Dec 2 Kick Off the Season with the
Capitol Tree Lighting + Holiday Sing-Along +
Congress Avenue Stroll!
The Capitol and Congress Avenue
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com, kut.org

Join John Aielli, host of KUT 90.5 Radio's popular Eklektikos music program, and the Downtown Austin Alliance as we once again join together to present two great holiday traditions in one. The Holiday Sing-Along and the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol.

The evening gets underway at 6:00 p.m. with the Holiday Sing-Along. Crowds will gather on the South Steps of the Capitol for "Singing Songs of the Season". It's old-fashioned caroling with thousands of your friends!

Then, when Mayor Will Wynn gives the signal, the countdown begins for the lighting of a 35 ft. native Texas tree at the apex of Congress Avenue - the Main Street of Texas. The Capitol Tree Lighting will take place around 6:15 p.m., and kids (of all ages) love this part!

Congress Avenue will be buzzing with holiday cheer for the Congress Avenue Stroll from 5:00-9:00 p.m., businesses will be offering refreshments, playing Christmas music and holiday tunes. You'll enjoy food/drink and other specials. Congress Avenue museums and galleries will remain open late and offer special activities or refreshments. There will also be vendors from the Austin Farmers Market and Santa's elves at different locations. And as you take your leisurely Holiday Stroll and enjoy the "lights and sounds" of the season, you'll hear live music and entertainment up and down the Avenue.

In keeping with the season's spirit of giving, KUT and the Downtown Austin Alliance are coordinating a special food drive with the Capital Area Food Bank. You can leave your donations of food and funds at the "Tree" located at 11th & Congress.

Our thanks to these sponsors for making this event possible: Tree Sponsored by: International Power Hays. Media Sponsor: News 8 Austin.

2ND Street Heavenly Holidays Benefit

Even the 2ND Street Retail District has joined the spirit of the evening with their Heavenly Holidays Shopping event. Shop the 2ND Street District, following the Tree Lighting, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. and 10% of sales will benefit LifeWorks youth and families in need. Heavenly Holidays is a new Austin event with live music, DJ's Santa and his elves, freeze modeling and in-store parties. No time to stroll the district? Stop at the Gift Certificate Drive-thru where 10% of your purchase still benefits LifeWorks.

Nov 29-Dec 31 Rockin' Christmas Party:
The Rock-n-Soul Musical
Zach Scott Kleberg Stage, 1510 Toomey Rd.
(512) 476-0541 x. 1, zachscott.com

Rockin' Christmas Party is raging in its pubescent years! One of Austin's all-time favorites turns thirteen this year becoming one of the longest running holiday traditions of all time. It's the party of the year and the award-winning cast sure knows how to put the Christmas spirit in your heart - not to mention your booty - as you go along for the shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It's great fun for the whole family, but get your tickets early because seats go fast for this wildly popular holiday shindig. Great way to holiday party! Call Amanda at 476-0541, x. 221 for group rates.

Nov 30-Dec 2 Esther's Follies Christmas Show
Esther's Follies, 525 E. 6th Street
(512) 320-0553, esthersfollies.com

Esther's Follies Christmas Show is a rollicking holiday romp through the Comedy Landscape of 2006, from the political to the personal, presents to Presidents! George W. Bush stars in Esther's version of "It's a Wonderful Life," and a special White House edition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas!" The Democrats get equal time in Esther's News Medley, with Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and other Presidential hopefuls on the campaign trail and the Senate floor. On the home front, Christmas shoppers sing their need for Playstation 3's and Nintendo Wii's, families scramble for the Prozac in "A Dysfunctional Christmas Dinner," and the girls from Cell Block 13 lament their holiday incarceration. It's a special Esther's Follies fun-filled bag 'o goodies for the whole dysfunctional family, with laughs for everyone. Regular Show times: Thurs. 8:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Call (512) 320-0553 for reservations.

