The Rag is a part of Austin’s history that is beyond the ken of most current residents, yet is at the core of what defines the city today. Published between ’66 and ’77, The Rag was the alternative paper that helped establish Austin’s counterculture conscience through protest and creativity. The river city has changed dramatically in the years hence, but even the glossy sheen of technology and luxury condos hasn’t fully smothered its radical past. The spirit of The Rag lives on, and the people who created it are in town to celebrate with a series of events.

Alan Pogue was a staff photographer for most of The Rag’s historic run, and his work has come to define Austin of the era. Last night kicked off The Rag Reunion with an exhibition of his photos from the 60’s and 70’s, accompanied by live protest music and reminiscing from many staffers and associates. More of Pogue’s photos remain on display at the Dandelion Cafe, which will also be screening the Les Amis documentary tonight at 9pm.

Other events include an art show tonight and a concert tomorrow at Threadgill’s. Details, plus links to online versions of The Rag, are available here. You can also read the personal accounts of former staffers, including Metblog’s Jon. Any of these reunion items present a great opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of a time gone by. The Austin of 2005 is a pretty special place in its own right; this is a chance to find out why.