POSTED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021 BY LONG
This week’s Mid-Week Intermission comes to us from Laura Colwell of Sun June, tonight’s featured Austin artist on Good Vibes Only. Read on to see how the band made the best of 2020, the latest on their new album ‘Somewhere,’ and Laura’s special connection to the Long Center (she might have even served you a drink at a show!).
Hey y’all,
This is Laura from Sun June. Although we can’t gather in theaters and clubs and sway together in one large mass, we can try and do the next best thing and meet online at a virtual concert for some good vibes.
The Long Center is actually a very special place for me — I’ve gone to lots of events, attended countless film screenings, some of which were films I worked on (shout out to Also Starring Austin crew!), and I used to sling drinks at the cocktail carts that line the halls of the theater.
This is why I can honestly say it was such a thrill and honor to walk on stage as a performer in the LC’s Rollins Theatre. It really did feel like a full circle moment. And even though we played to an empty room, a friendly face emerged from behind one of the cameras to reveal themselves as an old friend of mine — someone who actually had seen our band perform back at some of our very first shows. For a brief moment, it felt like a regular night out playing a show at Cheer Ups, surrounded by a community of supportive friends and fellow artists. I don’t think that happens in many places. Gotta love Austin for that.
We did our best to adapt with all that 2020 had to throw our way. We finished recording our second album, ‘Somewhere,’ down in Lockhart at Good Dany’s the day that Austin went on lockdown, made four music videos, moved out of Austin, moved back to Austin, and left our bandmate/co-songwriter (and my boyfriend *gush*) Stephen in North Carolina to start a grad program.
Unfortunately, we can’t all be together as much as we’d like, but I’m still grateful for the time we have. I feel extremely lucky to have stayed in good health and that we had each other to lean on for support. Our group text has never been stronger. And while Stephen hasn’t been able to perform with us, our good pal Santiago Dietche (of Daphne Tunes) has stepped in to play rhythm guitar and sing backup.
It’s a strange time to be releasing music, but we went ahead and put out a record just last week! And while we are all trying to plan our year ahead, we know we can only take it one day at a time. Hopefully we can all see each other again real soon.
In the meantime, you can find our albums, merch, and more on our website. Follow us there, on Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp, and Facebook.
I also wanted to give a quick shout out to some amazing artists who are out there doing good work:
Free Lunch is a meal support organization run by Jade Skye Hammer (who has taken lots of lovely pictures of us!), Carrie Fussell Bickly (of Calliope Musicals), and Jazz Mills. check it out!
And later this month, Mobley’s virtual tour/record release show is donating all ticket sales to the DAWA Fund, a financial assistance program for musicians, artists, and service workers of color. We recorded a song in our backyard for this event, too!
Thanks for tuning in and stay safe out there <3
Don’t forget — catch Laura and the rest of Sun June tonight on Good Vibes Only, streaming free at 8pm. Plus, you’ll hear some of their new tunes!
POSTED ON DECEMBER 11, 2020 BY LONG
Applications open Friday, December 11 at www.thelongcenter.org/saveaustinvenues
AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Economic Development Department announces the launch of the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund. The Austin City Council established the $15 million Save Austin’s Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund through Ordinance No. 20201001-052. Austin City Council adopted the final guidelines for the $5 million Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund on December 3, 2020 via Resolution No. 20200103-013. As part of a partnership with the City of Austin, the Long Center for the Performing Arts will provide application assistance, process applications, and administer funds.
“Live music venues strengthen our cultural and economic ecosystem and contribute to Austin’s international appeal,” notes Veronica Briseño, Austin’s Chief Economic Recovery Officer. “Our team worked with the Long Center to quickly open the application portal one week after Council approved the guidelines. Our goal is to have the money flow to live music venues before the end of the month. This critical support will help sustain our music venues until it is safe for them to reopen.”
Eligible live music venues must be located in a City of Austin City Council District; must meet the City’s definition of a live music venue; and must have significantly reduced operations since March 2020. Applicants must also meet or exceed the City’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, which can be found online at www.austintexas.gov/covid19.
“The Long Center is excited to be able to support the City and our music community by providing this critical community service. This opportunity aligns with our strategic goals to serve as a conduit and resource to the creative sector and a partner supporting the City’s efforts,” said Cory Baker, President & CEO of the Long Center. “As the creative community continues to struggle through the pandemic, preserving performance spaces across the city is vital. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get assistance out quickly.”
The Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund will be distributed in two phases:
Phase 1: Emergency Funding
- Eligible applicants experiencing immediate risk of closure will receive a $20,000 grant, which the Long Center will distribute in December 2020.
- Services that will be available to venues receiving emergency funding include: legal and accounting services; real estate advice and guidance on lease negotiations; and other professional services and long-term planning from community experts.
Phase 2: Enhanced Funding
- Eligible applicants can apply for additional grant funding up to $140,000 (this does not include funds received from the first phase).
