Apr 29-May 2 The Marriage of Figaro
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 472-5992, austinlyricopera.org

The house of Almaviva holds a tangled web of love affairs. The page cherubino courts the Countess while the Count pursues his maidservant Susanna. But Susanna is betrothed to Figaro, who's being stalked by Marcellina - and so the maze of amorous intrigue hilariously unfolds.

Add charades by the dozens and some of Mozart's most magical music, and you have the perfect marriage of a glorious comic opera and this delightful Austin Lyric Opera production, its season finale.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Tickets start at $15 and are available online at austinlyricopera.org.

Apr 30-May 1 "Framed" Amazing Dance
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 891-7703, kdhdance.com

The Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company premieres a new work and presents special guests Alma Esperanza Cunningham Movement from San Francisco that has been called "refreshingly independent." Saturday performance is at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday is a 5:00 p.m. show. Tickets are available at the door or through gettix.net.

May 2-7 Mexico
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo week by celebrating the history and heritage of Mexico with a special return engagement of the fascinating giant-screen film, "Mexico." The movie will be shown in both English (10 a.m.) and Spanish (noon). Narrated by Martin Sheen, you'll experience
centuries of culture!

May 4-5 The Seventh Seal
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

This singular film put director Ingmar Bergman on the map. Explore how chess and death interact. Tickets on sale day-of-show only at the Paramount Theatre Box Office (713 Congress Avenue). A Flix-Tix Booklet buys 10 admissions - only $45 and good for one year. For information on any film, visit imdb.com.

May 4-5 The Virgin Spring
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

This may be one of the most intense cinematic experiences you've ever seen. Max von Sydow at his best! See listing above for more info.

May 4-22 The Wonder Bread Years
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

If you've been 10 years old in the last 70 years or so, you'll explode with laughter during this one-man side-splitter by Pat Hazell, an original Seinfeld writer, and the man PBS proclaimed to be "America's foremost pop culture anthropologist." In honor of this namesake show, Wonder Bread will be donating bread to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas...one loaf for the first 320 tickets sold. Purchase tickets online or call (512) 469-SHOW.

Still Showing Downtown...

To 4/29: Comedian Rob Williams, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
To 4/30: Reefer Madness, The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House, bedlamfaction.com
To 5/1: Red, White & Tuna, Paramount Theatre, austintheatre.org
To 5/8: The Vagina Monologues, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 5/28: James and the Giant Peach, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org
To 6/19: Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Zach Scott's Kleberg Stage,zachscott.com
To Spring: The Young Black Stallion, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: Texas the Big Picture, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

Apr 28 Happy Birthday, CPC Concerts!
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

Special birthday concert features a number of Austin musical artists. You'll want to sit in on this one - concert 12:05 - 12:30 p.m.

Apr 28 Gypsy Crossings
Hogg Auditorium, 24th & Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

The New York Times called Gypsy Crossing "the bubbling source of 20th century rhythm." You'll experience a dozen musicians and singers unveiling their life history and soul on stage - Gypsy jazz guitar legend Django Renhardt among them. One show only at 8:00 p.m.

May 1 Z Cabaret with Tina Marsh
ZACH's Arena Stage, Riverside Dr. & S. Lamar
(512) 476-0541, zachscott.com

Z-Cabaret Series continues rolling through this beautiful Austin Spring with Tina Marsh, accompanied by pianist Eddy Hobizal, performing your favorites. Tina is considered one of the A-town's finest jazz vocalists.

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

In collaboration with Mexican government and some of the finest museums in Mexico, the Mexic-Arte Museum has gathered a stunning visual cultural exhibition based on the epic 17th Century poem by Bernardo de Balbuena. The artworks and artifacts seen in "The Greatness of Mexico: 16th - 19th Centuries" have been selected from various prestigious Mexican collections including: the National History Museum in Chapultepec Castle, National Museum of Viceroyalty, Santa Monica Museum of Religious Art, National Museum of Interventions and National Museum of Anthropology and History. Join them Sunday, April 29th beginning at 5:30 p.m. for a special opening reception and ribbon-cutting with special guest--Governor Rick Perry.

