Jan 12-May 18 Fun, 2, 3, 4:
all about a number of things!
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, austinkids.org

Austin Children's Museum's newest exhibit helps visitors apply math to everyday activities by solving fun challenges.

Fun, 2, 3, 4: all about a number of things! features 16 mathematical, hands-on components designed to encourage family and group interaction. Kids can learn how to double their allowance, count like the Aztecs, or recognize curves that appear in nature.

Families can take the time to challenge and see who can come closest to holding down a button for EXACTLY 15 seconds. Kids can explore different units of measure by counting how many of their hands high a horse is compared to mom or dad's hands. Can you be the one to spot the one small black bead among one million multi-colored ones? Kids can learn about measuring, graphing, estimating and more in this thoroughly entertaining, engaging and educational exhibit.

Opening Day activities on January 12th include math-related Storytimes every hour (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) and math-related table top activities facilitated by Gallery Educators throughout the day.

Count on having a really great time!

Jan 11-14 Altar Boyz
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

With angelic voices, sinfully spectacular dancing and a touching story, Altar Boyz is destined to rock the masses of all denominations! A new musical comedy and critically-acclaimed hit, Altar Boyz is the hilarious account of a struggling Christian boy-band (with one nice Jewish boy) looking for their big break in the Big Apple. altarboyz.com.

Jan 13-Feb 16 Level One Improv Comedy Classes
The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress
(512) H-I-D-E-O-U-T, hideouttheatre.com

Have Fun! Meet New People! Get in on the explosion of Improv Comedy in Austin! The HEROES OF COMEDY is teaching three levels of improv comedy to all manner of Austinites, be they moms, techies, hippies, yuppies, slackers and/or students. The Level One Improv Comedy Class is designed for both the newcomer who wants to discover the job of improv and the novice looking to become a better improviser. This fun, low-pressure class introduces you to the basics of improv through games and exercises in a friendly, safe atmosphere. Two Classes starting in January - Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., (1/13 - 2/16) and Mondays,7:00 - 10:00 p.m. (1/29 - 3/5). Cost: $140. Call (512) HIDEOUT or visit: hideouttheatre.com for more improv info.

Still on Stage...

To 4/26: Maestro Improv Comedy, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.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

Jan 11 Flute & Piano
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Denise Thomssen & David Armstrong - Flute & Piano.

Jan 13 The Hendrix Show
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th St.
stringsattached.org

Will Taylor and Strings Attached team up with guitarist/songwriters Phil Brown, Nakia and Rodney Connell to present a one-night-only concert tribute to the songwriting and musical genius of Jimi Hendrix. Phil Brown has spent more than four years preparing the album, "The Jimi Project" - a collection of personal re-interpretations of Jimi's music which is creating quite a buzz on NPR radio. Visit Phil's site on http://apachesfrom paris.com to take a listen . The Hendrix Show will be performed twice - 7:30 & 10:00 p.m.

Jan 11 Curator's Tour: Privilege of the King
12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Blanton Museum of Art, MLK & Congress Ave.
(512) 236-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Join Cheryl Snay, assistant curator of prints and drawings, for an engaging discussion and tour of the new exhibition, Privilege of the King: 18th-Century Printmaking at the French Court. Participation is limited. Tickets are available at the Visitor Services desk one hour before program begins.

Jan 11 Blanton Book Club
6:00 p.m.
Blanton Musem of Art, MLK & Congress Ave.
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Immerse yourself in the life of a different artist each month. The Blanton Book Club makes connections between the subject, idea, or theme to a work in the collection or special exhibition. This month, read "Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters" by David Hockney and discover the author's new theories about the tools the Old Masters used to create their masterpieces within the context of paintings in the Blanton's collection. Find this month's book at BookPeople.


Jan 11-Feb 16 Retreat: New Paintings
by Theresa Marchetta
Women and Their Work, 1710 Lavaca St.
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

Orange, blue, every shade of brown, brigh yellow, light purple. Although you can make out cavernous tourist destinations in the paintings, color is the real subject of Retreat, an exhibition of large-scale paintings by Theresa Marchetta. The intricate rock formations provide shapes into which Marchestta pours pigmented varnish, expanding the possibility of painting. The result: an iridescent explosion of color. An Opening Reception will be held January 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The artist will talk about her work at 6:30 p.m.

Jan 13 Music All Around
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Second Saturdays are for Families to drop in and create! Visit Radical NY! The Downtown Show: The New York Art Scene, 1974-1984 and Abstract Expressionism: 1940s-1960s and see works by groundbreaking artists who pushed the limits and definitions of art. Then join the fun in the Community Room to use printmaking techniques, records, and CDs to create Abstract Impressionist images. $7 a family, Member families $5. This event does not require an RSVP.

