February March 2017

Custom Amps by Ivy

John Aielli

The History Behind the Legend

Getting Naked

with painter Jennifer Balkan

the

MUSIC ISSUE

In Music We Trust

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eastside / music editorial

Music Matters Twenty years ago this summer I moved to Austin, Texas, for one thing and one thing only: music. I have discovered that this is the case for so many others as well.

Austin is a city brimming with creativity and entrepreneurship, and the impact the creative sector has had on our city’s economy is significant. Due to its welcoming atmosphere and eagerness to invest in culture, the arts and its ever-changing music scene, Austin has attracted and retained so many gifted and talented artists over the years.

There are very few places in the world where someone can make a living in the music industry as a full time musician, artist manager, booking agent, venue manager, studio manager, producer, engineer, worship leader, or much less be encouraged to do any of the above while working another job as well, all the while working alongside those incredibly talented musicians and entrepreneurs who became or will become life long friends. You may be surprised to know how many artists are DIY’ers in the comfort of their own homes and living right next door to you.

I strongly feel that the creative drive in our city evolved from the hearts and souls of young artists, like I was, who arrived here with the hope to turn a hobby into a livelihood - then stuck around to create and engage in much more.

My family and I owe a great deal to the city of Austin. Without music, we would not have met many of our dearest friends, and we would not be living life along side some of the most talented entrepreneurs to ever lay roots here. It is our hope that you will find our magazine shines light on many of the hard working individuals who feel called to create something beautiful and timeless within and for their community. They are our neighbors, our friends, and the cornerstone of our city.

Todd Meador

On the Cover

C U S T O M H A N D M A D E J E W E L R Y agnesseebass.com

We had a warm and joyful subject for this issue's cover. Oscar Ornelas is a vastly talented musician, humbly serves his community, and truly was an honor to work with. The best part of this shoot was listening to him play the saxophone while being photographed. Photographer, Eric Morales, has a way of always bringing out the true personality in everyone he photographs, as you can see we had some great laughs.

The shoot was set up at HANDSOME on East 6th where they were kind enough to not only to let us use their space for the cover shot but also for our iconic fashion shoot.

512.568.8405 Call For An Appointment Studio & Showroom 507 Calles St. Suite #121 [the groovy side of austin]

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5

contents

14 08 features 22 In Music We Trust

Editor’s Note 05 EASTside Local 08 Art+Entertainment 11 Style+Beauty 16

48

Go+Do 33

14 Beneath the Mask Artist Jennifer Balkan leaves nothing untouched as she exposes the “many layers” of thought and emotion that all of us experience and some of us can consciously choose to display or not.

Home+Away 39 Sip+Taste 45 6 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

This town is full of a talented musicians and hopping with lively venues. We're keeping it hyperlocal, bringing you four hometown bands/artists playing a variety of genres and spotlighting eight venues who are turning up the volume on the east side.

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An Entire Neighborhood Devoted to Modern Design THE REBIRTH OF AN INCREDIBLE CONCEPT IN EAST AUSTIN. 3-4 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $400K

CONTACT: Ann Rayborn (512) 318-9567 annr@intown-homes.com 6 mi. east of Downtown on MLK

ge without notice. Square footage is approximate. No representation or warranties either expressed or implied herein or with respect to the suitability, usability, merchantability or conditions of any property hereinModel described.

Home:

This community is as much about the people as it is about the architecture. Come discover Agave.

5805 Pinon Vista Drive

eastside / local

To John Aielli, talking on-air is its own kind of vocal performance.

From Broadcasts to Books with NPR Austin’s John Aielli WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES

Despite working in public radio for 54 years now, KUTX personality John Aielli never intended for radio to become a lifelong career. He first wanted to be a pianist, and later, a vocal artist.

8 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

I

n 1963, Aielli received a scholarship to study piano at UT-Austin that covered tuition and fees but not his room and board. Coming as he did from a family with little money, Aielli deferred higher education for a year after graduating high school to find a job and save up some cash.

Temple radio station KLEN offered Aielli a job on the spot. For .30 cents/hour, Aielli worked up to 96 hours/week—a wage that was considered “not bad” in those days. The following year, Aielli enrolled at Temple Junior College but continued to work at KLEN. He was able to scale his hours back once the minimum wage rose to $1.00/hour.

Two years later, Aielli transferred to UT-Austin.

He immediately found work with KUT (before the station split into KUT for news and KUTX for music), who valued his previous radio experience.

Even so, Aielli still believed his time in the radio industry would be temporary. Upon graduating from UT, he started taking voice lessons and dreamed of moving to New York City. Although Aielli was giving annual recitals in Austin, they weren’t always as well-attended as he hoped. In New York, he thought, people valued the cultural arts, including music, more highly. It took Aielli fifteen years of studying voice before he felt confident enough in his skills; all the while he continued to work in radio. At the end of that period, he realized he was in his mid-to-late thirties, and “too old to be going to New York to start a career.” He accepted

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that radio was his calling in life, and that as he’d “enjoyed every bit of it,” it was a good life to boot.

To John Aielli, talking on-air is its own kind of vocal performance. Every day, he walks the fine line between being “completely honest” with his listeners while avoiding any political commentary that might alienate those of dissimilar persuasions. “If I do make an offhand [political] reference,” Aielli says, “it must be cloaked under so many layers, because … people read into what they hear what they want to hear.” So he tends to stick to topics of universal importance, like gas prices, a great sale on pork loin, or the weather. “I just try to be normal and inviting. … [Listeners] want to hear an intelligent source that’s informative and entertaining, and I try to provide those things when I'm speaking on the air.”

Of course, Aiell’s daily two-hour show accounts for only half of his duties at KUTX. The rest of his time he spends scouring the news to see what’s going on in Austin, who’s coming to town, and who he might want to interview for his next segment.

Aielli has lived in the same house in the Cherrywood neighborhood since 1984. You can often find him working from nearby Cherrywood Coffeehouse.

He loves the spicy rooibos tea there; it pairs well with a great book. When not at the station, Aielli adores reading, a late discovery that amuses him now since he “hated” reading for English class. “I used to believe that if you start something, you have to finish it,” says Aielli, and that included slogging his way through “awful” books. A health scare in 2016 “changed everything,” however, and now he cautions that “there’s not all that much time in life, and you shouldn’t waste what time you have on a book you don't want to be reading.” Instead, he enjoys always “learning something new,” and affirms that every day is an opportunity for “fun, so much fun.”

contact:

Listener line: 512.471.5700 info@kutx.org eklektikos

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9

O U R FAV E E V E N T S

Pick 9

FOR THE EAST SIDE

&

FEBRUARY MARCH Black Banner Day

February 3, 7-8:30pm The community is invited to participate in the Black Banner Day ceremony at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center to meditate on the meanings and implications behind Black History Month. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Leonard Moore who will be discussing the American education crisis.

1165 Angelina Street

“Saturated” by Flash Collective & CRAFT

February 1-20, 2-8pm Open the coldest month of the year by saturating yourself in the vibrant colors of summer. At CRAFT, serigraphy, relief, and lithography methods are used to capture the color that surrounds us in this world. To really experience how rich color can be, spend some time at the exhibit learning how to make prints yourself. This event is free.

4704 E. Cesar Chavez St. | flashcollective.com

Vinyasa, Hips & Backbending Workshop

February 24-28 Warm yourself from the inside out by twisting and flowing into a yoga breath practice with Benjamin Sears at Bikram Yoga East Austin. Learn how you can find freedom in breath as he leads you through the foundations of flow. Classes $25 & workshops $45.

3801 Berkman Dr. #B | yogaeastaustin.com

Austin Lamb Jam

March 5, 3-6pm When you think of BBQ, you probably don’t include lamb in the list.

However, pit masters from around Texas are aiming to change this assumption with the Lamb Jam competition. Join local chefs as they compete to create lamb dishes infused with regional flavor. Attendees will get to sample the results of these chefs going whole hog (or sheep). Event held at Waller Ballroom; tickets are $75.

700 E. 6th St. | americanlamb.com/lamb-jam/ austin-lamb-jam

Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music"

March 24-26, Performance times vary.

In the Live Music Capital of the World, Sesame Street and Elmo will introduce your little ones to many unusual instruments that we don’t often see on Austin stages, but making a beautiful noise with them can be just as much fun. Tickets run $17-$40.

Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River Street | uterwincenter.com

The Mountain Play, or Perverse Results

March 30-April 1, 8-9:30pm The Rude Mechanicals, who take their name from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, are entering their 20th and last season of performances.

