Say Yes to what's left of Summer

Ok, ok, it's still hot outside. But we're getting there! Don't worry, I'm here to give you some sweet relief to get through another possibly sweaty, sticky, weekend.

Tonight, cool off on South Congress at Snack Bar with a BYOV (Bring your own vinyl) party. Waterloo Records is hosting a Lounge & Listen party tonight, to listen to The Weepies new album, Be My Thrill, and afterwards, spinning your records on the patio! But be careful about leaving your records in the car, cause it's vinyl, babe, it melts!

Robert Rodriguez's Machete, filmed here in Austin, is finally ready for our viewing pleasure! I had fun watching these boys film in my hotel, alley way, and near the capitol, and I look forward to seeing those spots in the film! The Paramount will be showing Machete, this Thursday, September 2nd at 8pm. But get there early to check out the red carpet arrivals. Tickets include entrance into the stunt-filled after party at Austin Studios.

Still sweatin' this heat stuff? The Four Seasons is helping you cool down with dive-in movies. The event and popcorn are free! There will be movie-themed drink specials and a delicious candy bar. Can you say sweet end of summer fun for all ages? The next movie up is The Blind Side and it's this Friday, September 3rd, and here's the rest of the line-up for ya!

Sunday, September 5: Transformers 2
Friday, September 24: Night at the Museum 2
Friday, October 8: Iron Man 2
Friday, October 22: Clash of the Titans

So, have fun out there kids, and stay cool. Don't forget about all the air-conditioned improv that Out of Bounds is bringing this week!

TGIF.

Thank God It's Fall. I was getting sick of sweating when going to check the mail or pay the meter. Hello sweet breezes!

It's Sunday again! Time to head to The Highball for a 50's themed night of improv featuring The Andersons, Confidence Men, and the amazing vocals of Nathalie Holmes aka Gin Joint. This girl blew me away last time, singing sweet jazzy covers of Lady Gaga, Coldplay, and more. This jam-packed show is only $5 and starts at 8pm tonight!

Don't forget to buy some tickets to Out of Bounds, coming up this week!

Say Yes to Salsa, Sweat and Savers!

September 6th is going to make you sweat. You've heard me talking, or uh, typing, about Bikram Yoga, and if you'd like, you can try it for free with me. Yogagroove is hosting a free day of yoga on September 6th, with classes from 6am-6pm. In addition to free yoga, enjoy live music, italian ices, a clothing trunk sale, and discounted services and clothing from Yogagroove. Don't be scared of a little sweat! But, if you are, just check out Austin Free Day of Yoga for some less-sweaty alternatives.

September 6th is going to help you save. My favorite thrift store, Saver's is having another half-off sale, September 6th, from 7am-9pm. I go to every one of these and stock up on clothes for every season until the next sale. I never have to shop anywhere else! You know, except for socks and underwear.

Every Friday, you can salsa dance at Austin Sports Tavern (2200 S.I H 35
Austin, TX). Start out with a free lesson at 9:30, and then show off your new moves until 2am! Ladies get in free all night and manly men have to cough up $8.

Yay for free and cheap activities!

Music, Movies, and More!

Yes, I still love the theater. The Zach Theatre has some awesome plays going on now and coming up soon. The Drowsy Chaperone is in its final two weeks, and while I got sick the night I was going to see it, my friends went and said it was GREAT! I'm going to try to catch it before its ends on August 29th. Also showing is Metamorphoses, which is a story about Greek Myths. It contains brief male nudity and a splash zone, how awesome is that? And now, what you've all been waiting for, RENT! It starts September 16th and ends November 28th. Tickets are on sale now, but only by phone. I heard through a reliable source at The Zach Theatre that the play will be set in Austin as opposed to New York. I'm both excited and skeptical (which is awesome, because it's amazing when I'm proved wrong) to see this idea! I'm a little afraid of how loud I'll be singing when "Light My Candle" comes on, though. Haha!