- Grant recipients must complete a technical assistance evaluation and an Equity Strategic Plan in order to apply for more funds during the second phase.
- The funding will be distributed in monthly payments with a maximum of $40,000 per month.
Application Opens:
Friday, December 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Application Closes:
Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
How to Apply
Application and eligibility guidelines available online at www.thelongcenter.org/saveaustinvenues
For eligibility questions and application assistance, contact the Long Center by email saveaustinvenues@thelongcenter.org or by phone 512-457-5181.
Austin SAVES Fund distribuirá dólares de alivio de COVID-19 a locales de música en vivo
El periodo de solicitud abre el viernes 11 de diciembre en www.thelongcenter.org/saveaustinvenues
AUSTIN, TX – El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin anuncia el lanzamiento del Fondo de Preservación de Locales de Música en Vivo de Austin. El Consejo de la Ciudad de Austin estableció el Fondo de $15 millones, llamado “Salvando los Sectores Económicos Vitales de Austin” (SAVES, por sus siglas en inglés), a través de la Ordenanza No. 20201001-052. El Consejo adoptó las pautas finales para el Fondo de Preservación de Locales de Música en Vivo de Austin de $5 millones el 3 de diciembre de 2020 mediante la Resolución No. 20200103-013. Como parte de una asociación con la ciudad de Austin, el Long Center brindará asistencia con las solicitudes, procesará las solicitudes y administrará los fondos.
“Los locales de música en vivo fortalecen nuestro ecosistema cultural y económico y contribuyen al atractivo internacional de Austin”, señala Veronica Briseño, directora de recuperación económica de Austin. “Nuestro equipo trabajó con el Long Center para abrir rápidamente el portal de aplicaciones una semana después de que el Consejo aprobó las pautas. Nuestro objetivo es que el dinero fluya hacia los locales de música en vivo antes de fin de mes. Este apoyo fundamental ayudará a mantener en pie a nuestros locales de música hasta que sea seguro reabrirlos”.
Los locales de música en vivo elegibles deberán estar ubicados en un distrito del Consejo de la Ciudad de Austin; deberán cumplir con la definición de la ciudad de “locales de música en vivo”; y deberán haber reducido significativamente las operaciones desde marzo de 2020. Los solicitantes también deberán cumplir o superar las pautas de seguridad contra el COVID-19 de la ciudad, las cuales están disponibles en línea en www.austintexas.gov/covid19.
“En el Long Center estamos entusiasmados de poder apoyar a la Ciudad y a nuestra comunidad musical al brindar este servicio comunitario crítico. Esta oportunidad va de la mano con nuestros objetivos estratégicos de servir como conducto y recurso para el sector creativo y de ser socios que apoyan los esfuerzos de la ciudad”, aseguró Cory Baker, presidente y directora ejecutiva del Long Center. “A medida que la comunidad creativa continúa luchando contra la pandemia, es vital preservar los espacios escénicos alrededor de la ciudad. Estamos listos para ponernos a trabajar y dar ayuda rápidamente”.
El Fondo de Preservación de Locales de Música en Vivo de Austin se distribuirá en dos fases:
Fase 1: Financiamiento de Emergencia
- Los solicitantes elegibles que experimenten un riesgo inmediato de cierre recibirán una subvención de $20,000 que el Long Center distribuirá en diciembre de 2020.
- Los servicios que estarán disponibles para los locales que reciben fondos de emergencia incluyen servicios legales y de contabilidad; asesoramiento y orientación inmobiliaria en negociaciones de arrendamiento; y otros servicios profesionales de planificación a largo plazo por expertos de la comunidad.
Fase 2: Financiamiento Aumentado
- Los solicitantes elegibles pueden solicitar una subvención adicional de hasta $140,000 (no incluye los fondos recibidos de la primera fase).
- Los beneficiarios de la subvención deben completar una evaluación de asistencia técnica y un Plan Estratégico de Equidad para poder solicitar más fondos durante la segunda fase.
- Los fondos se distribuirán en pagos mensuales con un máximo de $40,000 por mes.
Fecha de Apertura de Solicitud:
Viernes 11 de diciembre de 2020 a las 10:00 a.m.
Fecha de Cierre de Solicitud:
Lunes 11 de enero de 2021 a las 5:00 p.m.
Cómo Aplicar
Las pautas de solicitud y elegibilidad están disponibles en línea en www.thelongcenter.org/saveaustinvenues
Para preguntas sobre elegibilidad y asistencia con la solicitud, comuníquese con Long Center por correo electrónico a saveaustinvenues@thelongcenter.org o por teléfono al 512-457-5181.
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About the City of Austin Economic Development Department
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd or like us on Facebook @AustinEconDev and follow @AustinEconDev on Twitter.
Información sobre el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin
El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin apoya el crecimiento de los negocios, las industrias creativas y las comunidades locales. Estos programas construyen una economía equitativa y sostenible para mejorar las vidas de todos los residentes de Austin. Para aprender más sobre recursos útiles, visite www.austintexas.gov/edd o síganos en @AustinEconDev en Facebook y @AustinEconDev en Twitter.
