Jan 28-Apr 30 Christo and Jeanne Claude:
The Wurth Museum Collection
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

You know this work, even if you don't recognize the name. Christo and Jeanne-Claude are famous for their huge, yet simple and mystical fabric exhibitions that have been seen all over the world like the one shown here - The Gates Project, the heralded installation in New York's Central Park in the Spring of 2005.

The Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) presents a major Christo and Jeanne-Claude retrospective exhibition opening January 28, with a talk by the renowned artist team on March 30.

Known internationally for their work, Christo and Jeanne-Claude have ignited imaginations and debates with their monumental projects. Presented only in New York, Miami, Portland (Maine), Austin, and Fresno, California, this will be a unique opportunity for the Austin community and for the entire southwest region to experience these iconic artworks.

Bring the whole family to the Museum this Saturday (1/28) to experience a spectacular selection of 75 works, including: preparatory objects from The Gates, along with early wrapped objects, a life-size Store Front, a scale model of the Wrapped Reichstag, preparatory drawings, collages, and large-scale photographs of completed projects such as Wrapped Coast, Valley Curtain, Running Fence, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Surrounded Islands, The Umbrellas, Japan - USA, Wrapped Reichstag and Wrapped Trees.

Also on January 28, AMOA opens a new permanent component of their downtown exhibition space called: the FamilyLab. Using the theme "Transformation, " this new interactive space is designed to provide families the opportunity to experiment, observe, and respond to the art on view. Through activities such as make-and-take art projects, collaborative creations, and interdisciplinary approaches to art, visitors of all ages are invited to learn, play, and nurture their curiosity!

As a preview, and a way to learn more about Christo and Jeanne-Claudo, KLRU-TV will air Maysles Brothers documentary film about the 1985 project to wrap the Pont Neuf Bridge in Paris. This will air on Friday, January 27 at 8:30 p.m.

You do not want to miss this important exhibit. Mark your calendar for the March 30 event with the artists themselves. To learn more about this amazing work, please visit: christojeanneclaude.net

The exhibition is organized by The Trust for Museum Exhibitions. Cost: $1-$5. Free for AMOA Members.

Jan 26 Kathy Griffin
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

If you love celebrity gossip (and who doesn't?), your won't forgive yourself for missing an intimate evening with comedienne Kathy Griffin. The fiery redhead's wild monologues on life, sex, celebrity and nearly anything in between may make you blush (if you still can) while making you chuckle. Purchase Tickets Online or call (866) 4GET-TIX.

Jan 26 Karen Mason
Mansions at Judges Hill, 1900 Rio Grande
(512) 495-1857, austincabaret.org

Karen Mason stole the show originating the role of Tanya in the Tony nominated MAMA MIA, and she'll steal your heart in her critically acclaimed cabaret! You now have the luxury of dining prior to the show, in the main restaurant or their new showroom. Either way, dinner guests will also enjoy premium seating for the performance, as well as a discount on their meals. For dinner reservations, please call (512) 495-1857. For tickets call (512) 495-1857.

Jan 27 Delfos Contemporary Dance
B. Iden Payne Theater, Winship Drama Building, UT Campus
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

One of the most important contemporary dance companies in Latin America. Delfos embodies a unique personality characterized by the fluency, physicality and poetry of their work. Through great agility and dynamic movement, a Delfos performance is a laboratory of images that convey both the intimacy of dance and the world of invention that emerges from it. You'll be captivated by their spectacular presence, color and showmanship.

Great Flicks at the Paramount
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470. austintheatre.org

27, 29: Fight Club enters the profound world of underground fight clubs.
27: Barton Fink shows wacky consequences of intellectual's writer's block
29: Miller's Crossing is 'genre' film that's seen as "a pastiche of all gangster movies."

Jan 27-Jan 28 The Secret Life Of...
Doughtery Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 397-1468, inthemoment.com

Nothing is sacred and it's all unpredictable in the new comedy show "The Secret Life of!" See some of Austin's most upstanding citizens get spoofed as they reveal their secret lives through story. Watch as the players of In The Moment twist their tales into hilarious improv scenes that will make you slap your forehead and giddily yell "uncle!" It's a little "True Hollywood Story" meets "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?". Tickets are a mere $15, Reserve online at inthemoment.com.