This play is their 27th original and will highlight their trademark whimsical style that has entrenched their name within the experimental theater circles. Come celebrate their last season and enjoy their self-proclaimed “pour it on huevos rancheros and see what happens” process at the Off Center.

2211A Hidalgo Street | rudemechs.com

Hippy Sabotage OUTsider Festival

February 15-19 Through provocative performance, visual art, and writing, this LGBTQ+ community-hosted festival offers out-of-the-box creativity that transcends boundaries. Allow yourself to re-conform your ideas of artistic expression and discover the gems of an often-overlooked culture. Badges are $50, individual tickets vary.

Various Locations | outsiderfest.org

10 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

Zilker Park Kite Festival

March 5, 10am-5pm Take advantage of the fickle and gusty weather in March and fly a kite with thousands of other people. Gather friends and construct a kite worthy of the pageantry that will drift through the springtime sky. Wave your weird flag like a true Austinite and enter the “Most Unusual Kite” contest. abckitefestival.com find more at eastsideatx.com

April 4, 8pm If you’re ready for another music infusion after SXSW, look no further than the Vulcan Gas Company. Two brothers who make electro-pop music and play with lights and who are known as Hippy Sabotage are coming to Austin to help you set the tone for an animated and playful summer. Tickets are $18-$100. 418 E. 6th St. | vulcanatx.com/events WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS

Arts + entertainment February+ March 2017 “How can I get behind the outer layer … the deepest layer, all the way underneath … to express or evoke emotion through paint?”

-Jennifer Balkan p.14

12 enter-

tainment

EAST AUSTIN'S PUERTO RICAN CULTURAL CENTER IS COMPLETE WITH DANCE AND MUSIC CLASSES, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS, AND A BILINGUAL THEATRE.

14 visual artist WHAT DOES NAKEDNESS REVEAL? WHAT IS STILL OBSCURED

BY MASKS? ARTIST JENNIFER BALKAN GOES BEYOND THE FACADE.

eastside / entertainment

Culture in Motion

Celebrating Puerto Rico’s Traditions in East Austin WORDS BY JENNIFER SIMONSON PHOTOS BY AARON RIMBEY

Twenty years ago, an Austin woman started a dance class looking to reconnect with her traditional Puerto Rican roots. Since then, that dance class has grown into a full-fledged Puerto Rican Cultural Center complete with dance and music classes, social and cultural events, an annual festival, and a bilingual theater.

D

r. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard founded the center in 1997 in east Austin. Born and raised in a musical family in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in The Bronx, music was always a part of Maynard’s life.

When she moved to Austin in 1992, she could not find an outlet for her Puerto Rican musical longings. She embraced the Mexican culture prevalent in Central Texas and began dancing with the Roy Lozano Mexican folkloric company, but when her first born came along, she felt a tug back to her traditional culture.

“

I realized how much I missed my own culture and how sad I was that my son would never know his own culture,” she said.

12 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

So Maynard decided to change that. Starting with one small dance class, the center slowly grew into a nonprofit with 12 weekly performing arts programs, ongoing cultural events, a theater company and opportunities to learn indigenous cultural traditions.

The cultural center grew out of its tiny space shared with Tapestry Dance Company and into its own space in a former bakery on Tillery Street.

Dance is still the backbone of the center. It is not unusual to stop by and see girls with pillowy colorful dresses glide around the room to the sounds of traditional percussion-driven music, AfroCaribbean beats and cuatro guitars.

The cultural center is open to anyone looking to learn more about Puerto Rican culture. “We are

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Events • Open House: every Saturday, 10am-1pm! Come enjoy FREE Puerto Rican coffee and conversation!

• Celebrando 2017: 20th Anniversary Salsa & Heritage Festival, June 10, 6:30-11pm. We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary! Each year this elegant, semi-formal event celebrates Puerto Rico's rich traditions with folklore and more!

• 20th Birthday Bombazo: Sept.

10. We'll be celebrating our 20th birthday with a bombazo, a Bomba dance for all.

• Sembrando Herencia 2017 (Musical): December 2 & 3

“The Puerto Rican culture flows through your bloodstream; you cannot separate from it. It is a very joyous culture.”

very nurturing and embracing here,” Maynard smiles. “We open our arms to everyone. We celebrate and nurture community under the umbrella of Puerto Rican culture because that is what we know.”

Visit the dentist. It’s good clean fun.

The center is also a place for the fast-growing Puerto Rican population in Central Texas to reconnect with their culture. Everyone born on the Spanish-speaking Caribbean island is an American citizen.

Because of the island’s depressed economy over the last decade, many Puerto Ricans are relocating to the mainland with Texas being one of the most popular destinations. The Puerto Rican Cultural Center is the only dedicated community center for Puerto Ricans in the Southwest affiliated with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.

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To stay connected to its culture, Maynard visits Puerto Rico every summer. Also a playwright, she allows time during these trips to learn oral history (first-hand, from elders) who inspire the writing of a new play for community theater to be performed each December.

These bilingual musicals are told with Maynard’s magical style as she uses music and dance to bring elements of Puerto Rico’s heritage to life.

“The Puerto Rican culture flows through your bloodstream; you cannot separate from it. It is a very joyous culture,” Maynard enthuses. “No matter what problems you might currently be facing, there’s always room for music and dance.”

contact:

512.251.8122 701 Tillery Street #13 prfdance.org dance@prfdance.org

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13

eastside / art

“How can I get behind the outer layer … the deepest layer, all the way underneath … to express or evoke emotion through paint?”

Beneath the Mask

Getting Naked with Jennifer Balkan WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD

Neuroscience, mental illness, oil painting, and the carnivalesque: which one doesn’t belong? Actually, you’ll find all these themes and more in Jennifer Balkan’s impressionistic artwork, which colors the walls of her Cherrywood studio and hangs in galleries as far away as Denver, CO and Charleston, SC. 14 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

P

erennially fascinated by “how the mind works, and the physiological basis for human behaviors,” Balkan first studied neuroscience at Lehigh University, before pursuing a PhD in sociology at UT-Austin. In between, she served the mentally-ill and developmentally-disabled populations in Seattle, an experience that further fed her lifelong obsession with conceptual ‘masks.’

A New Jersey native, Balkan grew up wandering the boardwalks of Coney Island, in love with both the arcade and the arcane: clowns and carnies and sideshow attractions.

She felt equally attracted to the bright lights and the dark underbelly of that world, a living fantasy in which nothing was ever as it seemed.

The entertainers of her childhood wore masks, and curious, she wondered what they hid. As an adult, she would draw the comparison to the way that ordinary people wear masks every day—invisible masks that separate a person from his/her social persona, donned at the very moment they roll out of bed in the morning.

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By contrast, in Seattle Balkan was struck by the fact that individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities are incapable of wearing these psychic masks. As the painter puts it, “Quote-unquote ‘normal’ people still deal with emotional problems like depression, but because our neural pathways are in check, we can compartmentalize that stuff and put on a happy face, and only reveal what we want to”—versus the mentally disabled, for whom “all of their inner being is on the surface.”

Balkan refers to the “many layers” of thought and emotion that all of us experience and that some of us can consciously choose to display or not. She likens those layers to the thick layers of paint that end up coating her canvases: an attempt to capture the complexity of human nature.

It’s why Balkan paints figures and portraits (rather than landscapes or still-lifes) almost exclusively. “How can I get behind the outer layer … the deepest layer, all the way underneath … to express or evoke emotion through paint?” she asks. Believing that

Balkan first learned to paint as a child from her grandmother. She loved the way that oil paints smelled. Despite displaying an early affinity and natural skill for painting, Balkan was strongly encouraged by her family to pursue a more ‘practical’ career.

She finally allowed herself to return to her first love in 2001. Since then, Balkan has pieced together an informal art education by studying with teachers around the country.

Native Knowledge: Jennifer Balkan teaches the only art class in Austin devoted entirely to figure painting.

Each session is limited to four students, so sign up fast! the answer might lie in literally removing as many layers as possible—starting with clothes—in 2008 she began painting a series of masked nudes. Inspired by photographer Spencer Tunick’s Naked States, Balkan variously painted friends, strangers, and hired models completely naked, save for a small ‘disguise’ prop like a clown nose or a zebra-striped hat.

