Gagarazzi: the long-awaited recap.

I am a terrible blogger: I attended Gagarazzi nearly two weeks ago, and I still haven't found time to write a post before now. For shame!

Can I blame it on the first week of classes and working double-shifts?

Does a video from Gagarazzi make up for my procrastination?

Yes? No? Maybe?

Either way, Gagarazzi was a drop-dead gorgeous night, filled with a nonstop, good-vibes-all-around energy that I would only expect in Austin. Despite not knowing half of the Lady Gaga songs I heard, I had a jolly good time. From the costumes to the raffle prizes, the Lady Gaga-themed benefit was 100% a success.

Thanks to local bloggers and other local news outlets, Gagarazzi attracted over 600 partygoers! If it wasn't for my media pass, I wouldn't have been able to get in--the venue was packed. The Lady Gaga-themed benefit for Equality Texas raised nearly $2,500, as well. How impressive is that? A big congrats to the crew over at Homespun Horror, as they pulled off one heck of an event that I hope the city of Austin never forgets! Feel free to relive the Gaga magic that occurred at The Highball through my photos.

This is what I wore...with electric blue tights, no less.

  Allie in my "I found DVF at a swap meet" dress.

 It's not Halloween--it's GAGARAZZI!

 Some of the goodies that were raffled during Gagarazzi.

 Lady Gaga Barbies, for all!

 Painting by the ultra-talented Haylan Teel.

The winner of "The Best Gaga" Costume Contest.

 Miss Chevious.

 More of the festive, revelry within Gagarazzi's audience.

 Boylesque performer, Jasper St. James.

 Dolls From The Crypt: Yes, she really is wearing a meat dress.

 Brynn, of Brass Ovaries.

 Brynn was recently named Miss Texas Pole Star 2011.

 No wonder: her grace and athleticism is inspiring.

Partygoers. 

 

Eric Teel, of Homespun Horror, covering Gaga's "Future Love".

 Ginger Snaps, dancing her way through "Judas"...

 "Let's have some fun; this beat is sick."

Jolie Goodnight of The Jigglewatts.

"Caught in a bad romance."

Dolls From The Crypt: Paparazzi.

I ♥ Austin: ACL Aftershows! Gagarazzi! Pop-Up Shops! TRIBEZA Style Week!

I never thought September would be this busy. Around the time rumors started floating around about this year's Austin City Limits Music Festival line-up, I vowed that I wouldn't buy a 3-day pass because (1. I didn't have the money, (2. I needed to focus on saving money, and (3. I thought maybe I would be stressed out about graduation.

I am definitely stressed out about graduation. I am in the second-to-last quarter of my college career, folks. In a week-and-a-half, I'll be in the last quarter. In three months and one day, I'll have a Bachelor's of Science diploma in my hands! After six years and three colleges (you read that right: three!), I'll be able to add "College Graduate" to the list of words I use to describe myself. I'm simultaneously ecstatic and terrified.

So, I'm going to do what I do best: take a deep breath, put on some music, and keep this blog post simple, with a sprinkle of upcoming events in Austin (I sound as if I'm decorating cupcakes; I wish I had time to bake cupcakes!).

Tortoise & Blonde will be hosting a showcase at Estilo (234 W. 2nd Street; Austin) this Saturday, from 1-5 pm. If you're in Austin and cannot make it to Zilker Park for the 10th Austin City Limits Music Festival, you can enter to win ACL Aftershow tix to Bright Eyes or Empire Of The Sun while at Estilo. The bands are playing their ACL Aftershows that same night; Bright Eyes at Stubb's and Empire Of The Sun at Austin Music Hall, respectively.

If I didn't already have internship commitments to tend to, I would so be there--even if an ACL Aftershow ticket giveaway wasn't involved. Tortoise & Blonde's vintage eyewear frames are right up my alley. And their mission statement is inspiring:

Listen to some tunes while shopping for new glasses, and maybe win some ACL Aftershow tix? Sounds like a great non-ACL Fest Saturday to me!

Moving on.

My favorite locally-owned magazine, TRIBEZA is hosting yet another Style Week! Presented by Dachis Group and beginning September 22nd, this year's TRIBEZA Style Week will include: boutique crawls, designer showcases, runway shows, and SKETCH--an educational panel for students interested in the fashion industry.

If anyone remembers, back when Bella Vogue was in its infancy, I went to SKETCH at Bows +Arrows. I highly recommend attending, as I gained an insight to many industry-related careers.

