You may have noticed that Summer Stock Austin looks a little different this year… the student-led musical theatre program you know and love is jumping off the stage and on to your screens for 2020!
Welcome to CyberStock: A Teenager’s Guide to Surviving the World — the entirely new digital artfrom from the SSA team that combines student storytelling, short films, and song & dance, with a little help from industry professionals (and a couple Hamilton stars!).
Watch the premiere of this all-new experience August 16th at 7:30pm on SSA’s YouTube (find the direct link on their website). And don’t forget to subscribe!
The SSA team knows this isn’t the usual Summer Stock experience Austin is used to. After all, they’ve been producing professional-caliber musical theatre productions with high school and college students for 15 years! But the need for Austin’s young artists to find connection and belonging is even stronger than usual this year, and SSA is answering that with their continued commitment to education, community, and ART. What else?
What’s different this year? Aside from the obvious.
CyberStock: A Teenagers Guide to Surviving the World, began with a series of masterclasses taught by industry professionals in songwriting, screenwriting, film direction, and choreography, all answering the question, How do we express our shared humanity through art?
The next step was several student-led short films (with some professional guidance) taken from pitch to completion. Add a few musical numbers, and you’ve got not just Sunday night’s CyberStock live stream event, but also a cutting-edge transformation of art where the next generation finds their voice and impacts the world.
So what’s CyberStock about?
Welcome to CyberStock… an alternate reality… perhaps? A reflection of our society… possibly?
Moving the story along and framing the short films are original songs written by Vincent Jamal Hooper and J. Quinton Johnson — straight from the Hamilton stage — who also served as mentors and directors during the process.
The opening number titled “When Despair Comes” sets the tone for a dystopian society of teenagers who have lost their passion, creativity, drive, and connection. (Sound familiar?) They are provided a series of digital content starring young people that look just like them, each short film inspiring the teenagers to choose joy, happiness, and hope as they imagine a better world.
How can I watch it?
Tune in to Summer Stock Austin’s YouTube channel Sunday evening, August 16th at 7:30pm, where the full storytelling experience will be streamed live. Or, check the SSA website for the direct link on the night-of.
Make sure to peruse their additional digital content on Instagram and get the full scope of this year’s company, student stories, and cyber extras while you wait. Oh, and you can get a special edition CyberStock 2020 t-shirt, too.
Though the Long Center is incredibly bummed that Summer Stock can’t take place in our Rollins Studio Theatre like usual, we are stoked to see a digital iteration of the beloved program take shape. Ginger Morris and the Summer Stock Austin creative team are producing the 2020 program independently this year, and we hope you’ll tune in and support this transformative endeavor! Because at the core, Austin’s young artists are the key to our survival.
ABOUT SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN
Since 2005, college and high school students form across Texas meet to mount several productions with professionals from Austin and around the country in a one-of-a-kind experience. Working as a traditional “stock” company, SSA creates an environment of shared learning by incorporating high school students, college students, and professionals in a fast-paced production series where everyone involved shares in the responsibility of creating high-quality theatre.
Oh what a night! The Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards, newly re-named the Heller Awards for Young Artists, lit up screens May 31st in an uplifting show of community, togetherness, and celebration. Not only were students, educators, and families from 33 high schools across 6 Central Texas counties able to gather in their own homes to enjoy the show virtually, but we also honored the generosity & dedication of Mary Ann and Andrew Heller with one stellar production unlike any other.
So, from Broadway messages of support to school highlights to musical numbers we won’t soon forget, here are our 2020 Award Recipients!
WITHOUT FURTHER ADO…
The Mary Ann Award for BEST DIRECTION goes to…
DRIPPING SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL with Anything Goes
The Mary Ann Award for BEST CHOREOGRAPHY goes to…
CEDAR RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL with Legally Blonde The Musical
The Mary Ann Award for BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION goes to…
ROUSE HIGH SCHOOL with Les Misérables (School Edition)
The Mary Ann Award for BEST ORCHESTRA goes to…
MCCALLUM FINE ARTS ACADEMY with Grand Hotel
The Mary Ann Award for BEST SCENIC DESIGN goes to…
MCCALLUM FINE ARTS ACADEMY with Grand Hotel
The Mary Ann Award for BEST LIGHTING DESIGN goes to…
DRIPPING SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL with Anything Goes
The Mary Ann Award for BEST COSTUME DESIGN goes to…
VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL with Disney’s The Little Mermaid
The Mary Ann Award for BEST TECHNICAL EXECUTION goes to…
MARBLE FALLS HIGH SCHOOL with Tuck Everlasting
The Mary Ann Award for BEST ENSEMBLE goes to…
ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL with Tarzan
The STUDENT DESIGN AWARD goes to… it’s a tie!