What does nakedness reveal? What is still obscured by masks? All of Balkan’s work tackles these large-form questions in one way or another. Aficionados of the human body and the human mind can find Balkan’s work for sale on her website, or catch her at the annual East Austin Studio Tour.

LET US SHOWCASE WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS A New Jersey native, Balkan grew up wandering the boardwalks of Coney Island, in love with both the arcade & the arcane.

contact:

For More Information, contact us at

advertise@ eastsideatx.com Get all that is in this issue and more every day at EASTSIDEATX.com

jenniferbalkan.net Jennifer Balkan Art Jennifer Balkan

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15

#RIP WORDS & PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES

“If you're sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie,” said British actor Simon Pegg as a response to the death of the beloved Bowie.

A true artist lives in complete freedom. Musicians have always been admired for their freedom in style and fashion, influencing generations across the world.

Here we explore the various styles tailored to some musicians who left the planet last year.

These artists remind us that when it comes to style, anything goes, as long as you’re being yourself because being yourself is the prettiest thing a person can be.

So go ahead, have fun with style, and just be yourself.

“You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.”

-George Michael

George Michael's Look: -Fringe Black Suede Jacket -Vintage White Blouse -Vintage Gap Denim Jeans -Black Leather Boots -Sunnies from Friends & Neighbors -Dangle Earrings

Model: Grace Marlow @artbymarlow

16 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

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Style + beauty

February + March 2017

16 iconic

fashion

AS TIME PASSES AND FASHIONS CHANGE, WE CONTINUALLY SEE THE ICONS OF OUR PAST COME TO LIFE, AS THEY STILL INSPIRE THE STYLES WE ALL SPORT ON A DAILY BASIS. HERE'S TO THE ICONS WHO INSPIRE GENERATIONS UPON GENERATIONS OF NEW LEGENDS.

Art Direction: Meggie Copeland @m.c._styles Eric Morales @ericmphoto ericmorales.com Hair Stylist: Herta Hoffman @Hertadye4 tarverhillsalon.com Location: 1000 E 6th St. handsome.is

David Bowie's Look: -Vintage Pale Yellow, Gold Speckled Blouse with Matching Necktie -High-waisted Black Denim -Silver Abstract Hoop Earrings

“Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people.�

-Prince

Prince's Look: -Purple Turtleneck -Black Velvet Blazer -Purple Power Pants -Black Leather Pumps -Silver Sparkle Socks -Gold Necklace

Model: Ribka Balakrishnan @ribkaa

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”

Model: Meggie Copeland @m.c._styles

-David Bowie

“I wanted to separate myself from the name that made me famous.

Vanity means worthlessness, and I am not worthless.

My name is Denise.”

This cozy noodle joint with an open kitchen specializes in ramen made with whole chicken broth.

Monday-Friday: 11:30am-2:30pm for Lunch, 5:30pm-10:00pm for Dinner, Saturday: 11:30am-3pm for Lunch, 5:30pm-10:00pm for Dinner, Sunday: 12:00pm-9:00pm

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-Silver Pumps -Knot Necklace -Long Black Gloves Model: Gia Litton @gialitt

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19

Maurice White's Look: -Vintage Sequin Shift Top (Vest) from Friends & Neighbors

“Being normal is vastly overrated.”

-70s Print Collared Top Debbie Reynolds' Look:

-Debbie Reynolds

-Vintage Light Blue Blouse

-Vintage 70s Wide-legged Striped Pants from Friends & Neighbors

-High-rise Denim Capris

-Kork-ease “Velma” Booties

Model: Kiana McDaniel @kianamcd

20 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

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Model: Ashley Ward @naeshelle

“Music is always a creative process that comes from the heart.

It's a feeling, a vibration, that we ride on.�

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MUSIC

IN

This town is full of a talented musicians and hopping with lively venues. We're keeping it local, bringing you 4 bands and 8 hot spots that turn up the volume on the EAST side.

RENT IT OUT:

Bands can rent the space to make videos during Sahara’s closed hours. Sahara Lounge also welcomes parties and events and is happy to make special arrangements upon request.

Band contact: cilantroboombox.com @cilantroboombox

WE TRUST VENUE WORDS BY SAM LAURON ARTIST PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES

CILANTRO BOOMBOX Cultural Harmony At Work WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL

S

elf-described as music junkies and hippies, Cilantro Boombox has two rules when it comes to performing and listening to their upbeat music: both band members and attendees must smile, and they must dance.

Cilantro Boombox perfectly combines soothing rhythms, soulful jazz, and dance music beats. Listening in allows your ears to eavesdrop on Latin and Pan-African cultures. The band fuses both big brass and electronic elements, and their sound provokes movement and dance.

Though there are up to 9 band members at every performance, bassist Félix Pacheco says the large number wasn’t part of the plan.

“I hated [big bands] growing up, so [a big band] wasn’t something I wanted.” Even so, Pacheco says the growth was organic.

In its early days, the band invited other musicians to play with them live. More often than not, the instrument enhanced the music, and the musicians simply “stuck around.” Unplanned, each became a valued addition. Alto saxophonist Joshua Thomson says that every member brings something to the table. “If anything,” laughed Thomson, “we have a bounty of ideas…it’s a good problem.”

The band self-released an 11-track debut album in 2012. Pacheco recounts the release party at Hotel Vegas and the band rehearsing at Sahara Lounge. Both Pacheco and Thomson discuss the changing landscapes of east Austin. “It’s definitely affecting the type of music being made,” he stated, “[but] there’s still an opportunity for unity [amongst musicians].” According to Pacheco, there’s still good music in Austin. “You just have to look for it.”

Despite the new and shifting environment, the band is working on their second album—this time, focusing on more mature lyrics. With no fixed structure or procedure, the band is leaving it up to the music to express its meaning.

“I don’t think we try to find the ideal [meaning] of what a song should discuss,” said Pacheco. “We’re socially conscious so there’s always that element [in our lyrics], but we’re also not afraid of talking about regular, day-to-day lyrics that make you want to dance.”

Sahara Lounge

One of the most unique clubs in Austin— Sahara Lounge never disappoints with a huge variety of bands that play every night of the week. From underground indie rock bands to Zamountchi, Sahara’s house band that brings the dance party every Saturday night, you can always count on Sahara Lounge for a good time. If you’re still confused about the “vibe,” think “Texas juke joint with an African twist.” From the kind bartenders to the groovy music, Sahara is absolutely unmissable.

Additionally, on weekends the lounge offers a free buffet that has all-youcan-eat chips and delicious beans and rice. saharalounge.com

BY MARY BRYCE

[the groovy side of austin]

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23

“If I can make something true, something that is beautiful… I can be proud of that work… that’s what I want to do.”

contact: mirandadodson.wixsite.com/mirandadodson @mirandadodson 24 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

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HAAM

Miranda Dodson

Beautiful Truths WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL

M

iranda Dodson arrived in Austin in 2007 after spending a year in Oxford, England.

Dodson and her husband knew going back to their college town of Dallas wasn’t an option. It didn’t, at the time, have the creative energy they craved. Luckily, east Austin did.

Dodson’s love and affinity for music began early on. Her father, a youth minister with a guitar, taught her a few chords when she was fourteen. As soon as she could put them together gracefully, Dodson said songwriting just “started happening.”

In the years that followed, singing and songwriting became her hobby. Though she produced a few records she hopes “never see the light of day,” it wasn’t until Dodson lived in England that her perceptions changed. “I said to myself, ‘if I surround myself with [songwriters], I’ll start thinking more critically about [my] music.’” Her prediction proved correct. Dodson had found her voice here in Austin, and music was no longer a hobby.

When it comes to songwriting,

Dodson strives to include elements of both truth and beauty. Her Christian beliefs inspire her, and she aims to echo those teachings in her songs. Still, though, she’s cautious not to alienate people with her words.

“I never want someone to feel like I’m preaching,” said Dodson, “but I do feel like everyone can resonate with simple truths—like the longing for peace and the struggle for hope.”

Her last album, Love Is Real Try Again, reflects on personal loss and recovery. One song, "Try Again," she describes as “very raw and very human.”

Dodson says that while she wrote it for herself, she later learned her lyrics had touched women all over the country after being featured on NPR and Parenthood. She remembers feeling the power of music in those moments.

Dodson says the goal is to be honest with people on a human level connecting with them through the beauty of music. “If I can make something true, something that is beautiful… I can be proud of that work… that’s what I want to do.”

