Apr 7, 8 New DOWNTOWN Documentary Series Premiers
Thursdays 8:00 p.m., Fridays, 9:00 p.m.
KLRU-TV, Channel 18, Cable Channel 9
downtownaustin.com

DOWNTOWN, a new documentary series that highlights the special people, places and stories that make Austin the playground of Texas, premiers this week on KLRU!

The Downtown Austin Alliance, KLRU-TV and Action Figure, along with a host of sponsors, have collaborated to produce this high-quality, fast paced documentary style series that captures the cool, fun and funky uniquely Austin stories that make DOWNTOWN: As Austin As it Gets?.?

The partnership between Action Figure, the Downtown Austin Alliance and KLRU to produce this show is also a very special one. "Part of our mission at KLRU is to present locally produced shows that feature stories and ideas about how we live and work in the Austin area," said Bill Stotesbery, President and General Manager of KLRU. "We are pleased to add DOWNTOWN to our exciting lineup of shows for Central Texans, by Central Texans, and we think that viewers will discover something new each week about this great town that we live in."

DOWNTOWN will air on Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday evenings at 9:00 p.m. on KLRU channel 18 and cable channel 9. Recognizing the quality and benefit of this program, Time Warner Cable has also joined this effort in order to promote the series to a wider audience. Time Warner will be assisting with promotions through their other cable stations, but one of the best partnerships is their ability to produce this program in Spanish sub-titles for KLRU2 on Time Warner cable channel 20 for a Spanish-speaking audience on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m.

Episodes segments scheduled for the month of April include a wide spectrum of topics from urban density and downtown living, breaking into music, gallery hopping and Downtown's unique comedy scene.

Tune in and stay tuned for DOWNTOWN!

Paramount Partners to Fight Breast Cancer
austintheatre.org

In honor of mothers everywhere, the Paramount Theatre has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Austin Affiliate for a very special Mother's Day Broadway production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway smash, CONTACT. A portion (10%) of all ticket sales for both shows on Mother's Day (May 8) will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Austin Affiliate to help continue the fight against breast cancer and raise awareness. Visit the Paramount's web site for more details.

Apr 7 Bob Newhart with Mr. Fabulous
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

He's one of the greatest dry wits of our time. Bob Newhart will have you giggling and guffawing, in a Vegas-style show backed by a 10-piece band along with special guest, Mr. Fabulous, "the man with the license to thrill!"

Apr 9-May 28 James and the Giant Peach
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th Street
(512) 472-5436, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org

An orphaned boy and his flying giant magical peach will delight and mesmerize your kiddos. Be at the Scottish Rite Theatre Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., April 9 - May 28.

Apr 10, 13, 14 Goodfellas
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The ongoing salute to Martin Scorsese takes a fascinating, if dark and violent look at Mafia life.

Apr 10-Apr 12 Raging Bull
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Though he lost out on an Oscar, Scorsese created classic cinema in this deeply moving portrait of prizefighter Jake Lamotta, starring a hefty Robert DeNiro.

Apr 12-Apr 17 Throughly Modern Millie
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Dive into the "flapper years" of the Roaring 20's and take a peak at one of the legendary "moderns." This runaway Broadway hit won of six 2002 Tony Awards including Best New Musical.

Still Running Downtown...

To 4/16: Nickel and Dimed, State Theater, austintheatrealliance.org
To 4/17: MacBeth, Dougherty Arts Center, celticcenter.org
To 4/29: Comedian Rob Williams w/ Esther's Follies, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
To 5/8: The Vagina Monologues, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To Spring: The Young Black Stallion, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: Texas the Big Picture, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

Apr 7 Poetic Piano
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

Poet and pianist Barbara Youngblood Carr celebrates Poetry Month during this week's Thursday Noontime Concert.

Apr 8 Keb' Mo'

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The three-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter and guitarist keeps his remarkable 10-year career rolling as he passes through Austin and visits the Paramount for the first time in history to be a part of the 2004-2005 Paramount Music Series. Keep It Simple - be there. 8:00 p.m.