Nov 30-Dec 3 Suite...Peggy Lee
Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road
(512) 385-2838, balleteast.org

Ballet East Dance Company with Artistic Director, Rodolfo Mendez, presents a new commissioned work by Hope Boykin of the Alvin Alley African American Dance Theater, as well as new works by local choreographers. Performance Times: Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 3 - 8:00 p.m. Dec. 3, 2:00 p.m.

Dec 1-23 Moneygo on 34th Street
The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress
violetcrownradio.com

The Violet Crown Radio Players celebrates the holidays with an extended run of Moneygo on 34th Street, a new play that incorporates an adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street with a parallel story of the behind-the-scenes cast and crew. Performance dates are Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, and 22-23. For times and ticket prices please visit: violetcrownradio.com.

Dec 2-22 The Ghost of Christmas Pasta
Spaghetti Warehouse, 117 W. 4th
(512) 404-9123, capcitymystery.com

The Capital City Mystery Players present The Ghost of Christmas Pasta, a comedy whodunit with dinner on Dec 2, 3, 7, 14, 16, 21, and 22. You'll be having dinner with locate socialite, Mary Astor Turf, as she holds a séance at the palace of pasta during the holidays to contact the ghost of her long departed ancestor, Colonel Reginald Jack Aster. The cast includes her philandering husband, her (would be) best friend, her loyal butler and very wacky psychic. When a murder interrupts the proceedings, the audience solves the crime - and the super sleuth of the evening wins a fabulous prize! For reservations call (512) 404-9123.

Dec 3 Gizmo Guys
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The Gizmo Guys bounce into the Paramount with the zaniest show ever. A uniquely winning combination of dazzling juggling, light-heartened humor and rapid-fire antics will exhilarate and inspire, with sidesplitting laughter for all ages. Times: 2:30 & 4:00 p.m. See what you'll be seeing at thegizmoguys.com.

Dec 5 Millennium Actress (Sennen Joyu)
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 409 Colorado
(512) 322-0145 x. 213, austinfilm.org

Part of Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema Series - "Sublime Lines: Japanese Anime." The New York Times describes Millennium Actress as "a headlong love letter to the grand tradition of post-World War II live action-Japanese cinema, from samurai epics to urban domestic dramas to Godzilla." And indeed the film will delight lovers of live action Japanese movies. This five-week series, runs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 19 and features "the products of the greatest directors working in anime today." Go to austinfilm.org for more details on ticket purchasing policies.

Still on Stage...

To 12/3: The Way of the World, UT PAC's Brockett Theatre, utpac.org
To 12/9: The Plight Before Christmas, Scottish Rite Theatre, ScottishRiteChildrensTheatre.org
To 12/15: Fridays, Gorilla Theatre, The Hideout Theatre, hideouttheatre.com
To 12/31: Plaid Tidings, Zach Scott Groten Stage, zachscott.com
To 1/07: The Santaland Diaries, Zach Scott Arena Stage, zachscott.com
Ongoing: Happy Feet: The IMAX® Experience, Texas the Big Picture, Deep Sea 3D in the IMAX® Theatre; The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Nov 30 Christmas Music and Sing-Along
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

Join Gary Knippa for a special Christmas Music & Sing-along at this week's Thursday Noonday Concert

Nov 30 Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The sound that launched a thousand cocktail parties. A true giant of American jazz, Dave Brubeck, begins as the master of cool, before his fingers ignite and the evening explodes into a full fury. He returns to the Paramount for the first time since he helped re-open the historic theatre 30 years ago. dave-brubeck.com | ramseylewis.com

Nov 30 Caroling at Noon
12:00 p.m.
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th
(512) 472-1196, stdave.org

Join in these free holiday concerts in St. David's historic sanctuary. This week's featured musicians are the UT Horn Ensemble. Donations are accepted to benefit the Trinity Center, St. David's downtown outreach ministry. Stay for lunch afterwards at 12:30 at Cafe Divine for a mere $6.00.

