In loving memory of Teresa Lozano Long, one half of our founding duo, we’re throwing a FREE community bash and open house! Part block party part arts fest, this day is all about what makes Austin the place we love to call home. Right here, we’ve got everything you need to prepare for Community Day on September 9th

LEARN MORE ABOUT TERESA >>
First off, get to know the humanitarian, arts advocate, and philanthropic pioneer we’re honoring! She passed away in 2021, but her legacy lives on in the Austin arts scene and beyond.

What to Expect

Saturday, September 9 | Noon-5pm

We can’t wait to see you for our first annual Teresa Lozano Long Community Day! Come prepared for a full day of indoor & outdoor performances, visual art, tasty food, and warm fuzzy feelings. Don’t even bother wearing socks, ’cause we’ll end up knocking them right off.

Photo by Suzanne Cordeiro

WHO’S GONNA BE THERE

You mean, besides you? Plenty of other cool neighbors, plus performing arts groups, service organizations, food trucks, and more! Here’s the full lineup 👇

Ballet Austin will host their crowd-favorite program Rhythm on Stage on the Meredith Stage in Dell Hall. That’s right, you’ll be able to bust a move with a Ballet Austin instructor on the very stage where Ballet Austin performs! Dance experience is not required, but a positive attitude is 😉

Musicians of the Austin Symphony will also treat us to a classical quartet. Keep your ears open, because we think you might recognize what they’ll play!

And last, but definitely not least, a singer and a pianist from Austin Opera will perform several numbers from AO’s upcoming season and beyond.

What a treat to have all of our Founding Resident Companies with us on the same day!

Photo by Ballet Austin

WHAT WILL THERE BE TO DO

There’s no shortage of things to do on Community Day! On top of performances going all day, we’ve also got a full list of activities for ya:

📝 Explore all the Long Center’s nooks and crannies while completing a scavenger hunt

✂️ Make a craft or play a game in the KIDosky Family Zone with Creative Action

🎨 Take a stroll down memory lane in the 15 Years Long: Retrospective Gallery

🤝 Chat with some local orgs working to make a difference in our Partner Showcase

🎫 Enter our Golden Ticket Giveaway for a chance to win free tickets to all Long Center Presents shows for the rest of the season

🍔 Grab a bite at one of many food trucks

🥂 Sip a drink and enjoy the vibes

🍼 Feed your baby or get some downtime in the Parent’s Room

All of our inside and outside spaces will be open, so the choice is yours if you want some fresh air and sunshine or sweet, sweet air conditioning.

Photo by Sophia Lawson

WHAT DO MEMBERS GET?

We love our Long Center and Business Arts Council Members! Because of their support, we’re able to put on free events like Teresa Lozano Long Community Day. 

Members get access to the Member’s Lounge in the Dell Green Room. Enjoy a free cocktail and popcorn and imagine what it’s like to be a performer waiting in the Green Room before a show. 

To learn more about Membership, click the button below or swing by the Membership table during Community Day.

FAQs

This event is totally, 100%, absolutely free! No ticket or RSVP required.

Nope! RSVPs are not required for this event. Just come on by!

You bet it is! We’ve teamed up with our friends at Creative Action to curate a kids-only zone called KIDosky on the Mezzanine Level. It’ll be chock-full of games, crafts, and more. Just be sure to stick with your kiddo; KIDosky is not a drop off area. The AT&T Education Room on the ground level will also be home to the Parent’s Room, a dark, quiet space to feed your baby or just get some down time. Special thanks to Mother’s Milk Bank for helping us make that happen!

Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors on the H-E-B Terrace. Properly identified service animals are welcome inside and out.

Nope, but food and beverage will be available to purchase onsite from Taco Man, Sweet Frida, and the bars.

Parking is available at the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage, located at 900 Barton Springs Road.  There are two entrances to the garage, one at Riverside Drive and South First Street near the Long Center’s Circular Drive, and one on Barton Springs Road adjacent to the Palmer Events Center main entrance. 

Mobility Impaired/Accessible Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage on all levels near the elevators. Please see the Accessibility section of our website for more information, including drop-off location.

Complimentary Garage Parking is available to vehicles with any of the following specialty license plates: Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Medal of Honor, and Legion of Merit Medal, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and Prisoners of War (House Bill 618 and City Code Section 12-3-8).

Check out our Directions and Parking page for more details.

You betcha! Stop by the LC Membership table in the Orchestra Lobby to make a donation or become a Member. You can also check out the Support Us section of our website to see all the ways to can help.

Thanks to our sponsors!

We can’t wait to see you on September 9! The Long Center is always yours, but especially on Teresa Lozano Long Community Day 💜

Guitarist, songwriter, GRAMMY winner… is there anything Adrian Quesada can’t do? We caught up with the iconic Austinite ahead of his September 2nd show with us, celebrating our 15th anniversary. Keep scrolling to get the scoop on his creative process, what we can expect on September 2, and *gasp* a new Black Pumas album 👇

MEET ADRIAN QUESADA
Photo by Jackie Lee Young

Long Center: First off, just for fun — what song do you want folks to listen to while they read the rest of this interview?

Adrian Quesada: Cajmere’s “Brighter Days” (Underground Goodies Mix) because I just listened to that for the last 24 hours straight 😝

LC: Grupo FantasmaBlack Pumas… these groups are now huge household names in Austin and beyond. How has your perspective on making music in Austin changed since you first got started? 

AQ: As I get older, I feel more of a responsibility to represent Austin on a global scale and am truly honored to call this city home and receive as much support as I do here. The city has changed so much, and continues to do so. The longer I have the opportunity to make music here really feels like a blessing.

LC: We know that Jaguar Sound was your pandemic project – what kind of effect do you think that had on the album as a whole? Has it taken on new life now that it’s in music venues and out in the open? 

