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)

View Larger Map

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

View Larger Map

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?

follow us on Twitter

---

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

View Larger Map

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

View Larger Map

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

View Larger Map

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

View Larger Map