Wow - it is so freakin hot here in South Austin this summer. We have had 37 straight days of 90 degrees or higher (18 of them have been above 100). So with the giant ball of fire in the sky breathing its wrath upon us we have come up with some cool new summer shirts (both in temperature and fashion-wise). Look for rainbow skulls, trees with neckties, and pink swans.

When it comes to summertime in South Austin, what location better sums up the season than the Snow Beach snow cone stand on Barton Springs blvd. Hot, panting people have waited in line for the world-famous shaved ice served by some of the cutest co-eds in town. These icy treats go great after a long afternoon swimming in Barton Springs or playing volleyball in Zilker Park.

We want to introduce two of our newest Sanctuary models: Jesse and Madalon. We think they did a great job. How aboout you?

So The Roots came to Austin to perform at the University of Texas' annual 40 Acres Fest. Some of the college interns who work for Fat Caddy Records (Stephanie and Natalie) produced this big show with their student organization, the UT Music and Entertainment Committee.

We are always looking for a chance to appreciate our favorite bands with cool stuff and nice threads. We printed up some very special versions of our Sanctuary shirts and Stephanie and Nat-D (Natalie's hip-hop name) personally gave them to The Roots before the show.

The shirts were such a hit that a few of the members decided to wear them on stage that night - most prominently Damon "Tuba-Gooding-Junior" Bryson in the Heart Stop shirt.

Jon got a "fan" picture.

Keep your eyes out - ?uestLove, BlackThought and the rest of The Roots each have 3 of our shirts. They could be appearing on a stage near you!

See the "Sightings" page for more picts and details.

We got so excited about our mural in the shop that we had to take our art into the public arena. Fortunately our good friends at Wahoo's Fish Taco's in Austin had a big blank wall we could paint on. At least we got permission first.

I don't know why we chose to do this on the first weekend of SXSW. Perhaps we are gluttons for punishment. Maybe we just needed to boost our "cool" factor on account of all of the out-of-town rock stars that would be visiting. You know, with their skinny jeans and a-symetrical haircuts - we feel a little threatened.

So HA! Our artistic statement is WAY BIGGER than yours! Take that hipsters! We even made a cool video to rub in your face!

Illustration by Jed
Graphic Design by Jon
Painting by Jed, Jon and Brooke
Special guest painters: Brendan (again), Adam & Emily