they were taller to look tougher, whereas tall people wish they were smaller in order to look more fragile.
At the end we all converged by a shiny, black hearse that was parked in front of the House of Torment, reminding us of how similar people are. Tall or short, brave or fragile.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Marloes Lemsom. For more of Marloes’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to his blog, Life Is Entertaining. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 9: Marc Sherman
Of course, you don’t want to hang out and count their nose hairs. You want to push on because the proximity is beginning to highlight the B.O. these guys have understandably developed from such a high energy night job. Their role is to jump out, be loud and quickly get back in their shaded corner. It starts to get old.
The best performances seem to come from the ones walking around outside the haunted house. For them, it’s not about speed and vocal volume, but rather maintaining a creepy demeanor and firmly approaching the people who have opted out of the full experience. Oddly, these scares are free.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Marc Sherman. For more of Marc’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to his blog, Shallow Thoughts. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2).
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House of Torment 8: Alison Willis
With the people dressed up like all of your favorite fictional characters, a haunted house brings to mind horror films and scary novels of yore. They spring out from the darkened corners and scare the beejesus out of you, while Death Metal pipes, surround-sound style, from the speakers. The House of Torment, located in North Austin, was no different. We strolled through the maze of rooms with various ghouls and ghoulettes jumping out at us, uttering sweet nothings into our ear. One guy even told me he wanted to give me a kiss. Aw, how sweet!
The thing that stood out the most was the set design, most memorably the “butcher shop” scene, which looked like something straight out of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” complete with dead animal and human carcasses spread-eagled before our very eyes. I was expecting Leatherface to jump out at any moment, reminding me that I saw way too many horror films in my youth.
Carcasses seemed to be a recurring theme throughout, with half-rotten torsos, a giant horse, several animal-like husks, unindentified bloody objects hanging from the ceiling, and even a dead lady in a bathtub. “The Shining,” anyone? A clown with a giant mallet made several appearances, bringing to mind Pennywise the Clown from Stephen King’s seminal novel “It,” a book that scared the wits out of me at the ripe old age of thirteen. I think my mom was the one who gave me the book to read. Sick.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Alison Willis. For more of Alison’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, A Sleepy Company. Remember, The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 7: Tommy Collins
“How about a small kiss?” a squeamish goblin whispered in my ear as he creepily leaned so close that I could feel his damp breath on my neck.
If chillingly clothed goblins with gory face paint jumping out at every dark corner or unsuspecting turn to startle you until it becomes maddening is the goal, then The House of Torment succeeds.
Its squirmy actors and actresses with their detailed costumes depicting crazy clowns or demonic children combined with piercing screeches and peculiar lighting make for an eerie experience that keeps your heart pounding and your adrenaline pumping.
And no, I don’t want a kiss.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Tommy Collins. For more of Tommy’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to his blog, A Taste of Tom Collins. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 6: Geoff West
In East Africa, the Barabaig tribe shave the heads of their pubescent “warriors-to-be” and cut lines in their scalp with razors. Other cultures circumcise.
In suburbia, we smoke our first cigarette, dance at the prom, or take off the training wheels.
And when we’re brave enough, visit a haunted house.
There’s always three stages in a rite of passage: separation, liminality, and incorporation. Big words but simple concepts.
In terms of a haunted house, when you pull into that parking lot, buy your ticket and enter through the squeaky, spider-webbed door, that’s the “separation”—you exit the Old and enter the New.
Tumbling over your friends laughing and pausing to notice that heartbeat of yours slowly pumping back out of your ears at the end is the “incorporation”.
But the fun part is the middle—the “liminality” phase. It’s where anything goes. And it awaits you at the House of Torment.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Geoff West. For more of Geoff’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to his blog, Crowd Noise. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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House of Torment 5: Bethbiriah Sanchez
I waited for tonight the whole weekend.
At work I nervously played with my hair. At home I meticulously picked out a sensible outfit. I imagined I would be running for dear life, falling on the floor, helplessly rolling around to encounter a face I could not bear to ever see again. How many adjectives can I use to describe my whole day?
Anxious. Edgy. Tense. Uneasy.
I wanted to give my two cents about the location of tonight. I stammered and choked. The words would not come out. Somehow I managed to raise my hand and volunteer to drive some of my classmates to House of Torment.
What was I thinking?
How dare I put these people’s lives in danger with my mind racing 100 mph? I smiled nervously while we drove in silence.
10 and 3. Don’t speed. 2 second rule. Check your blind spots.
We arrived at the House of Torment and walked through nervously. In the lead were Ian and Geoffrey acting as a buffer for of all the scares, with Claire, Alison and I observing gratefully (yet unexpectedly quietly) behind them. We finally broke free out of stale, sinister house to a crisp Austin evening.
I walked away in disbelief. After breezing through this haunted house, I’m astonished that I let my nerves get the best of me. Never again. I will embrace the ghouls and their ghoulish breath and maybe even give them a scream or two.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Bethbiriah Sanchez. For more of Beth’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, I See. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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The Night Smiles at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
It doesn’t take much to draw a crowd to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum on a crystalline autumn evening. This week’s occasion was debut of the Kay and Hayes Pitts Family Pavilion. That’s a rather long name for a lovely niche in the gardens for weddings and other such formal occasions.
Colleen Briggs, Peggy Frary, Barbara Kelso
Already, the repository of Austin’s most celebrated — and sometimes misunderstood — sculptor hosts hundreds of weddings, parties and other social events each year. It’s the mainstay of the nonprofit arts group. This curled platform, defined partly by water and made formal by a metal overhang, feels organic, green, emotionally taut.
Ransom Baldasare, David Webber
Dignitaries were present: sculptor Charles Umlauf’s widow Angeline, modernist painter Michael Frary’s widow, Peggy, museum director Nelie Plourde.
Erin Rogers, Rachel Farris, Jessica Bourne
Also social luminaries, such as Nieman-dressed Karen Landa, Ohio-electioneering-bound Robert Nash, architect David Webber and his euphoniously partner Ransom Baldasare and salon owner Barbara Kelso. The catering, by Lyndie Clement, was elaborate and exquisite. Tunes by trumpeter Ephraim Owens made the night smile indulgently.
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House of Torment 4: Mandy Odgers
The first scream, a shocking shriek. And from that moment, terror lurks. That banshee’s bawl that brought them out. All will be hell now. The senses wail. Vision fails. And all that’s heard is that beating heart. They’re there. And there. They’re up and down. They’re in front of you. They’re everywhere! And you never saw them once. Until it was too late.
There’s three now. There. And a corner behind. Your legs melt. Your thoughts are raped. And feeling falls away. Your mind is haunted now. Three become more. Comfort drifts. Too fantastical to grasp. The whispers, the screams, the beating heart rain over you. Your sanity floods with fear. Breath is heavy. Peace is breaking. Palms are sweating. I can’t take it. I can’t. I can’t take it. Get away from me! And you run.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Mandy Odgers. For more of Mandy’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, the Wonderful, Wondering, Wandering Mind of Mandy. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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Pangaea outlasts its critics
And they said it wouldn’t last: Pangaea is coming up on its first birthday Nov. 21. DJ AM will be spinning for the anniversary bash. The ultra-lounge experience has taken hold in Austin, although primarily as a special-event option. Pangaea hosts so many of them, it’s hard to stay away.
(Sorry for the quotes within quotes within quotes.)
Let me dispense with three misconceptions:
- Because it is cordoned off by a velvet rope, Pangaea is exclusive. (Frankly, I’ve never seen anyone turned away. It’s an illusion.)
- You must spend several hundred dollars on bottle service. (No, you can purchase a reasonably priced drink at one of two bars.)
- Upscale spots like this decrease Austin’s weird factor. (This is my main point: Austinites are the customers. So it’s very, very Austin. Slightly more dressed up than usual, but variety is not an anti-Austin condition.)
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House of Torment 3: Caroline Wallace
No matter how chilling a haunted house may be, visitors can always find solace in one simple rule — the goblins and demons that roam the hallways are simply not permitted to touch you.
Yet, in the absence of traditional physical contact, the performers still find ways to make your skin crawl.
A popular method of torment seemed to be flowing from the mouths of numerous male creatures. While their cadaverous extremities politely halted inches from my body, their mouths broke rank and blew a gentle twist of lukewarm air. The act served as an unwelcome greeting.
As foreign diaphragms extracted breeze onto the back of my neck, it was clear the space barrier had been thoroughly penetrated.
They were no longer horrendous zombies or stalking masked nightmares, but just some creepy twentysomething dudes blowing on the back of each passing neck.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Caroline Wallace. For more of Caroline’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, Caroline Attack. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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Carla McDonald in Town & Country
Is Carla McDonald flawless or what? The astonishingly busy wife, mother and businesswoman is everywhere. She’s a regular on the Fortunate 500 All-Stars list. She just made the first-ever Glossy 8 list of Austin’s best dressed — after appearing in Brilliant, Tribeza and just about every other local publication.
Now she’s featured in Town & Country’s pages posing for Becca and John Thrash’s American Friends of the Louvre gala. (That’s her bottom right.) Note that she’s wearing an Oscar de la Renta from the Fall 2008 collection. The woman I sometimes call “Marla” is “It.”
