Jul 22 Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

A celebration of the global beat, Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey takes you around the globe to uncover the rhythms of cultures from New York City to the American Southwest, Africa, South American, Asia and Europe. Along the way, you'll meet gumboot dancers, taiko drummers, djembe players, bell ringers, flamenco dancers, marching bands, street performers and everyday people living out loud.

On opening night, July 22 beginning at 5:00 p.m., kids of all ages can take part in FREE activities, like playing percussion instruments and joining a drum circle led by Sherry Gingras of Ryhthm Connection.

Then stick around for Music under the Star, with a free concert by the Celtic group, Cluan, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Rhythm Connections returns for brief hands-on workshops during Cluan's intermissions.

IMAX Theater ticket prices are a stompin' good value - $7 adults, $6 seniors/military and $5 youth 18 and under.

Jul 21-Aug 7 Petra's Pecado
Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 474-8497, ci.austin.tx.us/dougherty/theater

Rave reviews and popular demand bring Teatro Vivo's production of "Petra's Pecado" (Petra's Sin) back on stage. This hilarious and heart-warming bilingual play, written and directed by local playwright Rupert Reyes, delivers two acts of giggles and glee. Petra's Pecado has played to sold out houses in all previous productions! The familiar folks from the town of Las Flores prompted one Austin American Statesman writer to comment, "Petra's Pecado may become the 'Greater Tuna of Chicano regional theater."

Jul 21-27 Hepburn, Grease, Clockwork
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

From utterly romantic adventures in Paris and the other Audry Hepburn beloved, to dancin' fever and one of the most macabre films every produced - take your pick this week at the Paramount.

21, 25: Charade, Breakfast at Tiffany's
22, 24: Grease, Saturday Night Fever
24, 26: Chinatown
27, 28: A Clockwork Orange

New Group Rates at Downtown Theatres!
austintheatre.org

The Paramount & State Theatres have changed their group policies and benefits to better serve you, give you more entertainment options and value, and make your experience at these theatres unique and unforgettable. Through its relationships with community and corporate groups, the Austin Theatre Alliance is able to bring together the worlds of the arts and commerce in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Take advantage of this opportunity to entertain in small and large groups for any and every occasion. The Paramount & State Theatres have the selection of artists and services to assure an extraordinary experience!

For more information on groups and to find out What's On Stage contact:
Michelle Peoples, at (512) 692-0531 or mpeoples@austintheatre.org.

Still On Stage Downtown...

To 7/23: Aladdin, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritetheatre.org
To 8/13: Annie Get Your Gun, Zilker Hillside Theater, zilker.org
To 8/13: Maestro Improv Comedy, Hideout Theatre, hideouttheatre.com
To 9/2: Improv Twofers, Hideout Theatre, hideouttheatre.com
All Summer: Summertime Funnertime Follies, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
Ongoing: Texas the Big Picture, Forces of Nature, Fighter Pilot, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: The Star of Destiny, Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Jul 21 Advanced Students
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

Listen to the next generation of chamber musicians at this week's Thursday Noontime Concert. Advanced students from the Austin Chamber Music Center will be performing.

Jul 22 Celtic Music Under the Star
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649. thestoryoftexas.com

Step into the high energy world of Celtic music. Cluan's performances are enchanting and great fun. The fiddles will have you doing anything but sitting still! The group's latest CD, The High Road, is an Austin Music Awards winner. Learn more about who you'll be hearing at this week's Music Under the Star by visiting cluan.com. This FREE concert takes place 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. "Under the Star."

Jul 22 Live from the Plaza: Heybale
City Hall Plaza, 301 W. 2nd Street
(512) 974-9310, ci.austin.tx.us/

The Austin Chronicle has called Heybale! "the country superstar quintet." Be at City Hall to listen to this rambunctious and jammin' act and learn more about them at heybale.com. It's all free at noon. Even the parking is free in the City Hall garage (enter off Lavaca Street).

Jul 24 Free Big Band Sounds on Sunday
Wooldridge Square Park, 9th & Guadalupe
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

You and your whole family will love and move to the Big Band sounds at this Sunday's Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park. Free music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Jul 27 Don't Mess with Terri Hendrix
Scholz Bier Garten, 1607 San Jacinto
kgsr.com/frames.html

Singer/songwriter Terri Hendrix (terrihendrix.com) has a very cool sound with fabulous lyrics. She's the featured performer at this week's free "Don't Mess with Texas Music" concert. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Jul 22-24 Contemporary Art Weekend
Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

Now is the time to brighten your living space with funky, one-of-a-kind contemporary paintings. You'll choose from hundreds of unframed originals and limited editions on paper and canvas from artists all over the country. This is a must event for collectors!

