Past Events, Projects, and Performances
Benefitting the League of Technical Voters (link)
This was a fun event to put together. We billed this as a post-apocalyptic carnival, and we certainly delivered! With a great lineup, including Barebones Orchestra, Black Molly, The Unbearables, and Bluesqueezebox, we were doing great. But imagine our excitement when Kid Beyond came on the scene at the last minute to really rock the hell out of Elysium Night Club! In addition, we had great food from Andy's Catering, and a plethora of apocalyptic carnival games with special prizes!
Passport to Good Taste (February 6th, 2008)
We were hired by Austin's own The Simplifiers (link) to help cater this brilliant idea for a party. We created a menu based on different spots around the globe that people could visit and taste. Mary Baird did a terrific job organizing the event itself. Featured stations included: mediterranean, caribbean, asian, a Build your own Pasta Bar, and a Mashed Potato Bar.
First Night Austin (December 31st, 2007)
As mentioned in the previous entry, our Caveman Collective group spent months creating electric trikes for the First Night parade on New Years Eve. Well, in the final months, we also gathered a tribe of cavepeople, furry costumes, and a SUV-saurus that would come rolling down the street and attack the cavepeople. They would cower in the path of the creature until the electric trikes would swing around with weapons for them to attack the fossil-fueled beast. Once it collapsed, much rejoicing ensued. And the parade moved on. Perhaps we didn't need to do it EVERY block, but heck...the people seemed to really love it!
Maker Faire (October 20-21, 2007)
We had two projects at the first ever Austin Maker Faire sponsored by Make: Magazine(link). For the lucky individuals who got to come out to the VIP party, we produced yet another edition of Cirque Du Molé! This time, Doryan pitted himself against Andy Zubik of Andy's Catering(link), who gave quite a performance. Our lucky panel of judges got to eat three courses provided by each chef while they and the audience got to watch our wonderful performers entertain. In the end Andy pulled out more tricks and walked away with the trophy.
The other project is with the Caveman Collective (link), who are producing a series of electric 3-wheeled vehicles as part of our performance with First Night Austin 08(link). Keep an eye out during the parade on New Years! We'll have a great act for you to enjoy!
Texas Burlesque Festival (October 13th, 2007)
Adam and Doryan performed and competed in the first ever Texas Burlesque Festival, which was organized by Kitty Kitty Bang Bang and Burlesque for Peace and presented by Gamecock Media. Saturday night, we took the stage, vying to be declared the best MC's in Texas. Through many costume changes, shameless sponsor name-dropping, and a killer finale, we emerged triumphant. So, next time you need someone to host your event and keep the show moving, you know who to call!
Before The Music Dies KOOP Benefit (August 8th, 2007)
In East Austin, we set up a great live music show by Tito and the Man (link), along with a showing of the documentary "Before the Music Dies"(link) to bring people out to support KOOP radio (Link). We had a good turn out, and great food provided by WND and Crown and Anchor Pub (link).
Arrogant Satin Superstar (May 2007 and the future)
Performed at Flipside 2007, and currently being workshopped for touring
Doryan: This was my first experience actually composing music with a whole band. What a thrill! In 17 weeks, the group wrote 15 songs and learned them! Staging was worked out, and we performed at a festival that is well known for not being the easiest place for live music performance. This Rock Opera follows oh so many other rock opera formats and morals (Tommy, Velvet Goldmine, Ziggy Stardust), and will only get better and more powerful with more time and more work. Keep a look out! We're coming to rock you!
Designathon/Codeathon 2.0 (April 14th, 21st, 22nd 2007)
Benefitting the League of Technical Voters (link to LOTV)
The programmers were the kings in this arena! They took many models from the Codeathon in October, and designed more at the Designathon on April 14th. Working with so many great ideas, our awesome volunteers created some truly thrilling Open Source tools that will be available to non-profit organizations and many others.
WND provided organization of food and entertainment, as well as working with Silona Bonewald on finding sponsors to provide many of the tasty goodies we fed our programmers. Thanks to Rebecca Olhausen for massaging many tired necks! To find out more about what everyone accomplished, click on the link above!