Did you know that over 80% of Austin musicians earn less than $18,000 a year? Luckily, HAAM is here to help. HAAM, or Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, provides access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s uninsured musicians.

“Musicians are the heart and soul of our city,” says HAAM Executive Director Reenie Collins. “HAAM is a uniquely Austin non-profit working to ensure that we keep those musicians we treasure so much, healthy.”

The organization has helped over 4,200 musicians access over $38 million in healthcare services since its inception in 2005. Keeping the music community thriving is just one of the many reasons Collins loves her job. “Music people are good people.

We have so much talent here, but we also have this incredible community of musicians, music professionals, and music lovers who make Austin such a special place.” You can learn more about HAAM at myhaam.org.

Don't Miss Bomb Taco truck out back from

6pm-2am. Bring along your furry friends. They are welcomed on the patio.

White Horse

Stepping into the White Horse is like taking a step into a modern day saloon.

The dive bar is a western, soulful fusion with its saloon-like décor and a combination of 60s soul, blues, and country music filling the room. Attend one of their many free shows, and you’ll experience a variety of genres, from rockabilly and country, to blues and jazz.

If you feel like doing more than watching and listening to music, you can partake in their weekly free dance lessons in styles ranging from two-step to Cajun. thewhitehorseaustin.com

Scoot Inn

With a recent remodel bringing in more space and modern upgrades, the Historic Scoot Inn remains one of Austin’s oldest and most popular dive bars. Having been around for the past 145 years, it’s safe to say that the Scoot Inn knows how to entertain. The newly renovated ‘Ivy’s Room’ is perfect for an intimate night of drinking while listening to the soothing tunes of the baby grand piano, while the outdoor patio has a backyard party vibe with live music ranging from rock to Americana. When it comes to SXSW, Scoot Inn is an official SX venue with “lots of energy” around the bar according to Doug Guller, Founder & CEO of ATX Brands. scootinnaustin.com

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The Huge Patio

out back is a plus, and the food truck is a great addition to the reasonably priced drinks.

Strange Fiction When Music Becomes Stranger than Fiction WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS

W Hotel Vegas You might not find slot machines or Elvis impersonators here, but Hotel Vegas will not disappoint if you’re looking for entertainment during SXSW. The East 6th Street bar is one of the highest volume venues in town and one of the few that features four stages, according to co-owner and co-founder, Charles Ferraro. “The atmosphere is pretty crazy,” says Ferraro, “big crowds, music fans from around the world, tons of bands, and a lot of energy.” The 11 days of fun kick off with a six-year anniversary party on March 9. texashotelvegas.com

Victory over Japan Day

was the opening day for Victory Grill, bar and restaurant, celebrating black soldiers returning from the war in 1945.

Blair waxed appropriately lyrical about the band’s newfound love of the synthesizer briefly painting an image of the influence it has had on their art. “It was like a new frontier of sound. Even though it’s kind of a retro thing… this waveform was a new journey… You are playing the sound. You are playing the texture. It’s really just less of, ‘Okay, what note is this on the piano,’ and it’s more like, ‘How does this sound make me feel? What is the texture? Is it gritty? Is it pure? Is it pretty? How does it evolve through the song?’ So that was something that I think we all just got reinvigorated to play because it was something new.”

As if on cue, Strange Fiction’s lyricist Nathan Medina chimed in with agreement, “This is phase two of the band, and we’re producing everything ourselves.”

Not bad for “just a couple of guys who found each other on Craigslist,” as the band’s drummer Nathan Rabold describes the group.

Victory Grill Best known for being a member of the Chitlin’ Circuit circa 1945 and hosting acts like B.B. King, Etta James, and Billie Holiday (to name a few), Victory Grill still holds strong as an authentic music venue to this day. The historical significance alone makes the visit to this East 11th Street establishment worth it, but while you’re there you can also grab a bite to eat, listen to blues and jazz music and maybe even catch an art presentation. The venue has also been known to host events during SXSW, like their ‘Ultimate Louisiana Party’ for last year’s festivities. atxhistoricvictorygrill.org

26 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

hat happens to a band’s identity of self when they trade in their garage band instruments for digitized instrumentals? They become a musical Hemingway.

Just as the modernists contracted their prose to distill the essence of emotion into few words, east side synth-pop band, Strange Fiction, packs dense feeling into their harmonies. “It’s almost like less is more. The more personality your sound can have, the more character. That’s more captivating to people,” explains the band’s synth player James Blair. As captivating as their synth waves may be for their audience, for the band, this foray into digital music is a fresh infusion of inspiration.

find more at eastsideatx.com

By doing everything themselves, this self-proclaimed DIY studio project “got some play on the radio,” lead guitarist Colin Campbell admits proudly. Despite their brush with fame, Medina says, “We keep it pretty local here.” “It’s ‘cause the east side is cool. They get down,” agrees Blair.

NEWS:

Strange Fiction will be releasing their new EP in early 2017. They currently have their single Ready For You available on Spotify and Soundcloud. The accompanying music video will be released soon.

“This is phase two of the band, and we’re producing everything ourselves.”

The members of Strange Fiction take the

DIY spirit very seriously. They track their own songs and even build their own guitar amps.

Check out Ivy Amps (as seen on the cover).

contact: strangefictionmusic.com @strangefictionatx

[the groovy side of austin]

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Tuned up Amy Lombardi has been an Austin Eastsider since her move from Chicago in 2010. She ran Beekeeper Corp., her artist manager firm– home to Grammy-nominated singer Neko Case, performer Kelly Hogan, and songwriter/musician Cass McCombs– for 14 years until 2014 when she opted for time off to consider another career change (prior to management she’d been a music publicist in NYC to multi-platinum selling, Grammy-winning bands and in Chicago to indie acts at her boutique PR shop, Call Girl PR).

In 2015, she opened TuneCore’s Austin office where she works to educate artists and empower them with tools to help build their careers like TuneCore’s digital music distribution and publishing administration and YouTube monetization services, all of which collect revenue artists' music earns. TuneCore’s distribution model is subscription-based, there’s no commission paid off sales. "As a former manager, I consider a flat-rate an ideal model for distribution. It’s a figure that goes into a project budget that doesn’t require a formula. All money earned from sales goes directly to the artist, or label. We have a lot of labels using us nowadays. It’s a huge savings for them. Everyday I get to talk about something I would have myself recommended as a manager. It feels good.”

“From the minute you say, ‘there’s no good music in Austin.’

It means you’re not looking hard enough.” contact:

You can reach Amy Lombardi at amy@tunecore.com.

28 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

Instagram: oscarornelas512 @TheOscarOrnelas

find more at eastsideatx.com

OSCAR ORNELAS In Music We Trust WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL

F

rom the now-closed El Leon and Longbranch Inn to staples like Sahara Lounge and Skylark Lounge, Oscar Ornelas’ effortless blend of blues and jazz pay homage to the beloved sounds of east Austin’s past.

Ornelas moved to Austin in 2014 with his saxophone and his truck. He landed gigs immediately and played every night his first weekend in town. He played with east side legends like Harold McMillan and Matthew Robinson. He says those experiences opened doors to opportunities not all newcomers were offered.

the piano and the saxophone, Ornelas says he’s “played the blues ever since.”

Inspired by Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Ornelas is currently working on writing new music; his style parallels the blues and jazz elements heard in New Orleans. While his previous arrangements focused on “finding a good beat,” he hopes to include more of a message in his lyrics this time around.

IVYAMPLIFICATION

TUBE AMPS FOR GUITAR AND BASS

“[Making music] takes time to build,” Ornelas explained, “but one area I’d like to expand [on] is original compositions.”

“I’m grateful for [east Austin’s] music scene,” said Ornelas. “The blues and jazz artists [on the east side] kind of embraced me.” Since his arrival, Ornelas has made a name for himself as an established east side musician.

He plays at The Skylark Lounge multiple times a month.

An active volunteer at the Chalmers Court Boys & Girls Club of Austin, Ornelas says he sees firsthand how the city’s changing landscape is affecting Austin’s youth—and the music they’re creating. Despite this, Ornelas has no plans to leave anytime soon.

Instead, he urges those around him to “cultivate the community, cultivate your surroundings, build your city.”

With such vigor and passion, it’s no surprise Ornelas comes from a musical family. His mother played trumpet, and his stepfather was a musician in the church band. Though he began playing music at a young age, he fell in love with the blues at eighteen. Focusing on

Holding steady to his love for old-school jazz and blues, Ornelas is hopeful for east Austin’s music scene. “There’s a lot of original music being made,” said Ornelas, “and there’s definitely room [for it all].”

