Austin360 blogs > Almost Urban > Archives > 2007 > April > 05 > Entry
Weekend Picks: Relays on the side
Is it possible that the addition of the Urban Music Festival (now in its second year) to Texas Relays Weekend will, over time, create a small-scale brown alternative to the annual ubiquitous street carnival that is SXSW? There has always been a massive social component to the Relays, but as the music festival grows, drawing more quality artists into Austin, perhaps it will up the entertainment ante. In any case, even if the two-day soul and funk jam at auditorium shores isn’t your speed, there are a mess of urban entertainment options this weekend. I’m listing the ones that caught my eye. You can find more over here and there are even more parties listed on thescrewshop.com. I don’t have concrete price information on some of these events, so I’ve provided links and numbers when available, but don’t forget to factor in the inflationary effect of any mass population influx downtown on drink, door and parking prices when you’re budgeting your outing this weekend.
Friday events:
Paul Wall, Lil’ Flip and more at Maggie Mae’s. This is billed as a CD release for Lil’ Flip hosted by Houston’s DJ J-Que of 97.9 ‘The Box’. Paul Wall and the Grit Boys are listed as official entertainment as well. I’ve also heard rumors that underground Houston heavy hitter Trae might show at this one too. Reservations and Information, (832) 489-8894.
Air Up There Celebrity B-Ball Game and after-party. Huston-Tillotson University hosts The Air Up There celebrity basketball game at Mary Branch Gymnasium at 900 Chicon St. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the game starting at 7. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits a HTU student scholarship fund. After the game, if you’re young enough or pimp enough to not feel a little creepy in an 18 & up club with sleazy built into its mission statement, Ozone Magazine is hosting the official after-party at Spiro’s. Rapid Ric will be holding down the wheels in the main room and the celebrity guest list includes the entire Whut It Dew Fam, Carnival Beats and a veritable who’s who of eastside movers and shakers.
DJ Kid Capri at Spin Lounge. Austin Renaissance has taken over the Congress avenue space formerly known at the Sky Lounge to host a swanky party with DJ Kid Capri, Def Comedy Jam veteran and one-time side man for everyone from Grand Puba to Puffy. Dress code strictly enforced, Internet presale tickets are $25.
Saturday events:
Paul Wall In-store at Music Mania. The man and his legendary grill will be in the house at this music store in the Fiesta plaza signing autographs (and perhaps dropping a verse or two) beginning at 4 p.m.
‘Willhustle.com’s H.A.W.K. benefit show and day party at the Light Bar. At the free day party from 1 to 7 p.m. (which is billed as a music industry mixer) they’ll even throw in a free lunch if you show up before 3 p.m. There are a whole host of acts I’ve never heard of on the bill, but the name that jumped out at me was Kenika. This fiery female commanded the stage at the UGK show at Visions during SXSW, which became even more impressive after the cats from Zion I who followed her were practically booed off the stage. The girl is definitely on my radar. Later in the evening a free tribute to fallen Houston emcee H.A.W.K. is on the bill with Big Moe, Big Pokey, Dok Holiday and more.
Slim Thug at Maggie Mae’s. Flava TV and Key Players Entertainment present the Fourth Annual Grand Finale at Maggie Mae’s and Houston emcee Slim Thug is headlining.
B-Boy City’s Planet Rock party at the Parish and Ring the Alarm at Copa. Two consistent winners that should be even hotter with the Texas Relays crowd in the mix. Heavy on the breakbeats, old school vibes and today’s killer moves the Planet Rock parties, hosted by Romeo Navarro and crew are always a lot of fun. Pumas vs. Adidas is generally the theme, but just show up ready to move. (18 & up, $8 at the door) A little more on the upscale side, the Caribbean throwdown at Copa featuring DJ Baby G is a perennial fave of the grown and sexy Austin urban set. Dress to impress. (21 & up, $7 at the door.)
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