Before everyone heads out of town to chow down on some delicious turkey and dressing this Thanksgiving week, Do512 is hosting a night of Austin trivia at Third Base downtown this TUESDAY, November 24th. With drink and food specials, bad ass prizes, and a guaranteed good crowd, it will be the PERFECT night to bust out your inner competitive spirit and to flaunt how much you think you know about the town that we all love. Whether you were born, bred, and raised here or just recently began calling this city your home, come on out (and bring your friends) to compete for the chance to dominate trivia night.

Unlike other trivia nights where “winner-takes-all” seems to be the status quo, D0512 Trivia Night guarantees prizes for the TOP 5 contestants. The winner and ultimate know-it-all about the city of Austin will receive the GRAND PRIZE of a $50 gift card to Third Base along with a pair of tickets to see hip-hop artist Del the Funky Homosapien who will be rocking out a much anticipated show at Aces next Tuesday, December 4th. SECOND PLACE gets you a $75 gift card to Third Base, THIRD PLACE receives a pair of tickets to The Color Purple playing at Bass Concert Hall in January, FOURTH PLACE will receive a $40 gift card to Third Base, and finally, FIFTH PLACE  gets a $20 gift certificate to Third Base.

Drink specials, going on from 6:30 till the end of the tournament, include $2 domestics and wells, $2.50 Texas beers, and $3 margaritas, Tito’s vodka, Savvy vodka, and Treaty Oak rum. And while you sip on your special priced drinks, you can be consuming some 1/2 price sliders and corn dogs, also lasting from 6:30 till the end of the tournament.

As for those of you who have already started brushing up on your Austin facts, here are some helpful hints to give you an idea of the categories that you will be tested on.

1. How well do you know your hosts?!?

2. The city of Austin has been around for quite some time (170 years!!!), so make sure you know some “Old Austin” facts and landmarks that are prevalent throughout the city.

3. There’s a reason why Austin is called “The Live Music Capital of the World.”

4. True Austinites also consider Austin to be the home of some of the best food in the state.

5. Besides being “The Live Music Capital of the World”, Austin has another slogan that highlights the more eccentric side of our beloved city.

6. Austin definitely knows how to throw some good parties.

7. Know your fellow Austinites.

Trivia Night starts at 7, and make sure you RSVP on the website so that we know you’re coming! So, come out, bring some friends, and have a great time! SEE YA THEN!

“I would describe my music as well done comfort foods. It’s music you love presented in a way that is new and interesting – just like blue cheese mashed potatoes. I am not about impressing other DJ’s, but I am all about creating the biggest dance party ever!”

- DJ Hot Britches!

Remember the first time you made someone a mixed tape (or CD…)? You put so much thought into every artist, song, and even the track order – all because you knew that special someone would love the music that you selected just for him/her. This is how Hot Britches! approaches DJing. He’s completely driven by audience enjoyment, and wants nothing more than for everyone to have a kickass time gettin’ sweaty on the dance floor.

You can catch him spinning at local hot spots around town several nights a week, but tomorrow he’s got something special in store for ya. Hot Britches! will be kicking off Austin’s Saturday night at 10pm with the “biggest dance party EVER” at Beauty Bar – so get there early! Following will be beloved local blog The Peen Scene’s favorite band in Austin: MISSIONS, along with DJ Car Stereo (Wars). According to Jonathan Standefer of Lamebook.com “DJ Car Stereo (Wars) always delivers an amazing and energized experience any time you’ve got your dancing shoes on. Beats and mash-ups so good they make you wanna slap your mama.”

Seriously, I can’t think of a better way to start a night out. Rally up your friends, grab some glow sticks, and be sure to stretch beforehand! See you tomorrow at 10pm for some Hot Britches!