HAND BUILT IN EAST AUSTIN w w w. i v y a m p s . c o m

Serving Musicians

for over 30 Years

Skylark Lounge

MARGARET WRIGHT performs

Happy Hour Live most Fridays at Skylark from 6-8pm. This is a must try for anyone who loves the blues!

Skylark Lounge is one of Austin’s hidden gems. Unassuming when seen from the road, inside Skylark is a relaxed, classic dive bar that features some of Austin’s finest blues and soul musicians. From the inexpensive drinks to the delicious house-made pizzas, Skylark is all about the details. Besides some of the friendliest staff around, it’s also the loyal community of regulars who make Skylark so special. Don’t miss some of Austin’s legendary performers such as Miss Lavelle White, Miss Margaret Wright’s Happy Hour on Fridays and Soul Man Sam’s Sunday show that will make you want to dance. skylarkaustin.com [the groovy side of austin]

BY MARY BRYCE

Guitars & AMPS Register to

win a $250 Gift Certificate EVERY MONTH

Home of the $10 T-Shirt 512-448-4992 southaustinmusic.com eastsideatx.com

29

Shangri-La

DOLLAR TRIVIA anyone?

Join Shangri-La for trivia every Monday from 7-9pm. It's free to play! More than $150 in prizes are given away each week including Shangri-La gift certificates, Apple TVs, and other fun goodies.

Many locals visit Shangri-La throughout the year for their daily happy hour specials and the relaxed garden patio, but the bar sees a change of pace during SXSW. Throughout the duration of the festival, “Shangri-La is a bustling hub of locals, visitors, and official event participants,” says manager, Jordan Dewing. Once music week starts, the Midwest Music Foundation, a non-profit music organization out of Kansas City, sets up shop on the patio for “Midcoast Takeover,” a four-day, two-stage event of free showcases. shangrilaaustin.com

OVE0R 25 ICKED

P HAND WINES N IA L A IT

ITALIAN CRAFT BEERS ON TAP

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN SPECIALTY FOODS

FREE FRIDAY TASTINGS 6-8 PM

WINE ON TAP & BOTTLED IN STORE

FIND YOUR

BALANCE.

BIKRAM. VINYASA. YIN.

MARKET itsitalianmarket.com 2025 E 7th St Suite 115 Austin, TX 78702 30 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

www.yogaeastaustin.com find more at eastsideatx.com

Something for Every one • ND hosts "Move It Monday!" Get fit while shakin' your groove thing!

• Each month ND presents "Nerd Night" where intellectual obsessives lead the audience through topics pulled from ivory tower academia to the basements of geekdom.

The North Door As the largest independently owned live music venue in east Austin, The North Door knows no bounds when it comes to shows and performances. The venue hosts live music from all genres, as well as other types of art performances and events, and soon will be the host of Peligrosa House during SXSW. From March 15-18, the Peligrosa House will take over the venue for a free, unofficial SX event. The force behind the event is local music group, Peligrosa, who hosts Latin dance parties year-round. “The atmosphere is generally festive and familial, much like our monthly parties,” says Peligrosa founder, Orion Garcia. ndvenue.com

2025 E. 7th Street | 512-476-2025 |

• ND offers speed-dating, friendmatching & a curated pop-up library.

7eastaustin.com

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you can live anywhere. come home to 7East FITNESS CENTER | SKY LOUNGE | BIKE STORAGE | PARKING GARAGE | RETAIL SHOPPING | DOG PARK

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February + March 2017

34 do

SXSW

WITH ALL OF THE FUN AND NONE OF THE HASSLE

36 go

escapeSX

IF YOU'RE NOT INTO IT, WE'VE GOT SOME IDEAS ON HOW TO GET OUT OF TOWN OR HUNKER DOWN.

38 go&do

coffee

BABY, IT'S COLD

East Austin has no shortage of excellent coffee shops and venues. We've highlighted our top six picks to sit, sip, and socialize. p.38

OUTSIDE! WE'VE GOT JUST THE CUP TO KEEP YOU WARM AND CAFFEINATED.

eastside / do

Hotel Vegas

is a hub for catching great bands playing with an affordable cover.

How to SXSW with All of the Fun and None of the Hassle WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS

It’s that time of year again! The SXSW schedule is out, and you’re planning two weeks’ worth of extended lunch breaks and early departures from the office.

T

his year, however, don’t waste your time waiting in line to see the same thing everyone else will be streaming live on social. Instead, visit those tried and true little pockets of art and culture on the east side that make SXSW a truly awesome experience for those willing to dig beneath the surface.

Fader Fort

Fader Fort Fest is one of the better-known unknown options for SXSW. It’s free, there’s tons of beer and lots of music. What more could you ask for at a SXSW event? Just off 7th and Pedernales Street, this event has the vibe of a cobbled together music festival right in the middle of the east side.

There is one trick though that keeps this event so exclusive. You have to make sure to register online early. It’s a bit like getting early bird ACL passes, but your efforts will be greatly rewarded.

Skylark Lounge

Residing in a lot that once catered to the African American neighborhood before it became a dive bar for the community, the Skylark Lounge was opened by native Eastsider Johnny LaTouf in hopes of bridging the gap between these bygone eras and the modern reality of a hipster-infused east side. This ramshackle dive preserves its history through the blues-infused integrity of its musical acts. Make sure you drop by. During its week-long SXSW showcase, you’ll likely see legends like Miss Lavelle White and Blues Boy Hubbard.

34 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

Stay Gold

This bar is a glitzy gold time warp with a back yard. With friendly bartenders, regular musical guests, and a grilled cheese food truck in the back, this psychedelic bar is in prime real estate if you plan to spend your day party-hopping free events on the east side. It opens at 11am and has no cover charge, which makes it a superb starting venue and an even more excellent place to take a time out.

The Buffalo Lounge

Not on the east side, but nevertheless an interesting place to visit, the Buffalo Lounge showcases film, music, and interactive guests exclusively from Oklahoma. Try

something a little different this year and go see what our neighbors to the north side of the Red River have created. You won’t be disappointed with this unique creative lighthouse.

Bring a Bike

Regardless of which events you choose to pop into during SXSW, make sure that you do so on your bike. If you’ve done SXSW before, you know that parking is nearly impossible and that walking from venue to venue can be almost as tedious as standing in line. Therefore, the only solution to travel easily from venue to venue is to dust off your pedal-powered hotrod and get moving.

Getting Around

No Lyft or Uber here, we have Ride Fare! Ride Fare allows you to choose your drivers and schedule rides when it's convenient for you. The Fare app even offers scheduling from up to 7 days in advance. ridefare.com

find more at eastsideatx.com

Does their partner put them down in front of other people?

Are they constantly worried about making their partner angry?

Do they make excuses for their partner’s behavior?

Learn to recognize the warning signs of relationship abuse and how you can help.

Find more information at thehotline.org or speak with one of our highly-trained advocates 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-SAFE(7233).

Live chat services are available online every day from 7 a.m. – 2 a.m. Central time. [the groovy side of austin]

eastsideatx.com

35

eastside / go

How to Escape SXSW

Instead of hunkering down in your home waiting for the chaos to pass, be proactive and make a plan on how to avoid it all together.

WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS

With hundreds of thousands of people infusing our normally tranquil east side, you might find yourself looking up the definition of agoraphobia as you wonder why you annually succumb to a fear of the outdoors.

E

very year, two weekends in March are taken up by SXSW keynote speakers, musical performances, and interactive exhibitions. Attendees fill the streets, take over coffee shops, and leave you with absolutely no parking. In effect, from March 10-19, Austin will come to a standstill.

Find the Locals’ Hideaway

Not everyone can or wants to leave Austin to the mercy of SXSW tourists. Many choose to stay in Austin to protect whatever vestiges of their city they can. If you are one of these vigilantes, make sure that you at least have a few places that you can go to discuss defense techniques with your comrades and enjoy a few hours of serenity before you once again brave the bustle.

A good place to start is Cuvée Coffee. Although their coffee is good and the location is trendy, the shop’s Wi-Fi blackout policy makes it less than ideal for those Instagramming their SXSW adventures and checking their schedules for the next event.

Another great option is Nubian Queen Lola’s Cajun Soul Food. This east side staple has been serving up delectable dishes for years. Somehow, however, it remains a safe spot under the radar to enjoy good food and great conversation. Just be aware that it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays to feed the homeless.

