Feb 25 Gala Night in the Galleries
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
(512) 458-6073, austinfineartsfestival.org

Join Austin Fine Arts Festival Alliance for a gala kick-off party and gallery limousine-guided trek. The visual and culinary arts join forces at the third annual Night in the Galleries.

Austin's premier art galleries and museums along Congress Avenue and the West End open their doors for an elegant evening of art buying, while Austin's most notable chefs serve guests their own delicious works of art

You'll glide through the city's finest, including Wally Workman, ArtWorks and Art on 5th and have an exclusive sneak peek at 2006 Austin Fine Arts Festival local artists' work.

You and your friends 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.

Detailed parking information and gallery map will be sent upon ticket purchase, available on-line. Contact austinfineartsfestival.org now for ticket info. Tickets sell out quickly and are limited.

Feb 23-24 Sandra Reeves-Phillips
8:30 p.m.
Mansions at Judges Hill, 1900 Rio Grande
(512) 495-1857, austincabaret.org

The minute Sandra Reeves-Phillips takes the stage, you know you are in for a ride! Star of Broadway & beyond, her voice grumbles, growls, soars, and transports you in her new show, Me, Myself & You! The beautiful Mansion at Judge's Hill (MLK & Rio Grande) creates a spectacular new backdrop for Austin Cabaret Theatre. For dinner reservations, please call (512) 495-1857.

Feb 23-26 Violet Crown Radio Players
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House, 617 Congress
(512) 535-1929, violetcrownradio.com

The Violet Crown Radio Players recreate so you can relive the golden age of radio with vintage costumed actors, live sound effects, and live swing music. From the moment you enter the theatre, you are immersed in the sights and sounds of a bygone era during Molly McCoy, Air Ace in "The Sky Pirates." You'll become a part of this raucous time transport with live accompaniment by the Violet Crown Radio Orchestra, bringing alive musical selections from the swing era. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. except Sunday, February 26, at 3:00 p.m. matinee. Thursday, February 23 is a "Pay What You Wish Preview." All other performances are $12.50 in advance, $15.00 at the door. Advance tickets are available at violetcrownradio.com.

Feb 24 The Black Watch and
the Band of the Welsh Guards
7:30 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

The Black Watch has served the British Army all over the world. This fully operational battalion and historical Highland Regiment will march into the Frank Erwin Center to bring the sights and sounds of Great Britain to Austin. The Band is comprised of 44 musicians and a bandmaster, and has brought the pomp and pageantry of British life to all corners of the world.

Feb 24 KUT's Selected Shorts:
Kathleen Chalfant & Malachy McCourt
7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, kut.org

Celebrated actress of stage, screen and television, Kathleen Chalfant, and stage actor, writer, producer Malachy McCourt will cast a spell upon you, performing Selected Shorts during this KUT celebration of the spoken word. Tickets available online.

Feb 24, 26 The Scarecrow
8:00 p.m.
McCullough Theatre, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Join the UT Sarah & Ernest Bulter Opera Center for the world premiere of The Scarecrow, with music by Joseph Turrin, libretto by Bernard Stambler. Commissioned by a consortium of 12 universities, this production is directed by Robert DeSimone, and performed by UT's "jawdroppingly" talented opera company. Dazzling and heart-warming.

Feb 25 Marching on Film Festival
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina
(512) 947-6506, ci.austin.tx.us/carver

"Where is My Man To-Nite?" 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: 12:00 & 3:00 p.m., Carver Museum Theatre.


Still On Stage Downtown...

23-25: Chiquita Perla,, Oscar Brockett Theatre, utpac.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 3/3: Twelfth Night, State Theatre, austintheatre.org
To 8/2: Roving Mars, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 8/23: Air Fair - It'll Blow You Away!, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
Ongoing: Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D; Roving Mars, Texas the Big Picture - IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Feb 23 Flute + Piano
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Ezra & Jasmine Bartz on flute & piano.

Feb 24 Conspirare: Wondrous Journey
8:00 p.m.
University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio
(512) 476-5775, conspirare.org

Voyage through a splendid variety of great choral music - romantic classics, Renaissance music for multiple choirs, Baltic specialties and some Conspirare audience favorites. For seasoned Conspirare patrons and newcomers alike, this is a 'not to be missed' a cappella choral event. The concert also features a special collaboration with the new Conspirare Children's Choir. Tickets: $25/general admission, $20/seniors & students.