Hosteria Verde, an Austin supper club and catering company described by the Austin Chronicle as “a unique and spectacularly executed dining experience”, is teaming up with FLAVORS of Austin to celebrate the holidays (food-style) and the spirit of giving. The two are hosting “3 Days of Delectable Giving”–a unique dining/entertainment experience benefitting The Sustainable Food Center, an organization dedicated to improving the long-term health of Central Texans and the environment by creating opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. “3 Days of Delectable Giving” happens on Monday, November 30th until Wednesday, December 2nd at Monarch Retail Space, and features three themed evenings of fabulous food and unique entertainment.

Monday, November 30: OLD SCHOOL LAS VEGAS NIGHT

With Makers Mark Bourbon being served up by the Tipsy Texan, guests will enjoy classy cocktails and happy hour casino games while being serenaded by lounge singer, Miss Suzanna Choffel, and her bassist, Tom Benton. With the music inspiring a Sinatra state of mind, dinner features a surf’n’turf arrangment accompanied by a wedge salad, truffled mac’n’cheese and a sinful bananas foster bar.

Tuesday, December 1: ARABIAN NIGHTS

For this themed night, expect belly dancers, international beats, and lounge beds. DJ Aaron Montez will be providing the international lounge music while guests are encouraged to dance alongside Arabian dance group, Sabbaya Dance Collective, and to lounge on comfy platform beds. The Tipsy Texan is again providing swanky cocktails, courtesy of Treaty Oak’s delicious rum, and for dinner? A full Middle Eastern family style feast.

Wednesday, December 2: LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING

The final night of Delectable Giving will showcase legitimate Mexican wrestling, with an entire QVC Lucha Libre wrestling ring that will be moved into the space at 801 West 5th Street. Sip on the Tipsy Texan’s Republic Tequila cocktails while chowing down on Mexican cuisine being served out by several taco stands. Also included: a paletas ice cream push cart for desserts.

Every night promises UNLIMITED cocktails and BYOB beer and wine. So with all of the amazing goodies being offered, tickets are surely going to sell out fast! To find out how to make reservations NOW head over to the event pages:

Old School Las Vegas Night

Arabian Nights

Lucha Libre Wrestling

And remember, it’s all for a good cause so BUY THOSE TICKETS!

The fourth and newest installment of the Greater Tuna comedic series, revolving around Tuna, Texas–the  fictional “third-smallest town” in the state– comes into Austin as part of a 21-city National Tour next Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29 at the Paramount Theatre. After almost 30 years since the original award-winning Greater Tuna play debuted in Austin, Tuna Does Vegas is the latest in a series dedicated to the balance of affectionate reverence and hilarious satire of small-town Southern life.

Starring only two actors–Austinites Joe Sears and Jason Williams– as the eclectic inhabitants of Tuna, Texas, Tuna Does Vegas reunites the lovable and eccentric characters as they take on Sin City. When oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie announces that he and his wife Bertha Bumiller are heading to Vegas to renew their wedding vows, everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride. As the characters hit the Strip, they encounter a wide set of “disreputable souls”, who actors/playwrights Sears and Williams researched thoroughly in order to bring authenticity to the personalities. With a number of research trips to Vegas, the two noticed that “the planes headed there have a different vibe… [people] can’t wait to go and get loose with the rest of America and the world.” Using these observations and inspirations from the trips, the pair created an all-star cast. Featuring familiar characters from the previous Greater Tuna productions (Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas, and Red,White and Tuna) and some new ones as well (think along the lines of Vegas showgirls, psychics, and Elvis impersonators), the play is propelled by ultra-quick backstage changes and guaranteed laughter as the saying “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is quickly proven false.

Under the directorial hand of co-author Ed Howard, Tuna Does Vegas showcases the amazing talent of Williams and Sears, and is definitely a show not to be missed! To find out how to get tickets or to try and win FREE ONES, hit up the event page!

After 35 festivals and 14 awards, Fix, a film directed by innovative and progressive filmmaker/photographer/musician Tao Ruspoli, premiers in NEW YORK CITY at the Village East Theater this Friday at 11AM. With a cast including Dazed and Confused actor Shawn Andrews and TV drama House M.D.’s/Tao Ruspoli’s wife Olivia Wilde, the film has been hailed by Variety as “brash, cool and energetic” and “a wild ride,” while great American film director Oliver Stone commented on the “bold new style and talent” that Ruspoli showcases throughout.

