Out & About

Additional affiliations were added to Stephanie Coultress and Todd O’Neill entry.

ADDITIONAL READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT 500 NIGHTLIFE

The Womack brothers no longer own the Thirsty Nickel and have recently opened The Dogwood

Bartender Garrett Mikel has moved from the Townhouse to Péché

Added to Lance Avery Morgan’s affiliations: Brilliant, which continues as an online publication

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2010 Out & About 500: Music

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 07:04 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: MUSIC

Music Stars: Dean and Jeff Lofton

Previous Music Stars: Rose Reyes (2009), Paul Oveisi (2008), Sara Hickman (2007), Cash Edwards (2006), Casey Monahan (2005)

Susan Antone. Antone’s, Help Clifford Help Kids/American Youthworks, Palmer Drug Abuse Program

Ed Bailey. KLRU, ‘Austin City Limits,’ Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival

Marcia Ball. Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Charity Partners of Austin

Suzanna Choffel and Paul Oveisi. Momo’s, Austin Music Commission, suzannachoffel.com, Austin Music Foundation

Amy Corbin and Charles Attal. C3, Stubb’s BBQ, Austin City Limits Festival

Melissa and Kevin Connor. ME Television, KUT

Gerard Cosloy. Matador Records, Casual Victim Pile, Can’t Stop the Bleeding

Dave Dart. Dart Music International

Joe and Sharon Ely. ely.com, the Flatlanders

Alejandro Escovedo. alejandroescovedo.com, ‘Street Songs of Love’

Eliza Gilkyson. elizagilkyson.com

Patty Griffin. pattygriffin.com, ‘Downtown Church’

Charlie Jones. C3, Stubb’s BBQ, Austin City Limits Festival

Josh and Yvonne Lambert. The Octopus Project

Andy Langer. KGSR, Esquire, News 8 Austin

Terry Lickona. ‘Austin City Limits’

Casey McPherson. Alpha Rev, Music for the City, Mental Health Association of Texas

Martie and Gareth Maguire. Dixie Chicks, Court Yard Hounds

Harold McMillan. DiverseArts

Kathy Marcus and John Kunz. Waterloo Records

Casey Monahan. Texas Music Office

James Moody. Transmission Entertainment, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mohawk, Club DeVille, Red 7

Tim Neece. Texas Performing Arts

Tim O’Connor. Back Yard, Austin Music Hall, Austin Help Haiti

Don Pitts. City of Austin

Carolyn Schwarz. HAAM

Shawn Sides and Graham Reynolds. Golden Arm Trio, Rude Mechanicals, Fuse Box Festival

Rose Reyes. Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau

Nada and Hartt Stearns. One World Theatre

Donya and Randall Stockton. Beerland, Rio Rita, the Good Knight, Shangri-la

Steve Wertheimer. Continental Club

Annetta and James White. Broken Spoke

Graham Williams. Transmission Entertainment, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mohawk, Club de Ville, Red 7, Lamberts

Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. kellywillis.com, brucerobison.com Eddie Wilson. Threadgill’s

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2010 Out & About 500: Movies

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 06:03 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: MOVIES

Movies Star: Karrie and Tim League

Paul Alvarado-Dykstra. Fantastic Fest, Texas Motion Picture Alliance

Elizabeth Avellan. ‘Sin City 3,’ ‘Spy Kids 4: Armageddon,’ Troublemaker Studios, Texas Motion Picture Alliance

Connie Britton. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Conception,’ ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’

Louis Black. Austin Chronicle, South by Southwest

Rebecca Campbell and Andrew Hinman. Austin Film Society, Austin Studios

Kathryn and Kyle Chandler. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Morning,’ Beyond the Lights

Amy Grappell. ‘Quadrangle’

Tamara and Bob Hudgins. Texas Film Commission, Chisholm Trail Community Foundation

Mike Judge. Austin Film Society, ‘The Goode Family,’ ‘King of the Hill’

Harry Knowles. Ain’t It Cool News, Fantastic Fest, Butt-numb-a-thon

Henri Mazza. Alamo Drafthouse, Highball

Shannon Moody. Austin Film Society, Marathon Kids, Texas Exes

Barbara Morgan. Austin Film Festival

Mark Mueller. Voodoo Cowboy, Mueller Law

Masashi Niwano. Austin Asian American Film Festival

Karen Olsson and Andrew Bujalski. Texas Monthly, ‘Beeswax,’ ‘Sorry, Thanks,’ ‘Funny Ha Ha’

Janet and John Pierson. South by Southwest, Austin Film Society, University of Texas

Bryan Poyser. Austin Film Society, ‘Lovers of Hate,’ ‘The Crane House’

PJ Raval. ‘Fourplay: San Francisco,’ ‘The 2 Bobs,’ ‘Winnebago Man,’ QueerBomb

Angela Rawna and Tony Sykes. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ Zach Theatre, ‘Richard Linklater Project’

Tom Schatz. UT Film Institute

Ben Steinbauer. University of Texas, ‘Winnebago Man’

Paul Stekler. Austin Film Society, University of Texas

Scott Tulk and David Smith. Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival

Agnes Varnum. Austin Film Society, Doc It Out

Dana Wheeler-Nicholson and Alex Smith. UT Film Institute, ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Five Time Champion,’ ‘Dadgum, Texas’

Tommy G. Warren. Spiderwood Studios

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2010 Out & About 500: Media

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 05:02 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: MEDIA

Media Stars: Sarah Bird and George Jones

John Aielli. KUT

Bobby Bones. KISS-FM

Linda and Bob Cole. KVET, Boy Scouts, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Frisco Shop, the Tavern, Hill’s Cafe

Mary Anne Connolly. Austin Woman, Reel Women, Conspirare

Dale Dudley. KLBJ

Oliver Everette. L Style G Style.

Elaine and Rich Garza. Giant Noise, Pachanga Festival, Austin Music Foundation

Raul Garza. TKO Advertising

Erin and J.B. Hager. Mix 94.7, Austin Monthly, Bikes for Kids

Kathy and Robert Hadlock. KXAN, CASA, Easter Seals

Jim Hightower. Texas Observer, Austin Chronicle

Elizabeth Hufnagel. KXAN

Jill McGuckin. McGuckin Entertainment PR

Tricia and Sandy McIlree. Bikes for Kids, Mix 94.7

Cile Montgomery. Giant Media

Jean and Dan Rather. ‘Dan Rather Reports,’ Austin Museum of Art, News and Guts Media

Heath Riddles. KOOP, Hirschl and Adler, Out Youth

Steve Savage. KAZI

Emily and Dave Shaw. Russell-Shaw, I&O Communications, Art Alliance of Austin, Leadership Austin, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, Catalyst 8

Kevin Smothers and Michael Pungello. Pulse, Overhead Music Supervision, Catalyst 8, Leadership Austin, Oyster Club

Jim Spencer. KXAN, Crystal Ball

Susan and Bill Stotesbery. KLRU, Hart InterCivic

Kerry Tate. Mamma Jamma Ride Against Breast Cancer, Civic Interest, Leadership Austin

Brenda Thompson. Brenda Thompson Communications, Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Zach Theatre, Leadership Austin

Helen Thompson. Austin Monthly Homes

Stewart and Stephanie Vanderwilt. KUT

Alisa Weldon and Lynn Yeldell. L Style G Style, Well+Done Design, UBS Wealth Management, Human Rights Campaign

UPDATES

ADDITIONAL READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT 500: MEDIA

Kim Iverson. Mix 94.7

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2010 Out & About 500: Law

By mbarnes@statesman.com | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 04:01 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: LAW

Law Stars: Lara Wendler and Mike Martinez

Talk about a power couple. Wendler is the chief of staff for state Sen. John Whitmire and helps Community Shares of Texas, First Night Austin and Center for Child Protection. Martinez serves on the Austin City Council and aids Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, Austin Firefighters Relief Fund and Austin Partners in Education. As a team, they push Austin Pets Alive, Casa Marianella, Planned Parenthood, Green Doors and Leadership Austin.

Past Law Stars: Tanya and Art Acevedo (2009); Crystal Cotti and Mark Strama (2008); Robin Rather (2007); Gonzalo Barrientos (2005)

Tanya and Art Acevedo. City of Austin, American Heart Association, Special Olympics Texas, Center for Child Protection, Austin Humane Society, American Youthworks

Valinda Bolton and Anthony Hathcock. Texas House of Representatives, Woman Inc., Texas Council on Family Violence

Denise Brady and Chris Riley. Austin City Council, The Rusk Law Firm, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Andy Brown. Travis County Democratic Party, Munsch Hardt Kopf and Harr, 21st Century Democrats

Julie Byers and Lee Leffingwell. Mayor of Austin, Water Conservation Task Force, Seton Hospital Northwest

Perla Cavazos. City of Austin Commission on Women, Latinas Unidas Por El Arte, Teatro Vivo, Mexican American Cultural Center

Rick Cofer. Travis County, Capital City Young Democrats, Bag the Bags Coalition, Austin Multiple Scelorsis, Democratic National Committee

Sheryl and Kevin Cole. Austin City Council, Cole and Powell, Leadership Austin, Austin Area Urban League, Communities in Schools

Libby and Lloyd Doggett. U.S. Congress, Pre-K Now, ‘One Peace at a Time’

Dawnna Dukes. Texas House of Representatives, DM Dukes and Associates Inc., Links, Inc.-Austin Chapter

Sarah Eckhardt and Kurt Sauer. Travis County Commissioners Court, Texas Folklife Resources, Daffer McDaniel LLP

Toya Haley. Texas Health and Human Services, Long Center, Austin Bar Association

Clarke Heidrick. Graves Dougherty Hearon and Moody, Austin Area Research Organization, Shivers Cancer Foundation, Foundation for Religious Studies in Texas

Donna Howard. Texas House of Representatives, Expanding Horizons Foundation, Texas Education Crisis Coalition, Austin Area Interreligious Ministries, Common Cause

Brian Jammer. Austin Black Lawyers Association, University of Texas System, National Bar Association

Rosemary Lehmberg. Travis County District Attorney, Center for Child Protection, CASA

Nelson Linder. Austin NAACP, African American Quality of Life Implementation Plan

Susan Longley. The Longley Group, Molly National Journalism Prize, Texas Democracy Foundation, Atticus Circle, Zach Theatre

Diana Maldonado. Texas House of Representatives, Executive Women in State Government, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas

Patsy Woods Martin and Jack Martin. Public Strategies, Blue Texas, Long Center, Livestrong, Austin Children’s Museum, I Live Here I Give Here

Linda and Michael McCaul. U.S. Congress, March of Dimes, St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Communities in Schools, CureSearch

Mark McKinnon. Public Strategies, Livestrong, University of Texas

Laura and Phil Morrison. Austin City Council, University of Texas, Austin Neighborboods Council

Elliott Naishtat. Texas House of Representatives, St. Edward’s University

Pam and Pike Powers. The Seton Fund, Fulbright and Jaworski, Envision Central Texas, Texas Technology Initiative

Robin Rather. Liveable City, Hill Country Conservancy, Envision Central Texas

Geronimo Rodriguez Jr. Seton Family of Hospitals, LBJ School of Public Affairs, Leonard Frost Levin Van Court and Marsh

Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza. Travis County, Austin Lyric Opera

Karen and William Sage. Travis County, Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force, University of Texas, Any Baby Can, Caritas of Austin

Randi Shade and Kayla Shell. Austin City Council, Dell Inc., Days of Service

Niyanta and Bill Spelman. Austin City Council, LBJ School of Public Affairs, Rainforest Partnership

Alexa and Blaine Wesner. Austin Ventures, Blue Texas, Austin Film Society, Lifeworks, Downtown Austin Alliance, Artworks, Austin Museum of Art

Tomi and Pete Winstead. Winstead PC, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Economic Development Corp., Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council

Will Wynn. willwynn.com, LPB Energy Management, Worldwide Maniac

UPDATES

ADDITIONAL READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT LAW

Revlynn Lawson. Texas House of Representatives, Links, Alpha Kappa Alpha

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2010 Out & About 500: Interactive

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 03:00 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: INTERACTIVE

Interactive Stars: Marcy Hoen and Bijoy Goswami

Mason and Mylie Arnold. Greenling, Go Dance

Joshua Baer. OtherInbox, Capital Factory, Greenling

Jennie Chen. Misohungry, Austin Drive Clean, Austin Dog Friendly

Mike Chapman. Austin Social Media Club

Jenn Deering Davis and Hayes Davis. Cheap-Tweet

Cynthia Fedor and Jason Stoddard. Stagira Inc.

Kyle Flaherty. BreakingPoint Systems

Tammy Lynn Gilmore. South by Southwest

Michelle Greer. Nerd About Austin, Michelle’s Blog, Austin Twestival

Ricardo Guerrero. Dell Inc.

Brett Hurt. Bazaarvoice

Scott Ingram. NetworkInAustin.com

Kelly and Sally Jackson. Midlife Gals

Evan Jenkins. Tiff’s Treats Cookie Delivery

Josh Jones-Dilworth. Jones-Dilworth Inc.

