Circle C: Friendly community and fun amenities right outside your door

Your Neighborhood Expert

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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While Hanan Lowell was introduced to the world of real estate as a young girl, coming from a family of land developers, civil engineers, and remodelers, this University of Texas at Austin alumna actually started her career in music as an opera singer.

Having received two more degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City and lived around the world, the native Texan came full circle when she returned to Austin for a main role and to work with graduate students in a master class at UT.

Once back in the city, Circle C was at the top of places to live.

“It is so highly sought-after and was on my radar even back in my days at UT,” she says. “I love its low-key, cool vibe.”

Now, as a real estate agent, she finds it so rewarding to help clients achieve their own goals of selling and buying homes in Austin — especially in one of her favorite neighborhoods.

“I think the gem of Circle C is the people who live here,” says Lowell. “Circle C is a super-friendly, inviting community with excellent schools and amazing amenities. There's a high rate of participation in activities — farmers markets, food truck nights, live music, recreation, you name it — and smiles everywhere you turn.”

It’s also close to downtown — a mere 12 minutes or so — yet far enough to get some of breathing room at the end of a long, busy day.

Lowell offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Circle C. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Lil'Doddy — which is Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s little brother — along with Torchy's, and Taco Deli are Austin favorites in Circle C, says Lowell.

Also nearby is Kerbey Lane Café for comfort food classics and the longstanding Austin institution Hyde Park Bar & Grill.

An amateur chef in the kitchen? The neighborhood has its own HEB, and a Whole Foods is less than 10 minutes away.

Where to play
“We have so many trails that you can enjoy here,” says Lowell. “I think that's a real draw for Circle C: just walk out the door and you can have an awesome day.”

She also recommends hopping on a bike and exploring the Veloway, getting some yummy goods at the Friday Farmers Market, and attending live music nights in the neighborhood.

What to see
Close by is one of Austin’s most iconic gardens: the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

“The gardens delight young and old with seasonal events, including nocturnal light shows, a playful yearly installation of forts for children to climb and explore, local flora and fauna sales, and much more,” says Lowell.

Where to live
While some homes are builder specs, updated once or twice over, there are smatterings of custom builds and some luxury builders in the newer portions of the community.

“They truly range in home size and lot size, and the large-scale remodels are absolutely stunning,” says Lowell, who also loves the fantastic trees in the neighborhood. “One of the things I like to enjoy is the amount of care to include local plants in the landscape design of this area,” she adds.

A recent listing of Lowell’s at 5504 Ballenton Lane is a prime example of the diversity among the 5,000-plus homes in Circle C.

The custom-built, 4,200-square-foot cottage-style home sits on half an acre in a cul-de-sac with a generous backyard and pool.

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Hanan Lowell works and plays in Circle C. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email hanan@hananlowell.com, or call 646-342-8968.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Headwaters: Where the stars — and homes — are big and bright in Dripping Springs

Your Expert Guide

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"We have lived in Barton Creek, Spanish Oaks, Westlake, and Central Austin and loved them all, but there is something about Headwaters that has a piece of our heart," says Camille Abbott. "Word traveled fast that a Realtor had chosen this neighborhood. We heard a lot of 'This must be a great area if you bought here!'"

Enticed by an amazing view that backs to a greenbelt and "the best floorplan ever," Abbott also praises the neighborhood's amenities: a beautiful pool and clubhouse, great gym, dog park, beautiful walking trails, and fiber internet which is paid through the HOA.

Even though she's only lived in Headwaters for the past three years, Abbott was already very familiar with the area. Abbott is a native Texan who began calling Austin home in 1970, so she's known Dripping Springs when it "was only the blinking light at RR12 and Highway 290."

"I have been working in Dripping Springs for about 10 years," the real estate agent says. "Dripping Springs offers my clients the possibility of a little more land within a short drive to Austin, and it is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country. For myself, I loved the look of Headwaters but most of all I loved the idea of looking out my window and seeing the Hill Country every day."

There is a definite small-town vibe to "Drip," Abbott says, even though the area is expanding more with each day.