Dec 1 Los Cenzontles (The Mockingbirds)
8:00 p.m.
Hogg Memorial Auditorium, 24th at Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

This Mexican folk music ensemble performs traditional Mariachi, Son Jarocho of Veracruz, Tex-Mex Cojunto, Rancheros, and Songs of Michoacan. "Lovely vocal harmonies and understated traditional instrumentation" - Folk Roots Magazine.

Dec 1 Sweet Honey in the Rock
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Six African-American women join their powerful voices to create a narrative that shares history, points the finger at injustice, encourages activism, and sings the praises of love. Their harmonies and mix of gospel, blues and jazz will inspire you to raise your voice and join their message of hope. Hear more at sweethoney.com.

Dec 1-3 St. Cecelia Baroque Festival
7:00 p.m.
St. Martin's Lutheran Church
(512) 445-5582

The six cantatas of J. S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio, telling the story of the birth of the Christ child will be performed in three concerts. Each concert features David Stevens as the evangelist and an international 30-member period instrument orchestra with Laurie Young Stevens, concert mistress.

- 12/1: For the first concert, Cantata I (The Birth of Jesus) and Cantata II (Angels Appear to Shepherds in the Fields) will be performed by the First Presbyterian Church Chorale, under the direction of James A. Brown.
- 12/2: The second concert will feature the combined choirs from St. David's & St. Michael's Episcopal Churches and The Austin Children's Choir, under the direction of Dr. James Morrow, Director of Choral Activities, The University of Texas, Presenting Cantata III (The Shepherds Find the Baby Jesus) and Cantata IV (Celebration of the Naming of Baby Jesus).
- 12/3: In the last of these glorious concerts, Redeemer Presbyterian Church Choir, under the direction of George Dupere, will present Cantata V (The Wise Men from the East Speak to King Herod) and Cantata VI (The Wise Men Follow the Star to Bethlehem).For tickets: (512) 345-8866 ext. 43 or jbrown@fpcaustin.org.

Dec 1, 2 ASO Classical Concert Series
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Pianist, Anton Nel, joins the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Peter Bay. Program: Britten Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34 Dohnányi Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 36.

Dec 3 Frontier Brass Quartet
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, 605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org

Enjoy live holiday music and mulled cider on the terrace.

Dec 3 Advent Organ Concert
3:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 9th & Trinity
(512) 476-2625, fbcaustin.org

Dr. Jerre Hancock, one of America's most highly acclaimed concert organists and choral directors, performs a special concert at the First Baptist Church of Austin on the church's newly refurbished and digitized 56-rank Casavant pipe organ. Dr. Hancock, is developing a curriculum for the study of Sacred Music at the University of Texas of Austin. This concert is free to the public, with donations gratefully accepted.

Dec 5 Pianist's Preference
Armstrong School of Music, 901 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 342-2785, salonconcerts.org

A free one hour excerpt of the Dec. 3 & 4 private home concerts. Admission to the private home concerts are $35 and directions are given with reservations. Call (512) 342-2785 for more information.

Nov 30 Town Bloody Hall (1979) - Screening
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanitites, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

The title of this film is very fitting! D A Pennebaker's Town Bloody Hall (1979) records a raucous 1971 women's liberation debate in New York City between Norman Mailer, Germaine Greer, Diana Trilling, and Jill Johnston.

Nov 30 Radical NY! Public Program
7:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

I Was There: New York. Hear about the New York art scene first hand from those who lived it. Sarah Canright, Michael Smith, and Mel Ziegler present personal reflections on the scene and you're invited to share your own.

Nov 30 Shopping, Spirits and Celebration
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Women and Their Work, 1710 Lavaca St.
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

It's the season's best party - not to mention the spirited shopping! With spirits provided by Tito's Vodka and an inventory of the very best local and national products, you can't go wrong. For this special occasion The Gift Shop at Women & Their Work will grow to three times its size, expanding the selection of amazingly fun, hip products exponentially, all of which will be tax-free from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. And the gallery will offer a 10% member discount to anyone who can show a membership card from any Austin Museum from November 30 - December 2. Music by DJ Katastrophik.

