Jul 8-Aug 5 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Zilker Hillside Theatre, Zilker Park, Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 479-9491, zilker.org

Talk about terrific free family fun! Plan an evening of theater under the stars. Zilker Theatre Productions presents the 48th Annual Zilker Summer Musical: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - live onstage at the Zilker Hillside Theater.

You'll enjoy the spirited high-stepping stage version of one of America's most acclaimed movie musicals. The Austin debut includes some of the most exciting choreography ever created for stage.

The show runs Thursday through Sunday's through August 5. Performances kick off at 8:30 p.m. each evening. Parking is available - $3 per car. (For disabled parking, please ask at entrance.)

Jul 13 Clerks II
7:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-2901, austinfilm.org

Filmmaker Kevin Smith will attend the Austin premiere of his new film Clerks II, hosted by the Austin Film Society. Smith, who reprises his role as "Silent Bob" in this sequel to the 1994 cult favorite Clerks, will treat audience members to what promises to be an uproarious Q&A after the screening. Tickets are $25 for AFS members and $30 for the general public and available at the Paramount box office (512) 472.2901 and at GetTix gettix.net or (866) 443-8849. Rated R.

Jul 13- 30 Petra's Cuento (Petra's Story)
Doughtery Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
Contact: JoAnn Reyes
(512) 474-8497, teatrovivo.org

Teatro Vivo's production of Petra's Cuento (Petra's Story) marks the return of this hilarious and heart-warming bilingual play written and directed by local Austin playwright, Rupert Reyes. This bilingual comedy serves up the wonderfully warm and loving characters we met in Petra's Pecado and introduces us to more of Petra's extended family, whose scheming dynamics are disastrously funny.

Jul 13-Aug 27 I Am My Own Wife
Zachary Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Road
(512) 476-0541, x1, zachscott.com

"Look in the mirror. The face that pins you with its double gaze reveals a chastening secret." Take a peak into the life of Nazi survivor, Charlotte, a soft-spoken, but tenaciously gender-bending male, who portrays more than 40 characters in the performance of a lifetime. A shattering secret is revealed that calls into question Charlotte's entire life story in this testament to the will to survive. 2004 Tony Award for Best Play and Pulitzer Prize for Drama!

Jul 14-19 Marx Your Calendar
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The Marx Brothers start out the week with their slapstick genius and then we move into stage to screen adaptations before finishing out the week with Preston Sturges perilous comedies. Go to austintheatre.org for full details, including schedule changes. Here's this week's line-up:

14 - Animal Crackers, Monkey Business
15, 16 - Guys and Dolls, Young Frankenstein, The Producers
17, 19 - Hail, The Conquering Hero, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek

For more information on any film, visit imdb.com.

Jul 18 Sex and Lucia (2001)
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse, 409 Colorado
(512) 322-0145, austinfilm.org

Part of Austin Film Society's Summer Essential Cinema's "De/Re Constructing the Narrative: Global Experiments in Film Structure," this film is provocative, profound and ultimately tragic. Spanish with English subtitled.

Jul 18-Aug 6 American Fiesta
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The State brings back a revival of Steven Tomlinson's beautiful, funny, redemptive monologue, American Fiesta. This award-winning presentation explores family dynamics, contemporary politics, neurochemistry and the surprising world of vintage dishes. In the months before the election of 2004, Steven Tomlinson was gripped by an inexplicable obsession to collect Depression-Era Fiestaware. His quest led him to junk shops and estate sales, through e-Bay and cyberspace, across the Red State/Blue State divide and into America's broken heart. Experience his journey of discovery.

Jul 19 Children's Day Art Park: Joe McDermott
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Symphony Square Amphitheater, 1101 Red River
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Joe McDermott, the preeminent songster and entertainer showcases his talents at this week's Children's Day Art Park. Admission is 50¢ a child, adults free when accompanied by a child.

Still on Stage...

To 8/1: 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: Ride Around the World: A Cowboy Adventure, Texas the Big Picture in the IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater,

Jul 13 Maia Quartet
12:05 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Maia Quartet (from Austin Chamber Music Festival).

Jul 14 Melissa Etheridge
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Melissa Etheridge is going back where she belongs: on stage. After an eventful two-year hiatus from touring, this dynamic artist is returning -- happy, healthy and ready to rock!

Jul 14 Django's Moustache Under the Star
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-8746, thestoryoftexas.com

Django's Moustache blasts a blend of Swing, Latin, and Jazz sounds that will have you on your feet during this week's performance of Music Under the Star. Explore the Museum's three floors of exhibits - including "It STILL Ain't Braggin' If It's True" - for free from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The Story of Texas Cafe will be open with a limited menu, and a cash bar will be available on the Plaza. Free event parking is available in the Museum's underground garage.