Residents can expect a farmers market on Wednesdays, with annual events like a Founder's Day celebration and the Dripping Springs Rodeo in the fall. "It's the friendliest neighborhood ever," Abbott says.

Abbott offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in Headwaters. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
"Homespun is a charming small restaurant situated in a little log cabin in the heart of Dripping Springs," she says. "It offers farm-to-table cooking with European and American influences, and everything on the menu has a nutritional purpose. My favorite appetizer is the deviled eggs served with a tiny jalepeno on top for just a little kick, and the shrimp and grits is another favorite."

Abbott points out the restaurant's cozy atmosphere as the ideal setting for dinner with friends or even a date night meal.

"Our first meal here was by accident on Valentine's Day," she says. "We got the last unreserved table, it was great, and we knew we were 'home.'"

Abbott also notes Mazuma, Hudson's on Mercer, Hill Country Ranch Pizzeria, Deep Eddy Distillery, and Suds as favorites.

Where to play
Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center is 130 acres of Texas Hills Country located on RR 12, and offers six miles of scenic trails for hikers, bikers, and trail riders, and leashed dogs welcome.

Equestrians enjoy multiple riding arenas and equine amenities, details Abbott, who rides cutting horses herself as a hobby.

"Throughout the year, you will find this venue is home to the Dripping Springs Rodeo, the FFA Livestock events, equine shows of all disciplines, and trade shows — it's truly a taste of Western cowboy heritage," says Abbott, who herself is a champion at showing cutting horses.

Dripping Springs was the first city in Texas to be designated as an International Dark Sky Community, which assures that the stars at night remain big and bright for stargazers.

It has also been designated by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Audubon as a Texas Bird City. There is a bird-viewing station overlooking the pond, and 2022 will see the city host its second annual World Migratory Bird Day Festival of Flight Celebration on May 14.

The Headwaters neighborhood was once a ranch, as Abbott says many of the neighborhoods were in the area, and the developers chose to preserve the ruins of the old ranch house and make it a park and part of the hiking trails.

It sits on a hill overlooking the neighborhood and is maintained by the HOA, with benches and landscaping making it a popular spot to pause.

The HUB, as the community center is called by residents, offers a beautiful pool, gym, and outdoor meeting area, all overlooking the Hill Country. "It is a definite plus for the area and enjoyed by all residents," Abbott says.

What to see
The Pound House was built in 1854-1855 by Joseph and Sarah Pound in an untamed area of Central Texas now known as Dripping Springs. It is believed that Dripping Springs was part of the original wagon route from Austin to Fredericksburg, and the Pounds may have passed through on their journey.

Today, the Pound House is included on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a Texas State Historical Landmark, and offers a living depiction of early life in the Texas Hill Country. The grounds include an oak tree that is over 500 years old called the Heritage Oak. The antique roses that Sarah Pound brought as cuttings to her new home from her native Mississippi in 1853 still thrive today.

Abbott says not to miss the annual Christmas on Mercer, which includes everything from holiday lights to live music, arts and crafts, and movie showings.

Where to live
"Headwaters offers something for everyone: empty nesters, young families, professionals working from home, and single parents, just as a few examples," says Abbott. "The HOA organizes food truck visits, movie nights, mornings with coffee vendors, and all kinds of opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another."

Modern farmhouse is the trending style in the area — expect board and batten exteriors and shiplap accents on the inside. Open living areas with island kitchens are popular and allow guests and family to enjoy being together. Many of the single-story homes sit on larger lots and offer a game room upstairs, with all bedrooms down. All homes back to a greenbelt and most have some sort of a view.

"It is a neighborhood where people walk their dogs and babies in the evenings, gather in the streets, and take care of one another," Abbott says. "We experienced first-hand how the community takes care of each other when my husband had a stroke a year ago. Trash cans were brought in for us and baskets of goodies welcomed us home — the love we felt from our neighbors was awesome."

A recent sale of Abbott's exemplifies the typical Headwaters home: 158 Dayridge, a beautiful, four-bedroom, single-story David Weekly design with a huge bonus room and bath upstairs. Abbott was able to sell the home above asking price within the time frame she had promised her sellers.