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Your A-List, Best Karaoke
The Asian-inspired custom of singing popular songs to recorded instrumental tracks has not abated in this city. It’s everywhere. Still. And the rave fave spot for karaoke is Common Interest, by a yodeling 43 percent of the A-List vote.
DK Sushi came in a distant second with 17 percent, while Austin Karaoke nabbed third with 11 percent. The other hot spots — which must include generous portions of alcohol I presume — are La Palapa (7 percent), the Water Tank (7 percent), Baby A’s (5 percent), Beerland (5 percent), new Seoul Karaoke Studio (3 percent), Rain (3 percent) and Karaoke Apocalypse (1 percent).
Why does the one with the best name get the least votes?
Write-in: Too Much Music
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Your A-List, Best Place to Go When You’re Broke
But the clever bums among us can figure out how to get by on charm or good looks (the former for me, the latter for you). The No. 1 and No. 2 winning ideas in the A-List poll for Best Place to Go When You’re Broke are sample grazing at Whole Foods (25 percent) and Central Market (23 percent). Have to admit we’ve done it.
In-store concerts at Waterloo Records are also popular (11 percent), while the Austin Public Library tied with the Alamo Drafthouse for their Music Mondays, Weird Wednesday and Terror Thursday (8 percent apiece).
Opening receptions at area art galleries won the acceptance on just 4 percent. Making 3 percent or less in the poll were the LBJ Library and Museum, readings at BookPeople, In-stores at Cheapo, yoga and fitness classes at Ruta Maya, Blanton Museum of Art on Thursdays, Continental Gallery, Tuesday improv jams at the Hideout and $1 Tuesdays at the Austin Museum of Art.
Pretty cultured, these Austin bums.
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Weekend Out: Up Until Then
Bummer: We’re gonna miss the Texas Book Festival next week. Also Zach’s 75th Anniversary Concert, Downtown Impact Awards and the Austin Children’s Shelter Season of Harvest.
That’s because I’ll check into St. David’s next Thursday for my third heart procedure. Luckily, my doctor Andrea Natale, is, no lie, the best in the world at ablations for arrhythmia.
Wednesday: Cookie Lounge Preview in the Quarters, 2222 Rio Grande St.; Fuse Box Festival Preview Happy Hour at Steven Tomlinson residence; “Downtown” Emmy Party for Downtown Austin Alliance at AMLI on 2cd; Toast of the Town 25th Anniversary Appreciation Party for St. David’s Community Health Foundation at the Long Center Terrace
Thursday: Ballet Austin Fete with Inaugural Season Opener at the Long Center; premiere of “Sno-Cone” at Alamo South followed by after party at the Belmont; Diamonds & Denim for Family Eldercare with Rona Barrett and Judy Maggio at the Caswell House; Austin Children’s Museum Donor Appreciation Party at Six Lounge; Poppies Jewelry Show at Soigne Boutique & Slate Men’s Apparel; Kimber Modern Happy HourFriday: “Nothing Happens for a Reason” CD release from Pompeii at La Zona Rosa; Opening of “Hansel and Gretel” at Butler Opera Center; KLRU Block Party with Brad Paisley at the Austin Music Hall; Shiki 10-Year Anniversary Party on Second Street; Rock y Roll Dia Pre-Party Happy Hour at Do512 Lounge
Saturday: “The Unforgotten Greg Miller” Opening at Spazio; Boots & Lace Ball for YWCA at One World Theatre; Lotus Night for the Mona Foundation with Rainn Wilson at St. Edward’s University; Lauren Conrad with LC3 national fashion tour to launch TheQuad.Com at Pangaea; Driver F, Alpha Rev, Oliver Future, Del Castillo, High on Hot Dogs, Joker and DrumJam at The Backyard; Masque of the Red Death at the Matt and Karen Hudgins residence; Windsor Road Neighborhood Party
Sunday: Dedication of the new Concordia University Texas campus; B. Iden Payne Awards at the Long Center; Mysterious Ways Taping at Maggie Mae’s; Luna Prototype Modular House Opening at 1411 Luna St.; “Amazing Race” Viewing with Austin’s Kelly Crabb and Christy Cook at Molotov
Tuesday: Paul van Dyk at Sky Lounge; VIP Cocktail Party at El Rey
Wednesday: Maceo Parker at Antone’s; Bacardi Flavor Exchange at Union Park; Anthony Nak Collection Preview at W3LL
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House of Torment 2: Claire Cella
“Oh, we’ve got a quiet one here, don’t we?” he hissed, snaking disconcertingly along beside me down the narrow hallway.
Anything.
You just have to say it. Say it.
Come on, what do you want?
Just say it.
Anything.
Anything you want.”
With a weakened limp, he hopped about slowly, treading on the tattered ends of his dusty pants. He remained entranced by my indifference, persistent in his goal to extract a hint of fear and or a glimmer of heightened apprehension at the very least. Centimeters from my cheek, his face hovered at a distance that was impossible to shrug off. Rolling in short, ragged gasps down my neck, his breath was hot, sticky and rotten. I could just imagine it curling like smoke from his rancid lung cavities, creeping up past his vile tongue and blackened gnarled teeth. His decaying breath matched the slow decomposition of his face. His thick skin was peeling off in unsightly patches on blood-caked cheeks, wounds left open to reveal crimson holes of nothing. His eyes, although I tried to avoid them, shone white in the hazy darkness. I recoiled from his torments and continued down the hall, leaving his pleas to rest in the heavy air, unanswered.
He slinked away to find more vulnerable prey.
(Post by St. Edward’s University student Claire Cella. For more of Claire’s entertainment journalism reporting, go to her blog, That’s Entertainment. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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Karen Kuykendall: Has it been a year?
An angel woke me this morning: The voice of the late Karen Kuykendall.
It was during one of those floating anxiety dreams. A large, slightly formal, over-lighted dinner party. Conversation bubbled.
Apparently she was calling me to attention. I was to give a speech or an award.
And she wanted me to get on with it. Just like Karen. (A variation on the “actor’s nightmare,” subset: the “speaker’s nightmare.”)
The most glorious diva this city has ever produced — Karen — left this world a year or so ago. I learned more about socializing, theater and Austin from her than from the next 100 natives. I miss her fiercely.
Perhaps it’s because I’m having my third heart procedure next week, and mortality tugs at my sleeve.
Perhaps it’s because huge construction equipment has rumbled outside our window for weeks, like squawking, tussling dinosaurs at 7 a.m.
Whatever the reason, I definitely heard Karen. Smiled. And wept.
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House of Torment 1: Celeste Diaz
If you’re going to Austin’s House of Torment anytime soon, don’t rely on iPhone, Google Maps, or any other search engine for directions, because you will end up right where my classmates and I did: LOST.
If you want to get there more quickly, follow these directions:
Arrive in the vicinity of Highland Mall (north of U.S. 290 and west of Interstate 35, if you want to get technical).
When you are unsure of yourself, take a few rights and too many lefts.
Look up. You will find that you are, in fact, on Highland Mall Boulevard.
Stay confident; you are almost there.
Pull into Sugar’s Uptown Cabaret and take note of their daily lunch specials.
Walk up to the front desk and ask for Kate (she will guide you in the right direction).
Kate will tell you House of Torment is right across the street: “See where it says ‘Haunted House’?”
Don’t be alarmed when the other desk attendant insists you “might as well stay for (breasts) and (bottoms)” and then proceed to House of Torment.
(Posted by St. Edward’s University student Celeste Diaz. To read more of Celeste’s entertainment journalism reporting, visit her blog, Valletta. The House of Torment continues nightly through Nov. 2)
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Anton Nel with the Austin Symphony Orchestra
I wish Christopher McCollum were there. Many years ago, the theater scenic designer, who now works in Memphis, accompanied me to a symphony performance at Bass Concert Hall. After spending the previous years working in Swiss, French and German theaters, McCollum, a returning Austinite, was horrified.
The symphony fell dead on the ears. Not only was Bass Concert Hall cold to the sound, but the previous music director could not rouse the musicians to any level of artistic passion. McCollum helped advise the early backers of the Long Center. He’s one of many unheralded arts lovers who deserve our gratitude.
We ran into Southwestern University Dean Paul Gaffney and orchestra conductor Lois Ferrari, saddened by the death of the school’s swim couch, Danny Davis, and into Claude and Susan Ducloux (pictured), who told a sweet story about seeking out records of Claude’s father, Walter, who co-founded Austin Lyric Opera, at the Prague Opera, where the elder Ducloux conducted in the 1940s.
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Links’ Harlem Nights at Renaissance Austin
Links of Austin joined up with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to sponsor “Harlem Nights” at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. I’ve never witnessed a snazzier-dressed gathering, as folks filtered between two jazz bands in outfits inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.
Chrystle Swain, Carmen Francis
Charitable gambling complemented dancing in two party rooms.
Jimmy Earl, Vanessa Earl
Links Inc. has so successfully pushed its “service through friendship” goals that it can share its good will on such an evening with the equally admired breast cancer association.
Carl Rounds, Sako Rounds
I ran into Bernadette Phifer, director of the Carver Museum and Cultural Center, who urged a full evening of enjoyment. But I had to move on to the next event. Perhaps next year.
