Five Ways to Enjoy Austin in July
Compiled by Luisa Venegoni and Sylvia Kim
Red, White and Blue
July 1 – Aug. 3, North Hills Gallery
The Creative Arts Society, a local nonprofit visual-arts organization promoting the idea of the artist in everyone, has brought together an exhibit of 50 pieces by 20 artists who are celebrating Independence Day by expressing the theme red, white and blue through various mediums. The exhibit showcases visions of patriotic and red-, white- and blue-oriented subjects created using acrylics, oil, pastel, collage, stained glass, photography and mixed media. The numerous mediums and artistic styles highlighted in the exhibit reflect the value the organization places on diversity. Enjoy the free exhibit between July 1 and Aug. 3 at the North Hills Gallery. As a juried show, prizes will be presented for first, second and third place pieces at the reception on July 6 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
ACG Summer Series
July 12, 7:30 p.m., Bates Recital Hall
The captivating Cavatina Duo, described by legendary guitarist and composer Sérgio Assad as “the best flute and guitar duo in the world today,” will perform at the Butler School of Music, thanks to a collaboration between Austin Classical Guitar and Austin Chamber Music Center. The prizewinning duo, comprised of Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagic, will present the newest work of Austin Classical Guitar’s composer in residence, Joseph V. Williams. Drawing from Spanish Sephardic Jewish music, Williams’ Isabel pays tribute to Isabel de los Olives y López, who suffered persecution during the Spanish inquisition. The piece was created specifically for Moliner and Azabagic. Cavatina Duo has released five albums and performed in venues throughout Europe and the United States. Tickets are $25 to $50.
Sound & Cinema
July 2, 16 and 30, 6 p.m., The Long Center
For the second year, Do512 and the Alamo Drafthouse have brought the popular Sound & Cinema local-band-and-movie summer series to The Long Center. Bring the family to eat at a variety of food trucks and listen to local musicians play a tribute to a movie, then spread out your blankets and folding chairs on The Long Center’s lawn to enjoy the feature presentation on the big screen. Along with local food trucks such as Peached Tortilla, Whole Foods, Frank and Uncle Louie G’s, the series hosts full bar service with El Jimador cocktails, craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks. July’s events include Pee Wee’s Big Adventure with The Urban Achievers Brass Band, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial with Henry + The Invisibles and The Pink Panther (1963) with the music of Henry Mancini performed by the Jeff Lofton Quartet.
Pure Austin Splash-n-Dash
July 15, Pure Austin Quarry Lake
Calling all outdoor athletes! Join Jack & Adam’s Bicycles and High Five Events for Pure Austin Gym’s eighth July Splash-n-Dash. Participants will complete a 750-meter open-water swim around Quarry Lake at Pure Austin North then slip on their shoes for a 3K trail run. Stick around after the race for hot dogs, chips, drinks and the awards presentation. Lifeguards will be present as a safety measure, but competitors should have experience with open-water and long-distance swimming and be at least 12 years old. As a USA Triathlon (USAT) event, participants must have a USAT membership, which can be purchased online at the time of registration. Registration is $15 and will be open until 3 p.m. on the day of the event or until the 250-person capacity is reached.
Austin Symphony Fourth of July Concert
July 4, Circuit of the Americas, 6 p .m.
Not much can compare with the fireworks of Fourth of July, except for the explosive sounds of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Expect thousands of your closest Austinite friends and family to attend a performance sure to please the senses. The melodious sights and sounds of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and finale of fireworks is a worthy way to celebrate your holiday. Becoming a summer tradition in Austin, the now 38th annual concert will be located this year at the Austin360 Amphitheater at the Circuit of the Americas. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., with games and Fourth-of-July-inspired activities for the whole family, which will lead into the 8:30 p.m. start of the concert. So bring your picnic blanket and leftover barbeque, and spend some quality time with the people you love, making this year’s Independence Day the best one yet.
Photos by Leroy Lawson, Jayati Saha, Do512, and High Five Events.
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