SOFIA HUSTON – Backdrop Designer and Assistant Hair & Makeup Designer, Spring Awakening at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
ELIZABETH CLARK – Costume Designer and Costume Crew Head, The Little Mermaid at Vista Ridge High School
The Mary Ann Award for BEST FEATURED PERFORMER goes to…
ISAIAH CHOICE as Pilot / Dance Captain / Gull / Chef 1 in Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Weiss High School
The Mary Ann Award for BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE goes to…
TOSHAAN ARORA as Otto Kringelein in Grand Hotel at McCallum Fine Arts Academy
The Mary Ann Award for BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE goes to…
MAYA ALBERT as Flounder in The Little Mermaid at Weiss High School
The Mary Ann Award for BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE goes to…
EVAN VINES as The D’Ysquith Family in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Cedar Park High School
The Mary Ann Award for BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE goes to…
KATIE HABERMAN as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at Dripping Springs High School
…and the Mary Ann Award for BEST PRODUCTION goes to…
CEDAR RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL with Legally Blonde The Musical
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Chloe Matyis from Crockett High School
Claire Cheney from McNeil High School
Morgan Francis from Vista Ridge High School
William Ingram from Rouse High School
Austin Taylor from Stony Point High School
Emma Vaughn from Cedar Park High School
Isaiah Choice from Weiss High School
Renae Walker-Zamora from Vista Ridge High School
Ermarie Quinton from Hendrickson High School
Sadie Dickerson from Cedar Ridge High School
PROGRAM GRANT RECIPIENTS
NYOS Charter School
Del Valle High School
Lehman High Shcool
Lago Vista High School
David Crockett High School
TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Long Center’s College Audition Program
Erica Cortina from Weiss High School
Texas Arts Project – On TAP
Christian Brown from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Zach Pre-Professional Company
Helena Laing from McCallum Fine Arts Academy
McKenlee Wilson from Weiss High School
Congrats to everyone on another amazing year of high school musical theatre!
Each year, the Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards give out thousands of dollars in training scholarships from organizations across the area to outstanding participating students. And though this year’s Awards have gone virtual (join us Sunday, May 31st at 7:30pm), there are still scholarships to be announced!
The Scholarship Committee has thoroughly reviewed all applications for this year, and recipients have been selected. So let’s get to it!
Receiving the 2020 GAHSMTA Training Scholarship from the Long Center’s College Audition Program is… ERICA CORTINA from Weiss High School!
Erika’s scholarship includes full tuition for the CAP program, as well as general college application support and writing assistance from Dr. Susan Ansorge.
ABOUT THE LONG CENTER’S COLLEGE AUDITION PROGRAM (CAP)
At CAP, Austin-area high school students take their theatre careers to the next level. Individualized consultation, specialized training, and practical preparation help students gain the skills and confidence to tackle the college audition process. The program culminates in a group trip to Chicago’s Unified Auditions.
Former students have attended such prestigious schools as The Boston Conservatory, Carnegie Mellon, CCM, Millikin, DePaul, USC, Boston University, UNCSA, OU, and so many more.
Congratulations to the CAP class of 2020 on your college commitments!
Josh Nett DePaul, Acting
Evan Vines Carnegie Mellon, Acting
Hannah Sedlacek Pepperdine University, Musical Theatre
Maryanna Tollemache Malloy College/CAP 21, Musical Theatre
Cassie Martin Pace, Acting
Jordan Williams Pace, Musical Theatre
Colette Phillips Millikin University, Musical Theatre
Roselyn Gray AMDA, Acting
Justin Duggan Roosevelt University, Acting
Abigail Storm Ball State University, Musical Theatre
Abbie Brown Long Island University Post, Musical Theatre
Breckin Murphy Texas Tech University, Musical Theatre
Receiving the 2020 GAHSMTA Training Scholarship from Texas Arts Project is… CHRISTIAN BROWN from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School!
ABOUT TEXAS ARTS PROJECT & ON TAP
The sleepaway training camp is on pause this year, but that doesn’t stop Texas Arts Project. The TAP team is taking training online with On TAP, a virtual intensive focused on private coaching plus building and clarifying your online presence as a performer and a professional.