In this energetic race-against-time film, Fix follows the 15 hour journey that documentary filmmakers Milo (Ruspoli) and Bella (Wilde) take across L.A. as they try to get Milo’s blown out brother Leo (Andrews) picked up from jail and dropped off into rehab before the deadline. Given until 8 PM to raise the $5,000 required to get Leo into the clinic, the trio manically rushes around various parts of an already extremely diverse city, meeting their fair share of interesting characters along the ride.

This “on the road” film expertly uses the diverse geography and character of Los Angeles to its advantage, taking you on a journey into a vividly seamy and colorful city–from a suburban police station in Calabasas through mansions in Beverly Hills, East L.A. chop shops, rural wastelands, and housing projects in Watts. As Leo tends to his various small and large-scale schemes that include borrowing $10 from a thumbcuff-jewelry artist, stealing an espresso machine, and selling an Italian police dog to a motorcycle gang, the trio encounters a cast of intricate characters who are all full of opinions and excuses. From married women, crazed lawyers, spiritual friends, unsavory mechanics, and understanding police, the mix of personalities play effectively into Ruspoli’s view of the city. And keeping the film on its exciting and engaging trajectory, the performances of Andrews as Leo, Wilde as an initially hesitant Bella, and Ruspoli in a dual role as Milo push the plot line to its ultimate touching conclusion. Filmed with fast motion, jump cuts, and dizzying angles, the film pulls off “dirty/edgy” while somehow remaining uniquely magical.

SO, if you happen to live in New York or know someone who does, the film, as an enthralling and exceptional independent feature, is a MUST SEE. For more information on the film premiere, head over to the Do512 website. For a chance to win FREE TICKETS to this NYC opening (only movie tickets, not travel…sorry), then click “I Like It!” on the event page. AUSTIN, TELL ALL YOUR NEW YORK FRIENDS! This is one premiere that should NOT be missed!

Almost 50 years have passed since Disney released  the famous puppy-infused animated classic, 101 Dalmatians, on the big screen back in 1961. Not only did its release contribute to the entrenchment of the Disney Classics Animation series in the lives of  parents and children alike, but it also managed to reach a cult icon status that has spanned decades of fans, sequels, and now… a musical!

Showing at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, The 101 Dalmatians Musical, comes into Austin next Tuesday, November 24, until its final performance on Sunday, November 29, making it the perfect family event over this Thanksgiving holiday week.

As a classic story, the musical goes beyond good versus evil and shows how a family can band together to overcome hurdles and hardships in the most difficult times. And as a theatrical performance, it takes an interesting point of view inspired by the classic tale first told by Dodie Smith in a novel that preceded the Disney classic. With the rediscovery of this original novel, writer BT McNicholl (of Spamalot fame) was charmed by its whimsical perspective and took note of the “enchanting, upside-down vision of the world: seeing life from the dogs’ point of view.” The book focuses on the Dalmatian dog couple, Pongo and Mrs. Pongo, who own a nice couple of gentle, obedient, and intelligent humans, and as it progresses, the reader is integrated into an adventure from a canine standpoint.

Transforming this vision into a unique interpretation for song, dance, and performance, the musical theatrically plays off the way humans must seem to the canine class. By inverting the standard equation that other animal-based musical productions have taken in terms of costume (i.e. The Lion King and Cats), 101 Dalmatians presents the  animals as humans and the humans in an exotic, heightened form of scale and dress– a larger than life appearance that is equitable to a dog’s daily perspective. And with the Dalmatians void of any animal characteristics, a black and white costume palette sets them apart from the large-scale human characters. And to top everything off, the creators promise a special ending with REAL dalmatian to create an entirely unique Broadway musical finale.