I also like theater of the movie type! Therefore, I especially like The Drafthouse and their engaging movie concoctions. While my cup is still not brimming with booze, I'm interested to see AV Geeks: Alcohol Is Dynamite, this Tuesday at 7pm. AV Geeks is essentially this guy, Skip, who creates shows out of old 16mm videos. If you dig it, he's doing it again, except this time it's Your Prom Date and it's at The Highball, August 26th at 7pm. Stick around after the show for a real prom. I have just the dress for this too! I love seeing old movies on the big screen and eating bags of candy while I quote every word. And this Thursday, it will be socially acceptable! Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Quote-Along at The Drafthouse. It's playing the next three Thursdays at 7pm.

Hey, remember how we are in the live musical capitol of the world? Well, if you forgot, here are some reminders. One of my favorite music magazines, Paste Magazine is hosting its first ever tour, and it kicks off in Austin. Tickets are available now through pre-sale, and will get you a free digital subscription to Paste. The show is October 12th at The Mohawk. A few days later, Sufjan Stevens will be in town! Check him out on October 19th at 8pm at The Long Center. Tickets are $30.

Do you love Improv?

Yes? Good.

My favorite confident men will be playing two Sundays in a row at The Highball. This should be pretty boss, considering you get to witness an hour of The Andersons, Confidence Men, and Gin Joint (a sweet jazz duo), set in a 1950's theme for only $5. So, check them out TODAY and next Sunday, at The Highball at 8pm! I've got just the dress for this!

Also, I made my OOB schedule, and here it is so far:

Tuesday 8/31:

The opening party at the Continental Club, 10pm.

Wednesday 9/1:

I pick up the lovely girls from Rosa Parks Improv and show them around my favorite city. The first night of shows are on two stages at Salvage Vanguard Theater, or SVT. I'll be sitting in on the Apples Stage to watch Midnight Society, Dusk (Improvised Tween Erotica), Snackers, and You're Not My Real Dad.

Thursday 9/2:

This is a tough one! If you're at SVT, check out Available Cupholders & Switch (the group I wouldn't stop raving about last month) at 9:30pm on the Apples Stage. Then, head over to the Oranges Stage and check out Two Fun Men (from NY) and Austin Secrets. If you're downtown, you can check out Your Terrific Neighbors at 7:30pm and Hitchcocked! at 9pm at The Hideout. Shows will also be going on at Coldtowne Theater and once you pay $5, you're in for as long as you'd like! If you're more into stand-up, check out The Velveeta Room.

Friday 9/3:

Parallelogramophonograph (or Pgraph) and an All-Star Maestro starting at 9pm at SVT. Girls Girls Girls will be playing The Hideout at about the same time if you're into improvised musicals, and who isn't?! Then, head home and take a nap to get geared up for Happiness is a Choice at 1am at Coldtowne Theater. I can't wait to see what these boys are up to now!

Saturday 9/4:

At 5pm, I'm going to check out Rosa Parks Improv at Coldtowne Theater. Then, I'm heading over to The Hideout for Confidence Men and Kind Strangers: Improvised Tennessee Williams and sticking around for Drum Machine (you have to see it!)

There are a few shows going on Sunday & Monday, but I might be worn out by then. I'll let you know! Again, here is the link to Out Of Bounds and the venues, Salvage Vanguard Theater, Coldtowne Theater, The Hideout, and The Velveeta Room.

Sad, Happy, Funny, Oh My!

Here's what's been happenin':



I used my Groupon at How Do You Roll? the other day.







How Do You Roll? gives you the chance to play God! Choose your wrap, meat, vegetables (or fruit!), and your topping. Apparently, there are 37 million possibilities. I went with some tofu skin, avocado, pineapple, and tuna. And a Philly roll. And a Slammin' Salmon roll. I REALLY LIKE SUSHI, OKAY??







Service was incredible, the guys there were really nice. I got all of that for $20 bucks, so that's not bad! It was tasty and quick and fun. I'll be back soon.



I also went to Black Swan Yoga, which is on W. 5th St. This place is cool because it's all by donation. You show up to a class of your choice (there are a TON), and pay after class by dropping cash in the donation box or by swiping your credit card on one of the two available computers. They also offer mat and towel rentals for $2, have a fridge of cold beverages, and showers. The suggested donation is $10-$15, but if you can't make that, there's no pressure because you make the donation on your own and not to the instructor. I usually do Bikram Yoga, yeah, that's right, I live and play in the heat and then go work out in it, but I was looking for something a little less hot. I took the Vinyasa class, which is suggested for beginners, and it was nice. I broke a sweat, got to breathe, and clear my mind. All classes are about an hour long, and they start as early as 6am and keep going till 8:30pm! I'm definitely excited to go back. Maybe even today!