About the Long Center for the Performing Arts
For Austinites of every background, the Long Center is the community gathering place that offers the most diverse programming and stunning views of the city, so that together, everyone can experience remarkable live arts and entertainment. The Long Center is dedicated to elevating Austin’s creative sector, serving artists across Austin, including creative organizations, musicians and performing artists, with both performance spaces and professional assistance.
Acerca del Long Center para las Artes Escénicas
Para los residentes de Austin de todos los orígenes, el Long Center es el lugar de reunión de la comunidad que ofrece la programación más diversa y las mejores vistas de la ciudad, para que juntos, todos puedan experimentar extraordinarias artes y entretenimiento en vivo. El Long Center está dedicado a elevar el sector creativo de Austin, sirviendo a artistas en todo Austin, incluidas organizaciones creativas, músicos y artistas, con espacios escénicos y asistencia profesional.
POSTED ON DECEMBER 1, 2020 BY LONG
This week features Nicolas Sanchez Castro of Superfónicos. Read on to find out what’s kept him going these last eight months, and be sure to tune into Superfónicos‘ performance featured on our new series Good Vibes Only powered by AT&T, featuring local artists safely recorded in our Rollins Studio Theatre. Streaming free, tonight at 7pm on Luck.Stream!
My name is Nicolas Sanchez Castro and I am the bass player and bandleader for Austin-based Colombian funk ambassadors, Superfónicos. I’m also involved with Wache, a collective that performs traditional music from the Carribean coast of Colombia as well as multiple reggae groups including Lakandon, Micah Shalom, and Don Chani.
For as long as I can remember, the Long Center has been a cultural hub for the Austin community, and more specifically, a magical place for my family and me. Whether it’s a birthday date with my wife to see The Avett Brothers, hanging out on the pavilion with my son for H-E-B’s birthday celebration, sunning on the lawn during Sound and Cinema, or even performing with one of my groups, the Long Center has always provided an incredible backdrop for great Austin memories. Catching the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the balcony or playing the piano in the green room before a performance, the Long Center has been cemented in my mind as one of those crucial institutions that many generations will hopefully be lucky enough to enjoy.
How Nicolas has been Keeping Sane During the Pandemic
FOCUSING ON FAMILY
As a working musician, I thrive when my calendar has so much writing in each box that I need a magnifying glass to read my tasks for the day. Going from full calendar to wide open for months left me shell-shocked, but luckily I have a wonderful support system at home and I’ve been enjoying the time with my wife, local jeweler Lindsay Sanchez, son Maximo, and our senior pets, Chino and Hula. Also patiently awaiting the arrival of baby girl Lucia in January of 2021.
JOGGING
Performing for me is part musical satisfaction, part transcendental meditation, and part workout session. Anyone that has been to a Superfónicos show knows what I’m talking about. Once performances were taken away by Covid, I filled at least two of those voids with long jogs through the Hill Country. The time alone jogging has helped with staying grounded and focused, while keeping away the pandemic weight gain.
GARDENING
Usually my work keeps me from gardening but, with a blank calendar, I took advantage and spent a bunch of time in the garden this summer. The pandemic has extended much past summer, so I’ve now moved on to Fall/Winter gardening. Growing your own food is rewarding yet frustrating, but also incredibly liberating. Teaching my son about the food cycle and seeing the wonder in his eyes when a seed starts sprouting and eventually provides us with food has been nourishing in its own way.
BUILDING A HOME STUDIO
The time at home has really motivated me to have my own space to write and record from my house. The late summer was spent designing and planning, and the building will begin in early December. This probably would have never happened if the pandemic had not hit, so silver linings are everywhere these days.
COOKING & EATING HEALTHY
With so much focus on staying healthy and not getting sick, I’ve doubled down on healthy eating. The late nights at clubs and bars can lead to too many late-night drinks and greasy street food. Eating better and not getting sick are so closely linked it is truly baffling that, especially in Covid times, people continue to eat poorly. To each their own, but I’ve been focusing on eating more of a balanced, plant-based diet.
GOOD VIBES ONLY featuring SUPERFÓNICOS
Catch Nicolas and the rest of the band for some Afro-Colombian funk and a little Caribe Soul TONIGHT at 7pm for a lush set all their own. Until then, continue to share those Good Vibes!
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 BY LONG
This week, we’re all about what we miss most about hosting events right now — YOU. So we’re turning things upside down to show how much live experiences, concerts, theatrical productions, and gatherings mean to us, while highlighting ALL the individuals that make our industry and our city what it is.
Time to RESTART the Arts Because #WeMakeEvents
Tonight’s red lights will make sure that you definitely won’t miss our building if you drive by… by design.