Marjon Christopher, Damon Johnson, Kenya Johnson
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Stephen Moser’s 51st Birthday at Pangaea
Style Avatar Stephen Moser arrived fashionably late to his own 51st birthday party at Pangaea. Nobody complained, as the hearty columnist hugged everyone in sight before slicing the giant cakes that sweetened the lips of hundreds in attendance.
The Birthday Boy & His Birthday Mom
Now this was an A-List event, with top socialites mixing with club kids, who would eventually abandon the party for nearby watering holes. I couldn’t begin to list the notables, but a few included Carla and Jack McDonald, John and Julie Thornton (out more these days), Chris and Carol Adams, Stephen Rice and Mark Erwin, Maria and Eric Groten, Gail Chovan.
Andy Brown, Jack McDonald
More: Kevin Smothers, Marques Harper, Margaret Moser, Stephen Arevalos, Chris Cantoya, Rachel Youens, Michael Kellerman, Marc Harmon, Christopher Carbone, Travis County Democratic chairman Andy Brown, and an Austin returnee named Zane whose last name I never committed to memory, but who kindly spoke to me for what seemed like hours.
Elizabeth Pedraza, Akin Abayomi
Though straight, Zane followed Moser’s posse over to Rain for the first in a series of after parties. Since all my focus was on our conversation — the high-techie just returned from living in San Francisco — imagine my shock when someone walked up to accuse me of hitting on his boyfriend. It wasn’t Zane, who likes girls with tattoos.
JD Whittemore, Chris Cantoya>
Don’t feel left out of the list: Send me your name if you attended. The more to honor Stephen.
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Save Austin Music at One World Theatre
Like certain other events on this busy weekend, the Save Austin Music fundraiser started slowly, but swung definitively upbeat once the artists started playing. Politicians rubbed shoulders with hard-core musicians on the plaza where Hartt and Nada Stearns plan a new amphitheater at One World Theatre.
Hartt Stearns, Paul Oveisi, Dan Dyer
That’s right—the former Iluminada is now Mrs. Stearns.The longtime couple and owners of One World got married in a surprise Nevada ceremony. They hid their wedding gear from their families in order to spring the happy event on them. So romantic.
Lea Koury, Michael Hale
Save Austin Music appears to have grown up alongside the Austin Music Task Force’s studies on the future of the city’s artistic infrastructure. The best explanation came from musician and budding entrepreneur Greg Vendetti, who talked about the kinds of changes in civic culture that would be needed to keep Austin musical.
Tracy Cook, Shannon Cook
Public request: Greg, send me three paragraphs so I can share with readers.
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AFF Barbecue at the French Legation
At the Austin Film Festival’s annual French Legation barbecue, pasty-faced moviemakers raved about Texas climate as they mingled with locals on the historic lawns. Yeah, guys, you should have been here a few weeks ago, when it was hotter than the sun’s core. Visitors should never make life-changing decisions based on festival weather in Austin.
Barbara Morgan, Gigi Bryant
We chatted with the always generous Gigi Bryant of of GMSA Management Services.
Nancy Smith, Matthew Dunn
Also with James Moody of Mohawk, who talked about traveling with White Denim as they made more noise nationally. (Is there anything more gratifying than an Austin breakout artist?) He’s one of those club owners, like Paul Oveisi at Momo’s, who understands the future of Austin live music from the ground level.
Bob Soderstrom, Maya Perez
Kids pummeled the grass. Those diners who sought the convenience of picnic tables under the required tent emerged quickly to absorb the last of the sun’s rays. It was a bucolic scene that would have tempted any fest-goer to skip the next movie or panel and just be. In Austin. For now.
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Jake Gonzales of AGLIFF
But it serves him well in his double role as an independent publicist and a staff member in charge of programming and outreach for the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. That edge tells careful listeners that he’s serious about expanding the focus of the festival to include a full range of gender and sexuality issues. It also helps explain his drive, pushing the fest, once the premier cultural event in the Austin gay community, to year-round status.
Gonzales spoke with us at Jo’s Hot Coffee, representing AGLIFF executive director David Sweeney and development director Collin Acock. I liked his style: The San Antonio native who attended Converse High School clearly looks carefully at things, then chooses his words and his battles deliberately. I look forward to working with him.
He gave me a hot tip: Austin-to-Los Angeles filmmaker Jenn Garrison has been nominated by AGLIFF for the Iris Prize 2009. Garrison’s short “Greg” could win $25,000 for its portrayal of a “deviant savant” amid the women’s independent music scene.
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La Dolce Vita at Laguna Gloria
Ecstasy is not a word commonly associated with a museum event. Yet the Austin Museum of Art’s La Dolce Vita festival at Laguna Gloria was as close to a bacchanalia as one can obtain in the visual-art business.
Renee Miller, Isabel Stensland, Anna Kichorowsky
The weather, of course, cooperated. Bliss on the banks of Lake Austin. Packs of pleasure seekers roamed the grounds, dipping their glasses for the grape and scooping up the delectables served by dozens of Austin restaurants. We met bankers and artists and just plan art lovers. Everyone glowed.
Michele Skelding, Carlos Ortiz
We ate rare steak and tuna. Also ribs. Seafood in a wrap. Healthy stuff in small portions. The only signature wine we tried was a new red from Becker Vineyards, our perennial favorite. The other estate booths were mobbed. Twin Liquors, of course, handled the rest of the thirsty at multiple tables.
Hilary Schmidt, Eli King
At 9 p.m., the mob grew restive. A DJ kissed the dance zone located deep in their brains. People from all sorts of backgrounds — especially women, who beamed contentment in this setting — writhed in front of the small stage. Bacchus would be proud.
Carla Arzabe, Craig Spencer
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Bill Murray all over Austin
Bonnie Blue, “The Rock Lady,” painted his picture on a rock. “I couldn’t believe it, it was really Bill Murray,” Blue said. “I was so nervous but tried to be calm. But the coolest thing was that he took my David Letterman rock to give to David in person.”
Murray tried on funny hats with wooly animal ears. Also, Maker Faire team member Ginny Robinson twisted her body into a yoga pose for this amused, obvious Austin lover.
Photo by Michelle Glenn
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St. Jude’s Benefit at GSD&M
Some social events appeared slow to start on this long weekend of receptions, galas and parties. The fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Medical Center at GSD&M’s offices was lightly populated during the early hours. (At one point, there were more of us photographers than socialites in one room.)
Keli Sotelo, Creed Ford
The band “Lonestar” played its heart out to an empty dance floor. The food spread was sumptuous, though, and gala-goers began to filter in just before the announcements and honors. Eventually, the event took off, according to my sources. Good to hear. Worthy cause.
Maggie Bowman, Nigel Bowman, Terry Kuzmich
We talked for a while with Heather Page and Shelly Kanter, who work behind the scenes for the “Beyond the Lights” Golf Celebrity Golf Classic, which benefits the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and stars the stalwarts from “Friday Night Lights.” (We’ll give you a heads up about the dates for 2009, which will not compete with SXSW.)
Heather Page, Shelly Kanter
Nigel Bowman, a Brit transplant, emphasized the transformative experience of visiting St. Jude’s Memphis center. “You expect it to be depressing,” he said. “It isn’t.”
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Midlife Gals take on Liz Smith
La Liz, who graduated from the University of Texas and drops into Austin from time to time, traded the Gals for an item about the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. They told me this juicy tidbit while bobbing around the Austin Film Festival’s Food & Film event at the Driskill Hotel. The Gals juice up any event as they take breaks from caring for the “Ancient One,” their mother, whose needs brought them back from careers on the East and West coasts.
Smith, who admits to Internet bafflement, will do just fine. I’ve never known her to be intimidated. And the Gals know how to make anyone comfortable with their homey “Smothers Brothers with Bosoms” patter.
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ACVB entertains AFF
They used to call it “chamber of commerce weather.” Yet for the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, this weekend has enjoyed “ACVB weather.”
Tanya Schurr, Tom Schurr
I mean, not only did 100,000 or so delirious fans pack a football stadium, but one of the city’s premier festivals spread out before and after the weekend, along with social events that drew locals and visitors to parks, patios, porches — anywhere they could soak up the dry, temperate weather.
Dustin Hooks, Matthew Desotell
The ACVB welcome for the Austin Film Festival was a small but upbeat affair. The two outdoor spaces thrummed with moviemakers anticipating the days of premieres, panels and social events ahead. A high-school band, which won a contest, played quite adroitly while folks nibbled on chips and stuff that usually comes with chips.
Samantha Davidson, Elaine Garza
I tarried with a dynamic duo of publicists — Samantha Davidson and Elaine Garza — whose offspring attend the same school and who are like publicist soccer moms. Nobody in the entertainment PR biz in Austin is better — and few are as good as these public relators.
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Longhorns launch Austin above ionosphere
Even the weather argues that we’re No. 1.
No, I use “we” because I mean that Austin or, if you will, Central Texas now shares the golden glow. The mood of the city floats somewhere above the ionosphere whenever the Longhorns are winning big. And they haven’t won like this during my entire tenure in this fair city.
I didn’t witness the triumph over feisty Missouri at Royal Memorial Stadium. Not on a weekend of a million other social commitments. But I could sense from the way people drove - a little aggressively, a little giddily - that something went right. Not much suspense remained when I switched on TiVo in wee morning hours, but I savored every slicing drive, every new talent discovered.
