Just when you thought SXSW had served up all of its insanity, along comes a performance company from Ireland. Macnas describes themselves as a team that is “bringing stunning large-scale images and brilliant chaos to the streets of the world.” They paraded down Sixth Street for SXSW and pretty much set the place on fire. These photos will give you an idea of their brand of chaos, but please go and see them in person if you ever have the opportunity.
So the Mophie Team one-upped themselves this year at SXSW. Last year, if you were low on battery power on your mobile device, you could text them and they would send out a human and a Saint Bernard to your rescue. This year, they are sending them out on Indian motorcycles with sidecars. Pretty awesome advertising, and they were collecting donations for the St. Bernard Rescue Foundation.
VisitMexico.com threw a pretty nice party tonight. There was a DJ, tequila, food trucks, drinks, a traveling photo booth, and several hammocks to relax in. Nice job!
The SXSW Interactive Festival never ceases to amaze me. Have an empty parking lot downtown? OK, we will install a Ferris Wheel for fun. Or maybe an upside down church building. Presidential traffic jams got you down? Try to out grumpy old Grumpy Cat who is coming to town. We also have R2-D2 and parties galore to boost your spirits. This Festival is awesome, and it’s only the first day so far.
Getting near the Presidential Motorcade is probably the closest I will ever get to President Obama. The Presidential Limo was looking pretty good today. It was reported that he stopped for some Torchy’s Tacos in South Austin on his way to the SXSW event at the Long Center. The crowds were out in force this afternoon, along with a few protesters and tons of security. There were police motorcycles, vehicles, horses, foot patrol, boats, and helicopters. President Obama then took off across an empty 1st Street Bridge on his way to the next event of the day.
I stayed till closing time tonight. Not only did they have Atash tonight, but they also had the Flying Balalaika Brothers ripping it up. Two great bands that specialize in music from around the world. The Hole in the Wall may not be a fancy club, but it is definitely a fun one.
The Round Rock ArtSpace had an art show this afternoon to celebrate Spring and New Beginnings. The intent was to celebrate “themes related to spring, growth, new beginnings and change”. I liked the art. My favorite piece below with the funky birds was called “Angel Garden” by Kristin Kim. The show inspired me to strike out on a walk around the local neighborhood as the sun was beginning to set. I just caught some new Springtime tree blossoms as the tree limbs were blowing in the wind with a beautiful sunset in the distance. I think this brief moment was on point with the celebration that ArtSpace had meant for us to enjoy.
I have been wanting to try this location of Black’s Barbecue for a long time. It is located near the University of Texas campus on Guadalupe and 31st and 1/2 Street. It is a small restaurant and today there was a smoker outside and a short line of people on the inside. The brisket was perfect, just as you would expect from a Black’s site. You line up, order your sides, have them slice and weigh your meat selections, pay for everything, get your drinks, then find a table inside or on the outside patio. I highly recommend it if you find yourself in the area.
Here are some of my favorite selections from The People’s Gallery exhibit at Austin City Hall last night. The Opening Reception was fun with tons of local art on display. Thank you Austin for opening up City Hall, feeding us snacks, and allowing us to photograph the art and the building.
After being amazed by the story of the Monk Parakeets, I struck out on a walk around The Triangle. I was pleasantly surprised to find that things were in bloom.
earthrobert 