Learn about On TAP‘s online curriculum, and hear from instructors like Sara Burke, Adam Roberts, Sheri Sanders, and more.
Receiving the 2020 GAHSMTA Training Scholarships from Zach Theatre’s Pre-Professional Company are… MCKENLEE WILSON & HELENA LAING
ABOUT ZACH THEATRE’S PRE-PROFESSIONAL COMPANY
The ZACH Theatre Pre-Professional Company (PPC) is an audition-based program for serious students looking for a professional training experience in Musical Theatre. PPC students study year-round in a conservatory-style structure.
Congratulations 2020 training scholarship recipients! Best of luck on your next adventure!
FINDING MY PASSION FOR THE ARTS AT HOME
Like many celebrities, Christian Brown has “it” — a huge personality, he’s adored by students and faculty, a great student, positive, athletic, genuine and loyal. However, as a rising senior it’s the theater that has his heart. Every day his mother drives him from Killeen to the St. Andrew’s Upper School campus in Southwest Austin, starting early to beat traffic. Based on school and rehearsal schedules, Christian may not get home until 11:00pm or midnight. But it’s all worth it.
Christian joined cheer as a freshman and then tech theater the next year when all the art classes were full. After that year’s musical closed, Rick Garcia, the St. Andrew’s Upper School Theater Director, asked Christian if he could sing. He auditioned on the spot, igniting his passion for the performing arts.
Christian was accepted into Zach’s prestigious Pre-Professional Company for aspiring musical theater students and at the end of his sophomore year received his first Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Award nomination for Best supporting Actor in Jesus Christ Superstar. At the time, he didn’t know what ‘GAHSMTA’ was but knew he wanted to be a part of it.
After his first vocal rehearsal with Ginger Morris, Director of Long Center Education and Outreach (Edu), and Adam Roberts, Musical Director for Long Center Edu, he cried on the drive back home to Killeen that night. “I knew from that moment on that I could perform,” said Christian.
Performing on stage at the Long Center in front of a sold-out, extremely passionate crowd of almost 2,500 was what he called a ‘life-affirming moment’ that he will never forget. That sense of purpose and presence also confirmed all his feelings about his future.
Last fall, he auditioned for Select Ensemble, an intensive GAHSMTA program that begins in October with regular rehearsals, professional training, special performances, and public relations. It culminates in the Awards show each April that sells out in minutes — an event as big as prom and graduation that’s called ‘Austin’s version of the Tony Awards,’ complete with its own red carpet.
It was devastating when the Awards were cancelled this year. “When the pandemic first struck, I thought we were just going to be out a couple of weeks. We were all born after 9/11. We’ve never had to experience anything like this. This has been the biggest uncertainty of our lifetime. It was the first time we had to be adults,” said Christian.
Early on when shelter in place was just beginning, his mom asked him if the pandemic made him question if theater was his calling. But after some lengthy Zoom calls, plans were made for the official launch of the virtual GAHSMTA!
“They gave us the run down from the costumes to the choreography. It was nerve-wracking trying to film and learn everything from home, but then it became the reason I started getting out of bed. The show quickly turned into something that excited me and something to look forward to.”
Working on the Awards has been a haven for kids like Christian, who has remained in Killeen since March. “Art gave us an outlet and a chance to calm down and breathe. To be able to get on Zoom and see my friends and crack jokes and work on this program has been a stress reliever and motivator,” he said.
“The arts give me purpose at a time when everything is on pause. People I didn’t even know a year ago have become some of my best friends. We all come from different backgrounds and schools and different areas of Central Texas, and not one of us is the same.”
“The dance training from Sara Burke, Long Center Edu Choreographer/Dance Instructor, is fantastic; Adam is so good at what he does and has the best ear. Ginger is such a strong leader and her presence is calming and motivating.”
“Through the Long Center, I’ve gained the best connections, friendships, and training. I’ve gained confidence from doing shows and networking with producers. I wouldn’t be where I am without the Long Center’s connections and training.”
“My dream is to work towards a scholarship and attend a musical theatre school, move to NYC and make it on Broadway, then head to Hollywood. Eventually I want to come back to Austin and give back to the community. I’d love to teach at one of our local high schools and be like my director Rick Garcia and all the people who have impacted me so much. I want to let other poor, black, gay kids know that they can do it too,” said Christian.
Christian just got a job at Sonic for the summer and will be taking online dance classes before heading back to St. Andrew’s for his Senior year.
