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June 1, 2009
What to do while I'm out of town
As you read this, I’m headed to Colorado to spend time with seven close friends and four dogs in a remote cabin near Durango. Pray that no harm results from reading books, playing bridge, embarking on hikes, riding horses, cooking on campfires or delivering stray witticisms. This means I’ll miss some choice parties through mid-June.
June 2: Leadership Austin’s Best Party Ever honoring Mayor Will Wynn and former Leadership Austin director Lee Thomson at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
June 4: 5:30 p.m. The Austin Equation discussion with Heather McKissick and Bijoy Goswami at the Leadership Austin offices. 6:30 p.m. Vino y Virtuosos for Hospice Austin at Laguna Gloria. 8 p.m. Summer Sizzle Fashion Show at Antone’s.
June 5: 8 p.m. Majestic Party for Austin Pride at the Paramount Theatre. Also at 8 p.m., Texas Swing for Project Transitions with Alvin Crow and Nancy Scott at Saengerrunde Hall. (My advice: Bop between both.)
June 6: 5 p.m. Vaughn House Casino Night at Onion Creek Country Club. 6 p.m. Austin Babtist Women for Pride at Republic Square Park. 8 p.m. Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico de Texas at the Paramount Theatre. 9 p.m. Tribal Nations costumed Art Party at Ayers Mansion. 11:59 p.m. The World Air Sex Championships at Alamo Ritz.
June 7: 7 p.m. Celebrate Chef Roger’s Life at Boggy Creek Farms. 7:30 p.m. Sunday Night Social at Saba.
June 10: 6 p.m. Fire and Ice Gala for American Gateways at Mansion at Judges’ Hill. Also at 6 p.m. Soul to Sole Festival at Tapestry Dance Company & Academy (continues through the weekend).
June 12: 6 p.m. Impact Austin Annual Gathering at Dell Jewish Community Campus. Also at 6 p.m., MDA Camp Fundraiser at the Other Side.
June 13: 10:30 a.m. Mimosas & Memories for Historic Old Shiner Town at Shiner Restaurant & Bar. 6 p.m. Diplomacy in Motion for International Hospitality Council of Austin on the Austin Steam Train.
June 14: 8 p.m. Ru Paul’s drag racers Ongina and Shannel at Oil Can Harry’s.
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May 31, 2009
Alpha Rev at Antone's
Am I going to become one of those annoying fans who insists that every live set from a particularly favored artist sound like the Platonic Ideal of my youth?
Set aside the obvious fact that my youth has long since passed. (In fact, one polite young man at Antone’s late Saturday asked, in essence, why an decrepit guy like me would show up for an Alpha Rev concert. He was reallypolite. As was everyone else I talked to before and after the midnight set.)
Katie Ferguson, Tyler Guthrie
Back to that Platonic Ideal. Saturday’s playlist — with a few additions — was exactly what I want to hear 20 or 30 years from now, no matter how many dozens of orchestral pop albums Alpha Rev releases.
Brian Chavez, Henna Bixler
That will not please Casey McPherson and crew. They are artists, after all. Like Joni Mitchell, they won’t want to paint “Starry, Starry Night” over and over, metaphorically.
Did not give their real names. Grow up.
Maybe they can include some of these songs — first recorded live more than a year ago and soon to be released on a national label with improved orchestrations — in their inevitable encores when they play arenas and such. And when somebody films their concerts in 3-D.
Brandon Gibbs, Rachael Gibbs
I’m getting ahead of Alpha Rev’s ascent. Roomier Stubb’s next. The wall-to-wall crowd at Antone’s predicts it.
Bryan Lambert, Emily Krol
BTW, I saw that Rare magazine picked the Rev as Rarest Austin band. Rare is way ahead of some scribes in the press scrum.
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The Belleville Outfit at Momo's
Every so often, a band comes along that radically renews one’s joy in Austin music.
Admission: I’m late coming to the Belleville Outfit. Rightfully, they’ve already been lionized by the music press.
Jessica Spence, Ian Villamin
Better late than never, don’t you think? After their CD-release set at Momo’s on Saturday, I eagerly joined the Outfit’s ragtag army of fans.
Becca Gonzales, Celeste
Austin likes artists who can’t be categorized easily. Just try to count the number of influences on this band that starts out with a bluegrass flair, then branches out into jazz, classical, Eastern European, Middle Eastern and honky-tonk in the space of a few songs.
Bas Rokers, Molly Cummings
The Outfit’s followers, who snapped up copies of “Time to Stand,” are suitably heterogeneous. A good number of the grayer folks may have heard the band’s playful appearance on KUT, or maybe they were family friends of the sprightly Fire Ants, the teen group that proceeded the headliners on stage.
Katy Larkin, Miranda Dawn, Mary Derosa
Anyway, don’t take my word for it. Sample the Belleville Outfit, then get in line to follow them where ever they go.
Jeremy Cohen, Stephanie Hunt, Dick Jarrell
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May 29, 2009
Farrah Fawcett Tribute at Seely Residence
They crowded around the memorabilia. They paged through the photograph album. They brushed their manicured fingertips over “Charlie’s Angels” Barbie dolls and reproductions of a 1966 newspaper story about “UT’s 10 Most Beautiful.”
Floating from age 20 through age 70, the fastidiously appointed women — mostly women — who gathered at the Barton Creek house of Nina and Frank Seely were honoring their idol: Farrah Fawcett.
Nina Seely, Kristin Kahn
“Who doesn’t love a Farrah fest?” announced host Nina Seely. “We’re here to send Farrah our heartfelt wishes.”
Fawcett had been on their minds lately. The star who had inspired their fashions and aspirations, and had graced America with a definitive hairstyle, had endured several years of public struggle with anal cancer, culminating in a controversial 2-hour documentary, “Farrah’s Story,” which first aired on NBC May 15.
Karen Spellings, Susan Lubin, Nina Seely
The cancer battle hit particularly close to home in Texas, where Fawcett was born, grew up and attended the University of Texas. During her years as a model on shampoo commercials, a pinup queen selling 9 million posters, a serious actress with a limited but lucrative post-“Angels” career, her Texas family and friends had stuck with her.
Melissa Mandry
They rooted for her through tabloid tribulations with actor Ryan O’Neal and son Redmond. They wept during episodic bouts with cancer, excruciatingly displayed during the much-watched documentary, which has drawn howls of protest, especially from a former producer who felt the final product didn’t fulfill Fawcett’s wishes.
Marques Harper, Gail Chovan, Evan Voyles
So Nina Seely, manager of the Ralph Lauren store at the Domain, Mary Pat Mueller, owner of Door Number 3 advertising agency, and Gail Chovan, the Austin fashion designer undergoing her own struggle with cancer, decided to do something for Fawcett’s Austin friends and admirers. They organized a party, catered by Z Tejas, to toast Fawcett and raise money for cancer causes.
Seely’s connection to Fawcett was tenuous but concrete in her mind — they shared the same nanny. Mueller attended the same schools as Fawcett in Corpus Christi, albeit decades later. Chovan, recently profiled in the American-Statesman, linked the trio to cancer charities, such as Locks of Love, which provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical conditions.
Scarlett Lewis, Monika Matthews, Lisa Bradford
Yet one unexpected guest made an instant sensation. Karen Spellings has known Fawcett since the third grade, attended high school with her and later roomed with the University of Texas art student at the since-vanished Granada Apartments. Fawcett and Spellings remained close friends after the blonde moved to Los Angeles (Spellings tagged along for a summer).
More on Spellings’ memories in a later posting…
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May 28, 2009
Red Then Party for 'Henry V' at Faires-Chisholm home
Robert Faires thought up his one-man “Henry V” 18 years ago while working at La Jolla Playhouse.
James Armstrong, Eugene Sepulveda, Larry Connelly
He trimmed the script. Storyboarded the scenes. Discovered how much of Shakespeare’s play involved addressing an audience (straightforward, as in the Chorus; imaginary, as in Henry motivating the army).
Joan Lava, Robert Faires, Linda Ball
Faires didn’t get around to producing it during all that time. Yet, for his 50th birthday, his teenage daughter, Rosalind, convinced her mother, actress and theater leader Barbara Chisholm, to produce his “Henry” through her Red Then company. (His day job is at the Austin Chronicle; hers at Zach Theatre.) They mocked up a program and were off to the races.
Vicki McCullough, Richard Hartgrove, Emma J. Virjan
Wednesday, Chisholm invited guests to their Bouldin-area house for a tiny fundraiser. Everybody in the room was somebody in the arts world. Some were heavy hitters. They play opens in July at the Off Center. They listened to songs from Meredith McCall and Jason Connor, a short pitch, then a very short scene from the play.
Steven Tomlinson, Gary Cooper
Why the name Red Then for Chisholm’s production company? Love the answer: At La Jolla, a costume designer approached the female star of an epic production of “Elmer Gantry” to ask which color robe she wanted to wear during the climactic religious revival scene. “Red or white?” The actress asked what everyone else was wearing. Costumer: “White.” Star: “Red then.”
Now, that’s a theater story, no?
Kidder Turk Pipkin at the end of the evening: “I always wanted to do a one-man ‘Battleship Potemkin.’”
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May 22, 2009
Austin Foundation for Architecture at Austin City Lofts
When Larry Speck arrived in Austin during the 1970s, colleagues warned him that little or no top-notch architectural design was practiced in the city.
Paul Woodruff, Larry Speck
He discovered they were right. But Austin has changed tremendously since then. And the city is flocked with high-level designers.
Louise Harpman, Lucia Woodruff
Now architects and their allies are promoting good design through the Austin Foundation for Architecture, which complements the influences of AIA-Austin, Downtown Austin Alliance, University of Texas School of Architecture and others.
Melba Whatley, Ted Whatley
Thursday, Speck was one of the hosts for a Discover Design progressive dinner at the Austin City Lofts, which he designed and where he now lives. Our first stop was the corner, two-bedroom unit of elegantly put-together Louise Harpman, who had encouraged me to attend on a night when I was tidying up newsroom assignments before a long weekend.
Chad Marsh, Jennifer Marsh
Her concrete, metal and glass unit is decorated with old, functional objects, like wooden, industrial tools and theatrical wig stands. On the top floor, we explored the split-level penthouse of Heather McKinneyand John Pomeroy. Dominated by a 20-foot-high wall of books on one side and dramatic views on two others, this is urban living at its most alluring.
Laura Bohls, Rex Bohls
I couldn’t stay to eat, or to examine Speck’s own digs, but I hope to do that someday. From top to bottom, the Austin City Lofts tower is expertly finished. Credit Speck, who designed the Barbara Jordan Terminal at ABIA, the Austin Convention Center, the buildings that flank Austin City Hall and other familiar monuments.
John Pomeroy, Heather McKinney
I talked at length with Melba Whatley, who helps oversee the architectural development of the St. Edward’s University campus, where I teach. Already, international design magazines are swooping down to profile the school’s thoughtful building additions.
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Wrapping the Austin Social Season 4
For Parts 1, 2 3 & 4, see posts below…
Bass Concert Hall reopened with a bang, while the Long Center toasted its first birthday with an event that paled in comparison to its record-setting opener in 2008. Help Clifford Help Kids is back where it belongs at Austin Music Hall. The Ballet Austin Fete fought hard to maintain its position near the top of the party list at the Long Center.
Some big-league, smaller-scale parties: W3LL’s “Hippie Party,” Equality Texas Benefit at The Monarch, “Concert for Candlelight” at the Belmont, the Paggi House re-opener, “Lovers & Losers Party” at McQueary/DiSabato digs, South Padre International Music Festival Party at the Belmont, Preview Party for the Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters, Griffin School “Re-Prom” at Zilker Clubhouse, “‘80s Prom Nite” for Forklift Danceworks at Union Park, and “Gala Ganesh” for Women & Their Work at Big Red Sun,
Add to that the Roll 2 Walk mixer at South Austin Athletic Club, Diana Kennedy guesting for Les Dames d’Escoffier at Big Red Sun, Kirk Gallery Preview Reception, Art Preview at the W Hotel & Residences, Clink Debut at Threshold, FuseBox after-parties at U.S. Art Authority, the matured ASH BASH, Rise School of Austin Gala, and various of Alex Winkelman and friends’ Charity Bashes.
Of course the world-champion heavyweight festivity of the year remains the South by Southwest conglomeration: Ten full days of intense socializing that daunts even your inveterate reporter.
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Wrapping the Austin Social Season 3
For Parts1 & 2, see previous posts …
The finest fashion show, hands down, was staged by Sue Webber during “Viva Las Vegas” for AIDS Services of Austin at Austin Music Hall. The Austin Children’s Museum made an auspicious debut on the gala circuit with a circus-themed affair at the Browning Hangar (AIA-Austin blazed that venue trail).
Zach Theatre’s “Red, Hot and Soul” topped all others for entertainment value, with two fashion shows, ongoing cabaret, short live auction and unbridled disco dancing. Mexic-Arte Museum’s “Gala de Plata” proved one can stage a top-notch fundraiser at a private residence, if the residence is dramatic enough.
Stars Across Texas for the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival found its perfect perch at the Long Center, as did Beyond the Lights for paralysis charities at Hyatt Lost Pines.
Certain traditional blowouts increased their fire power: “Five by Seven” at Arthouse, Austin Museum of Art’s “Art Ball” at the AT&T Education and Conference Center and its “La Dolce Vita” at Laguna Gloria,” Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum’s garden party, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Gala an Auction, the Crawfish Boil for the Busby Foundation at Stubb’s, the One World Gala, Texas Medal of Arts Ceremony at the Long Center, and the HRC Gala at the Hilton Austin.
More to come …
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May 21, 2009
Wrapping the Austin Social Season 2
For Part 1, see post below …
If there’s so little Austin high society, why refer to the “traditional social season”?
Looking back on the formal 2008-2009 season — the very first covered full-time by your columnist — a few memories shift to the front of the brain. Supposedly, it was the Year of the Recession. Yet the party frenzy didn’t abate and almost all of the venues were full and upbeat. Social giving — meaning money donated to charities in front of other people at such events, as opposed to writing checks in private — continued to break records, or so said the gala organizers. (Hard numbers are hard to come by.)
True, tickets were often discounted, and who knows how many guests actually paid. Yet morale remained high. People seemed more worried about the for-sale status of the American-Statesman than about their own businesses or nonprofits. At least it made for interesting, if delicate conversation.
I did notice more recycled women’s fashions and well-worn tuxedos brightened by a few, colorful new ties or vests (guilty as charged!). Sometimes the only daring outfit was worn by Style Avatar Stephen Moser, himself topic No. 3 among gala guests — after the presidential election and the newspaper’s sale process — given his troubles with the law and ongoing, public health concerns.
Which wingdings emerge from the fog of recollection? As previously reported, I was astounded by the Center for Child Protection’s “Dancing with the Stars Austin” at the Four Seasons Hotel. I’m not a follower of the TV series, but the local celebrities, including police chief Art Acevedo, thoroughly tickled as they tangoed, cha-cha-ed and hustled.
More to come …
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Wrapping the Austin Social Season 1
‘Society? What society? In Austin?”
As everyone knows, Austin doesn’t tolerate that kind of society, born of multi-generational wealth and exclusive privilege. Luckily, there’s virtually no evidence that such a fur-sheathed, jewel-encrusted high society exists here, outside the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s ritual-rich Jewel Ball and scattered, hard-to-track-down debutante affairs.
You see, East Coast high society attempts to replicate European aristocracy, with carefully massaged pedigrees, Wall Street portfolios, Washington, D.C. connections and a dash of noblesse oblige. Its West Coast kin seeks the glitzy approval, instead, from the celebrity circuit, such as Hollywood’s symbolic royalty.
Texas high society, as it developed in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, tended to the martini-soaked, leopard-print-and-gold-lame variety 40 years ago, producing spectacular crimes of passion that helped launch Texas Monthly magazine. Of course, the misbehavior only reminded magazine readers that the oil rich were often only one generation separated from hillbillies, or two generations from slaveholders. So much for pedigrees.
High society in San Antonio, the Valley and, to some extent, Austin, was quieter, if no less lily white. As always, mirrored socializing among minorities received even less attention in the mainstream press.
Combing the American-Statesman archives, one encounters a handful of characters who monopolized the society pages during the post-war period — some of them still dragging their tiaras around to this day.
More to come…
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May 18, 2009
'80s Prom Nite for Forklift Danceworks at Union Park
How much fun is Forklift Danceworks?
Erwin Palomino, Tami Bailey
The company staged an ’80s Prom Nite at Union Park — and everybody came costumed and ready to glam.
Andee Scott, Alain Le Razer
Artistic Director Allison Orr has long been one of Austin’s dance treasures — funny, outrageous, smart.
Jennifer Orr, Michael Febonio
This fundraiser ought to be annual, except, I guess, that would ruin the sense of occasion.
Ann Berman, Shawn Smith
I spent the longest time talking to fabric designer Nancy Mims and games designer Rodney Gibbs, who came in the best Smiths and Cure outfits. We traded stories about how dorky we were back then. (For instance, I had no idea the Cure was depressing until somebody shouted at me: “Listen to the lyrics!”
Melody Volz, Andrew Vereett
Of course, it helped that many of the guests were dancers, so they looked ravishing even in funny costumes and wigs.
Bobby Sanders, Ashley Fink
The DJ made sure we howled to every wonderful/awful ’80s tune.
Evan Daniel, Emily Stewart
What a way to end a Sunday.
Elizabeth Chapin, Elizabeth Pecore
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May 17, 2009
Paramount Gala on Congress Avenue
At last, the final big gala of the traditional season.
Teresa Cantu, My-Cherie Haley, Sara L. Strother
The high-profile Molly Awards ceremony doesn’t count, since, like its namesake, Molly Ivins, the party is eccentric, coming in June.
Margie Burciaga, Gwyn Smith
Planning a gala for late May is a gamble. Yet the Paramount Theatre’s parent organization is willing to chance rain, wind and heat. This year, they ran the weather table.
Jerri Kunz, John McCollough
A cold front in May. And the rains passed by the pre-show party. Wow. That’s the luck of the good.
Christine Harmel, Clayton Whittet
I missed the concert, headlined by Boz Scaggs, an idol in the ’70s. The response was evenly split, among the guests, depending partly on whether you wanted Scaggs’ original takes on “Silk Degrees,” or something fresh.
A frolicking group Mr. Page, Kittybelle, Janey
The gala is best known, however, for the party tent. A long, long tent that stretches for two blocks down the middle of Congress Avenue.
Josh Loposer, Kendra Loposer
Making the circuit from the band stand through the silent auction tables to the dining tents was like digging through layers of Austin society.