Jan 13 - Feb 8 New Work by Helmut Barnett
Wally Workman Gallery, 1202 West Sixth St
(512) 472-4728, wallyworkmangallery.com

Wally Workman Gallery has been open in Austin for over 25 years specializing in emerging and collected talent. The art gallery represents original works of the latest exhibition of new work by Helmut Barnett. His last show was a huge success, and you can expect even more at his 2007 gallery show. Opening Reception: Saturday, January 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Jan 14-Feb 20 Los Cuatro Vientos
Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road
(512) 477-6007, lapena-austin.org

La Peña presents "Los Cuatro Vientos" at the Julia C. Butridge. This exhibition features the artwork of Santa Barraza, Karen Barratt, Cecilia Colome, Sam Coronado, Cecilia Sanchez Duarte, Ana Fuentes, Luis Guerra, Luis Gutierrez, Ester Hernandez, Cesar Martinez, Adolfo Mexiac, Peter Ortiz, Ana Sisnett, Jose F. Trevino, Raul Valdez, and Liliana Wilson. The exhibit runs from January 14th through February 20th with a reception on Thursday, January 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 1/13: Ancient Echoes, Lotus Asian Art & Antique Gallery, lotusasianart.com
To 1/14: Luca Cambiaso: 1527-1585, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 1/14: Heart Gallery Exhibit, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 1/19: The Avenue: Austin's Main Street Since 1839, Austin History Center, cityofaustin.org/library/ahc
To 2/10: Wait and Hope, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 2/10: Restless Timber, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 2/11: 15 Years of Gifts, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, umlaufsculpture.org
To 4/8: Virtuoso Lithography, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: European Prints of Ornament, 1500 -1700, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: Jusepe de Ribera, 1591-1652, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: Privilege of the King: 18th-Century Printmaking at the French Court, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/27: On the Plains, Texas Capitol Visitors Center, TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
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

Jan 11 Austin Suicide Prevention Coalition
County Attorney's Underage Drinking Prevention Program
12:00 p.m.
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th St.
(512) 249-2317, co.travis.tx.us

Austin Suicide Prevention Coalition Travis invites all individuals and organizations interested in learning more and creating a safety net for those at risk. This month's presentation is by the Travis County Attorney's Underage Drinking Prevention Program. Learn the mission of this organization and what efforts are underway to help Austin youth. Parking is available in the St. David's Episcopal Church Parking Garage. For more information on the Travis County Attorny's Underage Drinking Prevention, please visit: co.travis.tx.us.

Jan 11- 14 Austin Boat Show
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
austinboatshow.com

Bring the whole family and experience the boating lifestyle! This show offers tons of fun, including the Wakeboard Zone (Don't miss the new live Wakeboard Grind Competition this year) and Crownline Interactive Semi-Trailer Honda Fishing Aquarium for the kids. Free seminars will be presented on wakeboarding, skiing and fishing. This year's show has attracted some 200 exhibitors and more than 20 local area boat dealers. For show hours and other details, visit austinboatshow.com.

Jan 12-14 Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
golivefast.com

See live tattooing from some of the world's best tattoo artists. This will be one amazing show! Visit golivefast.com for full event details.

Are you a mild-mannered urbanite toting some unsuspecting ink? If so, DOWNTOWN--everyone's favorite locally-produced TV show--wants you to "Show Us Your Tattoo!" (For a segment featuring tattoos, that is...) Contact daa@downtownaustin.com to give us the details - remember the show airs on KLRU - Austin's PBS Station. We love wild, weird and humorous, but we also love our sponsors, the censors and the ratings systems.

Jan 13-14 City Wide Garage Sale
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
cwgs.com

Austin's Largest Antique, Collectible & Vintage Marketplace - Where Everything Has a Story jumpstarts your collecting for the new year.

Jan 13 Volunteer This Saturday at Zilker Park
Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road
austinparks.org

Thanks to a grant from REI, Austin Parks Foundation will be installing directional sign posts along the new Zilker Loop Trail! The signs are six-feet high, recycled plastic posts, with a glow-in-the-dark resin so you can read 'em in the dark. Help install the posts on January 13 at 9:00 a.m. Sign up at austinparks.org.

Jan 13 Start Fresh at Austin Farmer's Market
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cesar Chavez and Lavaca
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Eating healthier is such a popular New Year's resolution, and there's no better way to keep your promise than by making the Austin Farmer's Market part of your routine. You'll find the freshest produce, fruits and meats at the market. And free chef's demonstrations and live music make the market fun for the whole family. Remember the new location on Cesar Chavez and Lavaca with free parking at City Hall.

Jan 13, 14 West 6th St. Artists Market
709 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, 6thstreetmarket.com

The West 6th Street Artist's Market is back in a new location! Here's another splendid shopping opportunity downtown - at this 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.

Jan 15 Martin Luther King March
and Celebration - Continuing the Dream...
UT to Huston-Tillotson College
(512) 671-8905, mlkcelebration.com

To celebrate the national MLK day holiday, the Heritage Council is hosting the 2007 Community March to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in Austin. The March kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus. The march proceeds to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. This year's returning Grand Marshal is State Representative Dawnna Dukes. A Cultural Festival will follow the March and include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make the 2007 Celebration the best ever!