Apr 28 Umlauf Sculpture Garden Party
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org

Bring out your wardrobe pastels for this town's most fashionable garden party. As you roam the paths of the Garden you'll be treated to samplings from more than 20 of Austin's greatest restaurants. This year's outdoor gala salutes the work of Charles Umlauf. The work of featured local artist, Ben Livingston, will add neon pinnache to the event. The "Celebrity Seeds Auction" showcases the terra cotta pot artistry of celebrities and artists alike. Tickets in advance are $65 through frontgatetickets.com and $80 at the door, if available.

Apr 30 Making Mom the Star Kid's Workshop
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

Kid get the chance to make Mothers and Mother's Day shine with starry creations created during this hands-on workshop, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Bedazzle her! Space is limited and registration is required by calling (512) 936-4649.

May 4-26 Frido y Yo/Frida and Me
Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, 211 Congress
(512) 477-6007, lapena-austin.org

You'll be enchanted by how children see themselves. For over a decade, La Pena has presented exhibitions of children's artwork from Sanchez Elementary. This year,"Frida y Yo/Frida and Me," 4th graders have been inspired by the work of Frida Kahlo to create self-portraits. On display at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe from May 4th through the 26th, mark your calendars for the Opening Reception on Friday, May 6th from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

To May 7 Black & White
d berman gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8855, dbermangallery.com

d berman gallery ironically welcomes spring with Black & White, an exhibition of monochromatic works on paper by four Texas artists: Robert Dale Anderson, Jeffrey Dell, Frank X. Tolbert, and Randy Twaddle.

To June 17 Whister + Insects
Oswald Gallery, 714 Congress
(512) 494-9440, oswaldgallery.com

Aline Smithson takes Whistler to new heights (or depths), while Linda Broadfoot offers gossamer views of creatures who fly and crawl amongst us.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 4/29: Sketches of the Past, Las Manitas Avenue Cafe,lapena-austin.org
To 5/6: Black & White, d berman gallery,dbermangallery.com
To 5/7: Journeys, F8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 5/7: Proud and Sad /Wrong and Strong, Women & Their Works, womenandtheirwork.org
To 5/8: Ahead of Their Time 2005, ArtHouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 5/12: Color/Pattern/Grid, Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress, amoa.org
To 5/13: Baby Dinos, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 5/13: Pinto y Pinto - I Paint and Paint, La Pena Gallery, lapena-austin.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 of Texas Exhibit, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 6/17: Linda Broadfoot/Aline Smithson, Oswald Gallery, oswaldgallery.com
To 6/26: Grandeza Mexicana: Siglos XVI-XIX, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 7/17: The Muse in Motion, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/17: Place: Photographs of Environment and Community, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/17: Images of the World: Maps, Globes, and Atlases, Harry Ransom Center,hrc.utexas.edu
To 8/27: Signs of the Times: Life in the Swingin' Sixties, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu

Apr 28 It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World!
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
austinparks.org

Laugh your way through a Treasure Hunt! Come to this week's Movies in the Park and enjoy a Scavenger Hunt before the show. Fun begins at 7:00 p.m, movie begins at dusk.

Apr 29-May 1 The Whole Bead Show
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
wholebead.com

Precious. Funky. Priceless. Beads of all descriptions will be on display this weekend. Go and take or make a strand.

Apr 30 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

Now here's the perfect place for buying something special...for yourself, your family, your friends. Whether you want fresh flowers to brighten your space or fresh bison to brighten your table, it's all here - Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Apr 30-May 1 Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival
East Sixth Street
roadstarproductions.com

It just wouldn't be a glorious vernal equinox in Austin without the Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival - now in its 27th year - overflowing 6th Street with creativity of all descriptions. See what more than 300 artists and craftsmen have been cooking up this year. Spend the day Downtown with the kids romping around outdoors, shopping, people watching and loving just one more reason we love Austin.

(Check out "Street Closings" for additional road information regarding this event.)


