We Moved!

If you are still seeing this…. you are on the old blog. We moved to a nicer and fancier site… click on the image below to be taken to the new blog!

Tonight! Birds Burnet BFF Party!

Tonight is the Birds BFF Party at the Burnet location!

BIRDS BARBERSHOP HOSTS “BFF” LADIES NIGHT, OFFERS LADYBIRD SPECIAL THIS FEBRUARY

Girlfriends get half off all February long with Birds Barbershop’s BFF referral program. To kick off this sweetheart promotion, the salon hosts its third Ladies Night on Friday, Feb. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., this time with boy band karaoke hosted by drag queen diva Rebecca Havermeyer. Women can also indulge in complimentary chair massages by Massage Harmony, free nail adornment by Embellish, sweet treats from Sugartooth Bakery and girlie drinks by 42 Below Vodka. The first 50 guests receive gift bags stuffed with gift certificates and goodies galore. Deejay, BFF photo booth and plenty of pre-party good times to go around. Birds Barbershop @ 6800 Burnet Road. Visit birdsbarbershop.com for more details.

–DD

Forgive Us!

We are working on a few things right now so the blog will probably be coming in and out for the next day or so. We are working on it too make it better for everyone. We are looking to add more contributors, more pictures, more interviews and more stuff in general. So stay tuned. If you want to help out, LET US KNOW!

Mode Needs You!

Oh, dear. We are kind of getting to that point where we really can’t take any more of this economic drudgery… So, sorry to be the bearers of yet more bad news, but it seems as though tough times have fallen upon Mode Apparel.

Blurg.

Seems they are having a big ol’ sale to scrape together some cash. So, if you’ve got some, spread the love. And get some cool threads while you’re at it?

We would really hate to see Mode go. Damn you, economy. I mean really, what’s it going to take for you to get off your ass and get back in proper working order?

Here are the deets straight from the Mode girls (p.s. a la mode means “in the fashion.” I watched Little Miss Sunshine” the other day and that is what I learned from it. Also, that Steve Carrell is kind of attractive. What did I just say? Yeah. You heard me.)

Hello friends a la mode,

As you know this is a bad economy we are living in… wish we had crystal ball but we did not… anyway, mode is unfortunately becoming very close to closing our doors like so many other small businesses in Austin already… we obviously do not want this to happen and we are trying to stay optimistic but we must also be realistic.
So since this is such a shitty economy… we are going to continue our “semi-barter” sale because I know that no one has money. I put the quotes around semi-barter sale because basically we will pretty much take any price for our things (beggers can’t be chosers!!!!)! Anyway, hope you all are not suffering too bad.
Best wishes!!!

-SCM

Birds Coming to East Sixth

As we’ve mentioned before, Birds is heading east! We’re really excited but learned that the best stylist in the world, Lori, will be staying at the Lamar Birds. Sad face emoticon goes here.

We didn’t know when/where/etc, but today we receive this update about their plans to move to East Sixth:

See you soon at a Birds near you. For all you Eastsiders, that shouldn’t be too long. Our new shop at 1107 E 6th will be open by the end of the month. Click the tape [to the left] to get a snapshot of where we’ll be.

Lone Star and Chocolate-y Other Beer for Everyone!

–DD

Robots + Pizza + Childhood Dreams

Love, the Alamo. This Sunday, Feb. 8th, the Downtown Alamo will be showing something we’re not quite sure we understand, but really want to: The Rock-Afire Explosion Super Star Pizza Party!

Robots? Check.

Animatronic things that are not at Cabela’s? Check.

Meeting Billy Bob Bear? Hello!!! Check.

Live All-Animal Showbiz Pizza Tribute Band before the Show? Check!

All you can eat pizza? Double check (for you lacto-friendlies!!)

Hear it straight from the Alamo themselves:

This is the KING OF KONG for 2009. The story of a small-town car salesman, a struggling inventor and an animatronic rock band that quickly becomes an eccentric portrait of childhood memories, broken dreams and the resilience of the human spirit. For real.

Before you get too excited, know that the Second Sunday Sock Hop is also on this night! You can do it! Rally until Monday AM! Never go back to school/work/your life again!!