Apr 9 Leo Kottke with Guest Georgia Middleman
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

For nearly three decades, this guitar genius has been dazzling audiences. It's fingerpicking that's both brilliant and inventive. No wonder he remains an Austin favorite.


Apr 9 The Elastic Band
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W 18th
Whole Foods Market, 5th & Lamar
(512) 454-0026, austinchambermusic.org

This concert will obliterate your traditional thinking about orchestral concerts. Kevin Hathaway, head of percussion of the Royal College of Music and percussionist with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London directs his Elastic Band in two concerts - at 2:00 p.m. at the Scottish Rite and an abbreviated interactive version in the wine section of Whole Foods from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Apr 10 Salon Concerts Spring FUNdraiser
Artworks, 1214 W. 6th
(512) 342-2785, salonconcerts.org

Be a champ. Support Chamber Music in Public Schools (CHAMP) during Salon Concerts' annual FUNdraiser that promises to delight all the senses with live music from light classical to pop; a lavish food and wine buffet; and a high quality silent auction. FUN happens 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Apr 10 St. Austin Concert Series
St. Austin Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe
(512) 477-9471

One of Austin's premier organists, Elaine Dykstra, performs the music of Handel and other 18th Century composers. Concert time is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.

Apr 10 Celebrating Trevor Aston
The Parish Room, 214 E. 6th
(512) 479-0474, corread@jazzkitchen.com

Trevor Aston, one of Downtown Austin's most beloved bartenders at The Parish Room, was tragically killed in Iraq after volunteering for service following 9/11. His friends are holding a fund raiser to celebrate his life. Some of Austin's finest are participating in this tribute to benefit his family.

Apr 7 West End Gallery Night
West End - Sixth Street - West of Lamar
inthegalleriesaustin.com

Get together a group and go art hopping through through the Galleries in the West End. Stephen L. Clark Gallery, Wally Workman Gallery, F8 Fine Art Gallery, Artworks, Austin Galleries, Art on 5th are all open until 8:00 p.m.

Apr 7-11 Uncompromising Courage
Texas State Capitol, North Gallery, 11th & Congress
falunaustin.org

Communist Chinese officials don't want you to see this! The paintings that comprise Uncompromising Courage portrays torture as part of the brutality of a modern atrocity. This art is difficult to view. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Apr 7-May 7 Journeys
F8 Fine Art Gallery, 1137 W. 6th
(512) 480-0242, f8fineart.com

Explore the journeys through the mind, body and souls of three Texas artists. Paintings. Photography. Narrative. Artist Reception: April 7, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Apr 7 The Modern Roots of Contemporary Artists
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Adjunct Curator, James Housefield, will discuss how contemporary artists have embraced color, pattern and grid to expand creativity. This 7:00 p.m. lecture is being held in conjunction with the current AMOA exhibit: Color/Pattern/Grid.

Apr 8 About a Girl...
Gallery Lombardi, 910 W. 3rd
(512) 481-9100, gallerylombardi.com

Get your groove on with Austin's own DJ Trey Lopez providing musical entertainment during a special reception of "About a Girl..." - the collaboration of local artists inspired by pop songs about women. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Chef Ana Rodriguez during this free event - 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Apr 8-Jun 26 Grandeza Mexicana: Siglos XVI-XIX
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress
(512) 480-9373, mexic-artemuseum.org

This first-class historic exhibition represents the first collaboration between the Museum and CONACULTA (Mexico's National Council of Culture and the Arts). "The Greatness of Mexico: 16th-19th Centuries" showcases artworks and historical treasures from various presitigous Mexican collections. Opening Reception: Friday, April 8, 2005, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Apr 9 Explore the Story in Landmark Maps of Texas
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

"X" marks the spot to "Explore the Story" in the Landmark Maps of Texas exhibit during this engaging, interactive event at 1:00 p.m.


Apr 10 What Makes it Go? Learn About Energy
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2494, austinkids.org

French fry boats and fruit batteries? Learn how energy makes things go! This energetic presentation offered in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Materials Institute & Microelectronics Research Center takes place 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Free admission 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. every Sunday.

