surviving the 9 to 5
Weekday Warrior: The (semi) calm before the storm
It’s here. SXSW officially begins this week, and whether you love it or hate it, it’ll dominate the social landscape for the next while. But before you spend your days hopping from free tacos to free beers to free barbecue, there are a few pretty big offerings to make this week a solid sendoff of your free time.
Here’s our weekly guide to keep you busy during the days that don’t start with S.
Monday, March 5
Michael Ian Black – You’re Not Doing It Right @ Bookpeople
Wet Hot American Summer star and VH1 staple Michael Ian Black makes his way to Bookpeople to bring his brand of off-kilter observational humor as well as sign copies of his upcoming You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death and Other Humiliations.
Music Monday: Almost Famous @ Alamo Ritz
Bring your aura straight to purple as you channel your inner band-aid with this Cameron Crowe tale of the trials and tribulations of the life of a rock journalist.
Tuesday, March 6
Bee Team Trivia Challenge @ Yellow Jacket Social Club
Join Yellow Jacket Social Club and The Literacy Coalition in Austin's only language, spelling and literature trivia quiz. Teams of up to six people compete for awesome prizes from local establishments.
Austin City Limits Presents: Radiohead @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater
The Brit rockers return to Austin the day before their sold-out stint at The Frank Erwin Center to tape an episode of the timeless music television show. Expect lots of hipster tears.
Wednesday, March 7
Cap City Presents: Matt Bearden
Former winner of the “Funniest Person in Austin” contest, Matt Bearden kicks off a several-night stint at Cap City. Comedian Chad Thornsberry guests.
Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Dinner @ Alamo Ritz
Enjoy Wes Anderson at his finest, with this Devo-filled, Portugese-Bowie soundtracked tale of revenge and sea creatures. So, step aboard The Belafonte and slip on your standard issue red knit cap for this seafood extravaganza of a cinematic feast.
Thursday, March 8
Girls w/ Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ La Zona Rosa
Girls’ Chris Owens possesses one of the most interesting backstory in rock n’ roll, and his lyrics mimic it perfectly. They headline a (surprisingly not sold out) show at La Zona, so jump on this to fit in some pre-SXSW entertainment.
Office Space Quote-along @ Alamo Ritz
Mike Judge’s workplace comedy hits home for nearly every cubicle dweller, and the fact that it was filmed in our fair city makes it even more apropos. Polish off that pocket protector, get your can of roach spray at the ready and be on the alert, because Milton could set the building on fire at any moment.
Friday, March 9
Philadelphia rockers Dr. Dog arrive just in time for the onset of SXSW, to headline an outdoor show at Stubb’s, promoting their latest album, Be The Void. Lafayette, LA wunderkinds GIVERS open the show.
Star of Texas State Fair and Rodeo @ Travis County Exposition Center
Rodeo Austin brings the biggest carnival in town (if you don’t count that music and film related carnival taking place on the other side of town), with a bevvy of food, games and rides to keep you entertained.
So whether your dreading the onset of SXSW, or anxiously awaiting the weeks of free booze and skinny jeans, we’ve got you covered this week to make the free time count.