Feb 18-Sep 23 Air Fair -
It'll Blow You Away!
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, austinkids.org

Visit Austin Children's Museum newest powerfully fun exhibit that opens Saturday.

Children will investigate 13 hands-on components to playfully discover the powers and properties of moving air, including hovering a ball, delivering a message across the Museum, making a real tornado and create music - all with the power of air!

Opening day activities include:
Parachute Play, 11:30 a.m.
Air themed storytimes, 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Austin Recorders, Noon
Noon Kite making activity, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Air Fair was produced by the Austin Children's Museum with major support from Austin Energy. Additional support provided by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. This project was also funded in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Air Fair opens with a gust February 18 - and billows through September 24, 2006.

Feb 15 - Mar 3 Twelfth Night
State Theatre, 719 Congres
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 complicated.....Introducing a cast of dynamic young actors from the professional actor training program at the University of Texas in this sidesplitting comedy of timeless human insight and exquisite poetry. Purchase Tickets Online or call (866) 4GET-TIX.


Feb 16-19 New American Talent/Dance
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, balletaustin.org

Emerging choreographers will be hand-selected to showcase their work at Ballet Austin's New American Talent/Dance.Three talented judges from the dance world will chose three finalists, out of hundreds of entries from emerging choreographers nationwide. The finalists' work will be performed by Ballet Austin dancers in this unique competition.

Feb 16-19 Sesame Street Live
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

Calling all super heroes - Super Grover needs your help! Come discover what it takes to get your inner hero ready for action. Join Elmo, Zoe, Rosita, Telly Monster and Zoe's pet rock Rocco for Sesame Street Live!

Feb 17- 19 Chiquita Perla
8:00 p.m.
Oscar Brockett Theatre, 23rd & San Jacinto
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Introduce your family to the wonders of dance as the UT Department of Theatre & Dance presents Changuita Perla,the magical tale of an irresistible little monkey named Perla who encounters a series of adventures that will change her life forever. The story, told through dance, is based on the artwork of Pau Nubiola. Choreographer/Director Rachel Murray says "it's a little Bollywood, a little Broadway, a little Cirque Du Soleil, and a little STOMP!" Changuita Perla is a performance for children of all ages!

Feb 18-19 J.B. - A Play in Verse
First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity
(512) 476-2625, fbcaustin.org/events.shtml

"J.B,"Archibald MacLeish's powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning one-act play based on the story of Job in the Hebrew Bible, was penned nearly 50 years ago as a response to war, the holocaust, and human suffering. The questions "J.B" asks are just as relevant now as they were when the Book of Job was written some 3,000 or so years ago: Why do bad things happen to good people? Or, at all, for that matter? What is the source of evil in the world? Where is social and individual justice? Fascinating as it is thought-provoking. Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 3 p.m. Free Admission.

Feb 19 Marching on Film Festival: "Blood of Jesus"
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina
(512) 947-6506¸ci.austin.tx.us/carver

Part of the festival "Marching On: Independent African-American Films from 1935 - 1950." Co-sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin, admission is free and open to the public. For film and festival information please visit utexas.edu/events/marchingon. Showtimes: 1:00 & 4:00 p.m. Carver Museum Theatre.

Still On Stage Downtown...

To 2/19: Jack and the Beanstalk, Scottish Rite Theatre, ScottishRiteTheatre.org
To 2/26: 26 Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen, Doughtery Arts Center, teatrovivo.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: A Slave Ship Speaks: The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie, Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D; Texas the Big Picture - IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Feb 16 Strings!
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features June Rhee Lucretia on Strings.

Feb 16 Legends of Black Music Festival
7:00 p.m.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina
(512) 947-6506, ci.austin.tx.us/carver

Ruthie Foster (shown) & Cyd Cassone, featuring the inimitable Ernie Mae Miller. Doors at 6:00 p.m., Show at 7:00 p.m.. Carver Museum Theatre. 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 17 Juanes - Sold Out
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Didn't this happen last year, too? Sorry!

Feb 17 Sidestepper
8:00 p.m.
Hogg Auditorium, 21st & University
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Talk about fusion! Richard Blair, deemed something of a musical revolutionary, combines all his experiences - from British club sounds - and then fuses Latin roots with modern sounds to earn him the title "the Don of Latin break beats."

