There’s SO much music in Austin!
Are you burnt out by all of the events you attended as SXSW comes to a close for 2015? Or did you avoid the madness at all costs because it just seemed too daunting with little people to keep tabs on?
I’ll admit it, I’m part of the second camp again this year… I get so into the music that I lose track of the kids, OR I’m so focused on the kids that I can barely appreciate the music. We attended just two “South By” event this year, both targeted at the mini-Austinites (do I still get my “Good Austin Mom” medal?)
Hey, weren’t we JUST singing about teddy bear picnics?!?
The first was Thursday’s free Do512 Family Picnic at Midway Food Park off of 360. I was a little stressed about the parking situation — there was a string of cars about a mile long parked on the highway’s steeply banked shoulder all the way down 360. (Would they ticket? Would they tow? Would my minivan tip over and roll into the ditch? Would I have to *live* on 360 until after rush hour ended?) But we got to see the Groundwork Music Orchestra, some ice cream, saw the world musicians The Flying Balalaika Brothers and their amazing gigantic triangular bass, and were wowed by the magic of Black Bert!
We also checked out the Rock and Chalk event at the Domain — SUCH a cool new performance space! Ralph’s World, Elizabeth McQueen, KooKoo Kangaroo, and perennial Austin favorite Joe McDermott were there. All the kids in attendance decorated the sidewalks with chalk ALL the way around the stage, and well down the mall for an interactive party experience. The event was hosted by LiveMom.com, and Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child who will be hosting a weekly radio show on KUTX beginning in May.
New performance lawn in the Domain, near the iPic!
If you missed it entirely, keep reading — more opportunities to hear live music in family-friendly settings are right around the corner!
The one I’m currently excited about is HONK!TX, happening next weekend! March 27th, 28th, & 29th!
Boss Street Brass Band — high energy, original songs, and loads of talent. You do NOT want to miss them!
HONK! is a festival of community street bands who travel from all over the country to converge on a city for a weekend of free (OUTDOOR, no tickets required!) revelry. They’re taking over our parks, coffee shops, parading through the streets — and even making an appearance at the brand new Thinkery!
Minor Mishap Marching Band, photo by Stephen Pruitt, fluxionphotography.com
Here’s the current lineup from their webpage:
Thursday, March 26th – Brass Band Blitz Benefit! – Red 7 ($10, 7:30PM-2AM)
The Brass Band Blitz Benefit is back! This benefit is for the traveling HONK!TX bands playing at Red 7. Your admission goes directly to the visiting bands that charged for this showcase event that promises to blow your mind. $10 at door – 6 bands play! RSVP here
Friday, March 27th – Underserved Community Shows (12PM-5PM)
We are proud to once again partner with Austin’s community organizations to provide free music to our underserved communities. This year’s community shows will take place at Frontsteps / ARCH, Boys & Girls Clubs of Austin, Rosedale School, the Thinkery, and the VSA (Program for Arts & Disabilities) Art in the Park Festival.
Friday, March 27th – On SoCo (6PM-10PM)
| Time | Jo’s Coffee | Snack Bar | St Vincent de Paul |
| 6:00 – 6:35 | LoveBomb Go-Go | Big Wy’s Brass Band | March Madness Marching Band |
| 6:35 – 7:10 | Ten Man Brass Band | Maracatu Texas | |
| 7:10 – 7:45 | Dead Music Capital Band | Black Sheep Ensemble | Interrobang |
| 7:45 – 8:20 | Environmental Encroachment | Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour | BateBunda |
| 8:20 – 8:55 | The Party Band | Boss Street Brass Band | Yes Ma’am Brass Band |
| 8:55 – 9:30 | Bramaya | Perhaps Contraption | Chaotic Noise Marching Corps |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Minor Mishap Marching Band | Emperor Norton’s Stationary MB |
Saturday, March 28th – In Hyde Park! (11:30AM-8PM)
Adams/Hemphill Parks Neighborhood, near 29th and Fruth St.
Once again we return to the Adams and Hemphill Parks where bands will be performing non-stop in performance spaces around the area. The vast majority of HONK!TX bands will be playing twice throughout the day.
Sunday, March 29th – East Austin Parade (Rolls at 12PM)
Band Revue follows immediately (~1:30PM)
Pan-Am Park, Chicon St at 3rd
We’re kicking off our annual parade from Pan-American Park in East Austin at 12 noon sharp! The route will see bands, community groups, and plenty of spectacle marching their musical way through East Austin and returning to Pan-Am Park for our annual all-band revue. The all-band blowout revue will give each band 8 minutes to strut their stuff while you shake your booty!
The ladies of the Yes Ma’am Brass Band
I highly recommend Sunday’s parade. Plenty of parking around the perimeter, and a revue of all the bands in a single location at the finale — with a great play-scape on site! Bring a blanket and some snacks, and you’re good to go!
Dead Music Capital Band — a number of my friends and band-mates are in this group. I assure you they’re harmless, but proceed with caution because they might be a little scary for your littles. Or, as evidenced by MY family, your kid might decide after an impromptu march in their parade, to to BE a zombie. With a sharpie. Yes, he got nekkid. Yes, the sharpie was *everywhere.* Even there.
Hope to see you all there!
Ms. Kat's Music & Movement 
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