As music fans around the country travel to the capitol of the Lone Star State to indulge in a whirlwind of talent and a week worth of chaos, one word fails to come to mind: relaxation.

However two local companies are combining forces and have decidedly opted to provide a safe haven. Yours truly and Wyatt Brand, a local area public relations firm, are providing a more unique, dare we say it, more Austin approach for those attending this week of entertainment and culture. On March 15th and 16th, Launch787 and Wyatt Brand present “Power Up: Rest, Relax, and Recharge,” in all literal connotations of the words. From 11:00 am-4:00 pm each day, SXSW attendees (with or without a badge) can seize a break from the mayhem and unwind on the back patio of the Launch787 headquarters, located just behind Moonshine, while recharging their phones and their minds.

Here’s the schedule of events:

#PowerUpATX (if you want to follow on Twitter) will be powered by Capdase – providing Capdase Dual USB Power Adapter & Cable Kit iPhone/iPod chargers for the use of guests on both days.

Free pies from Home Slice (yep, you got that right) while supplies last.

Chances to win Bonobos swimsuits

Eco-Friendly tote bags from Gables Park Plaza while supplies last

Complimentary Kendall-Jackson wines and other cocktails mixed with Waialua Soda

Coffee from Elixir’s Tin Bean truck (cash)

Chair massages by Ahhh! My Massage (cash)

Mini mani/pedis by Garbo Salon (cash)

Retail therapy from Touch of Sass and Spectacle Sunglasses (cash)

On Monday, March 15, enjoy:

Members of the Invincible Czars (11:00)

Fusebox Festival (12:00)

Dave Madden (1:00)

The Intergalactic Nemesis (2:00)

Wyatt Brand Birthday Cake by Sweetish Hill (3:00)

On Tuesday, March 16, enjoy:

Lost Werks (11:00)

Dana Falconberry (12:00)

Arthur Yoria (1:00)

Danny Malone (2:00)

The Soldier Thread (3:00)

So come relax in the shade, power up your phone, and recharge your body with Launch787 and Wyatt Brand… after all, SXSW will have only halfway begun!

We’d appreciate it if you could RSVP through Facebook if you plan on coming (RSVP not required — we’re just trying to get a basic headcount)!

After a week of long days and even longer nights, there’s no better way to start closing down SXSW than with thirst quenching cocktails and sophisticated and trendy restaurant food. Greystar is hosting its own SXSW event on Friday, the 19th, as the festival comes to a close at the conveniently located Parkside on 6th. Just a stone’s throw away from the music maelstrom, Parkside is nestled on the corner of 6th and San Jacinto and features elegant tastings from Shawn Cirkiel, Austin’s youngest five-star chef.

This free event (that’s right, FREE) starts at noon and doesn’t stop until 7:00 pm. RSVP in advance and get a free drink ticket at the door. Performances by Trey Brown, Jacob Gonzales, Merry Go Round, and many more will be on site cranking out the tunes to keep the SXSW energy high. Giveaways, such as music downloads and SXSW t-shirts, will be in abundance for attendees and FREE  food from Parkside will be served from 3pm-5pm.

Greystar offers trendy and sophisticated apartment homes around Austin, including the SoCo Lofts and the Red River Flats. This is the perfect opportunity to take a mid-day break, wet your whistler, and grab a snack as the week long music marathon comes to a close.

To RSVP, please click here

Calling all bargain hunters! It’s now become easier than ever to be in the know about homegrown deals around Austin. Localiter.com, the newest Deal-of-the-Day site (and actually based right here in Austin), is having its launch party this Thursday at Kung Fu saloon with cocktails and live music by the Authors.

Also, if you log on to Localiter.com now and join before the party on Thursday, you’re automatically entered into a raffle for $512! (5-1-2, get it!?) This is an excellent way to ease in to the SXSW festivities and welcome the company whose mission is to find you the best deals in town.