It’s no secret that arts & culture represents a critical part of our creative economy (and the un-creative economy, for that matter), so tonight buildings and landmarks across the nation are lit up to raise public awareness that the live events industry is on Red Alert for its very survival and to urge our civic leaders to act now.
But the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our favorite activities goes much further than our gathering spaces and our concert halls. It has also monumentally impacted the individual creatives that work within the industry — meaning the designers, technicians, programmers, stagehands, production professionals, musicians, composers, equipment shops, box office workers, and others that add whimsy to the experiences we love.
#RedAlertRESTART Long Center ring beam // lighting design by Michelle Lehman
You Didn’t Attend this #EmptyEvent
Last Friday, a host of individuals and vendors from around town came together to stage an Empty Event installation on our H-E-B Terrace as a silent, unattended reminder of the powerful emptiness we are all experiencing.
As one of several events throughout the nation created by the Texas Live Events Coalition, this team pulled back the curtain on this hard-hit industry. Let’s use our voices to gain support for the 12 million individuals that make live events happen!
Here’s the list of creators, designers, and artists that put this ghost event together… Meritage Events (Producer), Roadway Productions (Stage), Fidelis Lighting & Sound (Lighting/Visual), Big House Sound (Audio), Townsley Designs (Decor/Props), Shag Carpet Prop Rentals & Green Dot (Decor/Table Top), BoothEasy (Photobooth), Full Spectrum Ice (Ice Sculpture), Premiere Events (Rentals), American Color Labs (Banner Printing), Nikkos Worldwide (Transportation/Vehicles), Jerry Hays Photography (Photography & Drone), BoothEasy (Photography & Detail Shots), Consone Studios (Videography).
Austin Empty Event on August 28, 2020 – Event Photography by BoothEasy LLC (BoothEasy Photo Booth Company) – http://www.bootheasy.com
Why does our team do what they do?
Throughout the fall, we’ll re-introduce you to the Long Center team you already know and love with some faces that you probably haven’t seen before. Plus, who doesn’t love a behind-the-scenes look at showbiz?
So what got our team into the events & production industry, and what’s extraordinary about presenting live events in Austin, Texas? Don’t worry — we asked, and here’s a sneak peek for you.
“I have been involved in live events since childhood. I remember my first time taking the stage at a community theatre and seeing everyone backstage move in a rhythmic pattern to prepare props, actors, and scene changes. It was mesmerizing to my young eyes and from that point forward I have always found a way to be involved in creating live events. It is incredibly fulfilling to see audiences drift from their daily life to a place that brings them joy, community, and inspiration.
Austin is filled with creatives and thoughtfully engaged audiences ready to experience the various artistic mediums available throughout the city. I feel incredibly fortunate to help create those experiences at one of the many venues that call Austin home.“
— Sarah, Senior Manager of Event Services
“I’ve always had interest in live entertainment. Growing up my options were gospel choirs and school plays — which only made me want more. As an adult, I have had the opportunity to experience a wide range of live arts events that have given me a true appreciation for “live entertainment.”
Austin has been known as a place that people of different backgrounds, but similar interests could gather to enjoy the talents of others. This, plus the variety of live arts events offered, makes Austin extraordinary.“
— Debra, House Manager
Stay tuned…we’re working on some cool & safe things for the fall-ish months!
POSTED ON AUGUST 25, 2020 BY LONG
This week’s Mid-Week Intermission features our friend Jackie Nirenberg from Capital Metro. Jackie leads community engagement for Project Connect, CapMetro’s new proposal for Austin transit. Find out more about Jackie’s favorite memories from attending events at the Long Center and her hobbies once she’s off the clock.
Hi everyone!
I’m Jackie Nirenberg, Community Engagement Manager for Capital Metro. In my five years at CapMetro, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with the Long Center in so many ways. We’ve held meetings in the beautiful Kodosky Lounge, helped students take advantage of the amazing programming the Long Center offers, and enjoyed making bubbles with Austin families at Bubblepalooza each year.
I’m Jackie, and this $3 garage sale painting has been my official backdrop for zillions of Zoom meetings.
(I also happen to live right around the corner from the Long Center, so it’s a featured part of my daily life.)
Something I’ve missed greatly this summer is gathering on the Long Center lawn with hundreds of my fellow community members to watch the Austin Symphony play on Sunday evenings. The gorgeous view of both the glittering skyline and the kids doing their best interpretive dancing to the music really captures what I love so much about this city. Thanks, Long Center, for being such an important part of community life!
Nice to have a window in my home office!
STAY RESILIENT
At the beginning of our long pandemic shutdown, CapMetro created this amazing tribute to our wonderful city. I still love it!
ADD THIS TO YOUR READING LIST
Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes, but this year, I’ve been reading more than ever. One of my favorite recent reads is the Beekeeper of Aleppo, a story of the plight of Syrian refugees. It is a painful but beautifully written story about what it means to lose everything.
My dining table has become my home office. Our cat Jude keeps me company under the table. 
