The Week in Cool: August 17-19


Friday, Aug. 17
Spirit
7:30pm–2am • The Fort, 301 Chicon St., Unit G • $5
Free PBR, fire dancers, tarot card readings, photo booth, bands, DJs and a lot more.

Austin Nightlife Magazine August Release Party
9pm–2am • The Belmont, 305 W. 6th St. • Free, RSVP recommended
Open bar, free appetizers. Email RSVP@austinnightlifemagazine.com.


Saturday, Aug. 18
English Premier League Kick-off Party
9–11am • Cuatros, 1004 W. 24th St. • $10 donation
Free beer from Live Oak and Circle Brewing, plus a breakfast buffet. Donations go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lick-ety Split Ice Cream Social
1–4pm • Trace at the W Hotel, 200 Lavaca St. • Free
Free ice cream and music by the Erin Jaimes Band. Guests are encouraged to bring school supply donations for SafePlace.

Open House at Twin Liquors Hancock
2–6pm • Twin Liquors Hancock Center, 1000 E. 41st St., Ste. 810 • Free
Free tastings of seasonal beers, wines, and spirits.

Booze Town’s 3rd Annual Get Drunk and Skate BBQ Party  
3–10pm • ATX Skate Ramps, 1708 Magazine St. • Free
Free beer from Lone Star and Circle Brewing, BBQ, Jello shots, skateboarding, live music and water fights.

Vagina’s Summer 2012 Issue Release Party
7-9pm • Domy Books, 913 E. Cesar Chavez • Free
Free booze, snacks and live music.


Sunday, Aug. 19
FFF Aqua Olympics        ***Party of the Week***
4–9pm • Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Bergman • Free
Novelty water sports competition featuring live music from FFF artist Orthy and a fucking taco cannon!

BBQ + Beats
6pm • Molotov Lounge, 719 W. 6th St. • Free w/ RSVP
Free BBQ and DJ beats.

Cinema East: Girl Walk // All Day
7–11pm • Yellow Jacket Track Field, 1156 Hargrave St. • $3
Final screening of the summer film series, with free beer, sparklers and a Girl Talk dance party. You can also BYOB.

Rock BBQ
7pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • Free
BBQ hosted by Hotel Vegas with music by Black Bone Child, The Boxing Lesson, Flemish Giant, and Joshua Bain


Like us on the Facebook  •  Tweet at us on the Twitter

A 1-Minute Guide to the 22 Most Fun Acts of Fun Fun Fun Fest

Back, bigger than ever and in a better (?) location, the little festival that could is back for year six of public intoxication and Fun to the third degree. We take a look at the funnest of the fun  with our 1-minute guide to Fun Fun Fun Fest, 20 Twitter-length microreviews of the sets we hope to catch this weekend.

  1. Active Child: A red-headed, harp-playing solo artist who mixes high-pitched R&B vocals with slow burning James Blake-style dubstep. A chill way to easy into Saturday morning.
  2. Architecture in Helsinki: Australian band whose “Contact High” may own one of the catchiest, sugary-sweet indie pop choruses of the year.
  3. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Local faves. Rockin’ blues tunes w/ loads of horns and soul & song titles like “I’m Broke” & “Bitch, I Love You.” Never seen ‘em? It’s time.
  4. Black Lips: Expect to be rocked and/or revolted. When the band was here for SXSW, a show ended w/ a guitar solo—played w/ a penis. It gets wilder.
  5. Childish Gambino: Funny/rad rap alter ego of Community’s Donald Glover. References to TV, videogames, and—since it’s hip hop—having relations w/ lots of women.
  6. Flying Lotus: The kind of DJ music that Radiohead’s Thom Yorke spins, that is, something cool you can bob your head to but can’t exactly dance to. (Unless you dance like this.)
  7. Girls: Actually, they’re guys. Unbelievable backstory (Wiki it) and an incredible set of tunes, including the fantastic “Lust For Life.”
  8. The Joy Formidable: Alt-rock English trio who have a big hit in “Whirring” and a handful of other radio-friendly gems under their belt.  
  9. Lykke Li: EngagingSwedish one-woman pop machine who avoided the sophomore slump with the darker, more mature Wounded Rhymes. 
  10. M83: French artist who may have single-handedly created the single of 2011 with the Drive-soundtrack worthy synth-and-sax jam “Midnight City.”
  11. Major Lazer: Go to dance. Even if you don’t know who ML is you know their work from the million of DJ sets and songs that sampled this.
  12. MNDR: Electro-pop princess—a 1-woman firecracker of an act rocking dance-y synths & drum machine. You’ve likely heard her on this Mark Ronson jam.
  13. Neon Indian: Denton-born chillwave poster child still cranking out hazy and nostalgic, 8-bit-inspired noise that makes you want to move.
  14. Passion Pit: No new tunes since 2009 but a new record is supposedly coming early 2012. Old songs won’t get in the way of a massive “Sleepyhead” singalong.
  15. Public Enemy: Forget the Flavor Flav of reality TV. Flav is the ultimate rap hype man & at 52 he’s still got it. Add in Chuck D = Magic from hip hop’s golden age.
  16. Purity Ring: This duo has a mountain of (much deserved) buzz; only 3 recorded songs—all sick. Unique mash of codeine-soaked bedroom pop. Sweet & menacing.
  17. Slayer: When else are you going to get to see Slayer?
  18. Spoon: Hometown heros, arguably the best rock band in ATX today. Kill The Moonlight is near flawless—listen to it & be sad you’ll never be that good at anything.
  19. Turquoise Jeep: Is “Lemme Smang It” the best music video of all time? Is it real? Is it a joke? Who cares.
  20. Ty Segall: Fuzzy loud guitar, rough-around-the-edges garage rock w/ killer hooks. Slightly psychedelic, summery sound—good companion to a lukewarm beer.
  21. YACHT: Played FFF 08 as a duo with a MacBook. They’ve since added a live band. Let’s see how “Psychic City” sounds with some live instruments.
  22. Someone or something at the Yellow Stage: A crazy combo of comedians, veggie hot dog eating contest, Air Sex competition, wrestling and more. A fun fun break from the music.