Steampunk Party at SXSW (March 12th, 2007)
Benefitting EFF-Austin (link)
This was one of my favorite events to work on! Frustrating at times, but entirely worth it in the end! This was our second SXSW party honoring Electronic Frontier Foundation (link), who fights for digital rights of people and companies nationwide. With a killer line-up of the White Ghost Shivers (link) backed up by Luna Tart (link), St. Idiot's Collective (link), David Demaris (link) and Fish the Magish (link), the music and entertainment on stage was stellar. The only competition came from the incredible artwork provided by Austin Robot Group (link), Steve Brudniak (link), Jennifer Fabian (link), Justin Sane, Garreth Wilcock, and the lovely Dominique. Mental note: ALWAYS give a discount to those who dress in costume. It makes the party OH so much more fun!
Special thanks to our sponsors: Fish & Richardson P.C., Digital Convergence Initiative, EFF, Polycot, Midas Networks, Make Magazine, and Enspire Learning (links).
Burlesque for Peace and Kitty Kittie Bang Bang (Feb. 14th and 17th, 2007)
Adam and Doryan, who have become well known for their wit had the pleasure of emcee-ing not one but two brilliant Burlesque shows this year! KKBB(link) had a brilliantly choreographed show that was performed at Stubb's on Valentine's Day. Burlesque for Peace (link) also had a wonderful show (their fifth year!) on the following Saturday benefitting Amnesty international (link). We're happy to be a part of such wonderful performances!
3rd annual Superbowl and Pastie-making party (Feb. 4th, 2007)
You heard right! The annual event was a huge success! It helped us greatly by helping the football fans eat, drink, and watch football. Meanwhile, the non-fans were busy at work creating pasties to sell at the Burlesque for Peace(link) fund-raiser for Amnesty International (link). We're just glad we were able to help out.
2nd Annual WND holiday appreciation party (December 2006)
What fun! What a night! All hail Momma Hattie's Egg Nog! If you think you hate egg nog, you're wrong. That's all there is to it. With tons of decadent treats pilfered from Spec's new Austin location, Doryan probably went a little crazy on this one, but it was not only tasty, it was necessary to thank all of the people who helped by volunteering and sponsoring our 2006 events. Thanks everyone! Special thanks to Rebecca Olhausen for displaying her lovely artwork all over the house!
Tribal Nations Fashion Show (November 25th 2006)
Benefitting Aaron DeLeon's family
Aaron was a dearly loved individual who strove through unbelieveable hardships with a smile on his face and in his heart. After his death from complications due to a double lung transplant, Jennifer Ayers of Ayers Design (link) decided to put on a fashion show to benefit his family. They had numerous medical and funeral bills to deal with. WND was glad to spread the word, get people out, help with managing the running of the fashion show, and dance the night away to the stylings of Exstus, Govinda, and DJ Chadman. (links)
2nd annual WND Thanksgiving Food Drive (November 22nd 2006)
Benefitting Austin Food Bank (link)
We love pitting chef against chef for a good cause. Our Thanksgivings have become legendary experiences for those in the know. Many people contributed to the potluck this year, but the centerpieces were the two deep-fried turkeys prepared by Adam and Doryan. One brined and one injected, these birds have sacrificed a lot to stroke the egos of these two great chefs who just can't stop besting each other! Thanks to everyone, including our new neighbors, who helped out by donating canned goods!
Burlesque for Peace(link) USO show (November 11th, 2006)
Benefitting Bake Sales for Bodyarmor (link)
What fun! The best show we've had the pleasure emcee-ing to date! I like to think it was entirely due to our witty nature, but I think the performers and lovely director (Audrey Maker Reina) had a bit more to do with the the success of this one. Performed at the East Side Shed (link), who provided a great space and were wonderful hosts.
Codeathon 1.0 (October 13th-15th 2006)
Benefitting League of Technical Voters (link)
Doryan: Wow. Just wow. I was up for almost 48 hours. Apparently, I wasn't wakeable for a couple of hours toward the end. The programmers were real troopers this first attempt at designing Open Source advocacy tools for non-profit organizations. The tools they developed are bound to be extremely helpful for those groups who need help managing their philanthropic organization. WND helped out by providing the food and entertainment for all the volunteers, as well as helping the lovely Silona Bonewald find donors. Featured events: Midnight Martini Rampage, 4am Zombie Rampage, morning Kids parade with coffee and donuts, Firespinners, free massages and DJs galore!
Cirque Du Mole: Fall from Graceland (May and August 2006)
Performed at Flipside, Burning Man, and our Burn Benefit in Austin.