Laura and Jamie Kelso. Dishola

Chris Apollo Lynn. Republic of Austin

Nancy Mims and Rodney Gibbs. Austin Film Society, Digital Media Council, Gamers for Kids’ Sake, Mod Green Pod, QRANK

Lisa Peterson. Porter Novelli

Michelle Castillo-West and Phil West. Luminaria Media and Public Relations

Tolly Moseley. Austin Eavesdropper, That Austin Girl, Austin Woman Magazine

Bryan Person. BryanPerson.com

Ixchel and Armando Rayo. TacoJournalism.com

Connie Reece. New Media Labs, Connect Every Dot, AgentGenius.com

Benn and Lani Rosales. New Media Lab

Joe Ross. CSIdentity, LifeWorks, LEAP, Austin Chamber of Commerce

Josh Williams. Gowalla.com

Kim J Wilson. Greenlights for Nonprofit Success

Rachel and David Wyatt. WyattBrand, Nonprofit Technology Network, Innovative Marketing, Greenlights

UPDATES

Tim Hayden has moved from GamePlan to Blue Clover Studios. He’s also on the board of Board for Meals on Wheels and More.

ALL-NEW READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT 500

Ashley Brown. Bird’s Barbershop

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2010 Out & About 500: Heritage

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 01:58 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: HERITAGE

Heritage Stars: Melanie and Ben Barnes

Ada Anderson. LEAP, Austin Lyric Opera, University of Texas

M. Ann and George Attal. Austin Galleries, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Easter Seals, American Youthworks

Jan Bullock. Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, Texas State History Museum Foundation

Ann Butler. University of Texas, Seton Family of Hospitals

Elizabeth Christian and Bruce Todd. LBJ Foundation, Elizabeth Christian Associates, Bruce Todd Public Affairs

Jo Anne Christian. Austin Lyric Opera, Long Center

Crystal Cantu and Lonnie Limon. LatinWorks, Hispanic Scholarship Consortium

Nicole Nugent Covert and Brent Covert. University of Texas, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Joanne and Jack Crosby. The Rust Group, University of Texas, National Dentex

Carol and Tim Crowley. Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House, Junior League

Charmaine and Frank Denius. University of Texas, Seton Fund, Cain Foundation, Frank W. Denius Law Office

Fidel Estrada. Estrada Cleaners, United Negro College Fund

Dealey and David Herndon. Herndon, Stauch and Associates, Texas State History Museum Foundation, Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, State Preservation Board

Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin. LBJ Holding Co., Friends of the LBJ Library, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Melissa Jones. Houston Endowment, Annie’s List, Molly National Journalism Prize, KIPP Austin Public Schools

Sterling Lands II. Greater Calvary Bible Church, Eastside Social Action Coalition

Bertha Means. Austin Cab Co., Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce, St. James Episcopal Church, Democratic Party

Gay Ratliff. Gay Ratliff Interiors, Heritage Society of Austin, Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Catherine Robb. Sedgwick, Detert, Moran and Arnold LLP, LBJ Library Future Forum, Austin Music Foundation

Nancy Scanlan and John Watson. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Save Our Springs Alliance, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Molly National Journalism Prize

Kathryn Scarborough Bechtol and Hub Bechtol. Turnquist Partners Realtors, Junior League of Austin, Impact Austin, Bechtol Golf Design, Austin Children’s Shelter

Gabrielle de Kuyper Sheshunoff. Sheshunoff Management Services, Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions

Cindy and F. Gary Valdez. Focus Strategies Investment Banking, Seton Family of Hospitals, St. Edward’s University, PeopleFund, Mueller Foundation

UPDATES: KIPP Austin Public Schools added to Melissa Jones’ affiliations; Seton Family of Hospitals to Ann Butler’s; Cain Foundation and Frank W. Denius Law Office to Charmaine and Frank Denius’; National Dentex to Joanne and Jack Crosby’s; Tenura Holdings to Jimmy Mansour’s; PeopleFund and Mueller Foundation to Cindy and F. Gary Valdez’s

READER SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL HERITAGE ENTRIES FOR THE OUT & ABOUT 500 Charmaine Denius McGill and Gordon McGill. Bachelors of Austin, Center for Child Protection

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2010 Out & About 500: Food

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 12:59 PM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: FOOD

Food Stars: David Alan and Joe Eifler

Susan and Ed Auler. Fall Creek Vineyards, Wine and Food Foundation of Texas

Eddie Bernal. 34th Street Cafe, Santa Rita Cantina, Blue Star Cafeteria

Paula Biehler and Cathy Cochran-Lewis. Crave

Marla Camp and Jeff Kessel. Edible Austin

Shawn Cirkiel. Parkside

Rebekkah and Tyson Cole. Uchi, Uchiko

Jessica and Todd Duplechan. Trio, Dishalicious

Quincy Erickson and Stephen Nagle. Fete Accompli Inc., Stephen Nagle and Associates, Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, Le Cordon Bleu Austin

Lisa and Emmett Fox. Asti, Fino

Justine Gilcrease and Pierre Pelegrin. Justine’s

Tamara and Jesse Griffith. Dai Due Supper Club

Johnny Guffey. Jeffrey’s

James Holmes. Olivia

David and Margaret Jabour. Twin Liquors

Kate and Degan McClung. Jeffrey’s

Larry McGuire. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, La Condesa, Perla’s

Trina and Damian Mandola. Mandola’s Italian Market, Mandola’s Estate Winery, Austin Children’s Shelter, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Love Nance and Sherry Jameson. Annies

Jenna Noel and Zack Northcutt. Edible Austin, Mulberry, Meaty Monday Madness

Rene Ortiz. La Condesa

Jeremy Parzen. Do Bianchi, Vino Vino

Deborah and Larry Peel. KLRU, Larry Peel Co., Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, Electronic Privacy Information Center

Rebecca Robinson. Wine and Food Foundation of Texas

Ronda Rutledge. Sustainable Food Center

Carol Ann Sayle and Larry Butler. Boggy Creek Farms, Green Corn Project

Amy and Steve Simmons. Amy’s Ice Creams, Phil’s Ice House, Austinville

Karen Odom Spezia and Roy Spezia. Tribeza, Clark, Thomas and Winters, Les Dames D’Escoffier, Wine and Food Foundation of Texas

Foo Swasdee. Satay, Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, Get Sum Dim Sum

Toni Tipton-Martin. International Association of Culinary Professionals, Sande Youth Project Culinary Cultural Center

Michael Vilim. Mirabelle, Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, Streat

Sharon Watkins. Chez Zee, Zach Theatre, Long Center, UT PAC

Don ‘Skeeter’ Miller. County Line, Cannoli Joe’s, Austin Children’s Shelter

UPDATES

ADDITIONAL READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT 500 FOOD

Lisa Matulis. Delish Cupcakes, Paggi House, LifeWorks, LEAP

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2010 Out & About 500: Education

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 11:53 AM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: EDUCATION

Education Star: Meria Carstarphen

Kathryn Anderson and Doug Dempster. University of Texas

Sandy Alcala. Junior League of Austin, UTLatinos, Texas Exes

Amy Averett. Austin Voices For Education and Youth

Alex Brown. Austin Community College Foundation, AMD

Roxann Thomas Chargois. The Links Inc., St. Edward’s University

Penny and Thomas Cedel. Concordia University Texas

Susan Dawson. E3 Alliance

Sandy Dochen. Austin Area Research Organization, IBM

Larry Earvin. Huston-Tillotson University, Austin Area Urban League, Leadership Austin

Thomas E. Gallagher. Austin Community College Foundation, Seton Family of Hospitals

Janet Harman. KDK-Harman Foundation, St. Stephen’s School, Southwest Council of Foundations

Terry Hazell. Texas State University-San Marcos

Kim Heilbrun and William Powers. University of Texas, Austin Triathlon, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Nancy and Bobby Inman. University of Texas, Paramount Theatre, Texas Natural Science Center

Carla Jackson and Kelvin Phillips. Austin Community College Center for Public Policy, Dimensional Fund Advisors

Johnita and Bill Jones. Texas A&M System

Jill Kolasinski and Rip Esselstyn. KIPP Austin, Austin Fire Department, ‘The Engine 2 Diet’

Stephen B. Kinslow. Austin Community College

Michael Lofton. African American Men and Boys/Women and Girls Conference

George E. Martin. St. Edward’s University

Amy and Al Wong Mok. Asian American Cultural Center

Kim Heilbrun and William Powers Jr. University of Texas, St. Stephen’s School, Austin Triathlon

Mary Ann Rankin and Wes Thompson. University of Texas

Laura and Jeff Sandefer. Acton MBA in Entrepreneurship, Paramount and State Theatres, Austin History Center

Lucia and Paul Woodruff. University of Texas

Jane Woodman Schrum and Jake Schrum. Southwestern University

Denise M. Trauth and John Huffman. Texas State University-San Marcos

READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT 500 EDUCATION

Anna Land. Austin Heart House.

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2010 Out & About 500: Charity

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 09:55 AM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: CHARITY

Charity Stars: Priscilla Guajardo and John-Michael Cortez

Ben Bentzin. University of Texas, Center for Child Protection, KUT Radio, Boy Scouts of America

Joanie Bentzin. Center for Child Protection, Leadership Austin, Women’s Symphony League, St. David’s Foundation, Helping Hand Home

Allen Beuershausen. Whole Kids Adventure, Whole Kids Lifestyle, Bootstrap Style, Catalyst 8, ATX Equation

Donna and Philip Berber. A Glimmer of Hope Foundation

Caroline Boudreaux. The Miracle Foundation

Gary Cooper and Richard Hartgrove. Zach Theatre, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Museum of Art, Out Youth, AIDS Services of Austin

Susan and Bobby Epstein. Long Center, Jewish Community Association of Austin, Austin Film Society, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas

Mark Erwin and Stephen Rice. Octopus Club, Lone Star Legal Copy and Imaging, Standard Answer

Jesus Garza. Seton Family of Hospitals

Ken Gladish. Austin Community Foundation

Kate and Robert Hersch. Heritage Society of Austin, Austin Film Society, Ballet Austin

Matt Kouri. Greenlights for Nonprofits

Cindy and Greg Kozmetsky. United Way, RGK Foundation, PeopleFund

Karen Landa and Dale Dewey. St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Ballet Austin, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, Hospice Austin

Joanna and Peter Linden. Make-a-Wish Foundation, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Leadership Austin

Susan and Craig Lubin. Austin Gastroenterology, Ballet Austin, Hospice Austin, Jewish Community Association of Austin

Earl Maxwell. St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Maxwell Locke and Ritter, Austin Area Research Organization, Austin Partners in Education

Dick Moeller. St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Enovate Enterprises, Water to Thrive, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Denise and Randy Phillips. Promiseland West

MariBen Ramsey and Karen Kahan. Association of Junior Leagues International, Austin Community Foundation, Seton Fund

Lily and Yigal Saad. Anti-Defamation League, Austin Lyric Opera, Jewish Community Center Association

Tom Spencer. Austin Area Interreligious Ministries

Margot and Grant Thomas. YouthLaunch, People’s Community Clinic, Town Lake Trail Foundation

Kelly and Richard Topfer. Topfer Family Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas

Barbara Vackar. Austin Women’s Network, National Women’s History Museum, Leadership Austin

Isabel and Dave Welland. Miracle Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, Long Center

Alex Winkelman. Charity Bash

Armando Zambrano. Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas

UPDATES

Ken Gladish has moved over to the Seton Foundations

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2010 Out & About 500: Business

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 09:00 AM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: BUSINESS

Business Stars: Gigi and Sam Bryant

Rob Adams. Venture Labs Competition

Molly Alexander. Downtown Austin Alliance

Sandra and Joe Aragona. Austin Ventures, Livestrong, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Entrepreneur’s Foundation

Charles Barnett. Seton Family of Hospitals, Greater Austin Chamber, APIE

Charlie Betts. Downtown Austin Alliance

Suzanna Caballero. Wachovia Bank, Leadership Austin

Amber Carden. Bank of America, Leadership Austin, Hospice Austin

Whitney Casey and Nav Sooch. Sooch Foundation, Silicon Laboratories Inc., Miracle Foundation

Gary Farmer. Heritage Title, Greater Austin Chamber

Regan and Billy Gammon. William Gammon Insurance Agency Inc., Texas Book Festival

Jeff Garvey. Austin Ventures, Livestrong

N. Rudy Garza. G-51 Capital LLC, Dell Children’s Medical Center

Rebecca and Bryan Hardeman. Mercedes-Benz of Austin, University of Texas

Amy Holloway and Chris Engle. Avalanche Consulting, Catalyst 8, Austin State Hospital, StrataTX

Joe and Sandra Holt. Austin Chamber, Austin Symphony Orchestra, JPMorgan Chase

Ali Khataw. Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Encotech Engineering Consultants

Robena Jackson. RJW Operations Inc., Dispute Resolution Center, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

Sheridan and Perry Lorenz. Constructive Ventures Inc., Spring

Sherry Matthews and Dick Clark. Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing, Dick Clark Architecture

Rosie Mendoza. R. Mendoza and Co., SafePlace, Travis County Hospital District, Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Mary Pat Mueller. Door Number 3 Inc., Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, New Milestones Foundation, People’s Community Clinic, Impact Austin

Deep Nasta. Deep in the Heart of Texas Realty, Young Men’s Business League, Symphony BATS

Eddie Safady. Prosperity Bank, St. David’s Community Health Foundation

Brian Sharples. HomeAway, Austin Ventures

Martha Smiley. Austin Area Research Organization

Suzi Sosa and Roy Bertrand. Rev Worldwide, United Way, MPower Venture

John Thornton. Ballet Austin, Austin Ventures, Texas Tribune

Diana Zuniga. Investors Alliance Inc., Spring, Real Estate Council of Austin, Zach Theatre, Austin Area Research Organization, E3 Alliance

UPDATES

ADDITIONAL READER NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 OUT & ABOUT 500: BUSINESS

