Jan 8, 10 - Elektrafying!
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 472-5992, austinlyricopera.org

It's one of the most chilling stories in all of operatic literature. The Austin Lyric Opera's ambitous performance of Elektra will leave you breathless - and maybe even thankful.

You think your life has high drama? It's nothing next the trauma suffered by Elektra, a lady stunned and driven mad by the murder of her father at the hands of mommy dearest and her lover. But vengeance will be Elektra's with the slaying of these villains by her exiled brother. Greek tragedy at its finest, indeed!

Now you know the story, experience this towering masterpiece by Richard Strauss, presented in German with English subtitles.

All performances are at 8:00 p.m. and tickets range from $15 to $104. Go to austinlyricopera.org for details and tickets.

Jan 7 - Feb 5 - Legislative Laughter
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

"It's a scary job makin' the laws of Texas." The new play by Austin writer, Lawrence Wright, gives you an insightful, provocative and hysterical look at what goes on inside and outside the Texas Legislature. Sonny's Last Shot whets your appetite and gets you in the mood for the opening of this year's 79th session. The play runs throughout January with 8:00 p.m. performances Thursday - Saturday and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Go to austintheatrealliance.org for dates, times and tickets.

Jan 7, 9 - Fellini Masterpiece
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, ausintheatrealliance.org

La Dolce Vita features unforgettable performances by Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg as it delves into the darkness of decadence as a way of "the sweet life." This is a newly restored print of what many consider to be Fellini's "timeless masterpiece." Friday's performance is at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday's at 3:00 p.m.

And don't forget...
8,10: Elektra, Bass Concert Hall, austinlyricopera.org
Running until 1/21: The Polar Express, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
To 3/05: Bugs 3-D: A Rainforest Adventure, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

It's the first Thursday of the month and you know what that means - gallery hopping throughout downtown. What fun!

Jan 6 - West End Gallery Night

Make an evening of it hopping around Austin's fabulous art community, enjoying some fine wine, food and fellowship. These galleries in the West 6th and 5th Street areas will stay open late (until 8:00 p.m.) for your artistic pleasure:
ART on 5th Fine Art Gallery
Artworks
Austin Galleries
F8 Fine Art Gallery
Lotus Gallery
Wally Workman

Jan 6 - Feb 12 - Abstract Austin Art
d berman gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

Colorful abstraction debuts the sixth year of d berman gallery. Three Austin artists - Brad Ellis, Joseph Janson and Janet Kastner - share their vivid visions in an exhibit that runs through February 12. The Opening Reception is this Thursday, January 6 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., with a Gallery Talk, February 5, 1:00 p.m.

Jan 6 - 29 - The Group Show
F8 Fine Art Gallery, 1137 W. 6th
(512) 480-0242, f8fineart.com

You'll see the work of all your favorite F8 artists. What a great way to start off the New Year!

Jan. 6 - Don't miss Slide Jam, part of the Lounge! Exhibit - an Intersection of Art & Design - at Arthouse, arthousetexas.org, 7:00 p.m.

Jan 8 - Feb 12 - Opening the Land of the Home
Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

The images and imagination of Austin videographer, Michelle Mayer, are being showcased in a solo exhibit at Women & Their Work. OPEN HOUSE transforms the gallery into a completely furnished suburban house. Interacting video, photography and painting, the artist creates a living space where ideas of the home - and the Homeland - comingle expressively. The Opening Reception is this Saturday, January 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. This installation will be on display through February 12.

Jan 28 - Alliance Luncheon Presents Retail Vision Unveiled
The Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto
(512) 469-1766; rsvp@downtownaustin.com

Save the date - Friday, January 28. The Downtown Austin Alliance's Winter Luncheon features the strategies for a transformation that will impact all who live, work, shop and develop here. You will want to join us. Look for details in your upcoming Downtown Focus Newsletter arriving soon.

On Stage
7-Feb 5: Sonny's Last Shot, State Theater, austintheatreralliance.org
7, 9: La Dolce Vita, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
8, 10: Elektra, Bass Concert Hall, austinlyricopera.org
To 1/21: The Polar Express, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
To 3/05: Bugs 3-D: A Rainforest Adventure, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

Gallery Watch & Museum Musings
6: West End Gallery Night, West End galleries open to 8:00 p.m. (See Gallery Watch)
6-Feb 12: Austin Artists - Abstract Art Exhibit, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
6-29: The Group Show, F8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
8-Feb 12: OPEN HOUSE, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 1/16: Lounge! Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 2/20: Andy Goldsworthy, Natural Installations, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 5/29: Bats in My World, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 8/28: Signs of the Times: Life in the Swingin' Sixties, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu

Special Events, Workshops, Seminars, Meetings
28: Alliance Winter Luncheon, Retail Vision Unveiled, downtownaustin.com