Events: Summer of Catalyst 8 Follow-Up

[photos (by me): SPEAK members enjoy a digital art display; Peligrosa All-Stars rock it on the Long Center's City Terrace]

Yeah... so I've apparently been on hiatus from this blog for a couple of months. I noticed that my old postings stopped with a promotion for the Catalyst 8: Digital Revolution Mash B4 Bash DJ Party. Thus, if you're wondering how it was: it was awesome.

Seriously, our featured DJs, The Peligrosa All-Stars rocked the crowd on the Long Center's City Terrace for hours with fun and interesting Latin infused music. I had a great time listening to them (and taking low light photos). Independence Brewing Co. provided beer for the event. I was especially fond of the Freestyle.

Anyway, the final event in the Summer of Catalyst 8 was the Bash 2010. The theme: Let's Get Digital. The event, which was held inside the Long Center, was fantastic. SPEAK (in a photo above) put on an excellent show with their indie synth-pop (and a few 80's tributes). I'd share some images, but my camera with the photos of the actual event disappeared while I was tailgating before the UT-Wyoming game.

The Bash was a success, and another element of Catalyst 8's program for raising money to support performing arts in Austin and to allow the Rollins Theater to truly realize its potential as a theater for all of Austin.

Stay tuned for information on upcoming Catalyst 8 events.

Events: Catalyst 8 Digital Revolution

The Summer of Catalyst 8 continues with the annual DJ party on the terrace of the Long Center. This year's featured DJ's: The Peligrosa Allstars. Celebrate with Catalyst 8 as they ramp up for the BASH 2010 and work to fund 100 nights of performances in the Long Center's Rollins Theater.

Catalyst 8 supports the Boost Program, which provides rental subsidies to emerging and underserved performing arts groups in Austin. This summer is the best time to get involved with Catalyst 8, because for a limited time 3M has generously arranged to match the annual pledge of new members. That's double the impact on performing arts in Austin. Catalyst 8 and 3M: Together Launching Innovation.

Events: Screening of The Big Bends

photo (by me): Jason William Marlow answers questions about his film; seated next to him are Jimmy Lee Jr., Rocio Garza, and Giovanni Antonello.

One of my favorite things about being a Catalyst 8 member is getting to see some of the shows our Boost program assists. Tonight's screening of The Big Bends was exceptionally cool. Not only did this short film win a special jury award at this year's SXSW, but on top of that honor it was selected to appear at Cannes. The Rollins Theater at the Long Center had the privilege of showing this film in its first post Cannes appearance in Austin, and Catalyst 8 helped make the screening possible via the Boost Rental Subsidy Fund.

I'm not going to go into much detail about the film, as I don't want to spoil it. I will say, however, that it is a powerful look at the end of one life and the start of another, set in the desert of Texas' Big Bend region. It was well balanced, well paced, and over all and excellent piece of art.

After the screening, the director (see photo above) and the cast answered questions about the film. The story behind the impetus for the film and the details of shooting with 16mm film in the harsh desert light were especially interesting.

The Catalyst 8 BASH 2010 is our main fundraiser for the year, and proceeds from it will go toward supporting the arts right here in Austin. And, of course, not only is it supporting a good cause, but its an awesome and fun event at the same time. Come, have fun, and help make great art possible.

Events: Summer of Catalyst 8

photos (by me): Summer of Catalyst 8 Kickoff Happy Hour @ Star Bar


June has been a good month. Last week we kicked off the Summer of Catalyst 8 @ Star Bar. Freshly arrived from Chicago, I was quite happy to punctuate my return to Austin with a massive Catalyst 8 happy hour which featured bonus catering from Stubb's and a special appearance from this year's Catalyst 8 Bash featured band, Speak. Furthermore, it was great to have Habitat Young Professionals as Catalyst 8's guest.

If you aren't familiar with Catalyst 8, it is the organization which supports the Boost Rental Subsidy Fund, a program which awards rental subsidies to selected qualifying arts groups which want to use the Long Center's Rollins Theater. Catalyst 8 has been on a roll this year, and a recent acceleration for the organization has been the receipt of a generous matching grant program from 3M. That's right, this summer 3M is matching the annual membership pledge of $300 for every new member who signs up for Catalyst 8.

If you were at the June happy hour but still want to enjoy the rest of the Summer of Catalyst 8, there are two events to put on the calendar:

-7/22 Digital Revolution DJ party on the terrace of the Long Center
-8/28 Catalyst 8 Bash 2010 @ the Long Center. Theme: Let's Get Digital!

Good times are guaranteed.

Events: Planning for Catalyst 8's 2010 Bash Is Already Underway

2009 Catalyst 8 Bash, seen from outside The Long Center

Plans are underway for the 2010 Catalyst 8 Bash, which is scheduled for August. This year's theme is going to be digital art. As a digital photography enthusiast, I'm looking forward to scouting for digital art to feature at the event.

Bash '09 was one of my favorite parties of the year. Our featured artist was Steve Dubov, and we had a private performance by The Black and White Years.  Also, Illios Lighting blew things up with an incredible LED wall synced to the DJ's music.

I'm expecting this year's Bash to exceed the already high bar set last year.