–DD

Eastsider: Leah!

A woman of many talents, Leah has been entertaining audiences in Austin for the last couple of years. We recently caught her in action during the last edition of the 5 Things reading and music revue. We have to admit, this is the funniest Eastsider profile yet. It hopefully wont be the last. So if you are interested in letting your neighbors know how you are, drop us a line.
.

EA: Do you live in East Austin? If so, how long have you been here and why did you move to this neighborhood in particular?

I live in French Place…aka hipster central. I was born and raised in Austin and went to junior high and high school on the east side but moved much further east for a good ten years(NYC). When I returned to Austin a couple of years ago, I noticed that the city had changed dramatically. The smaller community feel of the place had left most of the neighborhoods I used to enjoy but still seemed to be thriving just east of the highway. I could actually afford a place by myself with a yard and within walking distance of work, fun, friends, and culture. With the perk of being in a place that my family members still think is too dangerous to go to after dark.

EA: Which are you favorite East Austin spots when just looking for a place to relax?
I have a healthy addiction to coffee and booze so I tend to stick to places where I can get one or the other. Redhouse gives me booze and pizza and a chance to meet neighbors who all just talk to my dog. Clementine gives me coffee and attractive counter help who all like my dog too much. TC’s gives me hot sweaty dance parties and cold beer but I can’t bring my dog.
I also like to eat on the cheap and the east side has always been great for that. Juan in a Million, Cisco’s, El Azteca, La Chapala are all great, unless you are afraid of lard, you big west side pansies!
But, if you do insist on getting fresh organic green things into your diet, Boggy Creek Farms is amazing (its like a real farm, like from the tv!).

On a totally random side note, I have been really into the green and white grocery for my candles and random magical protection needs, but be warned, this place is serious, they have some stuff there that really shouldn’t be messed with. The owner will give you “mal ojo,” and if you don’t know what that means, don’t go in there.

EA: There have been a ton of new places that have chosen East Austin as their new digs. The Good Knight, Shangri La, Kemestry Salon, Birds Barbershop, Karibu and the list goes on. How do you feel about this?

I support community growth, as long as the community can actually be a part of it. Its one thing to bring in a business that adds to the place and thrives on the feel of what is already established, it is another thing to try to change an entire neighborhood into a space that is more welcoming to people outside of it than the people within it.
I know a lot of the owners of these businesses that are coming in, and most of them have spent at least a decade on our side of the highway, so I wouldn’t call them outsiders. But, it’s a dangerous line, because over the past 25 years, poor working artists have come into the east side just to be able to afford their way of life and because of such a thriving artistic community, more people, rich people, want to get in on that “hot new thing.” Damn you rich people! I hate you, and want to be you.

EA: Is there one thing in particular that you think we need in our neighborhood? Grocery Store? 24 hour diner?

Ok, so rich people, if you are reading this…I suggest the following things, and I will expect a cut of your profits.
1. Lets change that abandoned Airport parking lot on Manor into a drive in movie theater.
2. Lets change Ace Motel into art studios where artists can live in the rooms and sell out of their space. (sorry hourly rate customers, someone has to lose)
3. I never thought I would have to say this but…can we get another liquor store? Seriously, like a nice, one north of 12th and this side of the highway? Please keep it stocked with Jameson and random strange tequilas.
4. Healthy foods place…maybe a fresh plus/ Daily Juice bastard baby? Yes I am spoiled and privileged and I need my wheat grass shots, rice milk, and organic tampons. But I still don’t want to step foot into a megamart, no matter how fancy the fish counter is.

EA: So what do you do? (Could be anything.. hobbies.. work)

I am a local comedian, actress, writer, photographer and performer. I perform with Look Cookie, a local improve troupe. I write, perform, and produce UpTowne, a monthly sketch comedy show at ColdTowne Theater. I also produce events around town with Swellephant Productions.

I steal plant clippings from neighbor’s yards so I can beat them at their own game. I ride my bike. I walk my dog. I refinish furniture. I wear a stupid orange hat for most of the winter. I dance as much as possible. I aspire to swim with sharks, as soon as I no longer fear them. I boast a lot about my zombie killing abilities. I have a clown costume, in my closet, that awaits the right occasion. I am one of the last remaining real Austinites.