AQ: Jaguar Sound being a pandemic album had a bit of a solitary and pensive vibe to it that I think was very reflective of the moment in time. There were so many things that felt poignant, among them the fact that jaguars are largely solitary animals. I have some reclusive traits, so making music alone was not new to me, and it was the only way to really operate at that time.

The fact that a lot of friends were doing the same made it easy to collaborate on parts, so this was not an album that was finished alone; it was brought to life by a lot of talented musicians.

It has definitely taken on a new life as it wasn’t exactly recorded to be played live, so doing so and having people react the way they do has been really special.

Photo by Jackie Lee Young

LC:  The list of influences for this album are like a rap-cinema whirlwind. How did you land on ‘70s Italian movie scores and rap beats and then link these two seemingly separate ideas into something entirely your own?

AQ: What I love about film scores is that they’re set to visuals, but can be so expressive even without the film they accompany — they can be very open to interpretation.

I have a visual arts background and an art degree (I used to be a painter), so I always make music that I imagine someone can close their eyes to and see something when they listen.

Hip-hop was my first musical obsession, and a lot of samples have come from film scores and composers, so finding the middle ground between the two felt pretty natural to me.

LC: We’re beyond excited for your show on September 2nd, celebrating our 15th birthday. Who will be joining you on stage? Any special guests? 

AQ: We will be performing my Jaguar Sound album, along with a mini Boleros Psicodélicos set featuring vocalists Angélica Garcia, Clemente Castillo, and Mireya Ramos (of Mariachi Flor de
Toloache).

This will be a rare treat, as the last time we performed that music was last year at ACL Fest and a subsequent ACL TV taping. There may be a couple of other surprise guests that come through as well!

LC: Any future projects you can tease for us? Maybe a new big cat on the horizon? 

AQ: Yes, I am very excited to say that there is a new Black Pumas album coming very soon. We
came together to make something I’m very proud of as a second album, and I promise we won’t disappoint.

Photo by Jackie Lee Young

Well that’s it, we’re pumped! What about you? Catch Adrian plus special guests Angélica Garcia, Clemente Castillo, and Mireya Ramos at the Long Center on September for a big ol’ 15th anniversary show. Buy three tickets and get one free by entering the code SPIRITS when you check out. See you there ✌️

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

In case you haven’t heard… we’re having an open house!! On Saturday, September 9th, we’re flinging the doors open and pulling out all the stops to make this FREE community bash one for the ages. Come hang out with us for the day and… 

  • Explore the Long Center, inside and out (sit in a seat you’ve never sat in before)
  • Get inspired by a new community organization (there are so many!)
  • Enjoy performances, games, and even food trucks (there’s something for everyone)
  • and have a whole lotta of fun while you’re at it

Since this is our 15th Anniversary – yes, it’s been 15 years since the Long Center first opened its doors in 2008 – we could think of no better reason to honor half of our founding duo, Dr. Teresa Lozano Long, who passed away in 2021. Her vision and legacy have inspired countless organizations, educational programs, arts & cultural initiatives, and individuals over the years. Thanks to Terry and her husband Joe R. Long, the Long Center exists today for us all to enjoy.

We’re excited to share more about this powerful, inspirational woman ahead of honoring her at our first annual Community Day.

Dr. Teresa Lozano Long with husband Joe Long. Photo courtesy Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, UT Austin.
So, why Community Day?

We believe that Austin arts are better together, and the post-pandemic collective experiences of arts orgs, music venues, and cultural hotspots really drove this idea home.

Terry also believed in the power of the arts and the importance of equal access to marginalized communities. So, while we revel in this milestone of 15 years serving the Austin arts scene, we’re also looking at how the Long Center can expand what we do and innovate on what we’ve done, inspired by Terry’s passion and devotion. 

From traditional performing arts to hyper-local creativity, we’re looking to a horizon that’s always sunny and has room for everyone. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate that??

The Skinny on Teresa Lozano Long
A Strong, Smart, Texas Woman

Growing up on her parents’ dairy farm in South Texas, Terry was valedictorian of her high school class at the age of 16. She went on to get her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degrees from UT Austin, becoming the first Hispanic woman to earn a doctorate in health and physical education from the University (wow).

She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2010, and as an organization with an all-female trio of Board Officers and a mostly-female executive leadership team, we think it’s pretty cool that her name is on the building.

Photo courtesy the Long family.
National and Local Advocate

Chances are, if it’s an arts org in Austin, Terry probably supported it. Not only was she appointed to the National Council advising the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002 (that’s like the biggest federal support that the arts can get), but she also tirelessly advocated nationally and locally for cultural institutions and initiatives of all types.

Giving the lead gift that built and established the Long Center for the Performing Arts, together with her husband, Terry championed so many organizations throughout the community, a few of which will be participating in Community Day. Look out for performances by Austin Soundwaves, Austin Classical Guitar, Ballet Austin’s Rhythm on Stage, musicians from Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Austin Opera.

Arts and Education for All

There can’t be a mention of Dr. Long without highlighting her humanity. Her special combination of positivity, dedication to giving back, and strong belief in the idea that everyone deserves access to arts and education made her a pioneer in the field of philanthropy. In 2019, she was honored with the National Humanities Medal in a White House ceremony.

Teresa Lozano Long (center) with (from L to R:) National Medal for the Arts recipient Alison Krauss, Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams, chef Patrick J. O’Connell, and National Medal for the Arts recipient Sharon Percy Rockefeller. Photo courtesy Humanities Texas.

The organizations that bear her name now are direct results of this belief and strong reminders of the Longs’ legacy of support in which they’ve donated millions to create a better world. We’re honored to be one of them:

Dr. & Joe Long alongside (L to R) Jo Ann Christian, Jare Smith, and Jane Sibley
Ready to Celebrate?

We think we’ve made our case! Look out for more ways we’ll be highlighting the vision & spirit of Dr. Long at our first annual FREE Community Day plus open house details, teasers, and more on how we’ll cheers to 15 years.

