Free Event of the Day: SoReal Cru

One of America's Best Dance Crews, as determined by the popular MTV show, will be performing at the Texas Union Ballroom Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Must have UT ID in order to pick up two free passes ahead of time Union Info Desk on the fourth floor. UT ID not required for admittance. 

Hailing from Houston, the Asian-American hip-hop dance crew finished second place in the second season of the MTV show. Various UT dance crews will take part in the performance. 

Free Idea of the Week: Congress Street Bats

For this week's free idea, check out my first FreeAustinTx podcast. To subscribe to my podcast through iTunes, click the 'Advanced' tab in iTunes, then 'Subscribe to Podcast', then simply copy and past the above link's URL into the space and click 'OK'. You should now receive each podcast as I post them.

Free Event of the Day: Maya Angelou

American author, poet and political activist Maya Angelou will appear on the UT campus Tuesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. Free passes will be handed out to UT students beginning one week prior to the lecture. Must have a UT ID card to receive the passes but you can get up to two. Once you have a pass, UT ID not required to enter. 

Angelou's visit will take place at the Texas Union Ballroom to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UT student union. There will be other events occuring during the week of the October 20-24, including performances by Gavin Degraw and (possibly) Margaret Cho.

Born in St. Louis, Angelou has become a household name for her work as a prolific writer. She has written autobiographies, poetry and screenplays. She has done some acting and read poetry at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration.

Free Event of the Day: Saul Williams

Musician/poet/writer/actor Saul Williams will perform at the University of Texas Union Ballroom Thursday night. Admission is free so long as you pick up a pass beforehand at the Events & Info Desk on the 4th floor of the Union. You must be a UT student to pick up the pass although I don't believe a UT ID is required to enter. One student may obtain up to two passes.

Born in New York, Williams' life has seen him earn his masters from NYU, star in the independent film Slam, and produce music with NIN's Trent Reznor. He mixes hip-hop and poetry to create a truly unique listening experience.

Free Event of the Weekend: ACL Autographs

Alright, so it's not entirely free. The autograph signings occur under the Waterloo Records tent within the festival grounds. The tent is located near the main entrance on Barton Springs Road (to the left once you enter). Click here for the schedule.

Friday's signing schedule includes Donavon Frankenreiter, Vampire Weekend and Hot Chip. MGMT and Drive-by Truckers will be signing autographs Saturday. Blues Traveler and Neko Case highlight Sunday's signing lineup.

If there's a band you're dieing to meet on the list, schedule your festival itinerary accordingly, allowing yourself time if there is a long line. If there's a lull in your personalized ACL schedule in which there is no band you care for on stage, check out the tent and meet some real live rockstars.

Free Event of the Day: White Denim

Indie rock band White Denim, along with Belaire, Black Joe Lewis and Freshmillions, will perform live tomorrow night at the Mohawk Lounge. The show is free with RSVP or flier. The event is hosted by ATX Converge and the music starts at 9pm. I believe all ages are welcome.

White Denim and female-led Belaire are both up-and-coming Austin rock bands. Local, electro-funk outfit Freshmillions figure to provide the perfect opening act.

The most unique of the bunch might just be Black Joe Lewis. The local blues/soul singer and his band will be one tough act to follow.

Free Event of the Day: Redman

The rapper Redman will be performing live at the Parish tonight and it's totally free. All you have to do is RSVP with your name and email address. Must be 21 or older. The free show is hosted by carmaker Scion and there will be at least one opening act.

The concert is part of the Metro Austin series. I saw Bun B of UGK at the Parish for free about a month ago. The music and the venue were great. I missed out on the online signup but they were not checking names at the door.

Redman, of New Jersey, has been in the rap game since his debut album in 1992. Consider this show a preview to his non-free upcoming concert with Method Man at Stubbs Nov. 18. Let's hope it's better than their movie How High.