EA: Whats your favorite album right now?
My favorite album is always Love’s Forever Changes.
But, I have been completely enamored with Nigerian Rock Special.

EA: We are looking to get more Ink pretty soon. Where do you suggest we get our stuff done?
Like a tattoo? Or like Press? Or posters?
I will answer all 3.
Tattoo: Megan at Gully Cat.
Press: Misprint…they are just the sweetest
Posters: Bearded Lady…gurus.

EA: Anything else you want to say about yourself or East Austin?
I love where I live, but it is a very different place now than it was 10 years ago and I know that 10 years from now I will probably not recognize it. So, I want to relish what remains.
12th and Chicon….please never change. If you promise to never stop slinging ass and crack on that prime piece of real estate, I promise to always get mildly anxious and lock my doors when I am stuck at your light.

-JF

From the WTF Files: Snuggie Cult

The Snuggie: Reason #5768 that I am never getting married. First, because this is what happens to you when you get married. And second (really, reason #5769) is that my ol’ sugar pie recently visited his recently married friends who turned down his holiday gift bottle of vodka (“we don’t really drink anymore”) before setting down to the couch in their matching snuggies for the evening.

BARFFFFFFFFFFFF (NSFW vid–unless you work at UT where they don’t give a shiz)

P.S. WTF is a SLANKET?

–DD

Second Sunday Sock Hop in February

Our new love, Shangri-La, is hosting this month’s Second Sunday Sock Hop this Sunday evening, Feb 8th. Too much to decide from this evening between the Downtown Alamo’s The Rock-Afire Explosion Super Star Pizza Party (thanks, Cati!) and the L Word (thanks Tivo!).

–DD

Weekend Round Up! Jan 30 – Feb 1

Hi loves! It’s that time of the week where you can forget about your miserable Monday through Thursday life and spend two days thinking about how dastardly your life is going to be on Monday again. Ok, we’re exaggerating. Like always.

Here are all the glorious things happening this weekend!

First off, there are several GREAT shows this weekend!

Friday, January 30

Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! Creekside Lounge hosts a Dance-a-Thon beginning at 9:30 PM. We’ve heard lots of great theories about how the dancers will be able to continue dancing, drinking, peeing, and/or all of the above.

Saturday, January 31

Tomorrow, Frankenbike will be held at Rio Rita. Yay! Bike parts and (hopefully?) bloody marys! Or is that “maries”? Then you can your sweet byckle on over to The Peacock to hear Tribella and Paige Lewis. Or, you can get really, really wild at Carnaval.

Sunday, February 1

Super Bowl Sunday. That’s all we got for you, folks. And knitting and ignoring the TV if you want to come to our house.

Hotness Melting All the Frozen Foods

With Valentine’s Day literally minutes away and National Frozen Food Month a quick two weeks later, we bring you some more Austin Craigslist Eastside Love. This week, we’ve not seen much of the usual Missed Connections suspects, The Good Knight or Rio Rita, but the HEB that least makes us want to cut ourselves on the eastside: The Riverside HEB.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT – m4m – 26 (HEB on RIVERSIDE)

---

Reply to: pers-1012176802@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-01-29, 1:08AM CST

Hey man. You said hello as I was leaving. You were working and moved to my lane as I was leaving (unfortunately). I was eating while being checked out. What color was my trench coat?

I would like to see that beautiful face again.

• Location: HEB on RIVERSIDE

Take that HEB on 7th! You hateful chip and cookie shack!

–DD

BFFs Forevs at Birds

First off, we want east side Birds! Stat!!

Second, bring these sexy drag queens to Sixth!

