Oct 1 Austin Found
Plaza Saltillo, 5th Street & Comal
austinfound.info

12 clues, the City, Capitol Metro, you and your team. That's it! Austin Found is a city-wide treasure hunt. Participants solve clues at twelve checkpoints across the city, with all clues leading to prominent Austin landmarks. The first team back to the starting point wins $1,000.

What fun!

Organized by the Travis Heights neighborhood, here's what they have to say about this very cool happening:

"The annual Austin Found Treasure Hunt will build social capital through a fun, creative team-oriented event, helping to:

. Initiate camaraderie among our citizens
. Encourage a healthy, active lifestyle
. Strengthen problem solving and communication skills
. Educate citizens about the history and culture of our great city
. Build lasting intergenerational and social connections
. "Define" Austin as a great place to live

In addition to communities working together and having fun, the money collected will go toward great causes. The Austin Community Foundation will be the primary beneficiary of this event every year (70% of net proceeds), with the money to support education projects. In 2005, the Travis Heights neighborhood has chosen the Travis Heights Elementary School as the beneficiary."

Bravo Austin Found!

Sep 29-Oct 2 Radio for Planet Earth
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House, 617 Congress
(512) 694-5868, violetcrownradio.com

Violet Crown Radio Players, led by inimitable Dr. Geist, are back with another spooky tale from the famed Cabinet of Curiousities! Intrigue involving minor league ballplayer is center stage in The Hurler! Plus, the masked hero of the VCRP airwaves returns with another thrilling adventure in a A Myriad of Swords.

Sep 30-Oct 2 World Ballet Premiere
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-2163, balletaustin.org

Ballet Austin's season-opener is a must-see! Choreographed by Stephen Mills, this bold and breathtaking work is set to the music of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. You'll see cutting-edge, contemporary work in this world premiere which joins forces with the extraordinary vocal ensemble Conspirare and the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Great moves.

Oct 1 Men Cry in the Dark
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

From best-selling author to motivational speaker, to television talk show host and nationally syndicated radio show host, Michael Baisden is truly a man on a mission. His book Men Cry in the Dark has become one of the most popular books ever amongst African American men. He bares the souls of black men and their tender sensitivities in this remarkable production. You'll recognize the stars of this show. See more at imreadyproductions.com. Show Times: 3:30 & 8:00 p.m.

Oct 5 Full Moon Full of Tricks & Treats
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Charles Band, the Puppetmaster of Full Moon Features is taking his show on the road during the month of Halloween. Fans of his movies like Subspecies, Trancers, Blood Dolls and more than 200 others will be treated to never-before-seen clips, a chance to be killed in an upcoming release, auctions of original puppets and dolls, Q&A, special guest stars from his movies and plenty more tricks. So come one, come all to a night you will soon not forget...in your nightmares!

Oct 5-23 Steven Tomlinson's American Fiesta
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

On New Year's Day 2004, an angel appeared to Steven Tomlinson and commanded him to assemble a complete set of Depression-Era Fiestaware dishes. The quest led Tomlinson to junk shops and estate sales, through e-Bay, cyberspace, across the Red State/Blue State divide and into America's broken heart. Called "Austin's Best Monologist" by the Austin Chronicle, Thomlinson explores family dynamics, contemporary politics, neurochemistry and vintage dishes in this new play commissioned by the State Theatre Company. As colorful as it is vintage.

Still on Stage Downtown

To 10/16: Charlotte's Web, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org
To 11/12: Keepin' It Weird, Zachary Scott, zachscott.com
Ongoing: Back-to-School Follies, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
Ongoing: Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D; Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey, Texas the Big Picture, Forces of Nature, Fighter Pilot, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: The Star of Destiny, Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Sep 29 Classical Guitar Concert
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noontime Concert, features the classical guitar sounds of Mark Cruz.

Sep 30 Jimmy Scott
Hogg Auditorium, 24th & Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Jimmy Scott makes grown men cry - even in Texas. His soaring, emotionally penetrating tenor brings freshness and vulnerability to the most recognizable standards. A true legend, he has inspired the careers of Nancy Wilson, Frankie Vallie and more. When asked by reporters what singers she admired, Billy Holiday mentioned only one name - Jimmy Scott.

