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MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND GARDENS

Founded in 1989, Mitchie's Fine Art & Framing Gallery is central Texas' largest African and African-American Art and Gallery. The gallery is located at 6406 N. IH 35 in the Lincoln Village Shopping Center. Mitchie's is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from Noon-5pm.

Mitchie’s offers a huge selection of African and African American originals, serigraphs, giclees, and limited/open edition artworks by local and national artist, books, cards, calendars, collectibles, African carvings and clothing, greek and masonic gift items.

Austin’s list of museums include the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Austin Children's Museum and the George Washington Carver Museum – which recently completed a multi-million major renovation in 2005. The theatre inside of Carver Museum was recently renamed in honor of Boyd Vance the patron saint of African-American art and culture in Austin. The arts are equally well represented with the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the Austin Museum of Arts.

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

The ProArts Collective is the leader in creating black theatre in Austin with over 70 productions under their belt. Visit their web site for information on their upcoming productions. Other venues in town that host plays and concerts include the Zachary Scott Theatre, One World Theatre, the UT Performing Arts Center, the Frank Erwin Center, the Austin Symphony, along with Ballet Austin and the Austin Lyric Opera.

LIVE MUSIC

Everyone knows that Austin prides itself on being the Live Music Capital of the World. What Austin lacks in quantity of live bands that play music targeting black folks — it definitely makes up for it in quality!

Some of the best jazz, funk, old school and R&B bands and vocalist to keep an ear out for include Memphis Train, Les and the Funk Mob, Taboo, Pam Hart, Courtney Sanchez, All U Need, The Brew, Dysfunkshun Junkshun, Bavu Blakes, Blue Mist, Foxxy B, and Thomas Hughes.

A list of clubs and restaurants that regularly feature live funk, jazz and R&B bands include Cedar Street Courtyard, the Elephant Room, Speakeasy's, the Oasis, Eddie V's, Tangerines, Reed's Supper Club and Ringside at Sullivan's.

AUSTIN NIGHTLIFE

The Warehouse district is where the grown folks go out to play. True to its name, the restaurants and clubs in this district have been renovated from former warehouses into trendy restaurants, top-notch concert halls, and distinctive bars.

Sixth Street in downtown Austin is perhaps the city's best known street outside of Texas. Every year during Texas Relays Weekend, Austin transforms itself into Urban Party Central! Last year there were 55 different parties happening over the 3 day weekend.