Tag: Austin

SXSW 2015 – Looking Back

March 23, 2015 / Mike Fitch

In the days after each SXSW, there are usually dozens of articles talking about how the glory days are gone and how it’s all a hopeless mess now. You’ll have to forgive me for not being cynical, but I’ve got to tell you my week was pretty fantastic.

Martine Rothblatt pushed her audience to think about things like robot psychiatry in a world where machines think like humans. Paul Qui and Questlove talked about the creative spirit and expression through great food and music. Astro Teller reminded us that you might have to fail a few times to hit your Moonshot. Hundreds of bands plucked away in 45 minute increments trying to lure (and keep) the attention of both fans and media.

Sometimes though, it’s what happens outside of the conference halls and music venues that makes SXSW special.

I met a professor who has been using technology on her campus to improve the learning experience long before it was in vogue. I listened to doctors eager to share ideas about leveraging data to improve patient care. I met a film student who paid for a badge in hopes of making a few connections in her future industry. What the most interesting people almost always have in common is a natural curiosity and a passion for shaping the world around them.

Pardon me if all of this sounds hopelessly naive. I’m guilty as charged I suppose, but that’s sort of the point. At its best, SXSW is about seeing the world in a different light. As with most things in life, what you get out of SXSW is highly dependent on what you put into it. So the next time you hear someone talking about how SXSW has sold out, become too crowded, or just plain Jumped the Shark….don’t believe them. It might be all of those things, but more importantly it’s a place for people to come together for a few days to explore the things that inspire them and exchange ideas. Thank you to everyone I met along the way who was willing to share a little of their story.

Now if I can just figure out how to Meerkat….

And the Band Played On

November 23, 2014 / Mike Fitch

When I drove by this afternoon, there was a line out the door at Players. At some point later tonight, they will serve their last burger, blend the last shake, and turn out the lights on 30 years as a fixture of the UT community. For me, I had one last bacon cheeseburger combo a few days ago. Change and Austin are synonymous these days, but sometimes a place goes and you feel it more personally. Players is was one of those places for me; as was the recent demolished original Ginger Man building on 4th St.

The very first meal I ate after arriving at UT was at Conan’s (on the site of the current Kerby Lane) and I’ll remember that forever. My first visit to Players is not similarly etched in memory, but it was a touchstone for me through out my time as a UT student. The burgers are fine, but it was never really about the food. It was….comfortable. A feeling not to be underrated when you are trying to find your place among 50,000 fellow students.

By and large, I’ve enjoyed watching Austin grow into what it is today. Old makes way for new. Throngs of people who were never patrons of a place suddenly become long lost friends when word comes of the next closure. The common refrain goes something like: “Well, I never really ATE at _________ (Las Manitas, Paggi House, etc), but it was a tradition!” While I appreciate nostalgia, the rich mixture of culture and diversity continuing to flourish in Austin requires a certain amount of perpetual motion.

As Austin continues to evolve, we’ll find new things to love. The restaurant scene today is unrecognizable (in the best of ways) compared to a few years ago. Paul Qui could have hung a shingle anywhere and he decided to stay in Austin. We are better for having him. But as we turn into a full fledged Big City – here’s hoping we can hang on to a few of those comfortable places.

Marfa Lite

August 9, 2014 / Mike Fitch

Dear Marfa,

On behalf of the entire city of Austin, I apologize. It appears we have overrun your quaint and quirky little town. We figured if “weird” works well in Austin, then you’d love us in Marfa. Who doesn’t love a good food trailer and a cold can of PBR – right?

Yes, it’s true. It appears Austin has made Marfa our own little satellite outpost in the middle of West Texas. We wanted to get out of town for the weekend and you looked just “far out” enough to suite our tastes and travel budget. And when we heard Liz Lambert was opening a trailer park hotel, well – you had us at hello.

I had a feeling our cover was blown when the first 3 guys I met at the hotel bar were in a band from Austin and in town for a gig. A car in the parking lot with the Waterloo Records bumper sticker didn’t help. Nonetheless, your hospitality was most appreciated.

We’ll see you again soon. Now, if there was just a way for us to get there on a Vespa.

P.S. Thanks for sharing the story of your town mascot. We’ve got lots of folks in Austin looking for #tictacmarfa. I hope he makes his way home soon!