Feb 21 Bonnie Raitt
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer and accomplished songwriter with 15 million albums sold, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. Starting out as the opening act for the likes of Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, she went on to embrace a multitude of influences, including folk, African music and the work of contemporary songwriters. The release of "Souls Alike," her eighteenth album, marks yet another brave, exhilarating step in a legendary body of work.

Feb 16-Mar 25 Angela Fraleigh
Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

Houston artist, Angela Fraleigh puts it out there in her solo exhibit titled "there i still my thirst."Fraleigh creates large-scale, sumptuously painted oils on panel in which she combines the painting styles of abstraction and figuration. The physicality of the rich colorful paint both corrupts and obscures the narrative in Fraleigh's work. Opening Reception: Thursday, February 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Feb 18-Mar 25 "Pulse"
f8 Fine Art Gallery, 1137 W. 6th
(512) 480-0242, f8fineart.com

"Pulse" features work by three talented male artists. Randall Reid's work is forged from the heart of the earth in his "modern antiques" created of metal and other natural materials. Black and white photographs from Faustinus Deraet's new book, El Deh Effeh, which captures the beat of his native Mexico City. Originally from Chile, Oscar Riquelme now resides in Austin and joins F8 with "Herd Behavior," paintings that observe the animalistic impulses that run through our veins. Artists' Reception: Saturday, February 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Feb 22 Race, Memory and the Museum
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

"You can tell a great deal about a people by what they deem important enough to remember; what they build monuments to celebrate and what graces the walls of their museums," says Lonnie G. Bunch. Hear what the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has to say about this and other topics. This promises to be a vibrant, memorable evening of conversations about the new museum that will honor and celebrate African-American history and culture. Free, but reservations are required. Please call (512) 936-4649 for reservations.

Feb 26 Limousine Guided Gala
West End and Congress Avenue
(512) 458-6073, austinfineartsfestival.org

Join Austin Fine Arts Festival Guild for a gala kick-off party and gallery limousine-guided trek - Night In The Galleries.You'll experience Austin's premier art galleries located in the West End such as Wally Workman, ArtWorks and Art on 5th and along Congress Avenue, including a sneak peek at participating 2006 Austin Fine Arts Festival local artists' work. Patrons will enjoy delicious cuisine from top local restaurants and libations from Grape Vine Market as you are chauffeured door to door in style during this festive gallery hop. The glamorous evening lives on at the after-party at one of Austin's famed hot spots. You'll receive a 10% discount on art purchases made during the event. All this is in anticipation and preparation of the 2006 Austin Fine Arts Festival - Buy Art - Feed Your Soul- on April 1 & 2.


Still On Display Downtown...

To 2/25: Wonderland, Lora Reynolds Gallery, lorareynolds.com
To 2/28: Black History Month Honored, Scarbrough Building, (512) 444-1326
To 2/28: Totally Cool, Totally Art, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 2/28: Ámame Bésame Adórname, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 3/4: Malcolm Bucknall, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 3/11: The Gospel of Lead: Dario Robleto and Jeremy Blake, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
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 4/29: Christo and Jeanne Claude: The Wurth Museum Collection, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.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 16 New Office Developments 2006
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Omni Austin, 700 San Jacinto
centraltexas.ccimnet.com

CCIM Central Texas Chapter is hosting "New Office Developments 2006" presented by: Endeavor Real Estate Group & Trammell Crow. Networking Luncheon & Presentation. Cost is $35.00 for members ~ $40.00 for future members Includes lunch and parking (bring ticket to registration for validation) This luncheon is being held in conjunction with the 7th Annual Marketing Session ~ separate registration for the marketing session, along with more event information available at centraltexas.ccimnet.com.

Feb 17-19 Austin Spring Home and Garden Show
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
showtechnology.com

One of the biggest home and gardening events ever held in Austin! See the Home Builders' Association New Home Buyers Center featuring custom homebuilders, cabinetmakers, mortgage lenders, realtors, masonry contractors, remodelers and much more. Friday, February 17th: 2:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18th: 10:00 - 8:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19th: 11:00 - 5:00 p.m. Adults 17+ - $7.50; 13-16 - $3.00; Children under 13: Free; 65+ $5.00 (Friday Only).