Nov 30 EVR: e-flux Video Screening
7:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Experience this fascinating new experiential exhibit with artists Teresa Hubbard and Alexander Birchler.

Nov 30-Dec 3 Holiday Sale
and Big Bend Book Signing
Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity
(512) 471-1604, utexas.edu/tmm/

The Texas Memorial Museum is holding a Museum Store Holiday Sale benefiting the Texas Natural Science Center's educational programs for children. From Nov. 30-Dec. 3 you'll receive 20% off all purchases, including a new selection of jewelry, educational toys, puzzles, books, t-shirts and much more! On November 30 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. there will be a special book signing of Big Bend National Park, a new book by Joe Nick Patoski and photographer Laurence Parent.

Nov 30-Jan 3 Zita Raymond: Still Life's
with a Twist
Shoreline Grill, 98 San Jacinto
(512) 477-3300, shorelinegrill.com

Shorelife Grill encores Zita Raymond with a new series, Still Life's with a Twist - floral perspectives that took on human traits. Come find yourself in these florious Technicolor celebrations of nature. All work is for sale and on exhibit through January 4. Opening Reception, Thursday, November 30, 5:00 p.m. hosted by Panache Interiors.

Nov 30-Dec 2 Blanton Happenings
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Nov 30 - Free Admission Thursday

Public Tours: People's Choice - 3:00 p.m.
Choose the works of art you want to explore and discuss in this interactive tour of the Blanton's collection.

Artistic License: Cristian Silva - 7:00 p.m.
Artistic License is a chance to hear and talk with Blanton artists as they discuss their own work or comment on other works in the collection. Join Cristián Silva, whose new installation created specifically for the Blanton, Black Sun - Green Flamingo, is currently on view in the WorkSpace Gallery.

Dec 1 B Scene - 6:00-11:00 p.m.
Kick off your holiday season right-see and be seen at the Blanton's monthly art party! Experience the art of the moment as the museum unveils its newest contemporary works freshly installed in the Modern and Contempory Galleries and enjoy a live performance by Austin's Octopus Project. The night's activities also include music by DJ Polaris, light refreshments, a cash bar, art activities, and tours of the newly invigorated gallery spaces.

Dec 2 Hot Art Hip Kids - 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The Blanton's new program for children (ages 6-12) is the perfect way for you and your kids to experience and learn about works of art together through playing games. This month find out how artists cleverly create the illusion of movement or use actual movement in their art at interactive stations.

Dec 1 Noche Navideña
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress
(512) 480-9373, mexic-artemuseum.org

Feliz Navidad! Mexic-Arte Museum invites Central Texans to the 7th Annual Noche Navideña. Patrons will enjoy a colorful celebration of Mexican Christmas traditions drawing on all aspects of culture from the beauty of popular arts to the savory foods and much more. All proceeds benefit Mexic-Arte Museum's programming endeavors.

Dec 2-Jan 14 Heart Gallery Exhibit at Austin Children's Museum
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, austinkids.org

Finding a forever family - that's what hundreds of Central Texas children, who are currently in foster care awaiting adoption, are hoping for. The Adoption Coalition of Texas and CASA organizations have coordinated the Heart Gallery, a traveling exhibit of 95 stirring portraits of these adoption hopeful children, to increase public awareness and adoption rates. Heart Gallery Opening Celebration, Saturday Dec. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. happenings include: Magic shows (12:30 & 2:00 p.m.); Face painting (all day); Children featured in the exhibit will be in attendance. Volunteers from the Adoption Coalition of Texas and CASA organizations will be in attendance.

