Nov 8 DANA Block Party
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
downtownaustin.org

The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) is hosting its 6th Annual Block Party to bring members, downtown supporters and area developers together for an evening of fun, fellowship and tribute.

Every year DANA gives away awards to three downtown projects including Urban Vision, Urban Light and Urban Blight. As an added award, DANA will be honoring Mayor Will Wynn with it's newly created DANA Downtown Hero Award - which Mayor Wynn will accept in person.

To make the event even bigger, and more exciting, DANA has partnered with the Austin Parks Foundation to raffle off tickets to be the first one to help destroy the Intel Shell when the new Federal Courthouse is ready to begin construction. Raffle tickets are now on sale on the Austin Parks Foundation website, austinparks.org, and the winner will be announced at the Block Party. Monies raised from the raffle will be used to fund improvements to Republic Square Park.

Get all the details of what's in store for the evening at downtownaustin.org.

Nov 2 Tania Pérez-Salas
Compania De Danza Contemporanea
8:00 p.m.
Hogg Memorial Auditorium, 24th at Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

A contemporary dance legend in Mexico, dancer and choreographer Tania Pérez-Salas, presents several powerful pieces, including The Waters of Forgetfulness, reflecting the symbolic role water plays in human history as a life giving force. According to the New York Times, this performance is "full command of a vocabulary descended from American mainstream modern dance-channeled into amazingly swift, dense phrases on her company."

Nov 2, 3 I Can't Stop Loving You -
The Genius of Ray Charles
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The legend and music of Ray Charles live on in this spectacular celebration of his greatest hits performed with a 12-piece orchestra and company of 20 hugely talented singers and dancers. You'll experience his most beloved hits including "Georgia," "Hit the Road Jack," "America the Beautiful," and many more. The legend and the music live on!

Nov 2-4 Esther's Election Follies!
Esther's Follies, 525 E. Sixth Street
(512) 320-0198, esthersfollies.com

Come see Esther's version of the State Madhouse before Nov. 7th! In Washington, White House advisors are hoping the Congress stays Red, while George Bush exchanges quips with Kim Jung II on who's got the biggest missile. Down in Texas, the mud-slinging, Keep Austin Weird vibes of Kinky Friedman and "Grandma" Carol Strayhorn are giving incumbent Rick Perry headaches, while the Democrats' Chris Bell just tries to get a word in edgewise. Raucous political satire. Showtimes: Thursday at 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8:00 & 10:00 p.m.

Nov 2-Dec 31 Plaid Tidings
Zach Scott Groten Stage, 1510 Toomey Road
(512) 476-0541, zachscott.com

In the revival of one of Zach's biggest hits - Forever Plaid - Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie are returning to earth in the delightful Plaid Tidings. The quartet tunes their heavenly harmonies on holiday songs and carols, along with a hilarious tribute to The Ed Sullivan Christmas Spectaculars featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir. And the boys whip up a Plaid Caribbean Christmas, which puts the "Day-O" in Excelsis! Great fun for the whole family!

Nov 3 Jerry Seinfeld
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 477-6060, utpac.org

Recently hailed as "the master stand-up comic of his generation" and the "best comedian of our time" in the Washington Post, Jerry Seinfeld has the uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. He returns to Austin for two shows that are quickly selling out.

Nov 4 Antiques Road Kill
7:00 p.m.
Spaghetti Warehouse, 117 W. 4th
(512) 404-9123, capcitymystery.com

Capital City Mystery Players' "Antiques Road Kill," puts a new spin on the antiques appraising business, complete with an annoying host, his identical twin brother, plus an assortment of very eccentric owners of antiques that live up to the expression "Keep Austin Weird." This is an interactive evening of sleuthing and fun you won't soon forget!

Kudos to B. Iden Payne Award Winners
acotonline.org

Austin has some of the greatest theatrical artististry this side of Broadway. The Alliance would like to extend its congratulations to all those who received B. Iden Payne Awards, presented at the Zach on October 30th. For a full list of winners, please go to the Austin Circle of Theatre's web site at acotonline.org. And we thank all of our actors, actresses, directors, playwrights, set designers, technical wizards, stage hands and venues for keeping us so thoroughly entertained!

Still on Stage...

