Formula 1 Expo and Music & Arts Present: Band of the Year 2012
June 16, Moody Theater
In order to gear up for the big race in November, Formula 1 has teamed up with Music & Arts for a partnership entirely appropriate for the Live Music Capital of the World. What better way to welcome Formula 1’s presence than with an event featuring some of Austin’s finest musicians? The first part of the evening of this official kick-off event for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will feature finalists of the Band of the Year competition. The following performance includes an all-star Austin cast of musicians, spotlighting Guy Forsyth, Patrice Pike, John Pointer, Wendy Colonna and Ginger Leigh, backed by a stellar band that includes Nina Singh on drums and Jeff Botta on bass. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. For tickets, visit acl-live.com.
Also coming up
Foster the People with The Kooks and Kimbra, June 5, The Backyard
Snoop Dogg, June 7, Stubb ’s
Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil, June 15, Frank Erwin Center
Meat Loaf, June 22, Moody Theater
Dwight Yoakam, July 12 and 13, Moody Theater
311 and Slightly Stoopid, July 13, Whitewater Amphitheater
Joe Cocker and Huey Lewis & the News, July 22, The Backyard
Crosby, Stills and Nash, Aug. 18, Moody Theater
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Fully Charged, Aug. 22 – 26, Frank Erwin Center
Festivals
Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K
June 23, The Long Center
Dudes, it’s that time of year again! It’s finally time for the celebration of the great city of Austin with the 10th annual Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K! Come check out firsthand the one-of-a-kind weirdness of Austin, ranging from psychedelic music to local artisans and even a 5K race that will be sure to leave you wondering why it’s even called a race. Bands will be rockin’, putting out the groovy vibes at the festival while we Austinites have the privilege of soaking it all in. The festival supports Austin Parks Foundation, the organization that keeps our beautiful parks clean and donates millions of dollars toward improving and maintaining the natural beauty of Austin. keepaustinweirdfest.com
The 22nd Annual Hot Sauce Festival
Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fiesta Gardens
What started as a friendly contest between Austin and San Antonio has become one of the largest hot sauce festivals and contests in the world. Free to the public (with a donation of three healthy, nonperishable food items or a cash donation to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas), the event draws upwards of 15,000 spectators and more than 350 entries each year. austineventsandfestivals.com
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
June 7 – 10, Travis County Exposition Center
This festival is the biggest motorcycle rally in Texas and one of the largest motorcycle events in the United States. Enthusiasts come to enjoy the amazing motorcycles, live music, Austin nightlife and, of course, the beautiful Texas women. rotrally.com.
George Lopez
June 8 and 9, 8 p.m., Paramount Theatre
George Lopez has risen to become one of the premier comedic talents in the entertainment industry through his all-encompassing career on television, film and the stand-up stage. For two seasons, Lopez hosted Lopez Tonight, a latenight television talk show on TBS, which represented Lopez’s return to series television after co-creating, writing, producing and starring in Warner Bros. Television’s groundbreaking hit sitcom George Lopez, which ran for six seasons on ABC. An HBO Comedy favorite, Lopez is also known for multiple Grammy-nominated stand-up CDs. austintheatre.org
5 Free Outdoor Summer Events
Blues on the Green
Every other Wednesday during the summer, Zilker Park will be filled with thousands of people, blankets and lawn chairs, families and music lovers. As Austin’s largest free concert series, KGSR’s Blues on the Green is consistently ranked as a top annual entertainment event, and in its 22nd season, has become a staple of the Austin lifestyle and a very casual and comfortable experience. June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8.
Unplugged at the Grove
Showcasing some of the best of Austin’s diverse musical community every Thursday, June through August, 8 p.m. at Shady Grove Restaurant.
Rolling Roadshow
Free outdoor movies presented by Alamo Drafthouse. For dates, locations and movie info, visit drafthouse.com/austin/rolling_roadshow.
Lakeside Live
Live music every Sunday this summer, 5 to 8 p.m. at Uncle Billy’s Rooftop on Lake Travis.
Ski Shores Café
Family-friendly movie nights every Friday night. Live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