Support GAHSMTA, a year-long, free program for thousands of Central Texas students by becoming a Long Center Member for $10 a month or donating the cost of a ticket. And don’t forget to watch the Awards at 7:30pm, May 31st! Join our mailing list to make sure you’re getting the latest details.
Every week, the Mid-Week Intermission features what members of our staff and community are tuning into virtually, but today we wanted to take a moment to feature some of the students participating in this weekend’s Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards.
Words cannot describe how excited we are to have the opportunity to still host this year’s Awards ceremony via YouTube this Sunday at 7:30pm. Our GAHSMTA Digital Creative Team and the students involved have poured their hearts into this project in order to re-imagine this event for the digital world. Hear from a few of the students about their experience and some of their favorite memories!
EVAN VINES
Hello! My name’s Evan Vines, and I am part of the graduating class of 2020 and can’t wait to finish off my high school experience with this year’s virtual GAHSMTA! I will be participating as a performer of Select Ensemble and am very excited to also be nominated in the category of Best Actor in a Leading Role, making it the third year that I have been nominated in this category.
I’m really looking forward to this year’s virtual GAHSMTA and the amount of creativity and passion that will be presented in this very unique show. Nothing can beat the memory of the crowd roaring when the curtains first opened last year and performing in such fun medleys with the nicest, amazingly-talented people.
This whole process taught me how to make do with what I have. I am very happy that I was able to still have fun performing and using my creativity to my advantage in order to entertain people in my own unique fashion.
MCKENLEE WILSON
Hi! I’m McKenlee Wilson, I’m 16 and I’ve been performing for about 13 years. I was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role as Ariel in the Little Mermaid. (I also really love chocolate chip cookies!)
One of my favorite GAHSMTA memories is from this year’s Nominations when they were announcing the nominees for Best Actress and my name was called! It was a crazy, unreal feeling and I’m so honored to have been nominated among so many other talented young ladies.
I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone’s creativity at home and getting together (virtually, of course) to celebrate all of our hard work and accomplishments.
ABIGAIL STORM
My name is Abigail Storm, I’m a member of the Long Center’s Select Ensemble and am going to be a freshman musical theatre major at Ball State University in the fall.
My favorite memory is performing ‘Proud Mary’ on Nomination Day — Chrisitan rocked the house and even though that was a wicked dance number, it was a blast.
I am looking forward to the nominee medley — they’re always my favorite part and I’m so excited to see this year’s.
Make sure to tune in — help us give students like Evan, McKenlee, and Abigail their moment in the spotlight and share their excitement with the entire community. Help support the future of GAHSMTA and arts education by donating the cost of a ticket today.
This week’s Mid-Week Intermission features our partner and friend Tamra Jones, Public Affairs Manager for H-E-B. As a Texan who helps Texans during the workweek, let’s see what Tamra is tuning in to when she’s off the clock.
Hi there!
Tamra Jones here, from H-E-B. Most days, you can find me working behind the scenes coordinating our Partner volunteer and community engagements. H-E-B is a long-running supporter of the Long Center, where we’ve celebrated our 80th anniversary, hosted our Volunteer Partner Summit, and recognized our signature Women of Distinction Partners. The Long Center will especially always have a special place in my families’ heart because my daughter held her wedding the Kodosky Lounge a couple of years ago.
HERE’S HOW I’M SPENDING MY FREE TIME THIS WEEK
VIRTUAL ZUMBA CON DANITZA
Monday & Wednesday
Danitza keeps us dancing like no one’s watching, but in reaity, we are watching each other shake, shimmy, and hop from Lizzo to reggaeton to salsa. These workouts and this dance network have bonded us together while we stay home and continue to be active. Shout out to Foundation Communities for providing this service for free. P.S. you WILL be sore for 1-2 days after Danitza’s energetic workouts!
Speaking of music and dancing…
DJ MEL’S LIVING ROOM DANCE PARTY
Saturdays on Twitch / 6pm
DJ Mel’s Living Room Dance Party is a chill way to end my workweek and a great way to start the weekend! Plus, it’s described as a “germ-free, non-stop dance mix for you and your loved ones – all in the safety of your own home.” Put away the hand-sanitizer, move the furniture, and tune in. You can also participate by donating to local non-profits and show off your fly dance moves via Zoom!