Lawrence Strieb, Jasmin Fasl, Thomas Fasl
The highest set seemed clustered near the middle around circular tables. Youngsters were already dancing wildly to the band at the south end before dining ended. And a picnic-table-like area at the north end seemed reserved for hoi palloi.
Melissa Graham, Scott Graham
(Brenda Thompson, I don’t mean you, specifically, represent the masses. Although, for a second year you bravely took the very last table in the tents.)
John Broussard, Casey Dugon
Perhaps because of the snap in the air, or perhaps because the traditional season had finally dragged to an end, but even inveterate socialites seemed in an exhultant mode.
Sean Gallagher Forage, Amy Griffin
I joined them in that feeling. Though I didn’t stay for dinner. And I didn’t make it to Salvage Vanguard’s party. Three in one day was enough for me.
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Roll 2 Walk at South Austin Athletic Club
I estimate it would take almost 20 years to attend one nightly event for each of the more than 6,000 public nonprofits in Central Texas (see previous post).
Carly Millican, Haven Peschko
So I’m grateful when a nonprofit unfamiliar — to me — holds a social gathering not three blocks from our house. And at a convenient hour.
Jack Goodman, Tracy Frazier
Roll 2 Walk, an aggressive recovery program which helps people transition from traditional physical therapy into gyms such as the South Congress Athletic Club, is the latest to cross my radar.
Aaron Johnston, Jeni Godwin
I met executive director Keith-Ann Steed and talked at some length with social connector Tracy Frazier.
Tracy Frazier, Keith-Ann Steed
The match between charity and facility — formerly the Austin Rehearsal Center under the SoCo retail strip — seemed comfy.
Katie Phillips, Bryan Phillips
The whole project sounds worthy. And the South Congress gym regulars mingled merrily around light drinks and snacks.
Katherine Piaget, Paul Johnston, Lauren Dekker
Bonus: If I ever decide to join a gym — trading the social interaction for the solitude of our improvised garage workout zone — I have my eye on no-nonsense South Congress.
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May 16, 2009
Five by Seven at Arthouse
When one considers the Blanton Museum of Art’s “Essence of Cool” gala, Mexic-Arte Museum’s “Gala de Plata” gala, Austin Museum of Art’s “Art Ball” and, now, the Arthouse’s “Five by Seven,” the visual arts community has certainly caught up with the performing arts companies when it comes to staging social events.
Dana Fox, David Fox, Chris Stone
Add to those major parties, recent art shindigs for the W Hotel & Residences, Art City Austin, First Night, Fusebox Festival, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum’s Garden Party, and East Austin art collectives, and a whole lot of art-wise socializing is going on.
Marina Sifuentes, Dr. Tad Davis
“Five by Seven” has grown and grown and grown. The art has improved almost every year and the paying audience hit record numbers Friday night.
Ann Elizabeth Wynn, Joaquin Avellan
This party was co-sponsored by L Style G Style magazine, thus the delightfully gay spin on the evening.
Graydon Parrish, Heath Riddle
On top of the famous 5x7 works by hundreds of artists, Graydon Parrish donated an exquisite floral oil, which I believe Alisa Weldon and Lynn Yeldell purchased.
Susan Dell, Michael Dell
The guests and hosts list popped: Michael Dell, Susan Dell, Ann Elizabeth Wynn, Joaquin Avellan, Julie Thornton, Dana Friis-Hansen, Mark Holzbach, Becky Beaver, John Duncan, Kevin Smothers, Michael Pungello, Stephen Moser, Sue Graze, Stephen Jones, Carla McDonald, John Yancey, Graydon Parrish, Heath Riddle, Sam Davidson, Oliver Everette, Craig Rancourt, Andree Bober, Louise Hartman, Dr. John Hogg and David Garza.
Andree Bober, Louise Harpman, Elizabeth Alford
The only flaw: Loud. Very. The sound system pushed the stage chatter to the front of Arthouse, leaving guests with ringing ears.
Jordan Abel, Sam Davidson, Phil Philips
As 9 p.m. approached, guests positioned themselves in front of their favorite 5x7 cards and then the madness began. Yet even after the rush for tabs was over, the party continued.
Steve Zagroski, Tense Vitale
Once again, nobody wanted to leave.
Two of my favorite people
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Diana Kennedy at Big Red Sun
She was here.
Diana Kennedy, Stephanie McClenny
Yes, Diana Kennedy. That Diana Kennedy. The woman who educated American cooks on interior Mexican cuisine. Who also inspired Fonda San Miguel and a whole string of other restaurants.
Alexandra Manley, Casey Kittrell, Jessica Maher
She’s Julia Child, Marcella Hasan and Claudia Roden all rolled into one. And there she was, cool and collected on the patio of Big Red Sun. She talked and talked softly with individual admirers.
Mark Thompson, Susan Thompson
Host Marla Camp of Edible Austin said Kennedy agreed to the fundraiser for the Les Dames d’Escoffier on four conditions: “I won’t make a speech. I won’t cook. No dishes from my recipes. No Mexican food.”
Kayci Wheatley, Kim Lane
Cool. The money went to scholarships for women chefs. And the crowd gathered around Kennedy as if a font of wisdom.
Sarah Bird, Rose Reyes
There’s news about Kennedy and her latest book and UT Press, but I’ll let food writer Addie Broyles break that.
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May 15, 2009
Edward Povey Media Event at Serra residence
There can be too much of a good thing.
Amanda Serra, Anne Bobby
The Edward Povey and DL Tolar Media Event at the Escala house of Jeff and Deanna Serra mixed a heady brew of provocative art, grand views and an unexpectedly weighty crowd.
Loren Jacobs, Janet St. Paul, Rory McNeill
Among the esteemed Austin personages on hand: Becky Beaver, John Duncan, Cookie Ruiz, Robert Faires, David Wyatt, Eugene Sepulveda, Maria Groten, Eric Groten, Tim McCabe, Dana Friis-Hansen and Mark Holzbach. Povey friend Anne Bobby represented Hollywood.
Stephanie Doulong, Adam McInnis
The crowd bubbled as they retreated from the sunset and drinks to the family room for an announced presentation. A slide projector on the fritz predicted the problems on the way.
John Hyink, David Joiner
A great deal of context from an emcee seemed, to me, unnecessary. And a out-of-sync series of images roughed Tolar’s smooth speech. Finally, Povey got up to speak and he’s a spellbinder — personable, thoughtful, even eloquent. Especially for a visual artist.
David Wyatt, Cookie Ruiz, Robert Faires
Yet the whole affair dragged on too long and guests grew visibly restless. Povey unveiled a large canvas that I had seen just days ago at his and Tolar’s home when it was only partially done. Then he announced a performance project with Bobby and the introduction of workshops with Austin Visual Arts Association.
Patrick Guertin, Alisa Matthews
All that seemed anti-climactic. The subject was peerless. But a tip for every party presentation-maker: Shorter is better.
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Grand Opening Eagle European Aston Martin Bentley Lotus
Perhaps to ward off the recession blues, Austinites flocked to the grand opening of Eagle European, the new Aston Martin, Bentley and Lotus dealership on Research Boulevard on Thursday.
Blair Conder, Charles Conder
On the very day that Chrysler announced the closing of 800 dealerships and GM prepared to shutter more than 1,000 outlets, guests merrily traipsed among the cars that cost as much as an average Austin house.
Michelle Rosenblatt, David Rosenblatt
They are sumptuous. I don’t actively want an Aston Martin, but I can see the point.
Ken Adams, Melissa Ford
Among the shoppers were notable locals, such as Mort Topfer and Joanie Bentzin, who admitted what she really wanted was a Lamborghini.
Jeff Carter, Fatemeh Carter
Loads of restaurants set up tasting stands and handed out coupons. No sense wasting a shot at the top demographic.
Jim Flint, Rene Isip, Ryan Isip
As always, it was very Austin, with people in shorts, sandals and T’s next to women wearing what looked like the royal jewels of Ruritania.
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Out & About Social Schedule May 17
SUNDAY, MAY 17
10:30 a.m. Janine Turner (“Northern Exposure,” “Friday Night Lights”) speaks on single motherhood at Promiseland West
6 p.m. Pre-Party for Majestic Party at Rain
7 p.m. “1,000 Years from Now: Claude van Lingen” at Co-Lab
8 p.m. Forklife Danceworks ’80s prom at Union Park
9 p.m. “Finish Sunday Funday on West 6th” at Molotov
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Out & About Social Schedule May 16
Noon Critics Table vote at a private residence
4 p.m. Polo for Puppies at Austin Polo Club in Manor
6:30 p.m. Roll 2 Walk Grand Opening Party at South Congress Athletic Club
7:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre Gala on Congress Avenue
9:30 p.m. Party on the Vanguard at Salvage Vanguard Theater
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May 14, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule May 15
6:30 p.m. Reception for Diana Kennedy to benefit Les Dames d’ Escoffier Austin at Big Red Sun
7:30 p.m. Five by Seven Party at Arthouse
9 p.m. Burlesque Fest with Michelle L’Amour at Emo’s
11 p.m. Party at a private residence
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Out & About Social Schedule May 14
6 p.m. Opening of John Eagle European Aston Martin Lotus Bentley at 12989 Research Blvd.
7 p.m. Media Event for Edward Povey at a private residence
8 p.m. Maternity Health Presents “The Gift of Life” Fundraiser at Speakeasy
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Art Preview at the W Hotel & Residences
Anne Elizabeth Wynn is back.
Matthew Winters, Abigail Winograd
After cocooning with paramour Joaquin Avellan, she’s out and about. Way out and about. Following months of absence, I’ve seen her at four events in the course of two weeks. And of course she’ll grace Arthouse’s 5x7 sale and party on Friday.
Kristi Pruett, Arturo Palacios, Sonya Berg
Wednesday, she previewed the kind of art she’s advising the W Hotel & Residences to purchase. It looked suitably skilled, edgy and local, to go with architect Arthur Anderson’s carefully calibrated designs.
Allen Beuershausen, Terence Jackson
W rep Bailey Tipps told me that the residences are 48 percent sold, including a closing and a rebid this week. Tipps comes to Austin from the Dallas W and has tailored his pitch to the locals who, he says, are buying the spots overlooking the Austin City Hall, starting at $365,000. He was surprised that green, south-facing views sell as well as skylines.
Mary Margar, Cici Williams, Rachel Farris (Mary’s name have been mangled on my iPhone)
The preview party took place in a model residence with false views and chic appointments. The guest list combined artists, downtown retailers, fashionistas and real estate sharpies. And the media, too, since it was a Tribeza-sponsored event. (I met the magazine’s new co-publisher, George Elliman.)
Carla McDonald, Ryan Hutchison — a meeting of the political parties?
Also spent time with funnyman/publicist Kevin Smothers, social connector Allen Beuerhausen, gracious Terence Jackson — who had purchased the hippest hat at T.J. Maxx for $2, gallery owner Jeff Kirk — South African-born artist Claude van Lingen and his charming grandson, who is studying business.
Prachi Moro, Michelle Garcia, Anthony DeJesus
Spotted model Zion, chefs Larry McGuire and Tyson Cole, editor Lauren Ford, First Night Austin’s Dave Sullivan, food-and-wine writer Karen Odom Spezia, and Tribeza’s Dale Dewey and Karen Landa. Also chatted up East Austin art guides Sean Gaulager, Arturo Palacios and Leslie Moody Castro.
Jane Rash, Susie Tull, Harriett Kirsh Pozen
Leslie Moody Castro, James Beard, Sean Gaulager, Sarah Stevens
The wine and beer flowed freely in the hot rooms (some people found cool AC breezes in closets, bathrooms and the false balcony). Eventually, things got a little silly. Not out of hand. Just pleasantly silly, as in trying out the dry bathtub for a photo shoot.
Danny Flores, Jens Steinborn
Oh, to live at the W. Austin City Limits theater and studio right downstairs. Three restaurants. Hotel service at any time. I have no intention of giving up our South Austin bungalow, but there’s no charge to daydream.
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May 13, 2009
Your A-List, Best Sports Bar
A sports bar can be a thing of social beauty.
Which sports bar did Austinites choose for the top spot in the A-List poll? An oldie but goodie: Lavaca Street Bar, already a hang-out for amateur sports teams. And now with a Hog Island Deli attached. Lavaca Street scored 33 percent of the tally.
Third Base, the phenomenally successful venture with two big locations, came in second with 19 percent. Pluckers, also quickly expanding, racked up 14 percent, while the renovated The Tavern intercepted 11 percent.
Docs, also with multiple locations and a supremely informal feel, chalked up 9 percent, while Irish-themed Fado won 4 percent. Reckoning 3 percent or less were Aussie’s, Joe’s Bar, Bikini’s, Champions, Mulligans, Legends and Buffalo Wings and Rings.
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The Jaycees on the comeback trail
The Jaycees mixer at Cissi’s Wine Bar was a modest affair. A dozen people, politely spaced, introducing themselves and sipping top-flight wines.
Gregory Johnson, Jason McBridge
Almost everyone there had a story about the Jaycees, their Junior Chamber of Commerce memberships, their civic projects, including, in the past, the fireworks on Auditorium Shores.
Jason Denny, Rico Reyes
It wasn’t until the end of the recruiting meeting that I discovered — and had to ask twice to make sure I wasn’t mishearing — that only eight or nine people had signed up as Jaycees. Total. They need 50, I believe, to earn a chapter from the national organization.
Joe Chauncey, Shopia Cardenas
What had happened? The Austin Jaycees once claimed more than 1,000 members in the go-go ’80s. “The economy,” said one former Jaycee. But it had to be more than that.
Tim Owen, Raj Nadkarni
So when I got home, I did a few minutes of Google research to discover the 1984 Supreme Court Decision in Roberts vs. United States Jaycees. Seems the national organization resisted women as members. SCOTUS decided otherwise. Now I remember! Guess the whole thing fell apart. Still, there are men and women in small businesses hoping to gain leadership experience through civic projects, so why not reorganize along modern standards? Logical.
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Mayor Will Wynn's Best Speech Ever
Just days before his term ended, Mayor Will Wynn gave the best speech of his career. Or at least in my hearing.
The Mayor
Acknowledging an honor from Leadership Austin at the home of Annette Carlozzi and Dan Bullock, Wynn spoke of the leadership lessons he had learned this week from the parents of Nathaniel Sanders II, the young man fatally shot by an Austin police officer. Raw with emotion, Wynn had spent an hour with the parents on Tuesday, after dealing with the post-shooting crisis on Monday. He credited Nathaniel Sanders Sr. with preventing more violence with his presence at the crime scene.
Daniel Roberts, Caroline Roberts
“Six years ago, I was about to take office, it was hot, humid, the economy was in a ditch,” Wynn said about another African American shot by an Austin peace officer. “Now, it’s hot, humid, the economy is in a ditch, and we’ve come full circle.” The two dozen guests — gathered for a sort of pre-party for Leadership Austin’s fundraising Best Party Ever in June — were visibly moved.
Lee Thomson, Leslie Lockett
I also spoke at length with co-host Carlozzi, about the home she shares with still-new husband Bullock. The Blanton Museum of Art curator carefully blended her collection with Bullock’s — the two came to the marriage with contrasting aesthetic tastes. I admired their view over a nature preserve below Jester Estates and their contemplative Big Red Sun landscaping.
Holly Jackson, Annette Carlozzi, Heather McKissick
I shuddered, however, upon seeing the mammoth Alexan apartment complex on a mountain across the canyon, and after hearing about feral pigs and coyotes snacking on neighbors’ pets.
Emily Shaw, Lulu Flores, Amy Welborn
Another conversation informed me of Lee Thomson’s post-Leadership time — she served as its director before Heather McKissick. “I sleep until I wake up,” she said, smiling contentedly. She and her husband traveled a lot in the first months of retirement, which was exhausting. Now she’s putting her toe back into civic involvement. Which is good, since there’s a lot of good will waiting for her return to the field.
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May 12, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule May 12
5 p.m. Best Party Ever Pre-Party for Leadership Austin at Annette Carlozzi and Dan Bullock’s home
6:30 p.m. Dinner for Healthcare Professionals with Dean Mary Ann Rankin and Dr. Reginald Baptiste at the Headliners Club
8 p.m. Austin Jaycees M-Night at Cissi’s Wine Bar
11 p.m. Cast party for “Rent” at Oil Can Harry’s
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There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch Luncheon at Renaissance Austin
Years ago, in between graduate school and full employment, Kip and I depended on the People’s Community Clinic.
Amy Dunkelberg, Albert Lin
As do tens of thousands of Austinites who are among the millions of Texans without health insurance.
Perla Cavazos, Ruby Cavazos
Almost no one denies the vital role the clinic plays in Austin’s health. Just look at the list of notables on the There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch Luncheon Committee: Dr. Nona Niland, Becky Beaver, Karen Burgess, Mary Margaret Farabee, Dr. John Hogg, M.P. Mueller, Judy Osborn, Nina Seely, Maria Sifuentes, Julia Null Smith, Sabrina Streusand, Claire Stuart, Margot Thomas, Tricia Traeger, Alisa Wledon, Stephanie Whitehurst and Lynn Yeldell. Stellar.
Joyce Durst, Chris Long
The snappy folks around our shared table discussed their histories with the clinic, with children (including Chris Long’s best little boy in the world.) and with the state’s precarious health safety net. Most pertinent was a discussion sparked by Marc Gold about how aging and disabilities affect the gay and lesbian communities.
Obviously…
An effective tool employed by the luncheoneers, by the way, were the menu-card stands that held, instead, pledge cards and envelopes that were gathered up by the table leaders in a metal lunch box. Clever.
Marc Gold, Kathryn Miller, Brenda Thompson
Several readers have asked after Nick and Nora, our Labs. Rest easy. Both have recovered from their misadventure on the Turkey Creek Trail. Still, as you can see, they need some fitness training before heading to Colorado in June!
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May 11, 2009
The art of the Art Ball
Perhaps it’s because they put on shows all year.
Haven Nichols, Bill Nichols
Perhaps because they aren’t as deadly serious about their causes. And they don’t stint on the hospitality.
Shanny Lott, Ryan Street
On balance, Austin arts groups stage more entertaining galas than our social service charities.
Troy Gourrier, AnitaRoberts
Thinking back over the traditional social season, now just ending, the most ecstatic gala was Zach Theatre’s “Red, Hot and Soul” at the Hilton Austin.
Andrea Osborn, Scott Ginder
High points go to the Ballet Austin’s Fete, Blanton Museum of Art’s “Essence of Cool,” Long Center for the Performing Arts first birthday party, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Gala de Plata, UT Performing Arts Center reopening, and the Texas Medal of Arts ceremony, despite its Mississippian length.