Garbo is turning the ripe old age of 25 and to celebrate its successful years in the salon and spa industry they’re throwing a party! Garbo is a unique, eco-friendly, local salon and as a thanks for the blessings they’ve had to be among the 1% of salons that make it in the industry, Garbo will be partnering with local vendors such as Beth Bull T-Shirts, Katinka Pinka, Designer Exchange, TaKorea Taco Truck, and many more.

Just outside in the Garbo Parking lot, under the stars, is where this night of festivities will be taking place. In  addition, in order to say thanks by giving back to the community, this event will benefit SafePlace, an organization that helps local women end domestic violence and heal.

This local extravaganza and night of shopping will take place on March 11th from 6-9 PM.

7739 Northcross Dr.

http://www.garboasalon.com/

As if 2nd Street District could get any more chic, a new boutique is opening its doors and wants YOU to come celebrate their grand opening! Plain Ivey Jane will be hosting their debut on March 12^th starting at 7:00pm at their new home in The 2^nd Street District. Enjoy drinks, music by DJ Holland, and peruse clothing at the newest boutique on the block. As their way of saying thanks to the Austin community, Plain Ivey Jane asks that you bring a leash, toy, etc to be donated to Austin Pets Alive, a local non-profit dedicated to stopping the killing of adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

Plain Ivey Jane is settling in at 408 W. 2^nd St. Go ahead, don’t be shy!

Is Kimber alive? Are Sean and Christian really calling it quits? The answers remain to be seen, but you have the opportunity to be in-the-know with a exclusive screening of the series finale of Nip/Tuck at the Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, March 3rd.

“Le Finale” will hit the big screen, commercial free, before it makes its appearance on FX. Kelly Carlson, a.k.a. Kimber (wait, I thought she died?), will be making a special appearance as a select few will have all their undying questions answered in “The Final Cut” of the Nip/Tuck series. Following the dramatic airing there will be a Q&A panel with Kelly Carlson.

Ticket’s are $10 and doors open at 6:00 pm, a fair price to pay for privileged viewing pleasure. Purchase tickets online here and celebrate Nip/Tuck’s 100th and final episode.

Webster’s dictionary defines a labyrinth as “something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character.” This term could be used to describe anything convoluted or intricate, like say, mother earth. This year The International Special Event Society Austin Chapter is proud to present the 2010 CulinART event. This affair will be themed “Nature’s Labyrinth,” inspired by the four natural elements of our planet- earth, air, fire, and water.

CulinART will benefit The Wright House Wellness Center, a local nonprofit. The Wright House Wellness Center was founded in 1988 by holistic therapy practitioners who focused on relieving the symptoms of chronic illnesses by means of health therapies, and PLWA (People Living With Aids). The initial focal point aimed heavily on the needs of those infected with HIV but over the past 20 years the center has expanded to serve anyone at great risk of contracting HIV, as well as providing educational and preventative services.

Thursday, March 11^th at the Hyatt Regency, guests can explore a night of gratification with a four-course plated dinner by several local eateries and liquid elixir in the form of signature cocktails. The culinary aspect of the night will begin with a taste of Italy by Cannoli Joe’s Chef Robert Hauser. The Hyatt executive chef will then whip up some hors d’oeuvres and a classic poultry dish with Latin flare. The third course will put a little spice in your life as Skeeter Miller, owner of The County Line Bar-B-Q, with a demonstration on how to prepare Pepper Jack Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, which is bound to, err, stuff you. Top it off with a special appearance by Whole Foods’ award winning Pastry Chef Christy Hughes as she presents a sweet tooth’s best friend.

The Art aspect of the night involves silent, live, and fine art auctions with a live band for pure entertainment. The gala combines the premier Austin event industry cohorts will set the tone with elegant décor and design.

Click here for tickets and further details.

