Jan 28: The Retail Vision Unveiled
The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com

SOLD OUT

Downtown Austin Alliance Luncheon and Speakers Series has important news of vital interest to all who do business in the Central Business District. Featured guest speaker, Tom Moriarity of Economic Research Associates, will discuss the strategies now in place to reenergize Downtown as a major retail hub for all of Central Texas.

The Retail Vision Unveiled will offer insights into the solid, viable solutions needed to put the final pieces of the puzzle together to make shopping just one more reason to visit and spend time and money Downtown. Mr. Moriarity will present the findings of a retail development strategy study undertaken jointly by the City of Austin and the Alliance.

Join us for this important luncheon, co-sponsored with the City of Austin and the Urban Land Institute, as we unveil a new vision to complete this transformation.

Jan 27- Apr 3: Elton John & Tim Rice's AIDA
Zachary Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd.
(512) 476-0541 ext. 1, zachscott.com

It's a timeless love story and hit Broadway musical. This adaptation of the famous opera has been rocked up with the music and scores of Elton John and Tim Rice. The story revolves around a love triangle involving a young man who falls head over heals for the handmaiden slave of his betrothed. Not only thoroughly entertaining, this drama has contemporary messages the whole family will appreciate. AIDA is playing on the Kleburg Stage.

Jan 28-Feb 4: The Feldman Dynamic
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House, 617 Congress
(512) 443-3688, austix.com

A Texas Premiere! This unprecedented reality theater event shows an actual family (from Florida) having a meal together live on stage, discussing their daily drama in the reality show that will never be on TV. Amazing everyday drama.

Jan 30: Mad Science Movie Magic
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

Take part (literally) in unforgettable, outrageous fun for the whole family. Audience members will be selected to star in a unique filming of Legally Blonde, The Pink Panther, Rocky or Agent Cody Banks. The result is a first-hand, hands-on glimpse of "the science behind the movies." Mad Science Movie Magic offers an afternoon of education and fun your family will never forget! Show times: 2:00 & 4:30 p.m.

Still running...

27, 28: Salute to Bernardo Bertolucci Films, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
To 2/5: Sonny's Last Stand, State Theater, austintheatrealliance.org
To 2/12: Treasure Island, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org
To 3/5: Bugs 3-D: A Rainforest Adventure, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
To 3/6: Blown Sideways Through Life, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com

Jan 27: Thursday Noontime Concert
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

Jack Stone's gospel music is a terrific way to spend your lunch hour. Brown bag lunches are available.

Jan 29: Poncho Sanchez
Hogg Auditorium, 24th & Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Jazz Times calls Poncho Sanchez the "new king of Latin jazz"! Experience the pure hip-shaking rhythm of this world renown Grammy Award-winner. Tickets are $20 and $32 and are sure to sell out.

Jan 29: Ozomatli
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

Hip-hop and Latin styles collide for a sound that's as unique as this multi-cultural band's name. The events of 9/11 are the inspiration for Ozomatli's lastest venture, Street Signs, which delves into the art of North African and Arab music. This concert is part of Austin Winter Nights, benefitting the Austin Music Foundation and the SIMS Foundation. Purchase tickets directly ($22-37) at gettix.net.

Jan 30: Mozart Birthday Celebration Concert
First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity
(866) 468-7621, amozartfest.org

On January 27, 2005 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been 349 years old. In celebration of the man and his music, pianist Anton Nel and flutist Jacqueline Hofto, soloists with the A. Mozart Fest Chamber Orchestra, perform some of his greatest works. Tickets for the 3:00 p.m. are $15-35.

Feb 1: Neville Brothers & Angelique Kidjo
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 477-6060, utpac.org

The Neville Brothers, New Orleans' First Family of Funk, and special guest Angelique Kidjo, one of the most electrifying African artists on the world music scene, bring Mardi Gras to life in Austin. Join them for an unforgettable night of rhythm and soul. Tickets are $46.50 for the 8:00 p.m. show.

Feb 1: Tommy Tune & The Manhanttan Rhythm Kings
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

University of Texas grad and Broadway legend Tommy Tune joins the singing/tapping Kings for a glorious evening of Broadway song and dance, accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra.

