While happy hordes from the ends of the earth descended on Zilker Park Saturday for what would prove to be the last day of ACL Fest 2013, a smaller but no less enthusiastic crowd gathered at Scoot Inn in East Austin for a carnival of a different stripe.
Ditch the Fest started in 2010 as an ACL alternative on almost all fronts, including price (lower), access (closer) and variety of entertainment (smaller acts in a more intimate setting). The "ditching" part is kind of tongue-in-cheek; DTF seeks merely to expand the musical choices available during the (now) two weekends of the Zilker Park party.
Unlike its sprawling inspiration, DTF (Nos. 4 & 5) contracted a bit this year, taking place over consecutive weekends at one club (Scoot Inn) rather than the several of years past. The lineup included Holiday Mountain, Caddywhompus, The Ghost Wolves, Danny Malone, Black Books, Yum, the Hikes, and many more. Vendor booths and body painting were both less formal and less expensive, and strings of tiny lights, along with the occasional glowing sculpture, made for a festival without frenzy. And 100 percent less flooding.
An Austin production company is launching a new local sketch comedy series, and they want Austinites to get in on the fun in person. Originator Studios already has a 20-minute Lawn Party pilot ready to go — but as filmmakers Willie Rockefeller and Derek Gildersleev are shopping it out to film festivals and investors, they want to start gathering an audience.
Having a loyal audience will ultimately increase Lawn Party's chances of being picked up, so Originator is throwing an actual party December 6 at event venue Shady Springs (9401 Sherman Rd.). Guests can expect stand-up comedy, live sketches, live music, and even kiddie pools and one big pool, despite Austin's weather taking a recent turn for the very cold.
It'll also be a good opportunity for comedy fans to get in touch with the local scene, thanks to a cast full of Austin comics: Sarah Yoakley, Chad Werner, Kelsey Pribilsky, Kaci Beeler, Rochelle McConico, Yola Jean Lu, Tinus Seaux, Kolby Jacobs, and Garrett Rojas.
Synth pop duo Jane Leo will provide sonic support, and spacey musical cult Grandmaster has lent music to the cinematic and fun series intro.
For those abstaining from December swimming, there will be food, drinks, lawn games, and raffles for prizes including Moontower Comedy Festival badges.
“We’ve spent fifteen years running a production company,” said Rockefeller in a press release. “But Lawn Party is the thing we’ve always wanted to make. We built the sandbox; now we’re inviting everyone to come play.”
Even if Austinites aren't closely following local comedy, they may know Originator from its work on Stavros Halkias' Netflix comedy special, Fat Rascal, or Joe List's special Small Ball. The studio also works on commercials, livestreams, and other creative content.
To pull off the Lawn Party series, Originator has already raised more than $30,000 on a Kickstarter campaign that ended December 1. The campaign promises "uniquely strange characters plucked from everyday life" along with "relatable situations gone awry" and of course "a hint of social commentary."
“We wanted the series — and the event — to feel like Austin," said Gildersleev. "Smart, weird, collaborative, slightly unhinged in the best way.”
If this success continues, it looks like plenty of Austinites will be able to watch along from home someday. But until then, there's Eventbrite. Tickets are $17.85 with tax and fees.
“When you show up for Lawn Party, you’re not just supporting local comedy,” said a team statement. “You’re joining it.”