Jul 23 Family Fun Flicks
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

Bring the entire cast to see side-splitting clips from rarely seen footage featuring kids and families in zany situations. Then learn about the technology behind the films and handle home movie equipment from generations past. Reservations are required for this 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. event. Please call (512) 936-3639.

Jul 23, 27 Bubble Festival
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2494, austinkids.org

Explore the wonder and fun of bubbles at the Austin Children's Museum. Crazy shapes and wands, works of arts, bubble gum blowing contests and loads more fun. You'll even step inside a giant bubble and see the world from a bubbly perspective! This popping fun event takes place Saturday, July 23, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 27, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Still on Display Downtown...

To 7/30: Object, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 7/30: Winter Hung to Dry, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 7/30: Show of Shows, F8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 8/1: Defining David de Lara, La Pena Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 8/2: The Evolution of the Cosmic Serpent, Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, lapena-austin.org
To 8/7: Annie Leibovitz: American Music, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 8/7: Scanning the Grand Canyon, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 8/27: Signs of the Times, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu
To 8/4: Young Latino Art Exhibition, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 10/15: Ready, Set, Roll, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 10/23: Texas Trailblazer, Capitol Visitors Center, texascapitolvisitorscenter.com
Ongoing: Texas Movies, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com

Help Choose Parks Projects!
austinparks.org

This year, Austin Parks Foundation will be taking direct action to improve Austin's neediest parks. Your input on the priorities in this venture is being sought. Please go to austinparks.org to share your thoughts on park enhancements and repairs.

Help Sell Austin!
vcvcoordinator@austintexas.org

The Austin Convention and Visitors' Bureau is looking for volunteers to work
at the Austin Visitor Center (209 E. 6th St.) - one day a week for approximately 3
hours. What a fun volunteer gig! For more information contact volunteer coordinator, Sarah Goebel at vcvcoordinator@austintexas.org.

Jul 23 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Load up on melons, berries, fresh vegetables and more at Austin's favorite farmers' market.

Jul 23 Summer Skate Fest 2005
Austin Rec. Center, 1301 Shoal Creek
(512) 472-7343, austinskateboards.com

A rippin' good time for rippers. Summer Skate Fest 2005 is a free afternoon of skateboard contests and live music, from Noon to 5:00 p.m. Kids from all levels and ages groups are eligible to compete for prizes, while older rippers have a chance to compete for cash. Austin's own Hobbie and Tia Carrera will set the musical stage, with DJ Zach spinning tunes as well. This is a FREE event for pure family fun!

Jul 27 Austin Farmers Mini Mart
Plaza Saltillo, 5th Street & Comal
austinfarmersmarket.org

Peaches, melons, berries. They're all here for the pickin' on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Jul 27 Lucas Miller
Symphony Square, 1101 Red River
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Just look at his picture and you can see how thoroughly entertaining Lucas Miller will at this week's Children's Day Art Park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is the last of the summer series of this terrific interactive event for children...so try and be there!

Don't miss this week's episode of Downtown on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. and Friday at 9:00 p.m. on KLRU (Channel 19/Cable Channel 9) and Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. on KLRU2 (Cable Channel 20).

Beans, Bones and Ballet Austin
Learn the story of Whole Foods and why John Mackey felt it essential to keep his corporate headquarters and flagship store in Downtown Austin. "The knee bone's connected to thigh bone..." Experience the interconnectedness of Downtown with the discovery of mastodon bones at 301 Congress and the Austin Nature Center's Dino pit. And, Downtown welcomes Ballet Austin to their new home, as internationally recognized artistic director Stephen Mills, presents his most personal work to date at the Paramount Theatre.

Then enjoy a special extra episode, Thursday & Friday Evening - July 21 (8:30 p.m.) & July 22- (9:30 p.m.) only:

The Urban Jungle
Architect Larry Speck discusses the long-standing relationship between the natural and built environment in Austin. "Gilbert's Gazelles" gain both perfect technique and inspiration from the story of how running saved their jogging instructor's life. Intro. to Gallery Hopping 101: Art appreciation and fun - A Novice's Guide to Gallery Night.

Downtown is also available on Time Warner's Video on Demand- Austin on Demand, Channel 1400.


Jul 27 Security & Maintenance Committee
8:30 a.m.
Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
Chair: John Nyfeler; DAA Contact: Bill Brice
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com