Feb 20-Apr 9 Odyssey: Explore. Enrich. Enlighten.
UT Art Building, San Jacinto & 23rd
(512) 471-2912¸ utodyssey.org

Embark on a quest for knowledge with Odyssey - a noncredit, personal enrichment program featuring short courses taught by UT professors and leading professionals. Classes are held one evening a week on campus. This spring Odyssey will partner with the Blanton to present an engaging and informative series on the new museum before it opens its doors to the public. For more information or to register please contact utodyssey.org or (512) 471-2912. Blanton members receive a 20 percent discount.

Now through Apr 22 Got Books?
Ballet Austin's Administrative Center, 501 W. 3rd Street
literacyaustin.org

Literacy Austin is currently looking for gently used books for its event starting April 22. Please no textbooks, magazines or Readers Digest Condensed books please. Donations also accepted at Literacy Austin Center, 2222 Rosewood Ave. For further information call 512-478-7323 or visit www.literacyaustin.org.

Totally Austintacious

Jan 14 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 14-15 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.

Feb 18 Xtreme Fight Championships
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
(512) 751-6410, xfconline.com

Six Title Fights!!! Main Event - Jeremiah "The Iron Man" O'Neal Team Maddog Vs. Ritch "El Jefe" Chavez Mexican Top Team.Tickets available at 1-866-443-8849. Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. Show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 19 Freescale Austin Marathon
Northwest Austin to Auditorium Shores
(512) 478-4255, motorolamarathon.com

The 15th Annual Freescale Austin Marathon is internationally recognized as one of the best marathon races in the United States, as it boasts the fastest marathon course in the world (Association Road Race Statisticians, 2004) in the "Coolest Host City" in the world (Runner's World, January 2004). Over 12,000 runners are expected to participate in this year's event, while more than 25,000 people are expected to be present all along race course and in the finish-line area.

Now Open - Loft
416 W. Cesar Chavez
(512) 573-2063
lofthomedecor.com

The Downtown Austin Alliance welcomes Loft, the newest retailer to downtown and the 2nd Street District. At a glance, the Loft style is inviting and effortless, a skillful blend of classic and contemporary home furnishings. They aim to create a lifestyle based on quality of design and true livability. Every piece has to look great, function well, and have a relaxed sophistication but, more importantly, their philosophy is they want their product to be what they would put in their own home. Their goal is for every customer to feel that, with their purchase, they are nurturing a lifestyle and making their house a home.

Loft is located on the North East corner of San Antonio and Cesar Chavez. Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Free Parking is available in the Austin City Hall located 1 block East of San Antonio at Guadalupe and Cesar Chavez. Metered Parking is also available on San Antonio and on 2nd St.

Feb. 18 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 19 Freescale Marathon
Northwest Austin to Auditorium Shores
motorolamarathon.com

The 15th Annual Freescale Austin Marathon will be run on Sunday, February 19. Over 12,000 runners are expected to participate, and 25,000 spectators are expected in the finish line area.

The race begins at 7:00 a.m. in north Austin and finishes on Riverside near Auditorium Shores.

Once downtown, runners will use the following route:
- South on San Jacinto, from MLK to 12th St.
- West on 12th to the Capitol building
- Around the Capitol
- South on Congress, from 11th St. to 2nd St.
- West on 2nd to San Antonio
- West on Cesar Cahvez to Veterans Dr.
- after looping around on Veterans, east on Chavez to S. 1st St.
- Across the Drake (S. 1st St.) Bridge to Riverside
- West on Riverside to the finish line.

The first runners are expected to reach downtown between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Streets directly on the route will be impacted during the race. Traffic on cross streets will be stopped while runners are on the course. Austin Police Officers will allow traffic to cross the course when there are large gaps between packs of runners. The course will be open until 3:00 p.m.

Riverside, between S. 1st St. and Lee Barton Dr., will be closed from 2:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Feb 17 Issues & Eggs: Advancements in Addressing Public Order
8:00 a.m.
Room 111, Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/daa/whoweare

Join the Downtown Austin Alliance for an update on recent actions to address public order issues affecting downtown. Special program will feature presenters from Austin Police Department, Downtown Austin Community Court and the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH). The speakers will provide information on the effectiveness of the recently amended Public Order Ordinances, the impact of additional City budget funding allocated to expand services and capacity at the ARCH, and to increase treatment opportunities available through Community Court. Please note the change in day from the usual Thursday Issues & Eggs meeting. RSVP to: rsvp@downtownaustin.com.

Feb 22 Security & Maintenance Committee
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, Room 111
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/daa/whoweare

Chair: John Nyfeler, Staff Liaison: Bill Brice