Apr 1 - 2 Austin Fine Arts Festival
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 458-6073, austinfineartsfestival.org

Buy Art - Feed Your Soul! - 220 juried artists (selected from 800 applicants) from around the nation will be in Austin to sell their artwork. Whatever the media, you'll find a treasure in your price range.

The Fine Arts Festival also includes: hands-on children's art activities & a kid's stage dedicated to live children's entertainment. You'll also see live AMOA Art School artist demonstrations & take part in a free AMOA community art activity. Take a browsing break at the park stage featuring live music and indulge in delicious culinary delights that will be available at the Festival.

There will be a free roundtrip shuttle from the festival site to AMOA and free admission to AMOA during festival weekend. Festival admission: Adults - $8.00; children 12 and under - FREE; students $5 (with proper ID), Art activities - $1.00 each.

Apr 1 Art After Dark
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
austinfineartsfestival.org

On Saturday night, plan to hang out at the Festival after hours for exclusive shopping and live music with the legendary Marcia Ball, along with a feast of select wines: from Grape Vine Market and Austin's best flavors.

Tickets are $55 per person, benefitting the Blanton Museum of Art and the Austin Museum of Art. To purchase tickets, visit austinfineartsfestival.org or call (512) 458-6073.

Mar 30 - 31 Simply Barbra
8:30 p.m.
Mansion at Judge's Hill, 1900 Rio Grande
(512) 495-1857, austincabaret.org

Austin Cabaret Theatre presents Steven Brinber as Simple Barbra. This very special event has been called "Scintillatingly funny, unnervingly accurate. A touchingly true tribute to the towering talent (and ego) of Barbra Streisand. A genuinely original show that is brilliantly scripted and beautifully performed" - This Is London. The beautiful Mansion at Judge's Hill (MLK & Rio Grande) creates a spectacular new backdrop for this Austin Cabaret Theatre spectacle, with the option of dining before the show. For dinner reservations, please call (512) 495-1857. Season ticket holders - $25, Othewise tickets are $30.

Mar 30 - May 7 The Exonerated
Zach Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd.
(512) 476-0541, zachscott.com

"The secrets of this earth are not for all men to see, but only for those who will seek them," said Ayn Rand, writer & philosopher. Imagine everything you did between the years of 1976 and 1992. Now remove all of it. This gripping new drama tells the true stories of six Death Row inmates wrongly convicted of murder who, in the face of new evidence, were freed with their innocence proclaimed and their lives reclaimed. Their poignant, unforgettable stories are told in their own words.

Mar 31 - Apr 2 Director's Choice/Evolution
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-2163, balletaustin.org

Director's Choice is back and better than ever! This dynamic production showcases two works each by Ballet Austin's Gina Patterson and Stephen Mills. Striking. Seductive. Sensational.

Apr 1 - 30 Sleeping Beauty
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th Street
(512) 472-5436, ScottishRiteTheatre.org

Combine a sweet princess, a very bitter fairy, and a dash of magic. Stir in Sleepy Pete (drowsy right-hand man to the King), and "POOF!", you have Sleeping Beauty! Scottish Rite Children's Theatre cooks up a recipe for fun. Performances will be held Saturdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10:00 a.m. and Sundays, April 2, 9, 16 (Easter) at 2:00 p.m. Sundays, April 23, 30 at both 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for Children 12 and under, $10 for Adults. Order tickets by phone: 512-472-KIDO (5436) or purchase in person at 207 West 18th Street. Box Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Get more details at ScottishRiteTheatre.org including information about "Family Dinner" shows.

Apr 2 Charlotte's Web
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The miraculous Charlotte and the lovable Wilber star in E.B. White's ever-popular tale of bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Showtimes: 2:00 & 4:30 p.m.

Apr 5 - May 14 Triple Expresso
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

A highly-caffeinated comedy that tells the rags-to-rags story of an aspiring trio whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in 4 minutes on national television. Bring your friends to see this high-energy, vaudeville-inspired comedy. Wed - Fri @ 8:00 p.m.; Sat @ 5:00 & 8:00 p.m.; Sun @ 2:30 & 7:00 p.m. Purchase Tickets online or call (866) 4GET-TIX For more info. visit. tripleespresso.com.