If you’re hungry for a little more, check out our Fun Fun Fun Fest playlist on Spotify.

(Eric Pulsifer)

1-minute guide to Fun Fun Fun Fest: Saturday

Fun Fun Fun Fest is this weekend, and if you’ve yet to do your homework, consider this your CliffsNotes: Twitter-length mini-previews (and samples) of a few of our favorite acts, designed to take some of the guesswork out of the scheduling process.

Royal Forest @ 12:15 (Orange Stage)
Austin-based band (formerly known as Loxsly) banging out slightly psychedelic piano pop. Download their EP for free here: http://royalforest.bandcamp.com/

Woven Bones @ 12:50 (Orange Stage)
Austin band blasting echo-y surfer rock, fuzzy vocals and walls of grungy guitars. Recommended if you like (RIYL): Best Coast, Surfer Blood, Harlem

Jeff the Brotherhood @ 1:25 (Orange Stage)
Nashville drum-and-guitar garage rock duo of brothers of the the now defunct hyperactive, underage punk rockers Be Your Own Pet. RIYL: siblings, reverb, bar bands, Sonic Youth

Butcher Bear and Charlie @ 1:45 (Blue Stage)
ATX collective Attack Formation front dons bear suit, DJs and pairs w/ a former opera singer. RIYL: Big and bass-heavy bizarre beats, male & female vocals, weirdness

The Antlers @ 2:45 (Orange Stage)
Recently in the spotlight for an acclaimed concept album centered around the story of a terminally ill child. Cheery stuff? No, but damn good. RIYL: Local Natives, Bon Iver, depression

Devin the Dude @ 2:55 (Blue Stage)
Houston rap icon w/ smooth Southern swagger, R. Kelly approach to romance. Sample line: “You feel how hard this dick is? Let’s not let it go to waste.”

Wavves @ 3:30 (Orange Stage)
Mega-loud lo-fi noisemakers—perhaps most famous for an epic on-stage meltdown—have turned down the distortion a bit in favor of a sunnier, more pop-friendly sound. RIYL: Japandroids, potentially witnessing a breakdown on stage

Slick Rick @ 3:50 (Blue Stage)
Eye patch-sporting Brit is a rap icon guaranteed to deliver good times. Even if you never listened to ‘80s rap, you’re bound to recognize “Children’s Story.” RIYL: The theme to Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the sounds of vinyl scratching

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti @ 4:15 (Orange Stage)
L.A. freak folk artist Ariel Pink makes lo-fi pop songs that sound like uncovered radio hits from ‘70s and ‘80s. RIYL: Of Montreal

Monotonix @ 4:30 (Yellow Stage)
Tel Aviv 3-piece rocking a crazy high-octane show. Trash can crowd surfing and in-crowd action: watch Monotonix at SXSW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03FoiW3tmqY RIYL: getting injured by the crowd but avoiding the Black Stage.

Cap’n Jazz @ 6:00 (Orange Stage)
Recently reunited early emo influencers from the golden era of post-punk. RIYL: Dismemberment Plan, The Promise Ring

The Dwarves @ 6:25 (Black Stage)
Punk rockers in existence longer than most Fun Fest goers have been alive known for drawing from a wide palette of punk styles and controversial album covers. RIYL: Mohawks, moshing and naked dudes in wrestling masks.