"Camille was professional and extremely knowledgeable about the market and sales in the area," says client Ann Pierpoint. "She offered guidance through the process, which made it much less stressful, and was responsive and easy to work with."

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Camille Abbott lives, works, and plays in Headwaters. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email camille.abbott@sothebysrealty.com, or call 512-529-1299.

Photo by Onward Group

Lake Travis: Paradise awaits with Mediterranean-inspired, resort-style living every day

Your Neighborhood Expert

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More than 20 years ago, real estate agent Sandy Cary moved to Lakeway from Dallas — and never looked back.

“Coming from such a flat area, the hills and the trees and all of the beauty and nature of Lake Travis were a huge draw for me,” she says.

Having worked in the area for just as long, Cary is well-attuned to the resort-style feel of the community and the unique perks of lake life: “I absolutely love it.” Her 53-year-old double yellow-headed Amazon parrot doesn’t mind it either!

Cary also loves the predominantly Mediterranean-style architecture. Fun fact: “The movie Spy Kids was filmed on Lake Travis and you would think you are really in the Mediterranean with all of the stucco and tile roofs we have!”

Another top attraction is The Oasis. “It's one of the most beautiful places to see amazing sunsets overlooking Lake Travis,” adds Cary. The destination restaurant is even known as The Sunset Capital of Texas.

Cary offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in the Lake Travis area. Here's her guide:

Where to eat & drink
In addition to The Oasis, there are so many great places to eat and drink in this area, including: Plate by Dzintra (from-scratch goodness), Steiner Ranch Steakhouse (excellent surf and turf), SP Brazilian Steakhouse, The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen, Café Blue (the best seafood and oyster bar), Buenos Aires Café (for Argentinean cuisine), Carmela's (grab one of their artisan pizzas), The League Kitchen & Tavern (an homage to the 1920s Prohibition era), Verdes Mexican Parrilla, Sundancer Grill, Santa Catarina, Canyon Grille Rough Hollow, and The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge (great lake views).

Where to play
“Boating is number one!” says Cary. “There are many marinas in the area and lots of places to rent boats.”

She also recommends Lakeway Park as an amazing place to relax, as well as the Lakeway community pools.

For golfing, Falconhead Golf Club is a top favorite public course.

The Hill Country Galleria also has free live music on the lawn on Friday nights, a farmers market on Sundays, periodic yoga classes, and more activities.

What to see
“There are several wonderful hidden gems in the Lake Travis area, including Hamilton Greenbelt,” says Cary. “It's a beautiful park filled with amazing trails.”

The Spicewoodwineries are also at the top of her list to see — and savor, too.

More nature-rich destinations include Bee Cave Sculpture Park, Muleshoe Bend, Jessica Hollis Park, Mansfield Park, and Pace Bend Park.

Where to live
“The homes are definitely varied; there's something here for everyone,” says Cary. “Around the lake, the style is mostly Mediterranean. However, you'll also see modern, traditional, and super-eclectic homes — one, in particular, is even shaped like a mushroom.”

Many properties here have gorgeous views and spacious grounds, like the five-bed, eight-bath property Cary sold at 35 Water Front Ave. Another significant sale of hers is the 10,000-square-foot Mediterranean stunner at 12017 Kirkland Court.

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Sandy Cary works and plays in the Lake Travis area. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, sandy.cary@sothebysrealty.com, or call 512-589-1002.

Photo by Onward Group

Agent Sandy Cary.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

North Central Austin: A charming escape only minutes from downtown

Your Neighborhood Expert

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Real estate agent Brennan Stravlo has no problem admitting he was “scared to death” to move north from the trendy south Austin area. But that was more than a decade ago, and now, having been in North Central Austin for 10 years, he loves living and working in the area.

“In the last 10 years, many restaurants have opened locations here, and The Domain just keeps expanding and getting better and better,” he says. “It is so easy to get around, too.”