Kate Hargrove, Pat Robertson
There was nothing wrong with many other charity affairs — recall Center for Child Protection’s delirious “Dancing with the Stars Austin” — but the artists got the art thing down. It’s a natural advantage.
Kendall Camp, Jon Hamlin
Take Austin Museum of Art’s French-themed Art Ball, which conquered the still-uncertain spaces at UT’s AT&T Conference Center.
Jeff Serra, Carol Olson, Deanna Serra
The lobby was left wide and clear, light filtering in from the tardy dusk. The silent auction of high-quality art was confined to a screened-off portion of the banquet room. (Zach made the same winning choice.)
Kathy Escobedo, Fern Santini, Elaine Demetrion
Then, when dinner was served, the screens withdrew dramatically for the delicious meal (though the carnation-ball centerpieces were lost on me).
Craig Rancourt, Jo Freedman
Mary Margaret Farabee told about the wild character whose gift of Laguna Gloria gave birth to the museum. Later, she and husband Ray accepted the award named in Clara Driscoll’s honor.
Joaquin Avellan, Anne Elizabeth Wynn (yes, the lovers finally make their public debut! It’s a social headline)
In between, a duo of dancers from Blue Lapis performed a dramatic sequence of chiffon-acrobatics to “The Phantom of the Opera” score. I don’t know if it was the indoor setting, the controlled lighting or the intimacy with the audience, but Sally Jacques’ artists never were so riveting performing in short form.
Corey Fields, Alicia Carlin, Kellie Carlin
It was a glorious evening, set off by the presence and generosity of Jean and Dan Rather. Always an extra tingle when they are home in Austin.
Nancy Scanlan, Susan Apsinell Block
At times, the gala seemed like a meeting of the Fortunate 500.
Gloria Adkins, Bobby Adkins
And look who showed up! Stephen Moser (below) spirited and frisky from his previous social commitment at the Mobile Loaves and Fishes gala, which I just couldn’t squeeze into my schedule.
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May 10, 2009
Links & Lyrics at the UT Alumni Center
A tip to first-time gala-goers: If Ed Clements is on the bill, go.
Cyrus Shennum, Rhianna Horan
Red-maned and round-faced, the KLBJ sports talk host looks as cheerful in person as he talks on the air. He can deliver a stinging zinger, but he’s happier celebrating victory than finding fault in defeat.
Casey Laine, Conley Covert, Stephanie Cramer, Jonny Rodgers
Clements, as at home with Austin music as with sports, helped organize Links & Lyrics, a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Association of Travis County. He’s generous with his time, but selective about his causes. He serves on the association’s working board of directors.
Linda Traylor, Jonathan Traylor
In contrast to the Trekkie confab for the Austin Planetarium down the street at the Bullock, this golf-and-guitar function lured the polished and groomed set.
Terra Schuh, Mark Schuh
Some bore natural face-paint from a day in the sun, but others looked cool, collected in their summery attire.
Robert Pitman, Andy Albright
The orange-tinged UT Alumni Center is perfect for such events, which included Darrell Royal, Becky Beaver and Mary Margaret Farabee among the guests. It’s especially gratifying to see Royal out and about, his eyes beaming with pride.
Lynne Ohmstede, John Schweitzer, Nancy Horton, John Horton
There’s a quiet, low-slung dignity to the center, renovated by famed architect Charles Moore, whose final years were spent in Austin.
Lezlie Glade, Frances Netherton
Good hosts. Good cause. Good crowd. Good spread. Good night.
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Nerds at Play: 'Star Trek' for Austin Planetarium 2
For Part 1, see post below.
OK, nobody expects self-professed nerds to stage a perfect fundraiser. The adorable Austin Planetarium folks did not play against type at their Bullock Texas State History Museum “Star Trek” event. Until the smashing movie started, the event lacked social ease. After that, the audience mind-melded with the elephantine IMAX screen.
Connor Goeke, Kathy Goeke
Mounted in the echoing grandiosity of the museum’s great hall, the 3-hour presentation was impossible to hear beyond the first rows. A “Star Trek” spoof lasted so long it made Shakespeare’s tragedies seem time-warped. The food disappeared early, but not the booze — a dangerous combination.
Yet the vibe remained mellow throughout. Costumed guests — Darth Vader? Wrong franchise, baby — mingled with folks just off work. (It started at 6 p.m. The movie came at 9:30 p.m.)
Joy Scott, Monica Piñon, Wendy Worthy
A word or two about the movie, which has so far grossed $76 million. As reviews attest, it’s thrilling. Of course, watching it on the second row of the IMAX was rather like a super nova exploding in one’s face (two were featured in the film).
Ariana Delbar, Vincent Delbar
One neat thing for the social columnist to repeat: It will appeal to Trekkies and summer-movie fans alike. Nerds will lock arms with mall movie-goers to make this the summer’s highest grossing film.
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Nerds at Play: 'Star Trek' for Austin Planetarium
The meth-addled street hustler intended to put me in my place. “I bet you were a nerd in high school,” he bleated, his emerald eyes narrowing like a cat’s.
Amy McFadden, Roz Mandola
His verbal dart hit its mark. Yes, I had been a nerd. No amount of retro-cooling in my twenties — in that manner awkwardly documented in “Freaks and Geeks” — took away the social stain.
John Rebok, Rich MacKinnon
By some measures, my high school, Houston’s Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, was 100 percent geek. At least my geeky pre-teen and teen tribes were various: Drama queens, debate dorks, Tolkien elves, Boy Scouts.
Lucas Martell, Luke Lovett
Ultimately, I created a dweeb society of one, by declaring myself a Wordsworthian. Favorite movie: “Ryan’s Daughter.” Novelist: Henry James. Composer: Claude Debussy. Painter: J.M.W. Turner. Poet: Who else? English Romantic William Wordsworth.
I was a teen, after all. Forgive me.
Jennifer Ayers, Stephen Scott
By relative adulthood, nerds traded places with the socially at ease. They frustrated evil forces in “WarGames” (1983) and “Weird Science” (1985). More crudely, they conquered bullying jocks and won romance in the “Nerds” movie franchise (1984-1994).
Kaiti Carpenter, Stephen Carpenter
In larger life, too, they ruled. Bill Gates and his compatriots often outranked sports and rock stars for fame, wealth and, eventually, good works. Gaming and computing went universal. In our pockets, we carry more digital power than the computers that sent our astronauts to the moon. (This is not an attempt at smutty humor.)
By 2000, one could say without irony: “We are all nerds now.” Contemplate some of our cultural heroes. Fashion nerd: Ugly Betty. Magician nerd: Harry Potter. iNerd: Steve Jobs.
All along, head-busting crack for many younger nerds were their comic books and science fiction novels. As they aged, fanboys and their fangirl allies made cultural history through their compulsion to get lost within “Star Trek,” “Star Wars,” “Batman” and other alternate realities.
Jenny Ainsworth, Dustin Hay
All this reeled through my head during a long, jubilantly nerdy fundraiser for the Austin Planetarium during the “Star Trek” premiere at the Bullock IMAX theater on Friday.
Nerdiest of all: The planetarium doesn’t even exist, except in the fantasies of its backers, who are growing in numbers from the evidence of their social gatherings.
More to come…
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May 8, 2009
Celestino for Dell Children's Medical Center Foundation at Spazio
Classic.
Venus Strawn, Sergio Guadarrama
Or at least classical.
Nevada Pressley, Daniel Zwiener, Shadia Omar
That’s the best way to describe Celestino.
Julie Maples, Caren Burbach, Monica Byram
That’s the line by Sergio Guadarrama, formerly of Austin, now of New York.
Tamara Dorrance, Lilly Moskal
A pristine runway show at the pristine furniture and art gallery Spazio showed off Guadarrama’s feminine, wearable designs.
Ana Perkins, Cyndy Perkins
Scalloped beads, stiff tops and soft drapes came in waves down the runway, a lot of it with a wedding sensibility.
Tyler Carr, Amer Elliot of Brilliant Magazine
The fashion show benefited — or at least showcased — the Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, the city’s most successful nonprofit start-up.
Amber Kuhaneck, Ashley Escobar
In just a few years, it has raised more than $100 million for the new medical center at Mueller.
James Tohill, Everdil Tohill
As usual with Austin events, the guests and their attire skewed all the way from punky hip-hop to highly polished high fashion.
Lukas Ulrich, Adriana Gudarrama, Brett Worrell
And there’s still a place for a man in a cowboy hat.
The Celestino group.
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Social APB for Stephen Moser at Beyond Tradition
At just about every party this week, Topic No. 1 was Stephen Moser, missing in social action.
Linda Nichols, Virginia Caldwell
The Style Avatar for the Austin Chronicle had updated his status on Facebook after Splash weekend, but hadn’t returned calls or e-mails for several days. Some of his friends were near panic from the communication black-out.
Courtney Garrison, Erica Burket
My brief time at the Deborah Main Designs show at Beyond Tradition on Thursday included several such conversations.
Michael Perez, Cuco Heredia, Michael Jamarillo
The Redbrick Modern Collection, coveted by several guests, was complemented by jewelry, art and accessories — all accompanied by their creators.
Miryam Arosemena, Kate Snyder
As if that feast of goods weren’t enough, owner Kappie Bliss, one of Stephen’s concerned friends, hosted a chair massage therapist right in the middle of the Second Street District boutique.
Deborah Main, Deshon Aaron
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Out & About Social Schedule April May 8-10
5:30 p.m. Happy Hour for Red Cross of Central Texas at Rio Grande restaurant
6:30 p.m. Austin Planetarium premiere of “Star Trek” at Bullock IMAX
7:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter event at UT Alumni Center
9:30 p.m. Back to the IMAX for the movie
11:30 p.m. Kings N Things drag show at Elysium
SATURDAY, MAY 9
6 p.m. Art Ball for Austin Museum of Art at AT&T Conference Center
SUNDAY, MAY 10
6 p.m. Dancer Retirement Party at Ballet Austin Butler Dance Education Center
7 p.m. Kyle Hutton at Treehouse Cafe at The Crossings
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May 7, 2009
Clink Debut at Threshold
Thursday, Clink and Soirée got married.
Callie Potts, Gina Whittington, Tacy Infante
The two admired Austin events planners are now joined under the name “Clink.” With 11 employees, they are now an even more potent force on the social scene. (Thank goodness Texas allows marriage between businesses.)
David Kaso, Liz Young (from the Stephen F. Austin Hotel)
Business partners Tanya Posavatz, Denise Silverman and team — all dressed in purple — welcomed their friends with lemony drinks and a gigantic cake.
Kay Avrian, Molly Smith, Sarah LaBorde
The blessed event took place at Threshold, a mod furniture showroom in the Monarch complex.
Tanya Posavatz, Denise Silverman
They crowd glowed in the late afternoon light and, given the Spring Death Haze outside, I was grateful the event was indoors.
Neil Petty, Jason Kovacs
My favorite couple, though, I met just briefly on the steps outside the shop. Robert and Keenah Armitage said they were moving here from New York. Imagine making the society pages before you even arrive.
Keenah Armitage, Robert Armitage
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Dinner at Povey/Tolar Residence
Why would Edward Povey move to Central Texas?
The auspicious artist has lived all over his native United Kingdom, not counting those years in Grenada. On that teensy Caribbean isle, with his first wife, he raised two children in a day-dreamy culture, dodging soldiers only briefly during the Reagan-era intervention. And, over a lifetime of painting in what he calls a Figurative Symbolist style, London-born Povey’s picked up collectors all over the world. Not bad for an artist who has always worked outside the mainstream fashions in his field (although figurative work has returned recently). Well, for one thing, Povey has visited Central Texas frequently over the past two decades — his primary home had been in a tiny northern Wales town. His paintings, which often delve into costumed images untangled on the subconscious level, have always sold extremely well here. But that’s not why he and D.L. Tolar, his wife, also a painter, chose to live in Wimberley. “We fell in love with the people,” the soft-spoken, soft-eyed Povey says. “They are so kind. And so open.” Povey said the magic word — “open” — over dinner at his temporary Wimberley residence on Wednesday. To me, that’s the best way to describe the state of mind peculiar native to this region. Not “friendly,” which too often translates into an aggressive protectiveness of the status quo. Open. Povey is planning a big media event soon to unveil some legacy plans for the artistic community. Yet I learned more during one intimate dinner than during 100 press conferences, gallery openings or artist lectures. The couple’s rental house is overwhelmed by their Asian antiques and haunted paintings, only a fraction of which are on display, while they build a house a few miles north of Wimberley. Over inventive Thai food, our candlelit conversation spun deep into the night. I hope it’s just the first of many such nights. They get Austin.
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Arts, Out
Kathleen Panoff is a firecracker. Kathleen Panoff, Mindy Graves Coming to the University of Texas Performing Arts Center from the University of Richmond, the new director seems fearless, energetic and plainspoken. Those qualities aren’t always rewarded at Byzantine UT, but they should help reconnect Austin to the campus as the PAC reinvents itself once again. Marji Calbert, Juan Pensado At a reception in the renovated Bass Concert Hall lobby, I spoke with Panoff before the announcement of the 2009-2010 PAC’s season. (For that report — and all arts news — go to Seeing Things.) She seemed to understand the recent history of the seven-venue center, including the go-go ’80s, retrenchment ’90s and redirectional ’00s. Martha Ernst, Marianne Scudder Rising music entrepreneur Greg Vendetti was there, mixing with College of Fine Arts Dean Doug Dempster and School of Music Director Glenn Chandler. The Four Seasons Hotel provided the sumptuous spread. Kristin Brown, Ivy Hayes Also spoke with current and former department chairmen, such as Bob Schmidt and Ken Hale. (Like other almuni of UT’s No. 1-ranked program in theater history and criticism, I’m anxious that the university hire a historian of retired professor Oscar Brockett’s stature.) Greg Vendetti, Jane Frederick Back to the 2009-2010 season, I count more than 100 discrete events — not including multiple performances — on its well-designed calendar of events. (One could spend a third of the year at the center.) That’s amazing, but when you consider the $9 million operation is Austin’s biggest arts group, there are going to be a lot of moving parts.
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May 6, 2009
UT PAC Season Party at Bass Concert Hall
May 5, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule May 5-6
5 p.m. Check-In with Little City on Congress Avenue
6 p.m. UT Performing Arts Center Season Announcement Party at Bass Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. Cinco de Mayo Downtown Block Party on West Second Street
9 p.m. Cinco de Mayor celebrations at Maria, Maria, Beso Cantina and Molotov
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
6 p.m. Glamour industry announcement at Threshold in the Monarch
7 p.m. Dinner with Edward Povey in Wimberley
10 p.m. Unofficial Lady Gaga After-Party at Rain
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Out & About Rewind ever rewinding
Yet the Out & About Rewind Gallery is still a fresh, tender publication on austin360.com.
So each week, I feel the responsibility to direct readers to its visual wonders via various social media.
Not that the photographs — taken by yours truly — are anything more than documentary.
Yet they document the glorious plurality of Austin, as seen through the lens of a social columnist. Pass the link.
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May 4, 2009
HAAM Benefit at Congregation Agudas Achim
Joshua Newburger is a lucky Austin student.
Kristina Winters, Joshua Newburger, Ora Shay
Not only has he earned an excellent musical education, as evidenced by his violin performance on Sunday at Congregation Agudas Achim.
Sandra van Tilburg, Kees van Tilburg
But he also is receiving a socially connected education at the tiny Khabele School in Central Austin. Part of that program insists students devote two weeks out of the year to special projects; one of those must count as community service.
Mary Wood, Robin McKeever
Newburger chose the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians as his beneficiary, and staged a fundraiser with silent auction and reception, besides the concert. Now how many times does a high school student do all that?
Claire Nassaux, Micah Sutton, Aubrey Boozer, Theresa Woodsong
The concert was delayed a bit as the audience searched for the venue at the Dell Jewish Community Campus. I took the time to explore the synagogue. This Lake/Flato masterpiece is one of the finest buildings in Austin, a symphony of wood, concrete, metal and, of course, Texas light. Acoustics crisp. I could spend all afternoon there, if there weren’t other events …
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'Grapes of Wrath' matinee audience at Zach Theatre
One had never read the classic John Steinbeck novel.
Leticia Carpio, Sara Suminski
Another was a teacher who was interested in using “The Grapes of Wrath” in class.
Kellene Packard, Avery Dickens
Yet another had won free tickets on Facebook. For real.
David Lopez, David Prasifka
Yet the mixed crowd filled Zach Theatre’s Kleberg Stage for a Sunday matinee performance. And they listened attentively to the tale of Depression-era migrants from start to finish.
Tim Brown, Sandra Dahdah
My guess is they were more taken by the grit-between-their-teeth human drama in Dave Steakley’s musical adaptation of Frank Galati’s epic adaptation than by the vague philosophizing.
Jim Reynolds, John Aielli
Nice to know there’s a place for socially conscious theater in Austin. I joked with Hyde Park Theatre director and actor Ken Webster — famous for his short shows, like his current revival of “House ” — that two or three of his plays could fit into this one.
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May 3, 2009
Austin Children's Museum matures at Browning Hangar
The Austin Children’s Museum is growing up by growing young.
Jill Lane, Rebecca McKee
At the museum’s first nighttime gala, two longtime philanthropists told me on the way out that they felt much older than everyone else under the Browning Hangar’s arc. I’m glad they joined the crowd, because almost every event that I attend includes a sprightly mix of ages. This one, perhaps dominated by young parents — and a few with offspring on the way — was no exception.
Susan Engelking, Caitlin Reilly, Gail Papermaster
The circus midway theme was amplified by a troupe of clowning performers and, later, elegant, slow Blue Lapis aerial dancing of a sort familiar to most audiences through Cirque de Soleil saturation. (Zounds! The core body strength!)
Laura Loudamy, Katherine Wallin
Of course, the organizers were most concerned about the impending storms from the north, but any tempests waited until the gala was completed.
George Farley III, LoRee Farley
Sure, events such as this one are much more difficult to stage than a mere luncheon for donors. Yet the singularity of the evening won’t be forgotten when the museum launches its drive for a home right there at Mueller.
Ellen Dorsey, Marsie Stauch
Speaking of — that campaign should start soon. I think the beauty and convenience of the development will encourage potential backers, as well as the proximity of other services for youngsters, including the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and the Rathgeber Village.
Amanda Webster, Brent Webster (she’s Gladiator Ally Davidson’s sister!)
I enjoyed this grown-up gala so much, I skipped the Flamingo-A-Go-Go event at The Monarch, which I’m sure shimmied and raised more money for cancer causes. Earlier in the day, voting for the Austin Critics Table nominations precluded several potential Derby parties and the Heritage Homes Tour.