Apr 11 Maps & Traveling Literature
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Pete Turchi, director of the Warren Wilson Writing Program discusses "You Are Here; Wish You Were There: The Allure of Travel." in a free 7:00 p.m. event that's open to the public.

Still Showing Downtown...

To 4/8: Mexico in Excellence: 21st Century, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 5/7: Proud and Sad /Wrong and Strong, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 5/13: Baby Dinos, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 5/12: Color/Pattern/Grid, Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress, amoa.org
To 5/21: European Paintings: Open Storage, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/21: Contemporary Art from Chile, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/29: Forces of Nature, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 5/29: Bats in My World, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 6/4: Landmark Maps, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 7/17: The Muse in Motion, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/17: Place, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 8/28: Signs of the Times, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu

Apr 7 2005 FSA Annual Conference
Hilton Austin, 500 E. 4th
(512) 482-8000, fsa.org/events

Fabless Semiconductor Association (FSA) is coming to Austin for the first time ever to lead a daylong presentation on the latest and greatest in the high tech world. If you're in the semiconductor industry, you do not want to miss this one.




Apr 7-10 Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
Venues throughout Downtown
texaswineandfood.org

The SAVEUR Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival moves Downtown! Join international superstar chefs and sommeliers for four days of Texas-flavored events that reflect on how wine and food have inspired us during the past two decades. Go to texaswineandfood.org for a complete line-up of events. (Note: See Street Closings for related traffic information.)

Apr 8 Art in the Park
McBeth Recreation Center, Zilker Park, 2400 Columbus Drive
(512) 3454-9912, vsatx.org

This multi-art festival for Austin's school children, with or without disabilities, includes a fantastic array of art booths, live music and a children's art exhibit. This year, the festival celebrate Holi, India's Spring Festival of Colors with Indian inspired art activities and entertainment. The general public is welcome to attend this free event from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Apr 8-10 International Gem and Jewelry Show
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
intergem.net

Into things that glimmer? Then you'll want to attend largest exhibition of gems, beads, minerals and jewelry under one roof.

Apr 9 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Fresh, wild and wonderful. Austin's best open-air market is always open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Republic Square. Go to the web site to check out what's happening this week.




Apr 9 Louisiana Swamp Romp & Crawfish Festival
4th Street & San Antonio Parking Lot
(512) 441-9015, roadstarproductions.com

There's nothing like the Louisiana spirit. Enjoy Cajun and Creole food, Zydeco music, arts & crafts, fortune telling and a Kiddie Karnival during a day of swamp romping and tromping, 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Apr 9 Kars & Kids
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Texas State parking lots
17th Street between Colorado and Congress Avenue and 15th and Colorado
news8austin.com

Strap In... ...for the inaugural News 8 Austin's "Kars & Kids" Family Fun Day and Classic Car Show! Ride through a day of fun, perusing, pedalling, driving, building and racing cars of all kinds during this free event not just for kids, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Note: See Street Closings for related traffic information.)

April 13 Candidate Forum - SOLD OUT
Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto Blvd
(512) 469-1766; rsvp@downtownaustin.com

The Downtown Austin Alliance, along with the The Real Estate Council of Austin and a number of other organizations, is hosting the City Council Candidate Forum, Wednesday, April 13 at the Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Seating is limited and $28 per person (Cash or Check Only).

Apr 6-7 Lane Closures for Filming

From 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6 until noon on Thursday, April 7, one traffic lane on each of the following streets will be closed to accommodate filming for a movie:
W. 5th St. - south lane - between Lavaca and Guadalupe
Lavaca - west lane - between W. 4th St. and W. 5th St.
Guadalupe - east lane - between W. 4th St. and W. 5th St.

On-street parking will also be affected in those blocks.

Apr 7-10 Saveur Wine and Food Festival
texaswineandfood.org

Riverside Drive will be closed between S. 1st St. and Dawson Rd. while the festival is going on from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10.

Apr 9 Kars & Kids
new8austin.com

For this festival, the following blocks will be entirely closed to traffic from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9:
W. 17th St., between Congress and Colorado
Congress, between 16th St. and 17th St.
Colorado, between 15th St. and 16th St.

Actual event time is 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Click Here to view the entire Downtown Events Calendar.