Cirque was back with a vengeance this year! A Southern Vengeance! With the theme of Flipside Festival being "Fall from Grace", we decided to make the theme for this year's show "Fall from Graceland". Picture two mini-kitchens on either side of the stage. Duelling Elvises (one young, one old) creating items out of the King's own favorite recipes. Meanwhile, in between courses, we had thrilling performances from many Elvis and similar period characters that kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
Shredded Hate Bacon (2006)
Performed at Flipside 06, Enchanted Forest, and the Pink Palace
A true spectacle of people performing their favorite music from the past, SHB was mostly a cover band. Though we did occasionally take liberties with lyrics such as Eye of the Raver and Bacon after Midnight. Metal, punk, glam, hair, and general ROCK were what we focused on. I only had three songs to perform out of our lengthy set, but I thank all of my wonderful band-mates for making this happen and making it so much fun!
Tito and the Man CD Release (May 17th, 2006)
Benefitting Inside Books Project (link)
Red's Scoot Inn in East Austin was the generous host for this wonderful CD release party for Tito and the Man (link). Nestled under large oak trees in East Austin, WND hosted a cookout of hot dogs and Veggie burgers donated by the Crown and Anchor Pub (link). While cowboy-pirate rockers Black Molly (link) warmed up the crowd, we served our own Austin Cosmo to the guests. It consisted of donated Tito's Vodka and Paula's Texas Orange liqueur (links). Tito took the stage and rocked the night out, followed by a killer set by DJ Supafly (link). What a night!
Frontier: Fusion SXSW party (March 13th, 2006)
Benefitting EFF-Austin (link)
The first official WND party at SXSW!! Special thanks to the Elk's Lodge (link) for donating the use of their facility. We had a brilliant time, and about 1000 people showed up throughout the evening. Maiko Sushi (link) and Arturo's Underground Cafe (link) were kind enough to provide us with tasty treats to eat. David Demaris, Thomas Fang, Kilowatt, Gift Culture, and Kid Gorilla(links) all provided great electronic music for our guests. The Austin Robot Group (link) brought some robots and their Theremin Orchestra out to entertain, and officials from Creative Commons and Electronic Frontier Foundation (links) spoke out about digital rights. Thanks to all the volunteers and especially our sponsors: Andrews Kurth Law Firm, Enspire Learning, and Polycot (links).
2nd annual Superbowl and Pastie-making party
Well, in all fairness, we didn't get as much accomplished on the pastie-making for the upcoming Burlesque for Peace (link) show, but we did have a wonderful time, and keep a lookout for the BFP calendar that will be available at our show later this year!
Holiday Toy Drive (December 18th, 2005)
Benefitting Blue Santa (link)
Homemade eggnog and lots of great food made this an affair to remember! Our annual thank you to our volunteers and sponsors was a hit with everyone who attended. And the flyer pic was my favorite part. Dang that mask was hot. And I don't mean sexy. I mean hot!
Thanksgiving Food Drive (November 2005)
Benefitting Austin Food Bank (link)
We're still reeling over the wonderful food, music and donated goods given by our friends, neighbors, and anyone else who happened to hear about our "home away from home" thanksgiving party. Adam and Doryan deep fried two turkeys (one brined and one injected) and solved the ancient question of who's the better turkey. Not entirely solved, mind you, as these two can't seem to concede to the other! Still Adam has the best sweet potato pie around, and it was a hit once again! The back room turned into a huge music jam with musicians from all around Austin playing any instruments they could find. What fun!
Celebration of Life (October 19th 2005)
Benefitting the Jefre Outlaw Cancer Fund
Jefre Outlaw's cancer is finally in remission, but he still has many many bills to pay for his treatment. WND united with Chango's and Manuel's mexican restaurants (links) to have a night of music, food and margaritas for all to enjoy. The proceeds from food and bar sales for the evening went to Jefre's fund, as well as proceeds from our Living Silent Auction with plants donated from many many generous nurseries around town. With two stages for performers, Adam and Doryan got to perform inside, as did Aimee Bobruk (link) and the lovely Erika with her powerful voice. Outside on the large stage, people jammed and danced to Beth Garner and Diasporic (links). Thanks to Stress Solutions(link) as well for providing massages. Special thanks to Straight Music for donating to our raffle (a guitar signed by mucho SXSW artists!).