Like Vince Young before him, Colt McCoy is now the biggest celebrity in town. If it weren’t for those pesky NCAA rules, he could write his own ticket. And if injuries or hubris don’t intervene, someday he will.
AP photo.
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Rona Barrett speaks out
Entertainment journalist Rona Barrett sounded supremely rested, speaking from her Santa Ynez ranch, despite the morning call and the two-hour difference between Texas and California. Barrett, who will appear with TV anchor Judy Maggio at the Diamonds & Denim event for Family Eldercare on Thursday, chatted about her career as a pioneer broadcast reporter, known for celebrity gossip but also Hollywood straight talk. We also touched on her campaign for the elderly.
Rona Barrett: Those living on Social Security can’t afford the care. They can’t go to a private nursing home. There aren’t enough beds for people over 75 and on SSI. I’ve worked the past 10 years with the elderly to make sure they live a better life and are not shoved under the carpet. They don’t have a voice.
O&A: Has care for the elderly improved or declined in the past 30 or 40 years?
RB: We had a whole different culture of taking care of our own. When children left the family farm or family home and moved to cities — 2,000 or 3,000 miles away from their parents — they were forced to go back and forth to care for them. And the institutions are not functioning the way they should; there’s a lot of duplication that isn’t helping. This is a real crisis. There are 90 million baby boomers, and we haven’t prepared. There’s no preventative health care, no adult day care to give a break to primary caregivers.
O&A: You were such a pioneer in your field — and thinking of another — have you read Barbara Walters’ memoir?
RB: I thought it was a very good book. The only problem I had: I was saddened for her. She could not forgive herself for not being there for her (mentally challenged) sister. We both had personal problems as children growing up. I was born with a slight handicap. That put me in an isolated mode. It was difficult to figure out how to free myself from my physical problems. She had her sister to care for — a very similar kind of early childhood.
O&A: What do you make of the changes in entertainment journalism since the 1970s and ’80s, when you were practically alone in your field? Now there are multiple 24-hour cable channels devoted to the subject and, of course, Web-based outlets like TMZ that are so much more sensationalistic.
RB: I think like everything the pendulum is always swinging back and forth. Right now, there’s a lot of silly garbage, a focus on mindless celebrities. In my day, I always thought of our business as the third-largest product we exported to world. We had a responsiblity to do interesting and entertaining things. Now if they did misbehave, and if they did it publicly, we reported it. If they were private, it was kept private. At one time I had a staff of 44, and we always asked ourselves: “Is it important for the public to know, and why is it?”
O&A: That doesn’t seem to be an issue today.
RB: Today they don’t even look at it to see if it’s a non-story. I mean, Hollywood is a social measuring stick, but we took a different focus. I saw what we did as a public service. When a bad movie came out, we said: Please save your five dollars.”
O&A: What was your biggest trend story?
RB: Hollywood was making movies in the 70’s where many of the artists were on cocaine. Cocaine users were destructive in their creativity. The movies that resulted were not good and many were shameful. For nearly 10 years, in my opinion, Hollywood produced a bad slate of films that showed America in a very bad light. In the 80’s we had the issue of Aids. Many chastised President Reagan for not speaking up, for not understanding. But he came from a different time when such things were not even discussedPermalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment
This post contains untrue reports
I split Tamara Bell’s PR & Entertainment class into seven groups for an exercise in pitching stories to a journalist. Each University of Texas six-member team chose a fictional marketing firm name and cooked up an item for my column. Then each member of the seven teams chose a method — texting, tweeting, Facebook, e-mail, phoning or face-to-face conversation — to pitch me directly in real time. This class was sizzling.
WARNING: SOME OF THESE ITEMS ARE FALSE. PATENTLY.
Insiders: We represent Will Smith and we would like to offer you a pass to the premiere of the screening of his newest film, “Seven Pounds.” After the screening we will provide with a face to face interview with Smith to discuss the movie. (Not likely that such a small firm would handle Smith, but these pitchers made me giggle helplessly with their improvisations.)
Medley 6: We represent Heisman hopeful Colt McCoy who will be making a special guest appearance on the hit television show “Friday Night Lights.” We are offering you an exclusive interview with McCoy on set to discuss his transition from the field to the studio. (Despite the obvious NCAA obstacles to this story, the team pitched it enthusiastically, convincingly.)
Blackbook PR: Our client Randy Jackson, will be attending Alpha Phi’s Red Dress Gala and Fundraiser this Saturday. Mr. Jackson is an avid supporter of cardiac disease research and we are offering you an exclusive interview, a ticket to the gala, and unlimited photo opportunities. (Nice pitch. And one that would be easy to deliver.)
The Big Picture: The curtain rises on the 15th annual Austin Film Festival tonight with Oliver Stone’s “W.” We have an exclusive interview with Mr. Stone for you. (This one might be better for the film critic than the social columnist, but the team pitched it well.)
6-Pack PR: Our client is Andy Roddick and we would like to extend to you an invitation to the wedding of Roddick and his fiance, Brooklyn Decker. You will also receive an exclusive interview with the newlyweds. Let us know if you are interested. (Bingo! I’d kill for this story.)
PrAd: Our client, Greg Daniels, is being honored by the Austin Film Festival as the 2008 Outstanding Television Writer. We would like to invite you to the award luncheon this Saturday honoring his work on “The Simpsons” and “The Office” and give you an exclusive interview concerning the new Office spin-off with Amy Poehler. (Another one perhaps better for the television writer, but well placed.)
Note: In a record for the opening exercise in this workshop, variations on which I’ve offered dozens of times, Tanya Schurr guessed in 4 seconds my coffee date two hours earlier — Brendan Hansen. (She had read my blog in advance.)
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Austin Film Festival Film & Food Event
Scruffy visiting filmmakers looked a bit uneasy mixing with socialites and gourmands at the annual Food & Film party on Wednesday. (Yes, I’m that far behind in my posts.) The Austin Film Festival’s much-anticipated event at the Driskill Hotel deftly spaces out booths for various high-end restaurants and beverage providers. (Can anyone pinpoint the exact date that “beverage” became an ironic euphemism for alcohol?)
Jason Archer, Deana Saukam
This year, rare tuna and meat seemed to be the winners, as everyone begged advice as to which table to crack first. Also cupcakes and chocolates. Dos Equis not only commandeered a side room, they sent beer buckets out among the bacchantes. (They made a similar splash at the AFF barbecue on Friday.)
Tom Fortenberry, Marivel Fortenberry
Unfortunately, the easy-going and chatty crowd would not settle down when TV luminary Olga Campos began the necessary announcements at the end of the evening. This is an ongoing challenge for Austin fundraisers: How to temper the fun for the serious side of charitable events.
An Austin film power quartet: Cile Montgomery, Sarah Beck, Kelly Williams, Maya Perez
Apparently, everyone had their TiVos set to the presidential debates or to the “Project Runway” finale. (Fashion journalist Rachel Youens had picked Kinley. Sorry, doll.) Surprisingly few moviemakers pushed their products at this pre-fest event. The buzz was already pretty unkind to the opener, Oliver Stone’s “W” — kinder to stars Josh Brolin and stately James Cromwell (the biggest celebrity in attendance, whom most remember from “Babe”).
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October Crush: Upcoming Out Posts
The mid-October social whirl has put me seriously behind on my Out & About posts. Over the next three days, expect reports in the following order:
Tamara Bell’s Entertainment & Public Relations Workshop
Austin Visitors & Convention Bureau’s Austin Film Festival Party at Mohawk
Meeting Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival’s Jake Gonzales at Jo’s
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Benefit Gala at GSD&M
Liz Smith blogtalk with the Mid-Life Gals
Austin Museum of Art’s La Dolce Vita at Laguna Gloria
Stephen Moser Birthday Party at Pangaea
Texas Advocacy’s Black & White Ball at the Four Seasons (Oops. Missed this. Got swept up in the Moser Charisma Train.)
Save Austin Music Gala at One World Theatre
Interview with entertainment news pioneer Rona Barrett
LINKS of Austin’s Harlem Nights Gala at Renaissance Austin
UT vs Missouri (must miss the game, but will TiVo)
Austin Symphony Orchestra with Anton Nel
La Noche de Opera at Tana & Joe Christie residence
Texas Wine & Song Festival at Copper Tank Events Center
These 16 posts should get us through Sunday evening. More may come if I can squeeze in some other hot events. Also, expect longer interviews with Olympian Brendan Hansen and philosopher Paul Woodruff in the following week. Both were amazing, amazing conversations.
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Derek Jeter, Minka Kelly, Connie Britton, Claire Danes, Brendan Hansen,
Yes, that was Claire Danes in Driftwood earlier this week, making HBO film “Temple Grandin” about Dr. Temple Grandin, the autistic expert on livestock behavior.
Yes, that was Connie Britton, also hitting her mark on “Friday Night Lights” this season on DirectTV, at Jo’s on South Congress on Thursday.
And, the same day at Jo’s, yes that was Olympian Brendan Hansen, who met me for coffee. I touched his gold medal. Full interview to follow soon with this remarkable communicator.
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The Rise School Benefit with Donna Stockton-Hicks
“Which shoe store do you represent?” asked the doe-eyed young woman at the door. Excuse me? She explained that almost all the revelers at the stately Pemberton home that night were ladies, and most of the attendant men were shoe salesmen. Huh.