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

Don’t know if you’ve heard, but Heller Awards alum Langston Lee won big at this year’s Jimmy Awards! This was Austin’s first time participating in the Jimmys, and we’re pretty dang proud Langston brought home Best Performance by an Actor our first year. He’s headed to The Juilliard School this fall, but we got to sit down with him before he heads to the big apple to get the scoop on where he comes from, where he’s going, and what he hopes for the future of arts education. Buckle up, y’all, this one’s gonna be inspiring.

Langston Lee performing at The Jimmy Awards 2023. Picture DLC Photography / The Jimmy Awards.
Hey, I’m Langston!
Rouse High School alumnus and future Broadway performer 🤞
Where he comes from

Tell us how you got started in musical theatre.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved performing. I used to play pretend with my parents and I loved watching movies in theaters. During my freshman year of high school, my theatre director encouraged me to audition for the school production of Les Miserables. At first I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic – I was not confident in my singing at all – but in the eleventh hour, my dad gave me the push I needed and I submitted an audition tape. Low and behold, I got a call back! After an unforgettable experience with my first musical, I continued to pursue it, performing in school production as well as a few professional ones. That’s actually how I got started with the Heller Awards for Young Artists. My school has always been involved in the HAYAs. We were fortunate to be nominated for Best Production multiple times, so we’ve been able to attend the awards shows, which has always been such a fun experience.

Are there any family members, friends, teachers, coaches, etc. who helped you along the way?

Oh, where to start?! Flan, Painter, Rhodes, and Mel were the best crew of directors I could ever have wished for. All of my Rouse buddies in Troupe 7679 constantly supported me – and were so talented themselves! The folks at Impact Arts, Texas Performing Arts, and the Heller Awards made this whole experience even possible. And of course my incredible parents! Everyone along my journey that gave me a push or a nudge to keep going, thank you.

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Langston Lee Performing in Rouse High School’s production of Anastasia.

The Jimmy Awards

What are The Jimmy Awards? How did you go from the HAYAs to the Jimmys?

The Jimmy Awards is the national high school musical theater awards program – basically the Tony Awards, but for high school musical theatre programs across the nation. They have 48 regional award programs, or RAPs. They host two of the most talented winners from each RAP and put together a fantastic award show full of character medleys, group numbers, and awards! The HAYAs are Austin’s regional award program. Kyra Carr from Hendrickson High School and myself were selected by winning at the HAYAs and sent to New York City.

Langston Lee rehearsing for The Jimmy Awards. Picture DLC Photography / The Jimmy Awards

Besides compete, what did you get to do as part of The Jimmy Awards?

Like with any performing art, we put in lots of work behind-the-scenes. The audience saw the end product onstage, but before that, we logged tons of hours of rigorous rehearsals. It was also an opportunity hosted by incredible sponsors and organizations for us to learn and experience what it means to be on Broadway and in professional musical theater world. For example, one of the sponsors, MJ the Musical, gave us tickets to go watch their full show, which was incredible! Plus we got to meet Broadway stars like Ben Platt, Corbin Bleu, and Andrew Barth Feldman. All of the activities, rehearsals, and learning experiences were incredibly rewarding.

What was it like to perform on a Broadway stage?

In a word, reaffirming, Not only reaffirming how amazing this whole experience has been, but also of how much I love performing. That Broadway stage was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The concept that I was in the performing capital of the world and I got to share my art with that many people was so meaningful and an experience I could never ever forget.

How did it feel when they announced you’d won Best Performance by an Actor?

Well, I’m pretty sure I had a complete blackout. Not only was I not expecting it, I was fully content with any of the other nominees’ names being called, a testament to the talent that was present at the awards. That’s why when they called my name I was in utter shock – of course I was overjoyed, but it was also humbling to know that I was chosen, and that I got to share that moment with such a beautiful group of young artists who are equally as talented as I am.

Langston Lee at The Jimmy Awards. Picture DLC Photography / The Jimmy Awards
The future of high school musical theatre and arts education

What advice would you give to a student who’s participating in their first musical this year?

Have fun, enjoy the moment, and most importantly, constantly learn – make the most of the experience by creating invaluable friends and memories. It’s only as good as you make it and only fulfilling if you put in the work. I’m so excited for you and I hope you have the best show that you will remember forever! I know mine was.

What’s your biggest wish for the future of arts education?

Theater education, funding, teachers, and facilities are so important, and I can’t stress enough the fact that without youth programs and high school theater programs, I wouldn’t even be doing musical theater. The arts are more than invaluable, but unfortunately they are less than appreciated and supported. I’m just hoping that will be different here in Austin where the young talent is overflowing and the passion for the arts is so palpable

We’re willing to bet Langston’s got more where that came from. Give him a follow on Instagram @langstondlee to keep up with all his Juilliard adventures.

SUPPORT THE HELLER AWARDS

Help us help the artists of tomorrow (like Langston) access high quality arts education. All HAYA donations go directly to subsidize program costs so that we can continue to keep this program FREE for all participating schools.

Happy birthday to us! We’re turning 15 this year, and instead of leaning into that teen angst (jk we’re doing that, too), we’re serving up a special deal so you can celebrate with us.

Bundle & Save
Starting Friday, June 21st

Starting next Friday, when you buy tickets to 2 or more Long Center Presents shows, you can save 15%!

Don’t forget — LC Members always get the best seats with our Member Presale, plus they get 20% off tickets! It’s not too late to check out those perks on perks on perks.

Step 1️⃣  Pick a Long Center Presents show from the list (read below for more info on what’s coming soon).

Step 2️⃣  Pick another!

Step 3️⃣  Enjoy the savings! We’ll see you here soon.

Something else caught your eye? You can add a third (or fourth!) show in the same transaction. We don’t mind 😉

CHEERS TO 15 YEARS
🎉🎁🎂
Beginning Friday, June 21st, just add Standard tickets from 2 of these upcoming shows to your cart  👇 and you’ll get the discount automatically. Happy shopping!