Brett Hurt. BazaarVoice

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2010 Out & About 500: Arts

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 07:53 AM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: ARTS

Arts Stars: Deborah Green and Clayton Aynesworth, photo on front page

Amy Barbee. Texas Cultural Trust

Ellen Bartel. Spank Dance Company

Ron Berry. Refraction Arts, Fuse Box Festival

Sarah and Ernest Butler. Butler School of Music, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, Austin Lyric Opera

Annette DiMeo Carlozzi and Dan Bullock. Blanton Museum of Art, Zach Theatre, Arthouse, Greenlights, Forklift Dance Company

Elisabeth Challener and Brett Bachman. Zach Theatre

Joyce Christian and Rudy Green. Austin Museum of Art, ProArts Collective, Care Communities, St. Stephen’s School

Charles Duggan. Long Center, Greater Tuna Presents, Austin Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin, Democratic National Committee Advisory Board

Barbara Chisholm and Robert Faires. Zach Theatre, Austin Chronicle, Red Then Productions

Mela Dailey and Peter Bay. Austin Symphony Orchestra

Sean Gaulager. Co-Lab, Cantanker

Dana Friis-Hansen and Mark Holzbach. Austin Museum of Art, Zebra Imaging, Rude Mechanicals

Sue Graze. Arthouse, Ballet Austin

Mary Ann and Andrew Heller. Heller Records, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Long Center, UT College of Fine Arts

Jeanne and Michael Klein. Blanton Museum of Art, Arthouse, University of Texas

Gail and Jeff Kodosky. National Instruments Corp., Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony, Ballet Austin, Conspirare, Long Center

Rachel Koper. Women & Their Work

Chris Mattsson and John McHale. Austin Museum of Art, Arthouse

Bettye and Bill Nowlin. University of Texas, Zach Theatre, Austin Community Development Corp., University of Texas

Allison Orr. Forklife Danceworks, Fusebox Festival

Sylvia Orozco. Mexic-Arte Museum

Kathy Panoff. Texas Performing Arts

Kevin Patterson. Austin Lyric Opera

Paula and Damian Priour. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Austin Museum of Art

Cliff Redd and Rick Johnson. Long Center

Cookie and Phil Ruiz. Ballet Austin, Con Mi Madre, Girls Empowerment Network, Texans for the Arts, CreateAustin

Michelle Schumann and Matt Orem. Austin Chamber Music Center, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Judith Sims. Austin Museum of Art, Art Divas

Ken Stein and Ken Lambrecht. Paramount Theatre, Planned Parenthood of Texas

Julie Thornton. Ballet Austin, testperformancetest

Lisa and Bob Wade. bobwade.com, South Austin Museum of Popular Culture

Judy Willcott and Laurence Miller. Texas French Bread, Fluent~Collaborative, Arthouse, Blanton Museum of Art

Eva and Marvin Womack. Austin Lyric Opera, Procter & Gamble, Long Center

UPDATES

Additional reader nominations for 2011 Out & About 500: Arts

Ned Rifkin. Blanton Museum of Art

John A. Yancey. University of Texas

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2010 Out & About 500: All-Stars

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 27, 2010, 01:54 AM

2010 OUT & ABOUT 500: ALL-STARS

All-Star Stars: Donna Stockton-Hicks and Steve Hicks,

Carol and Chris Adams. Austin Film Society, Austin Music Foundation, St. Edward’s University, Animal Trustees of Austin, Zach Theatre

James Armstrong and Larry Connelly. Austin Museum of Art, Austin Lyric Opera, Long Center, Zach Theatre, University of Texas College of Fine Arts

Linda Ball and Forrest Preece. Ballet Austin, Badgerdog Literary Publishing, Austin Cabaret Theatre, Austin Film Festival, Zach Theatre

Suzanne and David Booth. Dimensional Fund Advisors, Booth Heritage Foundation, Friends of Heritage Preservation, Centre Pompidou Foundation, Booth School of Business

Becky Beaver and John Duncan. Law Office of Becky Beaver, Ballet Austin, Austin Children’s Museum, Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capitol Region, People’s Community Clinic

Sally and Mack Brown. University of Texas, Helping Hand Society, Rise School of Austin, Austin Partners in Education, King of the Field

Olga Campos and Kevin Benz. KVUE, CASA of Travis County, Con Mi Madre, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success

Tana and Joe Christie. AIDS Services of Austin, Austin Lyric Opera, Armstrong Community Music School, Out Youth, Ransom Center

Susan and Michael Dell. Dell Inc., Dell Family Foundation, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Long Center, Austin Children’s Shelter, Arthouse

Eloise and John Paul DeJoria. Paul Mitchell, Nobelity Project, Patron Spirits Company, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Center for Child Protection

Maria Luisa ‘Lulu’ Flores and Scott Hendler. National Women’s Political Caucus, Hendler Law, Mexic-Arte Museum, Save Town Lake Association, Hispanic Bar Association of Austin

Karen Frost and Charles Levy. Frost Media Relations, Nobelity, Texas Cultural Trust, Leadership Austin, I Live Here I Give Here, Impact Austin

Anna Hansen and Lance Armstrong. Livestrong, Texas Bicycle Coalition, Mellow Johnny’s, Team RadioShack, Tobacco-Free Kids

David Garza and Dr. John Hogg. Mexic-Arte Museum, Hispanic Scholarship Consortium

Maria and Eric Groten. Zach Theatre, Center for Child Protection, Vinson and Elkins, Ballet Austin, Long Center

Patty and James Huffines. University of Texas System, TXU Energy, PlainsCapital Bank, Austin Community Foundation, Center for Child Protection

Diane Land and Steve Adler. Anti-Defamation League, GenX, Austin Museum of Art, Ballet Austin

Teresa and Joe Long. Long Center, University of Texas, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra, UT College of Fine Arts

Carla and Jack McDonald. Perficient, Dynabrand PR, American Youthworks, Austech Alliance, PeopleFund

Lynn and Tom Meredith. MFI Foundation, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin Children’s Museum, University of Texas, Long Center

Stephen Moser. Austin Chronicle, Made in Heaven

Bettie Naylor and Libby Sykora. Bettie Naylor and Associates, Out Youth, Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, First Amendment Coalition Of Texas

Willie Nelson. Farm Aid, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Nobelity Project, Carl’s Corner

Dr. Nona Niland and David Braun. Ann Richards School, Long Center, People’s Community Clinic, Center For Public Policy Priorities, Niland Foundation

Anita and Rick Perry. Governor of Texas, Texas Conference for Women, National Governors Association, March of Dimes, Main Street Program, Center for Child Protection

Christy and Turk Pipkin. Nobelity Project, Miracle Foundation, A Glimmer of Hope Foundation

Sara and Dick Rathgeber. Rathgeber Village, Austin Children’s Shelter, People’s Community Clinic, Salvation Army

Amy and Kirk Rudy. Endeavor Real Estate Group, Anti-Defamation League, Equality Texas, AIDS Services of Austin, Ballet Austin, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Eugene Sepulveda and Steven Tomlinson. Fusebox Festival, Entrepreneurs Foundation, PeopleFund, Marfa Public Radio, Organizing for America

Julia and Evan Smith. Texas Tribune, Blanton Museum of Art, Trinity Episcopal School, Austin Film Society, People’s Community Clinic, Planned Parenthood

Venus and Bill Strawn. Center for Child Protection, Rise School of Austin, Women’s Fund of Central Texas, Strawn Arnold Ashpitz Groover Ltd.

Amy Grace Tharp and Doug Ulman. Livestrong, Wonders and Worries, Trail Foundation, Anti-Defamation League, Austin Children’s Museum

Bobbi and Mort Topfer. Topfer Family Foundation, Castletop Capital, Seton Fund, Long Center, March of Dimes, Dell Children’s Medical Center

Michelle Valles and Ray Benson. KEYE, Asleep at the Wheel, Bismeaux Studio, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Heart Association

Liz McDaniel Watson and Kirk Watson. Texas Senate, Livestrong, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Suzanne and Marc Winkelman. Calendar Club, Jewish Community Association of Austin, Democratic Party, Long Center, Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

UPDATES

Center for Child Protection was added to Eloise and John Paul DeJoria’ affiliations

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Introducing the 2010 Out & About 500

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 26, 2010, 11:48 PM

Yes, we changed the name.

The Fortunate 500 sounded too privileged. Not at all Austin.

Five hundred social units — couples or singles, nominated by readers — are divided into 15 categories for the 2010 list.

For the 15 lists, follow the link below to “The 500” category. (They will be unveiled through the day of June 27, 2010.)

Some of their nonprofit and for-profit affiliations are listed as well.

A new category this year: Interactive. It recognizes the shift to social media like Facebook, Twitter and Gowalla.

As in the past, a social star rises to the top of each Out & About 500 category. Those who connect across categorical lines, we call all-stars.

Remember, no American-Statesman employees or their relatives are eligible.

Nominations for the 2011 Out & About 500 start — now.

Kindly send suggestions to mbarnes@statesman.com.

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Report: A 4-Party Friday

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 26, 2010, 02:51 PM

Shy by nature, authors, agents and literary hopefuls danced around each other at the Writers League of Texas reception on Friday. When anyone approached me at the Hyatt Regency Austin ballroom, it felt like an act of supreme will, the inner command sounding: “I will be social!”

Jud Laghi and Cyndi Hughes

It’s easy to empathize with this tribe of 200 or so, forced to market their talents.

Lupe Zamarripa and Fr. Louis Brusatti

Still, they told scintillating stories. I spoke with a geneticist, a humanities dean, a literary publicist, an attorney and a former journalist, among others. I predict that columns will follow about more than one.

Shane and Shelby Sledge

Over at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center that night, a few dozen folks gathered in the atrium, all-agog over the imminent arrival of Leonard Pitts Jr.

Sedora Jefferson and Susan Stotesbery

In town for the African American Book Festival, Pitts has become a media celebrity by just doing his job, writing clear, reasoned and practical columns, which are syndicated and published in the American-Statesman. He graciously signed books and chatted with fans at the Links of Town Lake reception.

A.J. Bingham and Revlynn Lawson

Among my conversation mates were chef Toni Tipton-Martin, illustrator Don Tate, KLRU station director Bill Stotesbery, Links social star Gerry Tucker, and Facebook chum Revlynn Lawson.

Gina Harris and Toni Tipton-Martin

Mere blocks away, the East Village opened to a jumbo, groovy party. Guests, most of them in the 20s, swarmed over the modernist building on East 11th Street that blends retail, office and residence spaces.

Brandyn Balmos, Sandra Antoun and Jesse Adler

Thanks to swarming social media by Taylor Perkins (Rare) and Blake Shanley (East Village), hip met hauteur in equal measures, sampling food from area eateries and sipping local drinks to ward off the equatorial heat. (Hydrate, kids, hydrate.)

Frank Estrada and Kristin Owen

The residences and rooftop offer sweet views of downtown and East Austin.

Jamie Rix and Valerie Nies

My final stop of the evening was M Two. This is the former Saba, which owner Joe Reynolds has revised as a gay-themed restaurant and lounge.

Aaron Lofton and Brian Dillard

Why? Because it makes some sense to add a gay-friendly gathering place that’s not strictly a bar or club to the nightlife mix in the West Fourth Street area. Interestingly, the space above Cedar Street Courtyard opened in the 1990s as Soma, a gay-themed eatery.

Barbara Kimbel, Cecilia Schmidt, Joe Reynolds and Josie Rodriguez

A chat with a young married gay couple from Santa Cruz, Cal. took me back to the Voices of Gay Austin survey and series of articles that the American-Statesman ran in 2001. The findings: That gay men and lesbians felt generally safe and happy in Austin, but missed the trappings of gay culture found in some other cities. One of those missing links: Gay restaurants.

Frank Carmona and Jeffrey Lane

Well, guys and gals … it’s yours to use or lose.

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What to do with those thoughtful gifts …

By Michael Barnes | Friday, June 25, 2010, 10:44 PM

One day, a colorful package landed on my newsroom desk. It contained a sporty black polo shirt adorned with a label from a luxury department store. The attached note thanked me for attending a party I had actually missed.

Long before that, ten or so social leaders threw me a surprise birthday lunch at a local steakhouse. Weak from recent surgery, I couldn’t just leave in protest when I discovered that a proposed business meeting was really a party. For me. One of the imaginative, thoughtful gifts was an enormous, ornate jar of candy.

What is one to do? And maintain credibility as a columnist?

American-Statesman employees operate under a wise policy: Accept no gifts of significant value. Each day, for instance, dozens of uninvited books, CDs, DVDs and games arrive in the newsroom for review. As everyone knows, these cultural nuggets don’t come cheap.

Except when needed for ongoing reporting, they end up in hampers, which are then unloaded at an annual charity sale.

Yet the gifts cited above were personal expressions of friendship — or at least friendliness. How does one turn down such a present without offending the giver?

Accept it, with sincere gratitude, but under clear conditions: You aren’t going to keep it.

The polo shirt went to a charity resale shop. The tie will be featured in a nonprofit group’s silent auction, thanks to a new program called Gone for Good, which maximizes the charitable impact of possession liberation.

The jar of jelly beans was opened in the newsroom and soon hoovered up by hungry journalists. Not a pretty scene, but fair-minded.

In essence, you are saying “yes” to the giver, “no,” gently, to the gift.

I’ve got an idea: Why not cut out the middle man? When so motivated, give to a local charity.

But which ones, you say?