Dec 2-24 RED: WWG 2006 Holiday Show
Wally Workman Gallery, 1202 West Sixth
(512) 472-7428 , wallyworkman.com

Holiday show including all gallery artists painting in red. Opening reception: Saturday, December 2nd, 6:00 -8:00 p.m.

Dec 2 Sculptor to Be! Workshop for Kids
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, 605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org

Unleash the creativity in your children! Bring your budding sculptors ages 7-11 to the Umlauf to work with artist, Kendra Hedrick to create clay sculptures of their own. Please call (512) 445-5582 ext. 101 to reserve a spot.

Dec 2 EVR: e-flux Video Mystery Picks
3:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

See the mystery picks by UT Austin graduate students.

Dec 5-Jan 13 Ancient Echoes - From China to Spain
Lotus Asian Art & Antigue Gallery, 1201 B W. 6th
(512) 474-1700, lotusasianart.com

Cecilia Ling's Photography Exhibition - Our ancestors around the globe created a magnificent legacy, in art and architecture that reflects their harmony and intelligence. Throughout her travels from China to Spain, Cecilia has sought to capture the beauty that ancient civilizations created. Opening Reception with the artist: December 7th - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with live music by Scott Fleming (Acoustic Guitar).

Dec 6-31 The Rug Hooking Project
Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, 211 Congress Avenue
lapena-austin.org

This exhibit features the hooked rugs of the women of Agustin Gonzalez. In this small village near San Miguel de Allenda, 15 women spend what little free time they have creating rugs. They work late into the night by kitchen table after their children are asleep or under a tree on the hillside while tending cows. The proceeds from selling these art pieces help pay for food, their children's schooling or other family needs. Each art piece is entirely unique as is the skill of rug hooking in Mexico. La Pena is showcasing the hooked rugs of these women at Las Manitas Avenue Café, where they may be seen and purchased throughout the month of December. Opening Reception: Friday, December 8, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. For more information about these runs, please visit: rughookproject.com.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 11/30: Dia de los Muertos Exhibition, La Pena Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 12/2: The Artistry of Rembrandt, The Russell Collection, russell-collection.com
To 12/9: Rembrandt's Etchings, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 12/16: Le Thua Tien - Reflection, Fielding Lecht Gallery, fieldinglecht.com
To 12/21: Gingerbread House Workshops, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 12/23: Beverly Penn: Weeds, d berman Gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 12/23: degrees of separation, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 12/29: Feliks Topolski: Portraits of Britain's 20th c. Literary Greats, Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 12/30: take me to bed or leave me forever, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 12/30: Norman Mailer Takes on America, Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 1/5: Animal Secrets, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 1/7: e-flux video rental (EVR), Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 1/7: Miss Ima's Quilts, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 1/14: Luca Cambiaso: 1527-1585, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/28: 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 30 Mediterranean Wine Dinner
7: p.m.
Dona Emilia's South American Bar & Grill, 101 San Jacinto Blvd.
(512) 478-2520, donaemilias.com

Enjoy a 7 Course Dinner with 7 Wines for a good cause. Dona Emilia's will be preparing a special Mediterranean Wine Dinner, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the non-profit Operation Comfort. Tickets are available online at donaemilias.com.

Dec 1- 3 Gem Capers 2006
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
austingemandmineral.org

This Gem and Mineral Show will include: jewelry, beads, gemstones, mineral specimens, crystals, meteorites, rough spheres, lapidary equipment, and fossils. For more information please visit: austingemandmineral.org.

Dec 2 Frohliche Weihnachten Ya'll Christmas Market
German Texas Heritage Society, 507 E. 10th St.
(512) 482-0927, gths.net

The German Texas Heritage Society presents its annual Christmas market featuring music, imported German handcrafted wooden items, blown glass ornaments and embroidered linens. You'll also enjoy music, homemade cookies and a special visit from St. Nikolaus.