Donna Stockton-Hicks, Kristin Armstrong, Venus Strawn
The estate in question was none other than the home of radio magnate Steve Hicks and busy philanthropist Donna Stockton-Hicks. A 1920s Renaissance Revival creekside mansion has been adroitly renovated by Stockton-Hicks, who exposed the glowing wood and tiles and let the masterpiece speak for itself. (It far outstrips its better-known sibling, Laguna Gloria.) Everything, including the garden’s belvedere, has been rendered in the utmost taste. The Hicks plan to reconfigure the sumptuous gardens and expand the south lawn for even more social space.
Kathy Taylor, Mike Genug (the close friends swear they didn’t coordinate outfits. And yes, her name is Mike.)
Stockton-Hicks, looking supremely comfortable in this Old World atmosphere, explained why the Rise School of Austin has attracted so many influential friends. Designed for children with Down syndrome, it has quickly become a savior for parents unsure of where to find the appropriate early childhood education. Sally Brown, wife to everybody’s hero — this week — UT coach Mack Brown, is a prime force behind the school, which is expected to expand to all the Big 12 campuses.
Garden’s Patty Hoffpauir with Vicki Howard, Nikki Mackenzie
Stockton-Hicks is a generous hostess, but she sticks to causes in which the Hicks family participates personally. This week’s event was immaculately organized (save the valet parking snafus) and climaxed with a shoe-related performance by Austin Cabaret Theatre’s Stuart Moulton doing his best Cher drag. You just never know when and where Cher will turn up.
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Your A-List, Best Sushi
Sushi is sushi is sushi. Right? Wrong.
The fight for second place was close: Midori (19 percent) and Musashino (17 percent), with Maiko (8 percent) making a strong fourth. Sushi Sake copped 6 percent, while Kenichi probably disappointed its legions of fans by earning only 6 percent. Kyoto, once an oasis of Japanese food in a town without Asian stand-outs, took 4 percent. Coming in under 5 percent were Umi, Korea House and DK Sushi. Imperia’s sushi bar was probably too new to compete.
Write-ins: Express Teriyaki & Grill, Japon, Kenobi, Korea Garden, Maru, Mikado, Mizu, Nikko Sushi, Origami, Thai Spice, Tokyo Steakhouse, Tomo
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Your A-List, Best Movie Theater
Entertainment Weekly named Alamo Drafthouse the best movie theater. In the country. How can you argue with the smash-up of sensitively selected movies, filling pub grub and potent potables?
Its kin — still run by Tim and Kerry League’s gang — took three spots: Alamo South Lamar (25 percent); Alamo at the Ritz (11 percent) and Alamo Village (7 percent). The only other serious contender was Regal Gateway (9 percent). Its art house sibling, Regal Arbor, earned only 3 percent.
The list of theaters taking 2 percent or less is long: Bulluck Museum IMAX, Paramount, Regal Westgate, Tinseltown Pflugerville, Cinemark Southpark, Millennium, Dobie, Galaxy Highland, Regal Metropolitan, Cinemark Cedar Park, City Lights, Cinemark Round Rock, AMC Barton Creek Square, Cinemark Hill Country Gallleria, Showplace, Tinseltown South, Regal Lakeline Mall, Starplex and Chestnut Square.
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Andrew Shapter’s ‘Happiness Is,’ Part 3
Interview continued from post below…
Out & About: Early screenings of your documentary have inspired a brigade of volunteer marketers (they’ve already descended on us!). How will the DIY method translate into distribution?
O&A: Social media seem to have made a huge difference in recent political and philanthropic campaigns. How will your volunteers use it?
AS: The volunteers are a strategic, “wired” group of individuals who really understand that peers are power. This is a generation that grew up having access to endless information and messaging, so they really rely on the dissemination of information from others to influence their thoughts, decisions and actions. Because the message is so simple, the foundation is built upon initial awareness generation through grass-roots media that you’ll see around town, and then capturing the power of word-of-mouth into a loyal, expressive movement. But, when the success spans beyond what our group can handle, that is where additional support from outside distributors could come into play.
“Happiness Is” plays at 9:15 p.m. Sunday at the Rollins Theater and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Alamo Lake Creek.
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Andrew Shapter’s ‘Happiness Is,’ Part 2
Interview continued from below…
Out & About: Asking people about the ideas behind “the pursuit of happiness” appealed to your personal passions. How did this passion catch fire with your team? Did anyone lose the spirit?
O&A: It seems to me that “Happiness Is” works best when you move from abstractions to concrete examples. And you give generous time to three or so excellent subjects. How did you settle on your ex post facto stars?
AS: Well, the film is basically the result of hundreds of spontaneous interviews from a 4,000-mile road trip. We purposely avoided the structures of traditional documentary filmmaking by making the crux of it about the question, “What is your pursuit of happiness.” The characters that we ultimately featured were the happiest people we met on the trip and had the most compelling things to say. They have completely different personalities, yet, they have a few distinct things in common that helped us reach some conclusions. One of these is that the typical definition of the “American dream” of wealth and success didn’t factor in. Our “happiest” characters lead a life of purpose by devoting their lives to helping those in need. I’m not talking about giving money. I’m talking about those who work with the most unfortunate of Americans every day. Their work enables them to appreciate their own lives in a more profound way.
“Happiness Is” plays at 9:15 p.m. Sunday at the Rollins Theater and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Alamo Lake Creek.
More interview to come…
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Andrew Shapter’s ‘Happiness Is,’ Part 1
Andrew Shapter, who directed the 2006 documentary “Before the Music Dies,” returns to the Austin Film Festival this year with “Happiness Is.”
We talked with Shapter via e-mail last week about his new project, and here’s what he had to say:
Out & About: You obviously spent countless hours interviewing people all across the country. How did you assemble your crew? Were they volunteers? What was the overall cost of filming?
Andrew Shapter: The hard costs were about $150,000 for over two years of production. My crew was a mixed bag, including folks from my first film, “Before the Music Dies.” We started strong and then the bad economy set in, which had us struggling to the finish line. That’s where volunteers came in. Usually a sound guy and I traveled on the cheap and stayed in basic motels, but, sometimes we met people who would put us up in their homes. Doing it this way really enabled us to capture some back-porch moments from some pretty colorful characters from all corners of the country.
“Happiness Is” plays at 9:15 p.m. Sunday at the Rollins Theater and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Alamo Lake Creek.
More interview to come…
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Weekend Out: October Crush
All that vacation glow will fade soon. October heralds the pinnacle of the fall social season. Here are some events I hope to catch this week.
Tuesday: Heart & Sole Event for the Rise School of Austin at the Donna Stockton-Hicks residence
Thursday: American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Executive Breakfast at the Austin Country Club; Lady Bird’s Legacy Wildflower Campaign Ceremonial Seeding at Vista Pointe on Lady Bird Lake; ACVB Opening Night Reception for Austin Film Festival at Mohawk; AFF Premiere of “W” at the Paramount Theatre; Austin Museum of Art’s La Dolce Vita Food & Wine Festival at Laguna Gloria; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Fundraiser at GSD&M; Austin Under 40 Fall Fling at the French Legation; Key to the Cure’s Hope Uncorked at Saks Fifth Avenue
Friday: The Vineyard at Florence VIP Opening; Texas Advocacy Project’s Black & White Ball at the Four Seasons; Anton Nel with the Austin Symphony Orchestra at the Long Center; Save Austin Music Gala at One World Theatre; The MasqRed Ball at Saengerrunde Hall; Stephen Moser 51st Birthday Party at Pangaea; AFF Film Texas BBQ
Saturday: UT vs. Missouri at Royal-Memorial Stadium; The Austin Chapter of Links’ “Harlem Nights” at the Renaissance Austin Hotel; AFF Pitch Finale Party & Conference Wrap Party
Sunday: Austin City Ballet Fundraiser at America Bistro; La Noche de Opera Season Kick-off Reception at Joe and Tana Christie residence; “Keep Austin Young: Celebrating the Life of Danny Roy Young” Concert at Austin Music Hall; The Texas Wine & Song Festival at Copper Tank Events Center; Community Development Corporation’s Family Fun Fest at Sweet Home Baptist Church
Monday: Dancing with the Stars Austin Kick-Off Part at St. Thomas at the Domain
Tuesday: Huneeus Vintners Wine Pairing at Cool River Cafe
Wednesday: Bleu Cooks at Texas Culinary Academy; Hot Chocolate at Oilcan Harry’s
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Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman among stars at Iron Works wedding reception
Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman, their romance on the mend according to Los Angeles entertainment media, were spotted together at an Iron Works Barbecue wedding reception in Austin late last week. Also attending the low-key affair that joined Kimmel’s ABC producer Daniel Kellison (“The Man Show,” “Crank Yankers”) with Houston native Dyan Conner (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “Miss Congeniality”) were “Friday Night Lights” leading light Peter Berg and NBC talk show host Carson Daly.
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California Beatitudes, No. 20: Sunset on Highway 1
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?
Almost every moment of this annual Indian Summer has been savored like the most precious wines. As I write, an amiable breeze brushes away all cares in our friend’s modest valley backyard. Fresh tortilla soup is on its way. UT beat OU. We can forget the economy and the poisoning of the election for a few hours more.