Apr 4 - May 16 Three Film Actresses Abroad
Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, 409 Colorado Street
(512) 322-0145, austinfilm.org

Austin Film Society (AFS) will showcase the talents of three American actresses who made their careers abroad: Anna May Wong, Josephine Baker and Louise Brooks. The "Three Actresses Abroad" series will feature seven black & white films from the 1920s and 1930s every Tuesday from April 4 through May 16 at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, 409 Colorado Street. All shows begin at 7 p.m. For a line-up of this unusual cinematic study, please visit austinfilm.org.

Still on Stage...

To 4/19: Gary Grinkle's Battle with Wrinkles, Doughtery Arts Center, secondyouth.com
To 5/6: Bad Dates, Zach Scott Whisenhunt Arena Stage, zachscott.com
To 8/2: Roving Mars, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 8/19: Deep Sea 3D, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: 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

Mar 31 April Fool's Karaoke Contest
12:00 p.m.
Texas Medical Association Building, 401 E. 15th
tunesatnoon.org

It's April Fool's Eve and it's okay to make a fool of yourself. Sing solo, a duet with a friend, or get a group together. Prizes awarded for the most "entertaining" act. Check out the song list at tunesatnoon.org. Bring your own lunch or purchase a jumbo slice of pizza, a cookie, and soft drink for $5.00 at the concert site. Keep tabs on these freebie concerts at tunesatnoon.org

Mar 31 Kenny Chesney
7:30 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

Kenny Chesney is a HUGE name in country music, so his concerts sell out early and often. You can get your tickets in three different ways: online, over the phone or in-person. If you choose to buy your tickets in-person at the Frank Erwin Center or an H-E-B ticket center, you will need to get a wristband BEFORE Saturday. Wristband distribution is a system that gives you a place in line for the opportunity to purchase tickets on the first day of ticket sales. The wristband system is designed to provide convenience as well as efficient and equitable ticket purchasing opportunities.

Apr 1 Jerry Jeff Walker Birthday 2006
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

"20 Years of Tried & True 1986-2006" There's no better annual Austin tradition than Jerry Jeff celebrating his birthday at The Paramount. This time around Jerry Jeff is also commemorating 20 years of success to Tried & True Music, his own independent label. Come party with "Mr. Bojangles!" Purchase Tickets Online or call (866) 4GET-TIX.

Apr 1 Passion: Music for Holy Week from the French Baroque
St. Mary's Cathedral, 10th & Brazos
(512) 474-8497, austix.com

Texas Early Music Project performs Charpentier's stunningly beautiful and emotionally compelling, "Le Reniement de St. Pierre" plus works by Couperin and Lully. Call 474-TIXS (8497) for tickets.

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Mar 31 Book-Signing by
Christo and Jeanne-Claude
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

A book-signing with artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. As the accompanying publication of the ongoing show "Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Wurth Museum Collection," this book celebrates the career of the artists from their earliest works up to their latest project, the Gates in Central Park. Copies of the book will be available for sale in the AMOA Store (paperback-$34.95, Member price-$31.46). Christo and Jeanne-Claude derive no income from the sale of these items.

Apr 1 - Talking Art - Gallery Tour: Xtra-Ordinary:
Francesca Fuchs, Thomas Glassford, Katrina Moorhead
3:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Xtra-Ordinary focuses on the work of three artists, two who reside in Houston and one who lives in Mexico City. All three examine and investigate the notion of the ordinary in their artwork. Employing very different media, Fuchs ? painting, Glassford ? industrially-manufactured products and Moorhead - flowers, they each completely transform our views of the everyday.

Apr 1-May 5 Superspace - Hana Hillerova
Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

Austin artist, Hana Hillerova?s solo mixed media installation features large-scale mixed-media creations that merge digital and analog modes of production. Her manipulated space produces strange visual perspectives that boggle the mind. She states, ?Fictitious architectural spaces and landscapes ooze and crystallize to generate head trips that are optimistically apocalyptic.? Opening Reception: Saturday, April 1 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Apr 3 Reverb
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

LECTURE New York photographer Lorie Novak presents "Reverb," a multimedia work that explores photography and memory.