To Feb 24: Martin Luther King Jr. Remembered
Scarbrough Building, 101 W. Sixth Street

Next time you're at the intersection of 6th & Congress take a moment to pause and reflect. Intimate photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his family and the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s are on view in the street-front window and Sixth Street lobby of the Scarbrough Building through February 24th in honor of King's birthday and Black History Month. In addition, "James Farmer, Civil Rights Leader" is also on view in the lobby gallery, and includes selections from Farmer's papers housed at UT's Center for American History.

Jan 27-28: Chinese National Treasures - Limited World Tour
Lotus Gallery, 1201-B W. 6th St.
(512) 474-1700, lotusasianart.com
Jan 29-30: Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs
(512) 477-1234

The limited world tour of original masterpieces considered to be Chinese national treasures will be in Austin 27-28 at the Lotus Gallery and 29-30 at the Hyatt Regency Austin. This private collection belongs to the President of the Australia Chinese Cultural & Art Association, Mr. Tony Dai and his mother, Ms. Mei-Ling Dai. This is an exceptional opportunity to see some of the world's finest art.

Jan 28-30: Authentic Vintage Posters
Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

Very fine European vintage posters from 1900-1970's will show how movies, sports, music, fashion, travel and wine have been promoted through handbill art throughout the 20th Century.

Jan 29: Artist's Reception - Hiroshi Watanabe
Oswald Gallery, 714 Congress, Suite 200
(512) 494-9440, oswaldgallery.com

Hiroshi Watnabe believes good portraits are ones that reveal character and personality. Learn more about the artist and his work during this Artist Reception, 6:00-9:00 p.m., and opening of the exhibit Faces and Places on display through March 10.

Jan 29-Feb 27: Life Drawings
ArtHouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Life Drawings features the creative process and works of three contemporary artists - Beth Campbell, Danica Phelps and Eric Schnell. These are individual exhibitions that include foreground drawings, observations, note-taking and diaries that explore one's place in the world.

Feb 1-Mar 4: Just a Taste
Vin Gallery, 1705 Guadalupe
(512) 473-2137, vingallery.com

The new Vin Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Guadalupe Arts Center, will represent nearly 30 Austin artists. Just a Taste introduces the gallery, the artists and their work on display, Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Feb 1: First Thursday Gallery Night - West End Galleries
inthegalleries.com

Galleries in the West End will remain open until 8:00 p.m. for your art hopping enjoyment - Stephen L. Clark Gallery, Wally Workman Gallery, F8 Fine Art Gallery, Artworks, Austin Galleries, Art on 5th.

Museum Musings

Jan 28-May 21: Marking Time - Contemporary Art from Chile
Blanton Museum of Art, 23rd & San Jacinto
(512) 475-6784, blantonmuseum.org

The Blanton Museum recently acquired the works of eleven of most compelling contemporary artists of Chile. Marking Time: 1995-2005 - Contemporary Art from Chile includes major works in fabric, clay, paste, acrylic and pasticine. This collection deepens the Blanton's renowned Latin American collection.

Jan 28-May 21: European Paintings: Open Storage
Blanton Museum of Art, 23rd & San Jacinto
(512) 475-6784, blantonmuseum.org

In preparation for the Blanton's new building, this exhibit includes 120 works from the permanent collection, most of which have never been seen before. Not a conventional temporary exhibition, European Paintings: Open Storage brings the museum's most basic research from the storeroom into the gallery. Some of the Museum's finest and best-known European paintings will also be on view.

Also on display Downtown...

To 1/29 - The Group Show, F8 Fine Art Gallery, 1137 W. 6th, f8fineart.com
To 2/12 - Abstract Art, d berman gallery, 1701 Guadalupe, dbermangallery.com
To 2/12 - OPEN HOUSE, Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca, womenandtheirwork.org
To 2/20 - Siete Mundos: Ceramica Veracruzana, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.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

Jan 27: Downtown Command Commander's Forum
APD Headquarters, 715 E. 8th Street
Contact: Public Information Office, 974-5017

Austin Police Chief Stan Knee will lead special Commander Forums in each City Area Command to discuss race relations in the Austin Police Department. The forum for the Downtown Area Command will be held on January 27 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room at the Austin Police Headquarters.

Jan 28: DAA Winter Luncheon, The Retail Vision Unveiled
The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com

Jan 29: Exploring the History of Your Older House or Building
Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe
(512) 974-9383, ci.austin.tx.us/library/ahc/

Windows on the Past is a special educational workshop that provides tips on conducting historic property research in Austin. You'll be given an overview of the resources at the Austin History Center, and experts will review the application process for receiving local, state and national historic designation of your property. The free workshop takes place from 1:00-3:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served.

