I’m going to keep most of this one to myself. That is to say the convoluted plot should remain a surprise as it is half the fun (the other being an even split between the action sequences and just seeing what’s-his-name back on the big screen with hat and whip). This a cultural phenomenon you won’t be able to avoid, kind of like the iphone (and when the updated version hits stores). To do so is to risk finding yourself staring at your shoes for extended durations as the masses weigh in around the water cooler/BBQ/dinner table/fill in the blank as to whether or not he still has it and where it ranks among the others. If you are not persuaded by the cattle call of society I commend you but still think you should see it on the big screen.

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Where will the best music in Austin be this weekend? You may be surprised to learn that it will be at the Austin Convention Center as part of the second annual World Wellness Weekend. Combining great music, spirituality, environmentalism and fitness, this dynamic event brings to Austin a remarkable schedule of speakers, classes and opportunities to get down. Read the rest of this entry »

I NEVER THOUGHT THEY WOULD GET IT TOGETHER TO MAKE ANOTHER INDY PICTURE. IT SEEMED TO BE ON AND OFF AGAIN BUT NEVER A FOR SURE THING. WHEN I HEARD THAT IT WAS FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN, I STEERED CLEAR OF REVIEWS. I DIDN’T WANT SOMEONE ELSE TELLING ME DIDLY BEFORE I WENT IN. I WANTED TO SEE IT VIRGIN LIKE. ANND I WANTED IT TO BE GOOD. Read the rest of this entry »

Khenpo Nyima Gyaltsen has been studying buddhist ritual practices and scriptures for over twenty years.  He has received the empowerment of the Kalachakra from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and has been named Khenpo, high ranking teacher and head of a monastic order.  This is a great opportunity for devotees and novices alike to learn from one of the leading Buddhist teachers.  He will be speaking on the door to the path of the Great Vehicle at the Austin Zen center this weekend beginning on Friday May 30th from 6-9pm, then Saturday 2-5, and 7-9, and Sunday 2-5, and 7-9.  There will also be meditation instruction Sunday morning 10-2. Austin Zen Center, 3014 Washington Sq., Austin, Tx, 78705. (512) 452-5777  http://www.austinzencenter.org/  

My editor wants a review. It’s been two weeks but I’m happy to oblige. Sorry for the delay just got back from NYC. Subject? Victory Grill for the Stax Records party. I’ll break it down. The party: sweaty, packed, hot and loud. When describing an evening to celebrate the legendary record label this is a good thing. When you are talking about a soul & funk party on the east side this is also a good thing. For ambiance, Tom Waits peep show girls were on hand to show some leg behind strategically lit screens. Great party. Hands down.

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FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK………

WE WILL BE OUT SOON. STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES. A JUNE RELEASE WILL HAPPEN. WE ARE BRINGING THIS ISSUE AROUND THE CORNER. THE NEW COVER BY RICARDO ACEVEDO WILL ROCK YOU. OUR SIT DOWN WITH PHIL DONAHUE IS SURE TO CAUSE INTEREST. THANKS FOR READING.
STAY COOL,
RUSS

STAX RECoRDS Night at the Victory Grill May 9th 2008
Leading up to this event, I knew I would dig it. I didn’t expect to be blown away.
Here is what I knew:
1. The folks behind “The Tom Waits Peepshow” were behind this. And while I never made it in to see the show, I did spend much time watching the rehearsal at The old daze compound. The buzz was electric around this show. I am friends with the choreographer (Ellen) and brighten up when I see her. So that was enough to seal me in.
2. It was to take place at the Victory Grill. This is old school “eastside” Austin. It is so great that such a place still thrives amongst the beautification or yupification of the east side.
3. Stax Records, me dig tha sounds.
4. Many babes were involved.

Ok, all of this got me there. We arrived and it was packed. Overflowing out the side door, Read the rest of this entry »

On Monday Cudjoe Exah, founder of the Xofa Eco Village in Ghana, will speak about his progressive permaculture project in the Volta region of Ghana.  Set in a beautiful location the village seeks to improve the lives of locals by promoting sustainability and encouraging tourism.   The program offers volunteer opportunities and hosts tourists who wish to experience Ghana.  Vicki Wolf will speak about her experience volunteering at the village and Cha Cha, an environmental writer from NYC, will speak about environmentalism, permaculture, sustainability, and the Xofa project.  Cudjoe will also show a short film and slide show.   The event will be held at Monkey Wrench Books,  110 North Loop Blvd.,  Monday May 12th, 8pm.  Donation at the door.   512-586-8749.

This Friday at the Unity of the Hills Sanctuary a benefit for the Sankofa HIV/AIDS project will be held starting at 7:30.  The benefit is sponsered by and will feature musical performances by Sherry Gingras and the Djembabes, an all womens African drum and singing group.  The benefit will also feature Rattletree Marimba and the Bells of Joy.  A slide show and short film about the project in Ghana will also be shown.  The Sankofa Center is an organization founded by Ronnie Shaw that uses dance, music, art, and personal communication to educate the people of Ghana about AIDS and HIV.  Through performances and demonstrations using traditionally based dances and music the center hopes to change the devastating impact the disease is having on the communities of Ghana.  Upon learning of the project Sherry became inspired and motivated to do something to help and bring awareness of the problem to the Austin community.  ”Sankofa” is an African proverb with the image of a bird who looks at its past, and so learns about the present.   Sherry encourages participation and action to support Sankofa Center and voice the power to make a change.  “We have the power to do something,”  says Sherry Gingras.  Great music and a great cause.  At Unity of the Hills, 9905 Anderson Mills. $12.50 advanced, $15 @ the door.  Contact Drumz for more info. 512-453-9090.  http://www.thesankofacenter.org/ 

When You Get Back We’re Going to Cha Cha All Night Long… She lied.

So were the words John Clearly sang to our group of revelers at a crawfish boil on Saturday afternoon. It was a private party and we had him and his Absolute Monster Gentleman all to ourselves. His soothing, soulful voice set against the funky grooves of the Gentleman sang about his lady’s betrayal. As I swayed lazily in the sun I had another betraying lady on my mind: The Grand Lady herself; Lady Katrina.

Since the storm, every time I come to New Orleans I can’t help but do a city survey of progress. A “see for yourself” against the newspapers that continue to report just how little progress has been made since the storm. Unfortunately, they are still mostly right. House after house remains marked with the number of evacuees, survivors, the dead. They are still abandoned, bordered up, half torn down. “Do Not Demo” is written in large black letters on several—a plea to the government and developers, perhaps? The once shiny FEMA trailers look weather beaten. Those staying in them, equally worn.

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