Jan 27- 29 The Play of Daniel
University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio
early-music.org

For the third year in a row, Texas Early Music Project presents the Play of Daniel, one of the most popular of the medieval mystery plays from the 12th century, featuring Austin Critics Table Award winners Christopher LeCluyse, Jenifer Thyssen, and Stephanie Prewitt in the roles of Daniel and the Angels. For showtimes and ticket information, go to early-music.org.

Jan 27-Feb 2 Bubble
Dobie Theatre, 2021 Guadalupe
(512) 322-0145, austinfilm.org

Steven Soderbergh returns to his low-budget roots with BUBBLE, a muted murder mystery set in small-town Ohio. Tickets available at the Dobie Theater box office or online at landmarktheatres.com. Call the Dobie Theater for showtimes.

Jan 27-Aug 2 Roving Mars
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-8746, thestoryoftexas.com

Is there life on Mars? Experience the incredible journey to the red planet as the Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, help scientists look for answers in the new giant-screen film "Roving Mars," at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum's IMAX Theatre. The amazing story of the Mars rovers is told through the eyes of Steve Squyres, lead science investigator at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Squyres, while pursuing his life-long dream of exploring Mars, found himself the driving force behind the creation and launch of the Mars rovers. Follow Steve and his team of scientists as they attempt one of the most successful, challenging and amazing undertakings in the history of space exploration; a trip to the mystifying red planet.Call (512) 936-IMAX or visit thestoryoftexas.com for showtimes.

Jan 28 Roving Mars Opening Celebration
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
thestoryoftexas.com
1:00 -3:00 p.m.

In conjunction with the new Roving Mars IMAX movie, join the museum for family friendly activities?including a chance for kids to make their own edible Mars rover! Marvel at the incredible technology that led NASA scientists to the red planet with a robotics demonstration by the RoboCup team of the Computer Sciences department at the University of Texas.

Jan 30-Feb 1 Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Jan 31 Broadway on Ice
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Olympic Gold Medalist/Emmy winner Dorothy Hamill and Broadway's Phantom of the Opera title star Davis Gaines are set to headline their second national tour of Willy Bietak's Broadway on Ice musical ice extravaganza for the 2005-2006 season. The production is a celebration of the beauty and grace of figure skating embraced by the magic of Broadway's greatest musical numbers. Broadway on Ice marks the first time the UT Performing Arts Center's Bass Concert Hall will be transformed into an ice rink on stage. Tickets are $30-57.50.

Still On Stage Downtown...

To 1/26: The Polar Express in 3D, IMAX Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
To 2/28: Political Thrillers in Cinema, Alamo Drafthouse, austinfilm.org
To 3/12: Urinetown, Zach Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
Ongoing: Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D; Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey, Texas the Big Picture, Fighter Pilot, IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Jan 26 Harp Solo
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features the soulful sounds of Kristin Ohlson on harp.

Jan 27 Mozart Lecture
First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity
(866) 468-7621, amozartfest.org

Part II of Mozart 250th Birthday Celebration hosts orld-renowned Viennese pianist, PaulBadura-Skoda, who will lecture on Mozart on the anniversary of his birthday. Gala reception will follow the 7:00 p.m. lecture. Tickets art to be available at the door, or call (866) 468-7621.

Jan 28 Austin Symphony Orchestra Family Concert
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Austin Symphony Orchestra presents a family concert featuring Britten's "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" narrated by one of Austin's brightest stars! Concert time: 2:00 p.m.

Jan 28 Chuck Berry
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austinwinternights.com

Truly one of the legends of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry is the second concert in the second season of the Austin Winter Nights Concert Series. The purpose of the special music series is to preserve Austin's status as the premiere live music destination of the world, while celebrating an Austin performing arts icon on stage at the Paramount Theatre. The series benefits the Austin Music Foundation and the Sims Foundation.

Jan 29 Mozart Fest Annual Birthday Concert
First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity
(866) 468-7621, amozartfest.org

Part III of Mozart 250th Celebration brings the famed composer alive with Paul Badura-Skoda and Mary Robbins on piano. They'll perform with the A. Mozart Fest Chamber Orchestra - Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Mozart: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in E-flat Major, K.271, Mozart: Concert for Two Pianos and Orchestra in E-flat Major, K.365. Tickets for this 3:00 p.m. concert are available at the door, or call (866) 468-7621.