BIRDS BARBERSHOP HOSTS “BFF” LADIES NIGHT, OFFERS LADYBIRD SPECIAL THIS FEBRUARY

Girlfriends get half off all February long with Birds Barbershop’s BFF referral program. To kick off this sweetheart promotion, the salon hosts its third Ladies Night on Friday, Feb. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., this time with boy band karaoke hosted by drag queen diva Rebecca Havermeyer. Women can also indulge in complimentary chair massages by Massage Harmony, free nail adornment by Embellish, sweet treats from Sugartooth Bakery and girlie drinks by 42 Below Vodka. The first 50 guests receive gift bags stuffed with gift certificates and goodies galore. Deejay, BFF photo booth and plenty of pre-party good times to go around. Birds Barbershop @ 6800 Burnet Road. Visit birdsbarbershop.com for more details.

–DD

We Made Out With Your Mom

Last year around this time at Carnaval. Wow. It was hot. Your Dad filming was pretty cute too. Not quite a DILF, but maybe on a good day. This year our Carnaval-virgin friends are hitting up the Palmer Events Center this Saturday for the 32nd annual festival. Last year we went, and well, let’s just say it was interesting!

We’re not really sure how to describe it, but it’s like Mardi Gras and 6th street all grown up with sequined pasties in one night. If you’re planning on going, we suggest checking out this here fab lady’s site for tips, thoughts and pics of her many elaborate costumes. We also recommend hitting up our fave east side costume shop Bazaar Back Stage on Riverside. They are not only amazing, but super sweet too. I am not sure I’ve ever had that much fun in a dressing room. And, no, that’s not what I’m talking about!

-DD

Twestival!

The name kinda reminds of us Festivus, but we’re very excited to hear about this oh-so-fun Austin Twestival party being put on in February. Details from our dear friend and twitter-lover, Logan:

One in six citizens of the world does not have clean drinking water. The lack of clean drinking water is the source of wars, famine, and disease, and now millions of Twitter users have decided to do something about it.

On February, 12, 2009, over 100 cities around the world are hosting “Twestivals”, which are meetings of Twitter* users to benefit charity: water. We are asking you to take part in this historic event by helping make Austin’s Twestival the most memorable and beneficial.  Mashable is touting this as the world’s biggest Twitter-driven charity drive ever, and we would appreciate if you would take part.

What is Happening at Austin Twestival?

Raising money for people in need is a wonderful thing and we intend to show the world that Austin knows how to have a good time. We are meeting at Ace’s Lounge on Sixth Street at 8 pm. This venue fits 700 people in it and the manager Jason is doing everything to accommodate a successful event. What does this entail?

* A meeting of Austin’s most influential people in the tech, business, and philanthropic spaces.
* Entertainment in the form of sumo suit wrestling by party-goers.
* A performance by one of Austin’s premiere bands, T-Bird and the Breaks. This band came on the scene just last year and was already recognized by the Austin Music Awards as one of Austin’s Best New Bands and won accolades at ACL in the “Sound and the Jury” Awards. This will be one of their first performances of the songs from their new album,
* A presentation by Glimmer of Hope, a non-profit partner of charity:water that drills wells in Ethiopia.
* An internet livestream which will be broadcast with other notable worldwide Twestivals.
* A professional photo shoot of party-goers as well as onsite photographers.
* A silent auction and raffle to raise money.

The schedule is as follows:
8:00 Meet and mingle
8:50 A word from sponsors
9:00 Twestival Sumo Smackdown
10:00 Presentation by Glimmer of Hope
10:45 Performance by T-Bird and the Breaks

Ok, perhaps this is finallly our motivation to get on this twitter thing (and right before sxsw), yay! The party will be Thursday, Feb. 12th at Aces Lounge on E. 6th. Help the kids get water and see Logan in a very sexy Sumo costume–if this is wrong, then we don’t want to be right!

FrankenBike at Rio Rita

It’s that time again. Time to get a great deal on some new and used bike parts! Frankenbike will be rolling around our hood again this weekend making a stop at everyone’s favorite hangout spot, Rio Rita. Not only will we be able to get awesome bike parts at a great price, but all of the ladies will be able to get a free bike tune up from noon to 4:00pm thanks to the generosity of Danicartell! Click on the image below to see pictures from our last trip to Frankenbike.

Last Day Austin Chronicle Music Poll!

Tomorrow is the last day to celebrate democracy in Austin! Ok Chicken Little, chill the eff out!

