Parents, we realize it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of playdates, school, diapers, bedtime hissy-fits and all of the other love and sunshine that comes from our cherished littles. It’s easy to feel out of touch.

But, we beg you to Get A Sitter, to go out with your significant other and your friends and see some bands or check out a new restaurant or bar. There is SO MUCH going on in this city, embrace it. Introducing our new weekly column, Get A Sitter, in honor of our family over at Do512, here are some events to check out without the kids.

 

It’s FREE WEEK! The first week in January is typically a dead time for bars and venues, so Austin throws a buttload of awesome shows all week long, for free! Here are some faves:

— Calliope Musicals, Henry + the Invisibles, Hunter Sharpe & AJ Vincent
at Parish/Parish Underground
Friday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m.
If you’re into dancing, confetti and ridiculously good vibes, you won’t want to miss Calliope Musicals. They played in the Do512 Lounge recently, watch their video here. Combine their powers with the one-man funk phenomenon, Henry + the Invisibles, and you’ve got yourself a fun night.

— Do512 Presents: Hard Proof, John Wesley Coleman, A. Sinclair & Basketball Shorts
at Hotel Vegas
Saturday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m.
Get down to the afrobeat and jazz sounds of Hard Proof Afrobeat, who have also played in our Lounge. Watch the video here. Other bands on the bill are a fun combination of rock and garage, and are the perfect bands to knock back some brews to while checking out all of the really cool looking people at Hotel Vegas. Check out the latest video from John Wesley Coleman, which features a dog hitting up the town and even making a stop at the venue to watch a band, of dogs!

Others to note: 

— Awesome indoor and outdoor show at Red 7 with East Cameron Folklore, Whiskey Shivers, Marmalakes & more on Friday, Jan. 9.

— Great show at Spider House Ballroom with Residual Kid, Ghost Wolves (video), Think No Think & more on Friday, Jan. 9.

Besides Free Week…

— Scott Pilgrim VS. The Wold Quote-Along
at Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz
Friday, Jan. 9 at 10 p.m.
Because it’s just a damn good movie. And now you can quote along and enjoy food and other fun stuff like lightning sticks for everyone to use whenever Sex Bob-omb rocks out or Scott fights off an evil ex. Whenever an evil ex is destroyed, the theater will be showered in gold coins! Tickets are $14 each, get ’em here.

— Art Class: Abstract Painting
at Mill and Leaf
Saturday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Bring inspiration or just come and let your creativity shine. Supplies provided (paint, large canvas, brushes, cover up apron) and you will have help guide you along as you paint whatever your heart desires. Snacks, wine and other beverages are provided. $200, enroll here. Hurry, class size is limited to 6 people!

— NFL Playoff Specials & $2 Squares
at Haymaker & Black Sheep Lodge
Sunday, Jan. 11 at 12 p.m.
$2 Brooklyn Lager Pints & $9 pitchers at Haymaker, along with $2 squares for the Cowboys VS. Packers game. Same specials at Black Sheep Lodge, plus a $5 Happy Meal, a pint of Brooklyn Lager and a shot of Jameson.

 

For more Get a Sitter events, click here.

Have fun out there, kidless.