TRIBEZA Style Week really deserves its own post. Until then, check out the official TRIBEZA Style Week website for more details, along with all the answers to your ticket & pricing inquiries.

Painted by Haylan Teel: prints will be available for purchase at Gagarazzi.

Last but DEFINITELY not least: Gagarazzi is on the 30th, at The Highball, and benefits Equality Texas. Sponsored by Yelp and Homespun Horror, it's going to be a Gaga-mania evening, filled with burlesque, comedy acts, live music, the most Gaga-riffic raffle EVER (includes a print of the above flyer), and much more! I have my costume figured out. Do you? RSVP on Facebook, little monsters!

Thank you to IntegratePR, Tortoise & Blonde, and TRIBEZA for the images! Homespun Horror gets a BIG thanks for the image AND video.

Gagarazzi: calling ALL little monsters!

Homespun Horror's "Gagarazzi: Lady Gaga Is Stalking You".

If you live in Austin (or its surroundings), this is your official invitation to Gagarazzi!

I know, you're probably wondering, "What is Gagarazzi?"

Sponsored by Yelp and Homespun Horror, it's a Lady Gaga-themed burlesque and variety show that will be taking place at hometown favorite The Highball on Friday, September 30th.

The best part? It's also a benefit for Equality Texas.

Equality Texas is the only (nonpartisan) statewide political advocacy organization lobbying the Texas Legislature for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Their vision is simple but the mission is a fighting battle: they envision a state where ALL Texans are treated equally, with dignity and respect.

Gagarazzi will feature prominent performers from Austin and San Antonio, including: The Jigglewatts, Dolls From The Crypt, Black Widow Burlesque, Austin City Showgirls, Oh Baby Burlesque, and Stars & Garters.

Other happenings at Gagarazzi? A very unique raffle, costume contests, pre- and post-show fun, and a photo booth, to name a few.

The pre-show will include excellent videos produced by local sponsor, Homespun Horror, to get the early arrivals in the spirit of Gaga; Gaga Karaoke; bowling and dinner at The Highball.

All proceeds from the raffle will go to Equality Texas. The raffle will be made up of Lady Gaga-inspired creations of all kinds that have been donated by local artists and businesses: paintings, jewelry, a handcrafted Gaga Barbie, couture tea cups, and even a Gaga-themed handmade soap basket from a local soap company, among other Gaga goodies.
(Do I even need to say that I'm already hoping to win?)

The photo booth will be there to capture the night in all its glory, and to serve as a reminder of all the Gaga-mania for years to come. The professional photos (with a backdrop!) will be snapped before, during, and after the show.

The show will be chock-full of talented performers of varying degrees: burlesque troupes, musicians, dancers and comedy routines.

Be sure to stick around for the post-show dance party, as well! If you're still wondering what Gagarazzi is all about, here's what Haylan from Homespun Horror had to say:

"We feel at this time, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered equality being a prominent issue, as well as the rash of recent suicides by youths all over the country, it's highly important to raise awareness and funds for this cause and local organization. Our inspiration is Lady Gaga, who was named the most charitable celebrity of 2010 for her LGBT support and Haiti Relief, and has fought diligently for the disenfranchised through political rallies, charities, and monetary support. She donates $20,000 per tour date (over 200 stops on her recent tour alone) to help LGBT youths that have been thrown out by their parents, becoming homeless. These acts, as well as her to activism to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, have inspired us to do what can for this important fight as well. With a show like never before, Austin, TX, can participate and bring awareness and funds to this non-profit, while enjoying the theatrics of Gaga enough to be part of this show dedicated to such a powerful artist and cause."

Well said!

Austin has never gone Gaga like this before! So all the Summer Boys, Monsters, Future Loves, and Government Hookers--be sure to grab last year's blond Halloween wig and your tallest dancing shoes, put on your poker face, channel your inner Gaga and come on down to The Highball on September 30th, where Gagarazzi will be the next best thing to The Monster Ball!
What?

Gagarazzi: a Lady Gaga-themed burlesque and variety show, benefiting Equality Texas.

Where?
The Highball; 1124 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704

When?
9/30/2011

Other Info?
21+, $7 at the door/$5 with costume.
Show starts at 9 pm. Pre-show at 8 pm. Post-show dance party until 2 am.

Questions/Need More Info?
Contact Homespun Horror at homespunhorror@yahoo.com!
Visit Gagarazzi on Facebook.
Visit Homespun Horror on Facebook.
Gagarazzi on Yelp.

Special thanks to Homespun Horror for the images & video.