Just a quick reminder that you have 24 hours left to submit your last dying words to vote for the best bands of Austin! Basically, if you were good when we first told you about this special day in Chroniclelandia and already voted, we don’t suggest even thinking about doing it again. We’re pretty sure the Chron will come and hunt you and your IP address down. With a sawed off shot gun. And my pink taser.

Music Poll 2008-2009

After 27 years, you know the drill: This is your chance to duct-tape the critics’ mouths shut and speak up about Austin music. Not sure whom to vote for? Turn on the radio, drop by the local record store, or head to the clubs. Your favorite band is probably playing.

Rules:
-Entries must be received by Friday, January 30, 2009.
-Absolutely no more than one (1) ballot to a person.
-Ballot stuffers will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. This could get ugly, so don’t do it.
-We will need all of your contact information to accept your web entry.
-Please read our Privacy Policy.

Ballots available in current issues of The Chronicle or at www.austinchronicle.com/musicpoll

Happy Voting!

–DD

¿Cómo se dice, “bootytronic”?

Just a reminder about the fabulous dance-a-thon Friday, January 30th at Creekside Lounge, hosted by one of our fave Austinites Beef of  We are High Society and UG Life.

So its a DANCE-A-THON!! Thats right kids! You think you can dance all night then bring it on! There will be CASH and PRIZES a plenty for the last dancer standing.

cost!: 8 bucks or 6 bucks with 2 canned goods!!
(the cans are going to Caritas of Austin)

FREE LONE STAR AND RED BULL (while supplies last)

Doors open at 9 for registration and stretching then dancing will start at 9:30 sharp! If you want to dance for the cash and prizes please get there before 9:30! We can not allow late entry to the Dance-a-thon it would not be fair.

Dance to the jams of Hot Britches, TEAMWORK and Da Miing.

We will also have…
photo booth with Trevor Ray Thompson
give aways from Hey! Unite and beats broke records.

Co-Working.. Fo Free

If any of you are free tomorrow, stop by Soma Vida at 1210 Rosewood Ave for a free afternoon of co-working. It all starts at 1:00pm and goes on until about 5:00pm. They are encouraging everyone to bring their laptops so that you can see what it will be like to work with others. A few things like Coffee, water, wi-fi and fax/printer use will be provided. Community acupuncture, provided by Eastbound Acupuncture, will also be available if you need a 30-40 minute break.

Don’t Forget The Tickets

Short rundown of this weekends hit list. Ok. Go.

Tapes ‘n Tapes @ The Parish Thursday

Omaha 

Jakov’s Suite 

Los Campesinos! @ The Parish Friday

Death To Los Campesinos! 

We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives 

Broken Social Scene @ Bass Hall Saturday

Almost Crimes Radio Kills 

Lovers Spit 

CD Release Party at The Peacock

Our main squeeze, The Peacock, is hosting the very lovely Tribella trio and Paige Lewis on Saturday, Jan. 31. We recommend the pear martini to accompany your listening pleasure. Aww, delightful!

Ink! We need ink STAT!

We have a couple of pieces on our bodies and we are having that urge for another one. There are a couple of designs in mind for myself. Maybe something influenced by what you see on the left. Possibly maybe an umbrella. I’m not too sure just yet, but we are on the hunt for a great tattoo artist. We hear the Eastside has some top notch talent, but we wanted to see what you guys have experienced for yourselves. Any thoughts? Comments please!

Coming Soon: Eastside Show Room

If you have driven down 6th in the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed that the building on E. 6th and Medina has been painted and closed for business in preparation for a new tenant. We stopped by one day and met Mickie and Chauncey, who were working hard mixing cement and trying to get the place in top shape for a March opening. Despite working long hours (we saw people working way into the night last weekend), they are thinking they might have to push the opening to April. 

So what’s it gonna be, you ask? Well, the space will be home to The Eastside Show Room, a nod to pre-WWII era cafes. We are hoping that means there wont be any more breakfast tacos being sold here…. we have plenty of options for those darn things. We wre told that the East Side Show Room chef is creating a seasonal menu that will  be sure to keep people coming back… we are keeping our fingers crossed for some awesome bagels.