36 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

Putting Your House Up for Grabs This year, consider SXSW an opportunity. Rather than grumble that you can’t find street parking in your own neighborhood, leave that battle to someone else and rent out your home for the week.

List your home on Airbnb or HomeAway.

Every night that you are away from the mayhem you could be earning between $500$1000. Think about it, you could be rewarded for escaping the chaos.

So while you are away enjoying the quiet serenity of wherever else in the United States you choose to go, rest assured that you are getting your trip paid for and then some.

Take a Hike

If all else fails, take a hike. Grab your gear, grab your friends, and drive out of the city for the weekend. You don’t even have to go far. Just east of town you’ll find Webberville Park off FM 969. A little farther on, you’ll come upon Bastrop State Park off TX 21.

Whichever park you choose to visit, rest assured you’ll see a whole lot of nature and no signs of SXSW.

find more at eastsideatx.com

Native Knowledge: Every week, twice a week, when Nubian Queen Lola’s Cajun Soul Food is closed, they feed over 1,300 homeless children and elderly Austin residents.

Dr. Daniel J. Leeman is committed to providing his patients with the highest level of quality care and service.

We change a person’s self-esteem, confidence, productivity and life!

Double Board Certification: American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery

3607 Manor Road, Ste. 101 | (512) 872-4747

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eastside / go&do

6

best coffees

Sit, Sip, & This winter, be contentedly caffeinated.

Socialize WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS

LA CORTADA AT FIGURE 8 COFFEE

What is the one bright side of wintertime in Austin? There is now every excuse to sample all the coffee that is hidden in the cozy nooks and crannies of the east side. However, to save you the effort of trekking between coffee shops in the cold, we’ve picked out the crème de la crème for you to sample.

1

Figure 8 La Cortada

Figure 8 is the perfect spot to power up and power through. With plenty of outlets and sunny seating, you may find yourself slowly trying every coffee on their menu.

However, start your journey with the Cortada.

This mini-coffee is the perfect pick-me-up.

With its exquisite balance of milk and espresso, it is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings.

Plus, you can try a different one every day with Figure 8’s rotating daily espresso varieties. 1111 Chicon Street

2

Flat Track Coffee Amazing Americano

Flat Track Coffee is known by caffeine aficionados all over the city for serving good coffee. However, here the Americano is king. Light with a subtly smoky flavor and a smooth finish, this drink will have you reconsidering your assumptions about espresso drinks. 1619 E. Cesar Chavez Street

38 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

3

Vintage Heart Coffee

4

Cherrywood Coffeehouse

Classic Cappuccino

There is nothing more simultaneously comforting and sophisticated than a cappuccino but only when the proportions are done exactly right. If you are seeking perfection, take a trip to Vintage Heart Coffee. Their cappuccinos are not only excellent every time you order, but they are also priced slightly less than you’re used to paying. Even better is the fact that their espresso is locally sourced from Third Coast Roasting Company.

What’s not to love? 1405 E. 7th Street

Cuban con Leche

If you like sugar in your coffee, then the Cuban con Leche is for you. Cuban coffee is famous for its harmonious blend of espresso and sugar without being too sweet or too strong. Cherrywood Coffeehouse, however, takes this famous blend and ups the ante by adding warm, fluffy milk to create a drink that will remind you of a cappuccino but with much more flavor. 1400 E. 38th 1/2 Street

find more at eastsideatx.com

5

Bennu Don Quixote

Bennu is a known haven for students and freelancers. They have an extensive list of coffees to complement their even longer extension cords. Though it can be an adventure to find a seat, it’s worth the effort. Bennu has the best mocha buried in their list of drinks. A little bit of spicy, a lovely bit of sweet, and just the necessary dose of caffeine, the Don Quixote is sure to hit your coffee craving sweet spot. 2001 E. MLK Blvd.

6

Brew & Brew Just a Coffee

Good beer and great coffee go hand in hand at this coffee shop. Brew & Brew is perfect for those times when you and a friend can’t choose between a brewery or a coffee shop. This café is the best of both worlds, particularly when you order just a coffee.

They carefully brew their blends so that they are smooth and full-bodied, even when they’ve gotten cold sitting on the table.

500 San Marcos Street

Home + away February + March 2017

40 tiny

homes AUSTIN DESIGNER, PATRICE RIOS, IS MAKING A CLASSIC YET MODERN STATEMENT WITH CONTAINER HOMES.

42 away

GOOD FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC DON'T JUST RESIDE IN AUSTIN. AWAKEN YOUR SENSES WITH

Plan your next weekend escape and plan on taking it easy on Bourbon Street. p.42

THE TASTES, SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF NEW ORLEANS.

eastside / home

Rios wants to see “the artists and musicians who built this city, stay here.”

“My goal is to put out the coolest projects in what is, in my opinion, the coolest city in the U.S.!” -Rios

Sige & Honey B

When it comes to keeping Austin weird, the city’s architecture is no exception.

WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY SCOTT GORDON

You’ve seen Container Bar on Rainey Street; the logical next step was homes built from recycled shipping containers. Could these unconventional container homes help to alleviate Austin’s housing crisis?

Detached container units are perfect for:

work away from the distractions of non-productive multi-tasking.

(Bonus: it’s so much easier to deduct a home office from your taxes when the square footage is clearly delineated!)

ecause the United States imports many more products and materials than it exports, used shipping containers may be found by the literal boatload around the country and can be had on the cheap—making container houses an economical as well as eco-friendly option.

Austin designer Patrice Rios is at the forefront of this design trend in Austin.

Ever since taking a course called Sustainable Design during her Masters in Architecture program at the University of Detroit, Rios has been committed to designing structures and interiors that are both beautiful and environmentally-responsible … even if a bit ‘weird.’

The first container unit that Rios built was a detached home studio for her own backyard. It attracted the attention of HGTV, which featured the studio on its premier episode of the popular show Container Homes. Shortly after completing that build, Rios’s newly-branded design company, Sige & Honey, purchased the lot at 2203 E. 51st Street. Two years later, it boasts a high-end traditional-build main house and a detached rear improvement constructed from—what else—shipping containers. As Scott Cooper Smith, the real estate agent who represents the property, says, “You know when you pop the top on a Fresca and all the little bubbles come up? That little fizz? This house has

parents to keep them close (but not too close), or spruce it up for guests. Or rent it out as an additional dwelling unit (ADU) and put the extra money toward your mortgage payments!

• Creatives and entrepreneurs who want their own space. A 120 SF shipping container makes for a perfect studio or home • Nomads. Averaging 8’x20’ and • Multi-generational living office without the typical disweighing roughly 5K pounds, situations. Stage the container tractions of home. Outfitted with unit as a third bedroom for aging container units are fully portable electricity and Wi-Fi, you can 40 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

find more at eastsideatx.com

and may be transported like a vehicle on a flatbed trailer.

• The spending-savvy.

Container units are “totally recession-proof,” says Rios.

Including appliances, cabinets, the bathroom with shower, walkin closets...a container unit can be designed, built, and furnished

5

Can’t Miss Home Staging Tips

Whether you are looking to sell your home or thinking about it in the future, take these steps to get prepared.

1

Stage rooms with one purpose so buyers will know what it is. Potential

buyers are confused by extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses. First clear away clutter and excess furniture. Paint the walls a neutral tone and then furnish the room with a desk to stage it as a home office.

2

Unpleasant pet odors won’t win over buyers. Be sure to get rid of old carpet that

3

Pack up unnecessary items and furniture before you show the house. Move

can trap offensive smells. Replace it with fresh new carpet in a neutral color. Plus, if you paint the walls to match, your living room will look bigger.

items to your garage or a nearby storage facility. Clear the way for a sale by letting buyers see your square footage, not your personal belongings.

joypadilla@realtyaustin.com

fizz!” The main house has two units, one designed in a more ‘masculine’ style, and one in a more ‘feminine’ style. Unit A includes quartz countertops and hand painted Mexican tiles; Unit B, a restaurant-esque kitchen and stained concrete floors.

While Rios has to-date specialized in luxury homes, she’s ready to capitalize on the affordable-living options that container homes also promise.

Soon, Rios will begin designing 600 container-based affordable-housing units in Temple, Texas, a project she expects will take 6 years to complete.

She would like to see the same initiative sponsored in Austin, as more affordable housing would allow “the

artists and musicians who built this city, [to] stay here.” More container units would increase population density while keeping costs down. Plus, Rios adds, they just look cool. Shipping containers have a ‘boxy’ style that’s “like a subway tile: very classic.