2-5: LAST PERFORMANCES of Requiem - Blue Lapis Light, Former Intel Building, bluelapislight.org
To 11/4: The House of Usher, McCullough Theatre, utpac.org
To 11/11: Outlaw Puss in Cowboy Boots, Scottish Rite Theatre, ScottishRiteChildrensTheatre.org
To 12/15: Fridays, Gorilla Theatre, The Hideout Theatre, hideouttheatre.com
Ongoing: Superman Returns, 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, thestoryoftexas.com

Nov 2 Cello Music
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Karla Hamelin - Cello.

Nov 4 Houston's Punk Rock String Quartet
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 409 Colorado
twostarsymphony.org

Houston's Two Star Symphony brings its macabre brand of music to Austin's Alamo Drafthouse for a spooky score to a German silent classic, "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari." The Museum of Fine Arts Houston hired this unique quartet to score the film, and the Two Star Symphony thought they'd share with our city. For this Halloweenish event, the group will grow to 8 or 9 musicians to create this new, all original score. Showtimes: 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

Nov 4 Ray Price
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Ray Price has covered and kicked up as much musical turf as any country singer of the postwar era. He has always looked for the next challenge for a voice that could bring down roadhouse walls. Listen to what he does to the walls of the Paramount!

Nov 5 Gilbert & Sullivan Society Party
3:00 p.m.
Austin Woman's Club, 708 San Jacinto
gilbertsullivan.org

Join the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin for their 30th Anniversary celebration. The afternoon will be filled with fine music, a silent auction, and lavish dessert buffet. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to gilbertsullivan.org.

Nov 8 Juan Gabriel
8:00 p.m.
Theatre at the Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 477-6060, utpac.org

Hailing from Cotija, Michoacán, Latin superstar, Juan Gabriel, is known throughout the world for his large variety of music, from ranchera and ballads to mariachi and pop music.

Nov 2 West End Gallery Night
West End - Sixth Street - West of Lamar
inthegalleries.com

Plan on hopping through the West End galleries tomorrow evening during First Thursday Gallery Night. Drop in, visit and share a glass of wine as you gaze at the new works at Art on 5th, Artworks, Austin Galleries, f8 Fine Art, Lotus Gallery, Stephen L. Clark Gallery, and Wally Workman Gallery. Make an evening of it - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Nov 2 Curators' Tour of Feliks Topolski:
Portraits of Britain's 20th Century Literary Greats
5:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanitites, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Curators, Larry Carver and Peter Mears, lead a gallery tour of Feliks Topolski: Portraits of Britain's Twentieth-Century Literary Greats as well as a discussion of portraiture.

Nov 2 Take a Walk on the Wild Side
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Shorelines Gallery, 221 W. 2nd Street
(512) 322-9661, shorelinesgallery.com

Shorelines Gallery invites you to a reception for Austin artist, Sue Kemp. The gallery is featuring her "Watercolors from Nature." Stroll through the 2nd Street District; meet the artist, enjoy refreshments and find that special piece of art! Reception: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.


Nov 2, 3 Blanton Happenings
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Nov 2 - Free Admission Thursday

Art Fix - An Introduction to the Wines of Italy - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
After exploring the work of Luca Cambiaso, join Seth Pollard, founding manager of the wine department at Central Market, in this introduction to the major wine producing regions of Italy, including Liguria. Space is limited for this wine tasting. Free tickets are available one hour before program begins.

Nov 3 B Scene - The Iron Chef - 6:00-11:00 p.m.
The "Iron Chef" meets Austin's art scene! Experience creative combat as Austin's Okay Mountain and MASS galleries. Go head-to-head in an energetic and friendly "art battle" beginning at 7:00 p.m. (and again at 9:00 p.m.). The night's activities also include music by DJ Michael Berryhill, light refreshments, a cash bar, art activities and tours that illuminate the creative process.

Nov 3 Harajuka Nights
7:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Think animation, pop art, Hello Kitty and punk rock. That's what's on tap during Harajuka Nights, Arthouse's annual fund-raiser dedicated to supporting its mission of promoting the growth and appreciation of contemporary art and artists in Texas. Harajuku is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan. This shopping district became famous for its street performers and young people, whose clothing and accessories are a form of artistic expression. Harajuku Nights is a celebration of the cultural cross-pollination between the United States and Japan. Enjoy Cocktails, Dinner, Silent Auction, and Karaoke Contest! Tons of fun promised.

