Friday, March 7, 2008

The Stars at night are big and bright

...deep in the heart of Texas, and musics and movie stars are coming together this week for the annual rite of Austin Spring. SXSW.

Austin seems to heat things up and I 'm not just talking about the man. Austin Texas has been on the scene stirring things up in the music and movie industry for years. South by Southwest (SXSW) started in 1987 as a way to connect this what happening in this central Texas city to the rest of the world.

There is Texas, and then there's Austin.

It is it's own place unlike any other in Lone Star State. Austin is mix of influences, experiences and outlooks, meshing and blending into something totally unique. From the influences of the UT community, the role of being the capital of Texas and a long history of a party town, ( heck, General Custer's troops enjoyed their party spirit after the Civil War in the area that is now around 4th and 6th street) this cosmopolitan city deep in the heart of Texas has become an influence in developinIg and discovering new talent in both music and movies. And SXSW has been a huge part of that.

White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen, Wolfmother, The Hives, The Strokes, and even the Flaming Lips have all had shows at SXSW that propelled them into music stardom.

In 1994 SXSW added film to the music and created a one two punch cultivating local talents and showcasing national and international films at the same time. This year the film line up has over 250 films with 64 having their world premiere and representing a world of extremes.

Some of the high profile movies this year include: Kimberly Peirce’s Stop-Loss (with Ryan Phillipe), Nicholas Stoller’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Martin Scorsese’s Shine A Light (Rolling Stones movie), Grant Gee's Joy Division, Aaron Rose & Joshua Leonard’s Beautiful Losers, Morgan Spurlock’s Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?, Julian Schnabel's Lou Reed's Berlin and the festival’s Closing Night Film, Stephen Walker’s documentary Young@Heart. (Senior's choir covering some of the rock, rap, and classics. --and there not high school seniors we're talking about).

It shows that the arty vibe of the city of Austin, an undoubtedly some of SXSW influenced and shaped Austin, to the funky approach to life and acting, how could it not. While you think this is all about Austin, think again, this year Jake has a more than just a Nichol's worth of interested in this year's SXSW. Jake is connected to the documentary piece Crawford, a look at President George W. Bush and the effect of him moving to small town Crawford TX. Jake sits on the advisory board with fellow Vineyarder's Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.

SXSW has become a major player in the entertainment scene as well as bringing not only exposure to this Texas center of live music and thriving community, but over $43 million in revenue to the city last year.

There is so much that is going on at SXSW you have to check it out for yourself.

SXSW

SXSW Insider's Guide

62 comments:

Blue Velvet said...

Great post, special! SXSW sounds like Austin’s (Nichols) dream event. I can’t imagine that he won’t be there for the whole week. The upcoming week should be very interesting as far as photos and sightings go. If Jake is also at SXSW, why wouldn’t there be some photos and sightings of them together if they are “just friends”? I can’t wait to see how this week plays out.

Anonymous said...

Hey! Another Jake sight posted on this same subject(SXSW/the documentary Crawford and the possibility of Jake attending along with Chris) on Tuesday! What a coincidence, not.

Adding some pics and a history of the event doesn't take away from the fact that it was posted elsewhere, I think there was some critical comments when this blog posted about Jake and Chris visiting Austin last year in regards to this documentary and the fact that it was posted a bit after a similar post went up on WDW.

No biggie, but just wanted to point out that you are doing the same thing, something your "regulars" wouldn't do.

Anonymous said...

Austin sounds like a fun place to visit. And with SXSW following so closely on the heels of the NY Reeke blitz, I wonder if some of it was advance damage control in case anything interesting leaks out.

Anonymous said...

That should be "another blog posted" not this blog, this blog complained.

Anonymous said...

Blog troll,

your memory and dedication is amazing! lol

Anonymous said...

Yes, it is amazing isn't it???
BTW, why did WDW drop OMG from their links?

You shouldn't be critical of others if you also engage in the same behavior.

Blue Velvet said...

Interesting thought about damage control, Destiny.

For anyone interested, I found a letter that Jim Beaver (Vietnam Joe in JFC) wrote in response to criticism that David Milch had received regarding the cancellation of Deadwood and the production of JFC in its place. He says some very interesting things about David Milch and working for David. It makes me hope that Austin is lucky enough to work with him again on his next project.

This is one of my favorites lines from Jim Beaver: "I'm hoping David retreads me in his cop show, if it gets made. I would work for him for the rest of my life if he let me."

Anonymous said...

Blog troll,

We do as we please and don't care what trolls think about it - got that?

Special K said...

I had always intended posting something on SXSW today, since today is the day the Festival starts.

It was not my intention to copy any other blog. Sometimes things do overlap because of similar interests.

Of course here at OMG we put own on twist on things with a shout out of big love to our favorite Austinite. And music from one of Austin's (TX)hot bands.

Anonymous said...

SITE = Website

SIGHT = something you see with you eyes

Just a little FYI to Gyllenbabble's Chica who gives herself away with that mistake every time.