You can’t timestamp it.”

Full-time, Rios runs Troo Designs Kitchens Baths Interiors with three other individuals. Sige & Honey is the name of the container home sub-company that Rios operates with her dad, Jake. Recently, Sige & Honey’s work has made KVUE news, Austin Home Magazine, Dwell, and the Who’s Who of Austin Real Estate.

4

Recommendations aresells! for informational purposes only, love Storage space Potential buyers exceptions apply.lots Please contact for details. homes thatmay have of storage space. Since they will open your closets, it’s a good idea to clear out unnecessary clutter and organize your shelves to show off how much storage you really have.

5

Create a nice o

in your room . Buyers are attracted to homes that have a good flow. You can create circulation by replacing square or rectangular dining tables with round ones.

Your Eastside Real Estate Advocate (Call if you have any questions)

Joy Padilla REALTOR® 512.968.7799

for $65-$75/SF, earning them the ‘affordable living’ designation.

• Containers are also extraordinarily easy to maintain! “[The] containers at 51st will be there in 100 years. They’re super durable.

You won’t get termites or mold, or even rust because the industrial primer protects the exterior.

Maintenance is limited to the air conditioner, and the condenser is on the outside so it’s easy to service.”

contact:

512-810-3730 4646 Mueller Blvd #1050 sigeandhoney.com troodesignskbi.com

joypadilla@realtyaustin.com Recommendations are for informational purposes only, exceptions may apply. Please contact for details

[the groovy side of austin]

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41

A Weekend In

NEW ORLEANS

taking it easy WORDS BY MARY BRYCE

FROM THE BEAUTIFUL OLD BUILDINGS, TO THE HAUNTED TROPICAL VIBE, THE CRESCENT CITY IS A PLACE OF ENDLESS DISCOVERY AND DELIGHT. NO MATTER IF YOU WANT TO PARTY, EAT, SEE MUSIC OR JUST WANDER, THIS CENTURIES-OLD HOT SPOT IS ENDLESSLY ENTERTAINING FOR EVEN THE MOST RELAXED TRAVELER.

Friday If you’re looking to unwind, begin your weekend with a long bike ride around this bicycle-friendly city. Head to

the Audubon Park where you can see ancient mossy trees, beautiful ponds and locals out for a stroll. If you’re hungry, the Camellia Grill is just up the street. Featuring legendary burgers and hot bowls

if you go Events:

There’s always something happening in New Orleans, especially leading up to and during Mardi Gras. Additionally the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage 42 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

Festival is legendary.

Visit neworleansonline. com/calendar for more information.

Getting Around:

Be sure to take or rent a bike. Because it’s so

of gumbo, Camellia Grill is the perfect diner to introduce yourself to some of New Orlean’s most delicious cooking. Additionally, you can watch the cooks whip your meal up on the grill right in front of you. Afterwards, if you’ve still got energy, The Maple Leaf nightclub offers some of the Big O’s finest musicianship in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.

If you’re still hungry, grab some gourmet creole cuisine at Jacques-Imo’s up the street.

Saturday Spend Saturday wandering around the infamous French Quarter. Stop by Café Du Monde where you can eat an amazing beignet and drink some flat, New Orleans is a supremely bikable city and cycling suits the unique pace of the city.

Alternatively, if you’re car-less, there are plenty of services such as Uber and Lyft as well as cabs and buses available

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New Orleans-style chicory coffee. Head to Crescent Park on the beautiful Mississippi River where you can admire the city’s famous riverboats and enjoy the skyline. Afterwards, stop by BJ’s bar, which has cheap drinks, great pool tables and a fabulous jukebox.

If you’re getting hungry, make sure to stop by Verdi Mart, which just happens to be one of the best spots to grab a po-boy and other delicious NOLA food delights.

Sunday On Sunday, begin your morning with a leisurely brunch in the Bywater district at Cake Café. With a huge array of pastries, sandwiches and amazing specials, throughout the city.

Forecast:

If you’re headed to New Orleans in the spring, expect temperate and humid temperatures.

Walking shoes are a must.

PHOTO BY RON CALAMIA

PHOTO BY DAVID RICHMOND

eastside / away

Cake Café absolutely is not to be missed. Afterwards, walk off your meal by stopping in some of the Bywater’s antique and junk shops such as Rare Finds.

Take your time wandering through the Louis Armstrong Park and browsing the amazing vinyl selection at Euclid Records. Afterwards head to Frady’s, a convenience store/café for a massive po-boy that will leave you craving more.

(Also, they make some of the meanest breakfast po-boys around.) Take a pitstop at the unforgettable Budrips bar for a quick drink before heading to The Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street where you can dance the night away to some classic New Orlean’s jazz.

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44 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017 find more at eastsideatx.com See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2017 David Weekley Homes – All Rights Reserved. Austin, TX (AUSA83394)

Sip + taste

February + March 2017 46 taste expert SOUP ALLOWS FOR GREAT METAPHORS OF SHARING AND COMMUNITY. PULL UP A CHAIR AND FIX YOU A BOWL, OR TWO.

48 taste

feature

THE TAMALE HOUSE HAS A LONG HISTORY ON THE EAST SIDE THAT THEIR MENU REFLECTS.

50 sip feature IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO ADD MORE FRUITS & VEGGIES TO YOUR DIET, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN JUICELAND.

From tamales to blackened talapia, get your Tex-Mex fix at one of east Austin's legendary eateries. p.48

51 sip

expert AL FINI HAS WINE PAIRINGS PERFECT FOR VALENTINES.

eastside / taste expert

Healthy, Homemade, Warm & Comforting

with Hannah Casparian

WORDS BY HANNAH CASPARIAN PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD

Kale & White Bean Soup with Irish Soda Bread

U

ntil recently in my adult life, I was scared to make soup. My mom made such incredible soup, I had deemed it an impossible task. She’s a painter, so as a child and aspiring chef, she would explain soup making to me like layering colors on a canvas. The goal is to build flavor upon flavor, creating a complex umami of melded nuances. I was intimidated by the tasting spoon frequently dipping in the simmering pot and traveling the arm’s length to my mom’s mouth, where she would step back, hand on hip—her stance while she paints—and slurp, awaiting critique.

Like all cooking methods, the resulting dish requires a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and acidic. My mom’s palate always knew the right adjustments to make to round out the flavor matrix. Thankfully, I got over my fear and began experimenting.

Ever wonder why every culture in the world has its own traditional soup? Soup allows for great metaphors of sharing and community. It’s warming and comforting. Crafting soup can be as complicated as an Escoffier-inspired French recipe that requires days of bone boiling and adding things with perfect technique. Or it can be the most pragmatic ‘get everything 46 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

out of the fridge and see what happens’ surprise. Being the child of an Episcopal priest, soup and loaves of hearty bread were always a staple to feed the masses, be it at a church potluck, a newcomer’s party or volunteering at a soup kitchen.

Soup is more of an art than a science. However, soup recipes can serve as an inspirational guide. I encourage you to take the amounts with a grain of salt, as it were, and taste and adjust for yourself. Just remember, the true secret to almost any soup is a low, slow simmer.

Regardless of ingredients, the time on the stove is what really develops the depth of flavors.

Kale White Bean Soup is perfect to put on the stove in the morning and let simmer for hours. The kale is sturdy and takes a little time to break down from the heat of the broth and the acid of the tomatoes.

Also, keep in mind that canned or dry beans will make a big difference in cooking time.

Accompanying any soup, of course, should be a hot loaf of bread. My favorite is whole wheat Irish Soda Bread. It’s a convenient bread to make by dinner time because it is chemically leavened as opposed to yeast raised, which can take more time and planning.

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We use ingredients you can trust, from better sources, including all-natural chicken raised without antibiotics, ever. Our delicious sandwiches, tenders and wraps are fresh and made to order.

It’s fast food you can feel good about.

kale + white bean soup

irish soda bread

Yields: 4 servings

Yields: 1 loaf

1 onion, diced 1 head garlic, chopped (Use less if desired.)

1 can white beans/ or 1 cup of dried (butter beans or Great Northern) 1-2 jars (e.g. Pomi brand) rough cut tomatoes or several cups of fresh chopped tomatoes A bunch of roughly chopped kale 1-2 qts chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup shredded parmesan or a large piece of parmesan rind 1 tsp paprika 2 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning and/or Herbes de Provence Salt and pepper to taste

570g/1.25# whole wheat flour (can be half white, half whole wheat if you choose) 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 450-500 mL buttermilk

Other options to consider: • Thyme and rosemary—throw some in and see how it goes.