CONCERT CLUB: THE PETERSON BROTHERS
Friday, June 23  @ 8:00pm

The Peterson Brothers combine infectious energy and modern grooves with jazz, funk, blues, soul to a create their own unique sound. 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: FILIPE DEANDRADE
Saturday, July 8  @ 7:30pm

Filipe DeAndrade believes animals saved his life—and he wants to return the favor. Raised in poverty, surrounded by addiction and abuse, he felt voiceless. Now the star of Nat Geo’s digital series Untamed, he works to save the animals that saved him.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: BRIAN SKERRY
Friday, August 4 @ 7:30pm

Photographer Brian Skerry has spent nearly four decades exploring and documenting the world’s oceans. For his latest project, he turns his lens to one of the world’s most beloved animals to illuminate groundbreaking new insights into their lives and culture.

THEE PHANTOM AND THE ILLHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Saturday, August 12 @ 7:30pm

When was the last time you witnessed strings, horns, woodwinds, and a pianist at a Hip-Hop concert? Add to that a soul songstress, a crowd-controlling DJ, and a fire-breathing MC and that is still but a fraction of what you’ll get when you catch Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra in action.

ADRIAN QUESADA’S JAGUAR SOUND
Saturday, September 2 @ 8:00pm

A lifelong Texan, Adrian Quesada’s deep musical history has seen him producing and performing in projects spanning funk, soul, psychedelia, and diverse strands of Latin music. 

CONCERT CLUB: KELLY WILLIS
Friday, September 8 @ 8:00pm

On some other plane out there in the great big multiverse, Kelly Willis could well be the biggest Nashville country music star of the last 35 years. But things panned out rather differently for her here on this Earth.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE LIVE IN CONCERT
Sunday, September 10 @ 6:00pm

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage.

CONCERT CLUB: SUE FOLEY
Thursday, October 19 @ 8:00pm

Sue Foley has been playing guitar since she was 13 years old.  When Austin blues nightclub and label owner, Clifford Antone saw her at the annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis, he knew he’d met an all-timer. Before long, Foley was living in Austin and, in 1992, recorded her debut album YOUNG GIRL BLUES.

JOHN MALKOVICH IN THE MUSIC CRITIC
Monday, October 23 @ 7:30pm

Schumann fancies himself a “composer”, while Brahms is a “gift-less bastard” and Claude Debussy is simply ugly. Equipped with a frivolous potpourri of musical insults, John Malkovich slips into the role of the evil critic who believes the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Prokofiev and the likes to be weary and dreary. 

COCO LIVE-TO-FILM CONCERT ON TOUR
Wednesday, November 8 @ 7:30pm

Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert on Tour features a screening of the complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. .

GRAHAM REYNOLDS RUINS THE HOLIDAYS
Friday, December 8 & Saturday, December 9 @ 7:30pm

It’s time to Ruin the Holidays… again! For the sixth time in Rollins Studio Theatre, composer and bandleader Graham Reynolds will burn down the house with his raucous, minor key versions of your holiday favorites. Join us to start your holiday season out with a bang!

MIDORI, VIOLIN
Saturday, January 20 @ 8:00pm

Midori is a visionary artist, activist, and educator who explores and builds connections between music and the human experience and breaks with traditional boundaries. She will mark the 40th anniversary of her professional debut this season.

RENÉE FLEMING
Tuesday, February 20 @ 7:30pm

Renée Fleming is one of the most acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s greatest opera houses and concert halls. Honored with five Grammy awards and the US National Medal of Arts, she has sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Super Bowl.

AN EVENING WITH BILL NYE
Wednesday, February 21 @ 7:30pm

Best known for his Emmy-winning run as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” he brings his love of science and flair for comedy to every appearance— deftly translating complex issues to help inspire audiences of all ages to engage with and improve our world.

CASSETTE ROULETTE FEAT. JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL
Saturday, February 24 @ 8:00pm

Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen John Cameron Mitchell joins forces with international cabaret star Amber Martin and special guests for an evening of songs, stories and characters, all chosen by the hand of fate and the ‘cassette roulette.’

You’ve made it this far — sounds like you’re ready to celebrate! And if you’re sold on all things LC, become a Friend Level Member for only $120 to enjoy ticket presales, Member’s Lounge access, and more all year long.
Don’t forget — bundle & save starting Friday, June 21st!

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

It’s officially summer! The sun is out, the birds are singing, and the mental fog of winter has finally lifted. To kick off our favorite season, we’re teaming up with our sponsors at Baylor, Scott & White Health to serve up some tips to get your mental health into tip top shape so you can have the best summer yet 😎

Take in Some Art

Getting involved with the arts can have powerful and lasting effects on physical and mental health. 

Here are some totally objective suggestions for how to get more art in your life:

  • take in some live music at The Drop-In
  • come visit Gallery 701 on the Mezzanine Level of the Long Center
  • pick up an artistic hobby like knitting or sketching – you don’t have to be an expert to still have fun with it!
Photo by Brynn Osborn
Get Some Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D can lead to depression, seasonal affective disorder, heart disease, and even cancer. Although you can take a vitamin D supplement, the best way to get it is by getting outside. Ever wonder why taking a walk when you feel down or stressed seems to make you feel better? This is why! Good thing Austin isn’t lacking in outdoor activities this time of year.

Our recs on how to up your vitamin D exposure:

Read more about what Baylor, Scott & White Health has to say about vitamin D.
Photo courtesy of Visit Austin
Move Your Body in a Way You Enjoy

It’s easy for anyone to feel sluggish, unmotivated, or just generally meh when we’re sedentary for too long. Get your heartrate up to get your spirits up!