EXPAND YOUR WATCHLIST
I think the film 13th should be required viewing for all Americans. It’s an insightful look at the oppression the Black community in America has continued to live with since the abolition of slavery. Astounding.
TEST YOUR FLEXIBILITY
Austin’s own Adriene Mishler’s series of online yoga classes has saved my sanity and my flexibility during the pandemic. Love her!
BE INFORMED
KUT has helped me understand and sort through the overwhelming amount of news stories coming at us in 2020. We’re so lucky to have this trusted source of information in our community!
I’ve never been into gardening (have always had a “black thumb”). But staying home has inspired me to start a balcony garden. This is my little fig tree!
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST
Every day we get closer to hanging out again! Sign up for our email updates, and we’ll make sure you’re getting the stories, alerts, and community updates you’ve been looking for.
POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2020 BY LONG
For months now (almost 6 by our count?) we’ve had health & safety top of mind, plus aaalllll the other parts of our lives that have made this pause in Austin’s Summer a big bummer. But in green spaces across town, P A R K S P A C E has arrived to provide a visual stay-safe guide while venturing outdoors, including at the Long Center!
If you’ve taken your dog to Republic Square or gone out to Roy Guerrero Park recently, you’ve probably seen giant, colorful (eco-friendly!) squares in the grass and enjoyed your own plot of safe space for a time.
The vibrant and practical installations, each inspired by the topography and character of each site with a color story & design based on a Texas wildflower, are a partnership between the Austin Foundation for Architecture, AIA Austin, and Gensler intended to help visualize social distancing guideline’s in Austin’s beloved green spaces.
The Long Center Lawn is the latest addition to this intersection of art, public space, and community with three sets of coneflower-inspired squares.
When you bring your picnic or go out to catch some stars, be sure to share and tag 
#parkspaceatx #austinfdnforarchitecture #aiaaustin #austincityparks
And #longcenter of course!
As always, please remember that P A R K S P A C E is here to help, but don’t be square — wear your masks and keep your social distance.
Where can I enjoy the other P A R K S P A C E installations?
Share the love!
Zilker Park
Prickly Pear Cactus
Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park
Lantana
Republic Square
Indian Blanket
Pease Park
Bluebonnet
About the Coneflower
Did you know…?
The genus name of purple coneflower comes from the Greek word echino, meaning hedgehog, and refers to its spiny brown central cone.
Native Americans discovered healing properties of the coneflowers by observing wild animals. They noticed that wounded elks would recuperate after consuming coneflowers.
Coneflowers are initially odorless. After a successful pollination however, coneflowers produce a sweet, vanilla-like scent.
Looking for more? Check out Long Story Short
Tune in on the social media channel of your choice Friday, August 28 for our Long Story Short episode featuring Heath Riddles-Sanchez, CEO of Pease Park Conservancy and our own former Director of Marketing at the LC, and Gerardo Gandy, Exhibitions Committee Chair for the Austin Foundation for Architecture and creative behind the P A R K S P A C E installations.
Dive in to the process of bringing this experience to life, the links between our parks and our people, and what to look out for in the future.
WE MISS SEEING YOU
Our lawn and terrace are always open for you to stroll by and get some fresh air. Share and tag us @longcenter #longcenter so we can remember what Austin looks like!
We know it’s not fun right now, but we also know all of you want to keep your neighbors safe. Please wear a mask and maintain social distance while lounging on our lawn.
All images courtesy of Gensler
Mid-Week Intermission Staff Edition: Amber Wadey
POSTED ON AUGUST 18, 2020 BY LONG
For this edition of Mid-Week Intermission, we went straight to Amber Wadey, as our Director of People & Culture. Amber has been an integral part of making sure our team stays motivated while working from home, whether it’s organizing group workouts or encouraging our pet pictures in the LC slack channel — you’ll always find Amber ready to tackle whatever problem you throw her way.
Hello! I’m Amber Wadey, Director of People & Culture at the Long Center. I’m newer to the team and have now spent more time working from home than I spent in the office (!!!). The culture of our organization has always revolved around community events on campus and shows on stage, so shifting many employees to work from home has been a challenge. But, keeping our team safe and productive is vital as we work to ensure that Austin’s art and music scene continue to thrive. And it’s been a little fun, too.
This is Amber
KIDDING AROUND
I miss my colleagues and the beautiful view from the building, but my family has been loving our days at home together. I have two kids and our lives seemed so hectic before — always rushing out the door to school or camp or to a workout or after-school program. I’ve been incredibly impressed with how each of these aspects of our lives has pivoted to a virtual format.
My kids had a great time this summer learning improv, acting, filmmaking, stage combat, and monster make-up online with kidsActing Studio. They logged in to events put on by our local library, Mad Science, and even tried out a week of Camp Gladiator’s virtual kid’s camp!
