THE SESSIONS' INSIDE TRACKS

A sound straight out of Stax Records: Exclusive new music from Fitz & TheTantrums

Fitz and The Tantrums
Photo by Alicia Rose

Dressed to the nines in GypsySun Vintage, Fitz and The Tantrums turned up the heat on stage during SXSW 2011. Their hit single, “Moneygrabber,” took the entire Sessions Factory on a trip back to the ever-so-popular Motown era.

Originating in Los Angeles, California, Fitz and The Tantrums came to life almost overnight in 2008. Lead singer, Michael Fitzpatrick, snagged an electronic organ from his ex-girlfriend’s neighbor and wrote his first song, “Breaking the Chains of Love," that very same evening. Michael rallied up the troops to form the rest of the band and the rest is history.

Recorded in Michael’s house, Fitz and The Tantrums released an EP titled, Songs for a Breakup, Vol. 1, in Summer 2009. This phenomenal debut paved the way for scoring noteworthy gigs around the Los Angeles area, including the infamous Viper Room. The 60’s inspired, neo-soul ensemble had an even bigger response to their first LP, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, which led to performances on TBS’ Conan and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

With their much deserved fame, Fitz and The Tantrums keep feeding hungry crowds with their soul-packed songs and superhuman stage presence. Fresh off the Coachella stage, Michael and his gang of musical masterminds will certainly play to sold out houses on their North American tour that starts this weekend. Peep where they have shows here.

If you do one interesting thing this summer, make sure you save the date for one of their shows. They are absolutely explosive live!

And don’t forget to “Like” Fitz and The Tantrums and The Sessions Music LLC on Facebook.

"Moneygrabber" by Fitz and The Tantrums

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About The Sessions:

Producers CJ Vinson and Lauren Bucherie are musical tastemakers based out of Austin, Texas. They built their company around a simple wish: To diminish the boundary between art and audience. Their unwavering style and eclectic creative collaborations have made The Sessions sought-after team for musicians around the world. CJ and Lauren have worked with everyone from local favorites Cowboy and Indian, Suzanna Choffel and Dan Dyer to internationally-renowned acts like Fitz and The Tantrums and two-time Grammy award winners The Civil Wars.

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Lights Up

Top holiday tradition Trail of Lights illuminates Zilker Park for 2024

Trail of Lights/austintrailoflights.org

One of Austin's top events is coming back soon.

For a city that barely has seasons, Austin really has its seasonal traditions on lock, and none as strongly as the Trail of Lights. This holiday happening, which features more than two million lights in festive displays along a driving and walking trail at Zilker Park, is returning for its 60th year from December 10-23.

Half of the 14 nights will be free to the pubic, and children under 12 will get in for free every night. Although the light show was temporarily drivable during pandemic shutdowns, it is back to being a walking trail only. That means visitors can stroll along the 1.25-mile path (or 2.5 miles total, an FAQ estimates, with all the meandering factored in).

The lights are spread across 96 trees and 70 "festive displays" including the famous tunnel draped in lights and stars that visitors love to take photos in.

Trail of Lights tunnel This light tunnel is a popular place for a photo op.Trail of Lights/austintrailoflights.org

Besides enjoying the visual effects, trail-walkers will also have plenty of other entertainment. There's Candy Cane Lane, which includes food and beverage vendors, restrooms, and the ZIP Lounge, which is like a VIP lounge with complimentary cookies, cocoa, and more but...at the end of the alphabet. Then there's also the North Pole at the center, featuring Santa's House and Santa's Workshop, plus more festival attractions like food, carnival rides (a ferris wheel and carousel), shopping, and live music.

Food vendors haven't been shared yet, but will eventually be listed on the event's website. Musical artists: applications are open now to play during the 2024 season.

Trail of lights fanatics have other options for getting involved, like an exclusive Night Lights Preview Party ($100) on December 6, which will feature food from Austin restaurants, complimentary beverages, and free rides. There's also a Fun Run the next day, December 7. (Okay, fine, holiday lights do make running sound fun.) Finally, guests can even book private events including, for the first time, weddings.

Tickets (free, or starting at $8) are available at austintrailoflights.org. An interactive calendar makes it easy to see which days include free entry. Some proceeds and donations support the Stars at the Trail program, which divvies up funds to nonprofits around Central Texas.

trail of lights holidays