for the rest of us
Weekday warrior: What to do if you're NOT at Fantastic Fest
Gagarazzi 2011 at The Highball
Music Movie Monday: Almost Famous at The Parish
ACL Reel Rarities B.B. King at The Alamo Ritz
EPIX Presents: Kevin Smith Live at The Paramount
Texas Performing Arts Presents: Crisol Danza Teatro
Tribeza Style Week: Tribeza Fashion Show at Bob Bullock Texas State HistoryMuseum
Tim League’s Fantastic Fest is well underway, but what’s to fill the 9-5 of the more casual cinephile? On deck this week is a blues great, a blonde bombshell, and burlesque bash with Austin’s little monsters. Not sure how to narrow it down? Here’s our weekly guide to keep you busy during the days that don’t start with S.
Monday, September 26
Music Movie Monday: Almost Famous @ The Parish
Indulge your inner band-aid and enjoy Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical rock journo journey through the rose colored glasses of young William Miller. Beforehand, check out a panel featuring some of Austin’s own music writers, as they discuss their own rock journalism jaunts. The panel features: Laurie Gallardo (KUT), Doug Freeman (The Austin Chronicle) and John Laird (Side One Track One).
Music Monday: ACL Reel Rarities B.B. King @ Alamo Ritz
The word legend isn’t thrown around too often, but it’s more than appropriate when describing blues great B.B. King. Check out a vintage look at the "Beale Street Blues Boy" in all his glory, as he tears the roof off the Austin City Limits studio during his 1983 show appearance. The cost is $5, and all proceeds go to benefit HAAM.
Tuesday, September 27
EPIX Presents: Kevin Smith: Live @ The Paramount
Kevin Smith may have been known for anything BUT his movies lately, but that doesn’t change the fact that he's responsible for some of modern film’s greatest cult hits, including Clerks, Chasing Amy and Mallrats. The Q&A at the Paramount will be his latest to be filmed for a special presentation on EPIX.
Mike and the Moonpies @ Mohawk
Mike Harmeier not only has a unique brand of hometown honky tonk; he even has his own drink special at Mohawk, the Moonpie: $3 for a Lone Star and a shot of well whiskey. Snag one (or several) during his unplugged happy hour residency, lasting through the end of the month.
Wednesday, September 28
Sing-along: Ultimate One-Hit-Wonders @ Alamo Village
As much as we’re all ready to forget “Mambo #5,” let’s relive it, shall we? The Action Pack will comb the Billboard charts for dearly departed songs of mixtapes past, for a musical stroll down memory lane.
Texas Performing Arts Presents: Crisol Danza Teatro
Texas Performing Arts presents the U.S. premiere of Crisol Danza Teatro of Guadalajara, Mexico. Described as a perfect flow of body, motion, word, mind, spirit, voice, dance and theatre, Crisol draws from a variety of acting and dancing techniques to create distinctly unique performances.
Thursday, September 29
Punk rock pioneers Blondie take the stage at the Moody Theater, proving that even after 40 years, they’ve still got it. Debbie Harry and her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band stop here on their Panic or Girls Tour, to promote their ninth studio album.
Tribeza Style Week: Tribeza Fashion Show @ Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Models from all over the Lone Star State will strut their stuff with hair and make up by José Luis, in looks from top Austin boutiques. Stores include longtime participants By George, C. Jane, Estilo, The Garden Room, Julian Gold, Saks Fifth Avenue, Service Menswear and Underwear.
Friday, September 30
“Opening Nights” Wine Tasting @ Flemings Austin
Flemings releases their “Flemings 100” wine list, and shares them with the public, 20 wines at a time. Over the course of five Fridays, guests will be able to sample each of the wines, along with a preview of the restaurant’s new small plates menu. RSVP required.
Get ready, little monsters. For one night, The Highball will transform into a paradise for all 21-and-up Lady Gaga fans as it plays host to a variety and burlesque show benefiting Equality Texas. Once the burlesque has met its end, the dance floor will open up for a non-stop gaga dance party.
So whether you’re tasting wine, quoting Mallrats along with Kevin Smith fans, or serenading Highball attendees with your best rendition of “Bad Romance,” there’s plenty to fill the week of those feeling less than Fantastic. So get that pen out, start filling up that datebook, and bring along some movie popcorn if you're feeling left out. Or maybe some Junior Mints. They're very refreshing, you know.