While North Central Austin may have once looked a bit “shinier” than the “typical authentic vibe of old Austin,” Stravlo says there’s still plenty of authentic Austin charm in addition to locally owned restaurants — plus the perks of large home lots and no HOA.

Stravlo offered up a few more of his personal favorites about life in North Central Austin. Here's his guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
“Anderson Lane has a few hidden gems, including Little Deli & Pizzeria,” says Stravlo.

You might also find him at cozy gastropub DrinkWell or grabbing dinner at Bartlett’s. For south-of-the-border favorites, it’s Enchiladas Y Mas and El Nuevo Mexico Restaurant — and you can’t ever go wrong with Perry’s Famous $19* Pork Chop Friday Lunch.

Where to play
Walnut Creek Metro Park is a whopping 293 acres, with miles of paved hiking and cycling trails, an off-leash dog area, a swimming pool, playground, and sports and recreational facilities.

As a three-time marathoner, Stravlo says that he loves running around Lady Bird Lake, too, and it’s only 12 minutes to get there. And beautiful Lake Travis is a mere 25 minutes away!

What to see
Q2 Stadium is an incredible soccer venue that also hosts events like Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic.

Playland Skate Center is a true Austin original: a 27,500-square-foot roller skating rink in all its retro glory with light shows and a fog machine.

For ice skating, Chaparral Ice is a family-owned ice rink in the neighborhood.

Where to live
North Central Austin specializes in the “typical Texas ranch that’s mixed with new and modern construction,” says Stravlo. “Much gentrification is happening, with original pricing at $450,000 to $2 million, so there are a range of options.”

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Brennan Stravlo works and plays in North Central Austin. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, brennan.stravlo@kupersir.com, or call 512-750-8154.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Old Enfield: Alluring historical charm close to downtown Austin

Your Neighborhood Expert

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Real estate agent Kirk Lewis has been working in the Old Enfield area for more than 20 years. “It is one of the most historical neighborhoods in Austin, and I love its character, old architecture, and trees,” he says.

Many of the one-of-a-kind properties were modeled after homes in the English countryside, so they have winding driveways, ivy-covered exteriors, and gabled roofs. And they often boast generous, tree-covered lots with unique views of the Austin skyline and surrounding green space.

It feels like a respite from the bustling city, yet "you're so close to downtown you can hear the Longhorn band," says Kirk. “Because of that proximity, many professionals who work at the University of Texas, the Capitol, and law offices downtown call Old Enfield home."

In his free time, you might find Lewis — an avid artist — working on his brush strokes for his next masterpiece. He also plays Pool Shark in a local competitive league and loves spending time with family and friends.

Kirk offered up some of his personal favorites about life in Old Enfield. Here's his guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
“You can literally walk to the restaurants on West Lynn Street, including Jeffrey’s of Austin, which serves French-American classics and incredible steak,” says Kirk.

Also, don't miss Josephine House, the sister restaurant to Jeffery’s; it’s housed in a charming blue cottage.

For tacos, Kirk recommends Taco Flats, and for the best house-made pizza and pasta, head to Cipollina.

Where to play
Pease Park is the best park in town, according to Kirk. “It has one of the best walking trails that’s absolutely stunning and lined with large trees,” he says.

What to see
The historic Pease Mansion, completed in the 1850s, is a Greek Revival-style gem that was owned by two Texas governors. It’s not open for touring, but it’s still worth glimpsing from the outside.

Where to live
As one of the oldest and most historical neighborhoods in Austin, the charm of Old Enfield is undeniable.

“It’s filled with tree-lined streets and some of the oldest Colonial-style homes and smaller Tudor-style bungalows around,” says Kirk.

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Kirk Lewis works and plays in Old Enfield. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kirk.lewis@kupersir.com, or call 512-422-2495.

Photo by David Winslow

Nostalgia and natural beauty combine in tiny-but-terrific Alpine

Hit the Road

Way out west lies Alpine, a small town with big charm that's surrounded by a gorgeous desert mountain landscape. Equally desirable is the weather: The dry air and elevation keep the days fresh and cool year-round, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Though it may seem far from big cities, Alpine is centrally connected to the most scenic routes in the state, with easy day-trip access to Big Bend National Park, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, McDonald Observatory, and more.