And another personal long-time favorite…
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS LIVE
Ongoing
I miss live shows! I was able to catch Harry Connick, Jr., at the Long Center right before the shutdown. I loved Lukas Nelson’s show at ACL Live a while back and caught the re-broadcast of the concert last week. Check ’em out and tune in for their next viewing. The sound quality is superb and the behind the scenes insight from Austin City Limits Live staffers is priceless and humorous, too.
HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS AT SELECT H-E-B LOCATIONS
All the time!
In the spirit of Texans helping Texans, we launched a foodie-inspired pilot program to help restaurants during the coronavirus crisis. Through these partnerships, select H-E-B stores sell ready-made meals from Austin locals Ramen Tatsu-ya, Fresa’s Chicken, and Picnik Austin. All proceeds from the sales of these chef-prepared meals will go directly to the restaurants. Find the location nearest you here.
Share what you are up to by using #TexansHelpingTexans
In the spirit of Texas and uplifting our community, we would love for you to inspire others and share how YOU are helping someone else.
Shoutout to our essential workers, first responders, frontline professionals, local restaurants, and our dedicated H-E-B Partners!
Stay healthy and helpful,
Tamra
This week’s Mid-Week Intermission features our Marketing Coordinator, Sophia Lawson. She’s the most stylish person you’ll ever meet, has the 3-1-1 on the best shows to attend on any given night, and knows what pizza joint to hit up after.
Howdy, y’all!
I’m Sophia Lawson, the Long Center’s resident Marketing Coordinator and local music lover. Usually, when I’m not marketing music, or listening to it, I’m out on Red River photographing it.
I started photographing local bands 8 years ago when I moved home to Austin from college. Upon my arrival, I lucked out with the coolest internship ever: a photography internship at the Mohawk. I photographed local and national acts 7 days a week. It’s been years since I completed my internship, but I still venture out to Mohawk, Barracuda, or Cheer Up Charlie’s to get my fill of live music and shoot my favorite artists.
I’ve shuffled through my archive and picked out some of my favorite shots along with must-hear songs from each featured band. Read on to find your new #CreateInPlace jam!
HERE ARE FIVE BANDS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IMMEDIATELY
ANNABELLE CHAIRLEGS
Retro pop-rock // for fans of Sunflower Bean, La Luz, BRONCHO
Annabelle Chairlegs has been one of my favorite local bands for a while now. Lindsey Mackin’s cagey vocals are what sweet psychedelic dreams are made of, and easily make songs like ‘Watermelon Summer’ and ‘Street Urchins’ get stuck in my head. Not like that’s a bad thing, you know?
Single song pick: ‘Candy Apple Red’ (Candy Apple Red, 2019)
WHY BONNIE
Bedroom pop // for fans of The Beths, Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail
When I saw that Why Bonnie would be opening for Nada Surf at Mohawk in February, I knew I had to give them a listen. I worship Nada Surf, so I could only assume that I’d like Why Bonnie – and I was right! Their new EP Voice Box was released last month via Fat Possum Records, and it’s been my go-to for my early morning walks.
Single song pick: ‘Voice Box’ (Voice Box, 2020)
GLAZE
Post-punk // for fans of Beach Fossils, DIIV, Real Estate
I can’t talk about local bands without mentioning my friends, Glaze. I met the shoegazey trio through my best friend a few years ago and have been a superfan ever since. Last summer, Glaze released their EP GlazeTV and their song ‘Valentine’ has made appearances on many of my personal playlists.
Single song pick: ‘Valentine’ (GlazeTV, 2019)
BEN KWELLER
Indie rock // for fans of Ben Lee, Ben Folds, The Bens
If you missed Ben Kweller at Blues on the Green last year, well, you missed out. Ben’s songs are like summer anthems, which is why you need to add his classics like ‘Sundress’ and ‘Commerce, TX’ to your next playlist. Also, don’t quote me on this, but I’m almost positive that Blues on the Green 2019 witnessed the first performance of his new single, ‘Starz.’
Single song pick: ‘Starz’ (Starz, 2020)
A GIANT DOG
Rock n’ roll // for fans of Mike Krol, Sheer Mag, Priests
Lately, like a lot of folks I’ve been talking with, I haven’t had too much energy in quarantine. I get a little lazy… but that’s where A Giant Dog comes in. I listen to A Giant Dog when I need that extra burst of energy. Whether that’s when I’m cleaning my apartment or going out for a run – I’m listening to A Giant Dog to get pumped. The key is to listen to their songs at the highest volume possible. I mean, you have to! It’s A Giant Dog.