Continue reading Out & About — and Andrea Ball’s philanthropy column — for ideas. Another crucial resource: I Live Here, I Give Here. This Austin group represents scores of the area’s most reliable charities.

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Who matters to Out & About

By Michael Barnes | Friday, June 25, 2010, 12:56 PM

In a lobby before a concert, the public radio personality cooed: “So now you just write about rich people.”

I’m relatively certain this was not a deliberate dig. Nevertheless, a rebuttal seemed in order.

“I’ll write about anybody,” I responded. “If there’s a social connection anywhere in town, I’m interested.”

Now, don’t get the wrong impression. Not all wealthy Central Texans give generously. And, quite honorably, others opt to donate privately. Yet social giving is the hard currency of the evolving charity scene. It’s about bonding with particular nonprofit groups and setting an example for others.

Just check the All-Stars category list for the Out & About 500, to be published in print on June 27, simultaneously available at austin360.com/outandabout. Given the evidence of their affiliations, there’s a whole lot of public giving going on at that level.

And yet if you browse through the rest of the 500 list, or track the people profiled in this column on Tuesdays, or the folks pictured weekly on this social page, median income declines steeply.

Almost all sections of town are represented, even if events in the urban core dominate, mostly for reasons of convenience. The suburbs and exurbs are, of course, harder to document, socially, but it’s not for lack of trying.

Austin, in all its glorious, gorgeous variety, is the Out & About goal.

Access is also at issue. I go where I’m invited, for the most part. I don’t barge into granny’s 98th birthday party or Uncle Bob’s rumpus-room poker game, camera blazing and iPhone notebook in hand for social business.

I’ve said it before. Invite me. I’ll probably come.

Note: Photo by the Statesman’s Jay Janner.

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My time with Oscar Brockett

By Michael Barnes | Thursday, June 24, 2010, 06:47 PM

Today, I write about a dear friend. One who doesn’t always know how dear he is.

Oscar Brockett is the main reason I moved to Austin. He’s the reason I work at this newspaper, and why I view the world the way I do.

You see, Brock wrote The Book. By that I mean the book that changed my life.

“History of the Theatre” was first published in 1968. Now in its 10th edition, it has been translated into a dozen or so languages, including Farsi, Korean and Hebrew. Brock’s balanced, painstaking history revolutionized the field by switching the focus of theatrical scholarship from playscripts to how those words were actually staged, something that other scholars had recorded only piecemeal.

I devoured The Book for the first time in 1973. It detailed almost everything this teenager cared about: Theater, dance, music, art, architecture and literature, put in the context of geography, history, languages, psychology, philosophy, even science and technology.

In the hot, dry summer of 1984, I arrived in Austin to study with the master. By this time, he was the former dean of the College of Fine Arts who had built the performing arts center and had planned a museum that eventually became the Blanton Museum of Art.

I sometimes saw Brock seven days a week. I was deeply impressed by his scrupulous care with the truth: “What do we know, and how do we know it?” he asked. I was also profoundly affected by his sense of humanity. He remained open to almost any person or idea, and saved his rare ire for zealots, especially those who were careless about historical memory.

In private, he could act a scamp, sharing stories about his barefoot childhood in rural Tennessee, his Navy days during the Pacific War (he captained a troop transport ship, barely out of his teens), and his years as a theatrical designer.

After World War II, he finished his education at Stanford University, then taught all over the country - Indiana, Florida, California, Iowa and elsewhere before landing in Austin, his home for the past three decades.

In 1989, while working on my doctoral dissertation — or, more likely, not working on it — I received a call from the American-Statesman’s entertainment editor, Ed Crowell.

“Would you like to write some reviews for the newspaper?”

“Who are you? And how did you get my number?”

“One of your profs recommended you.”

Brock! I had no background in journalism, but he intuited that this open door would lead to a fruitful career path. (He also recommended two other student candidates, who later freelanced for the paper.)

During my 15 years as arts reporter and critic, Brock often accompanied me to the theater. Or to the movies. Or just to dinner. To spend time with him was all that mattered.

For the past few years, Brock has lived in the Nakonah. His place is spacious, immaculate and blessed with global art and sweeping views of Austin’s changing skyline.

Because of problems walking, he doesn’t go out much. So we make do with other entertainments, like “Slings and Arrows,” the Canadian series about a Shakespeare festival, on DVD.

Despite slowing down, he recently finished a 10-year project, “Making the Scene: A History of Stage Design and Technology in Europe and United States.”

Written with Margaret Mitchell and Linda Hardberger, the handsome book is packed with illustrations. But it’s no mere picture book. It carefully plots the course of theatrical scenery from the Greeks to today. It is sure to change that field as did “History of the Theatre.”

Lately, Brock has expressed frustration with the theater, in general, the university in particular, and, yes, this newspaper. What seems to bother him most is a general loss of historical memory.

When I hinted that I might devote a column to his life, Brock loaded me down with homework: Testimonials, press clippings, notices of awards, service and recognitions. He needn’t have bothered. As if I could forget the smallest detail about the world’s foremost theater historian, and perhaps the most distinguished scholar UT has produced in the field of fine arts.

Recently, his friends have talked, informally, about raising money to establish a targeted professorship in his name. One of his chief anguishes is the perception that UT has de-emphasized theater history in favor of performance studies. That field, which examines the way people present their public selves, is valuable, but perhaps belongs over in the sociology department. (My judgment, not Brock’s.)

Meanwhile, I’ll luxuriate in his companionship. And I’ll quote him once again on the subject of social and professional access: “People open a door,” Brock said during a 1998 interview. “You have to decide whether to walk through. If you do, other doors will open for you, but you have to justify that person’s confidence in you.”

Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment Categories: Arts, Education

Taking care of Austin medians

By Michael Barnes | Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 12:53 PM

Lend that lowly median a little love.

You know those strips of green that separate traffic on major urban roads? Most of them are maintained by municipal crews.

Yet, like roadsides, parks and other public spaces, their upkeep is not always Priority No. 1 for cash-strapped city managers.

That’s why various groups intervene by organizing volunteers to mow the weeds, trim the ornamental trees and cultivate plots with sustainable plants.

Some neighborhood groups already work with parks or road departments to landscape gateway medians. Formal median adoptions, not unlike the longtime, popular adopt-a-road programs, are the next frontier.

“This is the first legal adoption of a median that I have been involved with since I began working on the Neighborhood Enhancement Fund back in 2004,” says Laura Patlove, senior planner at the City of Austin.

It wasn’t easy. Among the negotiating points: Who would pay for maintenance? Who would assume liability? Under what circumstances would the license end?

Keep Austin Beautiful helped the association through months of negotiations and planning.

Blackshear neighborhood leader Jimmy Butler was the first to promote the median improvement. The idea was nurtured by volunteers, activists and designers, such as Nicole Blair, Rodney Ahart, Neil Peterson, Linda Johnson, Grace Riggin, Ilse Frank and Eric Stanridge.

Part of the median was tilled and planted with a $1,000 grant from Keep Austin Beautiful. Another $3,000 came from the Organization of Central East Austin Neighborhoods. More money may arrive from the Neighborhood Enhancement Fund.

Studio Balcones donated the design work and determined the indigenous plants - barrel cactus, Mexican feather grass, gray santolina and wooly stemodia — for a second stage of landscaping.

“I am happy to report that we have official dates for planting the triangle!” says Blair, clearly relieved after so much negotiating, fundraising and planning. A crew will prepare the site July 8. Steel edging will be installed July 9 and volunteers will gather to plant on July 10.

That planting may soon be replicated across Austin.

Earlier this year, representatives from Austin Parks and Recreation and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center met to discuss joint planning on adopt-a-median efforts. The Center already advises the Texas Department of Transportation and other road stewards on ways to employ indigenous plants and to avoid invasive species.

Lady Bird’s Legacy, the American-Statesman’s campaign to spread wildflowers in Central Texas, is prepared to provide seeds for some qualifying projects.

Many people associate Lady Bird Johnson, namesake for the Legacy campaign, with the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the battle to clean up roadsides, hide junk yards and (less successfully) control billboards.

But as University of Texas historian Lewis Gould emphasizes in his book, “Lady Bird Johnson and the Environment,” she was equally committed to urban landscapes.

She worked with private donors and garden clubs to plant trees, remove trash and improve the living conditions in Washington D.C.

Closer to home, she championed the landscaping around the Austin lake that now bears her name. Older citizens will remember it was a rutted flood plain during the city’s first century or so. The trails, parks and amenities that now are top attractions for tourists and locals might not have happened without Johnson’s support.

I think she would have approved of what the City of Austin, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Keep Austin Beautiful and neighborhood groups are doing with urban medians.

For more information on wildflowers and the project, to view a complete list of donors or to donate online, visit statesman.com/wildflowers. Mail donations to Lady Bird’s Legacy Wildflower Fund, P.O. Box 50066, Austin, TX 78763-0066. You also can call 445-1732 or e-mail wildflowers@statesman.com for information.

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Report: Worldwide Maniac Foundation Launch at Austin Music Hall

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 04:57 PM

It had all the makings of an outright fiasco. A new foundation with a fuzzy mission. An unbelievably short planning period for an astonishingly ambitious party. Steeply discounted prices to jack up dismal ticket sales.

Barbara Kelso and Tomas Esteban

And yet, founder Michael Torres had established enough good will in the business, charity, style, music and sports communities to bring off the Worldwide Maniac Foundation Launch at the Austin Music Hall on Saturday. A few hundred people, some looking quite chic, mingled in the vast space. Food was scarce, but the music was hot and the crowd perky.

Chris Parrish and Barry Kenny

Then came the fashion show. All anxieties melted when the models strode confidently onto the runway in urbane outfits by Maggie Norris Couture. The mood turned sporty for Carson Couture’s Miami-wear, then eccentric by way of former club kid Richie Ritch’s inventions. Bravo to runway producer Lauren Smith Ford for one of the year’s most memorable style events.

Monica Burcham and Colleen Cole

For all the general consternation before the party, I think people left the foundation launch with good feelings. And money aside, that’s what you want for your charitable endeavor.

UPDATE: In an earlier version of this post, the names of Monica Burcham and Colleen Cole were switched, and Caron Couture was not credited.

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Rodney Ahart Seeks Beauty Parity for East Austin

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:45 AM

Long before the World Cup redirected the world’s attention to South Africa, Rodney Ahart experienced profound exhilaration in its post-apartheid society.

The third-generation East Austinite had written an 11th-grade paper about apartheid while attending LBJ High School. In 1999, not long after South Africa’s second general election, he visited the major cities as part of an American delegation.

The trip, which put Ahart, now 41, in contact with scores of dignitaries, complemented his lifelong interest in public service. Most of his adult life has been spent helping governmental and nonprofit groups. Ahart currently serves as executive director of Keep Austin Beautiful, after a long stint with the American Cancer Society.

The son of an Austin police officer and a schoolteacher, Ahart caught the political bug early. In seventh grade at Pearce Middle School (then Pearce Junior High), the careful dresser with a winning smile and calm, open demeanor ran for class president. He lost.

The lesson was bitter, but he adapted. Ahart subsequently served as class president in ninth, 10th and 11th grades, then ascended to student body president his high school senior year. Much later in life, he lost two runs for the Austin Community College board of trustees.

Ahart grew up in the Givens Park area and attended the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (he still does). He was drawn to travel, fitness and music and sings in the Voice of Praise choir. He chose to attend Texas A&M University because: “I didn’t want to live at home, but I wanted to be close to home.”

Also, he was offered a presidential scholarship. “I liked College Station,” he says. “It was a good fit for me. I made lifelong friends there.”

There, Ahart studied political science, sociology, government and history. His career caught fire through a program started by state Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston that matched him as a top aide to DeSoto state Rep. Helen Giddings.

“You learned professionalism, how to conduct meetings, follow up and develop relationships,” he says.

His work for the American Cancer Society from 2002 to 2009 assumed personal meaning: Both his parents died of cancer. With his background in politics, he was a natural to spearhead the society’s campaign to rid public places of smoke early this decade.

A proposed City of Austin ordinance worried owners of some bars, clubs and restaurants, who said the law would shutter their businesses. Ahart firmly framed the ordinance as a public health issue, concentrating on unintended exposure to secondhand smoke, especially for employees.

Ahart admits to “sweating bullets” on the night of the citywide referendum. Now he’s confident that the social wounds from the campaign have healed. “I’m really pleased,” he says. “I think we’ve all seen the benefits.”

(Informal reviews of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission reports by this columnist showed that Austin sales did not decrease significantly the year following the anti-smoking ordinance. The later recession, on the other hand, has devastated some businesses in the nightlife sector.)

Despite triumphs with the cancer society, Ahart was laid off last year. He says with easy optimism about his post-layoff job search: “God plucked me out and said, ‘Go forth.’ ”

Ahart eventually landed with Keep Austin Beautiful, a nonprofit entity that took over beautification responsibilities that, in the past, were borne by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, then the City of Austin. The group, which works with a nearly $500,000 annual budget, executes clean-up and education contracts for the city and county.

Ahart, a resident of Windsor Park, freely seeks “beauty parity” for East Austin.

Modestly, his work mirrors the efforts of Lady Bird Johnson, whose nationwide beautification programs started with an intense campaign in Washington, D.C., and frequently focused on the national capital’s poorer, urban renewal districts in the 1960s.