Our tips for keeping moving:

  • visit a Texas State Park for a day of hiking, fishing, or horseback riding – be sure to wish them a happy 100th birthday while you’re at it!
  • hit the dance floor while you’re pre-gaming at The Drop-In (and then tag us in your social posts)

Read more about what Baylor, Scott & White has to say about getting moving.

Photo by Brynn Osborn
Here’s a note from our friend and licensed professional counselor Heather Moeller from BS&W Health:

I’m incredibly grateful to live in the modern world.  Trust me when I say that there is NO bigger fan of toothpaste, technology, and tacos than Heather Moeller.  Heck, with the help of new artificial intelligence platforms, I can even order up and read poems about the glories of all three in a matter of seconds! 

Even with all this cleanliness and convenience, I can’t forget that I’m but a mammal. One with a smart phone, certainly. But a sensory and social creature all the same. 

We all are. 

When we connect with the basics of our humanity, we simply feel good. Science says this, but you have experienced it yourself, so you know it’s true! 

Put your bare feet on the cool grass on a warm day, let the sun shine down on your upturned face, or listen to the melodies of masterful musicians.  

Be with your people.  Go see plays and art that other humans have created. There’s a reason that humans have been admiring art since cave drawings! 

This summer, consider bringing it back old school for even just a few small minutes a day. Your sensory social mammal self will thank you later.

Well, there’s no denying it – the arts are essential for mental health. So is being outside. Whether you choose to get those at the Long Center or anywhere else, know we’re cheering you on! We’re all in this together 👏

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

10 years. A decade. Wow oh wow, what fun it has been! We’re not messing around when we say thank you, 10. Thank you to all the students, alumni, families, educators, sponsors, and staff who helped make the 10th Annual Heller Awards for Young Artists possible!
 
Now onto what you’ve all been waiting for. Drumroll please 🥁

THE 2023 haya WINNERS ARE…

Best Choreography

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Best Musical Direction

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Orchestra

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Best Lighting Design

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Cedar Ridge High School in Chicago (High School Edition). Photo by Henry Huey.
Best Costume Design

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Best Scenic Design

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Best Technical Execution

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Best Ensemble

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Hendrickson High School in Urinetown. Photo by Henry Huey.
Best Featured Performer | Individual Category

Crystal Sin | Trix the Aviatrix | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Featured Performer | Ensemble Category

David Luna | Featured Dancer | Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Student Achievement | Marketing

Nicolas Pacelli | Vista Ridge High School

Student Achievement | Design

Rachel Cooke | Vista Ridge High School

Vista Ridge High School in The Drowsy Chaperone. Photo by Henry Huey.
Student Achievement | Stage Management

Audrey Lorenz | Dripping Springs High School

Best Supporting Performer | Male Category

Jack Stratton | Underling | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Supporting Performer | Female Category

Kyra Carr | Officer Lockstock | Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Best Lead Performer | Male Category

Langston Lee | Dmitry | Anastasia | Rouse High School

Rouse High School in Anastasia. Photo by Henry Huey.
Best Lead Performer | Female Category

Anabelle Crawford | Man In Chair | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Direction

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Best Production

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

McCallum Fine Arts Academy in Pippin. Photo by Henry Huey.

A special congratulations to Kyra Carr & Langston Lee who are headed to the Jimmy Awards this summer! Don’t forget about us when you get famous 💖

Photo by Henry Huey

We’ll see y’all in Dell Hall next year. Until then, be sure to follow @hellerawardsatx on the your social media platform of choice for show recaps, photos, videos, and all things HAYAs.

Food-first philosophy, food-first philosophy… say that five times fast! It may be a silly tongue twister, but it’s true that focusing on what you put in your body really does make a difference in your overall health. 

We got to play host to Painkillr‘s Work in Progress Austin event in March, and dieticians Irene Vielma and Amaris Garza from your friendly neighborhood H-E-B stopped by to help us all learn a little bit more about crafting a balanced plate, eating mindfully, and staying hydrated in the hot Austin summer.

Here’s what they had to say ⬇️

Balanced Plate

When it comes to fueling your body, it’s important to build meals and snacks that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and fats, all of which play essential an role in keeping our bodies strong and healthy. Carbohydrates provide the main source of energy for the body and brain – think fruits, like strawberries and apples, vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and grains like pasta and rice. Proteins are important for maintaining and repairing muscles – think chicken, tofu, turkey, lentils, that kind of thing. Fats, like avocados and tree nuts, help regulate body temperature and aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

When planning your meals, keep MyPlate in mind. Try to fill half of your dish with fruits and veggies and the other half with whole grains and lean proteins. Don’t forget about dairy!

This is especially important for you active folks. And before you ask, no, doing a bicep curl to put a taco in your mouth doesn’t count.

Three-four hours before you exercise, eat a meal that’s high in carbs, moderate in protein, low in fat, and low in fiber. This could look like mixing a tablespoon of peanut butter into your oatmeal and topping it off with fruit, or making a peanut butter sandwich with banana slices.

If you had a tough workout – like mowing your lawn at 4pm in August tough – aim for a balanced snack within an hour of your activity. Be sure to hydrate, too, but more on that later. If your workout was gentler, aim for a balanced meal 3-4 hours after your activity. You could whip up a chicken fajita bowl with brown rice, black beans, lettuce, salsa, and avocado, or try a bagel sandwich with avocado, scrambled eggs, and spinach.

Mindful Eating

Mindfulness is more than a new age buzzword; it’s an intentional focus on what thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are coming up in our present moment. When we’re mindful, we focus on being aware of – rather than reacting to – our circumstance and choices. Couple that with our food habits and we get mindful eating.

Eating mindfully encourages us to make choices that will be satisfying and nourishing to our bodies. It discourages judging any eating behaviors. We’re all a little different after all, so why wouldn’t we have different types of eating experiences? As we become more aware of our eating habits, we may take steps towards behavior changes that will benefit not only ourselves, but also our environment.

