Our first exposure to the Oh Snap Festival was also Examiner's first The Bright Light Social Hour show which is appropriate since the event organizers are friends with the band. This year the lineup has expanded to 50 bands from 18 last year. Some notable additions to the bill include Ume, T-Bird and the Breaks, and Mother Falcon. Attendees will also see local DJ favorite, Orion along with Freshmillions who performed at the Austin City Limits Festival for the first time last summer.
Oh Snap is a benefit honoring the memory of Sergio Machado, a former Southwestern University student who was killed in a tragic car accident almost four years ago. His Southwestern classmates decided to honor the aspiring musician and singer by establishing a scholarship for international students in Machado's name. Last year the event raised $12,000. This year their goal is to double that amount.
The festival has grown in size as too. In 2011, Oh Snap was held on a single day at Pine Street Station. This year will be three days of music at two downtown venues, The Parish and Beale Street Tavern. The music kicks off Thursday at 6pm with a free preparty ($5 for non-ticket holders) sponsored by Sailor Jerry featuring standup comedy and 6 bands.
Oh Snap PreParty schedule:
7:00-7:45 Halaska8:00-8:45 Freeballin’ Comedy Improv Show!9:00-9:45 Three Leaf10:00-10:45 GoGo Beware11:00-11:45 Final Exam12:00-12:45 BOY1:00-2:00AM Eleven:Eleven
Our community recently lost an amazing friend, activist, teacher, and music fan. Esme Barrera was murdered early New Year's Day at her home in central Austin.I had the honor of working with Esme for 4 years at Girls Rock Camp Austin. We rarely encounter people so inspiring -- whose compassion and joy are contagious. Esme was the unique gift of a person who could ease a new girl's fear at Rock Camp with a hug -- who a Waterloo customer remembers for her smile -- who a local band remembers for rocking out in the front row. Esme was the epitome of awesome.The day after I heard the news she was gone, I went into Resonate Studios with Louie Lino to track a song I'd been holding inside for a long time and that I wanted to dedicate to Esme. Louie offered to add keyboards and the result of this January afternoon is what you hear above.During recording, I learned that Esme once lived above the studio and was a dear friend of Louie and his family. I've been overwhelmed with how many people her light has touched. Even now Esme is inspiring our community and bringing people together. This song is simply an attempt to honor that inspiration and to give something back. Thank you, Esme, for all that you gave and thank you, Louie, for working with me on this song.100% of all sales will go straight to Esme's family. Please give what you can through naming your own price for the song or by donating directly to forouresmeb.blogspot.com.Love,Lauren / Ume
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