A good way to end the Beatitudes and Salt of the Earth entries: Sunset on California Highway 1. Why does this highway exist at all? It must cost millions to rebuild every year, what with the rock slides and fissures. And, except for a handful of cliff-hugging buildings, it serves no clear customer. Other than global consumers of its terrifyingly sublime beauty.
I’m not for heights, speed or bridges. So why drive 1? It’s a little thrilling. And a picnic where a rocky creek enters the rockier ocean clarifies why we endure so much mundane bull in our lives. For these moments.
We saw elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions. We heard of earthquakes, but felt none. We tasted far too much of the Golden State’s agricultural bounty. But we’ll return again. For another Indian Summer.
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California Beatitudes, No. 19: San Simeon
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
(Note that I have switched from the Beatitudes to the Salt of the Earth.)
No mention of the movie is made here, not by tour guides, not during the propagandizing IMAX movie, not in the museum exhibits or gifts shops. The William Randolph Hearst story has been sanitized for your amazement. Only the “castle,” built in a trillion styles from “puzzle pieces” of art and architecture purchased for a bargain from the Old World, is left pretty much as it was.
On the surface, architect Julia Morgan’s pile a monument to sensuality. (Who was Julia Morgan?) Yet the more one hears of its obsessive evolution — revised on constant whims — and the enforced gaiety for Hollywood and America’s elite, but not too much, WRH didn’t like too much party — the more terrifying the castle felt.
Wouldn’t have missed it for the world, either in the 1930s or today. It’s a hugely important piece of American history. But by Rosebud, Orson Welles got it right.
Note to editor: If the Hearst Corporation purchases the Austin American-Statesman, please delete this entry.
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California Beatitudes, No. 18: Madonna Inn Meets Fellini
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good looks.
At first, the Madonna Inn dazzled. The Jungle Rock Room (see posting below) appealed to some deep 1950s nostalgia. How easily I could have role-played “Sheena, Queen of Jungle” here, had I only some sharpened bamboo for spears and a bouncing blonde wig.
The dining room style was impossible to pin down — like an explosion in a Viennese pastry factory — Rococco a Go-Go. The big band played to a couple dozen misshapen dancers who looked like they escaped the B cast for “8 1/2.”
As my friend said: “The only thing missing are the midgets.” Family appreciated the scene. By that I mean: Gay men flocked to the stylistic train wreck.
To my horror, a candid birthday photo showed me to be a candidate for the Fellini cast. Oh, I know we carry in our heads a little image of what we think we look like, but this was hideously off my idealized mark. I looked 108, not 54. I wanted to run from the dinner, like Geraldine Page in “Sweet Bird of Youth.”
But then I would have missed the Men’s Room urinals, also made to look like a rocky waterfall.
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California Beatitudes, No. 17: Madonna Inn
A city on a hill cannot be hid.
Each room is styled in a different manner. Ours is the Jungle Rock room. Its twice the size of an ordinary luxury hotel room, completely enclosed by shiny, black boulders. A few huge beams criss-cross the ceiling of the bedroom, but the bathroom is entirely stone and the shower — you guessed it — is a Tarzan-worthy waterfall.
Maybe in parts of contemporaneous Las Vegas, Miami Beach or Hawaii could you have obtained such exuberant kitsch. The bedspreads are of zebra-print fake fur. What little foliage is plastic and metal. Every kid in America has wanted to stay in the Jungle Rock Room, whether or not they knew it existed.
Pictured is the next-door Caveman Room. Online images of the Jungle Rock Room fail to show the most recent renovations.
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California Beatitudes, No. 16: Central Coast Wineries, Part 2
California Central Coast: Let your light so shine before men.
The movie “Sideways” helped. But there is so much more to this rugged wine country. True, it plays a distant third cousin to Napa and Sonoma. Yet California is home to almost 1,300 commercial wineries and the Central Coast is moving up in reputation.
Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard: How could you pass on Daniel Boone’s immaculately manicured, tree-shaded grounds and spreading wineries? It’s bit too commercial, yes, but the Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah shine. Something for everyone, including coon-skin caps, here.
Cambria Estate Vineyard and Winery: High in the dry hills above Santa Maria, this larger than expected gem brimmed with good will — and British cheeses. We fell in love with the sweet Late Harvest Viognier.
Kenneth Volk Vineyards: Nothing pretentious about this place, with its swarms of butterflies and hummingbirds outside a miniature tasting room. But we liked everything we tasted and shared our chocolates with the staff.
Talley Vineyards: It’s all about marketing here at this handsome estate not far from San Luis Opispo. Fatigued from tasting, I chose instead sweet spots in the fading sun to drink up the last of the California autumn.
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California Beatitudes, No. 15: Central Coast Wineries
Blessed are the patient oenophilic seekers, for they shall discover the wines of Santa Barbara County.
Amid the odd pseudo-Danish architecture of the Santa Ynez Valley are wineries that remind one of Napa or Sonoma 10 or 20 years ago. Their products are robustly competitive and apt for their various dry, hilly micro-climates. Just as importantly, there’s plenty of elbow room to enjoy a quiet tasting, far away from the madding crowds of Northern California wine regions. We visited six from the 98 listed in “Wineries of Santa Barbara County.”
Koehler Winery: We were impressed by the Grenache (ask for it) and the kind service provided by Dino, a former Southwest Airlines pilot.
Roblar Winery: Among the younger outfits, this one earned the most buzz from local experts. Its handsome, spacious tasting and banquet rooms made a suitable setting for handsome, coltish wines.
Arthur Earl: Minute production quantities mean intense Rhone Valley varietals, including Viognier and Nebbiolo.
Alexander & Wayne: Another boutique spot in Los Olivos, this winery’s winner was a ripe Cabernet Franc.
Everything in this valley closes up pretty early, but the sweet folks at the rustic AJ Spike in Buellton let us slip in for late burgers, ribs and steak among their unblinking hunting trophies.
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California Beatitudes, No. 14: Voluptuous Overkill
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy in kind.
We stopped there for my climactic birthday meal at the Slanted Door. This fusion restaurant attracts the young professionals in droves. They cling to martinis as they scoop up selections of oysters. We dallied over stuffed squid, ribeye and a shredded lamb sirloin with brown rice, as well as a clean Austrian Nigl.
Sated, we tooled down the fruitful Salinas and Santa Ynez river valleys this morning to Beullton, where we are staying at the “Sideways” motel — the kitschy but comfortable Windmill Inn. We’ll try some wineries around Santa Barbara before heading up to San Luis Opispo and the even kitschier Madonna Inn tomorrow.
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California Beatitudes, No. 13: Castro Politics
Blessed are the outcasts, for they shall be comforted.
Blue-haloed presidential candidates blinked from every window in the Castro. San Francisco’s historic gay neighborhood, increasingly straight, despite the retro amendments made by Sean Penn’s Harvey Milk biopic, was tuned to the debates. Homey bars and eateries of all variety splashed the war of words on HD screens; people put down their forks or highball glasses, watched and listened.
Proposition 8 — the statewide marriage anti-equality initiative — fixates the Castro. The generational tide may have finally turned. In most polls, the “no” voters look likely to triumph. Here, there’s more disagreement about whether the Folsom Street Festival — an annual leather jamboree — will hurt the cause, coming as it does days before the vote. Yet even this unabashed remnant of 1970s gay culture is turning slowly straight, or rather “shared,” local sources say.
At the Midnight Sun, just off Castro Street, one lone John McCain supporter nodded and grunted vigorously during the Republican’s torts and retorts. Nobody threatened him with harm. Good to know that even in Nancy Pelosi country, a civil clash of opinions is possible.
Our thoughts go to Long Center director Cliff Redd, whom we hear has suffered a heart attack. He is recovering at Seton.
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California Beatitudes, No. 12: Spork
Blessed are the hip, for they shall inherit Spork.
For the unhip — like myself — a “spork” is a spoon/fork, often stamped from plastic, distributed by fast food restaurants. It was the only utensil available in the Bundy household on “Married with Children” (I had forgotten that). Now they are tooled in handsome, mod metal for the San Francisco eatery.
The food, predictably, was not so KFC, although sly references abounded — slow-cooked pork and mussels with chipotle aioli and green beans, spicy tomato pasta with sausages, giant buttery rolls, etc. Not a tourist in sight. (Unless you count us.) And yes, Austin is waiting for Spork.
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California Beatitudes, No. 11: Amoeba Music
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, collectors: For great is your reward at Amoeba Music.
My recent goal has been replenishing my banished vinyl collection of soundtracks and cast albums with now endangered CDs. So I purchased: “The Essential Michel Legrand,” “Sherry!” “The Wiz,” “Victor Victoria,” “Sondheim: A Musical Tribute,” “70, Girls, 70,” “Stop the World I Want to Get Off,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (1996 with Nathan Lane), “South Pacific” (2008), “The Merry Widow” (1943 with Kitty Carlisle), “Say, Darling,” “Star!” “This Is the Army,” “Of Thee I Sing” (1952 with Jack Carson), “Film Music of Bernard Herrmann,” “Busker Alley” (2007 with Jim Dale), “Lady in the Dark” (1998 London cast), “Lost Horizons” (1973 — it almost killed the movie musical genre), “Happy Hunting,” “Merrily We Roll Along” (1982 OC), “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (2002), “Applause,” “Curtains,” “Gypsy” (2003 with Bernadette Peters) and “Gypsy” (2008 with Patti LuPone).