They will also have a multi-disciplinary performance space where artists ranging from poets to puppeteers can show off their skills. We think this place will be a great addition to what is turning out to be a 6th street without that distinct urine stench we typically find just west of 35. Check out their site for all the info.

YouTube: Agave In East Austin

There are a lot of homes that have been gutted out and renovated using a lot of “green” materials. But there is a whole neighborhood that has been built from the ground up with an emphasis on being green and energy efficient. The Agave looks like a really slick little subdivision… we just wish we could afford it. Check out the youtube video we found while watching looking for funny cat videos.

Birds Barbershop is Hiring!

All you stylist and aspiring reception’istas take note. One of the hippest salons around will be opening a 6th street location very soon. You guys should jump on this shit. Who doesn’t want to be able to go to Rio Rita or the Shangri-La on their lunch break!?

Hello Hello Everyone-

Birds Barbershop is accepting applications for stylists and receptionists.
Our East 6th store is opening soon!

Please email resumes and references to…

maricela@birdsbarbershop.com

Thanks

Eastsider: Avan!

Today we have a lovely addition to our Eastsiders… Avan. She moved here not to long go from South Carolina where she attended college. She found herself living in both Tarrytown and Hyde Park before ending up in East Austin. Here she felt like there was a larger community presence…and that’s the way she likes it. Right now she is currently working on her annual Valentines Day mix. See below for my suggestion… and if you guys have any, leave a comment with your favorite track.

Stars – The Aspidistra Flies

EA: Do you live in East Austin? If so, how long have you been here and why did you move to this neighborhood in particular?

AA: Yes, i proudly call the east side my home. I moved over here around a little over six months ago, and have to say I LOVE my house! I’ve always wanted to live over here due to the cheap rent and adorable houses. Plus, there’s so much more culture and you really get to know the folks that live next door to you. Everyone is always outside their houses hanging out.

EA: Which are you favorite East Austin spots when just looking for a place to relax?

AA: I moved here a little over three years ago, and I’ve always been a HUGE fan of the Longbranch, Progress, and El Chilito. I’m also loving Rio Rita, Shangri la, Bossa Nova and Hot Mama’s. There are so many great places, and I still have a ton to try.

EA: There have been a ton of new places that have chosen East Austin as their new digs. The Good Knight, Shangri La, Kemestry Salon, Birds Barbershop, Karibu and the list goes on. How do you feel about this?

AA: The feelings are mixed. I love that more stuff is venturing east to add variety and occupy the abandoned spaces, but I hate all the condo/mixed use buildings popping up close to I-35 and slowly creeping further east. They aren’t affordable and are just pushing others out of their neighborhood. I wish there was a happy medium.

EA: Is there one thing in particular that you think we need in our neighborhood? Whole Foods? 24 hour diner?

AA: I love that the east side is mainly residential. It’s quiet and calm at night. I think if too many businesses get added it will take away from that vibe. Plus, I love that everything is accessible and isn’t more than a few miles away. However, another grocery store would be nice, but not a Whole Foods. I’m thinking a small locally owned one would be nice. Sometimes, I just don’t feel like driving to one of the HEBs, and my corner store isn’t too great.

EA: So what do you do? (Could be anything.. hobbies.. work)

AA: I occupy my time with anything and everything. I have an insatiable need to try everything. I hand-dye shirts and stitch designs on them, I help a non-profit with their database, I babysit kiddos, I watch way too many movies and I spend a lot of time in the park reading whatever I can get my hands on.

EA: Whats your favorite album at the moment?

AA: Favorite album right now – hmmmm. I’ve been listening to Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s newest release “Lie Down In The Light” and working on my annual Valentine’s mix, which means listening to a ton of different songs trying to find the perfect songs.

EA: How did you hear about us?

AA: I actually saw your business card at one of the coffee shops on E. 6th and picked it up.

EA: Anything else you want to say about yourself or East Austin?

AA: Venture over here and hang out. You’ll fall in love too.

Remember.. if you want to give us your two cents and help with the Eastsiders series… email us!

-JF