Director Jerry Zaks (of Everybody Loves Raymond fame) makes the compelling point that “theatrical wizardry aside, audiences will want to see The 101 Dalmatians Musical because it’s a classic tale.” With director Jerry Zaks, writer B.T. McNicholl writer, and composer Dennis DeYoung (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) on a collective creative team, the musical promises to take you on a ride to a fantastic, topsy-turvy world. As a show sure to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, it is truly a theatrical experience for the entire family!

Head over to the event page for more information and to learn how to get tickets and make sure to click “I Like It!” for a chance to win FREE TICKETS for opening night on November 24! See you there!

Did you check out the East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.) this weekend? If not, have no fear! You’ve still got one more weekend to explore the studios and craftsmanship of some of Austin’s most talented citizens. For the past eight years, the blooming artistic community on the East side of town has united for E.A.S.T. as a chance to share creative endeavors with each other and curious Austinites. While thumbing through your options for the studio tour, we highly recommend that you include SOL in your schedule.

SOL stands for “Solutions Oriented Living.” As a new, eco-friendly community of houses on the Eastside, SOL could revolutionize the residential architecture and attitude of Austin. The Austin Energy’s Green Builder Program applauds the three completed homes with 5-star ratings across the board, making the “net-zero” homes of SOL the most highly ranked in town.

This weekend, SOL is participating in E.A.S.T. as a demonstration of the artistry in sustainable architecture. They will host open houses both Saturday and Sunday (November 21&22) from 10am-5pm, along with a demonstration from 1-4pm Saturday on what it takes to make an eco-friendly home. The demonstration will include presentations, discussions, and chats with several of SOL’s innovative energy-saving feature suppliers including Meridian Solar, EH Systems, American Geothermal, and Rhino Austin.

Last, but DEFINITELY not least:

As the latest installments of E.A.S.T. come to a close, SOL will be hosting a Closing Night Party in the neighborhood from 6-10pm. The event is sponsored by Shiner Beers and will feature live music by Austin’s own Jeff Hughes and Caparral! The party is free to the public, but be sure to check out the event page on Do512 for RSVP and location information. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend – see ya on the Eastside!

Living in a city where “booming” might be an understatement in describing the entertainment industry, it is no surprise that ANOTHER film festival is upon us. The 6th annual Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) kicks off TOMORROW (Thursday, November 12) and lasts until this Sunday, November 15, holding events at various places around Austin including the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, Malverde, and The Music Gym.

With a mission to provide a channel for international Asian and Asian-American artists by promoting and supporting their work, the AAAFF is bringing a line-up of 40 outstanding feature films and shorts this year chosen from over 300 submissions worldwide. Celebrating the best in independent Asian cinema across the golbe, the films chosen showcase an array of narrative, documentary, and experimental films that aim at bringing awareness to important global issues like environmental protection and supporting other causes through media impact. The 40 films will be shown at various time across the 4 days at prime Austin locations such as the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, the UT Student Union Theater, and the Mexican American Cultural Center.

Apart from showcasing films, this year’s festival has expanded to include a discussion panel, a few parties, and an exclusive concert. Tomorrow a discussion panel will be held at the UT Campus’ Union Theater, which takes a look at the website AngryAsianMan.com and its effects/contributions to the Asian American identity. Ending the night and kicking off the festival with a bang is an Opening Night Party, taking place at KTV Sillhouette Lounge– the ONLY karaoke bar in the heart of downtown. Starting at 10:00 PM, the party promises Cambodian girl rock (among other world tracks), karaoke rooms, and unlimited drinks for badge holders. After Friday’s festivities, a Bollywood Blowout has been planned at 2nd street club, Malverde, with FREE access and 2 FREE drinks with an RSVP. With DJ Mel spinning Bollywood inspired music and drinks provided by Bacardi and Maker’s Mark, dancing is pretty much inevitable. Finally, an exclusive concert with Filipina underground hip-hop superstar JenRO, is taking place on Saturday night at The Music Gym off East 6th, with drinks provided by Sweet Leaf Tea, Red Bull, Kirin Ichiban, and TY KU Sake. Again, FREE access and 2 FREE drinks with RSVP, so come and dance party from 10-2.

With an absolutely amazing line-up and some pretty bad ass parties in store, the AAAFF might just be the thing to do this weekend. Badges are still available, so for more information on how to get them, what else is involved, and to look at the schedule, head over to the event page and the AAAFF website!

As a late 80’s baby, I have a rather distinct image in my head of my mom driving me to (elementary?) school circa 1998, jamming out to the KISS FM Top 40 while “Sex and Candy” eased its way onto the car stereo. Things (naturally) proceeded to become uncomfortable because, let’s face it, I was 12, and the song had the word “sex” in it, which was far outside the realm of words that I could casually say at that age without my mom completely freaking out. So, pretending not to secretly know and love every single part of the ballad, I shirked in the back of carpool and prayed that my mom wasn’t listening to the words so she wouldn’t change the station. Proudly enough, I have remained a Marcy Playground fan throughout the years, and, in retrospect, I guess my parents should be proud that I chose that song to love and memorize over other  racy 90’s jams (e.g. Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch”).

Well, three albums and a decade after their ubiquitous 90’s ballad, “Sex and Candy,” was released, Marcy Playground comes coasting into Austin this coming Sunday to play at West 6th venue, Momo’s, alongside Neil Nasset, The Highway, and NLX. With a variety of influences, ranging from 90’s grunge band Nirvana to David Bowie, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and the Beatles, Marcy Playground quickly emerged and established themselves in the late 90’s as a staple of the decade. Their initial self-titled debut album sold around 1.7 million copies and boasted the “Sex and Candy” single, which reigned at number one on the Billboard charts for a (then-record) 15 weeks. Even though their subsequent albums Shapeshifter and MP3 garnered less of a commercial success, the group continued to successfully showcase their eclectic rock-and-roll style which only furthered their 90’s cultish following.

With twelve singles from four albums under their belt, the group comes into town off their latest album, Leaving Wonderland… in a fit of rage, released in July. As a far more personal record than the group’s previous three, lead singer and foundation of Marcy Playground, John Wozniak, makes a point that this record is “by far the best thing [he's] ever down… and the thing that will connect most with other people,” perhaps because of its origins as a solo record. Expanding it to include the Marcy Playground name, however, has ensured the solidification of the group as alternative rock/post-grunge icons. With their history in the music industry and the loyal dedication of fans, the group will no doubt be putting on a spectacular show this weekend.

Tickets are $15 in advance from Frontgate Tickets and $20 at the door, but, if you want a chance to win FREE TICKETS head over to the event page and click “I Like It!”. Show starts at 7, with the band going on around 10ish, so, come in and rock out; I’ll see you there!

After creating music with each other for a decade, Jaysin (of the Austin/San Marcos collective, The Word Association) and Anecha (known previously as Gargamel and as a peripheral member of The Word Association as well) have combined forces to release their debut album, Delta Blues. This Saturday, November 14, a release party for the album will be going down at Austin’s urban art gallery, The Fifth, from 7:oo PM to midnight, complete with free food and beer and other giveaways.

Having described their blend as an independent hip-hop, blues, and jazz kind of experience, Jaysin and Anecha have worked hard to ensure that, out of the variety of their previous and separate projects, this one will be the best to date. With Anecha producing all the beats, and Jaysin providing the lyrics, this time around the pair’s collaboration accurately reflects their individual love of music and the different pieces and styles that have inspired them throughout the years. Using Recycle and Reason to create tracks that sample various movies and artists, live field recordings, and other live instruments, Anecha handed over the work to Jaysin who took everything to Hideout Studios in Austin. After reworking all the tracks one piece at a time to give Delta Blues a more analog feel, Jaysin recorded and mixed the whole project, giving us what we now see as the completed and perfected Delta Blues album.

Not only will free CD’s be passed out among the crowd, but expect some great tunes all night that will be coming to you from San Marcos’ favorite DJ, Chief and the Doomsday Advice. Head over to the EVENT PAGE to RSVP for a completely FREE entry! Hope to see you there!