Kip’s more sober selections: “Great Pianists of the 20th Century: Maurizio Pollini,” “Sviatoslav Richter: The Beginning of the Legend,” “Richter: The Master,” “Richter: Portrait of a Legend,” “Sviatoslav Richter: In Memorium,” “The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis,” “Edward Elgar: The Collector’s Edition,” “Haydn Trio Eisenstadt: Beethoven Trios”
Yeh. We went a bit crazy.
Photo of LuPone by Joan Marcus.
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California Beatitudes, No. 10: Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences re-opened last week. While Herzog & de Meuron’s redesign for the De Young Museum across the way wrapped its Beaux Arts pile in perforated metal and added an off-kilter observation tower/office stack out back, Renzo Piano’s more sensitive re-do of the Academy opened formerly dark corridors to light and space, while preserving shards of the original coffered arches and grand entries.
Two globes — the planetarium and the terrarium — flank a interior glass cube. These are punctured by hatches that work intricately with the “living roof” to let in light and air. Piano doubles solar panels that provide 10 percent of the building’s energy with stylish overhangs for shade.
While the old-fashioned African dioramas were spruced up and preserved — they really give you a sense of scale zoos cannot — everything else is hyper-organic. A California estuary snakes through the building. The aquarium undergirds the tropical exhibit. Matching bookend exhibits explore evolution and climate change. (Science will not be persecuted here!)
“Those look like the weeds we try to keep out of the lawn,” Kip said of the plantings on the roof. He’s right. It’s like a delightflully overturned dandelion salad atop the Academy.
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California Beatitudes, No. 9: Indian Summer
Since most of Texas alternates between just two seasons — Hot and Not As Hot — I grew up without Indian Summers. In San Francisco, this clarifying time provides a respite between foggy Summer and rainy Winter. Lucky that my birth week falls smack in the middle of it.
From Monterey and Land’s End to Sonoma and Yosemite, we’ve encountered nothing but apple-crisp nights and wine-soft days during our annual October stays. The climax so far this year was a picnic in the Marin Headlands overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay from the Point Benita Lighthouse — with its fragile wooden suspension bridge — to the definitional Oakland Hills.
During a calm, clear Indian Summer day, with Guardi light lifting the breatheless cerulean dome above, the view recalls the Mediterranean without bowing to any Old World superiority.
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California Beatitudes, No. 8: Birders at Hawk Hill
Many of them. On Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands, birders gather to watch and count the raptors that circle the coastal uplifts as they migrate north or south. Fourteen species are commonly sighted there. Scores and scores every day in October.
“Juvi accip above the East Bay hills!” “Two adult sharp-shins at the tree line!” “Osprey dipping below those clouds. I called it.”
As in any closed social group, jargon and fluid hiearchy rule. The 15 or so volunteers are all business as they raise their “binocs” or foot-long cameras to the azure skies. That is, until a blazing red-shouldered hawk dives and skitters repeatedly like an acrobat right at eye level. As one, they let out gasps of pleasure.
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California Beatitudes, No. 7: Eupicurean Hosts
Before we rose for our first California breakfast, dear friend and house host Paul Talley had already prepared quail eggs stuffed with wild mushrooms resting in tiny prosciutto nests, complemented by cubes of fresh Mexican papaya, triangles of multigrain toast and coolers of tangy guayabera juice.
Our Marin Headlands picnic lunch later that day consisted of feta-infused chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and couscous, Caprese salad with garden-grown tomatoes, homemade pita chips, dolmas, thin slices of soujuk (a dried beef sausage), Greek olives, finished off with rounds of Turkish Delight, baklava and figs dipped in Scharffen Berger chocolate, all flooded with West Coast Viognier.
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California Beatitudes, No. 6: Suburbia
When a developer lays out a suburb in Texas, planning often goes Wild West. Does the urban center encourage density, diversity, sustainability and aesthetic neighborliness? Almost like adolescents, the city’s suburbs tend to reject those regional restrictions. Bring on the billboards!
In Northern California, they think ahead. Even unpretentious, working-class Dublin, where we plant our Tri-Valley camp each year, protects its surrounding hills, xeriscapes its avenues, builds exemplary (but not ultra-exemplary) schools, clusters smart new developments and inserts parks and community zones into each mixed-use district. In this decidedly traditional ‘burb, we can walk to two Asian supermarkets and a nifty Mediterranean food market.
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California Beatitudes, No. 5: Santa Cruz Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a bit seedy but it’s joyfully reminiscent of 100 years of inexpensive seaside fun. I guess the only thing like it in Texas probably was Galveston at some distant point in the past.
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California Beatitudes, No. 4: Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Or at least they did during the past century on the rough, rocky coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The white tower, whose residences now serve as a youth hostel, is crumbling slightly and needs the sweet attention of lighthouse lovers.
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California Beatitudes, No. 3: Half Moon Bay
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival ensured fields of glowing photo ops, including corn and straw mazes, while the roadside markets abounded with charming products like deep fried artichokes.
Photo Sarah Ward to BBC News
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California Beatitudes, No. 2: In-N-Out
The small, palm-strewn California burger chain with its famously fresh ingredients and menu unchanged since 1948 is so popular with all ages, highway exits have been redesigned to bear the traffic.
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California Beatitudes, No. 1: Micro-Climates
Overheard while deplaning at San Francisco International Airport: “You can walk 10 blocks and be boilin’, 10 blocks and be freezing down by the bay.”
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Little Black Dress Madness
It was a hothouse scene in more than one way. Blackmail on South Congress Avenue oozed with style tonight as owner Gail Chovan assembled the first Little Black Dress Contest.
Shanna Howard, Shannon Lavine, Jeremy Rathke
An overflow crowd pressed toward the 20 or so models and their 20 or so designers as they walked before judges Stephen Moser, Anne Elizabeth Wynn and Marques Harper.
Edgar Gonzalez, Nicole Boudreaux, Jake Humphrey
It was difficult to follow it all, but Leslie Fender ultimately won out with a sleek number worn by Christine Abernethy. We’ll let Marques talk about actual apparel — not my strong point — but the party was a hit. The combined Blackmail and Vivid shops are not overly spacious, but enough to house the captivating crush.
Christie Abernethy, Leslie Fender
Some of Our Town’s most stimulating figures attended. With a little more production, this could become a tradition. We couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
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Gay & Lesbian Chamber takes over Pride Fest
Equality Texas, the group advocating fair treatment for the GLBTQ community, had organized the fest for the past 13 years. They recently turned over responsibility to the Pride Coalition, which, in turn, named the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, longtime organizers of the parade, as parents of the new pride plus.
This “will require a whole new approach in their event planning, promotion, sponsorship solicitations, publicity and volunteer coordination,” says Cindy Tincher, the chamber’s publicity chairwoman. We hope to catch up with AGLCC president Jimmy Flannigan soon to find out what he has in mind for June 6.
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Austin’s Nicholas Rodriguez in Disney-ABC showcase
Well Rodriguez quickly worked his way up the theatrical ladder, appearing on Broadway in “Tarzan” and in numerous American and European tours, often in leads (Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Che in “Evita,” Claude in “Hair,” etc.)
Now he’s been selected to appear on Monday for a Disney-ABC Television Group Casting Project showcase, performing for industry types. He’s among 13 performers culled from 600 candidates who will be afforded this extra expose at the Acorn Theatre in New York. No word on whether this will be ultimately televised.
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Full Glossy 8 Report, Part 3
Continued from post below…
Other Statesman presenters included Addie Broyles, Marques Harper, Kathy Blackwell and Melanie Spencer. They fared better pronouncing the tongue-twisting designer names than I did. What I know about high fashion could fit into a thimble, though I deeply admire those who can distinguish a Yohji Yamamoto from an Ann Demeulemeester.
Michelle Valles
Most viewers were sweet and forgiving on the topic. After all, it was our readers who nominated the winners. They know what they are doing.
Susanne Dawley Byram
And soon, we’ll reveal how to nominate Austin Style Makers for next year. Read your Glossy, if you get ‘em, or look for it online at austin360.com or statesman.com.
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Full Glossy 8 Report, Part 2
Continued from post below…
Around 6:30 p.m. representatives from the glamor industries began arriving, dressed to the tens. The Statesman employees looked like, well, journalists, albeit journalists with some style sense. I had the good sense, for instance, to beg Neiman’s staff to pick out an blue, textured Armani jacket as a loaner.
Ashley Chiles
When time came for the awards, community development director Retta Kelley introduced the concept and the charity beneficiary, Season for Caring, which has raised more than $3 million for Central Texas families in need.
Lance Avery Morgan
I came next, teasing Retta about her Lauren Bacall stage voice. As each winner ascended the tiny stage, two models wearing fashions inspired by the honorees — some pictured here — walked the zebra-print runway.
Gail Chovan, Evan Voyles
More to come…
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Full Glossy 8 Report, Part 1
Magazines give parties. The New Yorker throws a whole festival. During South by Southwest, lifestyle and music magazines compete to stage the buzziest events in town (usually Spin wins). The Austin City Limits Music Festival has started to attract the same social media treatment, with serial parties given by Paste, Blender, Paper, Envy, NME and others.