Single song pick: ‘I’ll Come Crashing’ (Toy, 2017)
There are so, so many incredible Austin bands. And with that, I hope you will remember 2 things:
- This list is a small sample of all the amazing music Austin produces.
- A quote from the great Neil Young: Hey hey, my my, Rock and Roll can never die.
This week’s Mid-Week Intermission features our Director of Ticketing Services, Chris Boone. He’s our resident dog-whisperer, underground arts lover, and really loves making playlists (especially when vinyl records are involved).
Hi everyone,
I’m Chris Boone. Currently, I’m most recognizable as the voice behind the Long Center’s voicemail and phone prompts, but when I’m not busy dodging voice fame & stardom, I’m also part of our great Ticketing & Box Office team working to get you the best seats in the house to ensure you have an amazing experience with us. Between us birds, I’ll let you in on a little secret – my favorite seats are int he front mezzanine.
HERE’S HOW I’M SPENDING MY FREE TIME THIS WEEK:
MONTOPOLIS LIVE FROM THEIR LIVING ROOM
Tuesdays at 8pm / @montopolismusic
I was introduced to Montopolis at the Long Center in November of 2018 and I have been a fan ever since. Montopolis also happens to be THE LAST SHOW I saw before we all entered the weird version of Groundhog Day we’re all in. I caught them at Alamo Drafthouse Ritz with “The Return of Draw Egan” – it surely didn’t disappoint and I’m surely not disappointed for it to have been my sign-off event before quarantine. Justin Sherburn was previously a member of Okkerville River (keep an out for him on Long Story Short later), and although he contributed to several stellar albums, the album True Love Cast Out All Evil with Roky Erickson is my personal fave.
GRAHAM REYNOLDS
Bandcamp always, special on 5/1, KMFA appearance 5/14
Graham recently uploaded A TON of albums to his Bandcamp page AND, on Friday May 1st, Bandcamp is waiving their portion of sales for 24 hours SOOO it’s the perfect time to support any artist, much less an icon. Bandcamp previously waived their share to support artists during this crisis and $4.3 MILLION DOLLARS in sales occurred and 100% went directly the artists.
There is plenty of ground to cover here from The Golden Arm Trio to Graham’s score for Ballet Austin’s Belle Redux. Dig in.
You can also catch Graham as part of KMFA’s Sound Ideas on Thursday, May 4th at 1pm/CST via Facebook Live where he’ll discuss how to make music at home on the cheap and some recording techniques.
SXSW FILMS SERIES ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Now through May 6th
Here’s our collective chance to support filmmakers, SXSW, and expand our cinematic horizons. Every SXSW the Long Center is home to a portion of their film series, so this opportunity to still get to enjoy these films, shorts, and episodic series this year is surely welcomed. We’ve all binged our way through Neflix anyway. Level up.
ARTIST TALKS TO THE BLANTON / BLANTON FROM HOME
Wherever you like / blantonmuseum.org
Part of the Blanton’s Museum From Home offerings, Artists Talk to the Blanton is a diverse interview series that dives into a wide range of artists working in different mediums, but you can also find some coloring pages and a virtual tour. There’s also a curated conversation series taking place every Tuesday with live Q&A sessions with Blanton staff via Zoom. Each session has a recommended cocktail/mocktail recipe included. #MuseumFromHome
FULL EPISODES OF MARC BOLAN’S MARC
YouTube
I LOVE T. Rex. Seriously. There isn’t a week that Futuristic Dragon doesn’t wind up on my turntable. Although these episodes have been available in snippets, now all 6 episodes are available in their entirety. It’s a piece of perfect glam kitsch escapism. Watch Marc lip synch some T. Rex hits and some awkward dancing, but also see The Jam, Generation X, Hawkwind, The Boomtown Rats, and David Bowie grace the stage. This is for fans of the ’70s, glam, punk, lip synching, serving lewks, and awkward dancing.
PARKS AND RECREATION REUNION SPECIAL (!)
Thursday, April 30th / NBC
Make your best JJ’s Diner waffle knock-off, load up the whipped cream, and pass the salgar – this is going to be EXACTLY what we all need right now. In true Leslie Knope fashion, the special is also raising funds for Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund which helps food banks across the country. I’m REALLY hoping Andy assembles Mouse Rat via Zoom or hosts a Johnny Karate special-within-the-special. We’ll see.
I hope you enjoy some of these as much as I do. We can’t wait to see all of you on the other side of this. Stay safe, and be kind to each other.
