Lite + Brite: 63 Refracted Austin Events 3/8
Hello, what’s up, and welcome to the Lite + Brite newsletter.
Yes, fine, this week’s newsletter is quite obviously too long. We know. Blame SXSW, not us.
Once again, we’ve done our best to list only events that anyone can buy a ticket to or get into for free. It’s very nice that Meghan Markle is keynoting SXSW, but it’s completely irrelevant to those of us who didn’t spend $1600 on a badge. We want make sure the events in this newsletter are relevant to us normies.
If you want our general guidance about approaching SXSW as Austin locals, check out our overview of the festival. If you want to check out the bands that we’re hoping to see next week, you can listen to Leila’s playlist here and Brian’s playlist here. And if you want an absurdly detailed and continually evolving color-coded spreadsheet tracking which bands are playing where, then you’ve got to check out Brian’s 2024 SXSW spreadsheet.
For those looking to brave downtown there’s immersive 1st amendment art, French art, strong early 90s AOL vibes, bands formed from randomly assigned musicians, recovery stations, a camp-themed party sponsored by Poo Pourri + country dance parties about progressive politics. If you’re looking to stay away from the chaos there is an absurd amount of other stuff to do: radioactive puppets, pizza guys from pizza places we loved when we lived in NYC, painting at the disco, cyberpunk costume contests, bestie costume contests, mycelium meetups, filmmaker meetups, goat meetups, + a wild array of art, vendors, wine, live music, roller derby, rodeo, + acrobats.
And now we’re off to SXSW! Hopefully we’ll see you out there.
If you’re not already a subscriber to this newsletter and you want to be, click here. We do one newsletter a week, usually on Fridays, plus a bonus edition around the start of each month. If you enjoy this newsletter, please support us by contributing to our Patreon and by forwarding this email to your friends who enjoy things like listening to music and leaving the house sometimes.
Let’s do fun stuff!
—Leila + Brian
liteandbriteatx.com
OUR STUFF
Our next NLNL will be on Thursday, smack in the middle of SxSW, and DJ Phildoesit, the incredibly talented DJ who also very generously runs sound for us, will once again be gracing us with his two-stepping DJ skills. Want to hear what NLNL tends to sound like? You can listen to a recording of the most recent edition here.
No Humans Allowed, Brian’s robot-themed radio show, focused on lesser known new wave + assorted 1980s obscurities, by artists both known and unknown. Hear some undiscovered 80s gems by listening here or scroll further down in this very newsletter for a tracklist and art and all that fun stuff. NHA broadcasts live every Wednesday at 6pm CT on kpiss.fm.
What is No Lights No Lycra?
Austin’s twice-monthly, judgment-free, substance-free, high-impact dance thing in the dark. It’s a DJ night that’s not at the club, a workout that’s not at the gym, a personal meditation that’s anything but silent. It’s produced by us, your kindly L+B overlords, and usually one or the other of us is on the hook for DJ duties. Read more about us in the Austin Chronicle. You can listen the kind of music we play over on Brian’s Mixcloud.
EVENTS WE’RE EYEING
Friday 3/8
- Painting at the Disco at Vuka – Bouldin Creek
Dancing at the disco is for chumps, now everyone’s painting - Imaginatrix at the Portal
“Mingle with the mycelium of funguys, gals + nonbinary pals” + psych doc - Poo Poo Platter at Elysium
Drag troupe pits the Cure against Depeche Mode + we’re all winners - 14/48 at Ground Floor Theater
Watch plays whose writing & production take place over just 24 hours - New Bloom at Saengerrunde Hall
Live music, art + vendors at the “oldest bowling alley in Texas” - Yours to Lose at 340 E. 2nd St.