Nov 3-18 Warhol
Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th
(512) 481-1111, arton5th.com

James Housefield, art historian and National Endowment for the Humanities Distinguished Professor, will speak on "Warhol's Art, Life, and Celebrity, Then & Now." and introduce the book "Giant Size," with more than 600 pages and 15 lbs. of Warhol. Over 60 pieces will be available for acquisition. Receptions and Lectures: Friday, November 3, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 4, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Nov 3-Dec 16 Le Thua Tien - Reflection
Fielding Lecht Gallery, 708 Congress
(512) 476-0044, fieldinglecht.com

The Fielding Lecht Gallery presents Le Thua Tien - Reflection. This amazing lacquer work is reflected as a series of mirrors, within which layers of architectural fragments, fabric, copper, marble dust and shell reside under a smooth, glossy surface to create a sense of memory and time. His canvas series, "Unsent Letters" consists of randomly composed words, both Vietnamese and English, which create a diary of feelings and spontaneous energy. Opening reception - Friday, November 3, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Nov 4 - Dec 2 Amsterdam to Austin:
The Artistry of Rembrandt van Rijn and Ray Donley
The Russell Collection, 1137 W. 6th Street
(512) 478-4440, russell-collection.com

The Russell Collection is pleased to present its first exhibition showcasing the works on paper of the Dutch master, Rembrandt, alongside the dramatic figurative paintings of contemporary artist, Ray Donley. Rembrandt is considered a master of the art of etching, evidenced in his breathtaking works filled drama and simplicity. His prints are versatile in their subject matter and style, which makes them appealing to everyone, then and now. Opening Reception: November 4 - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Guest Curator, Amie Mack, will be present as part of the event. Admission is free to the public; all art is available for purchase.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 11/5: Lu Ann Barrow "Soul Journer's," Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 11/5: Mary Lee Bendelph, Gee's Bend Quilts and Beyond, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 11/5: William Kentridge, Weighing...and Wanting, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 11/10: Joey Fauerso: Wide Open Wide, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 11/25: Saved by the Fire, Umlauf Sculture Gardens, umlaufsculpture.org
To 11/30: Dia de los Muertos Exhibition, La Pena Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 12/9: Rembrandt's Etchings, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 12/29: Feliks Topolski: Portraits of Britain's 20th c. Literary Greats, Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 12/30: Norman Mailer Takes on America, Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 1/5/07: Animal Secrets, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 1/7/07: Miss Ima's Quilts, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 1/14/07: Luca Cambiaso: 1527-1585, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/28/07: Power to the People, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu
Ongoing: European Paintings from the Permanent Collection and America/Americas, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
Gems and Minerals, Texas Memorial Museum, texasmemorialmuseum.org

Nov. 2-5 Day Out With Thomas
Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 477-8468, ext. 2, austinsteamtrain.org

Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt are planning a visit to the Austin Convention Center November 2 through 5. Your family can join Thomas on a 25-minute train ride, take a photo with Thomas and participate in a full lineup of childrens' entertainment. No advance tickets will be available - only day-of-the-show walkup tickets.

Nov. 2-5 Settlement Club Charity Garage Sale
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 836-2150, settlementhome.org

The organization that?s dedicated to helping neglected children is having its annual fundraising garage sale. Admission is $5 at the door. Go to settlementhome.org for times and details.

Nov 4-12 Christmas at the Caswell House
Daniel H. Caswell House, 1404 West Ave.
austinjuniorforum.org

Christmas at the Caswell House is an amazing event featuring daily lunches, live music, numerous special events and shopping from merchants throughout Austin and Texas. You'll want to put one (or more) of these special evening events on your calendar and plan to attend Women and Wine, Texan Hold 'Em Night and Tiaras and Tapas to name just a few of the themed activities. All proceeds from Christmas at Caswell benefit non-profit organizations through the Austin Junior Forum grant program.

Nov 5 West Avenue Walking Tour SOLD OUT
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Tea Embassy, 900 Rio Grande
(512) 474-5198, x. 11, hsaustin.org

Maybe next year - you can join the Heritage Society of Austin for a walking tour of one of Austin richest architectural areas, and the Afternoon Tea at The Tea Embassy located in the 1872 Campbell-Miller House. You might try going to hsaustin.org to learn if any tickets have become available since this posting.

