Last year, we interviewed Hearts & Robots, a new saloon on the east side. Due to some technical difficulties, they’re relocating next week to 1309 Rosewood Avenue. The new location is between Eastside Pies and Blue Dahlia Bistro.

Hearts & Robots is offering guests 15% off your first visit to the new location. If you didn’t get to check out their old location, be sure to visit it soon! And be on the look out for some awesome SXSW shows out back!

Now that we have collectively gorged ourselves on turkey, booze, stuffing, all things pumpkin, and family induced shame…it’s time for a little magic to brighten your tryptophan dream-state.

This Saturday November 26th at SVT, Manateemann unleashes his hip hop magic on the world with the release of The Wizard Album. We sat down with the musical magician earlier this week to get the scoop on the party, the album and the man.

East Austinite: Who are you?

Manateemann: Michael Joplin A.K.A. Manateemann:  actor, dj, improviser, wizard

EA: How long have you been making music?

MM: I’ve been making music for 10 plus years and djing for about 6 years.  My shows always seems to end up being more performance art than a concert.  I used to have a glam rock band that morphed into a wrestling league, The Blue High Machine Mid Southern Wrestling Coalition.  We did that for 5 years off and on, and I still run into people that tell me they want to wrestle.  But alas… I’m getting older and I can’t take any more whiplash or other random rasslin’ injuries.  I used to dj regularly at the Hotel San Jose and Spiderhouse, but I have just returned from a year living in South Korea and have yet to secure any regular djing spot.  During my year abroad, I had plenty of time to finish this project.  I also do improv comedy with The Knuckleball Now and The Available Cupholders.  I’ve been known to act in a play from time to time as well.

EA: How would you describe your music?

MM: Wizardfresh

EA: Are you a solo act? Or do you have some kind of musical coven?

MM: On the album there are several guest mc’s, Monster Love (Ron Weisberg), Dollar Bill (Bill Stern), and the Berfday Boy (Johnny Walker) and my lady wizard Riskay (Megan Czapla) helps with her amazing vocal talent.  I had some of the tracks mastered by Prevolt (Chet Hirsch) from NYC.  I also have a dance crew that will be there at the release party, the Magic Wanda’s (Errin Delperdang, Kelly Hasandras, Olivia O’Hare).  As Dollar Bill and Monster Love both live out of state,  Berfday Boy will be my hype man and the Magic Wanda’s will be shaking their money makers.

EA: What kind of magic can you do, if you are in fact a wizard…

MM:  I’m a wizard of beats and rhymes.  I magically make love to your earhole.  We’re taking the definition of wizard to another level.  It’s much more broad.  Manateemann believes that when people are in their element doing what they love they are practicing their own forms of wizardry. We are all wizkidz.

EA: Will this album give me magical powers?

MM: This album is like living in middle earth with break-beats.  So yes, you should feel some residual powers being transferred through the speakers.

EA: Are you a fame whore, or are you happy just doing your stuff on the East Side?

MM: I’m a legend in my own mind.  What else is there?

EA: When is this event and what is happening at it?

MM: SVT, 9pm on Saturday! There will be keg beer and vodka drinks, a performance of the whole album with all sorts of magic and special effects then a dance party with yours truly on the wheels of steel and a copy of The Wizard Album.  All for only 5 bones.

EA: Why should we come? (I’m sure I have something better to do)

MM: You don’t have anything better to do.  It’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  You’re sitting at home eating leftovers probably.  Come out and get down.  Also, it’s an outrageous deal for your entertainment dollar.

EA: Are you like a cult and is this brainwashing?

MM: If there’s an owl at your house.. you just might be… a member in the guild of supreme wizardry

EA: How long have you been working on this album/cult following?

MM: It started with me and Berfday Boy about 5 years ago freestyling over some beats I made.  That’s when we came up with and recorded three of the hottest songs on the album.  I’ve talked about finishing it for a long time, and it took the seclusion of the far east to get the job done.

EA: Do you know Harry Potter?

MM: No but I’ve heard he has a tiny patronus.

EA: Anything else people need to know about you, your show, your cult, or your album?

MM:  I’ll quote the elite wizard master Bruce Lee “I use the way of no way, no limitation as my limitation.”

Kung fu, magic, music and booze all in one spot? Sign me up! Besides,  we all need a good booty shake to get rid of some of these turkey pounds. See you 9pm Saturday at SVT and see Manateemann work his magic, fatties!