Jul 16 Brass Quintet at Concerts in the Park
7:30 p.m.
Wooldridge Square Park, 9th & Guadalupe
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Pack a picnic, let the kids frolic as the whole family listens to the ASO Brass Quintet at this week's Austin Symphony Orchestra/Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park. These enchanting outdoor park concerts are your ideal opportunity to enjoy some of the Capitol City's greatest pleasures - fine music presented by the Austin Symphony in one of Austin's beautiful historic parks. The concerts are free. Great way to wind down the weekend.

Jul 18 Dashboard Confessional
7:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Dashboard Confessional is an American acoustic/electric guitar driven emo outfit, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Carrabba. They won the MTV2 award at 2002's MTV Video Music Awards for "Screaming Infidelities" and appeared on motion picture soundtracks such as Shrek 2 and Spider-Man 2. Ben Lee began his career a musician at the age of 14 with the Sydney band Noise Addict. Say Anything is a rock band from Los Angeles fronted by 21 year-old singer/guitarist Max Bemis. A heart-pumping evening of music!

Jul 13-Aug 19 below the surface:
a different order
d berman Gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

Below the Surface: A Different Order presents new work by Jeffrey Dell (seen here) and Marjorie Moore. Dell's vivid explorations in the silkscreening process are both original and evocative, while Moore's paintings and drawings show her fascination with quasi-scientific objects, toys, and other curiosities. Gallery talk - Saturday, July 15, 1:00 p.m. with James Housefield, adjunct curator for the Austin Museum of Art and Associate Professor of the History of Art, Texas State University - San Marcos, and Mark Blizard, Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Jul 13 D/x
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

SCREENING Luke Savisky premieres D/x, a live projection piece using multiple projectors, along with highlights from indoor and outdoor installation works. Part of the Alternative Technologies Screening Series.



Jul 13-16 Your Artist's Way at the Blanton
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Nurture your artistic self this week at the Blanton.

July 13: Free Admission Thursday
Blanton Book Club - 6:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the life of a different artist the second Thursday of each month. Co-sponsored by BookPeople, the Blanton Book Club makes connections between the subject, idea, or theme to a work in the collection or special exhibition. This month discuss "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" by Gertrude Stein in relation to Manierre Dawson's "Woman in Brown."

Public Tour: Art is Modern - 7:00 p.m.
Choose the works of art you want to explore and discuss in this interactive of the Blanton's collection.

Jul 15: Public Tour: People's Choice - 2:00 p.m.
Choose the works of art you want to explore and discuss in this interactive tour of the Blanton?s collection.

Jul 16: Public Tour- 2:00 p.m.
Open House: The Blanton Architecture Tour.

Jul 14-15 Vintage Poster Weekend
Art on 5th, 1501 E. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

Feast on hundreds of unframed, original vintage posters from 1900 to the 1970's, directly from Europe, this weekend. Subjects include movies, sports, music, fashion, travel and wine. Hours: Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday - Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Jul 14-Aug 13 Wild & Bushy:
A Texas Summer Show
Volitant, 320 Congress, Suite 100
(512) 236-1240, volitant.com

Explore the works of these Art Guys: Michael Berryhill, Andy Coolquitt, Joey Fauerso, Abe Freeman, Hana Hillerova, Patrick Phipps, Reed Posey, Nina Rizzo and Michael Velliquette. Opening Reception: Friday, July 14th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Jul 15 New American Talent: Arthouse Family Day
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

The 21st in a series of annual juried exhibitions, New American Talent features the work of emerging artists working in a variety of media including sculpture, painting, photography and new media. Get a free glimpse this Saturday. Open to all ages.

Jul 16 Explore the Story
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-8746, thestoryoftexas.com

It STILL Ain't Braggin' If It's True comes to life as yarns are spun and tales are told of pride and swagger, friendship and perseverance. This week, Gladys Holub treats audiences to Texas-sized stories about creating 150-pound fruitcakes shaped like the Lone Star State. Special recipients of these cakes have included Johnny Carson, David Letterman and the crew of the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy. Free with exhibit admissions.

Jul 19 Behind the Walls...Our Community's Collective Memory
5:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe
(512) 973-7383, ahca.net

Join the Austin History Center for a Small Group Evening Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Austin History Center. These popular tours are held once a month on Wednesday evenings, 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. Tours are free and open to the public but registration is required. Call 974-7383 or email info@ahca.net with the names of attendees, email addresses and phone numbers.

Jul 19 Howlin' at the Moon Concert -
Biscuit Brothers
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Austin Children's Museum, 301 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, austinkids.org

Come out and play EVERY Wednesday night and enjoy live music - this week by the Biscuit Brothers - the Museum's exhibit galleries, storytime and a variety of hands-on activities. Suggested donation: $1.


Still On Display Downtown...