Almost 50 years later, Ahart helped connect the American-Statesman’s campaign to distribute wildflower seeds — called Lady Bird’s Legacy after the pioneering Texas environmentalist — with neighborhood efforts to adopt street medians. Before that, Ahart’s nonprofit had helped a Blackshear neighborhood group in East Austin with the legalities attached to a landscaped traffic triangle, clearing the way for such future partnerships.

As for gentrification, Ahart isn’t too worried about the recent changes in East Austin. He likes the in-fill developments and improved services that have come with a revitalized urban core.

“We must provide more resources to the people who live in my area,” he says. “There’s so much life and vibrancy, but not an abundance of resources.”

This ardent East Austinite remembers what his father frequently said: “The view of Austin is just as good from the east as from the west.”

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‘Town of Clouds’ Opening at the MACC

By Michael Barnes | Monday, June 21, 2010, 05:20 PM

The Mexican American Cultural Center opened three years ago. Already, people take it for granted. But for almost 30 years, it remained but a daydream for the Latino community and their friends.

Linda Crockett and Erlinda Zamora

During those three years, I’ve covered many events on the MACC’s plaza and in its performance space, but not at the upstairs art gallery. It glowed with late afternoon light on Saturday for the opening of “Town of Clouds,” Diego Huerta’s mesmerizing photographic exhibit. Huerta spent time documenting the Wirrarika people of mountainous San Andrés de Cohamiata, Jalisco.

Jeff Ogden and Ali Christoph

Most of the images were taken during a ceremony in May 2009 and are illuminated by a stagy golden light. The manipulated colors heighten the impression that the Wirrarika are mostly untouched by global culture. Downstairs are additional photographs by Huerta, but these are staged vignettes of urban emergency personnel. Very dramatic.

Taylor McGhee, Revlynn Lawson and Tisa McGhee

An assembly of 100 or so mingled around the prints, had their pictures taken by the always welcome Annie Ray and munched on tasty taco makings. A tad dressy for dusk, it was a gentle meeting of Old and New Austin, Latin-style.

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Deeper into the Austin party summer

By Michael Barnes | Monday, June 21, 2010, 12:19 PM

Today, Brant Pope, the new chairman of the University of Texas department of theater and dance, will meet and greet drama groupies in the President’s Room West at the University of Texas Club. Despite its periodic withdrawal from the public sphere, the department still wields enormous local influence.

The next night, Trailer Trash Tuesday beckons at Ego’s Bar on South Congress Avenue. Patrons are encouraged to “dress up in your favorite torn and stained shirts and your best trucker hat.”

Austin Goes Classical, a festival of 60 classical music events orchestrated by the Austin Classical Guitar Society, also starts Tuesday. I’ll wait, however, until the socializing kicks in, Thursday at the Long Center.

Also that day, the KittyPolooza Kick-Off Party offers drinks, snack and mingling with fellow cat lovers at the — where else? — Mean-Eyed Cat of West Fifth Street.

Friday, the Austin Writers League hosts its Agents Conference reception at the Hyatt Regency Austin.

Earlier in the day, Pulizter Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts — a personal hero — will be the guest speaker at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center as part of the Austin African American Book Festival.

Hopefully, I’ll still have time to see Rob Nash’s “Special Needs” at the Vortex on Friday night.

Saturday, two late-night options: The Slow Motion Music Summer B-Day Bash at the Phoenix nightclub features DJs Toddy B, Jesse Brede and Alex Vazquez. I’m also intrigued by Queer Up Charlie’s: Bearz vs Gayzns with DJs Realness and Manalog at Cheer Up Charlie’s on East Sixth Street.

I hope the following isn’t a surprise party, because, if so, I just ruined it: Sunday, Dr. John Hogg and David Garza throw a Pretty and Pink Birthday Party for Joanna Linden, CEO of Make-a-Wish Foundation, at their Westlake home.

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La Sombra Preview at Aldridge Place Residence

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 20, 2010, 01:38 PM

I wasn’t supposed to be there. Earlier in the evening, I’d dropped Kip off at the Aldridge Place home of super-connectors Steven Tomlinson and Eugene Sepulveda. He was to enjoy an intimate dinner with friends; I was committed to social duties elsewhere.

Amy Rudy and Doug Ulman

Lo and behold, when I returned hours later to pick Kip up, dinner had barely begun. So I pulled up a chair. At first I was simply blown away by the company, perhaps the highest concentration of social connectors I’d ever witnessed in Austin. The room practically levitated with the jet-fueled conversations among Kirk and Amy Rudy, Jack and Carla McDonald, Steve Adler and Diane Land, Doug Ulman and Amy Grace Tharp, Julie Thornton, Bill and Cindi Bock.

Julie Thornton and Kirk Rudy

Although most of the topics must remain off the record, I can say that, when asked who made the most difference in forging New Austin, the unanimous decision went to Sen. Kirk Watson, especially for mediating the differences between the environmental and business communities. (So the polling went at our end of the table.) Other topics included the Holy Land, Ballet Austin’s “Light,” shifting ownership of real estate (with some really off-the-record reports), summer travels and, of course, food.

Cameron Lockley and Raul Escobar

That final subject ruled, because what brought us to the table was a preview of La Sombra, the South American restaurant that Cameron Lockley is installing on Burnet Road in the old Sampaio’s location. His business partnership with Eddie Bernal — as well as chef, manager and staff — has led to all sorts novel creations inspired by the cuisines of Peru, Brazil, Chile and elsewhere. Don’t want to give too much away, but the fish stew was the standout. Keep an eye out for this fabulous addition to Austin’s food mix.

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Austin Studios Tenth Anniversary

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 19, 2010, 04:45 PM

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of Austin Studios to the local movie industry. Or the value of Austin Film Society, which manages the former airplane hangar complex, now part of the Mueller redevelopment. Without the two resources, Austin might as well be merrier, more progressive Shreveport, La. or Albuquerque, N.M.

Laura Villagran and Chris Johnson

So it’s no wonder more than 1,000 people showed up to salute the studios on Friday night. Winds whipped across the tarmac as folks gathered for a community photograph near an outside stage. Vendors supplied the food. Leaders delivered a few congratulatory announcements. I moseyed inside to chat with friends.

Frankie Frankovis and Rachel McGruder

Honors went to property master Moody Anderson, whose career goes back at least as far as “Giant.” Oh, how I wish Internet Movie Database documented crews as carefully as they do casts. I’d love to peek at his entire resume. He made a dignified speech as the sun set and the party mood really began to take hold.

Kathy Scoggin and Jill McGuckin

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DSACT Cabana Cocktails at HomeAway Rooftop

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 19, 2010, 11:46 AM

HomeAway is one of those companies that defines New Austin. Young, smart, relaxed, imaginative, compassionate. Its offices above the handsome West Elm store on West Fifth Street are open and inviting. And its rooftop patio, furnished like a beach resort, is ideal for gatherings like the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas’ donor party, dubbed Cabana Cocktail.

Adeline and Jer Rem

For a smallish charity that has never thrown such a party — with silent and live auctions, musical act, DJ, tasty food and drink — the association did a superb job. Some 100 guests in modified tropical clothing mingled below the downtown skyline, waiting for the sun to set. University of Texas coach Mack Brown — the party’s big name — wisely opted for the shade.

Anthony and Elizabeth Siela

The thing about gallant groups like this doughty association is they teeter on the cusp of real success. If it wants to grow, the community board must become a funding board. A donor party like this one is a good way to start.

Da and Craig DeLano

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Andersson-Wise Signing at Laguna Gloria

By Michael Barnes | Friday, June 18, 2010, 12:14 PM

Architecture = Beauty + Intelligence. That’s what I took away from the Andersson-Wise signing at Laguna Gloria on Thursday. The party celebrated the release of “Natural Houses” from Princeton Architectural Press, a handsome book detailing the ambitious residential work of the Austin firm.

Eden Box, Hal Box and Arthur Andersson

The first surprise was to see architectural lion Hal Box and his wife Eden Box, in town from San Miguel de Allende. We chatted about Mexico, Box’s Austin residential designs and how they can be distorted by new owners. Then I landed with Joe and Tana Christie, whose Lake Austin house was started by Charles Moore and finished by Andersson. We talked about Texas rivers, state politics, French adventures and more.

George Elliman, Tana Christie and Joe Christie

Andersson himself was entirely gracious. He and Chris Wise are on a roll, having designed the W Hotel and Residences, expected to open in December. Other conversations were shared with Blackmail’s Gail Chovan, Peggy Houser and her “Master of Plaster” husband, Sloan Montgomery Houser, and former Statesman columnist Jane Greig’s son, Travis Greig, project manager for Andersson-Wise.

Catherine Craig and Michael Lloyd

Much of the idle chatter had to do with the place that surrounded us. The Clara Driscoll villa that’s so charming for parties and festivals, but a dubious spot for Austin Museum of Art’s exhibitions. So what to do? The general consensus: Sell AMOA’s downtown lot and come up with an innovative use for the Laguna Gloria site, perhaps putting a modern building where the school now stands.

Brett Koenig and Andrew Logan

Lots of thinking ahead for Austin’s leaders of arts, style, charity, business and law.

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Krupp Brothers Wine Dinner at 24 Diner

By Michael Barnes | Thursday, June 17, 2010, 12:20 PM

Oh, what night! It started with a Krupp Brothers dinner invitation from Billy Caruso. He’s the 24 Diner general manager and sommelier with the euphonious name. Yes, you read right: A diner that serves wine-themed dinners. And they do it extremely well.

The winery in question Wednesday comes with a story, told by Dallas-based marketer Sandy Huffine. Dr. Van Krupp planted a tiny plot in Napa Valley and made wine in his garage. When three larger parcels came up for sale, a geologist told him it was too stony and had no water. He hired a water witch, who pointed to a deep underground river, then he and his brother, Bart, cleared the land of a half-million tones of rock and debris. Now Krupp Brothers makes exquisite cabernets, viogniers, chardonnays, etc., labeled under Veraison, Black Bart and Krupp names.

Erin and Scott Hentschel

24 Diner chef Andrew Curren and his pastry chef wife, Mary Catherine James, designed four courses that set off the wines deftly. Poached lobster, wild halibut, pork tenderloin, pork belly and chocolate pot de crème — in correctly small portions — rolled out to the two dozen diners seated at the cocktail tables in the center of the room. Quite a success with all the guests I spoke to that evening in the slate-hued eatery.

Billy Caruso and Sandy Huffine

I sat with restaurant partner Scott Hentschel and his wife Erin Hentschel, who told me the back story for 24 Diner, which improves on the convenience and comfort of Waterloo Icehouse with a gourmet sensibility. Our table chattered pleasantly about fave restaurants in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Fort Worth. Erin raved about the roasted chicken at 24, which I must try next time. Scott and I talked about the “family tree” of Austin restaurants and how so many of the owners and chefs waited tables at a handful of local establishments 25 to 30 years ago.

John and Samantha Halloran

But the evening had only just begun. My original plan was to drop by Joe Reynold’s new concept eatery and lounge, M Two, on West Fourth Street. Yet every few minutes, another set of old friends entered 24, so I had to linger and gab! Former editor Ed Crowell (who hired me on at the Statesman) and current editor Brenda Bell allowed me to interrupt their meal. I purchased them a bottle of Krupp Brothers viognier, which they didn’t finish, so I sent the other half bottle over to Phyllis Rothgeb Schenkkan and her son John Rothgeb Jr.

It was the late John Rothgeb Sr., a scene designer and painter, who gave me theidea for my master’s thesis (historic Texas theaters), which grew into my doctoral dissertation (the first full history of Texas theater)! Phyllis, you’ve probably guessed from the unusual name, is now married to Robert Schenkkan Sr., one of the founders of KLRU and KUT, whose son, Robert Schenkkan Jr., a UT grad, won the Pulitzer Prize for “The Kentucky Cycle.”

So much Old and New Austin in one small place. Can’t beat it with a stick.

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Beyond Tradition Men’s Launch and Fashion Show

By Michael Barnes | Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 11:59 AM

Well shut my mouth. Finally, more menswear for sale in the Second Street District. It is pegged in a generous style and priced not outside my realm of possibility.

Jessica Riojas and JD Medrano

Tuesday, I had planned to peek in on Kappie Bliss’ Beyond Tradition for its Men’s Launch. Pay my respects. Take some snaps. Greetings all around.

Carson Case and Stephanie Hawley

I stayed for more than three hours! Menswear specialist Phillip Solomon was everywhere, managing the madness. I was the first to purchase an item: A sporty, black TIKKR watch ($65) from a local designer, Cory Stout, whom I later met. Ten percent of the purchase price went to AIDS Services of Austin.

Cory Stout and Analisa Valdez

The boutique overflowed with Austin’s style set, who, more than any other local tribe, loves to go out. The platform fashion show on the sidewalk added a clever touch: Acting. The bracketing scenes coyly mirrored the mating dances of club-goers.

Jocelyn Lo, Chris Nguyen and Jackie Puech

I talked to scads of sentient folks. World Cup was a recurrent topic, especially withEG Abinogun from Nigeria and Daryn Harpaz from South Africa, who had just met.

EG Abinogun and Daryn Harpaz

Scott Dinger and I chatted sympathetically about the splits in the Austin Pride community. Also delved into Strake Jesuit nostalgia with Anthony Haley, soon-to-be father with glowing My-Cherie Haley.

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Suzanne Moore: Forever Rockette

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 08:35 AM

It’s 1959. You are 16 years old. The youngest Radio City Rockette ever. You’re high-kicking for the first time on the stage of the exalted New York movie palace. Understandably, you’re nervous.