Apr 30 International Consular Ball
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 505-4079, ihcaustin.com

Mayor Will Wynn cordially invites you to the International Hospitality Consular Ball to mix and mingle with international dignitaries from around the world. The International Hospital Council of Austin (IHCA), the local contact agency for the U.S. Department of State, works to provide one-to-one contact and communications between current and emerging leaders from other nations and the United States. For more information about the Consular Ball, or to purchase tickets, please contact Lynn Cooksey, IHCA Exec. Director at (512) 505-4079.

May 4 Poetry on the Plaza
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Make it a poetic lunch next Wednesday. Enjoy the verse-atility of poets from around Austin. Bring a sack lunch and settle in under the Oaks for a lyrical hour - 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesdays Mid-Week Farmers' Market
Plaza Saltillo, 5th Street & Comal
austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmers' Market is opening a "Pocket Market" on Wednesdays, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. through July 27. The market will be smaller than Saturday's Republic Square Park but still chock full of locally grown and handmade goodies for the palate. This program has been designed especially for folks who work Downtown to give them an opportunity for refreshing freshness at the end of a day. Please call (512) 236-0074, ext. 1 or 2 for information.

SAVE THE DATE
May 14 Austin Wants Your Help to Invigorate Downtown
Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th St
(512) 974-7860

The City of Austin's Cultural Arts Division wants to hear your ideas on how to
invigorate Downtown with visual arts and cultural vitality during a Community Charrette Saturday, May 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This is all part of the development of a Downtown Arts Master Plan designed to provide a framework, guidelines and an action plan for civic arts and public art that will contribute to creating a culturally dynamic downtown.

For more information on this community gathering, please contact Janet Seibert, Cultural Arts Division, (512) 974-7860.

Apr 29, 30 Texas Round-Up
State Capitol, 11th & Congress
texasroundup.org

So you've put off your New Year's resolution to get in shape. Well, you have no more excuses. This weekend's Texas Round-Up gives you lots of opportunities to get motivated, with an interactive program designed to encourage Texans to live a more active and healthy lifestyle. The Health and Fitness Expo takes place on Friday. Then Saturday, the Capitol grounds will be filled with all sorts of engaging physical activities, along with a Health Education Tent and presentations about everything from cheerleading to yoga. Please move to texasroundup.org for the complete round up of events.

(See "Street Closings" for additional road info. regarding this event.)

4/28 - 4/30 Texas Round-Up 10K Run
texasroundup.org

On Thursday, April 28, at 6:00 p.m., Colorado will be closed between W. 11th St. and W. 13th St. for the Health Expo.

On Friday, April 29, at 8:00 p.m., W. 11th St. will also close between Congress and Lavaca for the Expo.

Colorado and Congress will re-open by 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

At 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, Congress will close at 10th St. The Race will begin at 10th St., and runners will take the following route:
South on Congress to Oltorf,
West on Oltorf to S. 1st St.,
North on S. 1st to Lavaca,
North on Lavaca to 15th,
East on 15th to San Jacinto,
South on San Jacinto to 11th,
West on 11th to Congress, and
South on Congress to the finish line at 10th St.

All Streets should be clear by noon on Saturday.

4/30 - 5/1 Pecan Street Festival
roadstarproductions.com

East Sixth St. will be closed between Brazos and IH-35.

San Jacinto, Trinity, Red River, and Sabine will be closed between E. 5th Street and E. 7th St.

Neches will be closed between E. 5th St. and E. 8th St.

East Seventh St. will be closed between Trinity and Red River.

Roads will close at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30th and re-open at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 1.


AVP Pro Volleyball
avp.com

On Saturday, April 30, Riverside Dr. will close between S. 1st and Dawson. Closing will be between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Peace Officers' Parade and Memorial Service

The Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation will sponsor a parade and memorial service on Monday, May 2, 2005.

The parade will begin at the Congress Avenue Bridge, which will be closed from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m.

Colorado will also be closed between 11th St. and 13th St. and W. 11th St. will be closed between Congress and Colorado.

All streets should be clear by 1:30 p.m.

Click Here to view the complete Events Calendar.