A “multisensory” immersive theater piece about the 1st amendment - Opening Day at the Austin Rodeo
Get away from all the SXSW hubbub with some good old rodeo-in’ - Recovery Lounge at Swift Fit
Spot for recharging your phone + yourself during the hectic stuff - Undark: A Radioactive Puppet Play at the Vortex
Puppets perform a play about radioactivity, unfettered capitalism, + factories - Venardos Circus at Buck’s Backyard
Travelling acrobatic-forward circus comes to Buck’s
Saturday 3/9
- Fantastic Planet at Dimension Gallery Sculpture Park
Live soundtrack + screening of a totally bonkers psychedelic French film - Salon Show at Highland Collective
A nice big art show at the spacious + quirky Highland Collective - Affordable Art Fair at Vaughn Gallery
An art show focusing on affordable art rather than investment pieces - Cybercity at Central Machine Works
Live music, laser visuals, + a cyberpunk costume contest - Contemporary Classical Day Party at KMFA
Take a break from all the live rock bands w/live classical music - False Starts, Falls, Fouls at Pease Park
Watch some young modern dancers embrace mistakes in failure-themed performance - Arts and Parks Tour at Republic Square
Wheeled tour of the city w/speakers + performers at the stops - Bakery’s Pain Au Chocolat at Bakery Agency
Luchador wrestlers, live music, BBQ, + good puns - Swap & Skate at Edward Rendon Sr. Park
Roller skaters (+ non-skaters) trading + swapping all over the place - Villa Albertine at Women and Their Work Gallery
Discussing new + classic French art w/VR, manga, + speakers - Texas Roller Derby at the Buda Thunderdome
Two tough teams battle in a banked track roller derby - Open Studios at Good Dad
Check out art at the many art studios /cubicles at Good Dad - Pinvitational at Hold Out Brewing
A celebration of beer that is served in casks not kegs - Friends of Cinemaker at Motion Media Arts Center
Showcasing local filmmakers’ short films + music vids - Local Filmmaker Mixer at We Luv Video
A mixer specifically for local filmmakers w/DJ + drinks - Goat Cuddles and Coffee at the Hive
Whatever’s going on in the world, goats are there to be cuddled - Second Saturdays at the Blanton
Enjoy some live music while you check out art at the Blanton - 14/48 at Ground Floor Theater
Watch plays whose writing & production take place over just 24 hours - New Bloom at Saengerrunde Hall
Live music, art + vendors at the “oldest bowling alley in Texas” - Yours to Lose at 340 E. 2nd St.
A “multisensory” immersive theater piece about the 1st amendment - Recovery Lounge at Swift Fit
Spot for recharging your phone + yourself during the hectic stuff - Eclipsing at the Long Center
Follow an audio tour focused on ambient recordings + eclipses - Undark: A Radioactive Puppet Play at the Vortex
Puppets perform a play about radioactivity, unfettered capitalism, + factories - Venardos Circus at Buck’s Backyard
Travelling acrobatic-forward circus comes to Buck’s - (weekly thru 4/21) Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, TX
Central Texas’ own renaissance faire w/medieval food, entertainment, + dress - (weekly thru 5/25) Doom Metal Goat Yoga at Jester King
“We call out to the beasts of the land to come forth and JOIN US!”
Sunday 3/10
- Disco(nnect) at Hotel Van Zandt
Early 90s AOL vibes, DJs, + free cocktails - Livecode at dadaLab
Live electronic music, visuals, based on live coding - Garden Party at the Vortex
Live music, multimedia performances, + a petting zoo - Come Up at Laguna Gloria
Promoting Black Austin creatives in poetry, spoken word, + visual arts - Pinoy Potluck at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard
Filipino live music + vendors and live art - Made in Austin Film Showcase at Motion Media Arts Center
Local short films curated by the Austin Film School - Punk Rock Lottery at Empire
Randomly assigned musicians formed bands + they’re having a battle - Delta Pop-Up at Waterloo Park
DJs, vendors, + family-friendly flight-centric activities - The Care House at Future Front
Discussions on information, politics, + care w/speakers + DJs - Sound Wine Fest at the Far Out Lounge
Wine tasting + sick bands before SxSW music officially begins - Yours to Lose at 340 E. 2nd St.
