Feb 11 A Slave Ship Speaks:
Opening Day Activities
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

Join the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for its opening day activities for "A Slave Ship Speaks: The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie." Hear stories of slavery in Texas and stories of descendants of slaves with the Central Texas Storytelling Guild's Ben Benford, a sixth generation Texan, whose African-American family from the farm community of Chappell Hill. In the Museum Lobby, enjoy the inspring sounds of live gospel music by the Gospel moving exhibit examines the economic and social forces that drove the slave trade.

Organized by the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, this poignant and powerful exhibit brings to the surface artifacts recovered from the wreck of the British merchant slave ship, the Henrietta Marie, which sank about 35 miles off the coast of Key West in 1700.

Through interactive displays and hundreds of artifacts, from pewter cups and muskets to navigational equipment and iron shackles, the exhibit explores the early history of the transatlantic slave trade, recreating its triangular route from London to West Africa to the Americas.

Visitors can examine the artifacts for which human lives were traded, investigate a scale model of a slave ship, and explore the ship's archaeological recovery. This moving exhibit examines the economic and social forces that drove the slave trade and provides insight into its impact on the material life and culture of Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Feb 9-26 Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen
Doughtery Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 397-1455, teatrovivo.org

Teatro Vivo de Austin presents "Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen." You're invited to join Rosita for a "last supper" in her restaurante in the barrio of Salsipuedes ("Get Out if You Can"). Don't miss out on Rosita's generous servings of one flavorful character after another in this play described as "deliciously comic and peppered with cultural pride." Rosita's Jalapeño Kitchen will fill your corazon (heart) with laughter and leave your spirit nourished. Times: Thurs. - Sat. 8:00 p.m. and Sun. matinee - 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $15/$12 (students, seniors, ACOT). Thursday's "pay what you wish night." Call Austix at 474-TIXS (474-8497).

Feb 11 Tromeo & Juliet
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Nope - it's not a typo. James Gunn updates the medieval tragedy and reinvisions it as a modern day street punk drama. If you have seen or read the play before nothing much has change except it has been "tromatized." Lloyd Kaufman adds his own twisted vision to the screenplay and makes it highly enjoyable film. Showtimes: 2:40 & 7:00 p.m.

Feb 11 Cult Film Classic at the Paramount
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The Toxic Avenger - flagship Troma movie and a Charles Atlas tale gone awry. Showtimes: 5:00 and 9:15 p.m.

Feb 11-14 A Valentine's to Die For!
Spaghetti Warehouse, 117 W. 4th
(512) 404-9123, capcitymystery.com

The Capital City Mystery Players' "Deadly Housewives," is a wild and wacky send up of the hottest show on TV. You don't need to know the show to laugh yourself silly while trying to unravel this mystery. The super sleuth of the evening wins a fabulous prize! Shows are held Sat. Feb. 11, Sun. Feb. 12 and Tues. Feb. 14. The price per couple for this very special evening is only $89 per couple for dinner, wine and the show. The fun begins at 7:00 p.m. Call 404-9123 for reservations.

Feb 12 Lily Tomlin
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

From Ernestine the telephone operator to 5-year-old Edithe Ann, from Broadway to the silver screen, Lily's characters are as poignant as they are hilarious. Come hear Lily and her hilarious characters sound off on modern life, love, childhood, the media, pop culture, the past and the future. You will find yourself laughing at life, at Lily and most of all yourself! Six Emmy's, a Grammy, and two Tony Awards later she is one of America's cultural icons and one of the funniest women in the universe!

Feb 14 "Making Love in Public"
8:00 p.m.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina
512) 974-6506, ci.austin.tx.us/carver

Full-length romantic comedy written by John Daniels, Jr. and produced by EASY Theatre; tickets are $20 and $30; please visit http://makingloveinpublic.com or call
502-303-5516 for tickets and information.

Feb 14 Love is a Funny Thing
9:00 p.m.
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House, 617 Congress
(512) 443-3688, hideouttheatre.com

Bittersweet comedy for Valentine's Day - The Heroes of Comedy invite you to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one and improv comedy--or just improv comedy. Join us for an evening of improv games and scenes about chocolate, flowers and romance that will strengthen your relationship or make you feel better about not having one--because Love is after all a funny thing! Tickets $15 - be purchased online at hideouttheatre.com or by calling the Hideout box office at (512) H-I-D-E-O-U-T or 1/2 hour before the show at the Hideout box office.