Vandana Rawal, Rajiv Rawal, Gital Lal
Hey, if you can’t be flexible in this job, you’ll drive yourself nuts trying to partake in all the worthy socializing.
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May 2, 2009
Social integers unite at Wildflower Gala
The Wildflower Gala unites people.
Malini Rajput, Vim Rajput
I talked to political legends and ordinary gardeners, working lawyers and rising artists, liberal activists and conservative donors at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Victoria Corbett, Leslie Nowlin
Even the extended Johnson family was represented in contrasting modes by the legacy-minded Luci Baines Johnson and the whimsical Catherine Robb, who was wearing one of her grandmother’s White House gowns, despite being quite a bit taller than the late first lady.
Elena Barnes, Melanie Barnes
The night smiled on the gala again this year.
Deryn Davidson, Julie Krosley
The art — nature themed — improves every year, with big names like Lance Lescher and Kate Breakey leading the way. This time, credit super-active philanthropist Becky Beaver with that triumph.
Catherine Robb, Phillip Gibbs
I enjoyed a long conversation with John and Mary Jones, who usually fly under the social radar, but whose Austin home is complemented by a shared ranch, beach house and mountain cabin. (They obviously get along well with others.)
Mary Jones, John Jones
My (fake) cousin, Melanie Barnes, was there with her now-grown daughter, Elena. Last I saw her, she was a tender bud of a girl; now she’s a grown woman going off to college. Sigh.
Janet Wilson, Luci Baines Johnson
Some of my favorite people were there: Ray and Mary Margaret Farabee, Juan Miro and Rosa Rivera, Suzanne and Marc Winkelman.
Owen Brainard, Sally Brainard
The Center clearly appeals to Austinites concerned with the environment and sustainability as well as those more concerned with old-fashioned conservation and landscaping.
Kelly Ledford, Cassandra Jones
Not that those are conflicting goals, but that might help to explain the broad range of guests enjoying superior gala food and ambient music.
Claire Pinkerton, Joe Pinkerton
Does anyone hate the Wildflower Center?
Deacon Turner, Richard England
Personally, I love it when all the Austin partisans sit down together for the sake of art and nature.
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May 1, 2009
Austin360 Party at Stubb's
Working under the old criteria, you wouldn’t read about Thursday’s Austin360 party in this column, published on Austin360.com. Heck, the event would not even happen.
Natalie Arthur, Kyle Martin
That’s because mainstream publications didn’t throw many parties, and they certainly didn’t report about them, at least not as aggressively as the alternative media trumpets their events. (Do I really have to explain the four-letter reference?)
Erica Hernandez, Jissel Anaya
Happily, times have changed. Mainstream media, at least in this town, leapfrogged the alternatives into the digital age. Statesman.com and Austin360.com have proven spectacularly successful, winning national awards and — out this week — demonstrating the highest market penetration of any newspaper Web site in the country.
Roy Adams, Mindy Cooper
So it is with a bang-the-pots party that Austin360’s print entertainment guide was celebrated on Thursday. This publication also traces its parentage to XL, the tabloid that I edited for three years and contributed to regularly during its entire history.
Bennick Harding, Dave Ralph, Steve Hitchcock (all from New Zealand!)
So I’m invested, emotionally. I adore the new Austin360. Editor Sharon Chapman and designer Scott Ladd did a spectaular job turning it into a pure going-out guide. I am honored to be associated with it, if only developmentally in the first issue.
LeeAnn Hargis, Kelly Haas, Becky Cole
Oh, and after four other parties, I didn’t stick around for the Black and White Years, one of my ultra-preferred Austin acts. But I did catch the Mercers and was converted to their authentically pop sound. (That’s not a contradiction in terms, for those of you who divide the club music world into two rough categories.) The place was packed. The demographics mixed. So Austin.
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Rebel Rebel Party at Mohawk
What do I know from Rebel Rebel? Other than the David Bowie tune — cherished back when I was young enough to parallel the subject of the lyrics.
Chris Blankenship, Casey Zhang, Mike Simpson
Yet the downtown production, post-production and and motion graphics company by that name was throwing a second anniversary bash at Mohawk. And some industry insiders recommended the party, so what could it hurt?
Christine Baker, Mark Callahan
Nothing. In fact, despite the party’s place as the fourth of five Thursday night social events — a sixth was dropped because of traffic — it ended up ideal in so many ways. Something old, something new …
Wanda Montemayor, Rose Saenz Right,
I met one of the company owners, Chris Blankenship, and was introduced to a dozen other fascinating folks upstairs at Mohawk.
Alyson Jennings, Dianna Colton
Yet I spent the most time with Elaine Garza from Giant Noise. We debriefed each other about the recent Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival and it was mind-boggling how often we agreed about the details of the mushrooming event.
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East Night 2009
Is the Mexican American Cultural Center east? Or is it central?
Joaquin Mariel, Brent Perdue
PeopleFund’s East Night 09 took place at the MACC, which, except for some new construction, looks as stunning as it did when it opened.
Tanya Ladha, Jaime Noyola
Compared to the down-home Fiesta Gardens, where this group pushing economic opportunity staged East Night last year, the MACC is urban, cosmopolitan and — central. It will appear more so to the public as the Rainey Street neighborhood evolves and becomes more dense, inevitably.
Tina Fernandez, Lucia Fernandez, Margo Weisz
Not that East Night must take place east of Interstate 35. But it brings up a sore point: Too often, the highway is simplistically labeled the boundary between east and west Austin.
Eduardo Magaloni, Mary Palmer
Austin’s history is much richer and more varied than that, no matter which general statistics are brought to bear. And it is always changing. Always has.
Don Baylor Jr., Catherine Crawford
The MACC is — and should be — located centrally, because the heritage it serves is central to Austin. And PeopleFund, whenever possible, should be at the center of our attentions, too.
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Toast of the Town at Mattsson/McHale residence
How could you not want to see the inside of Chris Mattsson and John McHale’s house?
Dana Friis-Hansen, Camille Lyons
The long, idiosyncratic residence opened eyes wide, back when Tom and Deborah Green had it built on Niles Road, perhaps Austin’s most exclusive address.
Dale Dewey, Karen Landa
Now it looks fresh and bright, thanks to Mattsson/McHale touches. And the art. Which is what a dozen or so people had come to see.
Jeff Russell, Scott Pennington
It was another small Toast of the Town fundraising event for St. David’s Community Health Foundation. The money actually accumulates over the course of several events, and goes to scholarships in the health sciences. Twenty-five are given a year and, when the newest crop comes in, 65 will be funded.
Maria-Gisela Mercado-Deane, Daniel Deane
I spent the most time with Dana Friis-Hansen, who was there to explain the hosts’ electic art collection for the gathering, and with flawlessly attired Karen Landa and Dale Dewey, who promised confirmation of some much-rumored business news soon.
Debra Pennington, Nancy Bowman
My favorite quote of the evening, however, came from Nancy Bowman, who said with convincing charm: “I read your column. Being from Old Austin, I don’t know any of the people you write about. But I read it.”
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Shout Out Awards at Covenant Presbyterian Church
I learned several things at the Shout Out Awards on Thursday.
Police Chief Art Acevedo, Niyanta Spelman
First, there’s an organization called Austin Voices For Education and Youth, which advocates strengthening schools and expanding opportunities for Austin’s youth.
Eric Metcalf, Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr
Second, it’s helmed by a bold executive director, Amy Averett, who apparently can convince anyone of anything.
Jen Lentsch, Arturo Castellanos
Third, Austin civic leaders hold the group in high esteem. Police Chief Art Acevedo, Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr and incoming AISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen — as well as various candidates for area offices — made sure they showed up at the awards. Carstarphen even flew back from St. Paul just for the dinner at the Covenant Presbyterian Church on Northland Drive.
Jill Williams, Jerry Bock
And that’s the other thing I learned — the church just completed its $16 million fellowship and education building in time for the awards. The four-story complex includes facilities for adults, kids, Sunday school, even a gym. The church leadership sees it as a resource for the surrounding community as well as for members at Central Presbyterian. Expect to see more events there.
Meria Carstarphen, Amy Averett
On a final note last note, another dogged leader, Karrie League of Alamo Drafthouse fame, convinced me to attend, despite five competing social events that evening.
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Out & About Social Schedule May 3
SUNDAY, MAY 3
1 p.m. Capital One Bank Pecan Street Festival on East Sixth Street
2:30 p.m. “Grapes of Wrath” at Zach Theatre
7 p.m. HAMM Benefit Concert at Congregation Agudas Achim
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April 30, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule May 2
SATURDAY, MAY 2
Noon: Austin Critics Table vote at Ruta Maya
4 p.m. Austin’s Derby Day Parties at Susan and Craig Lubin residence and J. Black’s
5 p.m. Aces for Babies Charity Poker Tournament and Casino Royal at Spaghetti Warehouse
8 p.m. Austin Children’s Museum Gala at the Browning Hangar
10 p.m. Flamingos-A-Go-Go for Planet Cancer at The Monarch
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Out & About Social Schedule April 30
THURSDAY APRIL 30
6:30 p.m. Assistance League of Austin event at TDS Exotic Game Ranch and/or East Night 09 for PeopleFund at the Mexican American Cultural Center
7:30 p.m. Toast of the Town for St. David’s Community Health Foundation at Mattsson/McHale residence
8:30 p.m. Rebel Rebel Party at Mohawk
9:30 p.m. Austin360 Party with the Black & White Years at Stubb’s
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100 Days of Change at Speakeasy
Presidential press conferences don’t usually generate parties.
Rebecca Bernhardt, Julia Bernhardt
On the other hand, Texas Democrats haven’t enjoyed that many excuses to revel in the past few years, aside from Pres. Barack Obama’s election and inauguration. Oh, and increases in their statewide and nationwide legislative delegation.
Cher Fugate, Kim Berry
So political leaders and backers met at the renovated Speakeasy to watch Obama’s televised press conference and toast “100 Days of Change.” I ran into my former student, Adam Longley, who is now working for the Tom Shieffer campaign.
Adam Longley, Susanne Schieffer, Tom Schieffer
A horn-tastic dance musical act agitated Andy Brown and the Travis County Democratic Party’s guests onto the dance floor for to “shake, shake, shake — shake their booties.” (I quizzed organizers about the band’s name, but their answers didn’t match online records.)
Courtney Watson, Ken Flippin
A few words about Michael Girard’s trifurcated club. The alley-side bar and its balcony look pretty much the same. The rooftop lounge is still there. What’s changed is the new Congress Avenue-side space with much, much improved performance arrangements — no more plastering the band up against a side wall — and its own matching balcony.
Vanessa Vargas, Jackie Rogers, Donovan Nwokeji
It may take Speakeasy regulars a while to negotiate the connections among the three zones, but the expansion vastly improves the club’s capacity to produce entertainment and parties.
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Comedy at the Capitol at Mother Egan's
The movie-makers had triumphed. And not just on screen.
Anne Wolfe-Andersen, Richard Dillard, Elena Weinberg
Supporters of Texas’ film industry scored recently with a bill that allows the governor’s office to tailor incentives to the project, rather than stick with strict, low percentages of the local budgets.
Chrystal Roberson, Cody Kirk, Lill Gentry
To celebrate, actors Marco Perella and CK McFarland gathered some players at Mother Egan’s to reenact the spoofs they had performed on lobbying days at the Capitol.
Felix Rivas, Leron Minor
You’d recognize either actor from their many stage and screen incarnations. Along with colleagues, they staged burlesques of “Miss Congeniality” and other Texas-made movies. Gentle ribbing was aimed at figures such as Sandra Bullock, for her rockers, bikers and houses.
Anne Schultz, Michelle Atkins
Another sketch, “The Last Picture Show,” threatened Texans with bad street theater if films moved elsewhere. (Actors and crews would be left with nothing else to do.) Many see-it-from-a-mile away cracks were made on the Larry McMurtry title.
John Hafner, Chris Sturgeon
The industry-thick audience, relaxing over beers and ales, got the inside jokes. Time to retire the Comedy at the Capitol players. Victory is here. I hear the mighty cheer. On the side of …
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Concert for Candlelight at The Belmont
Certain charities glow.
Katie Moscoe, Anthony Gallo
I did not intend that statement as a pun. I swear.
Jason Allgood, Vanessa Johnson, Dennis Sims
Yet Candlelight Ranch, which provides Hill Country recreation for youngsters with disabilities, emanates uncomplicated good will from its staff, board and backers.
Laura Von Der Ahe, Leann Beadle, Ann Berry
Enfolded by a soft, forgiving dusk, Candlelight supporters gathered on the mod patio of The Belmont for a fundraising concert Wednesday.
Jenn Grogono, Martin Grogono, Wendy Wells
I stayed long enough to hear Phoenix Down, a stripped-down ambient indie act. The soft chords and suggestions of epic guitar eruptions complemented the occasion.
David Breed, Tara Gray
I met many Candlelighters, including past and present presidents David Breed and Tara Gray. Everyone, including board members, sensed that I didn’t need to be sold hard on the charity. Its growing reputation speaks for itself.
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April 29, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule April 29
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
7 p.m. Film Incentive Bill Celebration at Mother Egan’s
8 p.m. First Hundred Days of Change with Andy Brown, Alex Winkelman, etc. at the Speakeasy
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Swine flu and you
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April 28, 2009
'El Profesor Hippie'
Do teens and twentysomethings respond to hippie marketing?
At some point, it struck me: These business names, signs and decorations, such as murals and typography, seemed aimed at hippies. The street becomes one long series of psychedelic colors and shapes, drug-related wording and liberation symbols.
Nothing wrong with that. But why? After all, current UT students are separated by almost two generations from the 1960s. (Yes, dears, the flower-power decade will turn 50 next year.)
Well, some of the businesses actually survived those decades and are owned by folks who lived through that era. That’s one explanation.
Also, it must be admitted that university students still experiment with sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, so the visual references might establish a more immediate connection. (I provide zero evidence of this. Just conjecture.)
Two striking exceptions to the Aquarian rule: American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. Both are big national chains. Both appeal to hip-hop youth culture more to than an imagined hippie Golden Age.
I’m not going anywhere with these musings. Just wondered.
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Griffin School Re-Prom at Zilker Clubhouse
The Griffin School believes everyone should enjoy a prom.
Bryan Counts, Frog Froeba, Lawrence Morgan
So before the students at the microscopic North Campus liberal arts academy stage theirs, the adults have their way.
Eric Nelson, Marilia Souza
Faculty, staff, parents and former students gathered Saturday at the Zilker Clubhouse for a fundraising “Re-Prom.”
Natalya Medv, Tim Shelburne
That way, if the first prom — all those years ago — didn’t go well, then you’ve earned a second chance.
Rick Carpenter, Sarah Carpenter
The Dr. Seuss costume theme fit the imaginary regression to youth.
Richard Finley, Camille Latour, Chad Johnson
And the soulful band, T-Bird and the Breaks, got those prom dates up and thrashing.
Laura Britt, Suzie Roselle
My thanks to dear friend Lawrence Morgan, a Griffin trouper, for the invitation. And for Amazonian drag.
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April 27, 2009
Gala de Plata for Mexic-Arte Museum at Hogg/Garza house
And to think it started in a shed. Strictly speaking, just part of a shed. Or could we dignify the original artistic crib with term warehouse?
Dr. Mark McLelland, Leisa McLelland, Bo Garner
Mexic-Arte Museum, which held its 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday, showed no signs of longevity in the mid-1980s.
John Bustamante, Sarah Strother, Andy Brown
Yet director Sylvia Orozco is tenacious. And smart.
Mary Pat Mueller, Rachel Saldaña, Stacy Tucker
She and her then-artistic partner moved operations to a semi-disused building on Congress Avenue before Congress Avenue was cool.
Divya Sachdev Tuteja, Guarav Tuteja
Then she convinced the City of Austin to save the building when the Frost Bank Tower rose next door.
Carlos Martinez, Esta Herald
Later, she convinced voters to approved $5 million in bonds to move the museum to the Mexican American Cultural Center site.
Tad Davis, Maria Sifuentes
Now, as reported on Sunday, she’s asking the city to stay put, since Congress Avenue is now the place to be.
Mzyrla Shepherd, Rodolfo Briseno
Along the way, Orozco forged lasting relationships with artists and institutions in Mexico, where she once studied and worked.
Monica Santis, Daniel Rodriguez
The Gala de Plata on a windy Saturday night certainly matched her group’s attainments and ambitions.
Rick Ary, Chad Proctor
The gala landed at the multi-level West Lake home of Dr. John Hogg and his partner, David Garza, which orders dozens of priceless views of Lake Austin and downtown.
Jon Dardee, Polly Price
Designed by award-magnet Kevin Alter, the house is a modernist puzzle box decorated with monumental art from several ages by Garza and Hogg.
Pike Powers, Jr. Kevin Flahive, Any Mooney, Mart Lutz
Many of the distinguished guests certainly dressed up. (I didn’t, having other events to attend that evening which would have been skunked in a tux.)
Elena Cuadros, Carlos Cuadros
Politicians, business leaders and arts backers drifted up and down the disorienting series of stairs, out onto the enticing, tree-brushed terraces.
Sylvia Orozco and Sylvia Swearingen
Kip spent the most time with Carla McDonald (they talked books, as they usually do), while my interactions were more promiscuous.
Anthony Romero, Leslie Moody Castro
Evidently, Mexic-Arte Museum has climbed to the gold tier on the gala circuit.
Denise Robledo, Maribel Medusa
Although valet parking was daunting — through no fault of the valiant parkers, sweating their way up and down that mountain — the evening felt infused with occasion and dignity.
Perla Cavasos, Becky Beaver
To another 25 years of Mexic-Arte!
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Art City Austin bubbles
The cloud cover may have dampened attendance. The sparseness on two visits — once Saturday, once Sunday — to the Art City Austin may have been misleading. We await the final numbers.
Alyssa Flores, Chris Edwards
Yet the two-day fandango still drew stimulating art-and-people lovers for our town’s best street arts-and-crafts fair.
Susan Smalling, Pat Chapman
The event, formerly called Fiesta, benefits both Austin Museum of Art and Blanton Museum of Art. Nice.
Eric Martin, Shanda Martin
The wind, at least, was a blessing. The humidity was not.
Chris Swanson, Laramie Gorbett
The First Street Bridge was blocked off for Art After Dark, the complementary food-and-drink affair. Also for the required live-music stage and the enormous metal alligator-gar-like fish sculpture.