Anonymous said...

Chica is not a woman. He's a man masquerading as a woman. He also goes by the names Jack Thomas, Broadwing, C. Gibson, Mario's Fat Ass, Hedda, and Lana Turner's Sweater, among others.

Blue Velvet said...

There’s always going to be overlap between the Jake and Austin sites. When something happens or when there are new photos, all the sites want to post the news. SXSW is twice as interesting to OMG readers since it has both a Jake and Austin connection. As I said earlier, great post, special – very informative and interesting.

Anonymous said...

Chica is *NOT*, however, Hedda Louella from FanChitChat, because she is a fervent Jake-is-gay believer (and a great, witty poster, unlike Chica).

Special K said...

As blues loving girl, have to say that Austin has a big ole chunk of my heart.

And it definitely grooves to it's own beat. Like I said there Texas and then there's Austin.

Music Luvah said...

This is one of my favorites lines from Jim Beaver: "I'm hoping David retreads me in his cop show, if it gets made. I would work for him for the rest of my life if he let me."

I hope the Milch police drama happens - it sound really, really good! Thanks BV!

SXSW sounds fab, I've never been to Austin, but have heard some great things about it. Great post today! And Especiale K? Don't worry about certain comments troll, we know how creative you are and that Austin (both the city and the man!) and music are special to you and Wicked, and to us. You guys are amazing! :)

Wicked said...

SXSW is one of the premiere alternative music festivals. I think it would be pretty clear by now that Spesh and I are big alternative music afficianados. Spesh and I talked weeks ago about posting on SXSW (her idea). Today, being Friday (Austin's day), and the start of the festival made it the perfect day.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Music Luvah said...

^^Oh you are the sick one - who would want to harm anyone, and worse, who would spread that kind of rumor to make people look bad. You are just evil. All we are talking about this morning is the city of Austin, Texas and an alternative music festival. Why is that setting you off?

If it should all come to pass that there is no TT and "Jacob and Laura Jean" are a real couple, good for them, I wish them well. OMG will still carry on discussing the things we enjoy, like music.

Anonymous said...

Hey there creepy insider (who knows all about scary things like who is getting tracked down to "fess up", and who actually writes the Awful Truth)you might want to make note of the fact that Reese's name is Laura JEANNE. Since your on a first name basis you should know how to spell it. Since you're so connected and all...moron.

Anonymous said...

Um, on topic, I am glad that Jake is involved in the SXSW fest and the Crawford documentary. Always important to shed light on the effects of this horrendous President.

Hope we do get a Jaustin sighting. :)

Anonymous said...

fyi: you are ""known", is that right?

Anonymous said...

Has anybody figured out whether the Waxman thing is for real? Sorry to be so naive - I can't tell!

The video clip is from Comedy Central, but their news is more reliable than most other sources.

Special K said...

Ok, Ok, let's all just move on and talk about bigger and better things. And definitely TX is bigger and better this morning.

I know that Wicked likes the Ravonettes so click here on SXSW Music page and see Sune Rose Wagner Interview /Pick Three at the very bottom.

And spend some time on the SXSW pages there are free music downloads and movie trailers on the film side.

Anonymous said...

Is there a reason why we should care if other sites show a link to this site or not? Don't see what that has to do with anything.

Topics are bound to overlap on sites since we are all following the same person. Jake and/or Austin's activities and interests set the agenda. No big deal. Troll must be hard up for something to bitch about.

Blue Velvet said...

I've never been to Austin so I really need to add it to my list of places to visit.

Speaking of places to visit, check out spooky's site. She has a pic of Austin from "Wimbledon" that was in the movie trailer, but that never made it to the final cut. I think it would have been one of the best scenes in the movie. ;)

Special K said...

I swear Austin ditches the shirt every chance he can get. Maybe that's why Jakes grin is so big.

Damn I think McConaughey is coming in second now in the oops I forgot my shirt race.

And thanks again to Spooky2th and Anouska!

Anonymous said...

[blush] I gotta go with spoof ... good one though!! :D

Wicked said...

The Mrs. graduated from UT-Austin. And she's from Norman, OK, home of OU! She was considered a traitor for going there! She has nothing but raves for Austin, as does everyone else I know who either lived there or visited there.

Special K said...

Of the 7 of us kids (including the steps) 5 have lived or live in TX. I've told them the Austin would be the only place that I would even consider in the Lone Star, they can have the rest of it.

Special K said...

^that instead of the

Anonymous said...

LOL!

Anonymous said...

^^^ Ops, my LOL! got lost in the cyberspace - please ignore it!

Wicked said...

Really interesting letter from Jim Beaver, BV. I'm impressed that he took the time out to write to the blogger. He really holds Milch in high esteem. It would be nice to see him, as well as Austin, in the new Milch series.

Anonymous said...