KEEPING FIT
I’ve also been working out with Camp Gladiator for years and wasn’t sure how I’d feel about zoom workouts. Now, having logged over 80 workouts from my garage since March, I am hooked. We typically host CG on the H-E-B Terrace at the Long Center, and last week our trainer lead a virtual workout for our whole team. If you’re still looking for your quarantine workout routine, you should give them a try!
VIRTUAL 5Ks
I thought it would be impossible for running clubs and events to make the shift online, but virtual 5ks have kept me motivated to run (at least a little bit) through the hot Texas summer. I’ve been participating in the Cap 10k, Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run, and Daisy 5k for years, and I’m not about to stop now. It’s been so important for my mental health to stay active, connected, and to continue to support local organizations like the Trail Foundation and Marathon Kids, even while we can’t meet up in person.
WAITING FOR YOU!
I just painted myself to be a pretty active person, but the truth is, right now I spend most of my days sitting at my computer, supporting the Long Center team while streaming KUTX. We’ve been cooking and baking together every day, and things are about to get hectic again with a full schedule of online school. Just about every aspect of our lives and community have shifted to interactive content, classes, and live performances streamed right into the comfort and safety of our homes. As rewarding as it’s been to find new ways to deliver and enjoy programming, we are eager to welcome you back to the Long Center as soon as it’s possible to do so. Until then, I hope to see you on the lawn or online soon!
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST
Every day we get closer to hanging out again! Sign up for our email updates, and we’ll make sure you’re getting the stories, alerts, and community updates you’ve been looking for.
POSTED ON AUGUST 13, 2020 BY LONG
It’s summertime, and while we’re all home making our communities safer, we’re definitely missing the bustle of outdoor and indoor activity that makes summer at the Long Center a not-to-be-missed Austin activity. We’re so used to hosting outdoor movies for thousands or student-led musical theatre during these months, that we got to thinking… how ARE Austinites staying connected right now? So we turned to our friends at Austin Classical Guitar!
Who is Austin Classical Guitar?
If you haven’t attended one of their annual shows in Dell Hall, you’ve not only missed out on top-notch talent on stage, but also an equally good time out on the H-E-B Terrace with tapas, dancing, and the talent of ACG’s students lighting up the ring beam.
But they also do so much more.
In this edition of Long Story Short, we caught up with Joe Williams (Artistic Director) and Lennox Kolics (intern & former ACG student) to answer this question — What makes an ensemble an ensemble when you can’t be together?
Watch the Episode
Follow along will all of Austin Classical Guitar’s exciting streaming projects through Facebook, and check out those you might have missed.
WHAT TO CHECK OUT NEXT
MALAGUEÑA & THE SOLACE PROJECT
Watch the full videos of Austin Classical Guitar’s Malaguena and The Solace Project, plus, learn the hopeful methodology behind these two “video portraits” that are keeping ACG’s community together.
SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN: CYBERSTOCK
This year, Summer Stock Austin comes to you with CyberStock: A Teenager’s Guide to Surviving the World. Catch the full stream of this new digital art form on August 16th at 7:30pm!
GET IN ON THIS
Long Center Members are invited to be a part of the Long Story Short recording process and ask questions during the interview! If you want to a part of the fun, make sure to learn more about Membership and the community impact that it supports.
POSTED ON AUGUST 11, 2020 BY LONG
This week’s Mid-Week Intermission features our friend Eugenia Vela from BookPeople. If you’ve ever taken your kiddo to a BookPeople event, chances are you’ve seen Eugenia in action. Learn more about her work, what she’s listening to while working from home, what she’s reading (obviously), and best of all, her dog Chandler.
Hey, folks!
My name is Eugenia Vela. In the Before times, you probably saw me at BookPeople or one of our many offsite events around town, introducing bestselling authors to thousands of screaming 8-year-olds. Just kidding. That has only happened a couple of times. But I do work at BookPeople, the largest independent bookstore in Texas, located in downtown Austin.
I specialize in kids’ events and marketing, which keeps my life interesting. As we’ve pivoted from business model to business model over the past five months, our community has been incredibly supportive by buying books, gift cards, and gift bundles, supporting the café, ordering cards through our new greeting card program, donating books through our partnership with the Austin Council of PTAs, attending author events, and so much more. Austin has an amazing community of readers!
I hope after this, folks remember how simple it is to support independent bookstores, both in person and online — and that many of us ship, even worldwide. Austin alone has many great indies like BookPeople, BookWoman, Black Pearl Books, Malvern, and more.
The Long Center is a fantastic partner to BookPeople when hosting big-name authors like Neil Patrick Harris or David Sedaris. But I’ve also been to the Long Center many times as a guest. I spent my 30th birthday sweating on the great lawn watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with about 2000 other people. Oh, the Before times!
A few things that keep me sane these days: books, movies, music, and food. Sounds pretty basic, but don’t overestimate the power of a good meal, a great song or book, and sitting in a drive-in theater in 95-degree weather. It’s pretty great, actually. Here are some favorites — oh, and I can’t forget my dog Chandler. No offense to my husband, but the best part of WFH are Chandler cuddles.