Sep 30 Live from the Plaza: Blue Mist
City Hall Plaza, 301 W. 2nd Street
cityofaustin.org

Move to the classic soul sounds of Blue Mist at this Friday's Live from the Plaza concert at City Hall. Free parking and vendors offer lunch choices.

Oct 2 Sheryl + Lance Celebrate
Auditorium Shores, Town Lake
512) 476-9044, sherylcrow.com

One might have thought that he would celebrate the day he was announced all clear of the cancer rather than the day he was diagnosed. But sometimes to see how far you've come it pays to look back to see where the journey started. Now, 11 years later on October 2nd at Auditorium Shores, we are all invited to catch a glimpse of Lance when Sheryl and her band perform a free concert in part to thank the City of Austin for the incredible support that her future husband has received over the years. Lance has been proud to call Austin his home and Sheryl is proud to be part of the celebration.

Sep 29 Talking Art
ArtHouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Robert A. Pruitt creates sculptures, drawings, video and installations about the dichotomy of the black American experience, and the impact of black cultural production on the global landscape. Come see and listen to this extraordinary artist and leader at 6:00 p.m. as he talks about his work and favorite movie. For more information and to view other programs in this series, please visit arthousetexas.org.

Sep 30-Oct 2 Hot & Cold
Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

In Austin 3 days only! Hot and Cold, the Best of Canadian Contemporary Art returns to Austin with more than 300 unframed pieces on canvas and paper. Come see the hottest pieces from up north! Gerard Castonguay, Sharon Ruttonsha, Pica Birt and Natalie Savard are featured artists.

Oct 1 Sculptor to Be!
Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org

Kids 7-11 learn about sculpture as they play with the clay and create their own piece! $7.50 per student. Limited to 15 students, so reservations are required. Call (512) 445-5582, ext. 101, or email tours@umlaufsculpture.org.

Oct 1-Dec 29 MODERNIST
Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org

Six from the University of Texas features a sampling of the work of six artists who got their start at UT - David Adickes, Constance Forsyth, Seymour Fogel, John Guerin, Paul Hatgil and Donald Weisman. The exhibition explores the biographical history of these individuals as well as the events and symbolism behind many of the more than two-dozen featured paintings, drawings, and prints. MODERNIST brings together work which has not been seen by museum visitors in decades or has never been exhibited.

Oct 3-28 Metal Art by Carlos Erick Ruiz
La Peña Gallery, 227 Congress
(512) 477-6007, lapena-austin.org

During October, La Peña presents Cuadros del Lata - the metal artwork of Carlos Erick Ruiz. Using three different metals, copper, aluminum, and silver, he creates base-relief-like pictures of flowers, people and scenes of Mexico. The reception is on Friday, October 7 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., and will feature the music of George Henry Richardson and the Almost Brothers.

Oct 5 The American West
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

John Elder, Professor of English and Environmental Studies at Middlebury College presents A Certain Slant of Light: Ansel Adams and the Luminist Tradition in American Literature. Begins at 7:00 p.m.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 10/15: Ready, Set, Roll, Austin Children's Museum, lapena-austin.org
To 10/15: Pequenos Fotografos, Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, lapena-austin.org
To 10/23: Texas Trailblazer, Capitol Visitors Center, texascapitolvisitorscenter.com
To 10/30: 22 to Watch: New Art in Austin, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 11/5: Painted Memory by Fidencio Duran, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 11/6: Ernest F. de Soto Workshop Collection, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 11/10: 2005 Texas Prize Finalists, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 12/31: Ansel Adams: A Legacy, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu

Oct 1, 5 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
Plaza Saltillo, 5th Street & Comal
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Pick the best and freshest of fall fruits and vegetables this week at both Austin Farmers' Markets, including the mini-mart on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Plaza Saltillo.

Sep 29 Downtown a' la Carte
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Austin American-Stateman, 305 S. Congress Ave.
downtownaustin.com

Servin' Up Downtown! Enjoy Music, Entertainment and a little taste of all the great things Downtown has to offer over your lunch hour. Complimentary appetizers by: Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Best Wurst, Wiki Wiki Teriyaki and 1886 Cafe & Bakery. Musical Entertainment by: Acustyka. Blue Plate Specials: Austin Museum Partnership, Austin Circle of Theaters, In the Galleries, Historic Austin, Austin Farmer's Market, Capital Metro, and information about downtown dining, shopping, entertainment and more!

