let's talk about death

Austin legend Roky Erickson is as synonymous with this town as the Texas Longhorns logo or the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge bats. Sure, that's not to say that he smells like a cow or looks like a wing beast of the night, but the resurgence of his musical career has been equally as impressive.

Erickson is a progenitor of the late-’60s psychedelic rock genre (that birthed similar Austin acts such as Janis Joplin and Bubble Puppy) and a founding member of the 13th Floor Elevators, one of the most influential psych bands that emerged from the era. Their hit “You’re Gonna Miss Me” has appeared everywhere from the well-regarded 1972 “Nuggets” compilation to the soundtrack of the 2000 indie-cult film “High Fidelity.”

Nearly 40 years after the Elevators disbanded and after a string of underground releases (as well as a three-year stint at the Austin State Hospital and Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in the early ’70s), Erickson’s popularity rose with the 2005 documentary “You’re Gonna Miss Me” by Keven McAlester and a full-length performance with the Explosives at the Austin City Limits Festival. Most recently, Erickson, along with the Explosives, has been rumored to be recording an album with ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons. Catch both local legends at their respective performances tonight — Roky at Emo’s and Gibbons at the Backyard. — Shannon McGarvey (Originally featured on Austin360.com)

Roky Erickson

Much like the Converse Chuck Taylor, Coca-Cola Classic and mom’s “famous” meatloaf, ZZ Top and the trio’s trademark facial hair changeth not. In fact, the trio — Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard (who has, ironically, always sported just a mustache) — has remained intact since forming in 1970 and even managed to keep their original manager, Bill Ham, until 2006. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, ZZ Top had a string of hits that included “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” and eventually, in 2004, scored a coveted spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 6:30 p.m. The Backyard, 13101 Texas 71 W. 263-4146, www.thebackyard.net. (Originally featured on Austin360.com)

ZZ Top

Led by the angelic whine of vocalist David Longoria and the equally divine twang and thump of accompanying guitars and bass, Austin’s country-rock princes perform with Follow That Bird and Spectre in the Cab. 10 p.m. Lamberts, 401 W. Second St. $5. 494-1500, www.lambertsaustin.com. (Originally featured on Austin360.com)

The Black, courtesy of the Austin American-Statesman

Awthum!

Chef Danny Boome of new cooking show brings his mission to several Austin home kitchens

By Meredith Hight
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Thanks to the Food Network's "Rescue Chef," Austinite Shannon McGarvey can now sear a scallop, prepare a panna cotta and roast a rack of lamb. And if Danny Boome, chef-star of the new TV cooking program, has his way, you should be able to do the same after watching his show.

Read more here.

Shannon McGarvey goes over a script with producer Audrey Bellezza before filming

The New York Times just ran a fascinating article on the a fashion trend that's recently popped up in and around New York City. Called "Steampunk," hipster-types have been donning neo-Victorian and Edwarian wear, presumably inspired by the film "The Prestige."

Read more about Steampunk in the New York Times.

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to give my amazing boyfriend Matt ("GourMatt") the best 30th birthday present ever: a Food Network-prepared meal by celebrity chef Danny Boome and yours truly.

I slaved and toiled in front of cameras for a combined total of nearly 24 hours to produce a 30-minute episode of "Rescue Chef," which will air nationally at 11 a.m. next Saturday, May 17.

Danny Boome and Shannon McGarvey tape an episode of "Rescue Chef," courtesy of the Austin American-Statesman