Delorean @ 6:45 (Blue Stage)
Spanish import making warm, synth- and vocal sample-heavy dance tunes. RIYL: Phoenix, the warped vocal sample from Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead”, MGMT, Beach House

Man Man @ 6:55 (Orange Stage)
The usually costumed Philly collective belt out honky tonk, soulful tunes that play like a barrel-chested drunken sailor sing-a-long. RIYL: Modest Mouse, Rhodes piano

Dirty Projectors @ 7:50 (Orange Stage)
Brooklyn band has played ATX countless times since the release of the beloved “Bitte Orca” in mid-2009. Still no new material to promote, but with sweet lady harmonies like that, it doesn’t matter. RIYL: R&B, Aaliyah meets Talking Heads

MGMT @ 8:45 (Orange Stage)
If all you know is “Kids,” save yourself the disappointment—pass on MGMT. Live show is mediocre; more vanilla psychedelia than the danceable pop.

RJD2 @ 8:45 (Blue Stage)
DJ (think more like Moby and mojitos, less like Paul Oakenfold and Jäger bombs) crafting chill tunes, most famous for being the dude who wrote the Mad Men theme.

The Weekend Flow: November 5-8What can I say? It’s gonna be a fun weekend. THURSDAY, Nov. 5Do512’s Pre Bleet-Up Happy Hour5:30-8pmThe Do512 folks are offering up some of the free Dos Equis left over from their recent fiestas in a warmup to the big Bleet-Up this evening.$5 suggested donation to the Groundwork Music Project gets you free beer. RSVP required.Do512 HQ, 2208 S. LamarAustin Bleet-Up: Meet Your Bloggers8:30pmFree drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf Tea, free food from Mama Fu’s. Music by Corto Maltese, Built By Snow, The Lennings, The Great Nostalgic, Sad Accordions, Politics and a Learning Secrets DJ set.$7, RSVP required by 3pm today!!Mohawk , 912 Red RiverWhole Foods’ Taste of Thanksgiving6-8pmWhole Foods at 6th and Lamar will offer samples from departments throughout the store—think baked goods, wine, you name it—as part of the store’s annual Thanksgiving tasting.Free, no RSVPWhole Foods, 6th and LamarFRIDAY, Nov. 6After the Jump: FunFunFun Fest panel discussionDoors at 5:30pm, panel at 6:30pmMaura Johnston (Idolator), Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard), Peter Gaston (SPIN), David Prince (Billboard, Daily Swarm), Joe Gross (Austin American-Statesman) and Paige Maguire (Austinist, WOXY) will discuss the ever-thinning line between new media and the mainstream. There will be a question period and cocktails after the panel.Free. No RSVP.Mohawk , 912 Red RiverLocal Music is Sexy: Official FunFunFun Fest Kickoff PartyMusic starts at 8pmBeautiful Supermachines, My Milky Way Arms, Air Traffic Controllers, Distant Seconds, the Low Lows, TV Torso, Black Before Red, Silent Land Time Machine, Manikin, The Authors, Watch Out for Rockets and International Waters will all perform, and there will be a special presentation by the Minor Mishap Marching Band. You can also pick up your FFF wristbands at the event.Free. No RSVP.Mohawk , 912 Red RiverThe Combo Plate8pm-2amFFF pre-party with music by The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Zlam Dunk, Colourmusic, a photo booth with Annie Ray and custom screen tee shirts created on site by Under Pressure$5 w/ RSVP, $8 at the doorScoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.Up the Antics9pm-2amMusic by Yeasayer, Learning Secrets DJs, Totally Michael, Best Fwends and Mission, plus some giveawaysFree. RSVP required.Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th StreetSATURDAY, Nov. 7FunFunFun Fest!!!Okay, so it’s not free. And you probably know whether you’re going or not. But boy, its it gonna be fun (x3), and there’s a lot going on for those who aren’t going to be day-drinking in Waterloo Park. For the scoop on all the weekend parties, check out these killer lists of goings-on from my boy Ultra8201 as well as the dance party/photog power-couple The Peen Scene.Draught House Pub 41st Anniversary Celebration1pmRare draught and cask beers will be offered for sampling. DJ Jubal will spin a soul set and Texas BBQ will be served.Free, no RSVPDraught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Pkwy.First Saturday on South FirstFor those who decide to opt out of the daytime FFF shenanigans (and like to shop), First Saturday on South has a number of options to meet your free afternoon cocktail needs. There’s lots of stuff going on, so check their Facebook page for the full list. Here are the events with free stuff: Lovely Austin - Couture, Consignment, Fashion2-4pmEnjoy live acoustic entertainment from 2-4pm and a complimentary beverage while you browse. Free, No RSVP.Lovely Austin, 1106 South 1st St.Envy Clothing StoreFree Shiner while you shop. No RSVP.Envy, 507 W. Mary St.Amelia’s Retrovogue and Relics and Moxie a go-go2-6pmFree beer and wine at a fundraiser for the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption. No RSVP.2213 S. 1st St.SUNDAY, Nov. 8Shop 787Noon-6pm$5 donation to Dell Children’s Medical Center gets you free drinks by Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf, as well as an opportunity to shop at dozens of local boutiques. $5 online, $10 at the doorMosaic at Mueller, 4600 Mueller Blvd. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to tweet us @coolinaustin if you’re out at the Fest. And we need more fans on Facebook, so tell your pals what’s up!
View Separately

The Weekend Flow: November 5-8
What can I say? It’s gonna be a fun weekend.