Whether you're passing through or parking your suitcase for a while, here's what to see in Alpine:

Play ball
Located north of downtown, Kokernot Field has been called the “best little ballpark in Texas” by Sports Illustrated. It's the home of the Alpine Cowboys, a nonprofit team that plays in the Pecos League, a professional baseball club which is not affiliated with the Major or Minor Baseball League.

The field dates back to 1947, when longtime rancher Herbert Kokernot Jr. built a baseball stadium to replicate Chicago's Wrigley Field, using materials from his own ranch to add that personal touch. The Cowboys' season typically starts in late May and continues until the end of July (unless they make the playoffs). The players are recruited from all over the United States, with some having come as far as Japan and Puerto Rico.

Lace up and explore
So much beautiful scenery demands to be explored, and Alpine has plenty of parks and trails to satisfy that urge.

Hancock Hill, behind Sul Ross State University, has a small system of hiking trails that feature scenic overlooks of the town and the path to The Desk.

If you haven’t heard the story of The Desk, it goes like this: In 1981, three Sul Ross students carried a desk up Hancock Hill to study. Soon they were spending hours on the hill, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. When one of them left a notebook in a desk drawer and later saw someone had written in it, he replied and soon the tradition of a notebook associated with The Desk was born. There have been dozens of notebooks filled since that are now stored at SRSU's Archives of the Big Bend.

Of course, Big Bend National Park is not to be missed, and neither are Big Bend Ranch State Park and Davis Mountains State Park. Make sure you're appropriately prepared, with proper hiking clothes, plenty of water, and an emergency plan before you head out.

You can also spend a day at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, where in addition to hiking trails you'll find informative exhibits and programs, a greenhouse, and a botanical center.

Museum time
Eager to learn more? Head to Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus for what director Mary Bones calls "your best introduction to the Big Bend area."

The museum celebrates natural and human history as well as cultures of the Big Bend region. Rotating exhibits include paintings, photography, and more. If you love maps, you’ll be fascinated by the historical pieces in the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection.

Saddle up
In 1948, the Sul Ross State University rodeo team met with 11 other schools and formed the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, or NIRA. Today, the university still hosts the annual Southwest Region competition and has several national championships under its belt.

Rodeo fans can also get their fill at the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, held this year August 11-12.

More events
Get ready for a summer and fall filled with fun events, starting with the music festivals Viva Big Bend (July 26-30) and Fiesta 1888 (August 5). Art lovers should show up for Trappings of Texas September 14-16 at Museum of the Big Bend and Artwalk on November 17-18, while music fans will want to attend the Big Bend Bluegrass Festival October 6-7.

Round it all out
Wondering where to eat while you're here? There are several options for casual fine dining and plenty of spots that specialize in fresh seafood. Expect a lot of small, family-owned and operated restaurants and food trucks for a truly homemade flavor.

That's also the theme when it comes to shopping, with locally owned boutiques found throughout downtown, including a spot for vintage vinyl records and a fine independent bookstore with an attached coffee shop. While you're browsing, pause to snap pics at the more than 40 murals dotted throughout downtown.

Lay your head
Stay in the historic Holland Hotel, Alpine’s classic railroad hotel originally constructed in 1928. There were originally two railroad hotels: one for the ranchers and one for the workers.

In addition to trusted hotel chains, other hotels with unique vibes include Quarter Circle 7 at Hotel Parker, the Maverick Inn motor court, Alpine Bed & Breakfast, and more.

Learn more about Alpine and begin planning your visit here.

Photo by David Winslow

Kokernot Field has been called "the best little ballpark in Texas."

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7 things to know in Austin food right now: Pizza newcomer spreads wings for brunch, lunch, and happy hour

News You Can Eat

Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of Austin’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.