The first three performances — back then, the Rockettes danced four times a day, seven days a week — go well. So you relax backstage at Radio City Music Hall. And completely miss your fourth entrance.

What do you do? If you are Suzanne Moore, now of Central Texas, you hide behind the scenery, until the dance captain flushes you out.

“What’s the matter, honey,” the captain cracks, like a character out of “42nd Street.” “You don’t like the choreography?”

Daughter of John Bono, a schoolteacher, and Verna Bono, a nurse, both now deceased, Moore’s slow-take moment about dance came when, at age 8, she saw New York City Ballet’s “Swan Lake.”

“That was it,” she says. “It had to have been in my bloodstream already.”

That night, she didn’t sleep, just danced. She studied, practiced and feasted on Golden Age Broadway musicals, seeing “West Side Story” and “The Music Man” in the same day.

Though it was a dancer’s life for Moore, she was sensitive about auditions and criticism, sometimes coming home from class in tears. She actually took the Radio City “cattle call” audition to grow accustomed to rejection.

Instead, to her utter surprise, she was chosen. As a minor, she was told: “You’re going to have get working papers.” Moore had no idea what that entailed, but she understood her father’s blessing was required. Then living in Rahway, N.J., Bono gave the teenager two conditions for accepting the Radio City gig: 1. Finish her education; 2. Pay for it herself, “since I would be making as much money as he was,” Moore says.

So there she was, attending Quintano’s School for Young Professionals on West 56th Street. Fellow students included future stars Sandra Dee, Tuesday Weld and Leslie Uggams. Meanwhile, represented by the ineffectual American Guild of Variety Artists, she danced 28 times a week, paid the princely sum of $85 a week.

Moore was thrilled to the tips of her tap shoes, although some of the costumes were admittedly “hideous.”

“Once, we were Israeli soldiers with machine guns on our backs,” she chortles, tossing her asymmetrical bob that complements her banana-colored summer dress and short, black sweater.

After two years at the Hall, she suffered a paralyzing injury when a brass plate for a rising mike socket closed on her toe. “The next day, I couldn’t move below the waist,” she says. “I spent a year in the hospital.” Doctors said she’d be lucky just to walk again. No chance of dancing. So she studied arts therapy at City College of New York. Eventually, though, this tough chorine bounced back to Broadway in the Phil Silvers hit “Do Re Mi” and in a national tour of “Little Me.”

Eventually, the pain became too much to handle. So, in the way of dancers, whose careers are often counted in months, Moore opened a school in Rockland County, N.Y. It lasted 15 years, until she dabbled in investments, to which she brought a hidden talent.

“I made all that without doing anything,” she says of her first dividends. “I made money so fast, it got my attention.”

So Moore left dance behind her, working for Prudential on Wall Street, where she met her husband, Charlie Moore. He worked on the corporate side, she with individual investments. An offered promotion for the native Texan in 1997 meant the dyed-in-the-muslin New Yorker was headed to Austin.

The Rockette feeling never faded. Moore expressed her loyalty through the Rockette Alumni Foundation, which counts more than 300 members. The group raises money for scholarships and charity groups. They continue to perform at reunions and donor parties. In fact, Moore was still kicking in unison at a Rockettes gathering on Nov. 6, 2009, in New York. (Austin Cabaret Theatre’s Stuart Moulton was master of ceremonies.)

At age 67! (Moore is second from the right in photograph above.) The woman next to her in the line was 70.

The resilient Rockette spirit was tested in 1979, when the Japanese owners of Rockefeller Center threatened to transform the art deco theater into office spaces. “There were parties all over town that night,” Moore recalls. “Tears were streaming down our cheeks.”

At the last moment, the resplendent theater was spared, but daily live shows gave way to holidays-only spectaculars.

Moore’s impulses toward the arts and charities are stroked in Austin by serving groups such as Ballet Austin, Breast Cancer Resource Center and Austin Cabaret Theatre. A friendship with the late, great Karen Kuykendall enlisted her into helping Zach Theatre.

Out of the public eye, Moore is still very active, nowhere near retirement. Not even “winding down,” she says.

Her one steadfast dedication over five decades remains the Rockettes. She says: “We truly are a sisterhood.”

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Worldwide Maniac Brunch at Torres Residence

By Michael Barnes | Monday, June 14, 2010, 04:30 PM

We squint quizzically at new causes. In particular, ambitious donor parties devoted to new causes.

Michael Torres’ stripling foundation aims high: Nothing less than global sustainability. Its early focus: green housing and micro-lending for victims of disasters.

Michael Torres and Courtney Sanchez

His Worldwide Maniac Foundation — the name rattles — plans a large-scale launch party for Saturday at Austin Music Hall. New Orleans jazz musician Josh Charles and pop rockers Love at War will provide the tunes. Fashion connected to the runway show — something the Music Hall actually does well — will come from Maggie Norris Couture, Carson Couture and designer Richie Rich (see Marques Harper’s fashion column Thursday on the array of such shows this summer).

Sounds fetching so far.

Torres comes with platinum business credentials in high tech: A founder at CSIdentity (which provides identity security); strategic marketer for Infoglide Software and senior manager of corporate planning at Dell Inc. And his foundation has presented smaller-scale events since New York Fashion Week of 2009.

Coco Villarrubia, Allen Beuershausen and Connie Bakonyi

What really sells Worldwide Maniac — and the Saturday launch party — is Torres’ list of co-hosts. It gathers together social connectors like former Mayor Will Wynn, Make-A-Wish Foundation CEO Joanna Linden, Longley Group president Susan Longley, photographer Gray Hawn, Creative Consultants enchantress Victoria Hentrick, Ralph Lauren’s stylish Nina Seely and husband Frank, shooting social stars Dr. John Hogg and David Garza and charity up-and-comer Allen Bauerhausen.

More New Austin than Old, yet dripping with credibility.

Mark Halsell and Stephanie O’Neill

That very list drew me to Torres house in the gated Lakeway-area village of The Hills for brunch on Sunday. The fare was simple, unpretentious: quiche, pastries, fruit salad. Courtney Sanchez served as hostess, while Torres moved from one social pod to another. He talked up small-scale sustainability and personal responsibility, then showed the rough cut of a film, “Reclaiming the Garden,” on the subject.

Others at the party endorsed Torres’ cause, or at least the Music Hall party: Austin Fashion Association founder Connie Bakonyi, experienced marketer Mark Halsell and boutique owner Stephanie Coultress O’Neill among them.

OK. Sign me up. We’ll judge the results on Saturday.

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This Week in Austin: Party, Party, Party

By Michael Barnes | Monday, June 14, 2010, 11:40 AM

Austin is the party that never pauses.

Tuesday, I’ll join the dizzy pranksters committing dance, clowning, interactive Wii and jazz, among other festive activities during the Party on the Vanguard at the Salvage Vanguard Theater.

Wednesday, Billy Caruso’s Krupp Brothers Wine Dinner lures me to 24 Diner on North Lamar Boulevard. You really don’t think about diners serving wine-themed suppers, but this is Austin. Anything can happen.

Thursday, I’ll stop by the reception toasting the publication of “Natural Houses: The Residential Architecture of Andersson-Wise” at Laguna Gloria. Andersson-Wise is the firm that designed the W Hotel & Residences (pictured in an AW illustration) and Zach Theatre’s planned new home.

I’ll wind up the evening at the concert aiding the Palmer Drug Abuse Program at Antone’s. It features Eric Johnson and Chris Layton. Also, I expect social superstars John Paul and Eloise DeJoria to lead the cheers.

Friday, the Cabana Cocktail Party at the HomeAway Building benefits Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas.

Then it’s off to the Make Watch Love Film Party, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Austin Studios. You can bet movie-makers Richard Linklater, Mike Judge, Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellán will be there.

Saturday, Diego Huerta’s “Town of Clouds/ El Pueblo de las Nubes,” a photographic exhibit, opens at the Mexican American Cultural Center, while the comic drama “Bug,” directed by Austin Critics Table Award-winner Mark Pickell, closes at Hyde Park Theatre.

Later that night, I’ll hit the Worldwide Maniac Foundation Launch & Fashion Show at the Austin Music Hall. Always gratifying to welcome a new foundation to the charity and glamour games.

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Dock Ellis Doc + Pink Martini Mix

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 13, 2010, 12:01 PM

First out of the docket on Saturday was a party at the Highball. Packed as always, Highball hosted a benefit for the Center for Independent Documentary. This also served as a demo for the documentary “No No: A Dockumentary.” This movie recalls the life of Dock Ellis, the late Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who said he threw a no-hitter in 1970 while on LSD.

Mike Blizzard and Jeff Radice

Key movie players Mike Blizzard and Jeff Radice were in high — sorry — spirits, as the Highball — there we go again — party room filled. (The guy can’t help it.) Musical acts and film excerpts were slated for later in the evening. I had time to catch up with a dear friend from Houston, Glen Politte, and make a new acquaintance, Ron Beal, originally from Bryan and acutely attuned to politics. For outtakes, updates, etc. go to the doc site.

Ruby Painter and Steve Sanders

Entertainment editor Sharon Chapman and I then scampered over to the Palmer Events Center for Pink Martini. This Oregon-based act has been tickling audiences for many years with their international takes on standards, lounge sounds and dance music. They played with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, which also provided a brief first act of consonant music.

Ron Beal, Sarah Searcy and Sunit Sikri

Hearing anything in the Palmer Events Center is a challenge. For the Butler Pops Series, guests also bring along picnic feasts and purchase comestibles from the copious selections at the concession stands. Dreamy Pink Martini, however, felt detached, distant in the vast exhibit hall. I know the table arrangement on Palmer’s flat floor enhances a long, casual tradition for the pops, but so much else suffers, socially and musically.

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Friday Night on the Town

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 12, 2010, 08:18 PM

So, instead, I took the evening off to luxuriate in downtown Austin nightlife without a rigorous schedule.

First stop: Townhouse. Mix master Garrett Mikell’s new jewel replaces Back Alley Social, which replaced the Whiskey Bar on West Fifth Street. It’s a shotgun-style room with a long, high service area made formal by tall shelves holding rare and common spirits.

The place, packed with fresh ingredients, smells divine. How often is that the case in a club or bar? Herbs, citrus, infusers and other cocktail makings proliferate.

The scrupulous bartenders hand you a menu with a couple dozen enticing choices. (You could order a vodka and Red Bull, but really?)

Mikell personally mixed me a drink that included brûléed oranges and thyme. Oh my. Mikell is on his way to stardom in his field.

I also talked to Nakia, who has popped up everywhere this week, and John Pointer, another outstanding musician. We talked about the rise of the arrogant male — usually called a word reserved for cleaning discreet body parts — now populating West Sixth Street. That’s unfortunate. I almost never experience attitude in Austin nightlife. I must investigate.

My Saturday route twice took me past Republic Live, where the Biker’s Ball was about to take place. The door staff, who addressed me by name, kindly asked me to join them both times. But as said, enough of ROT this year. My only disappointment was missing Miranda Dodson’s CD release at Stubb’s, which conflicted directly with Colonna’s.

UPDATE: An earlier version of this post gave incorrect addresses for Townhouse and the Ghost Room. The first is on West Fifth Street, the second is on West Fourth Street.

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Molly Prize Dinner at the Four Seasons

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 12, 2010, 02:07 PM

“Well, I give up. Sy Hersh is a real reporter. I’m a fake.” I’m sure plenty of journalists were thinking that during Hersh’s keynote address at the Molly National Journalism Prize dinner on Friday.

Nancy Scanlan and Becky Beaver

Hersh, now of The New Yorker, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his freelance reporting on the My Lai massacre, is ferociously intelligent and articulate. He’s also fearlessly opinionated and he interrupted his speech repeatedly to bash President Barack Obama’s record in Afganistan and elsewhere. (He’s furious that Obama for continuing and expanding the Bush war strategies.)

Alec Rhodes and Jane Hilfer

Feelings of inadequacy aside, it was gala evening supporting the resurgence of the Texas Observer. The honors, named for the late Molly Ivins, attracted big guns like former Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby, former gubernatorial candidate Sissy Farenthold, former state Sen. Babe Schwartz and Waco benefactor Bernard Rappaport.

Barbara Morgan and Paul Stekler

Scads of other politicians and local celebrities crowded into the Four Seasons banquet room. Braving such a full, noisy house was state Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth, who defeated an incumbent Republican in a red district. Her poise and deftness convinced me she could run for statewide office some day.

Mary Margaret Farabee and H.W. Brands

I sat next to the delightfully dry Kaye Northcott, an Ivins buddy who recently retired as editor from Texas Coop Power and plans to spend more time with her Kindle and some deliberative writing. I didn’t get to spend as much time with my other tablemates, such as party co-chairwoman Mary Margaret Farabee and distinguished historian H.W. Brands as well as Jane Hilfer, Barbara Morgan, Paul Stekler and former state Rep. Alec Rhodes.

Stimulating evening from beginning to end: The winners from an increasingly nonprofit-driven field: A.C. Thompson of The Nation; Petra Bartosiewicz of Harper’s Magazine and Chris Vogel of Houston Press. Thompson’s investigative work on vigilantism in post-Katrina New Orleans will blow your mind.

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Atticus Circle Happy Hour at Shagri-La

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 12, 2010, 08:57 AM

The other day, a newspaper reader, self-labeled as “liberal,” called my editor. Said the social columnist — that’s me — has a “gay agenda.” Yeah, I have a gay agenda. I’m gay. Get over it. That’s the extent of my agenda.

Anne Wynne and Ruth Gardner-Loew

A group that already embraces this attitude held a happy hour at Shangri-La on Thursday. The Atticus Circle was started by Austinite Anne Wynne and her husband in response to the round of state referendums that enshrined marriage inequality into constitutions. Instead of just steaming, she started a civil rights group composed of straight people pushing for complete equality.

Hillary Molinar and Kanishka Bhaghia

It has already spread to 70 college campuses around the country. Student Karla Gonzalez recently raised $5,000 in three weeks at Texas A&M selling equality-themed T-shirts. At the Austin happy hour, Austin businessman Tim McCabe pledged $2,500 if the attending University of Texas students could match that.

Michelle Gardner, Karla Gonzalez and Lowell Kane

Atticus Circle executive director Ruth Gardner-Loew also spoke at the party, as did UT students whose names I did not catch. Pretty uplifting stuff.

(Have I mentioned I’m pleased UT is going west, into the future, with the Pac-10, rather than east with the SEC? Do I have to enumerate the many reasons why? It would be nice if our good friends at Texas A&M took a step forward rather than back as well.)

UPDATE: A previous version of this post did not credit Karla Gonzalez with raising the $5,000 at A&M.

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YWCA Woman of the Year Awards at Ragsdale Center

By Michael Barnes | Thursday, June 10, 2010, 10:24 AM

So many groups in town recognize outstanding leaders, it’s tough to keep track. The YWCA Greater Austin Women of the Year Awards deserve more careful attention. They reward conspicuous achievement, yes, but also promise, empowerment and justice as well.

Helen Crudup and Cynthia Thomas

I attended the lunch with Carla Jackson, by day a leader at Austin Community College Center for Public Policy, by night a theatrical producer (and mom). Jackson packs enough energy and charisma for six lunch guests, and she quickly sought out like spirits in the Ragsdale Center at St. Edward’s University.

Pixi Phillips and Deborah Joiner

Sherry Ransom delivered a keynote address of astonishing compression and effectiveness. She related her journey of service, helping young people escape poverty by exposing them to the world beyond their immediate surroundings. (She’s the executive director of LEAP, one of Ada Anderson’s gifts to Austin.)

Ransom offered concrete, practical advice about service. “You give what you have lived,” Ransom said. “Look at the obstacles in your life. The obstacles you have overcome are what you have to give.”

Carla Jackson and Sherry Ransom

Rambling videos introduced the winners: Sana Naiyer (Young woman of Achievement); Pilar Sanchez (Leader of Promise); Laura Griebel (Economic Empowerment); Audrey Seldon (Racial Justice) and Katie Navine (Lifetime Achievement). The only one I know is Sanchez. I hope to catch up with her soon and meet the others later.

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Milton Torres of Popular Hispanics

By Michael Barnes | Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 02:41 PM

Allusive names and phrases have trailed Milton Torres through life.

He grew up in Canandaigua, N.Y., which means “the chosen spot” in the Seneca tongue. His other hometowns — Ponce, P.R.; Buffalo, N.Y., Annapolis, Md., East Harlem, N.Y. — draw a map of enriched cultures, but also fragmentation, split personality.

Later in life, the Round Rock businessman, CEO of Miltway International, a marketing and consulting firm, spun out a phrase, “your average Juan,” to define his portion of the American Hispanic demographic range.

“You market to the average person,” says Torres, 51. “That’s me. Every Hispanic family has a Juan.”

Four years ago, he hit on two words — “Popular Hispanics” — which led to his next career, as a publisher and editor.

His deft twist on the title of the 108-year-old Popular Mechanics service magazine evolved into a classy online publication in English. As soon as the words had popped into his head, he secured the domain name. Launched in December 2009, the digital magazine profiles Hispanic celebrities in the fields of entertainment, fashion, culture, food, business and related fields.

“We don’t do religion or politics,” he says. “I’m interested in uniting people.” For Torres, life began in Ponce — “La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South)” — in southern Puerto Rico. His mother’s family once owned coffee plantations, but “none of that trickled down to me,” Torres notes.

His father, Jose, was a nurse; his mother, Gladys, did odd jobs. They moved to New York City when he was 2, then divorced when he was 5.

Although he spent some time with his father in East Harlem, he most identifies with Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes district, where his mother settled after the divorce.

“I loved the greenery and surroundings of upstate New York,” he says. “I was very fortunate to grow up there. Puerto Rico is beautiful, too, but they lock everything down there.”

Torres — who looks a bit like Robert Redford, crossed with Tim Allen and Al Pacino, depending on the light — wrestled competitively in high school. That skill served him well when he attended college at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Ponce Puerto Rico. As a student, he also worked as the wrestling team’s coach. He traded lessons and advice with the university’s martial arts instructors.

Like many students in the 1970s, he drifted from interest to interest.

“I was always a free spirit,” he says. “If somebody gave me an opportunity, I went for it.” He finished college at the University of Buffalo, the first in his family to do so. There, he served as director of public relations for the student association, a job that put him in the proximity of movers and shakers.

Former United Nations Secretary-General and Austrian President Kurt Waldheim told him: “Never give up. If you do, it’s the beginning of the end.” Despite later revelations about Waldheim’s Nazi past, Torres stayed in touch with him. “He did a lot of good for the world,” he says.

He hung out with former Yippie Abbie Hoffman. “He was wild,” Torres laughs. “He wanted me to go to South America to see a revolution.”

A motorcycle accident ended Torres’ wrestling career, but not his growing interest in the world around him. He traveled. And drifted.

“I basically did what I wanted,” he said. “If I could have experience rather than money, I would choose experience.”

In 1986, that preference landed him in Austin, joining old friends in a house on Rabb Street, on the cusp between the Zilker and Barton Hills neighborhoods. Like so many others, he fell in love with the place. But Torres had to eat, as well. He took catering jobs. During the Dell Inc. boom of the 1990s, he joined the company as a temporary worker and ended up selling computers to the Army.

“I was never a technical person,” he admits. But he turned into a snappy salesman, wearing impeccable if relaxed business wear. Stock options and splits left Torres in a financially advantageous position. After Dell, he resold computers, worked with a Colorado condominium development and pursued marketing dreams.

And he became a family man. He married his wife, Susan, a pricing analyst for Level 3 Communications, in 1999. He has a daughter, Loren, from a previous marriage. She recently graduated from Stony Point High School. His children with Susan, Jon, 8, and Lily, 6, occupy a big part of his day, since he and his wife work from home, him upstairs, her downstairs.

Researching the potential for his new publication, Torres found that, though Spanish remains a touchstone, many American Hispanics like to read in English. So far, Popular Hispanics has focused on such figures as New York hair stylist Johnny Lavoy, Miami beauty queen Stephie Torres and soccer player Carlos Bocanegra. It provides advice and tips on travel, fitness, music, eating out, gossip and other usual lifestyle topics.

Torres doesn’t sweat the fact that, so far, Popular Hispanics clocks its monthly hits in the low thousands and its profit strategy is still ambiguous.

“The Hispanic market in the U.S. is estimated to have reached a trillion dollars a year in purchasing power,” he says. “Branding comes now. Advertising comes later.”

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Junior Merino at Fonda San Miguel

By Michael Barnes | Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 12:10 PM

Honesty is the best policy in these matters: I had no idea who Junior Merino was until Tuesday afternoon.

Junior Merino

The New York-based “liquid chef” is a superstar in his field. (“He’s HUGE in Japan,” one helpful source told me.) He founded a school of mixology, invented hundreds of drinks and trained bartenders at hot spots around the world, including La Condesa and Malverde in Austin.

Monica Peraza, Arely Fontecha and Rosalba Ojeda

Merino was on hand at Fonda San Miguel for the formal announcement of Sabores Auténticos de México, a dinner gala slated for Sept. 13 at the Long Center. After a long promotional video, Merino answered questions from a crowd of two dozen or so. The room filled up a bit later when he and a colleague started mixing two inventive drinks, one with tamarind seeds, the other with rose hips.

Rodrigo Sanchez and Elias Hermida

I chatted with social connectors Consul General of Mexico in Austin Rosalba Ojeda, Popular Hispanics publisher Milton Torres, District Clerk Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza, her nephew David Mendoza, newspaper publisher Cathy Vasquez-Revilla, MexNet Alliance president Monica Peraza (MexNet hosts Sabores), chef-owner David Garrido, opera director Robert DeSimone, and Oscar Davila (whom I had met at a Charity Bash party).

Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza and Robert DeSimone

The Sabores party is expected to be a feast and the ticket prices are an incredible bargain: $40.

UPDATE: An earlier version of this post incorrectly noted that Maria Maria provided the snacks. Fonda made them in-house.

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Chopin and Champagne at Agudas Achim

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 10:45 AM

Congregation Agudas Achim may be the most heavenly place to hear chamber music in Austin. Located on the Dell Jewish Community Campus, it’s a haven of visual and aural serenity. Which is probably why the Austin Chamber Music Center chose it for a gala concert to preview its summer festival, which gets under way in July.

Holly and Kevin Priestner

Before the concert, guests mingled over snacks and talked about the miraculous changes in this essential Austin art group. It was always a gem, educating while entertaining. But now it shines with as much polish as any classical outfit in town.

Robin Burwell and Ora Shay

I could only stay for one Chopin sonata, but all four movements delivered by pianist and ACMC leader Michelle Schumann and cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio from the Eroica Trio stirred me.

Heather and John Santana

Speaking of arts, we had tremendous fun at the Austin Critics Table Awards ceremony last night. Before the action, I experienced a PowerPoint meltdown which could have added an extra hour to the show. Thanks to Cap City Comedy Club night manager Travis Charles Hagan and the intrepid David Wyatt for saving our bacon.

For a complete list of winners, go to Seeing Things.

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An arty sporting week ahead

By Michael Barnes | Monday, June 7, 2010, 11:02 AM

Arts, sports, style, media, music and nightlife abound in Austin this week.

Tonight, I’ll attend the Austin Critics Table Awards ceremony. The free, informal ritual includes inductions into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame for James Dick, Jo Anne Christian, Alan Pogue and Maria Salinas. Awards nominees from the fields of theater, dance, classical music and visual art will mix over martinis and other refreshments at Cap City Comedy Club.

Tuesday, I’ll join Mexican Consul General in Austin Rosalba Ojeda and Monica Perez, president of MexNet Alliance, for a cocktail reception at Fonda San Miguel. (They will make a big announcement.)

Thursday, it’s time recognize the best in investigative journalism at the Molly Prize Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel. The honors are named after the late, irreverent Molly Ivins, whose wit is still missed.

Friday, two Austin songstresses trailing new CDs call out to me: Miranda Dodson at Stubb’s and Wendy Colonna at the Ghost Room. Maybe I can race between the sets on foot.

Saturday, Pink Martini, those rascally, retro-pop high campers from Oregon, frolic with the Austin Symphony Orchestra at the Long Center. Maybe first, we could drop by the Monster Art Mash Up at One Love Art Space, 2513 E. Sixth St.

Sunday, oh what the heck, we hope to dance with Filthy Rich of Spektre at Light Bar. After all, how much time do we have left before the planned renovation of 408 Congress Ave.? As for the rest of the week, maybe I’ll get lucky and score tickets to a NCAA super-regional baseball tournament game at Disch-Faulk Field. As I write this weekly preview column, the Longhorns have not yet qualified.

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Austin Pride at the Long Center

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 6, 2010, 05:12 PM

Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride is bigger than ever. Or maybe the new nonprofit charged with its destiny has figured out what works for that particular festival and parade. From Saturday morning till well into the evening, countless expressions of pride flocked around the Long Center, then lower downtown Austin.

Adam Clements and Lara Aulie

The center’s plaza was buzzing when I arrived at 11 a.m. My aim: “Connections,” four themed playlets by Allan Baker revived on the Rollins Studio stage. Three of the pieces were riveting, emotionally, aesthetically, on every level. The fourth, a conversation between two men in bed, needs more air to grow. But all four reminded me of Tennessee Williams during his experimental stage in the 1960s. (Baker establishes a sense of place through gay characters who grew up in West Texas.)

Pete Murchison and Deandra Harris

After that, I wandered through the pride fair on the plaza and down the center’s lawn. Hundreds of people thronged to dozens of booths, some for nonprofits, others offering pride paraphernalia, and, course, food. Despite the heat, the mood was light, even frisky, as folks took photos, held hands and caught up with old friends. I talked at some length with former mayoral aide Rich Bailey about our usual topic: The need for a gay community center in Austin, a gathering place and nexus for small nonprofits.

Nadine Hughes and Rachel Mykels

I strolled home for nap, then returned in time for Mario Cantone’s set at 6 p.m.. The comic, best known to some his returning role in the “Sex and the City” franchise, does brilliant, eccentric stand-up with his buzz-saw voice and nimble body. This time, he and a small band threw in numerous musical numbers, some of new making, and one unforgettable duet between mocked-up Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland. Cantone’s vocal range is pretty amazing too.

Robby Hausman and Layne Box

Greeting familiar faces all the way — including a spiffed-up Heath Riddles from KOOP Radio and retired Statesman stars Ben Sargent and Diane Holloway — I inspected the parade floats hugging the southern base of the Drake Bridge. Then I crossed the river just in time to hear a welcome invitation for salty snacks and a beverage at III Forks. It was American-Statesman publisher Michael Vivio and his wife Beth, along with two of their friends. They had stumbled on the most pleasant place in the shade along the restaurant’s terrace to watch the pride parade.

Jessica Champion and Kathleen Houlihan from the thoroughly creative Austin Public Library Bibliofiles

As usual, along with solidarity and hilarity, there seemed to be no scarcity of leather, drag, shirtlessness or inventive costuming. As the parade faded away, I bid my civilized companions goodbye to check out the block party on West Fourth Street. Suddenly, the heat of the day hit me. People looked like they had been through the ringer, sweat pouring from every available pore. (The L Style G Style crew had already showered at least twice that day.) Organizers planted a party within a street party in the parking lot at West Fourth and Colorado streets. It looked likely to dance into the wee hours.

Walking home, I ran into Rob Faubion. He informed me that Joe Reynold’s revised Saba is now a gay lounge named M2 after the Los Angeles spot that Joe had helped create before returning to Austin. Huh. Joe had told me his plans to change the name of the West Fourth Street looker, but I didn’t know it would be gay-themed. Makes sense at that spot. The community could sure use a classy lounge.

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Charity Bash Big Bash at Allan House

By Michael Barnes | Sunday, June 6, 2010, 11:57 AM

Charity Bash is hot. Usually not tropical.

Marcy Regan and Bobby Sansone

The group of young Austinites that raises money for charities at stylish mixers capped its year with a Big Bash at Allan House. And raw temps were high on this brutal summer evening.

Ashly Harrell and Arun Chirayil

The graceful Allan House, located across the street from the Travis County courthouse complex, sits on a hill in the Original Austin hood. That allows it to catch some breaks from the unforgiving heat. But the courthouse now blocks the prevailing southeastern breezes, so the patio garden was hotter than Hades on Friday for Big Bash.

John Drogin and Nichole Wright

Even dressed in summer whites, this handsome gathering looked wilted by the time I arrived (after Black Arts Movement and QueerBomb). Fire dancers failed to lift spirits much higher while I was there. Still, Charity Bash leader Alex Winkelman reports at least $12,000 in the bank for the housing group, Foundation Communities. And that take may go as high as $14,000 when all is said and done.

Well done, Charity Bash. If Legacy for Giving trains youngsters in altruism, you extend the lessons into the club and party years for young adults.

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Queer Bomb at 501 Studios

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 5, 2010, 05:24 PM

A carnival mood attended the Queer Bomb assembly at 501 Studios on Friday. An hour before the alternative procession began, folks in costume gathered inside and nearby the versatile facility at Brushy and East Fifth streets. Familiar themes — modified uniforms, theatrical drag, all sorts of gender bending — proliferated. Freshest to me were women tufted with fur who formed “Clan of the Cave Queer.”

Caitlin Lowell, Tom Cat and R. Hyena

By 9 p.m., at least 200 revelers were psyched for the pride procession. Everyone I spoke to — gay, straight and otherwise — shared a feeling of playfulness and warmth. It made one, well, proud, of Austin, that so many tribes would engage in such public joy. City Council Member Randi Shade honorably read a proclamation from Mayor Lee Leffingwell dubbing June 4, 2010 Queer Bomb Day (only in Austin!).

Not sure if my notes are accurate on these IDs. Best not to guess.

Pride shows many faces, and some of the speech-making exhibited its less admirable facets. Speakers drifted into contradiction (We are all about love, except when we are constantly dinging the people we hate in our own community and what they do.); or ahistorical conclusions (contrary to the narrowed definitions shouted from the platform, fairly ordinary-looking doctors, lawyers, teachers and the like also contributed mightily to the early gay movement and marched in the earliest protests. I know. I was there. I was one of those teachers. The documentary “Before Stonewall” deserves a look-see.)

Erin Gentry and Erica Nix

Time changes one’s perspective, too. Back then, we faced squadrons of regimented riot police who blocked our paths. Last night, Austin peace officers on bicycles and motorcycles led the gentle way. Decades ago, I could have been lost my teaching candidacy when my picture appeared on the front page of the Houston daily newspaper as part of march coverage. (I didn’t: Then as now, I take a terrible picture.) At least in Central Texas, I hope those kinds of imminent threats to life, love or pursuit of happiness are waning.

Rhetorical quibbles and sharpened memories didn’t distract from the sheer fun of Queer Bomb and the extravagant feeling of good will I experienced personally on Friday. I followed the march as it turned onto East Sixth Street, but didn’t go far. Two fatigued twentysomethings smiled at me conspiratorially when we recognized our mutual bailings: “Marches are for 19-year-olds,” they joked. On such a hot evening, they, and I hope, I can be excused for simply wishing the procession well.

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Black Arts Movement at the Carver Center

By Michael Barnes | Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:36 AM

When dreamers envisioned the Carver Museum and Cultural Center’s handsome home, this is what they had in mind. ProArts Collective’s opening night of the Black Arts Movement festival united artists, admirers and neighbors on the Carver’s plaza and in its Boyd Vance Theater. (The late leader Boyd Vance would beam with pride at this party, although he’d deflate any chest-puffing with sly wit.)

Stephanie Williams and Sylvia Stinson

Outside, charismatic Damon Sith’s Capoeria group played Afro-Caribbean music on authentic-looking instruments. Braver souls than I danced, or demonstrated ritual martial arts. Inside, shorts played on the movie screen, including one by Timeca Seretti on bullying. In between, refreshments were served.

Carla Nickerson, Tonya Pennie and Angela D. Jenkins-Bey

I caught up with several community leaders and asked what looked most promising on the BAM schedule. More than one mentioned celebrity chef Toni Tipton-Martin’s “Culinary One-Acts Cooking Performance” on June 17. As I understand it, three cooks will demonstrate their methods for making fried chicken. Actual fried chicken for the masses will be catered at the former Ms. B’s on East 11th Street.

Julio and Timeca Seretti

Also buzzy at the fest is Nadine Mozon’s “Delta Rhapsody,” running at the Off Center next week. Much to do a BAM, if you can make it.

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Glossy Glam in Steiner Ranch

By Michael Barnes | Friday, June 4, 2010, 11:19 AM

In the past week or so, I have driven out RR 620 four times. Haven’t made it up and down the Lake Travis expressway that frequently since our sailing days in the 1980s. It was time for Glossy Glam.

Victoria Heckenlaible and Gerald Rich

Introducing the magazine’s June issue, the Glam party brought together advertisers, marketers, publishers, fashionistas and social connectors. The custom open house spread out over 15,000 square feet or so above Lake Austin in a southern European style.

Elle LaMont and Justin Brown

It’s hard to imagine what families do with 10 times our bungalow’s interior space, but guests clearly enjoyed clambering around the dark woods, curving staircases, luxe bathing rooms and walk-in closets the size of our living room.

Megan Rainbird, Gabriella McSwain, Carly Morris

It was a pretty dressy assembly, too. Early on, I noticed three tall, lovely women, then spied them later in another part of the estate. Strangely, they looked quite different. “We’re changing clothes every 30 minutes,” said the models. “As part of the Dillard’s display.” The gimmick worked. It grabbed my attention.

Zeke and Lucile Shotwell

I spoke with social stars I know well, but also newcomers, such as Victoria Heckenlaible and Gerald Rich of the Daily Texan, who seemed supremely comfortably in such posh surroundings.

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Best Party on Earth at the Four Seasons

By Michael Barnes | Thursday, June 3, 2010, 12:12 PM

The Best Party on Earth almost washed out. A raging thunderstorm struck just as the Leadership Austin revel began at the Four Seasons Hotel. And this was supposed to be a garden party!

Daniel and Tina Longoria

Luckily, leaders thought ahead and, by the time I arrived, everything was safely transferred to the banquet room and lobbies. The title of the annual event, usually dubbed Best Party Ever, was taken from its circus theme (as in “Greatest Show on Earth”). Brightly attired jugglers, card-readers, clowns, etc. roamed the hotel’s low-key interiors.

Jerry Philips and Zeena Angadicheril

This is not the first Austin party to employ these entertainment specialists, and it’s well past time for me to write about the tribe of circus folks we obviously harbor here in town. I chatted with two stilters who represent Flourish & Fool, Kelsey Strauch and Jules McEvoy. They were preparing to embark on the summer circus circuit, but have settled in Austin.

David and Rose Cardona

Back to Leadership Austin. The sterling group that trains future Austin leaders needs no further praise from me. I’ve been touting the program for almost two decades and have spoken to classes and meetings many times. It grooms more social connectors than almost any other outfit.

Kelsey Strauch and Jules McEvoy

Honored this round were Patsy Woods Martin, whose I Live Here I Give Here is another role model; grand man Neal Spelce and charity stars of the year, Priscilla Guajardo and John-Michael Cortez. (Earlier this week, I saw a bit of Cortez’s influence at Plaza Saltillo, where I walked with former Mayor Gus Garcia.) Quite the celebrities for all the right reasons!

UPDATE: Daniel Longoria’s name was incorrect in a previous version of this post.

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Drink Pink Bombshell Bash at Opal Divine’s Penn Field

By Michael Barnes | Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 11:50 AM

A sense of humor proves a potent weapon when facing a serious illness — or even mortality. The folks at the Breast Cancer Resource Center seem to comprehend this.

Susan Parker and Carol Hickey

The group’s Drink Pink Bombshell Bash at Opal Divine’s Penn Field is a case in point. Stylish pink drinks, some employing Tito’s Handmade Vodka, were passed around in cosmopolitan glasses. Marilyn Monroe, who knew something about the cultural resonance of breasts, was saluted on her birthday.

Nanette Labastida and Beth Bellanti

Mr. Fabulous and Casino Royal — which I heard some youngster describe as “old school” — played the outdoor stage. Old school, at the very least, young man, this ongoing, ironic tribute to the Rat Pack era.

Heather Fowler and Linzi Latour

Out came the Jigglewatts burlesque troupe, who coyly toyed with the 19th-century underwear that remains so mildly provocative today. All for a good cause.

I spoke at some length with my welcome correspondent Carol Hickey, who is thinking about acting again. Good for her. No time like the present.

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Not just one way to salute gay pride

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 08:46 AM

Who owns gay pride? Or, more to the point, who owns the Austin tributes to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, which ignited the modern gay movement?

“Nobody” seems as safe a dodge as “everybody.” Yet anyone familiar with the dynastic rivalries among advocates of African American civil rights or the micro-divisions within the women’s movement knows that such symbolic events come packed with potential strife.

This week, two Austin groups — Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation and Queer Bomb — will salute the historic riots in distinct ways.

The last part didn’t sit well with everyone.

“We didn’t want pride to become just another circuit party,” says Chad Peevy, 29, president of the foundation, which is attempting to define the annual festival and parade as family-friendly and tourist-genial. “I didn’t always feel included in the past. I don’t think others did either.”

You see, large, elaborate circuit parties attract gay males (almost exclusively) for music, dance and various forms of intemperance. Among the marathon festivities on the international circuit are Palm Springs’ White Party, Montreal’s Black and Blue Party and Miami’s Winter Party. In Austin, Splash parties — the next one scheduled for Labor Day weekend — radiate from the vicinity of Hippie Hollow.

Fine for that sort of thing, Peevy says, but not a way to unite a larger community. “I have felt isolated in my gay experience,” he says. “In my search for a sense of belonging, I’ve been given an opportunity to create a place, one I hope others could relate to as well. You can go to the same circuit party in Los Angeles, New York or Miami. Instead, we wanted to showcase the best among us and the best within us.”

With that in mind, the foundation chose seven grand marshals — Libby Sykora, Oliver Everette, Patrice Pike, Lisa Scheps, Laura Morrison, Megan Hodge and Gregory J. Vincent — representing law, media, music, business, charity, government, education and other fields. Hodge, a rising star, gained fame as a high school student and co-founder of Texas Gay Straight Alliance Network; she now works closely with Out Youth.

Peevy, who runs a marketing company, and his foundation took over duties that had previously been shouldered by the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, a business group, and Equality Texas, an advocacy group, at various locations.

Not everyone is happy with the Pride regime or its aims. A group called Queer Bomb, which quickly attracted more than 700 friends on Facebook, plans an alternative event on Friday. It will start at 8:30 p.m. at 501 Studios in East Austin, follow a procession downtown, then return to the Studios for a blowout bash.

Queer Bomb spokesman Paul Soileau, who doubles in drag as Rebecca Havemeyer, says that some in the community have felt discouraged by the foundation’s structure. They also suspect that certain elements of gay culture have been shunted aside as Austin Pride was mainstreamed.

Members of Soileau’s group say they felt that Austin Pride was too closely associated with business interests and that it strives too hard to fit in with the straight world. (The presence of children, accompanied by gay or straight parents, seems to heat any such debate.)

The foundation does charge fees ($75-$125) for parade floats, defrays organizing costs through VIP passes priced as high as $179, and encourages behavior that wouldn’t offend sponsors or mainstream audiences.

That’s a sticking point for Queer Bomb, whose members mistrust the Austin Pride leadership based on past experiences.

“We are an array of unique individuals who don’t feel their presence accepted,” Soileau says. “We are being forced to correct behavior in a controlled way. (Austin Pride) is making people feel we are unsafe because of the way we look and act.”

Both groups are seeking greater inclusion, which has led, almost inevitably, to some feeling left out. It’s a disagreement as old as the gay movement. While feelings on both sides have been bruised, neither is discouraging attendance at the other’s events.

“We are asking people to take part in everything,” Soileau says. “Do as many things as you can, since this is the one weekend we really have.”

UPDATE: The starting point for the Queer Bomb procession, 501 Studios, was not announced until after the article in the June 1 American-Statesman was printed.

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