Hanging with Hooligans

Elijah Wood's new project "Hooligans" is a far cry from the loveable Hobbit role he is constantly reminded of. His portrayal of an innocent corrupted by a gang of soccer hooligans is sometimes painful to watch- the stark cinematography and violent nature is both startling and riveting.
The afterparty was a blast, as Elijah took to the turntables (and Ipod) to spin some tunes and had the dance floor packed. I had a great time hanging out upstairs on the patio with new and old friends alike, including Chris Masterson of Malcolm in the Middle. He is in a movie called "Waterborne", which features a waterborne disease outbreak. Chris was so excited when I gave him my business card, and he ran around to show the rest of his film crew that he had met a real drinking water specialist! I picked up a couple bottles of the promo bottled water, which features the biohazard symbol on the label.

I had planned on seeing "Unleashed" at the Alamo Downtown at midnight, but scrapped those plans after meeting Charles Ferraro of gat5 Collective. Always refreshing to meet someone likeminded, who enjoys bringing together people of varied backgrounds and using their resources. I helped him pass out invitations to their party tonight, and then we headed down to the Wilson Brothers private party. Crowded house, and free Dos Equis. Tried to convince Ray Angelic to hit Sam's BBQ for late night grub, but he was dead set on the sausage cart because it was close and quick- NOT BEST WURST which really is the best!

After the bar closed, Charles and I headed to the American Spirits Hospitality Suite for late night cocktails- very smoky, to say the least! Visited with Eric a little, who is very excited about getting to introduce the Gourds at the bash on Monday night. He told me that he often tells the story how I hooked him up with the Gourds three years ago, backstage at Town Lake. Glad to know they stayed connected!

Finally threw in the towel at 4am, and my friend Brian, Transpo Crew Chief, escorted me back to my vehicle.

Opening Night of Film Festival

What a blast! In preparation for the Wilson Brothers new film, the Wendell Baker Story, I arrived several hours early to the Paramount to set up lines, position crew, and get the last minute details. Everything went smoothly, and I assisted some "extra special" people. Highlight was making Harry Dean Stanton smile and laugh, when he couldn't decide which of letter cookie to take out of a box- "X" because it was smaller, or "S" because it was his name? I said, "Take them both, so you'll have a snack for later!". He flashed me the most disarming smile, and laughed heartily. Good thing- he was a little disgruntled because Seymour Cassel wouldn't share his donut with him.

Hit the Film Opening Party at Buffalo Billiard's, and spent much of my time with the lovely date of one of the executive producers of WBS. Fun gal, I asked what she did and she said, "sell drugs". Oh, really?
Turns out she works for a major pharmaceutical company. Quite the joker!

T Minus....

SXSW has unofficially started, for those working the front lines and behind the scenes. Tonight was the first major work event, as hundreds of volunteers stuffed the bags that film, interactive, and music registrants will receive with their badges at registration.
Followed up with a Special Venues Crew Meeting, Crew Chief PowWow, and then a special gathering of Crew Chiefs and Theatre Managers for beer and grub...Still wound up working some as we ironed out last minute details.
So much for a full night of rest, have one more day at my full-time job before the opening night of the film festival, with the Wilson Brothers premiere at the Paramount. Wish us luck as we welcome registrants, celebrities, and media to SXSW 2005!

Where to Get a Good...

Burger downtown? Casino El Camino, on 6th Street, a dark bar with a kitchen that produces some of the best sandwiches around. Vegetarians will love the Blackjack Sandwich, with grilled eggplant. Just be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for the food during busy times.

BBQ? I prefer Stubb's over Iron Works hands down. Better quality, more generous portions, and non-standard tasty side dishes. Located on Red River at 8th Street. Venture across I-35 and up a few blocks to Sam's BBQ for late night tasty no-nonsense eating.

Cup of Coffee or Latte? Pass up the Starbucks on Congress and go to Little City, a great local coffee shop on the west side of Congress between 9th and 10th Street.

Migas? Las Manitas on Congress between 2nd and 3rd serves traditional Tex-Mex and Central American dishes. Of course, just the other side of I-35 is a plethora of Eastside Mexican restaurants.

A Couple of SXSW Films I'd Like to see

Palindromes
Todd Solondz, who directed this, also did Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness. He has a rare talent for the depressingly authentic, a little too close to the nerve at times.

Unleashed
This cross-genre film has a lot of power within it, and shows a lot of promise to be this year's "Fight Club". Jet Li stars, with Bob Hoskins and Morgan Freeman in supporting roles. The screenplay was written by Luc Besson (Fifth Element, La Femme Nikita) and Robert Mark Kamen (Fifth Element). Action choreography by one of the best in the industry, Woo-ping Yuen (Kill Bill and Matrix series).

Burn, Baby, Burn!

Nuclear Taco Night
Brush Square Park
6:00pm - 8:00pm

A celebration of masochistic cuisine. Join a loose confederation of geeks to share the tears of joy that only come from experiencing Austin's newfound underground tradition: nuclear tacos. Not for the weak of stomach or heart, these munchies are fiery bliss. Free adult beverages to ease the pain. Brush Square Park is the tented area just west of the Hilton, at 4th and Neches.

Music from Hilary York and The Fighting Brothers McCarthy

To Do List for SXSW

Won't see "my ordinary life" for twelve days after Thursday, so here's what I must do ASAP:
Take vitamins
Wash laundry
Pay my bills
Buy more rechargeable batteries for digital camera
Water my cats
Feed my plants (Or is that feed the cats, water the plants?)
Take more vitamins
Pickup SXSW cell phone
Create Special Venues Crew Itinerary
Distribute final Special Venues Crew Itinerary to appropriate staff
Change cellphone message to reflect SXSW phone number
Check Ical one last time for hotspots

Now everyone, repeat after me once again, the SXSW mantra-
"Sleep is the ENEMY!"

Geek out!

There's no need to rehash the plethora of information from the SXSW website, but I will certainly point out some of my favorites.

Here's some geeky tools offered this year to help folks organize their SXSWeek. I especially like the usefulness of the iCal, although the formatting and printing doesn't work to well with my Winders.

I have also used the PDA schedule in the past, by beaming at the Info booths in the Austin Convention Center. Kind of defeats the purpose of creating an iCal, but by the time the PDA schedule hits I will have a firm idea of who and what I want to see when I am not working.

Why I am here

I have enjoyed SXSW for almost a decade now, first as a festival goer, and then later as a volunteer. Volunteering has firmly enmeshed me into the energy behind and within the festival in so many ways.

Every year, I meet so many people who ask, "Where can I get good...BBQ? Mexican food? Burgers?", and they mention some place I've tried once and never returned too. Come on, let's face it- any Austinites out there who would REALLY send someone all the way to Matt's El Rancho?

Since I have been referred to so many times as an "Austin Ambassador", by visiting filmmakers, musicians, and festival registrants, I am finally taking the plunge and putting it all down here.

I will be sharing MY recommendations- please note that I am NOT receiving any compensation from any establishments you see listed here. Of course, please feel free to tell the management that you found out about it here, and YOU might just benefit. I will post of any opportunities that I hear of. I just want to share some of what Austin has to offer that might be a little off the beaten path.

Note that this is MY blog, and is not meant to detract from SXSW's proprietary content. Any non-SXSW events I may share will be those that are not in direct competition with the SXSW festival. This is out of respect to everyone who is working so hard night and day to make this week one to remember!

Thanks for stopping by!