Feb 25 Lee Ann Womack
7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

After spending several years as a professional songwriter, Lee Ann Womack became one of the breakout contemporary country stars of 1997 with her debut album. This multi-talented performer has earned two Grammy nods: one for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Something Worth Leaving Behind and Best Vocal Collaboration (Country) for her duet with Willie Nelson on "Mendocino County Line."

Feb 25 Choral Arts Society
8:00 p.m.
Bates Recital Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
Contact: School of Music Information
(512) 471-5401, music.utexas.edu

Hear Rossini's final masterpiece, written in 1864 at the age of 72, which he called "the last mortal sin of my old age." This original instrumentation accompanies brilliant operatic arias and ensembles and magnificent choral movements. Tickets: $17 - General Public, $15 - Faculty/Staff, $10 - UT Students. Tickets available at the door.

Feb 25 International Music Extravaganza
7:30 p.m.
The Historic Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th St.
(512) 472-8669

Dedicated to the People of New Orleans - Featuring: Bilal Sunni-Ali: Saxophonist from Gil Scott Heron's Band Leon C. Anderson Jr.; Percussionist/Vocalist Dwayne "D-Madness" Jackson" Bassist/Songwriter Eartha Colson & Company; Austin Legendary Poet Gilka Cespedes; Andean Pianist Cosmic Intuition: Reunion Performance Featuring Bilal Sunni-Ali & Fumi Sugawara Diasporic; Hip Hop & Beyond Akwasi Evans; Poet Music by - DJ Lo-Res; and a Very Special Appearance by - Big Chief Kevin Goodman & the Flaming Arrows Mardi Gras Indians. Tickets are $12.00 in advance, available at End of an Ear, and Antones Records, $15.00 at the door.

Feb 26 Sigur Ros
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Call 'em Icelandic, call 'em atmospheric art-experimentalists, call 'em HOT! Iceland's ambient rock group Sigur Ros has just released their third album with no title and no track list. just wonderfully unique music that's getting a lot of attention. One reviewer calls Sigur Ros "Saviors of 21st century rock.. mixing intereseting aspects of U2, Low, Radiohead, and My Bloody Valentine, while sounding like nothing else on the planet." It's impossible to justify it with words, you have to listen to it to understand.

Feb 26 B.B. King 80th Birthday Tour
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The undisputed king of the blues, B.B. "Blues Boy" King will go down in history as one of the most important electric guitarists and blues singers ever. With one note, B.B. King can tell a story that touches the deepest roots of your soul. Check out the sounds at bbking.com.

Feb 28 Sheryl Crow
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Celebrated as one of the last true rock stars, multi-Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, returns to Austin with her fresh approach to roots rock The concert features Crow's best-known hits and selections from her latest release, Wildflower. Is it true that a famous Austinite will be offering Sheryl a tribute, because they both "Live Strong" together and apart?

Feb 28 Diverse Diversions
7:30 p.m.
Huston-Tillotson University, King-Seabrook Chapel, 900 Chicon St.
(512) 454-0026, austinchambermusic.org

The Austin Chamber Music Center welcomes violinists Quinton Morris and Young Eight violinist, back to the stage for their 4th-annual concert. They play rich, varied, and rarely-heard works by African-American composers - lovely, easy on the ears, classical music fused with folk melodies and a bit of jazz. Free and open to the public.

Feb 25-Mar 25 Sunyong Chung:
Handmade Colored Porcelain Ware
Artworks, 1214 W. 6th
(512) 472-1550, artworksaustin.com

Artworks presents an artful collection of handmade colored porcelain ware by Austin artist Sunyong Chung, including her much sought after dinnerware as well as her new one-of-a-kind vases and covered jars.

Feb 26 Unchained Memories:
Readings from the Slave Narratives
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

The HBO documentary Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives brings the words of former slaves to vivid life through on-camera readings by celebrated African-American actors, as well as archival photographs, music, film and period images. This documentary was produced in association with the Library of Congress--home to the Slave Narrative Collection. Free, though reservations required - please call (512) 936-4649.