EUGENIA’S RECS FOR TACOS, BOOKS & VINYL (AND BATMAN)
EATING // CON MADRE KITCHEN
Nothing like Sunday mornings with Con Madre’s chorizo, egg, and cheese on flour with green salsa. It’s my favorite breakfast taco in town.
WATCHING // THE BLUE STARLITE DRIVE-IN
The Blue Starlite is one of my favorite places in Austin, and they’ve proven to be a fantastic place to escape to during quarantine. If you’re not familiar with the Starlite, check ’em out — especially if you need a change of pace from your living room couch. I watched Tim Burton’s Batman there a couple of weeks ago (Michael Keaton, the best Batman).
LISTENING // END OF AN EAR
I admit I’ve been doing too much vinyl shopping during quarantine, but I’m spending so much time at home that I’m not as lazy about flipping the record. Shouts to the wonderful, helpful folks at End of an Ear who make the curbside pickup process super easy. Recent purchases include Leon Bridges & Khruangbin’s Texas Sun, Townes Van Zandt Live at the Old Quarter, and Folk Singer by Muddy Waters.
READING // PUNCHING THE AIR by Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam
One of the perks of working at a bookstore is getting advanced copies of books! Recently, I read an amazing book that releases September 1st: Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five. It tells the story of 16-year-old Amal, who is wrongfully incarcerated. Readers dive deep into his story, learning through a series of flashbacks what really happened that day. We are haunted by the “what ifs,” by the failures of the educators who were supposed to guide, support, and uplift him, and the devastating reality of the school-to-prison pipeline. Zoboi and Salaam also remind us of the impact of expression through poetry and art, with writing that absolutely SOARS. I read it about a month ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it! I highly encourage pre-ordering it — from an indie bookstore, of course.
Hope you’re keeping your reading list interesting — see you next time!
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POSTED ON JULY 28, 2020 BY LONG
For this edition of Mid-Week Intermission, we went straight to Sarah Spivey, our on-the-ground expert on everything event-related and our daily dose of fresh air. Quick with a joke, Sarah’s your pal for what’s underground in the visual arts scene so we asked her to share what’s been keeping her creative.
Hello fellow humans!
I’m Sarah Spivey. You’ve probably seen me walking through a lobby or on the H-E-B Terrace during an event at the Long Center. I am fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of Event Coordinators, House Managers, and Volunteers who love the Long Center and work hard to ensure that our guests and clients have a memorable experience.
A major part of my work prior to the pandemic included performance and event support that usually fell outside of regular office hours. Having a predictable schedule was an adjustment, but I am getting used to the new routine while finding and refining ways to root and flourish. Slowing down has been incredibly insightful to my process of moving through each day.
SARAH’S NEW-ISH ROUTINE
PLANTING
The 30+ house plants that I care for require a bit more attention during the summer months. It’s been a treat working from home and having time to dust leaves, check water levels, propagate, and watch new growth!
My favorite local shop is East Austin Succulents. Their plants and staff are top notch, and they’re currently helping customers keep distance by offering curbside pickup! If cut flowers are more your thing, I highly recommend The Flower Social for a virtual flower arranging workshop.
LISTENING
When I’m not listening to KUTX, WWOZ, or KMFA, my ears tune into whatever new or new-to-me music I can find. A few albums I’m enjoying this moment are Mordechai by Khruangbin, The Shadows and the Light by Quin Kirchner, We Have Amnesia Sometimes by Yo La Tengo, and Film of Life by Tony Allen.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another way my ears engage — podcasts. I really enjoy the stories from the guys at Last Podcast on the Left, the ways musicians break down their work on Song Exploder, and hearing female artist views on Recording Artists.
READING
Now that we’ve covered what my ears have been up to, my eyes have been eagerly grazing the pages of Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit, as well as Maira Kalman’s The Principles of Uncertainty. I found these great titles at two of my favorite local bookstores, South Congress Books and BookPeople.
CREATING
I decided at the beginning of isolation to make the most of my free time by creating new things. On my kitchen table currently resides a sculpture to glaze, a cup of pens to draw, a neighboring stack of notebooks, rolls of film to develop, and Sculpey.
I enjoy moving between mediums but have found calm in doodling through my thoughts. I’m joining Anthony Maddaloni at Eastside Silver Print for a six-week workshop focused on alternate photo printmaking processes. I’m excited to try my hand at cyanotype printmaking!
My go-to shops for creative supplies and services (in case you’re looking to pick up some new things, too) are Jerry’s Artarama, Armadillo Clay & Supplies, and Holland Photo Imaging. If you want to see what I’m up to, you can also follow along my creative journey @floatingupsidedown on Instagram.
Though I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to slow down a bit, I’m very excited to get back into the swing of things (safely). Be well and hope to see you soon!
Thanks for exploring Sarah’s desk with us. See you next time!