Carla McDonald
On regular basis, locally based slicks have linked thematic socializing to their issue launches. Tribeza is king, with happy hours, formal dinners and multiple events tied to fashion week. L Style G Style and Fave spotlight different retailers, while Rare has recently showcased new lofts, condos and other residences with parties. Brilliant has branched out into the clubs, throwing over-the-top bashes at Pangaea.
Nelson Linder
Glossy, the American-Statesman’s near-monthly magazine on the art of style, had never given a party until Thursday. So we were a bit nervous. The venue for the Austin Style Maker Awards — Neiman Marcus — was familiar and comforting, the staff cool and professional. And, of course, the prize-takers themselves, pictured here and in following posts, demonstrated plenty of class.
Anne Elizabeth Wynn
To be continued…
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Glossy 8: The first report
I won’t go into detail yet, but the first ever Glossy 8 went well. The crowd that gathered at Neiman Marcus tonight was smart and fun. After mingling in the NM men’s department, they turned their attention to the stage, where Statesman reps introduced the Austin Style Maker Award winners and the models who wore threads inspired by the honorees’ fashion sense.
Yes, I mispronounced some designers’ names. Yes, the show didn’t clip along the way we would have liked. But I was proud that the team put together a stylish show that celebrated Austin’s varied fashion leaders. We’ll reveal the winners tomorrow morning and we’ll talk about how to nominate Style Makers 2009.
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New menu items at J. Black’s
If you ever receive a late-night text from Kevin Smothers, respond. It always means something scintillating. Last night he introduced me to some fantastic new items on J. Black’s menu.
Here’s what I tried:
Baked Macaroni Muffins: Smoked Gouda, Sharp Cheddar and Asadero Cheeses, topped with White Truffle Oil and Parmesan Bread Crumbs.
Bruschetta: Prosciutto, Grape Tomato and Fresh Garlic, lightly marinated in Olive Oil and Balsamic. Topped with Fresh Basil and Parmesan Cheese.
Shrimp Ceviche: Chopped Tiger Shrimp, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onions, Avocado, Serrano Peppers and Cilantro in a Spicy Lime Cocktail Sauce. Served with Fried Tortilla Strips.
Got to know Sean Fric, one of the co-owners, who grew up in the sleepy coast town of Port Lavaca, then played minor-league baseball before heading to the University of Texas. He’s a low-key manager with a watchful eye and soft voice. Sean’s mixing up the crowd — late Fridays and Saturdays, J. Black’s turns into a singles scene, like everywhere else on Sixth — as more people move downtown.
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Sippin’ with Sinatra at Mansion on Judge’s Hill
The Ballet Guild threw a cocktail party Wednesday. With its Frank Sinatra theme and value-laden silent auction action at the Mansion on Judge’s Hill, it easily could have been mistaken for a preview for the annual Ballet Fete, which will come with a 1950s “Fly Me to the Moon” vibe Oct. 23 at the Long Center.
Matt Bray, Misty Bray, Monty Calderoni
Now, about that Fete. It may be the biggest, most expensive gala of Austin’s annual social season. Tickets alone can run you 10 times what it cost to attend “Sippin’ with Sinatra.” Still, with lovely nibbles and a plethora of wines — many of them from Texas — this early party still had people swooning.
Michael Dadashi, Danielle Zavala
We conversed budding philanthropist Amy Stanley from Keystaff Inc. and Raymond James rep and former dancer Jaclyn Wetherholt — a one-two punch when it comes to talking up a charitable program, or a good wine.
Don Henrich, Jeff Reese
Don Henrich regaled me with anecdotes about the inaugural party for Gov. Preston Smith back in 1969 that took place at three downtown venues. Dull governor. Wild party with Ray Price.
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Palm Door Preview Party
I thought the Palm Door was a restaurant. It’s not. The former City Grill and Redrum is now a special events venue. Informally, it’s actually been one since at least South by Southwest, when Perez Hilton held his Austin party there overlooking Waller Creek.
Marcy Hoen, Laura Martin, Blaine Morgan
Yet now it is outfitted like a Moroccan fairy tale, with white tents, pillows and draped fabric. And it’s ready to party.
Lily Gonzales, Jon Creed
Wednesday, we joined hospitality industry and media types munching on Pink Avocado snacks and scoping out the wooden building that once housed a lumber yard.
Kate Turner-Abel, Laura Parkinson
We talked at length with Laura Parkinson, an events manager with High Beam, which oversees Palm Door activities and declined to identify its owners. (She planned 25 events during SXSW earlier this year.) Also chatted with Kate Turner-Abel, a conversational cherry bomb who knows her wines. (Ask Kate about a prime Malbec. Her eyes roll up in pleasure.)
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Rehearsing the Austin Style Maker Awards
In just over 24 hours, the public will know the winner of the vice-presidential debate, also the winners of the Austin Style Maker Awards. The “Glossy 8” will be revealed during a 6:30 p.m. party at Neiman Marcus. As Melanie Spencer says: “TiVo the debate. Attend the Glossy 8.”
For Neiman Marcus: Lisa Trahan, Bethany Thomason, Nancy Nichols
To prep for the party, which will introduce the eight — nine actually, since one unit is a couple — the three main forces behind the event met. That would be representatives from the American-Statesman features editorial staff, the newspaper’s marketing department and the department store’s staff.
For Statesman Marketing Department: Phyllis Campos, Beth South, Krystal Halfmann, Retta Kelley
A guests mingle in the men’s wear department, Retta Kelley will introduce the idea behind the awards — the money benefits the Season for Caring program — and then the individual presenters, among them Spencer, Addie Broyles, Marques Harper and myself. The winners will be accompanied by models wearing NM clothes chosen by the honorees.
For Statesman Features Department: Kathy Blackwell, Melanie Spencer, Marques Harper, Addie Broyles
Then the party really begins. Mingling ensues. The band plays on. And we head home to see whether Sarah Palin or Joe Biden made a bigger fool of themselves.
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Kyle Park’s ‘Anywhere in Texas’
Kyle Park is upbeat. Breakups and other adversities don’t break his spirit. His mood, like his music, spirals up and up and up.
The Central Texan is good at evoking the concrete: The feel of a blanket on a cold night, the moonlight hung above a summer trail. (Actually, weather reports might appear a little too frequently in “Anywhere in Texas.”)
His big subject, however, is lovin’.
Young lovin’, married lovin’, cheating lovin’. Especially the physical manifestations of lovin’.
Park seduces with his confident, almost athletic sensuality in “Living Room Loving,” “Don’t Look,” “Day by Day,” “A Woman Like You,” “The Other Man” and “First Day of Summer.” Even in songs of lost or losing lovin’ — “Cold in Colorado,” “Baby I’m Gone,” “Tossin’ and Turnin’,” “Nightmare and a Dream,” “These Days” — he still beams with the promise of tomorrow’s romance underneath the sigh of melancholy.
The album’s title song is country’s umpteenth paean to our big state, written as rejection of Europe after a short musical tour. Even homesickness turns upbeat at Park’s hand. He ought to give foreigners another chance — your first out-of-country tour is going too be like “Survivor,” no matter who you are, and don’t order Jack and Coke overseas — because Park is authentic enough to avoid the commercialized Nashville trap, while writing songs catchy enough to saturate the airwaves.
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Your A-List, Best Hotel
Compared to the Driskill, the Hotel San Jose is a boutique outfit, a former motor court on South Congress Avenue. Meticulously transformed into the epitome of Austin cool with a paradisical courtyard garden by Liz Lambert and pals, it took 24 percent. The lakeside Four Seasons Hotel, the supremely tasteful representative of the global chain that boasts immaculate service, earned 17 percent.
The InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, downtown’s other historic hotel and a genteel retreat, took in 6 percent. The still relatively new Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, located in spectacular setting out near Bastrop, got 5 percent. Hilton Austin, which commandeers the majority of convention business, reeled in 4 percent. Taking less than 4 percent were Omni Austin Downtown, Lakeway Resort & Spa, South Austin Motel and Renaissance Austin.
When the Stephen F. opened a few years back, we claimed the right to spend a night each at all three downtown luxury hotels for a special XL report. We liked all three equally, for different reasons. Still, that year’s expense account never recovered.
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Your A-List, Best Pizza
Just a few years ago, you couldn’t find a decent slice of New York-style, thin-crust pizza in Austin. At least not from an urban pizzeria with sidewalk window service. Heck, you couldn’t find a pizza at all along South Congress Avenue, even after it had become a major pedestrian magnet.
Mangia, an old Austin friend with deeper dish pizzas and reliable home delivery, came in second with 20 percent. (We devour the carnivore.) Austin’s Pizza, with multiple locations in the city and suburbs, took third with 12 percent. Student fave, Conan’s, which pre-dates even my arrival in Austin, pulled in a respectable 9 percent.
Saccone’s, located at U.S. 183 and Anderson Mill Road, earned 7 percent, while new East Side Pies scored 6 percent. Taking less than 5 percent were the Onion, Salvation Pizza, South Austin Flying Pizza (another terrific addition to SoCo) and Rounders.
Write-ins: Austin Pizza Garden, Brick Oven, Brooklyn Pies, Frank and Angie’s, Giovanni’s, Maggiore’s Pizza & Wings, Milto’s, Pizza Nizza, Reale’s, Red House Lounge
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