October Is the Busiest Month for Events in Austin, Part II

Wow, this weekend is only the middle of October, and there are still myriad events left to tell you about! "Food-o-File" and "Event Menu" return this coming week, but for now, I've got more info on things you won't want to miss this weekend… South Austin salsa aficionados are very familiar with the expert salsa artistry of chef/restaurateur Ruben Rodriguez, chef/owner of Evita's Botanitas (6400 S. First., 441-2424), a frequent contestant and winner in our annual Hot Sauce Festival. The bad news is that Ruben is dealing with some serious health issues and medical bills. His family and friends invite you to a benefit to help defray those costs at Evita's on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11am to 5pm. Tickets are $10, and the menu will include carne guisada or chicken mole with rice, beans, and a drink. A DJ will be spinning Latin tunes outside in the parking lot. This talented man deserves plenty of support… And speaking of benefits and folks who deserve our support, the musicians and longtime friends who loved South Austin restaurateur Danny Roy Young are staging a big benefit show in his honor at the Austin Music Hall this Sunday evening, Oct. 19. Danny's untimely death this summer left his family with some debts associated with the closure of the Texicalli Grille after Danny sold the restaurant and retired. The big party will feature a stellar musical lineup, as well as a silent auction stocked with Texicalli memorabilia, plus the sale of Texicalli T-shirts, bumper stickers, and menu items. The doors will open at 5pm to give guests time to visit with Lu and the family and preview the auction items. The music starts at 6pm. Tickets are only $10 and are available at all local GetTix outlets, at 866/443-8849, online, and at the door. Sponsorship tables for 10 are available for $1,000, and tables for four are $400. To purchase a table, contact Robin Shivers at [email protected] or 472-8463. This party is one you won't want to miss.