A “multisensory” immersive theater piece about the 1st amendment - Recovery Lounge at Swift Fit
Spot for recharging your phone + yourself during the hectic stuff - Eclipsing at the Long Center
Follow an audio tour focused on ambient recordings + eclipses - Undark: A Radioactive Puppet Play at the Vortex
Puppets perform a play about radioactivity, unfettered capitalism, + factories - Venardos Circus at Buck’s Backyard
Travelling acrobatic-forward circus comes to Buck’s - (weekly thru 4/21) Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, TX
Central Texas’ own renaissance faire w/medieval food, entertainment, + dress
Monday 3/11
- Neon Rainbows at Parish
Progressive politics-themed edition of Austin’s gayest country dance party - Afternoon Illuminations at Augustine
Creatives discussing how to better explain the climate crisis - Beat Sessions 6 Year Anniversary at Spokesman Coffee
“Artists are pitted against each other in a competitive timed format” - ATX Short Film Showcase at the Spider House Ballroom
The films are short, the filmmakers are Texan + of varying heights - Eclipsing at the Long Center
Follow an audio tour focused on ambient recordings + eclipses - (weekly) Hyperreal Film Club at Hotel Vegas
Watch arthouse film about Renaissance art + pushing boundaries
Tuesday 3/12
- Austin Edge at dadaLab
Live music, DJs, talks, + cocktails for Austin creativity - Hysteria at ColdTowne
An irreverent comedy show about abortion + benefit for repro rights - ATX Supper Club at Cloud Tree Auxiliary
DJs, chefs, + other creatives collaborate + hang out - Bike Night at COTA
Ride your bicycle along Austin’s famed formula one track - Eclipsing at the Long Center
Follow an audio tour focused on ambient recordings + eclipses
Wednesday 3/13
- SXSW Creative Industries Day at the Austin Convention Center
Free SxSW expo day w/products + talks geared towards creatives - International House at the Austin Public Library
Tech-y meetups, talks, + an appearance by our mayor - Refraction at Lolo Wine
Immersive art + worldly DJs (+ also wine) - Camp Funk at 5th and Trinity
Summer camp-themed activities, DJs, + pleasant bathroom odors - Testify at Barrel O’ Fun
Storytelling about cooperation + working together - Pizza Party at Favorite Pizza
Very legit NYC pizza chef + DJs, flash tats, giveaways - Undark: A Radioactive Puppet Play at the Vortex
Puppets perform a play about radioactivity, unfettered capitalism, + factories - Venardos Circus at Buck’s Backyard
Travelling acrobatic-forward circus comes to Buck’s
Thursday 3/14
- No Lights No Lycra at West China Tea House
Our very own dance party in the dark - Future of Fashion at Wanderlust Wine Co.
Fashion show, talks, demos, clothing swap, vendors about tech + fashion intersecting - Bestie Ball at Cheer Up Charlie’s
DJs + bestie-themed costume contests of all kinds - All Things Food at Barr Mansion
Food-centric talks, screenings, + tastings - Mondo Pop Fest at LuxeArt Hangar
Curated live music, DJs, + vendors - Karaoke Underground at Drinks Lounge
Sing karaoke to your favorite punk, indie + alt classics - Latino Comedy Project at Hyde Park Theater
Long-running sketch troupe celebrates 25 years w/classic skits - Beautiful Nuclear at Vuka – Bouldin Creek
An exhibit examining the clean energy potential of nuclear power - Venardos Circus at Buck’s Backyard
Travelling acrobatic-forward circus comes to Buck’s - Pizza Party at Favorite Pizza
Very legit NYC pizza chef + DJs, flash tats, giveaways - Undark: A Radioactive Puppet Play at the Vortex
Puppets perform a play about radioactivity, unfettered capitalism, + factories - Venardos Circus at Buck’s Backyard
Travelling acrobatic-forward circus comes to Buck’s
Our SxSW 2024 Picks
SxSW is now, and resident wristbands are still available! $189 for a Music Festival wristband and $150 for a Film Festival Wristband—it’s way less expensive as a badge, and all of us Austin residents are eligible. Here are our final picks! You can listen to even more stuff we liked over on Leila’s playlist + Brian’s playlist.
Brian’s Pick
Juanpalitoschinos
Smooth Mexican group inspired by Japanese city pop from the 80s
Leila’s Pick
Friedberg
Catchy, danceable indie rock with choruses that hit
Previous Picks
Vitesse X
Sleek, dreamy electropop w/nods to 90s dance from NYC’s 100% Electronica crew
Smut
Shoegaze-y jangle-pop with shades of the Sundays
Bodega
Imagine if Sonic Youth or Gang of Four loved fun, from NYC
Bleach Lab
Pretty, Mazzy Star-inspired, “sad-core” dreampop out of London
Los Premios
Catchy psych-infused indie rock a la Tame Impala, from Valencia, Spain
kvn
Energetic Austin-based threesome reminiscent of a more ironic HAIM
La Securité
Icy female-fronted post-punk from the Great White North
Discovery Zone
Berlin-based Bedroom synthpop with a unique sense of wonder. A highlight from SxSW 2022
No Humans Allowed 183
nostalgia_v2.exe
On this week’s No Humans Allowed: a deep dive into 80s nostalgia with lesser known new wave, post-punk, + minimal wave gems from artists obscure and familiar.