Mar 30 Work in Progress - Over the River
7:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Project for the Arkansas River, State of Colorado. Lecture by Christo and Jeanne-Claude as part of their exhibit with the Austin Museum of Art. Cost: $48 & $20. AMOA Members may purchase limited advance tickets through the amoa web site or at (866) 4GET-TIX. A small amount of student rush tickets will be available at the door.

Mar 31-Apr 27 Contemporary Landscapes:
Texas and Beyond
Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

Experience ethereal landscapes including the Texas Hill country, abstract horizons, plus bright vibrant Tuscan vistas. Save Our Springs Alliance Benefit & Artist Reception is being held Friday March 31st, 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Free Admission. A portion of sales benefit Save Our Springs Alliance. Artist Reception: Saturday April 1, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 3/25: Sunyong Chung Porcelain, Artworks, 1214 W. 6th, artworksaustin.com
To 3/25: Angela Fraleigh, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 3/25: Pulse, f8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 4/12: Lance Letscher: Index, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 4/14: Ten Courts of the Kings of Hell, Fielding Lecht Gallery, fieldinglecht.com
To 4/15: A Slave Ship Speaks, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 4/28: Conjunto: Photographs by John Dyer, Oswald Gallery, oswaldgallery.com
To 4/29: Christo and Jeanne Claude, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 4/29: Xtra-Ordinary, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 4/30: New Works by Deborah Roberts & John Livingston, Studio 107, studio107.com
To 5/5: Robert Therrien, Lora Reynolds Gallery, lorareynolds.com
To 5/19: Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Capitol Visitor Center,
TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
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
To 2/2007: The People's Gallery at City Hall, ci.austin.tx.us

Apr 1 SPAMARAMA
Waterloo Park, 403 E. 15th
(512) 834-1827, spamarama.com

The World Famous Pandemonious Potted Pork Party! Enjoy Spam Ball, compete in the SPAM Cook-off, participate in the SPAMALYPICS and Jam with the SPAM Jam. Where else but Austin?!!

Apr 1 - 40 Acres Fest
University of Texas Campus
(512) 471-3065, 40acresfest.com

A Festival for the Students by the Students is a day of fun-filled festivities highlighting the creativity and accomplishments of UT Students and Student organizations.

Apr 1-2 Cactus & Succulent Show
Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Road
(512) 477-8672, zilkergarden.org/about/events/

Presented by the Austin Cactus & Succulent Society, this show is FREE and open to the general public. You'll see rare and beautiful cacti and succulent species from around the world. Vendors from Texas and Oklahoma will sell native, old world and other cacti and succulents at reasonable prices. There will also be a silent auction and hourly plant raffle. Show hours: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Apr 1-29 McCormick & Schmick's
Benefit for the Center for Child Protection
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, 401 Congress
(512) 236-9600, centerforchildprotection.org

April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant is helping raise awareness about the tragedy of child abuse and neglect. During the month of April, 100% of all iced tea sales will benefit the Center for Child Protection. Help protect Austin's children by visiting McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant at 401 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. For more information about the Center for Child Protection, call (512) 472-1164 or visit centerforchildprotection.org to learn more about the important work of this organization. For reservations, please call 512-236-9600.

Apr 4 Cesar Chavez Wastewater Project Contractor-Property Owner Meeting
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Radisson Hotel, 111 E. Cesar Chavez, Old Pecan Street Room
(512) 648-3204, ci.austin.tx.us/acwp/

The Austin Clean Water Program (ACWP) will begin construction in early April to replace aging wastewater lines in several downtown locations. Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc. has been awarded the wastewater improvements contract by The City of Austin. Property owners are invited to attend a "Meet the Contractor" lunch where Project Manager, Roman Grijalva, will discuss the phased traffic plan at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Street and Congress Avenue when work begins on the installation of 580 feet of 24-inch waterwater line in Cesar Chavez Street from West Brazos to West of Congress Avenue. Although the construction is scheduled to take 70 calendar days, the City is offering a financial incentive to the contractor to finish this part of the project in as early as 50 calendar days. Lunch will be provided at this meeting, please RSVP to ACWP hotline, (502) 648-3204.