Sep 30 Readings by London Stage Actors
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Actors from the London Stage perform selected readings at this week's Poetry on the Plaza, an event held in conjunction with the Department of English.

October Commute Solution Month
Throughout Downtown
commutesolutions.com

Heavy traffic and gasoline bills got you down? Try a Commute Solution and take the challenge to win prizes! October is Commute Solutions Month. The push is on to help folks find and use better, cheaper and more efficient ways to commute. Discover how to save tons of time, money and hassle. And sign on for the Commuter Challenge for your chance to win prizes - including hundreds of dollars in gift cards and other neat stuff. Go to commutesolutions.com to learn more and register. Get your colleagues involved, because businesses and other groups will win prizes, too.

Oct 4 Austin Trade & Business Show
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 246-3678, AustinBusinessTradeShow.com

The biggest business networking event in Austin. Four high-powered business success coaches will discuss local business programs dedicated to new and existing business success. This event is open to the public.

Oct 5 Poetry on the Plaza: Poetry at Point Sur
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

These readings reflect the energy and attitudes presented in the current exhibition Ansel Adams: A Legacy.

Oct 1 14th Annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk
Austin High School
alz-austin.org

The Alzheimer's Association 14th Annual Memory Walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Austin High School, which is also the site of the walk's end. The 5K walk usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

From Austin High, walkers will use the following Route:

• east on Cesar Chavez
• north on Lavaca
• west on W. 3rd
• south on San Antonio
• west on Cesar Chavez to the finish at Austin High
  

No streets will be closed for the walk. Walkers will be accompanied by a police escort and will occupy one lane of each street involved. Officers will halt cross traffic at intersections until participants have passed.

Riverside Drive/Barton Springs Rd. Construction
Work is scheduled to begin on a major road project on Riverside Drive between Congress and Lamar and on Barton Springs Rd. between S. 1st Street and Congress Avenue. Estimated completion of the project is May 2006.

The work will consist of:
Replacement of water, wastewater and storm sewer lines, as well as some street reconstruction and realignment, and roadway narrowing and the addition of a roundabout on Riverside between South First and Lamar.

Details of the traffic control plan include:

• Two-way traffic will be maintained on Congress.
• A minimum of two lanes of one-way westbound traffic will be maintained on Riverside from Congress to S. 1st.
• A minimum of two lanes of one-way eastbound traffic will be maintained on Barton Springs from S. 1st to Congress.
• Two-way traffic will be maintained on Riverside with one lane in each direction between S. 1st and Lamar.
  

The DAA will provide information throughout the project as traffic control configurations are adjusted.

Austin Farmers Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

W. 4th will be closed between Guadalupe and San Antonio from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for the Austin Farmers Market.

Oct 4 & Oct 7 Associated General Contractors of Texas Trade Show
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
agctx.org

The AGC Trade Show will take place on October 5th and 6th at the Austin Convention Center. On Tuesday, October 4, Red River Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. until noon between Cesar Chavez and E. 4th Street while equipment for the show is moved into the Convention Center. Red River will be closed again from 6:00 a.m. until noon between Cesar Chavez and E. 4th Street on Friday, October 7 when the equipment will be moved out of the Convention Center.

Oct 1 Walk With Your Doctor
Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road
tcms.com

In an effort to encourage healthy activity, the Travis County Medical Society is sponsoring the second annual Walk With Your Doctor in Zilker Park. Proceeds benefit Project Access - coordinated health care services for working, uninsured people in Travis County.

Oct 1 Alzheimer Memory Walk
Austin High School
alz-austin.org

The 14th Annual Memory Walk for Alzheimer's begins and ends at Austin High School. Check out Street closings for related traffic informtion.


Oct 2 NAMIWalks for the Mind of America
Auditorium Shores, Town Lake
nami.org/namiwalks05

This walkathon on Auditorium Shores goes to support NAMI, the Nation's Voice on Mental Illness (formerly the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), the largest education, support and advocacy organization whose lives are touched by these illnesses. Find out what steps you can take for mind of America at nami.org/namiwalks05.

Oct 4 Economic Development Committee
Noon
Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street, Room 111
Chair: Kent Collins; DAA Contact: Julie Fitch
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com