7 Tips to Make Mindful Eating Part of Your Norm:
  1. Prepare to eat: Emotions are tied to eating, so try to recognize them and how they affect your food choices.
  2. Breathe and relax: Sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths, and take a moment to be thankful for the food you’re about to eat. This prepares the body for the rest-and-digest phase.
  3. Notice what is on your plate: Not paying attention to what you’re eating can lead to eating past our fullness queues. Notice the colors, textures, and volume of food on your plate. Pay attention to the smell, taste, and texture of your food as you eat.
  4. Chew thoroughly: Chew slowly, chewing each bite of food approximately 20 times. Enjoy the bursts of flavor in your mouth. Think about how the food makes you feel.
  5. Eat slowly: Enjoy what you eat and improve digestion by not rushing through your meal. Digestion begins with chewing. Chewing and swallowing are the only parts of the digestion process you can control.
  6. Stop when you are full: It takes the brain about 20 minutes to recognize that you’ve had enough— another good reason to not rush through your meal. Remember… you are not obligated to clear your plate!
  7. Make eating a separate activity: Eating while working, reading, or watching TV can cause you to overeat and make poor food choices. Feel free to forward this to your boss next time they ask you to work through lunch 😉
Hydration

Water maintains our body temperature and helps transport oxygen and nutrients in our bloodstream. When our hydration levels drop, our body temperatures rise, it becomes harder to get oxygen and fresh nutrients to our cells, and our cognitive abilities begin to get dull. A 1% drop in your hydration status can cause cognitive impairment! And we don’t even start to feel thirsty until dehydration dips to 2%. All the more reason to sip on some water throughout your day, not just when your mouth gets dry.

On a normal day, we should all aim to drink about 1 oz of fluid per pound of body weight. So if you weigh 180 lbs, strive for 180 oz of fluid — that’s almost 1.5 gallons! And that’s just on a regular day; if you do activities where you sweat, you’ll want to add even more water to your routine, plus some electrolytes. Electrolytes carry (you guessed it) an electrical charge that help our muscles move. When we sweat them out, it becomes harder for our muscles to move our bones. Whether you spend a Thursday evening with us at The Drop-In or bust your 🍑 upping that garden game, staying hydrated is paramount!

Believe it or not, this is just the tip of the mindful eating and hydration icebergs! To learn more and get expert support, check out H-E-B’s Nutrition Services. An H-E-B Dietitian will talk through healthy lifestyle practices and even help you with your grocery shopping. H-E-B Wellness Primary Care and Nutrition Services offer in-person or virtual services. It might even be covered by your insurance!

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

The Heller Awards for Young Artists are back for the 10th year!

We kicked things off on March 5 with a Virtual Nominations Ceremony, but in case you missed it, you can watch the recording below 👇 Be warned; this video may inspire spontaneous song and dance.

THE 2023 haya NOMINEES ARE…

Best Choreography

Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Big Fish | Cedar Park High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

Mamma Mia! | Weiss High School

The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

Best Musical Direction

Kiss Me, Kate | Georgetown High School

The Wizard of Oz| Marble Falls High School

Big Fish | Cedar Park High School

Anastasia | Rouse High School

Into the Woods | Liberal Arts and Science Academy

The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Orchestra

Chicago (High School Edition) | Tom Glenn High School

Kiss Me, Kate | Georgetown High School

The Little Mermaid| San Marcos High School

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Into the Woods | Liberal Arts and Science Academy

SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Lighting Design

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

SpongeBob SquarePants | Pflugerville High School

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Anastasia | Round Rock High School

Mamma Mia! | Weiss High School

Little Shop of Horrors | East View High School

Best Costume Design

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

The Phantom of the Opera | Dripping Springs High School

Anastasia | Rouse High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Little Shop of Horrors | Hutto High School

The Little Mermaid| San Marcos High School

Best Scenic Design

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Mamma Mia! | Weiss High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Little Shop of Horrors | Hutto High School

Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Best Technical Execution

The Little Mermaid| San Marcos High School

Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Anastasia | Rouse High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Little Shop of Horrors | East View High School

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Best Ensemble

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Anastasia | Round Rock High School

Kiss Me, Kate | Georgetown High School

SpongeBob SquarePants | Pflugerville High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Best Featured Performer | Individual Category

Vitor Larson-Parachini | Fred Casely | Chicago (High School Edition) | Bastrop High School

Jordan Williams | Pepper | Mamma Mia! | Weiss High School

Kendra Vaz | Granny, Giant | Into the Woods | Liberal Arts and Science Academy

Erica Ortuno | Nikko | The Wizard of Oz| Del Valle High School

Micah Freeman | Mitch Mahoney | The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee| Manor Senior High School

Valeria Trujillo | Chef Louis | The Little Mermaid| Jarrell High School

Maddie Robbe | Mona | Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Crystal Sin | Trix the Aviatrix | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Ella Duncan | The Mayor of Bikini Bottom | SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

Best Featured Performer | Ensemble Category

Kaely Smith | Featured Dancer | Chicago (High School Edition) | Tom Glenn High School

Zada McElroy | Aquata | The Little Mermaid| San Marcos High School

David Luna | Featured Dancer | Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Acacia Thompson | Skid Row Soloist | Little Shop of Horrors | Hutto High School

Nelson Stevenson | Featured Dancer | Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Kira Griffin | Alabama Lamb | Big Fish | Cedar Park High School

Logan Russey | French Narrator | SpongeBob SquarePants | Pflugerville High School

Ian Vizcarra | Hot Blades Harry | Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Presley Muirhead | Swan Lake Dancer | Anastasia | Round Rock High School

Student Achievement | Marketing

Ava Deviney | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Andrea Diaz | East View High School