Tracklist
The Pool – Dance It Down
Oattes Van Schaik – Love Attax
1000 Ohm – A.G.N.E.S.
Thomas Dolby – Europa and the Pirate Twins
RFX – Baby, Love Me
The Mighty Wah! – Story of the Blues
The Cars – Heartbeat City
Great Nation – Beat the Wall
The Comsat Angels – Alicia (Can You Hear Me?)
Eurogliders – Heaven
Car Crash Set – Fall from Grace
Endgames – Love Cares
Flash & the Pan – Man in the Middle
Geoffrey Landers – Say You’ll Say So
No Humans Allowed is Brian Blackout’s award-winning, dodgy European news coverage receiving, weekly robots-themed radio show on internet station KPISS.fm. Machine vibes 4 machines. Songs for robots, androids, mandroids, cyborgs, AIs, cylons, skinjobs, roombas, wifi routers, smart devices, anything colored Bondi blue, and virtual assistants. Humans not required. Broadcasts live every Wednesday at 6pm CT on kpiss.fm, with over 150 episodes now streamable in the archives on topics like and Beach Simulations, Roomba dance parties, undersea adventures + Cyber Texas.
No Lights No Lycra ATX 163
w/Brian Blackout
Recorded live in the dark at West China Tea House on February 22, 2024.
Listen to No Lights No Lycra 163
Tracklist
Telex – Rendez-Vous dans l’Espace (Morgan Geist Remix)
The Preatures – Is This How You Feel? (Classixx Remix)
Zapp & Roger – Heartbreaker
Japanese Breakfast – Be Sweet
Caroline Rose – Feel the Way I Want
Jean-Philippe Goude – Energie
Friendly Fires – Paris (Aeroplane Remix)
Holy Ghost! – Hold On
C+C Music Factory – Gonna Make You Sweat
Kate Boy – Self Control
Sophie Ellis Bextor – Murder on the Dancefloor
Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 (Butch le Butch Remix)
Tata Vega – (I’ve Got My) Second Wind
Teddy Pendergrass – The More I Get, the More I Want
LCD Soundsystem – Tonite
Ssion – Comeback
K.W.S. – Please Don’t Go
Everything But the Girl – Missing (Todd Terry Club Mix)
Confidence Man – C.O.O.L. Party
La Bouche – Sweet Dreams
Nelly Furtado – Maneater
Peter Bjorn and John – Young Folks (Cousin Cole re-edit)
The The – This Is the Day
David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure
Home – All at Once
PATREON THANKS
A huge thank-you to our Patreon subscribers Amy Hayes, Katie Green, Christina Jue, Colleen MB, Lilly Ettinger, Lena Long, Amalia Litsa, Alexander Freed, Spencer, Kristen Backor, Timon A., Kate Murray, and Amy Wilde. We’re deeply grateful for your support, which allows us to do things like “pay our Mailchimp fee” and “spend hours researching Austin events when technically we should be working.”
If you’d like to support us on Patreon and get access to exclusive member-only benefits, you may do so here.
SOCIALS
Recent weeks found us celebrating “Bouncemas” at UT, partying with Art Island at the Coral Snake, and admiring art lamps at Highland Collective. Follow Lite + Brite on Instagram to keep up with our adventures. And come chat with us and the rest of the L+B community on our Discord server!
ABOUT US
How do we choose which events to feature?
Honestly, it’s pretty random. We might include anything in Austin that we, personally, would conceivably want to go to, generally excluding normal concerts, comedy shows, and movie showtimes because there are many other good resources for finding those. (We especially recommend Showlist for live music, The Darker Side of Austin for goth and metal stuff, and the 60+ Weirdest Things in Austin for exactly what it sounds like). This list is by no means exhaustive; it’s just stuff that caught our eye this week. If you have an event that you want us to consider including, send it over.
Who are we?
We make this newsletter. We do our own events, most prominently No Lights No Lycra (every second and fourth Thursday of the month). We once got called “local Austin couple” by KXAN. We do some other stuff here and there. We love going out to creative events in Austin, and we want you to join us. Visit us at liteandbriteatx.com, and support us on Patreon if you like what we do.