Jan 26-Mar 4 Malcolm Bucknall
d berman gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

New paintings and drawings by Malcolm Bucknall in "Familiars, Fiends, Funnies. Tread Thee Light Fantastic" feature zoomorphic beings who inhabit a world that combines realism with wry-humored whimsy. These sometimes comedic, always elegant ink drawings and oil paintings are inspired by Elizabethan portraiture, 17th and 18th century European still life, American westerns and classic camp, all through the lens of a solidly British sensibility. Reception: Thursday, January 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gallery Talk: Saturday, January 28, 1:00 p.m.

Jan 31-Aug 5 The Image Wrought:
Historical Photographic Approaches
in the Digital Age
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8949, hrc.utexas.edu

Since the first digital camera debuted over twenty years ago, the medium of photography has undergone a dramatic revolution. For virtually all popular and professional purposes, the computer has supplanted the darkroom in the 21st Century. The resulting works are unique in their originality. In a departure from other exhibitions of "alternative process" photography, the Harry Ransom Center's expansive photographic collections provide a singular opportunity to present these contemporary images alongside vintage examples of their 19th-century predecessors. Comprised of about 80 objects (including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, and other historical treatments and formats), the exhibition will provide a thorough examination of this important movement in the history of photography.

Jan 31-Aug 5 Technologies of Writing
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8949, hrc.utexas.edu

Writing is perhaps man's greatest invention. Not even the development of language is comparable, for all species have language. But writing is what enables language to be copied and stored. Writing is memory. Perhaps the most astonishing thing about writing is that its development is ongoing, constantly responsive to technological innovation. The exhibition, "Technologies of Writing," will document the evolution of writing. All the significant technological breakthroughs of the century just ended--the invention of the typewriter, the xerographic copier, the fax machine, the personal computer--altered writing by accelerating the reproducibility of writing. The exhibition will feature a wide range of objects, from cuneiform tablets to electronic texts, and will offer visitors a chance to record their own thoughts about writing using a number of different writing technologies.

To Feb 28 Black History Month Honored
Scarbrough Building, 101 West Sixth Street
(512) 444-1326

Historical banners and Huston Tillotson University photographs honor Black History Month in the streetfront windows of Austin's historic Scarbrough Building throughout February. An exhibit honoring Anderson High School's award-winning band of the 1930s-1950s and its beloved director, Benjamin Lee Joyce, as well as African American Community Builders is featured in the Art Deco Lobby Gallery. The Community Builders exhibit was created by the Austin History Center. Free, through February 28, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekdays and by special arrangement. Please call (512) 444-1326 for more information.


Still On Display Downtown...

To 1/27: Japan & Nature, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 2/06: Courtesy, Service, Protection, Texas Capitol Visitors Center,
TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
To 2/7: Photography Showcase, Shoreline Grill, oswaldgallery.com
To 2/11: New Year, New Faces, F8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 2/11: Aqueous, Liz Ward, Women and Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 2/25: Wonderland, Lora Reynolds Gallery, lorareynolds.com
To 3/19: RED, Alberto Castro Leñero, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 3/19: José Clemente Orozco, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org

Jan 27-29 2006 Log Home Expo
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
logexpo.com

This 3-day event showcases all facets of the log and timber-frame home buying and building process. Exhibits and free educational seminars cover everything from financing and designing a log home to building, landscaping, furnishing and decorating it. In addition, actual structures erected on site let Expo-goers experience firsthand the warmth and beauty of North America's hottest housing trend. For show and ticket information, please go to logexpo.com.

Jan 28 Oral History Workshop:
Austin & Austinites During World War II
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe
(512) 974-9357, ci.austin.tx.us/library/ahc/

Workshop entitled "Voice of World War II in Texas," the workshop will train attendees to conduct oral histories relating to the war years in Austin and Travis County. Workshop is limited to 40 persons. Reservations and current membership in the Austin History Center Association are required. To register email sharmyn.lilly@ahca.net or call 974-7383.

Jan 28 8th Annual Camp Fair 2006
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 733-0038, austinfamily.com

Make summer fun plans now with Austin Family Magazine Camp Fair 2006. The event is FREE for the entire family! A great resource to help parents choose the right spring & summer camps for their children (ages 3-18) under all under one roof!

Jan 31 A Taste of Austin 2006
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
tasteofaustin.com

New and Improved-Taste of Austin is an event designed to give you a taste of top Austin area restaurants, caterers, and hotels. Come enjoy the flavor of Austin and sample foods from participating restaurants while you listen to live music from the Fabulous Chevelles. Invite your friends, customers, business associates, or that special someone to join you for a unique culinary experience. Buy your tickets early before the event sells out!

