All posts by Nichelle Stephens

blogger, bookkeeper, comedian-ish, event planner, social media strategist, writer

In Austin for SXSW, Black People Everywhere

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When I arrived yesterday afternoon, I saw this great statue of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan at the Austin airport. There’s another statue of her on the UT Austin campus.

This afternoon is my panel, The Broke Diaries at 2PM.

I will also be attending Black Blogging Rockstars at 3:30PM

Later, I will be speaking at the Carver Museum for the second annual Blacks in Tech Panel at 6PM.

Spotted EJ Flavors and JBrotherLove outside Austin Convention Center

Recommendations: Durrow, Mac Bar, Work It Brooklyn

macncheese
READ: I highly recommend reading Heidi Durrow’s debut novel, The Girl who Fell From The Sky. The story is one part mystery, one part coming of age and one part race/identity politics.  I went to see Heidi read at McNally Jackson tonight, and she did something I think all authors should do at their readings. Instead of reading from the actual book where the print is small and you have to fumble with the pages, print out the selection you will read on regular size paper.  It is so much better.

EAT: I have been to S’Mac and wasn’t that impressed, but tonight I stopped in Mac Bar, and I loved it. [No, it doesn’t have anything to do with Apple.]  Mac Bar is a place that serves only macaroni and cheese dishes.  I ordered the Mayan Chipotle after asking the girl working behind the counter which one should I get.  It was spicy, cheesy and filling.

GO: The next time Work It Brooklyn happens, you should go. It was fun to meet creative people during cool things like Chris Willets from the skint, burlesque artist Gigi La Femme,  jewelry designer Megan Issacs, florist Kathleen Hyppolite and LaShunda Davis, owner of ‘Cure,  a beauty bar.

Niche List: All The Singing Ladies

I wish I could go to see all these wonderful women sing and play this week, but I can’t clone myself yet. If you like pop, jazz, R&B or soul, then check out this ladies this week.

Wednesday, Feb 24: Lee Ann Westover at Cafe Steinhof 10:30PM Free.

Saturday, Feb 27: Erin and Her Cello at Rockwood Music Hall 7PM Free.

Saturday, Feb 27: The Mary Connolly Band at The Aces of Clubs. 8PM. $10

Saturday, Feb 27: The Sweet Divines with Tami Lynn. Southpaw 10PM. $10 adv/$15 door