Jan 30: Open House St. Mary's Cathedral School
St. Mary's Cathedral School, 910 San Jacinto
(512) 476-1480, saintmarycathedral.org

Tour the oldest Catholic School in Central Texas during its Open House. Meet and talk with teachers and students of St. Mary's Cathedral School to learn what makes it so extraordinary in educating children since 1866. The free Open House takes place 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Downtown celebrates with St. Mary's on its rededication, January 29th and extends our congratulations on a job well-done with the beautiful restoration work!

Feb 2: Poetry on the Plaza: Glamour and Grammar
Harry Ranson Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944,

Saturday, January 29

Apollo Productions will be shooting a commercial in Downtown Austin, and several blocks will be affected. While the street closure permit is good from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., actual closures are expected only between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

E. 7th Street will be closed between Congress and San Jacinto, and Brazos will be closed between E. 6th and E. 8th. APD officers at barricades will allow traffic to access garages and parking lots within the closed area.


Sunday, January 30

The 3M Half Marathon and Relay will run through Downtown on Guadalupe from Martin Luther King to 12th Street, and down 12th Street to Shoal Creek.

The only lanes closed will be the right-hand lane on Guadalupe and the right-hand westbound lane on 12th Street. Cross traffic will be permitted when runners are not on the course. The street closure permit is from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., but organizers expect the last runners to finish by 10:00 a.m.

Jan 27: Streetscapes & Transportation Committee
8:30 a.m.
Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
Chair: Steve Simpson; DAA Contact: Thomas Butler
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com

Feb 1: Economic Development Committee
Noon
Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street, Room 111
Chair: Kent Collins; DAA Contact: Julie Fitch
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com

On Stage
26-28: Salute to Bernardo Bertolucci Films, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
27- 4/3: AIDA, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
28-2/4: The Feldman Dynamic, The Hideout Theatre Coffee House, austix.com
30: Mad Science Movie Magic, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
To 2/5: Sonny's Last Stand, State Theater, austintheatrealliance.org
To 2/12: Treasure Island, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org
To 3/5: Bugs 3-D: A Rainforest Adventure, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
To 3/6: Blown Sideways Through Life, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com

The Music Scene
27: Thursday Noontime Concerts, Central Presbyterian Church, Jack Stone Gospel Music, centralpresbyterian.org
29: Poncho Sanchez, Hogg Auditorium, utpac.org
29: Ozomatli, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
30: Mozart Birthday Celebration, First Baptist Church of Austin, amozartfest.org
2/1: Neville Brothers & Angelique Kidjo, Bass Concert Hall, utpac.org
2/1: Tommy Tune & The Manhanttan Rhythm Kings, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org

Gallery Watch & Museum Musings
27-28: Chinese National Treasures, Lotus Gallery, lotusasianart.com;
29-30: Chinese National Treasures: Hyatt Regency Austin
28-30: Authentic Vintage Posters, Art on 5th Gallery, arton5th.com
28-5/21: European Paintings: Open Storage, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
28-5/21: Contemporary Art from Chile, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
29-30: Chinese National Treasures, Hyatt Regency Austin, (512) 477-1234
To 29: The Group Show, F8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
29-3/10: Hiroshi Watanabe: Faces and Places, Oswald Gallery, oswaldgallery.com
29-2/27: Life Drawings, ArtHouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
2/1: First Thursday Gallery Night - West End Galleries, vingallery.com
To 2/12: Abstract Art, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 2/12: OPEN HOUSE, Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca, womenandtheirwork.org
To 2/20: Siete Mundos: Ceramica Veracruzana, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 2/20: Andy Goldsworthy, Natural Installations, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 2/24: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembered, Scarbrough Building, 101 W. Sixth Street
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
27: Downtown Command Commander's Forum, APD Headquarters, 974-5017
28: The Retail Vision Unveiled, Alliance Winter Luncheon, downtownaustin.com
29: Historical Designation Workshop, Austin History Center, ci.austin.tx.us/library/ahc/
29: Commercial Shoot, E. 7th Street
30: St. Mary's Open House, St. Mary's Cathedral School, saintmarycathedral.org
30: 3M Half Marathon and Relay: Throughout Downtown
2/2: Poetry on the Plaza, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu

DAA Gatherings
27: Streetscapes & Transportation, Southwest Tower, downtownaustin.com
2/1: Economic Development Committee, Southwest Tower, downtownaustin.com