Livy Korioth | Leander High School

Khai Pormprasong | Bastrop High School

Emily Marchal | Weiss High School

Mollie Walters | Brentwood Christian School

Claire Poulter | Cedar Park High School

Emma Ludwig | Tom Glenn High School

Owen Ramirez | Rouse High School

Nicolas Pacelli | Vista Ridge High School

Mariana Rojo | Jarrell High School

Harper Claes | Jack C. Hays High School

Margaret Baker | Dripping Springs High School

Rebekah Page | NYOS Charter School

Student Achievement | Design

Anna Fox | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Eric Taylor | East View High School

Gabe Healey | Leander High School

Samantha Mason | Liberal Arts and Science Academy

Yeva Tcharikova | Westwood High School

Vanessa DeLeon | Bastrop High School

Sean Avalos | Weiss High School

Christian Young | San Marcos High School

Maeryn McCormick | Brentwood Christian School

Mikayla Mitchell | Del Valle High School

Jocelyn Adair | Cedar Park High School

Eleanor Peters | Tom Glenn High School

Cassandra Lovell | John B. Connally High School

Evvan Turner | Rouse High School

Rachel Cooke | Vista Ridge High School

Ana Siqueira | Lehman High School

Leo Chavez | Jarrell High School

Austin Duke | Jack C. Hays High School

Natalie Kernick | Dripping Springs High School

Maeve McElwee | NYOS Charter School

Student Achievement | Stage Management

Ava George | Pflugerville High School

Zoe Gravois | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Julian Garcia | Northeast Early College High School

Andrea Diaz | East View High School

Briana Keaster | Leander High School

Douglas Brito | Liberal Arts and Science Academy

Wednesday Kollodge | Westwood High School

Lizzie Brock | Weiss High School

Fog Alder | San Marcos High School

Keira McCormick | Brentwood Christian School

Charlotte Adair | Cedar Park High School

Kendall Shuck | Tom Glenn High School

Cassandra Lovell | John B. Connally High School

Sarah Apple | Rouse High School

Kiera Aston | Vista Ridge High School

Lilly Gonzales | Lehman High School

Jakob Voigt | Jarrell High School

Keira Cousins | Jack C. Hays High School

Audrey Lorenz | Dripping Springs High School

Piper Silvey | NYOS Charter School

Best Supporting Performer | Male Category

Chance Solis | Gangster One | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Gabe Paredes | Squidward Q. Tentacles | SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

Hector Perez | Orin | Little Shop of Horrors | East View High School

Nick Bohle | Charlemagne | Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Jack Stratton | Underling | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Isaac Vega | Mushnik | Little Shop of Horrors | East View High School

Carver Ulrich | Harry | Mamma Mia! | Leander High School

Hudson Stauffer | Vlad Popov | Anastasia | Rouse High School

Jude Jecker | Adolpho | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Best Supporting Performer | Female Category

Addi Villegas | Little Sally | Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Savannah Chavarria | Catherine | Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Tiara McRee | Little Red | Into the Woods | NYOS Charter School

Kyra Carr | Officer Lockstock | Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Ellie Loudermilk | Fastrada | Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Presley Copeland | Penelope Pennywise | Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Ashley Mondru | Pugsley Addams | Addams Family, The | Brentwood Christian School

Maya Krauss | Oscar Shapiro | Curtains | Lehman High School

Charlotte Blackmon | Berthe | Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Best Lead Performer | Male Category

Hosea Downing | Gomez Addams | The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

Jaxon Larson | The Scarecrow | The Wizard of Oz| Elgin High School

Jonas Taylor | Lieutenant Frank Cioffi | Curtains | Lehman High School

Ramero Vargas | The Cowardly Lion | The Wizard of Oz| Cedar Creek High School

Aidan Cox | Edward Bloom | Big Fish | Cedar Park High School

Walker Wallace | Dmitry | Anastasia | Round Rock High School

Langston Lee | Dmitry | Anastasia | Rouse High School

Chavin Medina | Billy Flynn | Chicago (High School Edition) | Bastrop High School

Brady Allen | Will Bloom | Big Fish | Cedar Park High School

Best Lead Performer | Female Category

Allie Meredith | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

Tori Ybarra | Hope Cladwell | Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Emma Boerm | Dorothy Gale | The Wizard of Oz| Marble Falls High School

Julia Almendra | Velma Kelly | Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Peyton Nisbett | Anastasia | Anastasia | Round Rock High School

Arianna Pierce | Witch | Into the Woods | NYOS Charter School

Anabelle Crawford | Man In Chair | The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Lauren Ryan-Holt | Leading Player | Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Starlyn Rivera | Natalie Heller | All Shook Up | Northeast Early College High School

Best Direction

Anastasia | Round Rock High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Anastasia | Rouse High School

The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

SpongeBob SquarePants | Pflugerville High School

Best Production

Urinetown | Hendrickson High School

Anastasia | Round Rock High School

The Addams Family (School Edition) | Jack C. Hays High School

Chicago (High School Edition) | Cedar Ridge High School

Anastasia | Rouse High School

Pippin | McCallum Fine Arts Academy

SpongeBob SquarePants | Westwood High School

The Drowsy Chaperone | Vista Ridge High School

Congratulations to all the performers, crews, educators, schools, and families who participated! We’ll see y’all in Dell Hall real soon; April 19 to be exact. Until then, be sure to follow @hellerawardsatx on the social media platform of your choice for school shout outs and behind-the-scenes goodies. 

Happy New Year, Austin! As you’re settling into your 2023 routine, you might be wondering… what’s a cool spot I can add to my hangout map? We’ve got just the place! Part coffee shop, part bar, part event space, Origin Studio House serves up eclectic vibes on the east side. Get to know the founders and the space in this Mid-Week Intermission 👇 and if you’re joining us for Ta-Nehisi Coates on January 16th, you might see them there, too!

Origin Studio House is a community space rooted in Black culture that offers coffee, food, cocktails, and events, but most importantly connection. “We aim to bring a new experience to Austin and the Black communities who live, work, and invest in this city,” says Origin co-founders Brittney Williams & Dante Clemons.