THURSDAY, Nov. 5
Do512’s Pre Bleet-Up Happy Hour
5:30-8pm
The Do512 folks are offering up some of the free Dos Equis left over from their recent fiestas in a warmup to the big Bleet-Up this evening.
$5 suggested donation to the Groundwork Music Project gets you free beer. RSVP required.
Do512 HQ, 2208 S. Lamar

Austin Bleet-Up: Meet Your Bloggers
8:30pm
Free drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf Tea, free food from Mama Fu’s. Music by Corto Maltese, Built By Snow, The Lennings, The Great Nostalgic, Sad Accordions, Politics and a Learning Secrets DJ set.
$7, RSVP required by 3pm today!!
Mohawk , 912 Red River

Whole Foods’ Taste of Thanksgiving
6-8pm
Whole Foods at 6th and Lamar will offer samples from departments throughout the store—think baked goods, wine, you name it—as part of the store’s annual Thanksgiving tasting.
Free, no RSVP
Whole Foods, 6th and Lamar


FRIDAY, Nov. 6
After the Jump: FunFunFun Fest panel discussion
Doors at 5:30pm, panel at 6:30pm
Maura Johnston (Idolator), Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard), Peter Gaston (SPIN), David Prince (Billboard, Daily Swarm), Joe Gross (Austin American-Statesman) and Paige Maguire (Austinist, WOXY) will discuss the ever-thinning line between new media and the mainstream. There will be a question period and cocktails after the panel.
Free. No RSVP.
Mohawk , 912 Red River

Local Music is Sexy: Official FunFunFun Fest Kickoff Party
Music starts at 8pm
Beautiful Supermachines, My Milky Way Arms, Air Traffic Controllers, Distant Seconds, the Low Lows, TV Torso, Black Before Red, Silent Land Time Machine, Manikin, The Authors, Watch Out for Rockets and International Waters will all perform, and there will be a special presentation by the Minor Mishap Marching Band. You can also pick up your FFF wristbands at the event.
Free. No RSVP.
Mohawk , 912 Red River

The Combo Plate
8pm-2am
FFF pre-party with music by The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Zlam Dunk, Colourmusic, a photo booth with Annie Ray and custom screen tee shirts created on site by Under Pressure
$5 w/ RSVP, $8 at the door
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.

Up the Antics
9pm-2am
Music by Yeasayer, Learning Secrets DJs, Totally Michael, Best Fwends and Mission, plus some giveaways
Free. RSVP required.
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th Street


SATURDAY, Nov. 7
FunFunFun Fest!!!
Okay, so it’s not free. And you probably know whether you’re going or not. But boy, its it gonna be fun (x3), and there’s a lot going on for those who aren’t going to be day-drinking in Waterloo Park. For the scoop on all the weekend parties, check out these killer lists of goings-on from my boy Ultra8201 as well as the dance party/photog power-couple The Peen Scene.

Draught House Pub 41st Anniversary Celebration
1pm
Rare draught and cask beers will be offered for sampling. DJ Jubal will spin a soul set and Texas BBQ will be served.
Free, no RSVP
Draught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Pkwy.

First Saturday on South First
For those who decide to opt out of the daytime FFF shenanigans (and like to shop), First Saturday on South has a number of options to meet your free afternoon cocktail needs. There’s lots of stuff going on, so check their Facebook page for the full list. Here are the events with free stuff:

Lovely Austin - Couture, Consignment, Fashion
2-4pm
Enjoy live acoustic entertainment from 2-4pm and a complimentary beverage while you browse. Free, No RSVP.
Lovely Austin, 1106 South 1st St.

Envy Clothing Store
Free Shiner while you shop. No RSVP.
Envy, 507 W. Mary St.

Amelia’s Retrovogue and Relics and Moxie a go-go
2-6pm
Free beer and wine at a fundraiser for the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption. No RSVP.
2213 S. 1st St.


SUNDAY, Nov. 8
Shop 787
Noon-6pm
$5 donation to Dell Children’s Medical Center gets you free drinks by Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf, as well as an opportunity to shop at dozens of local boutiques.
$5 online, $10 at the door
Mosaic at Mueller, 4600 Mueller Blvd.

Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to tweet us @coolinaustin if you’re out at the Fest. And we need more fans on Facebook, so tell your pals what’s up!