I've never been a fan of Texas either Special, but I think I would make an exception for Austin from the sound of it. As a kid I made a few trips to El Paso (I lived in N.M. and it was the closest "big" city) and a weekend once in Dallas, other that I have avoided the state. Bing a huge music fan I would certainly love to go to one of the music festivals in Austin.

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm definitely not FYI so if Jack was shouting at me he has the wrong person this time. Hundreds of people must know his style and aliases by now.

I can claim finding the Wimbledon vid, though :)

Special K said...

London Gold stars for you. Many gold stars!

When you look at that pic, you remember that he shot Wimbledon right after they did TDAT. The TDAT set must have been something else with those two falling for the other. Cause you know there was some sneaking peeks from each when getting out of those wet clothes for the next scene.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Special k and all you guys for always pointing to my site. London TB you are the best ;)
Special k, I adore your clever posts. Don't let the criticism put you down. Let's hope for many new pictures in the days to come.

Anonymous said...

It's nice, isn't it!

I didn't find it in time for your special feature :)
So when Spooky announced hers ... :)

Anonymous said...

Nah, UV and her babble gaggle are just pissed that she was called on snarking WDW's post a few weeks back. A common defense mechanism when backed into a corner by one's misdeeds - try to point blame's finger at someone else with a "See? See? They did it too!" cry, as if that will somehow excuse their reprehensible behavior.

Of course, it doesn't really work when the person at which the guilty culprit is pointing is blameless.

Find it utterly fascinating that the babbleheads seem to spend more time here, and on WFT, then on their own site. Perhaps if they posted half of what they do other places, the Shrine of Reeke wouldn't be collecting dust.

Special K said...

I don't know... I am kind of frightened at the thought of Rachael Ray the 30 minute cook/talk show host/coffee hawker throwing a party at SXSW for The Raveonettes, the band Holy F-ck , and the Cringe (the band fronted by Ray's husband, John Cusimano)at the Beauty Bar on the 15th.

The menu? Rachael's South by Southwest Seven-Layer Sliders and Austin Mac and Cheese Suizas.

And others can't see it either.

Jake against the maven of 30 minute meals? Well he says he can make dinner three. Can you say SXSW Iron Chef!

Special K said...

^Jake against the maven of 30 minute meals? Well he says he can make dinner IN three. Can you say SXSW Iron Chef?

Anonymous said...

George Clooney to answer questions about his sex life and rumors that he's gay on tomorrow's (03/07) Entertainment Tonight.

"Yeah, I doubt it'll be an in-depth interview as Mary Hart sits there and nods her stupid head in agreement and mirth at everything he says but, who knows, maybe the old queen will actually come out.

(Just announced on E.T., no link yet.)"

Anonymous said...

George Clooney come out? Not in this life or the next!

Anonymous said...

Someone on WFT posted a synopsis of the interview. There's nothing about the gay stuff in it.

Wicked said...

Rachael Ray needs to stay far away from the Raveonettes!

Anonymous said...

Someone on WFT posted a synopsis of the interview.

That was NY Times Style Magazine video interview:

http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2008/03/09/style/t/index.html

Anonymous said...

Hi George!

Anonymous said...

Unless George Clooney does the interview shirtless, he cannot compete with Austin "I hate shirts" Nichols. XD

Anonymous said...

Hey wow babe! You hunka juicy flesh!
Forget Jake, c'mon with me and we can have a good time.

Anonymous said...

Only if I get a nice, big juicy role in your next movie. And I would have to sign a contract guaranteeing me the role first before any fun stuff happens.

Mr. Gyllenhaal told me I should do that in the future and not be so free and easy with my favors.

Anonymous said...

Hey listen you Austin wannabe, the only Austin around here is Austi Spumanti.

Anonymous said...

Austi Spumanti needs to get his own blogger id.

Anonymous said...

Must be a newbie cause Austi has been around a long long time.

Special K said...

Here's an interview with the director of Crawford. David Mogigliani posted yesterday.

Looks like Jake got a chance to see the film cut prior to SXSW

Austinist Interviews SXSW: Crawford Director David Modigliani

Anonymous said...

Jake there is nothing going on with Clooney. Nothing. You believe me babe, don't you? (Taking off shirt, giving that really sly grin) What? Something wrong?

Anonymous said...

Austi and the Cloonster are sworn enemies from the old WFT days, remember?

Anonymous said...

There's yet another photo from Austin's latest photo shoot. Here, you can enjoy a very important part of the package...

He's an impressive boy, isn't he? *g*

Anonymous said...

hjulia, this photographer is someone who really gets our boy's appeal :p Thank you for finding it :)

I just came by to thank Spesh for the David Modigliani interview.

The Bad Seed said...

you can enjoy a very important part of the package...He's an impressive boy, isn't he?

You horny sluts.

Anonymous said...

And just like UPS I always deliver.
; )

The Bad Seed said...

Ok after that last pic I'm gonna have to do this :O

Anonymous said...

There's only one name that's on my delivery list. Must be an important guy, I deliver to him a lot.