An Evening for Handsome Joel (September 14th 2005)
Benefitting the Handsome Joel Foundation (link)
AMLI apartments downtown allowed us to have a great time with wonderful music in their atrium. Frank Suchomel (link) had a showing of his artwork on one side, Stress Solutions (link) had two masseuses making sure our people were relaxed on another side. Our bar featured beer donated from Lone Star and Independence Brewing Co. (links). Tasty food was donated by Arturo's underground Cafe and the Clay Pit. To tie it all together, our musical lineup included three of Austin's finest bands, Paris 49, the lovely Patrice Pike, and the crazy White Ghost Shivers(links)! Fortunately, Handsome Joel Foundation had TABC officials on hand, and free cab rides home.
Finding Your Way (July 13th, 2005)
Benefitting Aikido of Austin(link)
A night of people getting thrown around! WND organized a benefit for this local non-profit Aikido Studio. We had showcases of Aikido, Capoeira Angola, and Tae Kwon Do by novices and experts from around Austin. In between martial arts, we provided musical entertainment from Adam and Doryan (they just love the attention), Erika's Eyes, Barbie Mastrapa and a special theremin performance by Nobodobodon.(links, if possible). Food was provided by WND and Maiko Sushi (link), while Tito's provided wonderful vodka drinks. Our silent auction gathered from local businesses was a smorgasboard of many many goodies that folks were all too happy to bid on. Finally, our lovely Stress Solutions (link) masseuses gave some wonderful massages to make sure our martial artists didn't hurt themselves too badly.
Cirque Du Mole (May 2005)
Doryan: We had an idea. Iron Chef meets variety show. The difference is the audience gets to be the judge! That's right. We fed lots of people. We cooked three courses each and fed them to the audience, while variety acts performed in the interim. As you know, you must have a general theme for the food. And since we called it Cirque du Molé, we figured everyone loves chocolate! Adam got to make chocolate covered bacon as a result, but I got to make a salad with shaved chocolate over the top! Really, it's tastier than you think. Naturally, Adam and I entertained everyone with our wildly popular songs while people enjoyed dessert. Click for more info and pics.
Designing Panspermia (May 4th 2005)
Benefitting Austin Humane Society (link)
The original creator of WND dinner parties, Barton Bollfrass, decided it was time to write a movie. Fair enough. The sci-fi epic hasn't been produced quite yet, but we're ever hopeful. In order to have the unique fashions, makeup and costumery to get shown and properly photographed, we decided to throw a fashion show! Maiko Sushi (link) donated tasty bites that didn't last long with our crowd. Independence Brewing Co and Tito's vodka (links) donated wonderful beverages for the guests. Staged at the Design Center of Austin (link), our fashion show was something to behold. The music by Hill Country Strings (link) would fade out from time to time as the lights dimmed. Then, original music by Mike Wainwright would cue performers to come into the center of the room through the audience around a central figure, depicting scenes from the movie and forming a tableau. Great idea, and it worked very well. Finally, our silent auction was lots of fun with creations from our artisans and local businesses. Thanks so much to all our wonderful volunteers and sponsors!
Outlaw Benefit (March 9th 2005)
Benefitting the Jefre Outlaw Cancer Fund
Austin Museum of Art (link) kindly donated their downtown space on this lovely March evening. The silent auction was outstanding for this one, as was the artwork displayed by Frank Suchomel and Darren Minkhe (links). WND provided a brilliant buffet of appetizers that successfully stuffed the guests, and Moonshine Grill (link) donated some tasty brownies for dessert. Adam and Doryan got to kick off the performances of the evening, followed by irish band Cluan and the Chris Tate band (links). New Belgium beer and local purveyors provided libations, and Lisa D'Angelo was the star of the evening with her massage table!
Burlesque Without Borders (February 14th 2005)
Doryan: This was techically the first official event of WND Co. That meaning, I hadn't tried producing something quite this big before then. Sidekicks donated the space, we had a great silent auction, and three full acts of killer burlesque acts! In addition, Echobase Soundsystem started off the show, and chef Mark Vollmer produced an unbelieveable spread of tasty treats for our patrons. Unfortunately, I got deathly ill that day. I managed to emcee the first of three acts, but after that I had to go lay down in the catering truck. Thankfully, they had a bed. I just had to keep convincing them not to take me to the hospital.
All in all, it was successful. Just wish I could have been there for the whole thing.