Have you seen Neiliyo perform yet? Has he made you exercise mid-show with the Neiliyo work-out plan? This pastel-colored Polo shirt wearing, sweaty, electronic-funk musician who always sports hot Top Siders with his Wayfarers will be bring style back to elementary school at his EP release party, Game Night, at Club de Ville. Hopscotch plus booze makes it more of a game of chance. Add musical chairs backed by a synthesizer and you won’t want to sit down. What do these games have in common? Neiliyo has produced and recorded an EP released by Artifact Workshop Records of songs based on “lock-in” style games called Game Night– only these games will make you want to dance as your blown away by this one-man funkateer.

The actual games will be played in between musical sets for free stuff and everyone who attends gets a special slap bracelet exclusively from the release show with a link to download the EP for FREE.

Fizzy Dino Pop will be opening the night, and Neiliyo will close it out, performing the entire EP back-to-back. Team Fabrication DJs will be on the decks all evening playing the hits.

Practice your Spin the Bottle techniques and come to Club de Ville on Saturday, February 27th with Doors @ 9. Cover: $8, for Neiliyo’s Game Night release party.

Check the invite for more information.

Austin has been taken by storm by the ‘trailer’ food craze. All across town from SoCo to the Eastside, vintage trailers and mobile locations are homes to some of the tastiest and most creative food in the city. Now not only can you find a good meal on the side of the road, you can also expand your artistic abilities, buy unique crafts, and take classes from the convenience of a traveling trailer of local artists. These local artists utilize local businesses to house their classes and creations.  The WonderCraft is such that. The WonderCraft is a mobile, traveling, classic airstream studio housing a collection of artists who seek to promote artistic endeavors by way of art classes, creative parties and events, and one-of-a-kind artistic products.

Sometimes days can feel so busy that we no longer have time for the simple, fun activities that give us a rest while allowing us to feel inspired through creation. Having a project such as The WonderCraft allows for even the busiest person to take a break, relax, and spend part of the day crafting. The WonderCraft will be having their grand opening at The Art Pad, where the first 25 guest for the event will receive gift bags full of handmade items from vendors including annemarie, Austin Art Metals, Baby Bolt, Craft Chi, DeLisa Designs, Frou Frou Skincare, Gypsy Harte, Merritt Gade, Nepenthe’s Bathtime, Pigsey Art, pommes frites, SoCo Divka Designs, Squid Ink Kollective, and Sweet Wolf. The Art Pad is a walk-in mosaic studio offering art supplies, gifts, parties, and classes, located on Burnet Road.

Get your craft on at the party by learning screen-printing and embroidery on neckties, bring one or wear one, and get to crafting all evening. There will be a  photo booth by Lucinda Lewis to document your work.

The new location of The WonderCraft at The Art Pad gives them the ability to have more open hours on the weekend when they aren’t traveling about crafting and it enables creativity to happen in a central location with the aid of the services of The Art Pad which is also home to bead boutique, Lapis Lane. Help them celebrate and come craft, party, and shop at this new col Thursday, February 25 6-9pm.

The WonderCraft is located at The Art Pad at 4520 Burnet Road. Check out the event page to RVSP for this fun event.

Austin lifestyle blogs, Republic of Austin and Two Groove, have come together to create a local music awards event that actually reflects the taste of the city. Readers nominated and voted for each category an now its time to reveal who will be chosen for Austin’s Best Male and Female Musician, Band, Best Album, Best Single, DJ, and Best Event of the Year. The Roaries are the award show for Austin…by Austin. Check out the full list of nominees. Chances are you’ve already seen them perform. The varying scenes of musical culture in the city are represented by this list, including everything from local electronic-funk master Neiliyo to the alternative rock of Alpha Rev and the Americana-folk sounds of vocalist Amy Cook. This “other awards show” doesn’t take itself too seriously and will be throwing a pretty great party with video performances from each nominee and DJ sets from Prepmode and Sharkweek. It all happens at The Parish on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 with free drinks courtesy of Treaty Oak from 5pm until they run out.

As a bonus, anyone who attends The Roaries Awards Show gets free entry into DJ Thibault’s Clash/Daft Punk mashup show.

$5 at the door.