July 8th. Yeah, it’s a Wednesday night. And yeah, it’s probably going to be hot as shit outside, but don’t let that deter you from coming out to see a show that’s worth the listen. I mean, come on man, it’s hump day. Gotta get out of the box and get some listenin’ in. Read the rest of this entry »

Scary Mary plays the Continental Club June 18th opening for the Krayolas. Not heard of Scary Mary, well check them out on myspace (www.myspace/scarymarytx.com). Read the rest of this entry »

BettySoo is a singer/songwriter with a large voice and an even larger musical spirit. Austin Daze got the chance to speak with the Texas girl about her upcoming album, family ties, and what she could have ended up doing if she wasn’t hypnotizing us with her songs.

AUSTIN DAZE: I’ve read that people are usually surprised that someone with a Korean heritage is creating the songs that you do.  How do you feel about that and do you have a Korean fan base? Read the rest of this entry »

Kara Grainger’s new CD release “Grand and Green River” flows with soulful melodies and energetic arrangements. Her songwriting skills and musicianship are apparent throughout reminding me of Bonnie Raitt She is playing the Saxon Pub as her CD release party in Austin. Show is 11pm, Friday August 22nd, $10.

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/  

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/ 

Hello Darlings,

I have a wild week planned as a lot of good music is coming our way.

So you think you’re cool? See how you rate tonight, Tuesday Jan 15, as Gallows takes over Emo’s. Frontman Frank Carter was voted “coolest man in rock n roll” by New Music Express, the top music mag in the UK. He even beat out Keith Richards. Now, I might be cool, but I am not as cool as Keith. Check out Gallows pure punk sound at http://www.myspace.com/gallows .

Thursday brings The Frontier Brothers to Emo’s. I am eager to see if they can sound as good live as they do on their EP, Solar Power Struggle! which is getting quite a good buzz. Check them out for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/thefrontierbrothers .

Next Tuesday, January 22 at the Beauty Bar (can you hear the echo on my voice?) our hometown boys Brownout will kick off their tour in support of their upcoming Freestyle Records release, Homenaje. I hear all of you out there saying, “I already have a copy!” Now it’s being released internationally, which means see them now my dear before we have to share them with the rest of the world. Check out our interview with them at http://austindaze.com/?p=307 and groove to them online at http://www.myspace.com/brownoutmusic .

I hope to see all of you lovelies at these shows. Until then, cha-cha!