HOW IT STARTED

In 2021, Austin’s Black population reached 7.57%, a fractional yet noteworthy jump from 2020’s percentage of 7.25%. We all know Austin is growing, but the growth of the city overall pales in comparison to the continual rise of its Black demographic. Dante and Brittney saw this spike in growth as an opportunity to start addressing a clear need in their community — not seeing themselves reflected in the city where they lived. With this in mind, they planned a series of pop-up events starting in 2021. 

Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Photo courtesy of Origin Studio House.

Last November, they kicked off their inaugural event, “Come Thru,” at Distribution Hall in East Austin. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, portraits sessions, delicious food, and music spun by a DJ. In March of 2022, they hosted another successful event called “Come Up” in partnership with The Contemporary and SOHO House Austin. Come Up enticed guests with delicious cuisine, libations, and panel discussions moderated by renowned chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Emmer & Rye. Origin Studio House opened its Grounds to the public this Fall.

Get to know the founders

Brittney Williams & Dante Clemons. Photo courtesy of Origin Studio House.

Brittney Williams is a native Austinite, and co-founder of Studio VYB, a full service interior design studio based in Austin, Texas. She’s an expert in hospitality design, cultural curation, and storytelling. Some of Brittney’s notable design contributions include Swedish Hill in Austin, TX, Clark’s Oyster Bar in Aspen, CO, Joann’s Fine Foods in Austin, TX, Outdoor Voices in Los Angeles, and several custom luxury residences for high-profile celebrity clients.  Brittney majored in Urban Studies under Eugene Lang at The New School.

Dante Clemons, a resident of East Austin, is a global product leader, adviser, and strategist at the intersection of design, commerce, culture, and community. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dante graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Architecture, graduated summa cum laude from Pratt Institute’s graduate Design Management Program and serves on the Board of The Contemporary Austin. A strategist focused on digital production across platforms and the management of innovation in organizations, her experience includes work in advertising, e-commerce & retail, architectural planning, and the arts. Her clients have spanned Nike, Twitter, Michael Kors, Pfizer, The Coca-Cola Company, and New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is also the founder of KICKINTHADOOR, a consultancy company aiding job seekers in pursuit of a rewarding career.

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Photo courtesy of Origin Studio House

Origin Studio House is more than a coffee shop — it serves as a cultural space forged by the need to provide safe spaces where communities could thrive, allowing folks from all walks of life to see themselves reflected in the city where they live.

Origin Studio House is committed to being a kinetic space that celebrates Black culture and provides opportunities for networking and collaboration across Austin’s cultural landscape.

Give Origin a follow on Instagram @originstudiohouse to stay in the loop on upcoming events, and check out their website to learn more about their mission.

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

The weather outside is… well, it’s not snowing. In fact, it’s a little balmy. But whether it’s cold or not, the holiday spirit in this town can’t be stopped. This season we’re making all your winter wonderland dreams come true with ice skating on the H-E-B Terrace!

Photo courtesy of Geoji

We teamed up with our friends at Geoji to bring the Rockefeller Center experience to ATX. Skate to your heart’s content, then fill up on fresh popcorn, cocoa, or a hot toddy. We recommend skating then enjoying a holiday spirit 😉 But hey, as long as you sign the waiver, you can do what you want.

Tickets start at $15, which includes the price of a your skate rental, and can be purchased at geoji.com. Snacks and drinks also cost money, but the vibes are totally free 😎

We’re not the only ones loving this new holiday tradition. Check out what our friends and neighbors are saying 👇

Ice Rink FAQs

Q: How can I get tickets?

A: Tickets are available at geoji.com starting at $15. 

Q: Does the ticket price include my skate rental?

A: Yes!

Q: When is the rink open?

A: The rink is open Monday through Friday from 3-10pm and Saturdays & Sundays  from 10am-10pm.

Be sure to tag us @longcenter when you post about your visit! We have serious FOMO when it comes to festive events. so please don’t leave us out 😉 Happy holidays from our LC family to yours!

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing is back! After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone’s favorite grocer welcomed back friends from across the Austin area for a home-cooked holiday meal at the Palmer Events Center (howdy, neighbor!) on November 22.

H-E-B Feast of Sharing gives the iconic Texas company an opportunity to give thanks to its loyal customers and invites everyone to the dinner table. In the more than three decades H-E-B has held the celebrations, more than 375,000 volunteers have helped serve nearly four million meals.

But the love doesn’t stop there. Feast of Sharing isn’t limited to just the Austin area; H-E-B prioritizes this program all across the lone star state and into Mexico, too.

Volunteers plate food for guests at the H-E-B Feast of Sharing dinner, held at the Palmer Center in Austin, Nov. 22, 2022. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

The Feast of Sharing initiative is an integral part of H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program, which works year-round to prevent hunger. Last year, H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program donated 34 million pounds of food to families in need. Since the program was founded in 1982, H-E-B has donated more than 1 billion (yep, that’s a b) pounds of food to 5,500 non-profit organizations in Texas and Mexico. Check out if they’ll be celebrating in your area.

H-E-B also gives as good as they get. Not only do they put on major events like Feast of Sharing; they go above and beyond to support other like-minded organizations, like Central Texas Food Bank. Each year they support CTFB through grants, community events, and food donations. They’re not kidding when they say, “no store does more!”

As proud recipients of some H-E-B love, we also like to pay it forward. Last summer, our team took a day to volunteer at the Central Texas Food Bank 👉

Check out their volunteer page to see when you can pick up a shift. 

Long Center staff volunteering at Central Texas Food Bank on Aug. 1, 2022.

This Thanksgiving, our team was able to support Feast of Sharing by donating 70 tickets to our neighbors, thanks to H-E-B’s Community Sharing initiative. Now even more Austinites can come celebrate the arts at the Long Center!

Now that your heart is warm and you’re all inspired, what are you going to do to make a difference in your community this season?

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.