• Add shredded chicken or sausage for extra heartiness.

Sauté the diced onions with a little oil or butter in the bottom of the pot. Cook slowly on low to develop the most flavor. Add chopped garlic and let cook for 1-2 more minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil. Once it boils, turn it down to a simmer and let it be.

Taste and adjust sporadically.

Fully preheat oven to 450o. Mix all dry ingredients together well in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk in with one hand while slowly starting to mix ingredients with a spoon, bowl scraper or by hand. You’re looking for all of the dry ingredients to be incorporated, and the dough to be slightly tacky to the touch.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and generously sprinkle with cornmeal or flour.

With a spatula, form the dough into a ball and transfer to the sheet pan. (This can be better accomplished with a little flour on your hands.) With a sharp knife, score the tall mound with a criss-cross. (This allows the baking soda ample room to leaven the loaf in the oven.)

Bake at 450o for 15-20 minutes, then turn the oven to 400o and finish baking until the loaf is golden brown all the way around (about 20-25 minutes more).

2129 E. 7th STREET, AUSTIN, TX | 512.284.8014 6539 BURNET ROAD, AUSTIN, TX | 512.243.6258

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FLYRITECHICKEN.COM

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eastside / taste

A Family Affair You would be forgiven for mistaking Tamale House for a familiar home.

T

WORDS BY BEN HAGUEWOOD PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD

he Valera family built the East 6th location decades back, and it served as their residence until it became the restaurant’s most recent destination, migrating from storefronts on Congress and later Airport Boulevard, to the current tucked away location, topped with Spanish tile and surrounded by a shaded patio with lush vegetation. Now the family–Diane, Carmen, Robert, Juan, and Colombina–run the Tex-Mex fixture with a classic, but still evolving and inspired, menu from the home where some of them were raised.

Recipes are often aspects of family history and generational continuity, passed down and taught by doing rather than found in a book. This makes them special, but also vulnerable to loss. So, when daughter Carmen Valera began working in the family business, she decided that some recipes were too special to risk losing, and began writing them down.

48 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

find more at eastsideatx.com

Native Knowledge: Don't let canine care keep you stuck at home. Join Tamale House on the dog-friendly patio.

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ET VIDA.N SOMA .1580 8 2 512.6 Today, Tamale House’s menu is filled with Tex-Mex comfort food like the best-selling Mom’s Migas, spiked with a chipotle ranchero sauce, enchiladas smothered in moles and other home-style sauces, a slate of classic tacos, and of course their namesake tamales.

The long-time staff makes the tamales in big batches, standing around tubs of masa, stacks of corn husks, and classic fillings in the restaurant’s kitchen, where they’re served up for lunch and dinner plates as well as bulk sale around holidays.

The six-generation Austinites have a long history on the east side that the menu reflects, but they’re not just resting on the past. The restaurant is always experimenting both with new food and events, hosting private groups and events open to the public, such as the jazz brunch featuring local group Scrapelli, and special pop-up nights featuring exploratory dishes like the Seven Moles of Oaxaca, and pairings with breweries like Austin’s own Independence. Staff meals are also an occasion for Diane and son Robert to feature a dish they’ve encountered in travel or experimentation, that may be featured as a special or wind up on the menu permanently. There’s a lot for them to draw on, but much like east Austin, the family history is still being written.

contact:

512.495.9504 1707 E. 6th Street

WORK. LIFE. YOGA.

A Wellness Coworking Community in the Heart of East Austin

DAILY YOGA - MASSAGE ACUPUNCTURE - COWORKING Introducing COYOGA Yoga Class + Coworking for only $15 a day

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49

eastside / sip

TIP: The Originator is the daily special on Wednesdays, so swing by for a hump day treat!

START YOUR DAY

the healthy way If you’re looking to add more fruits and veggies to your daily routine, look no further than JuiceLand.

T

WORDS BY SAM LAURON PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD

he JuiceLand at the corner of MLK and Chicon might be compact, but the brightly colored building and giant fruit on the roof make it hard to miss.

hood vibe like no other and is a favorite among locals who live and work nearby and are in the mood for a healthy pick-me-up with a side of friendly conversation.

With 18 locations in Texas and one in New York, it’s not far-fetched to assume that you’ve probably sipped on a JuiceLand smoothie or juice before. But the location at MLK and Chicon offers more than just nutritious beverages. “The community here is the best,” according to manager Kyrany Sagen-Cook, who’s been with JuiceLand for three years. The shop, one of two east side locations, has a close-knit neighbor-

The Austin staple features a variety of healthy drinks, snacks, and meals that make it easy for everyone, from the health enthusiast to the picky eater, to find something they like. And with a staff as vibrant and welcoming as the storefront itself, don’t be surprised if they offer up drink suggestions, like one of their best-selling smoothies, the Originator. Jam packed with protein and fruits, the Originator makes for a quick

DRINK INGREDIENTS: Originator: Fresh apple juice, banana, blueberry, cherry, peanut butter, brown rice protein, flax oil, and spirulina

50 EASTside | Feb/Mar 2017

and delicious way to sneak breakfast in at the start of your day. Whether you’re fueling up for a long day at work or for an hour of kayaking at the lake, this smoothie will give you the nutrients you need to push through and finish strong.

Though it gained popularity for its smoothies, JuiceLand also offers salads, vegan grab and go meals, and other specials like their new Un-Believe-ABowl—an acai bowl topped with homemade granola, goji berries, and coconut oil.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, pop into the funky MLK and Chicon location, and you’re bound to leave feeling refreshed and with a new favorite drink in hand.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: During peak Cedar Fever season, order the Fireman Shot: a combination of spicy, flavorful ingredients that may help relieve those pesky allergy symptoms.

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contact:

1900A E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. or 2601 E Cesar Chavez St. juiceland.com JuiceLandAustin

eastside / sip expert is ad Bring in th ve ai and we’ll w

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in applicati fees

Elysian at Mueller offers luxury apartment homes and a wide range of community amenities including clubhouse with TV lounge, business center, conference rooms, 24-hour fitness center, yoga studio, virtual fitness classes on demand, sun-lit pool with tanning deck, monthly social events, and more.

elysianmueller

4646 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 (512) 474-7368

It’s Italian Love Sip Expert, Al Fini, has you falling in love with Italian wines for that somebody special.

The Independent Prosecco n/v Veneto Tasting Notes: A limited

edition Prosecco with a unique Italia Independent look, characterized by its pied de poule pattern on the label.

Once uncorked, The Independent Prosecco holds within the top quality of Fantinel’s sparkling ability at creating wines, thanks to its subtle perlage, its flowery and fruity fragrance and its velvety flavor.

Grapes are 100% Glera. Sparkling wine-making method is Charmat, meaning 100 days in small steel tanks. Appearance is light straw yellow with lime green

glare. To the nose, it's intense and elegant, rich of flowery notes and delicate fruity extracts. To the palate, it's tempting and velvety.

Pairings: Aperitif, perfect with fish-based starters

Visintini Rosato Dop 2015 Venezia Giulia Tasting Notes: Cherry pink

in color. Perfume has hints of red fruit, full and fragrant. Flavorful, sapid and dry with a lot of tannic.

Grapes are 100% Merlot.

Pairings: As an aperitif or

with first course such as salads & appetizers

Buglioni “il Bugiardo” valpolicella Ripasso Doc 2012 Veneto

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512.712.5700

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby-red in color. Intense and elegant aromas of ripe fruit, raisins, black cherries and plums with hints of cocoa, vanilla and tobacco. Warm, persistent flavors, velvety and harmonious.

Grapes are 60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Osele.

Pairings: Great to accompany cheese, chocolates, meat and games

*All Wines available at It’s Italian Market, 2025 E. 7th St. #115 [the groovy side of austin]

Serving contemporary home-style Japanese meals and sushi in a casual and comfortable atmosphere, with Happy Hour Mon-Thu, 5-6pm! kome-austin.com | 4917 Airport Blvd. eastsideatx.com

51

KyĹ?ten Sushiko 4600 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 1035 | Austin, TX 78723 | (512) 888-7559

Dinner

Omakase only, by Reservation only. Reservations available via kyotensushiko.com

Casual Lunch 11am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday