Sweetbrush — The Swisher-Scott House

For many years, this was the home of noted Austin native and actor Zachary Scott.  This home was built in 1856 and designed by the noted architect Abner Cook. This stately home has a two-story portico with paired columns. Originally known as the John Milton Swisher house, it once stood on San Antonio Street, but was later moved to Sweetbrush Drive.

photo taken by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Banker John Milton Swisher (1819-1891) built this residence in 1853 in the 400 block of San Antonio St. Noted architect-builder Abner Cook designed the Greek Revival house. In the 1920s, Dr. and Mrs. Z.T. Scott found the building in deteriorated condition. They moved it to this site, restored and enlarged it. A prominent physician and longtime chief of staff at Brackenridge Hospital, Dr. Scott (1880-1964) helped found the Austin Heritage Society.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Erected:
1962

photo by Kevin Surbaugh-

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is along a narrow street, but since it is attached to the front gatepost it is fairly accessible for anyone to view, read and even photograph if they so desire.

Please note, when viewing this marker, that this is still a private home. Added in 1998 to the National Register of Historic Places.

Location:
2408 Sweetbrush Dr, Austin TX 78701

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2013 Texas Relays

About:
High School and College students from all over Texas converge on Austin to compete in the Texas Relays.

When:
March 27-30, 2013

Website:
http://www.thetexasrelays.com

• 2013 86th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays schedule
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
10:30 a.m. Heptathlon - University/College Women

• 100 Meter Hurdles
• High Jump
• Shot Put
• 200 Meter Dash

11 a.m. Decathlon - University/College Men

• 100 Meters
• Long Jump
• Shot Put
• High Jump
• 400 Meters


Thursday, March 28, 2013
10 a.m. Decathlon - University/College Men

• 110 Meter Hurdles
• Discus
• Pole Vault
• Javelin
• 1,500 Meters

11 a.m.

Heptathlon - University/College Women

• Long Jump
• Javelin
• 800 Meters


Running Events (Afternoon Session)
4:30 p.m. 400 Meter Hurdles - University/College Women (Prelims)
5 p.m. 400 Meter Hurdles - College Men (Prelims)
400 Meter Hurdles - University Men (Prelims)
5:35 p.m. 4 x 800-Meter Relay - University/College Women
5:50 p.m. 4 x 800-Meter Relay - University Men

Field Events (Prelims and Finals)
12:30 p.m. Hammer - University/College Women - Outside Throwing Area
2 p.m. Javelin - University/College Men (Section B)
3:30 p.m. Hammer - University/College Men - Outside Throwing Area
Pole Vault - University/College Men (Section B)
5:30 p.m. Javelin - University/College Women (Section B)

Running Events (Evening Session)
7:00 p.m. 800 Meters - Invitational Men
7:10 p.m. 1500 Meters - University/College Women (Section B)
7:20 p.m. 1500 Meters - University Men (Section B)
7:30 p.m. 1500 Meters - University Men (Section A)
7:40 p.m. 3000 Meter Steeplechase - University/College Women
8:00 p.m. 3000 Meter Steeplechase - University Men
8:20 p.m. 2000 Meter Steeplechase - High School Girls
8:45 p.m. 2000 Meter Steeplechase - High School Boys
9:00 p.m. 5000 Meters - University/College Women
9:30 p.m. 5000 Meters - University Men
9:55 p.m. 10,000 Meters - University/College Women
10:30 p.m. 10,000 Meters - University Men

Friday, March 29, 2013 (Morning Session)
Running Events (Prelims)
9:35 a.m. 4 x 100-Meter Relay - University/College Women
Clyde Littlefield 4 x 100 Meter Relay - University Men
*100 Meter Hurdles - University/College Women (West)
*110 Meter Hurdles - College Men (East)
*110 Meter Hurdles - University Men (East)
*100 Meters - University/College Women (West)
*100 Meters - College Men (East)
*100 Meters - University Men (East)
4 x 400 Meter Relay - University/College Women
4 x 400 Meter Relay - University Men

*Special note: In the University/College Men's and Women's 100/110 Hurdles and 100 meter dash, we will run the Men and Women simultaneously. The Women will use the West straight and Men will use the East straight. The College Men will precede the University Men. We will alternate races back and forth between straights, so please have your athletes ready to compete. All finals will be held on the East straight. We will prepare a time schedule for preliminary events after scratches have been received. You are responsible for knowing the time schedule. It is a guideline only. We do this to help keep the schedule on time.

Field Events (Prelims and Finals)
9:30 a.m. Javelin - University/College Women (Section A)
10 a.m. Long Jump - University/College Men (Section B)
Long Jump - University/College Women (Section B)
High Jump - University/College Women (Section B)
Pole Vault - University/College Women (Section B)
Shot Put - University/College Women (Section B)
Shot Put - University/College Men (Section B)
11:30 a.m. Javelin - University/College Men (Section A)

Friday, March 29, 2013 (Afternoon Session)
Field Events (Prelims and Finals)
12:30 p.m. Triple Jump - University/College Men (Section B)
Triple Jump - University/College Women (Section B)
1 p.m. Discus - University/College Men (Section B)
High Jump - University/College Men (Section B)
1:30 p.m. Pole Vault - High School Boys (Section B)
Discus - High School Girls - Outside Throwing Area
2 p.m. Triple Jump - University/College Men (Section A)
Triple Jump - University/College Women (Section A)
3 p.m. High Jump - High School Boys
4 p.m. Discus - University/College Women (Section A)
4:30 p.m. Discus - High School Boys - Outside Throwing Area

Running Events (Prelims)
1:30 p.m. *100 Meter Hurdles - Division I & II High School Girls (West)
*110 Meter Hurdles - Division I & II High School Boys (East)
*100 Meters - Division I & II High School Girls (West)
*100 Meters - Division I & II High School Boys (East)
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division I High School Girls (NO BLOCKS)
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division I High School Boys (NO BLOCKS)
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division II High School Girls (NO BLOCKS)
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division II High School Boys (NO BLOCKS)

*Special note: In the High School Boys and Girls 100/110 Hurdles and 100 meter dash, we will run the Boys and Girls simultaneously. The Girls will use the West straight and Boys will use the East straight. Division I will precede Division II. We will alternate races back and forth between straights, so please have your athletes ready to compete. All finals will be held on the East straight. We will prepare a time schedule for preliminary events after scratches have been received. You are responsible for knowing the time schedule. It is a guideline only. We do this to help keep the schedule on time.

Friday, March 29, 2013 (Evening Session)
Field Events (Prelims and Finals)
5:30 p.m. Pole Vault - University/College Men (Section A)
6 p.m. High Jump - High School Girls
7:30 p.m. Long Jump - University/College Women (Section A)
Long Jump - University/College Men (Section A)
Shot Put - University/College Men (Section A)
Shot Put - University/College Women (Section A)
8 p.m. Pole Vault - University/College Women (Section A)

Running Events (Prelims and Selected Finals)
4:15 p.m. 4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division I High School Girls (NO BLOCKS)
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division I High School Boys (NO BLOCKS)
5:20 p.m. Sprint Medley Relay - High School Girls
Sprint Medley Relay - High School Boys
Invitational Sprint Medley Relay - College Men
Invitational Sprint Medley Relay - University/College Women
Invitational Sprint Medley Relay - University Men
6:20 p.m. 1600 Meters - High School Girls
1600 Meters - High School Boys
6:45 p.m. 400 Meter Hurdles - University/College Women
400 Meter Hurdles - College Men
400 Meter Hurdles - University Men
7 p.m. Distance Medley Relay - University/College Women
7:15 p.m. Distance Medley Relay - University Men
7:30 p.m. 4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division II High School Girls (NO BLOCKS)
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division II High School Boys (NO BLOCKS)
9:05 p.m. 4 x 1500 Meter Relay - University Men
9:25 p.m. Distance Medley Relay - High School Girls
9:40 p.m. Distance Medley Relay - High School Boys

Saturday, March 30, 2013 (Morning Session)
Field Events (Prelims and Finals)
9 a.m. Pole Vault - High School Girls (Section B)
Triple Jump - High School Girls
Triple Jump - High School Boys
10 a.m. Discus - University/College Women (Section B)
11 a.m. High Jump - University/College Men (Section A)
Shot Put - High School Boys

Running Events (Prelims and Selected Finals)
8:15 a.m. 3200 Meters - High School Girls
8:35 a.m. 3200 Meters - High School Boys
9 a.m. 4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division I High School Girls
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division II High School Girls
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division I High School Boys
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division II High School Boys

Saturday, March 30, 2013 (Afternoon Session)
Field Events (Prelims and Finals)
Noon Pole Vault - High School Girls (Section A)
12:30 p.m. Shot Put - High School Girls
2 p.m. High Jump - University/College Women (Section A)
3 p.m. Pole Vault - High School Boys (Section A)
Long Jump - High School Girls
Long Jump - High School Boys
3:30 p.m. Discus - University/College Men (Section A)

Running Events (Finals)
12:00 p.m. Invitational 4 x 200 Meter Relay - University Men
Invitational 4 x 200 Meter Relay - University/College Women
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division I High School Girls
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division II High School Girls
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division I High School Boys
4 x 200 Meter Relay - Division II High School Boys
12:40 p.m. 4 x 800 Meter Relay - High School Girls (Final)
4 x 800 Meter Relay - High School Boys (Final)
1:05 p.m. Awards Presentation and Opening Ceremonies
1:30 p.m. Clyde Littlefield 4x100-Meter Relay - University Men
4 x 100 Meter Relay - University/College Women
4 x 100 Meter Relay - College Men
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division I High School Girls
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division II High School Girls
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division I High School Boys
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Division II High School Boys
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Invitational Women
4 x 100 Meter Relay - Invitational Men
2:15 p.m. 100 Meter Hurdles - Division I High School Girls
100 Meter Hurdles - Division II High School Girls
100 Meter Hurdles - University/College Women
100 Meter Hurdles - Invitational Women
110 Meter Hurdles - Division I High School Boys
110 Meter Hurdles - Division II High School Boys
110 Meter Hurdles - College Men
110 Meter Hurdles - University Men
110 Meter Hurdles - Invitational Men
3:05 p.m. 100 Meters - Division I High School Girls
100 Meters - Division II High School Girls
100 Meters - Division I High School Boys
100 Meters - Division II High School Boys
100 Meters - University/College Women
100 Meters - Invitational Women
100 Meters - College Men
100 Meters - University Men
100 Meters - Invitational Men
3:45 p.m. 1,500 Meters - University/College Women (Section A)
Jerry Thompson Mile - Invitational Men
4:05 p.m. 4 x 400 Meter Relay - Invitational Women
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Invitational Men
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division I High School Girls
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division II High School Girls
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division I High School Boys
4 x 400 Meter Relay - College Men
4 x 400 Meter Relay - Division II High School Boys
4 x 400 Meter Relay - University Men
4 x 400 Meter Relay - University/College Women
Cleburne Price, Jr. 4 x 400 Meter Relay - University Men (Invitational)

Handicapped Accessibility:
This venue is pretty accessible.
Location:
 Mike A. Myers Stadium  707 Clyde Littlefield Dr., Austin TX 78705

What do think about this event? Have you been before?

Bratton Cemetery

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Kentucky native John Bratton (1812 - 1855) came to Texas with his family in 1837. Ten years later, Bratton purchased land in this area and set aside one acre for use as a burial ground for family and friends. The earliest known burial, that of Mary J. Robey, took place in 1847. There are more than 100 known gravesites in the Bratton Cemetery, and about 50 of the burials are marked only with fieldstones. A good example of a pioneer graveyard, in which many of the graves date from the 1800s, the Bratton Cemetery is a reminder of the area's local history.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Erected:
1985

Handicap Accessibility:
The marker at this location has a nice paved area for a handicapped person to pull in and park and view the marker.

Location:
Bratton Cemetery on West Louis Henna Boulevard East, on the right when traveling east. 78728 (30° 28.736′ N, 97° 40.995′ W.)

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Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Statue

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

The "famous" Austin bat sculpture at the intersection of Barton Springs Road and Congress Avenue. This celebrates Austin's Mexican Free-tailed bat spectacle at the Congress Bridge. Which is one of the many attractions Austin is known for.
The sculpture, completed in June 1998, is a metallic bat painted purple with reflective white flecks in the paint. It rotates in the wind, and turns significantly in even a slight breeze.

Official unveiling was on June 12, 1998.



Handicapped Accessible:
The site can be viewed from nearby sidewalks, but because it is on a median in the middle of a busy intersection, it cannot be accessed directly. The area sidewalks seem pretty accessible. I took this picture from a nearby alley.

Location:
Congress and Barton Springs Rd
in Downtown Austin, TX

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What do think about this attraction?

Sanctuary of the Tribal Alligator Sculpture

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Concrete sculpture pays tribute to Cajun culture. The sculpture consists of two separate elements, a pedestal topped by a pair of undulating columns and two large undulating walls. An alligator, whose skin texture appears arbitrarily on the columns and pedestal, appears to be breaking through the surface. The artist, T. Paul Hernandez, describes the alligator as a symbol of natural elements in the universe. By coexisting in the sculpture, the alligator becomes the equivalent of man, reminding the viewer that one is no more important than the other.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Background information from the city of Austin Art in Public Places

Location:
Hill Elementary School Park
8601 Tallwood Drive Austin, TX 78759

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James L. Farmer, Jr.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Civil rights leader James Leonard Farmer, Jr., son of Pearl (Houston) and Dr. James L. Farmer, Sr., lived here as a child from 1925-30. James, Sr. taught at Samuel Huston College (now Huston-Tillotson University). In 1942, James, Jr. founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), which trained civil rights leaders in Ghandi-inspired nonviolent civil disobedience tactics to protest racial discrimination. Under Farmer’s leadership, CORE organized the 1961 “Freedom Riders” to desegregate interstate transportation in the deep south. Farmer was an Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (1969-1970). He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.


Erected:
2008

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker is visible from the public sidewalk. The house is not open to the public.

Location:
1604 New York Ave Austin, TX 78702

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Santa Rita Oil Well

History buffs will want to search out this rig on the campus of the University of Texas. This little piece of machinery stands as a powerful symbol of the riches UT gained from the legendary Santa Rita oil well in Reagan County (in West Texas). On the morning of May 28, 1923, oil gushed forth from the well in Big Lake Oil Field on UT lands. For 19 years this oil rig worked to draw the black gold to the surface and help catapult the struggling university to fame as a first-class institution. (UT became one of Austin’s economic pillars along the way.) For just short of 67 years, the Santa Rita oil well pumped money into the UT system. The rig was relocated to this site near Martin Luther King, Jr and Trinity Streets in 1940, under the leadership of the Texas State Historical Association.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

When we visited the oil rig, we were amazed that they had an audio of the history playing from a speaker. Especially since this display is outside.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Admission:Free (as this is outside)

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
There is a sidewalk on three sides of the display which allows you to see the markers  located on those three sides. Making the site very accessible to persons of all mobility.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
Trinity and Martin Luther King JR


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Honk TX Festival - March 22-24, 2013

The third annual Honk TX Festival will return to Austin this March 22-24, 2013. Just between you and me, it looks like it will be a ton of fun. The best part every event, every concert and movie throughout the entire festival is free! Can I get a woot woot!?

About:
More then twenty (20) of the most exciting, original, and talented community street bands from across North America will return to perform absolutely free in streets, parks, and neighborhoods throughout Austin for the third annual HONK!TX festival, taking place on the weekend of March 22nd through 24th, 2013.
Inspired by the success of the original HONK! Festival in Somerville, Massachusetts and HONK! Fest West in Seattle, Washington, HONK!TX is a nonprofit and grassroots gathering of street bands that defy simple categorization. Bands will play without amplification and without fabricated stages, breaking down any barriers between the crowd and performers.
The bands range in size from four to forty members, all diverse in age, ethnicity, and musical background. They represent various performance traditions, including New Orleans second line brass, European Klezmer, Balkan and Romani music, and festivals such as Mardi Gras and Carnaval.
HONK!TX is made possible by the wholehearted support of neighborhood associations, local
businesses, city officials, and other community members. Volunteers will provide housing,
transportation, and their time at the festival.

Schedule:
Friday
pre-Festival Community Shows
Honk!TX partners with FrontSteps’ Austin Resource Center for the Homeless and with the Austin Boys & Girls Club South Unit for our community shows this year.
HONK!TX Kickoff!
The 1300 block of S. Congress Ave.
6pm-10pm
*free*
19 bands dazzle the denizens of South Austin with free musical performances. Bands will play at Jo’s Coffee, Snack Bar, and the nearby food trailer parking lot.

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Saturday
Adams Hemphill Park from noon to 7pm. All 24 bands will be playing on multiple stages in the area

View My Saved Places in a larger map


Sunday
HONK!TX Parade Day!

Pan-Am Park, 4th and Chicon St

Parade: 12pm-2pm

Band Revue: 2:30pm-5:30pm

*free*

The annual parade from Pan-American Park in East Austin at 12 Noon sharp! The route will see 20 bands and plenty of spectacle marching their musical way through East Austin and returning to the park. Following that will be the annual all-band blowout revue where bands will have 8 minutes to strut their stuff for an adoring audience of fans and friends. Be on the lookout for one-shot appearances by the Low Brass Choir, High Wind Choir and the One-Ounce Opera!

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HONK!TX Movie Night

The Off Center (2211 Hidalgo)

6pm-9pm

*free*

Go to The Off Center for a special free screening of three movies about brass band culture: Trip to the Moon, Sousa on the Rez, and HONK! You Very Much.

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Admission:
Free for ALL events

Handicapped Accessibility:
Since there are a number of different venues the accessibility issues vary by venue. Most however will be meet ADA requirements.


Website:
Honk TX Festival

Pink Gorilla

About:
This Giant Pink Gorilla Statue is part of Big Star Bingo and apparently all the bingo players love seeing the statue before they play. I guess it is suppose to bring them luck or something.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Erected:
about 1996

Handicapped Accessibility:
The gorilla is not accessible from the parking lot, it can be seen from the sidewalk, but it would be a long path from an accessible spot to the front of the statue. People with mobility issues might find it difficult to get any closer (for such things as photo ops) because it is grassy between the sidewalk and the statue.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
Big Star Bingo
910 W Anderson Ln
Austin, TX, 78757

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Henry Madison Cabin

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Built about 1863 at 807 east 11th Street; homestead of Henry Green Madison (1843-1912), policeman and farmer, his wife Louise, and their eight children. In 1886, Madison built a frame house enclosing the cabin, which remained hidden until a razing crew found it in 1968.

The log structure was donated to the city of Austin in 1968 by Mrs. Ninabelle Wooten, dismantled and reassembled on this site in 1973 as an exhibit dedicated to the black heritage of the city.

Erected:

photo taken by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
To my dismay, there is no sidewalk around this cabin, making accessibility very difficult. 

Location:
2300 Rosewood Ave Austin, TX 78702

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WEBB Telescope - The Next generation of Space Exploration

This past Sunday, the wife and I made our first foray into downtown Austin during SXSW (South by SouthWest).  We went to see the life size model of the James Webb Space Telescope (sometimes called JWST or WEBB Telescope). So what is the WEBB Telescope? It is a large, infrared-optimized space telescope, that will replace HUBBLE.
NASA was in Austin, this past weekend with a life size model of the space telescope set up on the lawn of the Long Center. The telescope is as big as a tennis court and as tall as a four story building.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

While I was there, I walked up for a closer look, at the urging of my wife, who because of her handicap could not climb the grassy hill it was setting on. This gave me the opportunity to meet and and talk with one of the folks on hand to answer questions about the telescope. Scott Lewis, who is a Broadcast Producer for CosmoQuest.org, was the host I spoke to, who told me that WEBB was expected to be launched and replace Hubble in October 2018.

photo taken by passing bicyclist

According to the NASA website,

Webb will find the first galaxies that formed in the early Universe, connecting the Big Bang to our own Milky Way Galaxy. Webb will peer through dusty clouds to see stars forming planetary systems, connecting the Milky Way to our own Solar System. Webb's instruments will be designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with some capability in the visible range.

Webb will have a large mirror, 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in diameter and a sunshield the size of a tennis court. Both the mirror and sunshade won't fit onto a rocket fully open, so both will fold up and open once Webb is in outer space. Even the mirror was on display inside the Parmer Events Center next door. According to the website WEBB will reside in an orbit of about 1 million miles from the Earth.

The Telescope was named after the NASA Administrator (James Webb) who crafted the Apollo program, and who was a staunch supporter of space science.

Rodeo Austin - March 8-23, 2013

About the Rodeo:
Rodeo Austin started in 1938, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo (it's official name since 1999) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Over 2,000 volunteers, donors, and sponsors serving on numerous committees work to advance the mission of the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo by providing scholarships to deserving Texas youth.

Staying true to the official sport of Texas, the Star of Texas is proud to host the world’s 5th largest indoor, regular season ProRodeo. Along with Rodeo Austin, the organization delivers superior entertainment to fans year-round, while boasting an economic impact that exceeds $68 million annually.


Admission:
ProRodeo and Concert (includes Fairgounds gate admission)

• Box Seat - $37
• Reserved Seat - $25
• Xtreme Seat - $175

Fairgrounds Gate Admission

• Adults (13 and up) - $8
• Children - $5
• Under 2 - FREE
• Adult Season Pass - $25
• Child Season Pass - $15

Daily Unlimited Ride Wristband

• Adult - $33 online advanced price and $38 at the gate
• Child - $30 online advanced price and $35 at the gate

Season Carnival Fun Pass

• Adult - $90
• Child - $80

Handicapped Accessibility:
The Travis County Expo Center is accessible to persons of all mobility.  The Rodeo and concert are inside so is accessible to persons of all mobility. As for the carnival and outside events, most is on pavement and should not prevent persons of mobility to move throughout. However, some carnival rides might not be accessible for some persons with mobility issues to ride.

Website:
Rodeo Austin

Parking:
Parking is $10 per vehicle event parking lot.



Location:
(512) 919-3000
Travis County Expo
9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin, TX 78724

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NASA’s Webb Space Telescope in Austin

As big as a tennis court and as tall as a four-story building, the one and only full-scale Webb telescope model will be on display next to the Palmer Events Center from March 8 to 10, in conjunction with the South by Southwest Gaming Expo.
Also get to:

• Talk to astronomers and engineers who are making Webb happen, including a Nobel laureate and a five-time astronaut.
• Take a tour through the universe on a giant, 20-foot-wide monitor powered by Microsoft’s World Wide Telescope.
• Be part of a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest astronomy lesson ever taught.
• Visit the NASA Experience Tent, filled with astronomy displays, videos, and hands-on activities.
• Spend an evening under the stars, looking through telescopes provided by local amateur astronomers.
• Video chat with an engineer in NASA’s enormous clean room, where parts of Webb are currently being assembled and tested.
• View Webb-inspired artwork created by local schoolchildren.
• Attend one or more presentations about the science and technology of Webb.
• “Check in” at the model, and post your own pictures from the event to our online photo stream.

When
(today)Friday, March 8 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, March 9 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday, March 10 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Handicapped Accessibility:
This event will be on the lawn of the event center and so take that into consideration as some folks with mobility issues may have a hard time getting through grass.

Location:

Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5664

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Local to Global Outdoor Gallery Project

The Local to Global Outdoor Gallery Project is the largest outdoor gallery mural project in this great city we call Austin, TX. It is sponsored by the HOPE Campaign, which is a non-profit that aims to involve artists in supporting social projects around the world.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
Not very accessible to anyone with mobility issues at all, due to the hilly and grassy areas of this location. The site is an abandoned construction site that has been taken over by the street artists.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
11th and Baylor (end of Baylor Street on hill)

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I Love You so Much Mural

One thing about Austin, they love street art. So many other cities call street art graffiti and rush to cover it up. For example when, I lived in Topeka I commissioned an artist to paint on my shed a rose with the message "Jesus let you love bloom." Someone from the anti-graffiti police came and painted over the name of my Lord and Savior, which was on the portion of the shed that face the street. It was much more attractive then the street art in this picture, but someone with poor tastes decided it was graffiti and painted on my private property that I myself owned. So kudos to Austin for being progressive enough to know the difference between street art and graffiti.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

About:
Street Art such as the I Love so very Much Mural is a huge part of Austin's art scene.

Handicapped Accessibility:
This mural is right at sidewalk/street level and is very accessible to persons with all mobility.

Location:
1300 S Congress

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Obama tells America "I am Not a Crook"

As the Government cuts known as sequester continues. Politicians continue to place blame by blaming each other. The third most powerful man in America, House Speaker John Bonner, said that President Obama is the one hurting American's financially. He holds all the cards, he is the man behind the curtain.
In reply, President Obama had this to say,

"I am NOT a crook."

Thank you, Mr. President, Now in other news....
----------
My name is Kevin, and that's what I think. What do you think? Agree? Disagree?

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4th Annual Wild Fire Reggae Fest - March 7-9, 2013

The 4th Annual Wild Fire Reggae Fest is set to hit Austin this March 7-9, 2013!!

March 7th: Gates at 5pm for campers and vendors to get set-up! Camping party starts at 9pm.

March 8: Live music from 10:00am - 2:00am
Soundsystem Afterparty from 2:00am - ??

March 9: Live music from 10:00am - 2:00am
Soundsystem Afterparty from 2:00am - ??


Wildfire Reggae & Arts Festival has been dubbed "The 32 Flavors" of Reggae Festivals...

LINE-UP:
Just a few of the bands scheduled include the following:

• DON CARLOS
• GYPTI
• MARLON ASHERMIKE LOVE
• ALEX MARLEY
• THE EXPANDERS
• BEYOND I SIGHT
• NATTY VIBES
• ASHES OF BABYLON
• HALEAMANO
• ARDEN PARK ROOTS
• SOULFIYA & THE BLACK LUNG CREW
• CARLTON PRIDE & MIGHTY ZION
• MCPULLISH
• SINIZEN
• AXIS UNITY
• JET WEST
• T.U.G.G.
• NEW REB
• DREAD DAZE
• NAIA KETE
• JUDIVAN ROOTS
• MISTER KALI
• KING SCHASCHA & IRUSALEMSOL TRIBE
• AUDIC EMPIRE
• EL DUB
• ROOT DIMENSION
• THE RAFIKI PROJECT
• YOUNG COSTELLO
• BUJIE & THE HIGHRISE
• BUENAS NOCHES ROACHES
• HIGH BRED ROOTS
• PILLAR OF ZION
• ...AND MORE...

Official Website:
http://wildfirereggaefest.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/wildfirereggae

Location:
5220 N. Farm to Market Road 973 Austin, TX 78724

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Xiang Yun Budhist Temple

I was asked by one of our visitors of this site to show more of the Buddhist Temples  from around Austin. While I am not a practitioner of this religion, their architecture is often very interesting. So I set out to locate and photograph each of them.  This is the 2nd one that I have photographed.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Built:
Construction started in October 1995 and was completed in January 2000.

Handicapped Accessibility:
I am sure they have a handicapped entrance some place, but I could not see it, nor is it visible in this photograph. However, access is not need to admire the beauty of the architecture from afar.

Location:
6720 Capital of Texas (360) Highway Austin, TX 78731
(512) 346-6789

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Prairie Home Companion Coming to Austin - April 20, 2013

Yes the comedy of Public Radio's Prairie Home Companion is coming to the greatest city in the world. Austin, Texas!  According to the Public Radio website, tickets go on sale today (March 1, 2013) at 10 am. This will be a live broadcast of their popular show, so it is something you won't want to miss. I absolutely Prairie Home Companion, and I have so long wanted to see this in person.

For tickets and more information see www.texasperformingarts.org
Where to buy tickets:
Tickets available online, by phone at (512) 477-6060 or 800-982-BEVO, and in person at all Texas Box Office locations.


For more information see www.kut.org

Handicapped Accessibility:
Bass Concert Hall is accessible to people of all mobility. However, don't forget to mention you need accessible seats when purchasing your tickets.

Location:
Bass Concert Hall
2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX

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Simpson United Methodist Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
This congregation grew from an early Sunday school class directed by Annas Brown, Richard Dukes and Mrs. Vina Harris Forehand, Members of Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, for residents of the far eastern section of Austin. In December 1880 the group organized as the Simpson Mission Methodist Episcopal Church. The congregation name was chosen to honor Bishop Matthew Simpson (d.1884), a pioneer Methodist leader who was also an active political negotiator, an abolitionist and a noted orator.

Worship services were first held in a community schoolhouse. A frame sanctuary, constructed at the corner of Concho and Gregory Streets in May 1881,was used until the congregation moved to this site in 1922. New facilities were later added here to accommodate the church's continued growth.

Known as Simpson United Methodist Church since 1970, this fellowship has played a significant role in the development of Austin's black community for over a century. Church programs, including mission work, service projects and revivals, have reflected the congregation's strong sense of community pride and involvement. Pastors and members here have included many prominent Methodist leaders.

Erected:
1982

photo By Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is somewhat accessible to everyone, however it is in a grassy area with no sidewalk directly in-front of the marker.


Location:
1701 E 12th Austin, TX 78701

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