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, Arthouse at the JonesCenter, 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 3/25: Angela Fraleigh, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 3/25: Pulse, f8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 4/15: A Slave Ship Speaks - The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 4/29: Christo and Jeanne Claude, 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
To 9/24: Air Fair -It'll Blow You Away! Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org

Feb 23 Public Hearing on Mental Health
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th
Contact: Elizabeth Roebuck
(512) 206-4511, dshs.state.tx.us/mentalhealth.shtm

In a major effort to improve the quality and delivery of crisis services for Texans with mental illnesses and/or substance abuse problems, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is seeking input from the community, family members, and advocates. This input is key to identifying the needs of Texans who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse crises. In addition to the invited testimony of law enforcement officials and medical personnel from hospital emergency rooms and other crisis care facilities, the Department is inviting public testimony from any individuals who have had, or know of someone who has had a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis. This input will help redesign the mental health and substance abuse crisis service delivery systems in Texas. For questions or requests for accommodations, please call (512) 206-4511. Free Parking in the St. David's garage.

Feb 23 Toast a Rising Star -
Wine & Food Tasting
Omni Austin, 700 San Jacinto
twgga.org

30 of the finest Texas wineries and 10 of the top Austin area restaurants will wine and dine you in a reception format from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the downtown Omni on San Jacinto in Austin. Business dress. Must be 21 to attend.

Feb 23-24 Barbara Jordan Forum:
Who Will Speak For America?
LBJ Library and Museum, 2313 Red River
(512) 471-0801, utexas.edu/lbj/barbarajordanforum

The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs will host the 10th Annual Barbara Jordan National Forum on Public Policy. This year's topic is Who Will Speak for America? The Forum honors stateswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a Texas State Senator, U.S. House Representative, lawyer, orator, and professor. Jordan exemplified excellence in public service through her commitment to personal and professional integrity and through her faith in the U.S.Constitution's ability to empower all Americans to reach their full potential. In addition to honoring Jordan's values and achievements, the Forum engages scholars, policy practitioners, and business and community leaders in a dialogue about fundamental issues in public policy.

Feb 28 Brian Greene
7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

KLRU's Engaging Speaker Series/06 - Educated at Harvard and Oxford, Brian Greene is currently a Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia and is one of the world's foremost string theorists. His best-selling book The Elegant Universe, a popularization of superstring and M-theories, was the basis for an Emmy Award-winning NOVA special on PBS. His second book, The Fabric of the Cosmos, is an insightful examination into the nature of the universe. With artful metaphors and humorous analogies, Greene explores space-time and cosmology, origins and unifications, along with reality and the imagination. Purchase Tickets Online or call (866) 4GET-TIX.

Mar 1 Yoga, Yoga in the Park
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
(512) 477-1566, austinparks.org

This March, make sure your lunch order is a stretch and strengthen sandwich, with a side of stress reduction! You're invited to attend free yoga classes at Republic Square Park courtesy of Yoga Yoga. Classes will be held every Wednesday in March, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Austin Parks Foundation. All ages and skill levels welcome. Check the Austin Parks Foundation website (www.austinparks.org) for rain cancellations. Bring a water bottle and mat if you have one.

Totally Austintacious

Feb 25 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.


Feb 25-26 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 23-25 Run with the Austin Toros!
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
austintoros.com

Great basketball action this week.

23: vs. Fayetteville, with a free post game concert.
25: 1:00 p.m. game against Tulsa
26: 3:00 p.m. the march against Tulsa continues


Feb 25, 26 Longhorns on the Court
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

25: 8:00 p.m. Texas Men's Basketball vs. Kansas
26: 3:00 p.m. Texas Women's Basketball vs. Texas Tech
3/1: 7:30 p.m. Texas Women's Basketball vs. Baylor

Now Open

Paciugo
241 W. 2nd St.
(512) 474-7600
www.paciugo.com


Some like it hot, some like it cold - The newest totally cool, hot spot in the 2nd Street District has both! Paciugo Gelateria and Coffee is the ideal place to stop in for a cup of coffee or a genuine Italian gelato.

Hours:
Sun-Thur: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Downtown retail just keeps getting better all the time - for a complete list of downtown retail, click here to take a look at the retail directory. Or, if you'd like more information about opening a retail business downtown, visit the retail section of the downtownaustin.com website.

Late Breaking Street Closings News -
In anticipation of a large crowd downtown to celebrate Mardi Gras,
the Austin Police Department will close E. 6th Street to vehicular
traffic at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening (2/24), Saturday evening (2/25) and Tuesday evening (2/28).

As with usual weekend closures, Neches, Trinity, and San Jacinto will be closed between E. 5th Street and E. 7th Street. On these three days Red River will also be closed.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m. each of those nights, cars parked on the
street within the closure area will be towed.


Feb 25 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

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.

Feb 23 Streetscapes & Transportation Committee
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/daa/whoweare

Chair: Steve Simpson, Staff Liaison: Thomas Butler