Wednesday, September 28, 2011



Hosted by Austin Classical Guitar, Austin Pictures (October 1st, Moody Theater) celebrates our city’s rich artistic tradition by highlighting the intersection between three mediums under one, unifying theme--Austin and Central Texas. Each musical piece, picture, film and mural highlights an aspect of the region. For example, a new piece by Austinite Joseph William II, named for the event, consists of five movements: Hill Country, Floating on Lady Bird Lake, Dance of the Grackles, Violet Crown with Cicadas and Capital City Construction.

Guests will have the chance to view the paintings by young local artists in the gallery before the show begins. Led by Austin Symphony conductor, Maestro Peter Bay, Act I is the world premier of Austin Pictures and will feature a 100-member guitar orchestra composed of musicians from the nonprofit’s school programs playing alongside the Miró Quartet. Following the piece is a 12-minute film about the painters who created the art showcased in the gallery. Act II features renowned classical guitarist Jorge Caballero and the Miró Quartet. Act III places the spotlight on Caballero as he performs Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.  

“At it’s heart Austin Pictures is about promoting an arts-rich lifestyle in Austin,” Dr. Matt Hinsley, Executive Director of Austin Classical Guitar, said. “We’re bringing together members of our diverse community through art, music and film. The world class professionals along side of distinguished students artists will create an evening that will be both entertaining and inspiring.”

Tickets are on sale through AustinPictures.org.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Passions

I’m passionate about words. How each word consists of letters in a sequence that, when the order is correct, conjures an image in ones mind like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a top hat. I love that they have a history, and I’m not referring to their etymology. I’m talking about the personal meaning of a word to each person. Take “hippopotamus,” a word according to the OED that means “a large thick-skinned semiaquatic African mammal, with massive jaws and large tusk.” But when I hear “hippo,” I start to sing the ludicrous carol about a little girl wanting one for Christmas. A water-wallowing beast fitting down the flue—imagine that! Absolute madness.

Words are powerful stuff. Four letters spell the difference between love and hate. They have the power to give hope, declare war, and to celebrate Christmas on a blazing summer afternoon.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Brit and Nicki at @ the 2011 Billboard awards

Dear Britney,

The only reason I sped through the DVR recording of the Billboard awards was so I can see you perform with the infamous (at least in the high school set) Nicki Minaj. Your 45-second performance, if you call walking down the stage lip syncing your new single, a "performance." I mean, I was expecting a little watermelon-watermelon action since lip syncing is the standard for you, but where was the glitter? Where was the attitude? Where was the showmanship that I love you for? The billing played up the circumstance, but you were sadly missing the pomp.

You looked uncomfortable, like you stepped on some boo-boo. Check out that fake smile.



Perhaps you were worn out after your opening romp through Rihanna's hit single S&M. I mean any person would be tired after a pillow fight involving whips and chains. But you're not a normal person--you're Britney! Anyone who saw the show could see Rihanna was the main domme in that set, not you.

Love,
your disappointed Resalin