This performance of Romeo & Juliet is happening at Ramsey Park in Austin and is staged by Something for Nothing Theater Company. It is Shakespeare at the most raw – a few props, a few lights, and a bare stage in the park. The play was great, the crew was awesome, and I recommend that you check it out if you find yourself in Austin. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and set up camp as close to the stage as possible for a view of the action.
Last night, I arrived at Stanley’s Farmhouse in Austin at sunset. My mission was to enjoy a few short films being screened by Ben Masters. The sun lit up the clouds in bright orange just over the trees of the farm. I found the pavilion and pizza restaurant where the screening was taking place, and took a few photos before enjoying the films. The most publicized film was called Pronghorn Revival, and was about relocating Pronghorns to ranches near Marfa Texas. My favorite film of the night was called A Backcountry Recovery, and was a story about how horses and a 1,000 mile long horse trip brought meaning into the life of Ray Knell, a Green Beret and Afghanistan war veteran. His goal was to use animals, nature, and physical activity to inspire other veterans to find help with the affects of PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These films made for a great evening at a small piece of a working Texas ranch.
“Life is very, very short. It’s up to you to fill the book of life with beautiful and interesting chapters.” – Veteran Ray Knell
Just when you thought Austin couldn’t get any cooler, along comes NLand Surf Park. The technology involved is amazing to watch. A company called Wavegarden has developed an underwater “snow shovel” that is pulled along the length of a 14-acre lagoon. Near perfect waves pop up on either side of the pier allowing up to 120 surfers to enjoy the surf at their particular skill level. The surf park has a sandy beach, a gift shop, a juice bar, a restaurant, and a nice deck to view the action. It is located about 10 minutes from the airport and collects rainwater to fill the lagoon. Now I just need to learn how to surf.
This evening’s fun was found in the parking lot of the Grace Heritage Center. Chet Garner, or better known as the Daytripper from the PBS show, set up a viewing party for his Big Bend National Park episode. It was fun, and for photo opportunities there was the former Grace Episcopal Church along with the sky and clouds at sunset. A pretty nice Thursday evening!
We were treated to a short performance by Round Rock Ballet Folklorico at a work event for lunch today. I took a few photos with my aging iPod Touch. The dances were great, and you should check out their shows sometime if you find yourself in the area.
The Austin Ballet will be going on tour throughout the People’s Republic of China in October. To celebrate this event, they had an awesome performance tonight called “To China, with Love” at the Long Center. They don’t let you take photos of the ballet dancers, but the Long Center, its gorgeous view of Austin, and the inside seating area is fair game. These photos will give you a feel of what it is like to attend an event put on by the Austin Ballet.
Today was Austin Museum Day with free access to several museums across the city. Did you know that the Austin Toy Museum was a thing? I found it over in East Austin on Cesar Chavez Street. It is more of a warehouse than anything else, but they let you wander through and remember some of the toys you had as a kid. Pretty cool! Check it out if you find yourself in downtown Austin.
Tonight’s fun was found at the Georgetown Palace Theater. 42nd Street is a musical based upon a Broadway cast as they practice and prepare for a new show set to open soon. In walks Peggy Sawyer, from Allentown Pennsylvania. She is new to the business and on her way to becoming a star. The Georgetown Palace Theater is an older theater and a cool place to catch a show like this. Here are a few photos to give you an idea of what the Theater looks like.
The intermittent rain showers chased some of the crowds away from the water park this afternoon. For some reason, I think that water parks are more fun when it rains. 🙂
This afternoon, there was a cool event to benefit a well deserving charity at Rock Rose in the Domain. For a tiny fee, you got to roam from one business to another and sample their foods, drinks, and wares. I popped into the following establishments.
Overall, this was a nice event and here are some photos to give you an idea of what the area looks like on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
earthrobert 