Feb 14-15 Alvin Alley American Dance Theater
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Legendary: A jaw-dropping display of athletic grace and rich artistry, the Alvin Alley American Dance Theater will perform its daunting breadth of stylistic and technical feats that take audiences to unexplored territory, making each encounter fresh and exhilarating.

Feb 15-Mar 5 Twelfth Night
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Olivia loves Cesario who is really Viola who is in love with lord Orsino who loves Olivia who sends Cesario to woo Olivia on his behalf. Wow, love is indeed complicated! Introducing a cast of dynamic young actors from the professional actor training program at the University of Texas, this production marks the launching of the new State Theatre/UT partnership, where graduate student actors are given opportunities to work with professionals in the field. It all comes together under the guiding hand of guest director Paul Mullins from the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Purchase Tickets Online or call (866) 4GET-TIX.

Still On Stage Downtown...

To 2/12: Peter Pan, Bass Concert Hall, utpac.org
To 2/19: Jack and the Beanstalk, Scottish Rite Theatre, ScottishRiteTheatre.org
To 2/28: "Official Evil: Political Thrillers," Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, austinfilm.org
To 8/2: Roving Mars, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D; Deep Sea 3D, Texas the Big Picture - IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Feb 9 Romantic Music
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Felicity Coltman performing
music from the Romance Period.

Feb 10 Strings Attached with Trish Murphy
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th
(512) 775-2371, stringsattached.org

Bringing in the new year, Strings Attached welcomes Texas singer-songwriter, Trish Murphy for a live concert featuring an entire concert of swing music. Instrumental music and songs from the 20's, 60's and 80's. This show will be arranged by Will Taylor for a special ensemble including acoustic bass, trumpet, fiddles, guitar, and drums. This is rare chance to hear the voice and signature of Strings Attached more prominent then any other show since the series began. Tickets will go fast for this one show concert! Showtime: 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $15-35 at the door - Seniors/students: $8 - Children 12 & under: $5 - available online at stringsattached.org or by calling (512) 775-2371.

Feb 11 Powerhouse Jazz Trumpeter
8:00 p.m.
Hogg Auditorium, 24th & Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Grammy-nominated trumpeter dave Douglas is arguably the most original trumpeter/composer of his generation. His dynamic music is at once avant-garde and classic, an artistic balance seldom achieved. A master composer, innovative arranger, and powerhouse trumpeter, Douglas carves new and inventive terrain from the inspirational glory of Jazz' legends.

Feb 11 17th Annual Sweetheart Cabaret
7:00 p.m.
Austin Women's Club, 708 San Antonio St.
(512) 477-7464, ccmcaustin.org

Join the Capital City Men's Chorus for a romantic evening of music, fine dining and a silent auction. Individuals and small ensembles from the chorus will sing songs of love while audience members enjoy a truly incredible dinner in one of Austin's historic mansions - the Evans Chateau (Austin Women's Club). The four-course dinner, prepared by the chef and staff of the Austin Women's Club, begins at 7:00 p.m. followed by the cabaret entertainment. Tickets are $60 in advance and are available online at ccmcaustin.org.

Feb 10-12 Hot & Cold
Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

Take in the hottest pieces from up north during Hot & Cold: The Best of Canadian Contemporary Art! Returning to Austin with art work by M. Dube, Castonguay, Ruttonsha, and Natalie Savard.

Feb 11 That's a WRAP!!
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

During Saturday is For Families, visit Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Wurth Museum Collection and explore how the artists have transformed everyday things by wrapping - from a shovel, a road sign, and a table and chairs - to entire bridges and buildings! Then visit the Community Room where you'll use printmaking techniques to create your own wrapping paper to take home and wrap something of your own. Drop in and create! $7 per family; Member $5. This event does not require an RSVP.