To 7/20: Between the Lines, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkmangallery.com
To 7/29 Candace Briceno: Nevermore, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 7/30: The Last Picture Show, f8 Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 8/6: Over+Over-Passion for Process, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 8/6: Again+Again-Cycles in Video & Light, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 8/13: Paul Chan, The Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/13: New Now Next: The Contemporary Blanton, The Blanton Musem of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/20: New American Talent: The Twenty-First Exhibition, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 9/10: It STILL Ain't Braggin' if it's True: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: America/Americas, The Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
Ongoing: European Paintings from the Permanent Collection, The Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
Ongoing: Prints and Drawings from the Permanent Collection, The Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org

Great Downtown Story
downtownaustin.com

Last week, KEYE-TV aired did a great segment on downtown - "In Depth: Downtown Boomtown." Reporter David Scott did a terrific job of capturing the spirit, pride and potential of the neighborhood. The DAA offers our kudos to KEYE and David for this insightful reporting. You can view the clip "What's It Like to Live Downtown" through the DAA's headline's section web site or link to KEYE's Video Library.

July 19 Speaking of KEYE - Want to be on National TV???
The Early Show will be in town Wednesday, July 19th and wants a large crowd of Austinites to help WAKE UP AMERICA! Come out to Auditorium Shores (950 W. Riverside Dr.) at 5:30 a.m. and join the fun! RSVP to: bagleyb@cbsnews.com or call Brian at (212) 975-2890. Weatherman Dave Price will be giving away a vacation to someone from our area.

Jul 15 Blue Santa Community Event
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Waterloo Park, 403 E. 15th Street Austin
(512) 974-5017, ci.austin.tx.us/apd

Austin Police Department is hosting a special Blue Santa Community Event to promote child safety and to benefit Operation Blue Santa. The event will also mark the beginning of the 2006 holiday drive to collect unwrapped gifts for children who will have a merrier holiday thanks to the Blue Santa program. Enjoy live music by UnderCover and SaulPaul and take part in free activities, including: child car seat checks, H.E.A.T. registration, 911 emergency simulator, Star Cart (impaired driving simulator), Ident-a-kid, Refreshments, bounce house, bungie run, and he-man striker.

Jul 15-16 City Wide Garage Sale
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
cwgs.com

Austin's largest and finest antique and collectible flea market lets you find a piece of history. And everything has a story. Times: Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Admission: $5.00; children under 12 free.

Jul 17 SCI FI Channel Presents ECW Live!
7:00 p.m.
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 404-4500, wwe.com

See your favorites big and live. Ticket prices: $30 and $25 For more information on the scheduled line-up, go to wwe.com. Get tix at gettix.net, or charge toll-free: (866) 443-8849.

Jul 18-26 Capital Metro Commuter Rail
Open Houses
Downtown and other locations
capmetro.org

Capital Metro invites you to learn about the hottest tickets in town, Commuter Rail, scheduled to debut in 2008. Capital Metro is on time and on budget. Attend an Open House for an All Systems Go! Progress report and get a preview of the sleek, new train. Give your feedback on train station design concepts in your neighborhoods. The Downtown Area is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Austin Hilton. Other workshops are scheduled through Austin through July 26. Go to capmetro.org for a list of times and locations. To RSVP to attend a workshop email: RSVP@Capmetro.org.

Totally Austintacious!

Jul 15 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.

Jul 16,17 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.

Restaurant Jezebel
914C Congress Avenue
(512) 499-3999
restaurantjezebel.com

Hours:
Thursday through Monday: 6:00-10:30 p.m. (11:00 p.m. Fri & Sat.)
Bar opens at 5:00 p.m.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

The Main Street of Texas now boasts an exquisite new gourmet restaurant that has one elegant menu. Restaurant Jezebel offers a full complement of sumptuous choices - "Modern American food [that] encompasses wild game, 'Fed-Ex fresh' seafood and prime grade meats that are augmented by foie gras, artisan cheeses and fresh truffles." You'll find all the accoutrements of fine dining here, not to mention a really amazing assortment of flavors and textures presented with lavish touches, such as our Editor's favorite entree - "Dark French chocolate and dried spice crusted Atlantic salmon, mashed potatoes, greens, with garlic and caper infused olive oil." You get the idea.

The full menu is available online, where you can also make reservations.

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.

July 15 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square, 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.

"Best" of DOWNTOWN!
Thursday - 7/13 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday - 7/14 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday - 7/19 - 9:30 p.m.
KLRU-Your local PBS Station, Channel 18/Cable Channel 9
Downloadable on Time Warner Cable's Lone Star on Demand (Channel 1400)
downtownaustin.com/news/tv

Episode #212 - "Best" of DOWNTOWN
Speedy Delivery: You've seen them weaving in and out of traffic. Now, meet the Bike Messengers of Austin and learn what it's like "all in a day's work DOWNTOWN." / Closing the Revolving Door - The Travis County Re-Entry Roundtable (started in DOWNTOWN) is finding creative and successful ways to help formerly incarcerated men find new lives as they re-enter society. /Experience Mexic-Arte Museum's Dia de Los Muertos Parade, the Spirits of Austin and traditions of remembering those who have gone before.

Jul 19 Arts & Entertainment Marketing Committee
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/daa/whoweare

Chair: Nancy Burns, Staff Liaison: Cilla Temple