November 13, 20, 27 Leadership Austin
5:30 - 8:45 p.m.
(512) 499-0435 x 16, lthomson@leadershipaustin.org

What goes on behind the scenes in a campaign? What does it take to run for an elected office? Join Leadership Austin and the Austin Area Research Organization for the non-partisan Leadership Academy for Public Service to learn more about the political process, including practical and specific strategies for assessing, planning, and organizing a campaign. The distinguished faculty includes elected officials and consultants who have organized successful campaigns at all levels of government. The seminar fee is $195, which includes the three evening series, course materials and supper. Seminar size is limited to allow for class interaction, so register early. For more information, call (512) 499-0435 x 16 or email lthomson@leadershipaustin.org.

Nov. 4 UT vs. Oklahoma State
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
mackbrown-texasfootball.com

It's tail-gaiting time in Austin, as the 'horns and the Real McCoy play game number 10. Kick-off is at 6:00 p.m. (See street-closings for additional details).

Nov 4-5 Race for the Cure
Auditorium Shores
komenaustin.org

October was breast cancer awareness month and now it's time to hit the ground running as Austin Races for the Cure. Have the entire family participate in the Family Adventure Challenge on November 4, on Auditorium Shores. Registration for these fun, messy challenges begin at 7:00 a.m. and the events begin at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, November 5, is Race Day with the course beginning and ending at Auditorium Shores. (See street-closings for additional details).

Nov 1 - Nov 5 The Austin Steam Train Association's Day Out
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
austinsteamtrain.org

From 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, one traffic lane and the parking lane will be closed on the north side of E. 4th Street between Trinity and Red River.


Nov 3 - Nov 4 Arthouse at the Jones Center's Fall Fundraiser - Harajuku Nights
700 Congress, arthousetexas.org

From 7:00 a.m. on Friday until noon on Saturday, one traffic lane and the parking lane will be closed on the north side of W. 7th Street between Congress and the alley just before Colorado.

Nov 4 ESPN Radio and Bevo Boulevard Tailgate Parties

E. 17th Street, between San Jacinto and Trinity, and E. 18th Street, between Brazos and San Jacinto, will be closed from 2:00 p.m. until approximately 7:30 p.m.

Nov 5 The Komen Foundation's Race for the Cure
Auditorium Shores
komenaustin.org

From 4:00 a.m. until noon the following streets will be closed for staging participants and shuttle buses:
- Riverside, between S. 1st Street and Lee Barton Drive
- South 1st, between, Riverside and Cesar Chavez
- Trinity, between 12th Street and 15th Street

The race route:
- north from Riverside to Colorado;
- north to W. 2nd;
- east to Congress;
- north to 15th, via the Capitol grounds;
- north to 15th;
- south on Congress to 11th, via the Capitol grounds;
- west to Guadalupe;
- south to W. 2nd;
- west to San Antonio;
- south to Cesar Chavez;
- south to Auditorium Shores.

Streets on the route will be closed at 7:00 a.m. All streets will be re-opened by noon. Streets only used at the beginning of the race (including Congress up to 11th) will be re-opened earlier.

Week of 11/9 to 11/15

Nov 11 Veteran's Day Parade
Congress Avenue

Congress Avenue, between Riverside Drive and Cesar Chavez Street, will be closed from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 10:30 for staging of the parade.

At 9:00 a.m., Congress will close from Cesar Chavez to 11th Street for the parade. The parade is expected to be finished and all streets re-opened by 10:30.

Cross streets will be closed one block off of Congress on either side. Cross traffic will be permitted to cross Congress as conditions permit. Cross streets will re-open to traffic after the parade has passed.

November 14 The Sustainable Food Center's Special Farmers Market for Premiere of the movie "Fast Food Nation"
Congress Avenue & The Paramount Theatre, 719 Congress
austinfarmersmarket.org
austinfilm.org

Congress Avenue, between 7th Street and 8th Street, will be closed from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Catch this week's repeat episode of
on KLRU - Austin's PBS Station
KLRU.org

Nov 2 6:30 p.m.

Episode #204 - ES IS NICHT ALLES GOLD WAS GLANZT...EXCEPT DOWNTOWN
The Jewels of Austin's Jewel/Take a glimpse at the art of jewelry and some of DOWNTOWN jewelry leaders. / "Catch a rising star" at Austin Museum of Art's "2 to Watch" Exhibit looks at some of the most creative, innovative and "up and coming" artists in the art world. /Auf Wiedersehen! Austin's German Texan heritage has left a strong indelible mark on DOWNTOWN from some of the earliest remaining structures to a vibrant and active social club.