Apr 5 Poetry on the Plaza:
Muscled Like the Lion
Noon
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Poetry on the Plaza is a monthly noontime reading series sponsored by the Ransom Center. This is generally held on the first Wednesday of each month and features the works of authors whose papers are housed at the Center. Readers are drawn from the local community and have included professors and students at the university as well as local actors and authors. The readings take place on the plaza directly east of the Ransom Center's main entrance. Poetry on the Plaza is free and open to the public. In inclement weather, readings will be held in the Ransom Center's Lobby.

Apr 1, 2 Austin Toros vs. Fort Worth
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.

Apr 1 Statesman Junior 'Dillo Kids Run
8:00 a.m.
Auditorium Shores, Town Lake
(512) 445-3598, statesman.com/sports/content/cap10k

The Junior 'Dillo Kids Run is a certified 1-mile run for kids aged 12 & under. All participants receive a commemorative award & the top three in each age group receive custom medals. Seven age division in both male & female categories: 6 & under; single year age groups: 7 years-12 years. New this year! The Junior 'Dillo Kids 1/2 mile Family Fun Run & Walk, for children 6 & under and their parents. This is a non-competitive (not timed) & each child will receive a commemorative award at the finish line.

Apr 2 Statesman Capital 10K
Auditorium Shores, Town Lake
(512) 472-3524, statesman.com/sports/content/cap10k

One of the largest - if not THE largest races in Texas. Join the MASS and have a great time for great cause - the People's Community Clinic.

Octane
201 W. 2nd St.
(512) 482-9733, myoctane.com

From designer denim to unique European hand made items, Octane presents high taste for the discriminate buyer. Octane offers Fred Perry exclusively in Austin along with other National and European brands. They will help you select the highest quality and best fit for your life style. Visit downtown's newest wardrobe outfitter on 2nd Street for one-of-a-kind fashions.

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.

March 31 - April 3 - Austin Fine Arts Festival
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfineartsfestival.org

From 6:00 p.m. on Friday March 31 until 6:00 a.m. on Monday April 3 the following streets and lanes will be closed for the Austin Fine Arts Festival:

- W. 3rd St. and W. 4th St., between Lavaca St. and Nueces St.
- Nueces St. and San Antonio St. and Guadalupe St., between W. 3rd St. and W. 5th St. - Parking lane along the south curb and one lane of W. 5th St, between Guadalupe St. and Nueces St.


April 1 - Junior Dillo Kids Mile
Auditorium Shores
statesman.com/sports/content/cap10k/junior.html

Riverside Dr. between S. 1st St. and Dawson, will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.


April 2 - Statesman Capitol 10,000
statesman.com/sports/content/cap10k/index.html

At 7:30 a.m.* the following streets will be closed for the race:

- Congress, from Cesar Chavez to 11th St.,
- E. 11th, from Congress to San Jacinto St.,
- San Jacinto, from 11th to 15th St.,
- 15th/Enfield, from San Jacinto to Winsted Ln. (just west of Mopac),
- Winsted, from Enfield to S.F. Austin Drive,
- S.F. Austin, from Enfield to Cesar Chavez St.,
- Cesar Chavez, from S. F. Austin to S. 1st St.,
- The S. 1st Street Bridge,
- Riverside Drive, from S. 1st to Auditorium Shores.

Road closure permits are valid until 2:00 p.m., but the Austin Police Dept. will re-open streets as the last runner passes. The final runner is expected to finish the race around noon.

* Congress, between Chavez and 3rd and Barton Springs Rd. between Congress and Riverside will be closed from 4:00 a.m. until noon, and Riverside Drive, between S. 1st and Dawson will be closed from 3:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Apr 4 Economic Development Committee
12:00 p.m.
211 E. 7th Street, Room 111
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/whoweare

Chair: Tracy Atkins, Staff Liaison: Julie Fitch