Ongoing Totally Austin Events

Jan 28 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, Austinfarmersmarket.org

The market downtown features fresh and local vegetables, herbs, cheeses,
eggs, meats, breads, honey, flowers, prepared foods, drinks and artisan
crafts. Free parking around the park and in the State parking garage at 3rd
and San Antonio. Free admission.

Jan 28, 29 West 6th St. Artists Market
709 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, 6thstreetmarket.com

The West 6th Street Artist's Market is a festive outdoor art fair, featuring a variety of work by independent artists from Austin and Central Texas. Open every Sat. & Sun., 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Jan 26 Austin Toros vs. Arkansas
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
austintoros.com

College Night - First 500 Fans will receive free Thunderstixs!!! Post game concert with popular 80s cover band the Spazmatics! All home games are played at the Austin Convention Center. Run with the Toros!

Jan 27 Austin Toros vs. Arkansas
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
austintoros.com

Bobble with the Toros! Youth Basketball League Night - All kids 14 and under will receive a free Dennis Johnson Bobblehead courtesy of Legend Oaks Chiropractic. All home games are played at the Austin Convention Center at 7:30 p.m.

Jan 29 3M Half Marathon & Relay
Gateway Shopping Center to House Park Field
3M.com/races

The 3M Half Marathon is a perennial local favorite in the running community. The 13.1 mile course winds north to south through an urban setting and is mostly downhill. Offering something for everyone, there is also a two-leg relay and a 50 yard non-competitive Kids Fun Run for children 10 and under.


Jan 29 Pro Sports Expo of Texas
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 246-3678, prosportexpo.com

Sports Activities! Prizes! Giveaways! Auctions! Fun! This expo will feature many types of sporting goods outlets and teams. Tickets available at the door. Adults are $7.50 and children under 12 are $5.00

Eliza Page
229 W. 2nd Street
(512) 474-6500
elizapage.com
Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Eliza Page makes more than 20 independent jewelry and accessory designers
sparkle and glitter. This bright shop features Austin's most innovative artists.

Collections are both timeless and cutting-edge designs, with styles ranging from casual and fun, to chic and glamorous.

Owner, Elizabeth Serrato, is a self-taught jewelry designer who has created a unique gallery-like space to focus on a variety of lines that reflects her passion for creative designs.

For more news about retail downtown visit the Downtown Austin Alliance's Retail Directory (downtownaustin.com/directory/retail) or the Alliance's Retail Information Section.

Jan 29, Austin Farmers Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
Austin Farmers Market

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

Jan 29 3M Half Marathon
Gateway Shopping Center to House Park
3M Half Marathon

The race begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Gateway Shopping Center in north Austin and ends at House Park Field at Lamar and Shoal Creek Boulevard. Runners will take Guadalupe Street from W. 34th to 12th, then head west on 12th to Shoal Creek Blvd. Cross streets will be barricaded at 6:00 a.m., but traffic will be allowed on the route before runners arrive and in between groups of runners. Barricades will come down by 11:00 a.m.

Check the race web site for more details and a full course map.

Jan 26 Streetscapes & Transportation Committee
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com
Chair: Steve Simpson, Staff Liaison: Thomas Butler

Jan 31 RSVP By Friday (1/27)
Austin Back from the Edge:
Saving the Character of Austin
Four Seasons Hotel on Town Lake
(512) 469-1766, rsvp@downtownaustin.com

The Downtown Austin Alliance, Heritage Society of Austin, and Preservation Texas invite you to attend our January 31st luncheon featuring award-winning journalist and urban critic Roberta Brandes Gratz.Lecturer and author of "The Living City: Thinking Small in a Big Way" and "Cities Back from the Edge: New Life for Downtown," Ms. Gratz is an international lecturer on urban development issues and a former award-winning reporter for the New York Post.

Ms. Gratz will speak on how we maintain our sense of place, maintain the authenticity of Congress Avenue, and continue to build the economic vitality of downtown Austin.

Luncheon Details
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Check-In Time: 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon: 12:00 Noon
Location: Four Seasons Hotel on Town Lake, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Price: $35 per person, $350 for one table of ten
Hotel Self-Park: $6 per car
Valet Parking: $10 per car

Reservations: Email rsvp@downtownaustin.com or call (512) 469-1766 ext. 211.

DON'T FORGET - RSVP Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2006 by 5:00 p.m.