In less happy news, The Dobie Theatre is closing its doors this Sunday. I'm ashamed to say I only had the opportunity to experience this wonderful place once. However, I will be going tonight, to say goodbye and watch The Kids Are All Right. If you get a chance, see a movie there this weekend!



In funnier news, Out of Bounds is coming! What? You've never heard of it? Well, keep reading! Out of Bounds is a comedy festival that Austin hosts every year. From improv, to stand-up, to film and sketch, this is going to be one action packed week. It starts Aug. 31st and ends Sep. 6th, and happens at all of our lovely improv venues across the city. I have two suggestions for you, but I'll be back with more. Confidence Men at 7pm at The Hideout Theatre, and Happiness is a Choice at 1:30am at Coldtowne Theater. My two favorite troupes in the same night? I'm already shaking with excitement. Kevin McDonald from Kids in the Hall will also be there if tickets are still available!



Well, I have to get back to my day job now, but stay cool and check back for updates!

Say Yes to Sobriety!

I'm taking a break from the booze. Don't worry youngins, soon enough I'll be off the sobriety streak and back with less-than-sober shenanigan stories to share! But in the meantime, my liquor-free challenge will give me the opportunity to explore new avenues in entertainment and liquid adventure. I'm thinking refreshing summer sippers like Bouldin Creek Cafe's Rose Lemonade or Summermoon Cafe's Wintermoon Latte. I'm thinking about hoppin' on the frozen yogurt trend, I'm thinking about getting a frozen banana at Banarchy, I'm thinking about the Boston Cream Pie Snowcone at Casey's, etc, etc! What's everyone's favorite virgin summer-time concoction or treat?

I'm also excited to discover fun summer-time places and things that keep my mind off that sweet, sweet Tito. I'm thinking more art museums, more theater, more yoga!, more parks and greenbelts, and some putt-putt at Peter Pan. Anybody have any superb ideas for alcohol-free activities?

Until next time, keep it Sober, keep it Safe.

Melancholic Happiness

Holy Emotion Austin Enthusiasts!

I saw Melancholy Play at Austin Playhouse Friday night. I can't stop thinking about it because it blew my mind. It was incredibly touching, fun, well-acted, and surprisingly personal. When I heard about this play I was immediately interested simply because of the title. Such an interesting emotion, and choice of words, melancholy. I sat down in the front row so I wouldn't miss a beat. The main character, Tilly, is adorable and intriguing. Lorenzo, her therapist, is incredibly passionate and intense. Her boyfriend, Frank, is a bit shy, quiet, and unknowingly missing a part of himself. Her hairdresser, Frances is perky, excited, and full of emotion. Her friend, Joan, is stubborn at first, but then easily melts at Tilly's innocence. The monologues and human emotions are easy to relate to, but I was taken by surprise when Tilly began to describe a certain word in a different language, because that word is tattooed on my arm. It's a hard word to describe, but the writing of the play and the dialogue captured it so well. So needless to say, I especially identified with this play and her character.

There are five shows left, and I am positively seeing it again next week. You can see it this Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 5pm. Stick around after the show at meet the actors, because they are all very sweet and lovable! I spoke to "Tilly" after the show, and she was excited about my tattoo and offered to e-mail me the other words she described in the play. "Joan" also ran after me before I left to officially introduce herself and personally thank me for coming to the show. So please support these amazingly talented people and enjoy some theater! You won't leave feeling melancholy.



Now, onto the happiness. Happiness is a choice! Happiness Is A Choice is my favorite group of on-stage experimenters. I see a lot of improv, and Happiness is a Choice is a fresh breath of air in a sea of assigned formats. It's a calming experience watching these brilliant men think out loud, perform random handstands, wear the color of happiness on their sleeves, and perform experiments. They are scientists, and they are performing TONIGHT, 8:30pm at Coldtowne Theater, for free! Every Monday night Coldtowne Theater brings you Monday Night Mash, a night of three improv troupes for the low, low cost of free. BYOB!

Dear Austin, you are awesome.