Dec 2 Homespun Holidays
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cesar Chavez and Lavaca
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

The holiday season brings winter crops and traditional cheer to the Austin Farmer's Market. This week will feature Homespun Holidays with old-time soap-making demonstrations, children's origami making, a children's petting pen, and local holiday shopping. The Austin Farmer's Market farmers and other vendors will have fresh produce, specialty foods (lots of samples), and holiday gift items. Remember the new location on Cesar Chavez and Lavaca.

Dec 3 Zilker Tree Lighting
6:00 p.m.
Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road
(512) 974-2000, ci.ausitn.tx.us/tol/tree.htm

The Zilker Tree Stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multi-colored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. Join the merriment this year as the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Energy holds the ceremony to officially light the tree. This year the ceremony will be at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3rd.

Dec 5 Home on the Range:
The Emerging Terroir of the Texas Wine Country
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Castle Hill Cafe, 1101 W. 5th
(512) 327-7555, winefoodfoundation.org

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas present Home on the Range: The Emerging Terroir of the Texas Wine Country as part of its community food and wine education series. This event will introduce participants to the style and characteristics of Texas wines as compared to those of Europe and California, teaching them how to marry the flavors of Texas food with these wines. For reservations or membership, call (512) 327-7555 or visit: winefoodfoundation.org.

Dec 6 Poetry on the Plaza - Rhymes, Rhythm, and Ritual
12:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanitites, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Come hear the English language soar during this month's installment of Poetry on the Plaza.

Dec 3 Hellcats vs. Holy Rollers
6:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 428-GIRL (4475), txrd.com

The Roller Girls are rolling on their brand new track at the Austin Convention Center. Tickets are available at the door, online, and at many fine establishments around the Austin area. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Authenticity Gallery
910 Congress
(512) 478-2787

Authenticity Gallery has arrived on Congress. Downtown's newest retailer has arrived just in time for the holidays. Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further. Owner Mary Obert has an eye for art and jewelry that will take your breath away.

Dec 2 Austin Farmers' Market
Cesar Chavez at Lavaca
austinfarmersmarket.org

Because of construction near Republic Square, the Farmers' Market has temporarily moved from Republic Square to Cesar Chavez Street. Each Saturday between November 25 and March 17, 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Dec 2 Downtown Austin Alliance and KUT Radio's Holiday Sing-Along & Capitol Tree Lighting
State Capitol
11th & Congress
kut.org, downtownaustin.com

From 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. one westbound lane of 11th Street will be closed between Brazos and Congress. One left-turn lane from Congress to 11th Street will also be closed.

Dec 5 Economic Development Committee
12:00 p.m.
211 E. 7th Street, Room 111
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/daa/whoweare

Chair: Tracy Atkins, Staff Liaison: Julie Fitch

This week on

Nov 30 - 6:30 p.m. KLRU-G

Episode #208 CATCHING BALLS, "CATCHY" PHRASES & COMMUNITY RADIO

Where Creativity "Ads" Up: A look at some of Austin's highly creative advertising firms and this growing industry (centered in DOWNTOWN). / Catch the fund and run with the "Bulls," at an Austin Toro's basketball game. / Austin's Community Radio let the community spread its creative wings without flying the CO-OP (KOOP).

Nov 30 - 7:30 p.m. KLRU Basic
Dec 1 - 5:30 a.m. KLRU-G

Episode #209 SIXTH STREET/TEXAS HOLD 'EM/OR GO FLY A KITE--IT'S ALL FUN IN DOWNTOWN
More than just a great place to party and hear good bands?the E. 6th Street National Register Historic District is an area of both architectural heritage and cultural diversity. Take a stroll down the street and learn why "Sixth Street" really is so special. / Is Texas Hold'em Fun? You Can Bet on it! Meet some of the regular players around town and learn why Texas Hold'em has a hold of 'em. / From the gracious gift of the tranquil Taniguchi Gardens to wonderful events like the Kite Festival, Zilker Park is one of the greatest gems in Austin's Violet Crown. Learn the story, and experience its glory.