Although Dovetail Pizza has been capturing Austinites' hearts since opening in November of 2022, it's still getting on its feet. Things are looking quite established now that the pizzeria is also offering lunch with sandwich specials, and even a weekend brunch with pizza sauce Bloody Marys and beignoli. (Presumably that's something between a beignet and a cannoli.) Both lunch and brunch will be served from 11 am to 3 pm on weekdays and weekends, respectively. A happy hour from Sunday to Thursday, 3-5 pm, will offer discounts and a new meatball sandwich.

Speaking of service extensions, both the Ramen Tatsu-ya on East 6th Street and Domo Alley-Gato are serving ramen later at night — when you really need it, if you ask us. The full menu at each will now be available until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, serving ramen later than any other Tatsu-ya location. The hospitality group has been focused on new locations for a while, so it's nice to see smaller changes coming to neighborhoods that have supported the restaurant for years.

Despite the low-brow beauty of some beer culture, it's still nice to enjoy some in a real fancy venue — say, The Driskill. The hotel's Beer Dinner Series is back on, introducing Austinites to new local beers alongside a five-course menu of pairings by Chef Alondra Martinez and Pastry Chef Kristen Groth. The first dinner of the returning series will be held on June 20, and will pair Thirsty Planet Brewery beers with grilled oysters, andouille sausage, quail, and more. The timing makes for a great Father's Day gift, if you're looking. Reserve ($80) on Tock.

Italian sandwich by Dovetail Pizza in Austin

Photo by Kati Luedecke

Dovetail pizza now offers brunch, lunch, a happy hour, and new menu items to tie it all together.

There will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate Pride Month in Austin throughout June, but a couple of coffee shop deals will make sure you have the energy to keep dancing. Abby Jane Bakeshop is using a brew by Sightseer Coffee, "Season of the Witch," to make espresso whoopie pies. Proceeds go to Out Youth for the organization's Transgender Wellness program. Another effort by Jo's Coffee has repackaged the house blend in limited-edition Pride Boxes that each drive a $2 donation to Equality Texas.

L'Oca d'Oro, the seasonal Italian restaurant in the Meuller neighborhood known for its progressive ideals as well as its delicious food, is wrapping up its recurring fundraising event, Pasta Paisanos, for the season. The monthly collabs have brought in great chefs from around Austin to drive donations to Lilith Fund, which provides funds and emotional supports to Texans seeking abortions. At the wrap-up event, in collaboration with alumni chefs Fermín Nunez and Angelo Emiliana, the restuarnat will also be celebrating its seventh anniversary and hopes to reach its $50,000 donation goal. Book at locadoroaustin.com.

Locals can always count on the Peached Tortilla for a menu with a theme. The restaurant, which is known for its extensive whiskey menu and "Asian comfort food with a Southern twist," actually already celebrates "Fried Chicken and Whiskey Wednesdays," which falls right on National Bourbon Day this year — the whiskey gods decreed it. Celebrate with umami fried chicken, mixed grilled corn with kimchi miso butter, kimchi mac and cheese, and "proper biscuits." The restaurant has 10 bourbons to choose from, and plenty more if the chicken sounds great but you're...not an observer of National Bourbon Day.

Juggernaut rock band Nickelback adds Austin stop to 2023 tour

Look at this photograph

Nickelback is back: Canadian-born rock juggernaut Nickelback is going on tour in summer 2023 to support their new album, Get Rollin'.

Called the "Get Rollin’ Tour," it'll hit 38 cities, launching on Monday, June 12 in Quebec City, QC at Videotron Centre, with special guests country rocker Brantley Gilbert and rising country artist Josh Ross.

It'll make three stops in Texas, including a new Austin stop as part of the tour's recently extended fall dates.

Saturday, July 22: Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas
Sunday, July 23: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands
Saturday, September 23: Moody Center in Austin

So sorry, San Antonio! Sounds like a road trip is on the offing. Comfort yourself with the band’s announcement video here.

Tickets for the new Austin date will be available starting with an artist presale on Friday, June 9 at 10 am. Additional presales will run throughout the weekend ahead of the general on-sale beginning Tuesday, June 13 at 10 am at livenation.com. A venue presale will run Monday, June 12 from 10 am - 10 pm, with code: RIVERSIDE at MoodyCenterATX.com.

Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, invitation to the pre-show High Times VIP Lounge, specially designed Nickelback gift item, early entry into the venue & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Nickelback's accomplishments are lengthy. The four-piece, comprised of Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake, and Daniel Adair, was named the most successful rock band of the decade by Billboard in 2009, globally celebrated for mega-hits such as “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph,” “Far Away,” and “Rockstar” which all held top spots on the Billboard 100.

"How You Remind Me" was named Billboard’s ‘Top Rock Song of the Decade," and was the #1 most played song on U.S. radio (any format) in the 2000s, according to Nielsen Soundscan, with over 1.2 million spins.

Get Rollin' was released on November 18, 2022, and is their first album in five years. A press release calls it "a thrilling soundscape of adventure, nostalgia, and emotional exploration."

It debuted at #2 across the Current Rock, Alternative, Hard Music, and Digital Album charts; landed on the ARIA Album Chart at No. 3; and in the Top 10 in the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia and Austria. And in a career first for the band, it debuted at No. 1 in Switzerland. Switzerland!

Wait, there's more Nickelback accolades: They’ve received nine Grammy nominations, three American Music Awards, a World Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, 12 JUNO Awards, seven MuchMusic Video Awards, and have been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame (2007).

Extending their legacy yet further, Nickelback was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the JUNO Awards on March 13, 2023.

Lack of romantic chemistry keeps Past Lives from flying high

Movie Review

Many people have wondered about what might have been with someone in their past, and in the age of social media, it’s been easier than ever to reconnect with that person, even if they live far away. That concept of missed opportunities is at the center of the new film, Past Lives.

Written and directed by Celine Song, the film shows the relationship of Ha Young, aka Nora (Greta Lee), and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) at three different points in their lives. They are first introduced as 12-year-old friends in Korea, competing academically and perhaps crushing on each other. They are soon separated, though, when Nora and her family move to Canada.

Twelve years later, they meet again thanks to Facebook, starting a dialogue over Skype that lasts multiple weeks. Twelve more years pass before they are able to actually meet in person, by which time Nora, a writer, has married a fellow creative, Arthur (John Magaro). With Hae Sung barely speaking English and Arthur only a little bit of Korean, the reunion is awkward and then some.

The film can best be compared to the Before… series, although it doesn’t have nearly the romance that those classic Richard Linklater films do. The will they/should they push-and-pull of their bond is at the heart of the entire film, with the Korean concept of “in yeon,” which essentially deals in destiny, invoked on multiple occasions. Song does her level best to imbue the conversations between Nora and Hae Sung with a lot of meaning.

The only issue is that those chats are often disjointed and stilted. The scenes with them as children contain, as you might expect, mostly surface-level observations, but they also give the pair their largest amount of face-to-face time of the whole movie. The Skype conversations and ones with either Arthur present or looming psychologically over them fail to be fully engaging, with both Nora and Hae Sung holding back more often than not.

There are clearly good reasons for them to do so, with the barrier of the video calls or Nora’s marriage standing in their way. But any good romance, even one that never really was, needs to impart those feelings to the audience, and their scenes together never reach that necessary level. Nora’s scenes with Arthur are also less than rousing, leaving the film with a curious lack of chemistry on all sides.

Even though the connection between their characters doesn’t develop into something swoon-worthy, both Lee and Yoo give interesting performances. Nora is more sophisticated, giving Lee something extra to reach for in her scenes. Hae Sung seems stuck in time, drinking with the same buddies and living with his parents, and Yoo’s performance matches this repressed nature. Magaro is capable of much more than this particular role gives him.

The style of filmmaking and the generally good acting keeps Past Lives watchable even as its central story doesn’t have the intended impact. Great romances exist in all sorts of different forms, but the one presented here is not especially memorable.

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Past Lives opens at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on June 9; it opens wide on June 23.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films

Greta Lee and Teo Yoo in Past Lives.

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