Jin, Suh
We lingered at “Pink,” the clever installation that encouraged fest-goers to type out love letters that were manufactured on a factory line then distributed by bicycle anywhere in the city at the writers’ requests.
Casey Flinn, Tammy Steele, Scotty Stevenson
Ran into art ace Rachel Koper, who recommended the last tent to the east. That shady spot was occupied by Montana artist Jarrod Eastman, whose surreal paintings supported micro-narratives. I liked.
Tina Gramann, Taylor Flanagan, Calen Robertson
A Santa Fe sculptor with an engineer’s eye named Box produced elegant works that looked like crumpled paper or plans for devices. Also liked.
John Pratt, Megan Meehan
Edible Austin’s Marla Camp had helped lasso local producers of food and drink for a non-turkey-leg feasting area.
Shikha Gupta, Anand Joshi
Back to the weather and the crowd. It threatened rain all Saturday and Sunday, which may have discouraged casual arrivals. Luckily, it did not really pour until Monday. And when it did …
John Kidenda, Ilya Kuperman
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FuseBox Festival socializing 2
So who is this contempo crowd that clasps the FuseBox Festival to its collective bosom? We saw them at fest events and installations this weekend, including Pierre Rigal’s unforgettable “Érection,” Paul Villinski’s conceptual “Emergency Response Studio” and Jaclyn Pryor’s sweet “Pink.”
All without ego. I can’t even imagine a Ron Berry diva fit. Although, Berry told me he was forced to evict someone from the U.S. Art Authority on Friday for bad behavior. Which brought up a lively discussion: What constitutes bad behavior at a contempo arts festival, where every kind of expression goes?
Also constantly connecting across genre boundaries are Austin Museum of Art director Dana Friis-Hansen and his partner, Rude Mechs board member Mark Holzbach. With a discerning eye, they support almost everything. They are often matched by Ballet Austin’s Stephen Mills and his partner, education expert Brent Hasty.
East Austin art pioneers Sean Gaulager and Arturo Palacios keep people connected, as do writer/curator Rachel Koper and, through a different subset, Arthouse director Sue Graze.
Coming from the dance community are illustrious Deborah Hay and her friend photographer Rino Pizzi. Also choreographers Ellen Bartel and Allison Orr.
One expect visitations from those entrenched in the contempo world, such as the Blanton Museum of Art’s Annette Carlozzi and her new husband, Dan Bullock. Also, sometimes, museum and education leaders Jessie Otto Hite, Judith Sims, Chris Cowden and Syliva Orozco.
Increasingly important are the mega-collectors, led by Houston transplants Jeanne and Mickey Klein. They’ve proved exemplary contempo models for Julie Thornton — whose newly minted testperformancetest imported some of the festival’s top acts — and her Austin Ventures husband John, plus, now, their entrepreneur/philanthropist friends Amy and Kirk Rudy, John and Carla McDonald, and Eugene Sepulveda and Steven Tomlinson.
Other collectors and propigators include Deborah Green and Chris Mattsson. Klein in-law Lora Reynolds of the Lora Reynolds Gallery is often out with the contempos, as is composer and renaissance man Graham Reynolds and his partner, Shawn Sides of the Rude Mechs, as well as his manager, John Riedie. Laurence Miller and his TestSite gang are often in attendance. Josh Meyer and Matt Hislope of Rubber Repertory are inveterate socializers (I also caught them in the factory line for “Pink.”)
This is by no means a complete list. But you get the contempo picture.
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April 25, 2009
FuseBox Festival socializing 1
When Austinites say, “this is our South by Southwest,” they know better.
Amy Rudy, Kirk Rudy
Whether it be the sprawling Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival for gourmands, magnified Texas Relays for African Americans, beefed-up Splash weekends for the gay community, or swollen game dates for Longhorn fans, nothing remotely matches the colossal social impact of SXSW’s 10 solid days and nights slamming together thousands of bands, hundreds of filmmakers and social media experts, as well as equal numbers of journalists and fans from all over the world.
Ron Berry, John Riedie
Yet the FuseBox Festival in April hints at SXSW’s full social immersion, at least for the contempo arts gang. It brings to town dozens of top-tier international acts, while activating conversations with writers, audiences, entrepreneurs and local artists all over town.
Noriko Ambe, Lauren Grant, Lora Reynolds
Now consider that it coincides with Art City Austin, the city’s finest arts and crafts street fair, as well as major parties for Mexic-Arte Museum, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Austin Shakespeare Festival and other arts groups.
Nick Lopez, Ivan Figueroa
Also this week, two major operas conclude: “Dialogues of the Carmelites” and “Queenie Pie,” plus blow-out season closers like “Let Me Down Easy,” “The Pajama Game” and “The Grapes of Wrath” continue, along with the last days of “The Birth of Cool” and other signal exhibits.
Clare Croft, unknown, Darla Johnson
So that’s what arts lovers mean by “our South by Southwest.” It’s a time when you can’t possibly do it all. But one thing you can do: Wrap up each FuseBox evening with a confab at the U.S. Art Authority just north of campus. It a loose party, the first night featuring Los Angeles DJ Eddie Ruscha, son of crucial American artist Ed Ruscha.
Pierre Rigal, French Cultural Attaché Dominique Philippe Chastres
What a night! Note: For those wondering, yes, I’m two days behind on my blog posts. Blame the week.
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ASH gets bigger BASH for '09
ASH BASH is not new. Yet it has been renewed.
Helen Heard, Chase Heard
The event raises money for the Austin State Hospital, a taxpayer-supported institution that nevertheless is always short of resources.
Dianna Pickens, Richard Smith
Backers sell patient and professional art at ASH BASH. That’s made it a rare blend of community and charity, staff and volunteer collaboration.
Alexis Ledesma, Joshua Sampson
Different this year was the push from a group of social connectors to make it a headliner event. Among the many supporters was Marcy Hoen, particularly adept at networking business, social and artistic assets.
Roi James, Dr. Amy Myers
Among the familiar faces I encountered on the 18th floor of 816 Congress was Richard Smith, former columnist for the American-Statesman and longtime cable news commentator. Among my new acquaintances was a social sparkler, Donna Pickens, wife of former state Rep. Ace Pickens. This West Texas bundle of kinetic energy told me more fascinating stories in five minutes than most people can muster in five hours.
Richard Gonzalez, Megan Jaster
With several hundred guests present in the raw office space, BASHers estimate that attendance at this year’s event perhaps doubled previous outings. We wait to hear the net take.
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April 24, 2009
Garden Party at Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
It’s not on top of a mountain
Or beneath the deep blue sea
Melissa Muench, Lara Valdes
Or in London zoo or in Timbuktoo
Or in Timbuckthree.
David Cardona, Rose Cardona
And if you traveled the world
From China to Peru
Anna Hamner, Anne Elizabeth Wynn
There’s no more beautiful land on the charts
Rachel Hartsfield, Jeremy Malish
An explorer could not begin
To discover its origin
Peggy Duran, Donaji Lira
For the beautiful land is — surprise! — the Umlauf Garden Party. Every year.
(With apologies to lyricist Leslie Bricusse.)
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April 23, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule April 26
1 p.m. Lemonade Day - Best Tasting Contest at Austin Children’s Museum
3 p.m. Austin Lyric Opera’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites” at the Long Center
7 p.m. Butler School of Music’s “Queenie Pie” at UT McCullough Theatre
9 p.m. Launch787 Launch Party at Mohawk
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Out & About Social Schedule April 25
11 a.m. Brunch for FuseBox arts writers at Testsite
1 p.m. Bodies in Urban Space at Republic Square Park
2 p.m. Art City Austin on West Cesar Chavez Street
3 p.m. Emergency Response Studio at Long Center Plaza
7 p.m. Gala de Plata for Mexic-Arte Museum at a private residence
9 p.m. One Prom. Two Prom. Red Prom. Re-Prom for Griffin School at the Zilker Clubhouse
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Out & About Social Schedule April 24
Noon: Penman PR Training Institute Workshop at St. Edward’s University Professional Education Center
4 p.m. FuseBox Conversation on Arts Writing at Domy Books
5:30 p.m. FuseBox Happy Hour with Artists at Domy Books
7 p.m. Lone Star Celebrity Golf Tournament Comedy Show at the Four Seasons
9 p.m. Testperformancetest’s “Erection” AustinVentures Studio Theater
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Out & About Social Schedule April 23
6:30 p.m. Garden Party at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
7:30 p.m. ASH BASH at 816 Congress Ave. (18th floor)
8:30 p.m. Austin Shakespeare Festival Gala at the Curtain Theatre
9:30 p .m. Fusebox After Party Vernissage at U.S. Art Authority
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April 22, 2009
Time for those Fortunate 500 nominations
Who are Austin’s most social citizens? We’ve been asking that impolite question for five years now at the American-Statesman. And you, the readers, have helped us name the names.
It’s not a social register, as you might find on the dusty library shelves in older, more established cities. Austin is inclusive, not exclusive. So people from all walks of life have made the list.
Our single criteria: That they contribute to the social fabric of the city.
Now some — especially the All Stars — are famous. Others are demonstrably rich. But just being rich and famous doesn’t automatically qualify you. And living modestly outside the harsh spotlight of celebrity doesn’t disqualify you.
Looking back on past lists, another theme persists: The gift of time and treasure to the community. Note that time is just as important as treasure. Volunteering to help musicians is just as valuable as donating large sums to a musical charity.
We also like to see the Fortunates out, as in Out & About.
Because this is such a creative and miscellaneous city, we divide the Fortunate 500 into sub-categories. Besides those All Stars, Fortunates are listed under the rubrics of Arts, Business, Charity, Faith & Education, Food, Heritage, Media & Books, Movies, Music, Politics & Law, Nightlife, Sports Style. We also publish a list of Part-Timers, who sometimes then evolve into full-time Austinites.
We considered a separate category for social media this year, but so far have decided to classify those whose platform is mainly digital into the Books & Media category.
Send in your nominations today to mbarnes@statesman.com.
Pictured are Christy and Turk Pipkin, the Top Picks in the All Star category in 2008.
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April 21, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule April 22
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Noon: Lunch at the Hotel St. Cecilia
5 p.m. Happy Hour at Maria Maria on Colorado Street
7:30 p.m. “The Pajama Game” at Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward’s University
10 p.m. Cine Las Americas after-party at Mexic-Arte Museum
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April 20, 2009
Rise School of Austin Gala at the Steve Hicks-Donna Stockton-Hicks Residence
I always feel privileged to visit the home of Steve Hicks and Donna Stockton-Hicks. The Renaissance Revival manse, planted on a serene piece of hilly Pemberton land, is like something out of an antiquarian’s dream.
Steve Hicks, Donna Stockton-Hicks, James Street
You cross a vine-covered ravine to reach a cluster of buildings. The big one, restored to its original integrity by Stockton-Hicks, rises to your right. Two matching outer buildings peek out from greenery to the left.
Mandy Myers, Mack Brown, Sally Brown
Out back, one finds a civilized terrace bracketed by loggias and overlooking a professionally dappled lawn, more out-buildings, a beautifully shaped pond and manicured gardens. It’s the kind of design synthesis so secure in its origins and surroundings, it could date back 500 years, not just a few decades.
Susan Cullen, John Cullen
I had returned Sunday for the Rise School of Austin Gala. Aimed at children with Down Syndrome and other developmental delays, the Rise School also integrates typically developing kids with its primary clients, as I learned from Dinah Street’s uplifting address to a dignified group seated under a modest tent.
Dinah Street, Ryan Street
She was only one of many Streets — Austin sports and business royalty — in attendance, along with her husband Ryan and his father, James. The latter brought in plenty of marquee power, along with Edith and Darrell Royal and Mack and Sally Brown.
Lisa Youngblood, Wes Youngblood
Horns were hooked, and some of the live auction items included access to coaches and players next football season. Among the other big shots I greeted under the tent were John and Susan Cullen (he teams with Hicks at Capstar Partners), Venus Strawn, resplendent in a floral frock, as well as that super-couple, Michelle Valles and Ray Benson.
So I felt triply blessed, by the surroundings, the guests and the commendable cause.
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Starry, Starry Night Gala for Girls' School of Austin at the Four Season Hotel
You learn things at galas. I learned about the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders at two parties the past season. I learned about the Girls’ School of Austin at a gala on Sunday.
Suzanne Quinn, Cathleen Sutherland
Talking to parents, teachers and backers, I heard familiar praise: That the single-gender experience within a small student body and even smaller classes is highly effective for certain types of students. (It did for me: I attended the similarly structured Strake Jesuit in Houston.)
Alva Learmonth, Jennifer Hotz
On another scale-related issue, the school’s Starry, Starry Nights Gala fit the Four Seasons Hotel banquet rooms like Cinderella’s shoe. No crowding. Plenty of time and space for the silent auction in the lobby. (Hint to organizers: Cash bars undercut auction sales. Not that I was indulging, mind you.)
Elizabeth Nieto, Jenny Smrekar
I didn’t stick around for the grub, either, but I’ll gamble it was special. Almost always is at the Seasons. And the staff sets the gold standard for service in town.
MaryPat Bolger, Frank Curry
In fact, they go too far sometimes. I kid them about their over-protective policies regarding guests’ privacy privileges. Once, a concierge refused to tell me the correct name of a gala over the phone, as if fact-checking the title might compromise the event’s security. Can’t be too careful, I guess.
Brandon Smith, Farren Smith
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Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Fair at Driftwood
The miracle of the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Fair at Driftwood was the quick transformation of a muddy field into a gustatory playground.
Eric Garves, Dakota Young
The road leading to the cluster of massive, white tents was cut just Saturday. Workers spread truckloads of mulch to dry out the fields. By the stroke of noon on Sunday, all was prepared. Wind helped the drying process.
Stuart Wilson, Katie Walthall, Kelly Archer
Hays County officials reported that traffic was smooth, primarily from Austin via MoPac, Texas 45 and FM 1826. And, other than a bottleneck at the intersection of 45 and 1826, they were right about the flow in the early afternoon. The parking was another story, spread wide across the fields near the Salt Lick in Driftwood. Also, the sign at the venerable barbecue just wasn’t clear enough about movin’ on down the road.
Curt Crawford, Kristin Crawford
The fair’s return to Driftwood worked, in the end, but I heard grumbling from fest-goers who preferred the close parking and shade of San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, site of the event for the past two years. Admittedly some of the grumblers hailed from north Austin, but they should get their say, too.
Tracy, Jordan (first names only)
The lines seemed even longer this year for samplings — the crowd was estimated at 3,000 — but I didn’t detect any grumpiness. Maybe we can credit the fine wines, which seemed more numerous than in years past.
Chris Clever, Lindsey George
I didn’t indulge, anticipating three more events in succession after the fair. But once again the festival backers must be slipping bribes to the weather gods, because, for a third year in a row, they’ve received heaven in return.
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April 19, 2009
Gala Ganesh for Women & Their Work at Big Red Sun
You’d be hard pressed to find a more enchanted location for a medium-sized party than the grounds of Big Red Sun on East Cesar Chavez.
Judith Sims, Denise Prince
The exotic plants and decor are already in place at this breakthrough landscaping center. One can move from leaf-bound niches and coves to an ample shared social space improved by raised areas for performances and announcements.
Marla Tucker, Keri Kropp, Miles Horton
The Gala Ganesh for Women & Their Work was further enriched by the fabrics and accessories worn by the guests, many in the tradition of the subcontinent. We’re not talking about ultra-high-design gowns, but rather gorgeously threaded fabrics employed in all manner of draping.
Barbara Ann Kelso, Steve Redman
Many longtime friends of the arts — Judith Sims, Jessie Otto Hite, Mary Margaret Farabee, Barbara Ann Kelso, Chris Cowden — mingled with newcomers in the scented garden.
Shawn Smith, Ann Burman
We spoke with former State Sen. Ray Farabee about his political memoir, also about Billy Lee Brammer’s much-praised political novel, “The Gay Place,” for which he expressed mixed feelings.
Mary Jane Nalley, Honor Guiney
Respect was paid to the namesake deity through genuine dance and musical performances. If I am not mistaken, that was exquisite Anuradha Naimpally onstage.
Frances Jones, Wanda Davis
So Gala Ganesh and the AIA Awards meant two intoxicating party locales — Browning Hangar at Mueller and Big Red Sun — for my foreshortened Saturday evening out.
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AIA Awards at Browning Hangar
Who knew an empty, wood-beamed hangar, open at both ends, could be so inspiring?
Tamara Toon, Michael Waddell
The 1940s-era Browning Hangar at the Mueller Development, formerly the city’s airport, soars like some modernist monument. It was meant for purely utilitarian purposes — parking and fixing airplanes — and now awaits its next role.
Kristina Schlegel, Habib Irshad
Austin’s architects were taken with it, since the AIA-Austin Awards were staged, partly under the Browning’s noble curve, partly in a nearby tent.
Jordan Kasper, Samara Spence
The hangar was one of only a few structures — including the scooped air traffic tower and the Austin Studios hangar — salvaged by arts and architecture lovers at the old airport.
Natalie Navar, Julie Seay
Guests, especially the women, dressed in vintage wear dating back at least to the 1930s. One elegant attendee even put a Marcel wave in her hair! A few vintage cars were polished to perfection. Nothing like the raging hordes of oldie autos on South Congress Avenue the same evening, but sweet for posing.
Camille Jobe, Alan Cano
Ran into Mayor Will Wynn, who helped save the airport structures, while pushing central-city development during his tenure. All appropriate for someone who studied architecture in school. Fritz Steiner, dean of the UT School of Architecture, was glowing. After all, the Browning is now as much a object of landscape design, his specialty.
Patrick Winn, Michele Winn, James Haynes
I couldn’t stay for the actual awards — in fact, my entire evening was severely truncated by traffic and parking issues — but on the way out, I heard a tribute to my absolutely favorite Austin designer, Emily Little.
Shannon Carabetta, Keven Gedko
As you know, Little was named a “Fellow” of AIA nationally, a high honor in the profession, something like becoming a platinum member. It goes along with Little’s other honors, including being inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame.
For more discussion of the AIA winners, see the Arts Blog.
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April 18, 2009
Moony for Stars Across Texas at the Long Center 2
For Part 1, see post below …
So what did I sample the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival’s Stars Across Texas event? Seems a sin not to share.
Lisa Fox, Emmett Fox
Among the reds, I liked the simplicity of Rob Mondavi Jr. and partner’s Medusa Petite Syrah, grapes grown in Lodi, Calif. (The winery is better known for their old-vine Zinfandels, but I wanted something lighter to start.) Had to taste the McPherson Sangiovese, since Statesman food writer Mike Sutter made such a fuss over it in Wednesday’s Life & Food section. It’s a keeper from the budget shelf.