Feb 14- 28 Totally Cool, Totally Art
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress
(512) 480-9373, mexic-artemuseum.org

Mexic-Arte Museum and the City of Austin are proud to present a special exhibition of artworks produced in the Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA) teen outreach program. This is a free program for all Austin teens between 13-17 years of age. The program has been operating since 1996, is funded by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department under the Austin City Council's Social Fabric Initiative program and serves the entire Austin community. With a mission of visual art education, TCTA provides diverse art classes to 150 At-Risk teens nightly Monday-Thursday at local City of Austin recreation centers. All classes are taught by local professional or emerging artists. Advance technology and a continually rotating class curriculum allow the program to remain fresh and exciting for the participating children. Opening Reception: Tuesday, February 14th at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., FREE. General Museum Admission Fee: $5 Adults, $4 Senior Citizens/Students, and $1 Children 12 & under (except school groups).

Still On Display Downtown...

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 2/28: Black History Month Honored, Scarbrough Building, (512) 444-1326
To 2/28: Ámame Bésame Adórname, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 3/4: Malcolm Bucknall, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.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
To 8/5: The Image Wrought, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 8/5: Technologies of Writing, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu

Feb 9 Preservaton Opportunitites and Challenges
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Texas Association of Counties Building, 1210 San Antonio
(512) 472-0102, preservationtexas.org

As historic downtown areas become the focus of new urban development, preservationists increasingly find themselves challenged by issues of densification, sustainability, and safety. This seminar series will examine successful projects, as well as regional planning efforts, aimed at coping with the sometimes conflicting goals of traditional allies, including new urbanists, environmentalists, and regulatory officials. For more details and information, visit Preservation Texas' web site: preservationtexas.org.

Feb 9 Harlem Globetrotters
7:00 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

Basketball magic returns to Austin!

Feb 9 Lavelle White & Hosea Hargrove
7:00 p.m.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina
ci.austin.tx.us/carver

Enjoy a evening of legendary music during this edition of Legends of Black Music Festival. Sponsored by the George Washington Carver Ambassadors, Inc: general admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; please call 659-0676 or 947-6506 for tickets and information.

Feb 10 Renegades Extreme Fighting
8:00 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

Just what the name says.

Feb 11 Oh, Be Mine - Valentine Festival
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

"Oh, Be Mine - Valentine Festival" prepares market-goers for Valentine's Day. There will be a chocolate dipping chef's demo, Valentine card creation, ways in which to say "love" in all kinds of languages and much more during this event. The market opened January 7th and is now a year-round market open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. in the 2006 season. 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.

Feb 11,12 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 Centra Texas. Open every Sat. & Sun 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Feb 11, 14 Austin Toros vs. Roanoke
7:30 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
austintoros.com

Run with the Toros! Dates and times are subject to change. All home games are
played at the Austin Convention Center. 11th - Protective Services Night - Rally Towels for all fans! 14th - Happy Valentine's Day - special giveaways throughout the evening.



UT Basketball Action
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

11 - Texas Men's Basketball vs. Nebraska, 3:00 p.m.
12 - Texas Women's Basketball vs. Connecticut, 2:00 p.m.
14 - Texas Men's Basketball vs. Baylor, 7:00 p.m.
15 - Texas Women's Basketball vs. Oklahoma, 7:00 p.m.

For an update on all UT sports action, visit texassports.com.

If you're looking for something very special for someone very special, here's your store!

Shorelines Gallery
221 West 2nd Street
(512) 322-9661
shorelinesgalleryaustin.com



"World Class Treasures" is how this new arts + jewelry gallery describes itself - and that's all you need to know. Whether you want to look at or buy the finest in original art - glass, sculpture, paintings, prints - or jewelry, you'll want to visit the shores of Shorelines Gallery. "The gallery glitters with unique combination of art media that includes something for every taste and budget."

Welcome to the neighborhood!

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.

Feb. 8 - 19 Fifth Street Closing by AFD

Due to last weekend's fire in the 300 block of E. 5th St., the Austin Fire Department has closed E. 5th between Trinity and San Jacinto. The two lanes on the south side of 5th St. will re-open by this Friday (Feb. 10). The two lanes on the north side of the street will remain closed through February 19.


Feb. 11 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

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

Feb 15 Arts & Entertainment Marketing Committee
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com

Chair: Nancy Burns, Staff Liaison: Cilla Temple