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POSTED ON JULY 23, 2020 BY LONG
You probably know Graham Reynolds — chances are, he headlined the last artsy performance you attended before you went into hibernation. Or, perhaps you’re a big fan of Linklater (like Where’d You Go, Bernadette) or explored his original silent & classic film scores (The Lodger is up next). In Austin, you really can’t miss him.
Enter Long Story Short, our series of interviews with Austin’s creative voices from around the neighborhood. This time, we caught up with Graham Reynolds to pick his brain after last month’s super cool listening party for “GRIMM,” his latest album.
(Don’t worry — If you missed it, you can still catch GRIMM here.)
You may have caught the premiere of Grimm Tales in Dell Hall with Ballet Austin last year, but this time Graham went behind the music and composition process to talk about the art of Natalie Frank and the inspiration behind the score. Our Long Center Members got to ask him a few questions, too.
Watch on to hear all about it plus how Graham has been spending his non-performing time — listening to the scores of Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker, Chernobyl), voraciously searching for new artists to support, and of course, composing.
WHAT TO CHECK OUT NEXT
AUSTIN SOUNDWAVES
Home to the Draylen Mason Fellows Program, Austin Soundwaves makes music learning accessible and equitable for students in Austin and beyond. Check out what they’ve been up to recently, especially this cover of Black Violin’s “Brandenburg.”
DIP YOUR TOES INTO THE THEATRE SCENE
Our own Ronan Melomo clued us in to these super cool theatre-centric yet un-stuffy opportunities to scratch that classical itch. Catch him reading some Greek tragedy, too.
GET IN ON THIS
Long Center Members are invited to be a part of the recording process and ask questions during the Long Story Short interview! If you want to a part of the fun, make sure to learn more about Membership and and the community impact that it supports.
POSTED ON JULY 21, 2020 BY LONG
Introducing Ronan, our Education & Outreach Coordinator and aspiring actor. If you have a student participating in any of the Long Center education programs, chances are you’ve met Ronan and know what a lovely, caring person he is.
Plus, he has an impeccable sense of style we all wish we could pull off, and is the very best Pokémon trainer (like no one ever was).
Hello! This is Ronan Melomo with the Education & Outreach department at the Long Center.
While summer programming is on hold for us, we’re working hard to make sure the Long Center’s education programs are stronger than ever to support the students and teachers moving into this school year! I’m excited for the innovative ways people are bringing arts education to students right now.
In efforts to stay sane I’ve turned to teaching myself how to make music, cramming as many free YouTube tutorials I can find on music theory, guitar, and piano, and music editing software. I’ve also been into the traditional summer activities like fishing, swimming, and barbecuing — all in the virtual reality of Animal Crossing New Horizons, of course.
HERE’S WHAT KEEPS ME MOVING AND GROOVING THESE DAYS
(aka a shameless plug)
Staying creative, I’ve been devising a radio play with a fantastic team of theatre artists this summer. We’ve just finalized the script and are heading into the rehearsal and recording process.
Here’s a taste:
The Heartland Theatre Collective presents Passage, a new radio play about a team of astronauts exploring love, loss, and faith at the precipice of a black hole. After their mission goes horribly wrong, they must confront the darkest parts of themselves as they enter a dangerous and unknown part of space. Passage is currently being devised and recorded by a team of award-winning, emerging artists with the critically-acclaimed new company, the Heartland Theatre Collective. It will be available to stream at the end of August.
“Amendment: the making of american myth or the slow sipping of a peacock tea” is written & performed by Taji Senior and directed by Si Mon’ Emmett. There will be a livestream August 21st, thanks to Ground Floor Theatre and DRIVE-IN PERFORMANCES (yes, live theatre, I know, I’m losing my mind I’m so excited) August 22-23 at the Rogge Ranch house (SVT’s new home).
Follow @salvagevanguard on Instagram to stay tuned!
Really, I am!
Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies and a UK theatre company, Out of Chaos Theatre, are working together to read through the complete canon of Greek Theatre in 2020. They take place every Wednesday online at 2pm CST and many times feature local Austin actors.
(Catch me reading Hermes in the “Prometheus Bound” episode. If you’re a nerd for theatre, ancient Greece, or listening to British people read big words out loud, this is definitely for you.)
Shakespeare at Winedale, a beloved UT English program with a 50-year tenure (and also where I met my partner of 4 years playing Romeo & Juliet in a barn), is hosting weekly happy hours each Friday at 4:30pm CST. Conversations mostly center around Civil Rights, Social Justice, Race, Academics, and more in the context of Shakespeare’s work and how we view it today.
This program is led by some really incredible academics and thinkers and is a great way to wrap up the work week & kick off the weekend!
Strong Texas women making Strong Texas music. What more is there to say? Stream “Gaslighter,” y’all!
That’s all from this episode of Ronan’s Masterpiece Theatre!
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Every day we get closer to hanging out again! Sign up for our email updates, and we’ll make sure you’re getting the stories, alerts, and community updates you’ve been looking for.