XGames Comes To Austin

June 15, 2014 / Mike Fitch

Austin took our first crack at hosting the XGames a weekend ago and by all accounts seemed to be a successful event. Things mostly went off without a hitch, but my guess is both the crowd and event coordinators learned a few things that will help make next year even better. For myself, it was entertaining and I’m glad I experienced it. A few observations:

The human powered events – at least for me – were more entertaining that the machine powered ones. Getting a bird’s eye view of someone launching themselves off an impossibly tall ramp on a bicycle or skateboard is impressive. It’s one of those events that you can’t tell whether the athletes are brilliant or crazy – most likely a bit of both.

Austin can be hot in June….and windy. The heat took a toll on both fans and participants. Race cars hovering under shady bridges waiting for their start and fans finding creative ways to stay cool. The wind was a welcome reprieve, but played spoiler to a couple of aerial events that had to be modified, and in one case cancelled entirely.

There’s a lot to do beyond the events. A true family affair with something for everyone. From kids riding mini skate parks to fans getting to meet their heroes – there were lots of ways to feel engaged with the events and feel like you are peeking behind the scenes. XGames also did a great job of sprinkling in Austin feel with local musicians and food trucks.

I believe the initial contract is for 3 years. There were a few small missteps along the way, but given the crowd and athlete response – this may be the first year of another long-standing Austin tradition. Welcome to town!

Two for Tuesday – Toni Price & Home Slice Pizza

January 25, 2014 / Mike Fitch

It doesn’t get more “Austin” than spending a Tuesday night on South Congress enjoying two local favorites. Tuesdays at the Continental Club are synonymous with Toni Price and her “Hippie Hour” fans. The time between sets is just long enough to make a quick dash to Home Slice down the street for some of the best pizza around.

Outside of a brief move to California a couple years ago, Toni Price has been a Tuesday landmark of the Austin live music scene. Her music stands on its own, but it doesn’t hurt that Warren Hood and Rich Brotherton have both done stints at her side. And since it’s an early show, you’ll be home in plenty of time to face the Wednesday workday with gusto.

Just because it’s early in the week, doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Head on over to SoCo to feed both your soul and your belly. You won’t be disappointed.

ACL 2013

October 14, 2013 / Mike Fitch

Another year in the books and here was the agenda. Highlights for me included: .fun, The Cure, Mowgli’s, Dawes, Grouplove, The National, and Red Baraat. And then there is Lionel Richie – still not sure where to put this one. Definitely a consumate professional and musician. I knew all the songs and the crowd did too. Having said all that, it’s hard for me to put him in the same category as some previous Sunday closers.

Friday, Oct 4th

Shovels & Rope, Smith Westerns, fun., Depeche Mode, Muse

Saturday, Oct 5th

Autre Ne Veut, HAIM, Silversun Pickups, Little Green Cars, Grimes, Passion Pit, Kendrick Lamar, The Cure

Sunday, Oct 6th

The Mowgli’s, Dawes, Grouplove, Divine Fits, Toro Y Moi, The National, Red Baraat, Tame Impala, Phoenix, Atoms for Peace, Lionel Richie

Post Script…..I felt bad for the folks that got rained out Sunday on the second weekend. It was, however, fantastic to see so many of the scheduled musicians putting together pop-up shows to exercise their chops and reward some otherwise frustrated fans.

Friday Five – Burger Joints

October 4, 2013 / Mike Fitch

I thought I’d post another Friday Five because I’m not getting nearly enough Chinese spam yet. So, without further ado….a completely subjective list of burger places that I like. Most are in the Austin area, but I had to throw in Fatburger because it’s one of the only things I look forward to when business takes me to Vegas. And I’m willing to give In-N-Out another try when they open here, but I’m not sold yet

Andice General Store (Florence, TX) – well worth the drive, particularly if the weather is nice. It’s one of those places you debate keeping as a secret, but too good not to spread the word.

Hopdoddy – I wish it wasn’t so popular, but still worth waiting in line. Possibly my #1 favorite burger anywhere. And the fries are good too!

Hut’s – I admittedly don’t go here much anymore, but it was a favorite in college and still a good stop. And speaking of college, while maybe not the best burger, I’d feel bad for making a burger list and not including Player’s

Mighty Fine – really good burger. They keep it simple intentionally, but lack of options keeps it from being higher on my list. Plus the decor – while ago intentionally simple (and borrowing from Rudy’s) – doesn’t add anything.

Fatburger – First time I went here was because it was closer than In-N-Out and I was hungry. Now it’s a must stop when I’m in a town that has one.