Love birds 101X’s Deb O’Keefe, chef James Robert
Among the whites, I couldn’t help dipping into the viogniers. The Treana edition is pretty robust compared to Texas viogniers. This family owned winery is based in Paso Robles, Calif., not far from where we tarried with Paul Talley back in October. Love that mid-coast country.
Ria Radke, Raj Radke (he of the Four Seasons Hotel)
Steak was everywhere. Anything that could be served “Tartare” was served that way. Loved the tuna from Trio. A little potato treat from Aquerelle livened up the VIP Lounge.
Cut-ups Chris Fronda, Brian Spears
Sweets were also easy to come by. Uchi’s hazelnut cup combined several textures for a big bang of taste. Adored the Roscar chocolates from Bastrop. Why are they only available at Breed & Co.? They should be everywhere!
Susan Franzen, Demetrius McDaniel
Spent some time with Paul Petersen, who is headed back to Austin from Marathon, as well as Emmett and Lisa Fox (Asti, Fino), personal heroes since they have nurtured their above-campus restaurants so tenderly. Also learned more about Max’s Wine Dive, which is moving in across from Rio Grande Mexican restaurant on San Jacinto Boulevard.
Spent the most time with a sage-spiked Collins cocktail, dishing the dirt with reputation-maker Elaine Garza. Bacchus was honored on all fronts. Into the moony night.
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Moony for Stars Across Texas at the Long Center 1
Practiced hosts know it’s impossible to dictate a good time.
Erin Holman, Blake Holman
One can arrange for all the right ingredients and a social event can still fall flat.
Becky Holditch, Damon W. Holditch (he runs Marquee Event Group, which provides the customized tents for so many galas; some fascinating engineering is involved)
The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, however, has proved time and again that it is immune to failure, no matter the venue, no matter the backstage politicking that has made for juicy headlines in the past.
Justin Evans, Patricia Muñiz, Brian Falligant
The right food, the right wine, the right venue, the right people — it always falls into place for this festival, which has not only helped transform the culinary scene in Central Texas, but also set an example for countless other festival nights of nibbles and nips.
Christian Casas, Jesse Elliott
Austin Museum of Art’s La Dolce Vita may be older, but this wine and food fest embraces both local and international bounty, so the chefs and winemakers up their games. It’s an educational event as much as anything else, introducing the palate to countless new sensations, guided by experts along the way.
Donna Piazza, Jill Lewis
One of the signature social events during the fest is Stars Across Texas. This year, it was staged at the Long Center, using a long tent over part of the plaza, then colonizing upper and lower lobbies, as well as the Rollins Hall downstairs for a VIP “boom boom room.”
Eli King, Hilary Schmidt
I don’t have to work this event very hard. I run into countless interesting people and introduce myself to folks with fresh perspectives. Everyone asks: What have you liked, then they send you to a table where another delectable dish or perfectly poised wine is being served.
More to come…
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Out & About Social Schedule April 20
MONDAY, APRIL 20
6 p.m. Martinis at Woodland
8 p.m. Tuaca Body Art Ball at the Paramount Theatre
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April 17, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule April 19
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
2:30 p.m. “Let Me Down Easy” with Anna Deavere Smith at Zachary Scott Theatre
5 p.m. Starry, Starry Night Gala for the Girls’ School of Austin at the Four Seasons
6 p.m. Pre-Tournament Cocktail Reception for James Street/Mack Brown Golf Shoot Out for the Rise School at a private residence
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Crawfish Boil for the Busby Foundation at Stubb's
Because fraternities and sororities are, by definition, closed societies, it’s easy to forget, if you are on the outside, that they often do good works. And they do so without much publicity.
Guy Perry, Nicole Perry
(In fact, they could use some expert media relations advice. Maybe one of those crack University of Texas teams of publicity-skilled students could take them on as projects, one at a time.)
Anne DeVries, Tracie Dickey
Phi Delta Theta, for instance, stages a huge fundraiser for the Busby Foundation, a local charity that provides support for families dealing with ALS.
Peggy Mosteller, Tim Mosteller
It is named for Bo Busby, who, before his death in 2006, seems to have met everyone, including many of these pre-, post- and present-fraternity brothers, along with family and friends. He headed Hill Partners Corporate Services, LLC as well, so the crowd included representatives from law, business and real estate.
Tim Gray, Melissa Gray
The Phi Delta Theta Crawfish Boil has reached its fifth year without any sign of diminution. The central draw is the huge tubs of the reddish pink critters, piled high on butcher paper. Beer is the beverage of choice.
Griffin Byatt, Crystal Lincoln, Travis Alvarado
They also came for Bob Schneider, the consummate professional, who is capable of attracting a crowd of 1,000 more intense followers to the outdoor Stubb’s stage, even though he plays Austin almost every week.
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Ligne Roset Boutique Opening Reception
Sometimes I just rub my eyes. Surely I’ll wake up and the sudden improvements in Austin’s nascent glamor scene will have vanished like so many mirages.
Bruce Wolfe, Jennie Branch
But no. The city continues to attract top-notch retailers. Thursday night, Bruce Wolfe opened our town’s Ligne Roset boutique, a high notch on the mod meter inconceivable just a few months ago.
Antoine Roset, Jill Douglas
The venerable French design firm, headquartered near Lyons, joins a half dozen other modish furniture and art galleries in the Second Street district. (And those fit comfortably with the restaurants, bars, clothing shops and accessories outlets.)
Jamie Smith, Gary McGaughey
This imaginative yet clean-lined look certainly fits the lifestyles of the upwardly residential better than the Dallas-based apparel store that preceded it. I met Antoine Roset, the dashing fifth-generation representative of his furniture family. He works at the firm’s New York offices.
Laura Garanzuay, Diana Fuentes
Wolfe himself was in fine form, and thanked Austin designer Linda Asaf for encouraging him to open the boutique.
Armand Daniels, Nicole Ellison
I rarely mention the cocktails served at these events, but someone had the clever idea of serving sparkling drinks mixed with elegant St. Germain liqueur. Fit the mood exactly.
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April 16, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule April 18
Even with this full schedule, I’ll miss the Juvenile Diabetes Association’s Hope Ball at the Hilton Austin, the National Women’s Political Caucus President’s Circle Event at Spiderwood Studios in Bastrop, the Art Bra Fashion Show & Auction for the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas at the Design Center Penn Field, Heritage Society of Austin’s Cuba Libre Event at Las Ventanas, and the Jesse James event at Austin Speed Shop.
Everyone is trying to party before spring ends. This may be the most crowded gala evening of the year.
4 p.m. POLO GAME CANCELED
6 p.m. One Child at a Time 2009 Gala for Rawson-Saunders School at Lakeway Resort and Spa
8 p.m. AIA Austin Annual Awards Gala at Browning Hangar at Mueller
9 p.m. Gala Ganesh for Women & Their Work at Big Red Sun
10 p.m. Art Erotica for the Octopus Club at the Copper Tank
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Out & About Social Schedule April 17
7 p.m. Stars Across Texas for the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival at the Long Center
9 p.m. Austin Young Lawyers Association’s 50th Birthday Bash at Threadgill’s South
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Out & About Social Schedule April 16
5 p.m. Modern Goddess Collection Reception at Linda Asaf Design
6 p.m. Ligne Roset Boutique Opening Reception at 201 W. Second St.
7 p.m. An Evening at the Longwood Estate for St. David’s Community Health Foundation
8 p.m. Busby Foundation Crawfish Boil featuring Bob Schneider at Stubb’s
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April 15, 2009
Your A-List, Best Place to Impress a Date
Yet romance still blooms at ages 54 and 45. So the A-List winners for “Best Place to Impress a Date” also make do for “Best Place to Impress Your Husband of 18 Years.”
The winner has been Austin’s hottest restaurant of the past decade — Tyson Cole’s twist on Japanese cuisine, Uchi. The South Lamar retreat encloses a grown-up patio and bar, superb sushi as well as dramatic creations from the master himself. Uchi ruled with 23 percent of the vote.
Places No. 2 and 3 went to long-established, high-atmosphere restaurants with their own celebrity chefs — Driskill Grill (11 percent) and Hudson’s on the Bend (10 percent). Truluck’s, the small restaurant group with the astonishingly fresh seafood, made No. 4 with 8 percent.
Jeffrey’s, once best known as the Bush family’s favorite haunt, culled 7 percent, with hip Hotel San Jose right behind. Refined Wink squeezed out 6 percent, while Italian eye-opener Vespaio took 5 percent. Next in line were not restaurants, but instead a museum event and a performing arts center — B Scene at the Blanton (4 percent) and Long Center (3 percent).
Virtually tied after that were Cru, One World Theatre, Paggi House, and Vino Vino. Bringing up the rear with 2 percent or less were Aquerelle, Cafe Jose and Zoot. And if those are your closers, you know everything on this list will impress.
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'One Peace at a Time' Party at Austin Museum of Art
Turk and Christy Pipkin apparently can do no wrong.
Roni Gendler, Jonathan Saad
They’ve waltzed their way through several careers worth of entertainment.
Kate Gose, Matt Naylor (the movie’s editor/associate producer)
More recently, they’ve turned their prodigious energies to the global stage, where they work to solve massive problems, in the terms of the latest Pipkin movie, “One Peace at a Time.”
Courtney Rainwater, Caroline Boudreaux, Myndi Garrett
The earlier “The Nobelity Project,” which focused the minds of Nobel Prize winners on crushing issues of hunger, poverty and such, attracted a national cast of celebrity supporters.
Mariel Falbo, Fred Falbo
Some of those were in attendance at the Austin Museum of Art, for a “One Peace at a Time” pre-party; at the Paramount Theatre, for the premiere screening, and at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, for the after-party.
Philip Berber, Turk Pipkin, Christy Pipkin, Donna Berber
Founders of various charitable foundations, including Glimmer of Hope and Miracle, were present, as were big names on the social and philanthropy scene.
Nav Sooch, Whitney Casey
We met a few for the first time, caught up with others, and also made a fool of ourselves, failing to recognize some of the city’s most notable notables.
Charles Duggan, Garth McGuire
The pre-party was spiced up by Leslie Moore’s Word of Mouth Catering’s niblets and some of the best Texas wine from Becker Vineyards.
Suzanne Winkelman, Sherry Matthews
The only thing missing was Amy’s Ice Cream, although instead we got a chance to meet Amy and Steve Simmons, which is even better.
Eloise DeJoria, Eddie Safady, Donna Berber
We quizzed producer Charles Duggan about his plans to jump back into the local theatrical gambit. And we spent the most time with the Winkelmans, a multi-generational family social entrepreneurs who have blazed new trails for conscience and commitment.
Anika Kunik, Steve Simmons
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April 13, 2009
Celebrity pots coming to Umlauf Garden Party
Last year, I longed to linger at the Umlauf Garden Party, but previous commitments forced me to abandon the fundraiser too early in the evening.
On April 23, I hope to tarry in the leafy nook above Barton Springs where Charles Umlauf sculptures punctuate the landscape. (No, I won’t examine them closely for Farrah Fawcett resemblances, despite ongoing claims she served as a major muse.)
One thing that distinguishes this garden party is the display of celebrity pots and seeds, sold to benefit the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.
Among the donors who have decorated garden containers, then filled them with goodies or plants, are some likely types: eclectic KUT personality John Aielli, maternal singer Sara Hickman and Anita Perry spokeswoman and former American-Statesman style writer Melanie Spencer — as well as first lady Perry herself.
Other announced pot-planners might raise eyebrows: Longhorns football coach Mack Brown, Texas Monthly political writer Paul Burka and beverage king and kingmaker Lowell Lebermann, for instance.
But there I go again, stereotyping. Perhaps these guy-guys are the tenderest of gardeners.
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Slogans aside, Austin retains its loving ways
Last week in this space, I nominated “Open City” as Austin’s new slogan.
My suggestion coincided with the partial shut-down of Highland Mall and Flamingo Cantina for the Texas Relays, suggesting that Austin deserved the less-congratulatory nickname “Closed City.”
Barbara Provine, born here in 1938, remembers from her youth, the catchphrase “Austin, The Friendly City.” That anticipated my nomination by decades, except that, like “River City,” it was shared with thousands of other municipalities. Also, an aggressive use of the term “friendly” can, in some parts of the country, translate as: “Welcome! Have a great time while you’re here. Don’t overstay. But if you do, don’t expect to change anything. We like it the way it is.”
Tim McClure, co-founder of ad agency GSD&M and the “M” of the abbreviation, reminded me that billboards a few years back did not read “Idea City,” but rather “City of Ideas.” McClure had coined that slogan, which then-Mayor Kirk Watson admired, but tabled rather than adopting it. The original idea man applied for a trademark and has retained the “City of Ideas” URL.
“Several cities and several companies have attempted to buy or license both over the years,” McClure says, “but I remain confident that Austin will ultimately, well, get the idea!”
I actually prefer “Idea City,” which became the name of the advertising company’s West Sixth Street headquarters. Shorter and spikier.
Amateur etymologist Barry Popik corrected our playful suggestion that a French traveler once suggested that Austin be called “City of 12,000 Mounds.” He dug up the original reference, which had eluded me for years.
He writes: “In 1843, William Bollaert (an English traveler) wrote that just as Rome has her ‘seven hills,’ Austin may boast of her ‘thousand mounds.’ ” Excellent literary spelunking and more reasonable arithmetic.
Popik is under the false impression, however, that: “… it’s illegal to get anything I say published in the Statesman.” So we are even.
An unidentified caller remarked on my skeptical reference to O. Henry’s atmospheric observation about “The City of the Violet Crown.”
“You see it every time you drive into the city,” the caller insisted.
“Really?” I responded.
“Yes, every single time, when you’re just a few miles out from Austin,” he confirmed.
Nelda J. Lyons, another Austin native, wrote a long, thoughtful note that stroked her youthful associations.
“Austin isn’t a slogan,” Lyons writes. “The attraction to Austin has more to do with its ‘violet crown’ landscape which, before the buildings grew, was visible from my hilltop house off Woodland Avenue at dusk. It has to do with the touch of Hill Country and winding waterways of lakes, rivers and streams and trees that line our highways and roadways. Austin was always the freedom-loving, jovial and welcoming city but since it has seen a volcanic growth, it only seems to have abandoned its former loving ways.”
As I’ve written before, I cherish equally Old and New Austin. And, despite the Texas Relays mess, Nelda, I don’t think we’ve lost our loving ways.
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April 12, 2009
Austin Planetarium Party at The Belmont
A certain city built on high tech hosts no major technology museum or teaching center.
Torvald Hessel, Jessica Lockhart, Will Mills
That does not compute. During the past decade, Austin has spent more than $300 million on arts and humanities centers (Long Center, Blanton Museum, Bullock Texas History Museum, MACC, etc.), but not a dime on a comparable science and technology amenities.
Steve Rung, Russ Finney, Teresa Finney, Richard Garriott
Austin Planetarium wants to change that. Like some many enthusiastic groups before it, the Planetarium demonstrates the right gray-matter stuff without much of the necessary green stuff.
Adam Schlender, John P. Funk
Now the Planetarium has earned the backing of Richard Garriott, the ever-imaginative Austin computer games inventor who recently traveled to outer space. Garriott promised to match all the contributions made during a party for the Planetarium at The Belmont on Saturday.
Zhena Rock, Alexander Kouznetsov, Sergey Vashchenko aka Flying Balalaika Brothers
The backers also benefit from the energy and determination of Torvald Hessel, a University of Texas systems analyst and Austin Community College astronomy professor who is now executive director of the Planetarium. (He’s such a dyed-in-the-wool science guy, he apparently didn’t know he shared a first name with Nora’s husband in Henrick Ibsen’s classic drama, “A Doll’s House.” Somebody needs to read C.P. Snow’s lecture, “The Two Cultures.” Come to think of it, I should re-read it.)
Shannon McCombs, Andrew Horwitz
Other than Garriott, there are no big names associated with the project, but the backers are aiming at a prime location (to be revealed) and have worked out a sensible construction budget (given how an ongoing recession can depress costs).
Natalia Ovcharenko, Oksana Chernyuk
Incidentally, the Russian regalia and music was in honor of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. This was no dress-up folk show, but actual Russians delighted to share their culture with Austinites. I wondered what Texans would do at a John Glenn party over there.
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April 11, 2009
Liberating 'Mister Z' Deck Party at the Vortex
“Mister Z Loves Company” is one of those shows that defines contemporary Austin theater. It’s outrageously creative. It’s also, plain and simple, outrageous.
Loli Kantor, Tammy Kantor
In fact, parts of it are designed to offend, patently. Yet forewarned audiences secure in their tastes are bound to be mesmerized by parts of it, tickled by other parts.
Dustin L. Struhall, Julianna E. Wright
It’s the love child of Rubber Repertory, which is basically the vaudevillian team of tall, thin, reddish Josh Meyer and short, cut, limber Matt Hislope, along with artistic conspirators.
Tyler Jones, Amy Lewis
To describe it is to rob “Mister Z” of its immediacy. Yet one must share a little. The central couple are the boys in nearly identical masks that make them look a little like a despoiled Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Tamara Mico Jones, Howard Hughs III, Lea Stunning McCauly
They interact, let us just say vividly, mostly on the subjects of sex, loneliness and socializing. They are backed by a chorus of bacchants dressed loosely as French maids.
The Sphinx, Ernie Boden
Anyway, RR has revived this show from their early days — meaning six or so years ago — at the Vortex. It fits neatly into the host Bonnie Cullum’s vision of ritual, spectacle and sexuality.
Alana Maclas, Heather Barfield
Cullum was quite proud of her new deck, which is a beauty. The Vortex is a handmade theater, built essentially from a shed, not even a warehouse. And each step of the way, Cullum and crew have created amenities that make the Vortex a place to gather and linger.
Erin Haggerty, Collin De Lamar
I’m enormously proud of Cullum. We went to graduate school together in the 1980s and socialized easily then. During my years as arts critic, we naturally developed more of a professional distance.
Paul Soileau, Carlos Treviño
Now, it’s so liberating just to kick back on her new deck and treat her as a person, not potential object of formal review.
Amy Bell, Harrison Witt
Back to RR a bit. Meyer and Hislope have miraculously kept not only the look from six years ago, they maintain that energy and sense of wonder that fueled the original “Mister Z.” and softened the routines that, even now, make me a little queasy.
Matt Hislope, Josh Meyer
Fair warning.
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April 10, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule April 10-12
Friend Joe Starr is headed to town. We’ll trace the San Marcos River during the day Saturday. Otherwise, some social nuggets.
8 p.m. “Mister Z Loves Company” opening night and deck party at the Vortex
Midnight: DrumJam at Stubb’s Inside
1 a.m. “Jungle Party” at Oilcan Harry’s
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
7:30 p.m. The Austin Planetarium hosts Yuri’s Night Austin at The Belmont
8:30 p.m. Luca and Loraine Baricchi Show at the Dance Institute
9:30 p.m. Kings ‘n’ Things at Rusty Spurs
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Noon: Lyndon Lambert Memorial Easter Pet Parade at Hotel San Jose
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April 8, 2009
Your A-List, Best Club DJ
DJ Dallas won the title Best Club DJ fair and square with 70 percent of the vote. Nobody else even came close. I’m fairly sure he is also known as DJ Dallas Downs, and he’s at Rain on Thursdays and Fridays.
The next five aspirants to the throne clumped around the 3 to 5 percent mark — DJ Mel (5 percent), DJ Manny (4 percent, DJ Kurupt (3.5 percent), DJ Chicken George (3 pecent) and Seth Cooper.
Spinning less than 2 percent were Toddy B, Car Stero Wars, DJ Orion, Boba Fett, Waxploitation DJs, DJ Bang, Rapid Ric, Prince Klassen, Mike Swing, Syko, Big Face, DJ Hobo, DJ Aquaman Chill, Holland Hart, DJ Hella Yella and Stay Gold.
I personally know the work of about half of these DJs. If the others sent me some samples…
Image is by artist Carlos Aires, whose work you can find here.
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Texas Medal of Arts Ceremony at the Long Center
Any comparison between the first Texas Medal of Arts ceremony 10 years ago and the one Tuesday night at the Long Center would be unfair.
Dana Douglass Swann, Janet Stein
That is, unfair to organizers of the first one, because compared to that diesel train wreck, this one was like the Kennedy Center Honors played to Texas swing.
David Campbell, Alison Campbell
Let’s start with the crowd assembled at dusk on the Long Center Plaza, which has, in my experience, enjoyed nothing less that perfect weather for every gala I’ve attended there.
Galen Wixson, James Dick
Perhaps because former first lady Laura Bush was the marquee awardee — or maybe because they have a lock on statewide offices — the famous folks were mostly Republicans.
Ed Bailey, Debbie Sheffield
We bumped into Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus. Heard that Comptroller Susan Combs was there, but I didn’t see her (odd, since she towers).
Molly Hubbard, Regan Gammon, Jan Hughes, Elizabeth Arnold
Also prominent were arts patrons from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and, interestingly, El Paso. It is a statewide honor, after all. That didn’t change the tone of the event, although the hair rose a little higher and the jewels weighed a little heavier.
Andrea Starick, Melinda Thomas, Donna Squyres
The assemblage strolled very slowly to the dinner tent, open to the light breeze. Topic No. 1 was the army of Secret Service and other security forces there, some guests speculating that a Austin-style political protest might erupt around Bush. (That is so over.)
Mary Saucedo, Frank Saucedo
I sat with representatives of CenterPoint Energy — yes, the old HL&P — who had scored a key victory in the Lege that day. (Don’t ask me to explain what I don’t understand.) Everyone else at the table was kind enough to discuss notions of “social giving” with me.
Anthony Haley, Nancy Brazzil, Nelson Nease
The governor then conferred the medals on a dais. All the recipients took the honor pretty seriously, even movie maker Robert Rodriguez, who bounded to the stage with a big grin. Something about a heavy medal dangling from a multi-colored ribbon makes the TMA look quite serious.
Laurie Watson, Kerry Hall, Steve Hall
Like molasses, the guests then moved inside the Long Center for the public presentations and performances.
Steve Spada, Kathleen Evans
Here’s where comparisons to early medal ceremonies would be rude, since, even with some early glitches, like a sound error for the Kilgore Rangerettes, this year’s went as smooth as the Academy Awards — a mostly good thing.
Clint Black, Ray Benson
Smooth, in other words, but not short. In fact, if you included the champagne and dessert, which I skipped, the whole shebang probably lasted six hours.
Heidi Smith, Marilyn Carter
Clint Black and Betty Buckley sang. She received a standing ovation for “Memory” from “Cats,” which won her a Tony Award. James Dick played the piano opposite Stephanie Chen, one of the Young Masters nurtured by Texas Cultural Trust, which gives out the awards. Mike Judge and Rodriguez goofed around, breaking the dignified tone of the ceremony, thank goodness.
Ron Hall, Janine Turner
And Ray Benson sparked up the slow spots in the show. One dubious choice: Los Lonely Boys for the closer. The audience was already restless and many of them were immune to the musical magic from the Boys.
Doug Dempster, David Lake, Betty Buckley
OK, yes, it was too long for a school night, but I enjoyed almost every minute of it and look forward to the ceremony’s return in two years.
Freddy Warner, Jamie Cox, Marvin Odum
Lisa Wade, Gov. Rick Perry
Julie Straus, Joe Straus
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April 6, 2009
Austin as 'Open City' 4
For Parts 1, 2 & 3, see posts below …
“Open City” came to me while “brainstorming” with Heather McKissick and Bijoy Goswami the other day at Dominican Joe coffee house on Riverside Drive. (I prefer that colloquial term to “spit-balling” or, worse, “blue-skying.”)
And it is, so to speak, “open” to numerous interpretations. Austinites are naturally open to change, innovation and difference. Yet they are also congenitally open to preservation, conservation and authenticity.
I like “open” better than the related and widely trafficked “tolerant.” In “The Rise of the Creative Class,” his mash note to Austin and her sister cities, Richard Florida theorized that those thriving centers remained healthy, economically, after the information revolution because they were “tolerant.”
I’ve lost my taste for that word. It sounds condescending, as in “we don’t approve of you, but we can, for the sake of business, tolerate you.” That’s not the Austin I want to live in.
Because of a twisted youth, “Open City” also reminds me of the Roberto Rossellini’s 1945 neo-realist movie “Roma: Città Aperta.” The title translates, of course, to “Rome: Open City.”
The subtitle relates to a wartime option used when a threatened city is abandoned in order to save its landmarks and civilians, as the Germans and Italians opted with Rome, retreating before the Allies in World War II.
I daydream that Austin could be considered an open city in the culture wars. As rural and (mostly) western Texans tangle with urban and (mostly) eastern and central Texans — Rep. Tom Craddick vs. Rep. Joe Straus ; Gov. Rick Perry vs. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, to use red-only examples — Austin could become the place where a truce allows both sides to lay down their arms to relax, reflect and recreate.
Hey, isn’t that what happens anyway when the Legislature is in session? Even though politically motivated Austin-bashing may erupt, the legislators, aides, lobbyists and state employees take advantage of our physical and cultural amenities. Believe me when I say they do.
I’m the one roaming the Open City.
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Austin as 'Open City' 3
For Parts 1 & 2, see posts below .,..
Mustachioed former flower salesman and city council member Max Nofziger pushed through “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Nofziger’s gift has also inspired hundreds of imitators, such as, for South Austin, “Live Taco Trailer Capital of the World,” and, for downtown, “Live Wine Bar Capital of the World.” (OK, I just made those up.)
A few years back, billboards popped up with the phrase “Idea City” accompanied by a fanciful city skyline.
I liked that — short, sweet, descriptive of Austin’s newly celebrated creative class.
Turns out it was the name of advertising giant GSD&M’s headquarters on West Sixth Street. Austin loses again on the watchword front.
Leadership Austin’s Heather McKissick and Bootstrap’s Austin’s Bijoy Goswami are currently noodling on a clever new city slogan. I’ll let them reveal their brainchild officially in their own good time, but if you want a preview, just Google their names.
As so often with the Internet, all will be revealed.
More to come …
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Austin as 'Open City' 2
For Part 1, see post below …
Austin has suffered through a history of cursed slogans.
Anybody notice a violet haze over the hills recently? I thought not.
Fifty years earlier, a French traveller suggested something like “City of 12,000 Mounds,” an unflattering reference to Rome’s eternal seven hills.
Actually, I think he meant it as a compliment.
Through most of the 20th Century, Austin made do with “River City,” a
rallying cry it shared with 5,763 other North American burgs, including the fictional location of “The Music Man.”
The name survives through businesses and teams such as River City Aquatics, River City Rangers Soccer Club and River City Donuts.
Really? River City was the best our fore-parents could do? Well, Houston was known as “Bayou City” before it became “Space City.” Not much more concise.
More to come… .
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Austin as 'Open City' 1
Drat Highland Mall and Flamingo Cantina for ruining my city slogan.
Today, I had planned to nominate “Open City” as Austin’s new sobriquet.
At parties all weekend, including some Relays-related ones, hosts and guests expressed concern, outrage or just plain befuddlement over the closings, agreeing with City Manager Marc Ott, who said: “I find this not to be consistent with the way I’ve come to know Austin.”
Certainly not the Austin I encounter, night after night, as your social columnist.
Some activists have called for boycotts. In the case of already beleaguered Highland Mall, that might inadvertently hasten the demise of the largest retail outlet convenient to many African Americans. What would that solve?
And what of the feared rowdiness?
I walked up and down East Sixth Street late Saturday night. It was no different from any other frisky, holiday weekend night, except the skirts appeared a bit shorter and the heels a bit higher.
Who sent out that style memo?
More to come…
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April 5, 2009
'Red, Hot and Soul' sizzles for Zach Theatre at Hilton Austin
It will startle no one to discover that the city’s liveliest and most polished gala is staged by the city’s liveliest and most polished professional theater.
Jinny Kwan, Tyler January
It had been years since I attended a “Red, Hot and Soul” event for Zach Theatre, long enough ago that the joint was still known as Zachary Scott Theatre Center.
Zach’s fearless leaders Dave Steakley, Elisabeth Challener
What the volunteers and staff — headed by the philanthropist Larry Connelly, who grows younger by the night — accomplished began with the space itself.
Indigo Red, Allison Barr
It was divided into three zones: lobby, silent auction room and dining area. All three became fashion showcases with models either dressed in slightly macabre manner by Stephen Moser and Pink, or done up as characters from musicals (“Sweeney Todd,” “Cats,” etc). Two of those rooms came with runways. (Nothing succeeds like excess.)
All-in-sterling Nina Seely, Frank Seely
The sixth-floor lobby — often cluttered at galas — allowed plenty of mingling room and key watering spots for the 700 guests. The silent auction room was organized by theme and, again, there was plenty of elbow room without it ever seeming empty.
Sharon Tate-alike Patricia Paredes, Robert Brown
The dining area, however, festooned with Copacabana feathers and blinking disco lights, proved the pièce de résistance.
Samantha Walden, Matthew Champion
Tables were spaced far enough apart for good flow, and yet near enough for an across-the-aisle conversation. The music tended loud, but not oppressive. More motivational.
Chris Popov, Annsley Popov
I sat with Maria and Eric Groten, whose serene demeanor never ceases to amaze me (maybe that vanished later during the frenzied disco scene).
Allison Spell, David Ponton
A central platform provided equal visual access to stage, while twin screens projected performers into giants. We heard divas, saw a musical-themed fashion show and witnessed a fast-paced (if overlong) live auction.
Venus Strawn, Mary Herr Tally
At my table was Bill Jones and his wife Johnita. He’s the Vinson & Elkins attorney who’s also chairman of the Texas A&M System board of regents. I’d met him briefly at the Dancing with the Stars event. When asked, he explained the $50 million A&M prescription drug center with conclusive lucidity.
Emily Clay, Linda Wilson
On my other side were Tony Johnson and (briefly) his partner, Zach artistic director Dave Steakley.
Dale Dewey, Karen Landa
I peppered Steakley with questions about musicals I’m surprised he hasn’t staged (“Hairspray,” “Ragtime,” “Chicago”). I liked his answers.
Johnita Jones, Bill Jones
Johnson and I just had fun. And also he was one of the first to storm the dance floor.
Stephen Mallard, Annie Frierson
Not me. It was off for a look-see on Sixth Street, then a couple of bands at La Zona Rosa.
Lorraine Wallace, Chris Wallace
Still, I have to catapult “Red, Hot and Soul” into the Top 10 of annual Austin galas. I’m sure it’s been there for a while, I just didn’t know.
Michael Smothers, Disco King Larry Connelly
And hey, raising $300,000 in this economy ain’t bad either.
Derrick Evans, Elizabeth Giddens
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April 4, 2009
Adoption Coaliton of Texas Gala at the Austin Club
The cause is peerless. The institution demonstrably effective. The supporting evidence is moving in the extreme.
Lara Wendler, Austin City Council Member Mike Martinez
Yet the Adoption Coalition of Texas Gala at the Austin Club seemed a bit out of joint. At 8 p.m., the guests moved from drinks in the foyer area of the main upstairs room to the dinner tables. Yet dinner — even salad, or water — was yet to come. By 9 p.m. some were heading for the door.
Jason Reese, Stacey Reese
Presentations, anecdotes, testimonials, a video took up the next hour as the guests appeared both transfixed by the message, but restless with the staging. (At first, I lingered in the foyer with about one fourth of the guests, then moved around the dining area to take photos and ask questions.)
Catie Beck, Clinton Butler
Coalition director Tracy Eilers runs a tight ship, and nothing would interrupt the presentation, not even an errant video. What she might not have realized is that each part of the program was rhetorically effective on its own. Repetition can turn into overkill.
Bella Guzman, Steve Guzman
State Sen. Steve Ogden was thanked many times for his honorary chairmanship. Ogden admitted that, as a senator, his speech would naturally exceed 10 minutes, and nobody would argue with his smooth, funny, practiced delivery. He spoke touchingly about his adopted son, Chaz, and his wife, Beverly, whom he volunteers to solve the most difficult problems.
(Pregnant with their second!) Crystal Cotti, State Rep. Mark Strama
Yet the emotional highlight of the evening was the appearance by Alice Jones, a Vietnamese American child who spent 16 years in foster homes, but was not adopted, even by her last foster parents. She met Eilers and told her that story, and, at age 36, the computer programmer from Houston was adopted by Kate Held, originally from the Carolinas.
Judge Andy Hathcock, State Rep. Valinda Bolton
Jones and Held told stories you couldn’t imagine even in novels. They were the evening and the message: “There’s never a time in life when you don’t need a family.” Bless them both.
Alice Jones, Kate Held
KVUE and Fox 8 were recognized for running segments on children available for adoption. Eilers, as well as the gala chairwomen, were presented with bouquets. The crowd included several prominent politicians (I met for the first time Mike Martinez’s new bride, Lara Wendler. Mozel to both of them.)
State Sen. Steve Ogden, Beverly Ogden
A quick word about the private Austin Club as a gala venue. It’s tight for a crowd this size. The grandness of the bar/dining area suits some purposes, not others. I, of course, mourn the building’s passing as a theater (Miller Opera House), but you know, it kind of works for events like this. I’d like to see more there.
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Michael Huff Charity Casino at Gibson Guitar Showroom
The fans arrived early. The NFL players a bit later. The Michael Huff Charity Casino at the Gibson Guitar Showroom dovetailed neatly with Texas Relays-related festivities, which means it was just one of many social commitments hosts and guests made on Friday.
Kathy J, Tee Lynee, Comfort Agara, Brandy Broussard, Raquel Raquel
Still, guests were shy about playing the games of chance and skill until former Longhorns Michael Huff and Derrick Johnson sidled up to the tables.
Nicole Durand, Vince Galloway
Both men — Huff alert and fastidious, Johnson tall and quiet — drew the similarly dressed women (associated models travel in flocks to certain parties) and the hip-hop attired young men to the play.
Jennifer Mueller, Gregg Mueller
The music, however, early in the evening was bright jazz. People steered toward hearty food from Renee’s Catering. Others gravitated to the sports photos, signed jerseys and musical instruments that dominated the silent auction.
Karen Viotto, Dan Viotto (austin.com)
I wavered for a bit, wondering if my youngest brother remembered how he idolized Early Campbell in the 1970s. A framed and signed jersey beckoned. And his 50th birthday is not that far off.
Michael Huff, Marques Haynes, DJ Warrior
The NFL players didn’t seem too gregarious early in the evening. Polite when addressed, they tended to seek the margins of the room, as if they’d had their fill of the spotlight.
Dondra Wilson, Derrick Johnson, Cissy Stasio
The early closing of Highland Mall and some Sixth Street clubs during the Relays weekend popped up in several conversations. Everyone seemed baffled. The unwelcoming act just didn’t jibe with the Austin ethos.
Mike Hissey, Rhonda Hissey, Brian Northridge
The revelers didn’t let it dampen their spirits. Non-sports celebrities and ordinary ticket-purchasers mingled easily with the NFL elite, who could have benefited from an ID system. People don’t really look like they do on TV or from Row 73.
James Carranco, Chris Zabaneh
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April 2, 2009
Exclusive Report: Preview Party for the Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters
He wanted to help at least one other person with cancer. He has, instead, helped millions. Lance Armstrong started his drive against cancer way back in the 1990s, while he was still under a possible death sentence from the disease and before he won seven Tours de France.
Thursday night, a few dozen invited guests previewed the Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters, home for 70 or so staff members on East Sixth Street. “We began as friends and family determined to beat the disease,” Armstrong said. “Now it’s a great organization, efficient and effective with a special place to work.”
NASA astronauts Karen Nyberg, Mark Kelly
Guests, staff and board members milled around the former lumber yard and paper warehouse, which the architects at Lake Flato and The Bommarito Group have turned into a buzzing hive of bright activity (LiveStrong yellow is a contributing color). The primary room is shared among all, with saw-toothed skylights high above the cubicles to let in plenty of light. Smaller rooms that look like packing crates are placed at strategic spots for meetings and such.
Public Strategies’ Mark McKinnon, Annie McKinnon
Incredibly, 95 percent of the original building materials were reused and recycled. A Nike-backed fitness room waits off to the side and a “pit” for mass meetings and meals backs the west wall — itself leading to a patio. WiFi ties everyone together and allows them to migrated around the 30,000 square-foot building. (In the foundation’s previous offices on MoPac, there was no space large enough for the staff to meet, and the employees were separated into three separate suites.)
Foundation Employees Nos. 2 & 3: Liz Kreutz, Renee Nicholas
“Dealing with such a heavy subject, it’s good to have such a light, happy place to work,” said Renee Nicholas, Employee No. 3 at the foundation, and dealing with her own breast cancer challenge now.
Jack Reed, Sally Reed, Foundation President Doug Ulman
I talked with Eric Shanteau, the Austin Olympian who overcame testicular cancer to prepare for the World Games in Rome. (He checked out the competition at the NCAA swimming finals in College Station last week.) I met Bill Gimson the “$3 Billion Man,” who was recruited from the Centers for Disease Control to run the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (recall Armstrong’s championing the taxpayer funding proposition).
Becky Treviiño, Philip Chang of the Young Leaders Cancer Council
There was Ramona Treviño, principal of the University of Texas elementary school across the street, and, wearing his jaunty hat, Public Strategies’ Mark McKinnon (he’s on the foundation board). Doug Ulman spoke eloquently — he’s the former Brown University soccer player who went three rounds with cancer, met Armstrong by e-mail, and now is president of the foundation.
UT diversity specialist Martha Oestereich, UT elementary school principal Ramona Treviño
“It’s been a once-of-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the design and part of the staff teamwork, and to be embedded in the community as we are on East Sixth Street,” Ulman said. “I was always excited to go to work, but now I’m really excited.” The building will open to the public April 21. (According to the foundation’s amazing spokeswoman, Rae Bazzarre, Armstrong discovered the building while on an East Austin bike ride.)
Armstrong’s key players: Mark Higgins, Bill Stapleton
Among the most touching mementoes is a table with five chairs from Z’ Tejas, representing the place where Armstrong first dreamed up LiveStrong with Bill Stapleton, Bart Knaggs, Gary Seghi and John Korioth over lunch. Even the menu is there.
Andy Miller, Dr. Amelie Ramirez, Bill Gimson, head of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
At the evening’s climax, NASA astronauts Karen Nyberg and Mark Kelly presented Armstrong with his yellow jersey they took into space, where it traveled around the Earth 200 times and a distance of 5.8 million miles.
Clayton Christopher, Natasha McRee
Kelly shared a quick anecdote about hearing that he and his family would get to meet the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. When he asked his daughter, then 8 or 9, if she was excited, she said, “Yes, I get to meet Lance Armstrong!”
Nick Denby, Eric Shanteau, Olympian
Oh, and how was the comeback competitor doing after his extensive collarbone repair? He looked and sounded as healthy as ever. “I feel like a patient again,” he said. “But it’s going good for those of you who were wondering.”
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April 1, 2009
Your A-List, Best Dance Floor
Oh no. Drinks will spill. Curses will fly. It’s won’t be pretty. Or maybe the tempest in a tea dance has passed.
As regular readers know, this column generated a volcano of comments, many libelous or just plain hateful, when we reported that Vicci was going gay — again. Supporters and detractors of the new Kiss & Fly club made their feelings plainly felt through the commentary box.
Now the A-List runs a contest for best dance floor — and Kiss & Fly doesn’t even make the list. In all fairness, it’s probably because the large gay dance club just changed formats. After all, Vicci won the contest cold last year.
Its major competitors, the well-established and always lively Oilcan Harry’s and Rain, took, together, 72 percent of the vote. Oilcan’s, for years the city’s dominant gay club, snapped up 42 percent, while relative newcomer and near neighbor, Rain, pulled in 30 percent. Now that’s a statement.
Storied South Austin dance hall Broken Spoke waltzed away with 7 percent, while legitimately historic Gruene Hall strummed up 5 percent. Salsa-flavored Copa shook up 5 percent and jewel-like Barcelona got down with 3 percent.
Talking 2 percent or less were Prague, Graham Central Station, Midnight Rodeo, Dallas Night Club, Tejano Ranch, Aquarium and Friends.
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The Last Hours of El Rey
A victim of timing, the El Rey Barber, Spa & Executive Club closed last night. Not with a whimper, but with a slam bang. A loud crowd — back-slapping, joking and sighing — crammed into the leather-clad lounge to say goodbye.
Although management reported a rise in demand for haircuts, mani-pedis, etc., it was too late. The overhead for its ground-floor spaces in the Plaza Lofts proved too high to sustain the traffic.
We spoke at length with Donaji Lira, who always brightened up El Rey, and to several regulars, like Mitch Jacobson, whose board services have included time with Austin Musical Theatre, One World Theatre and the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
I had planned to meet there with Bernie Siben, Austin’s former piano-bar star, who moved back to town a few months ago. El Rey proved too loud for our conversation, so we strolled down to La Condesa and tarried at the sidewalk seating.
Siben, originally from Brooklyn, tinkled the ivories during the 1970s and ’80s at clubs such as Casablana on 15th Street. He then spent 18 years in Dallas, where his day job allowed performances in that city’s several piano bars. He recently moved back here from Vidalia, Ca.
Now he’s looking for a piano bar to pursue his avocation. Good luck. We talked about the history of local cabaret during the last 20 years and how traditional piano bars — not counting novelty fun like Pete’s or hotel-lobby spots — never seem to take root. We’ll watch Siben to see if he can help make it happen here.
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March 29, 2009
HRC gala inspires at the Hilton Austin
I really don’t expect to sob at galas.
em>Clifton Walker, Brian Cash
And, as a reporter for a traditional, mainstream publication, I’m not supposed to let the reader know I was shaken with emotion. Especially not when the subject is as much political as it is social — the ostensible subject of this column.
Dale Fiala, Ronnie Garza, Ian Levin
Yet my objectivity flew momentarily out the window during the Human Rights Campaign Awards Dinner at the Hilton Austin on Saturday.
Chrysta Hudson, Joselyn Hamilton
It wasn’t just the inspirational speeches, the adroit videos or the thundering applause. It was the sense of history’s rewards.
David Sorrells, Lindsey Misle
You live long enough, you witness history. In my youth, the words “gay,” “lesbian,” “bisexual” or the 1960s equivalent of “transgendered” rarely made it into newspaper pages, except as part of stories about shame, crime or tragedy.
Eric Alva, Richard Irizarry, Scott Tyson
My nieces and nephews’ generation can’t even imagine that. They’ve known gay people all their lives because others were brave enough to come out and also to fight for basic human dignity.
Carina Gonzalez, Erica Sherrill
The HRC, criticized recently for its poor showing in the Proposition 8 gay-marriage battle in California, remains an effective promoter of human rights. And one reason the HRC Awards ceremony operates so effectively — raising more than $100,000 in one sitting, including $6,000 for a meet-up with Cher at Harrah’s in Las Vegas — there are only two official prizes.
Janet Waller, Bridget Wilson
Universal role model Bettie Naylor introduced Woodie Jones, who, before he returned to the bench as chief justice, Third Court of Appeals, worked tirelessly, pro bono, to establish equal legal rights in Texas for gay parents. (The evening’s first award went to Jones.)
Michelle Valles, Cliff Redd
Later, Cuc Vu, chief diversity officer for HRC nationally, made an edifying speech that touched on her family’s harrowing journey from Vietnam and the unique opportunities offered the GLBT community during the Obama era.
Cuc Vu, Leslie Jaffe, David Jaffe
Cliff Redd, head of the Long Center for the Performing Arts and practiced public speaker, made the speech of his life when accepting the Person of the Year Award. He made it clear that being out was as much a part of his success as an arts and business leader as any other quality he possesses.
Sissy Spiro, Traci Campbell, Gina Fant-Saez
Michelle Valles , however, proved the hit of the evening with her random, sweet quips that, as she says, will probably land her in the newsroom office explaining herself again. Example: The KEYE anchor formerly worked for KXAN, which, she says, was regularly called “GAYXAN” because so many gay people were employed there. Valles also kept apologizing to District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg for jokes that might suggest the anchor wasn’t altogether upstanding. Despite her sometime troubles, Valles remains an Austin superstar.
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March 28, 2009
Beyond the Lights swings at Hyatt Lost Pines
First it was stormy. Then balmy. Ultimately, it turned cold and windy.
Marvin Kanter, Irene Kanter
The Beyond the Lights Charity Golf Classic not only survived the March weather madness at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, it thrived. Everything was incrementally delayed.
Bill Wendlandt, Kelly Rees
The impeccably landscaped resort suits the annual event, which raises money for paralysis causes, to a T. The hotel staff, however, did not appear sufficiently drilled about the presence of the parties, leading to several cases of forgivable confusion.
Manuel Oblitas, Debbie Oblitas
Right away, Statesman executive features editor Kathy Blackwell and I were taken under the wing of a charismatic couple, Marvin and Irene Kanter. Parents of celebrity wrangler Shelly Kanter, this pair have stored up two lifetimes of perfectly polished stories.
Andy Reese, Quan Cosby
Marvin was, for decades, a football referee for college and high school games. He knows sports cold. Irene served as a high school teacher and administrator. She once put together a triumphant quiz bowl team by astutely guessing the members’ intellectual strengths.
Brad Sham, Paul Sham
They’ve been married 60 years, and, one of their late-life pleasures has been appearing in movies and television shows as extras — “the sophisticated elderly couple” was their speciality — they once dance all night for their silent role. They’ve also traveled from Rome to Tasmania and their delightful anecdotes could fill a dozen blogs at least.
Ed Goble, Caroline Boudreaux
Here’s one that I can’t wait to share: They were taking an older friend — in his 90s — out to dinner at Austin Land and Cattle Company. When they requested the check, they discovered that the gentleman at the next table had already picked it up. Astonished, Irene was determined to track him down. She squeezed out of the waiter a name — Robert Diaz. But Irene couldn’t contact anyone by that name to thank. Ideas, anyone?
Glen Powell, Jr., Glen Powell, Cyndy Powell, Leslie Powell
I talked with Texas basketball great Bill Wendlandt, who filled me in on the coach Abe Lemons’s years of the late 1970s, early ’80s. (The things you learn while waiting to eat!)
Sean Teegarten, Aimee Teegarten (Sean is Amiee’s artist brother)
I met UT football star Quan Cosby and “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham. After catching up with the always newsworthy Turk Pipkin, I met Caroline Boudreaux, whose Miracle Foundation applies an entrepreneurial approach to helping the world’s neediest people.
Jesse Plemons, Courtney Peterson
Turning a corner, I ran into that fabulously talented family, the Powells, including hard-working actor Glen Jr. and his sister, “Endurance” competitor Leslie.
Drew Waters, Tim Doty
Dinner, served cowboy style, was actually quite sophisticated and yummy. After the auction, I ran into, at various tables, “Friday Night Lights” actors Aimee Teegarten, Jesse Plemons, Kyle Chandler and Brad Leland, each with their own take on the weather and the event. (I congratulated them on the report that “FNL” has been extended for two more seasons.)
The shot I waited patiently for all evening: Kathy Blackwell, Kyle Chandler
We didn’t stick around for Stonehoney, as the wind whipped up the Colorado River valley, and guests huddled under blankets at the resort’s hillside amphitheater. Yet our evening was already memorable without the musical cherry on top.
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March 27, 2009
Happy birthday, Long Center. Blow out your candles.
Nobody thought the Long Center for the Performing Arts was going to top last’s year’s party. The revelry to inaugurate the complex was a gala to end all galas. We won’t see the likes of that extravaganza for years to come.
Austin Symphony Orchestra music director Peter Bay, opera singer Mela Dailey, and new ASO executive director Galen Wixson.
Yet a birthday party is no small thing, especially when there is much to celebrate — paying off the center, trimming the operational budget enough to sail through rough economic waters, identifying new fundraising instruments and naming opportunities.
Dr. Bill Jones, philanthropist Maria Groten, pianist Anton Nel
And that doesn’t even address the grand success of the halls themselves. The three primary arts groups — symphony, opera and ballet — never looked or sounded so good. And, as arts writer Jeanne Claire van Ryzin recently reported on Page 1, there’s evidence of improved revenues for those constituents as well.
Event planner extraordinaire Autumn Rich, public relations pro Karen Frost
As for the birthday party, it began with good weather news. The storm clouds parted for a glorious sunset on the plaza, as guests mingled between expertly placed stages and refreshment stands.
Performers Yasmin Youssef, Christian Moore
The dinner took place in a tent on the west side of the center — an ambitious 5-course affair eaten over many thanks from Long Center head Cliff Redd and a short auction conducted by writer/performer Pat Hazell.
Longtime partners Doug Jacobs, Jeff Mikeska
Note to gala organizers everywhere: Please don’t put the press all at one table. We already know each other. We’re there to report fresh stories, and we can’t do that in a press scrum, pleasant thought that may be. I did spend some useful time prepping for the upcoming Texas Medal of Arts gala with Texas Cultural Trust leader Amy Barbee. But still…
Courtney Sculley, Joe Navarro
Marvin Hamlisch led off the entertainment in the Dell Hall. The composer, conductor and pianist has had 30 years to polish his career-spanning stand-up act — when, as a young pianist, he was told he might play at a party for Hollywood producer Sam Spiegel, he rushed to the opportunity, “I’m not Jewish for a hobby,” he quipped.
Loyal Long Center backers Rusty Tally, Mary Herr Tally
Sweet, grounded singer Linda Eder followed. I had forgotten she’d won “Star Search” in 1988. She has that perfect competition voice — technically proficient in the Barbra Streisand belting mode, with fewer of Streisand’s phrasings than in past concerts. There’s something missing in the emotional anchors for the songs, but it’s hard to argue with the purity of her Broadway-inspired instrument.
Jennifer Failla, Daniele Palumbo
There’s no point in listing all the local notables who attended. I knew just about everybody at every table. Even guests to whom I introduced myself, turns out I already had met. So it was no social adventure, but rather a love-in for the arts.
Sunny Hui, Sammi Hui, whom I’d met at a July 4 function
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March 26, 2009
Out & About Social Schedule March 26-29
After SXSW, the galas return.
MARCH 26
6 p.m. Long Center for the Performing Arts 1st Anniversary Party
5 p.m. Beyond the Lights Charity Golf Classic at Hyatt Lost Pines Resort
MARCH 28
Noon Tasting of Danny DeVito’s limoncello at Twin Liquor Marketplace
6 p.m. Austin Equality Gala 2009 for the Human Rights Campaign at Hilton Austin
10 p.m. ’80s Party on the Patio at Rusty Spurs
MARCH 29
2 p.m. Party for retiring American-Statesman friends at a private residence
4 p.m. Recital: Anton Nel in concert at the Long Center
6 p.m. “Cine, Musica y Alma” for Cine Las Americas at the Gibson Guitar Center
8 p.m. Austin.com Gay and Lesbian Online Community Launch Party at Rain
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Surprise: RuPaul returns to Kiss & Fly tonight
After a performance marred by out-of-control fans and an unforgiving sound system, RuPaul has agreed to play the Kiss & Fly again tonight. I can’t imagine what it took, but admirers of our generation’s top drag artist will surely appreciate the second chance.
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RuPaul pops at packed Kiss & Fly
After all the online banter from anticipatory detractors, the Kiss & Fly gay club opened to a riot of attention on Wednesday. At 10 p.m., the line outside filed all the way from its glass-bricked Colorado Street entrance to West Fifth Street.
Trey Downey, Brhandi Chanel
(I should note that some readers have already registered complaints about the club’s opening night. See the commentary box.)
Adam Hodges, Jason Jahnke
Inside, the dance floor, patio and two floors of bar space were already jammed (the club’s basement was set aside as a green room for performer RuPaul).
Chia Guillory, Thomas Johnson
At first, the crowed seemed no different from the hordes who inhabit Rain and Oilcan Harry’s — and don’t think for one minute they will abandon the other two clubs — the three will form an informal circuit sooner than you can say “happy hour!”
Peter Dasso, Kris Garcia
Because it is Austin, an overwhelming percentage of the guests possessed better than average looks. The rest of us relied on conversation and stored-up wisdom about the sequential flow of such evenings.
Sara Jones, Drea King, Taylor Seyer
A grand opening with entertainment requires patience. We worked the banks of local personalities and spent some time with colleague Stephen Moser, who has bounced back quickly from his arson arrest.
Nicole Taylor, Erin Hawley
As the witching hour approached, the masses pressed toward the dance floor, where drag apotheosis was expected at any moment. The wait continued. Unruly patrons were scooted from the stage.
Matt Cherry, Phillip Maldonado
Then she arrived from the street entrance, taller by a foot or so than anyone surrounding her. An enormous, wavy blonde wig led the way.
(For more pictures, including good ones of RuPaul, check out the A-List gallery).
Jennifer, David
Yet RuPaul was forced to deal with a rogue drag queen on the dance floor, a rogue fog machine and then a rogue sound system.
Troy, Brit, Basil
Her fans didn’t care. It was a moment of coming together, of celebration, of community.
Outside, an ejected drag queen was arguing with EMS and police officials about her injuries from a Susan Hayward pose on the sidewalk. A dramatic end to a dramatic chapter in Austin gay history.
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March 24, 2009
Above the chutes at Rodeo Austin 2
For Part 1, see post below…
I heard about the event’s origins in the Depression-era Baby Beef Expo and its later incarnation at the Quanset-hut shaped City Colosseum. I squirreled away data (300,000 attended last week’s cook-off; $6 million raised to build the Luedecke arena, $1 lease for the “dirt” from the City of Austin, then Travis County).
Michele Golden, Gilbert Turrieta
I noted that Rodeo Austin — the country’s sixth largest indoor pro event — was among the first to Webcast live (board secretary-treasurer and Dell Inc. executive Travis Asklund watched the first week of activities from Singapore, China and elsewhere in Asia).
I didn’t know the background on the 1983 referendum that made the move to Decker Lane possible, or the tremendous amount of sweat equity and donated materials that went into constructing the arena and surrounding structures; how then-U.S. Rep. Jake Pickle spurred the Internal Revenue Service to grant the enterprise nonprofit status, how Willie Nelson agreed to perform as the first headlining entertainer for no fee.
Hap Feuerbacher, Bill Knolle, Fred Weber
As the evening progressed, I heard more about the DIY adventures of the rodeo backers, personally rotating the arena’s stage from below; racing out to grab four heaters so that thin, cold Tammy Wynette would not freeze in 22-degree weather; partying in Mickey Gilley’s “disco bus.” There was the time they hog-tied Verlin’s bigger, louder brother, Jimmy, and drug him into the arena.
Yet I was most impressed — not by the obvious bravery and athleticism of the rodeo riders — but by the dedication of the backers to cause. I kept hearing how all the past presidents from the early 1960s onward were still committed to the rodeo 1,000 percent.
Yet young leaders are needed. I’ll go out on a limb and say the time has also come for the first female president in this deeply traditional field.
Verlin summed up the feeling of the older guard: “I still bust my butt,” he said. “But I’m beginning to wane.”
Rodeo Austin continues through March 28; www.rodeoaustin.org
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Above the chutes at Rodeo Austin 1
When traveling to unexplored lands, it helps to be escorted by royalty.
Monday, I stuck my nose behind the scenes at Rodeo Austin, lingering at the stock pens, dining with organizational founders, thrilling at the bronco and bull chutes above the president’s box.
All thi