After a Saturday afternoon filled with E.A.S.T. we needed to get a bite to eat and decided on Papi Tino’s on E. 6th. We were delighted to hear a live Spanish duet belting out tunes while we ordered our food and their music really did add to the ambiance. Our initial once-over of the menu gave us the impression that there really weren’t a lot of choices. They have 10 items that some might consider appetizers and the waitress informed us that it may seem like there isn’t a lot on the menu but these “Botanitas” were meant to be shared tapas style. In addition to the appetizers, they have three enchilada plates, one which can be had in a vegan form if that’s your preference, and two daily specials which were in the $25 range. I decided to go with the chicken enchiladas suiza. They were as good as enchiladas get but I do feel that the $13 cost for three enchiladas, literally only three enchiladas, may be a bit much to ask. Everyone at the table loved their dinner choice, regardless of price, and were even more impressed with their drinks. While their entire food menu took one side of an 11×17 sheet of paper the back side was dedicated to booze. Let’s face it, that’s the star of this show. The assortment of mixed drinks, mezcales and Spanish beer is what sets this place apart along with the amazing ambiance. Sure, we can have better enchiladas at a number of east side Mexican joints but if you want to go out for a nice time under the glow of their lights while being serenaded with “besa me mucho,” then this is the place to do it.

photo: iloveaustin

All right friends, EAST (East Austin Studio Tour) still has a few weekdays and one big weekend left. East Austinite recognizes that there are over a bajillion sites so here are a few recommendations (the bottom of the page is NSFW):

Delta Mills (4701 E. 5th St.)

My favorite stop so far (thanks art alliance austin for the great preview party and tour of this place!).  Not only were the artists featured at Delta Mills showing off imaginative and playful pieces including bed frames, wood sculptures, dishware, the space is beautifully full of works-in-progress and machinery from every decade. Highlights were furniture and Dooter’s Trunk created by Brad Warren and his fiance. Also an amazing photography exhibit about East Austin. I could go on, but you should just check it out yourself.

UP Collective at Starving Arts Studio (2326 E. Cesar Chavez)

Also tied for my favorite stop, the UP Collective features a group of artists that work together and share the decision making regarding the gallery and use of outdoor spaces. Their collaboration is apparent in their welcoming space and beautifully curated art. This is also a great place to take a break in their comfy couches and listen to the musicianswandering the gallery.

EAST of Position (1312 B. East Cesar Chavez)

EAST of Position features blown up polaroids taken all over the East side. We might have a bias for an exhibit like that, but this stop is definitely one of the best curated spots. The entrance is impressive with this amazing chalking, by way of introducing the exhibit (blowing). Many of the EAST stops try to cram in as much art as possible, which can be great, but overwhelming and it’s nice to see some editing. This site really allowed you to take in each piece.

Tillery Studios (701 Tillery Street)

An amazing complex of diverse artists. Find leatherbinding for books, free sample of re-use art supplies, amazing metal work, amazing sculptures, and impressive paintings.

Cobra Studios (902 Gardner)

This beautiful studio complex is worth a visit regardless of the art. The serious sculptures and awesome exhibits are housed within the warehouse-like living spaces.

Denise Prince Studio (1404 Willow Street)

This was one of my favorite EAST stops in a house, mostly for the dick box, and the way the artists shows EAST goers the blueprint for their unfinished art.

What have been some of your favorite stops?

EA will be highlighting some of the best EAST sites, but for now, here are a few events/parties this weekend to get your artsy party pants on!

SUPER! ALRIGHT! EAST Opening Party
This party is going to be best way to inaugurate EAST. With music from BK & Mr.E, DJ sets from DJ John Gross and Neighbor, and loads of free drinks, start EAST right. Get pumped with this video made by the hosts.
November 11, 8pm-1am, free Treaty Oak’s, Waterloo Gin, Treaty Oaks Rum, and Sweet Leaf Tea
SUPER! ALRIGHT! (301 Chicon, Suite A)

Relative Elephants: An Absurdist Play in 3 One-Acts
Title says it all.
Nov 11,12,18,19,20 at 8pm, $10
Starving Art Studios (2326 E Cesar Chavez)

EAST con Bicicletas
These kids will be biking around to various shows together if you want a more guided tour.
Nov 12, 11pm-5pm
Progress Coffee (500 San Marcos St) 

The Cobra Show
The Cobra Show 2011 is an E.A.S.T. studio tour and Party Event featuring sculpture, paintings, pottery, video and light installations, photography, interactive installations and refreshments. Live music performances by Channel 13 and special guest.
Nov 12, 6:30-10pm, free Dripping Springs Vodka drinks
Cobra Studios (902 Gardner Rd.)