Jan 16 Managed Lanes Open House
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Thompson Conference Center, University of Texas Campus
Contact: Ginger Goodin, g-goodin@tamu.edu

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host an open house to provide information about managed lanes, a new approach that provides options for more efficient freeway travel. Managed lanes use various combinations of flexible pricing, vehicle eligibility and controlled access to provide steady traffic flow, particularly during the most congested travel times. The open house will include interactive display stations, brief presentations, fact sheets and other printed resource material. Information on successful managed lane facilities from other cities will also be featured. For more information contact Ginger Goodin at g-goodin@tamu.edu (TTI).

Jan 16 Texas Inaugural Events
Congress Avenue
texasinaugural.com

You're invited to participate in Texas history as during Governor Rick Perry's Inauguration festivities. Events begin with the Swearing-In Ceremony on the South Steps of the State Capital at 10:00 a.m., followed by a BBQ (ticketed event), and a parade up Congress Avenue from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. featuring "The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band!" They always look and sound great, even if you're a Longhorn. For a complete list of activities visit: texasinaugural.com.

Jan 17 New Wednesday Austin Farmers' Market Hours
Whole Foods Market, 6th and Lamar
austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmers' Market at Whole Foods Market is changing its Winter hours for its Wednesday market to 8:30 a.m. to noon. With the expected shorter and colder days of January and the earlier part of the year, the market is changing to daylight hours to help customers see and shop for local produce and other food products in morning light.

Jan 7, 10 UT Basketball
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 477-6060, texasboxoffice.com

The Men's and Women's Longhorn Basketball teams want to see YOU as they take center stage at the Erwin Center. Help pack the Erwin Center night in and night out and cheer the Horns on to victory! And don't miss this chance to get your seats to all of the Longhorns home games. Here's the line-up for this week:

1/13 at 2:30 p.m. - Men vs. Oklahoma
1/13 at 7:00 p.m. - Women take on Colorado

Jan 13 Austin Farmers' Market
Cesar Chavez at Lavaca
austinfarmersmarket.org

Because of construction near Republic Square, the Farmers' Market is temporarily moving from Republic Square to Cesar Chavez Street. Through March 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Jan 15 Martin Luther King Day Celebration March and Rally
From MLK Statue @ UT to Huston-Tillotson
mlkcelebration.com

In honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. there will be a short program at Dr. King's statue on the UT campus, followed by a March and Rally to the historic Huston-Tillotson University.

The program will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the march will begin at approximately 9:45 a.m. taking the following route:
- Beginning on the UT Campus by the MLK Statue, the march will proceed south on San Jacinto, past the State Capitol to 11th St.;
- Then, east on 11th St. to Chalmers;
- South on Chalmers to the Festival Grounds located on the Huston-Tillotson University Campus.

Jan 15-17 Governor Rick Perry's Inaugural Parade and Ball Events
texasinaugural.com

The following streets will be impacted by the inaugural Parade and Ball to honor Governor Rick Perry.

Congress Avenue
600-1100 Blocks
- Parking spaces and one lane will be closed between 12:00 a.m. Jan. 15 through 12:00 p.m. on Jan. 17.
1000-1100 Block
- East lane will be closed between 7:00 p.m. Jan. 15 through 5:00 p.m. Jan. 16 for review stand.
Riverside-100 Blocks
- Entire street will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Jan. 16.
100-1100 Blocks
- Entire street will be closed between 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.

East Cesar Chavez
100-300 Blocks
- One lane will be closed from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.

Colorado
100-1100 Blocks
- Parking spaces and one lane will be closed from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.
1100-1300 Blocks
- Entire Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Governor's BBQ. (Note: includes one lane traffic entry into 13th & Lavaca and southbound lane (metered spots) for traffic from 13th to 11th.)

San Jacinto
1200-1500
- Parking spaces and west curb lane will be closed between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Jan. 16.

Trinity
100-300 Blocks
- East lane will be closed between 6:00 a.m. Jan. 16 and 12:00 a.m. Jan. 17 for Ball Transportation. Also, west lane meters in the 100-400 blocks will be closed between 6:00 a.m. Jan. 16 and 12:00 a.m Jan. 17 for Ball Transportation.
1100-1500 Blocks
- Curb lane will be closed for transportation buses

Looking Ahead to Week of Jan 18 - Jan 24

Jan 20 Austin Farmers' Market
Cesar Chavez at Lavaca
austinfarmersmarket.org

Because of construction near Republic Square, the Farmers' Market is temporarily moving from Republic Square to Cesar Chavez Street. Through March 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Looking Ahead to Jan 18 Issues & Eggs
Taking the AT&T Austin Marathon to the Top
8:00 a.m.
Room 111, 211 E. 7th Street
RSVP@downtownaustin.com

John Conley, Executive Director of the AT&T Austin Marathon will be on hand to give an overview of this year's Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon and talk about the Foundation's plans to grow the AT&T Austin Marathon into one of the largest and best in the nation.


Enjoy this week's episodes of

Jan 11 - 6:30 p.m. - KLRU-G
Jan 12 - 5:30 a.m. - KLRU-G

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.

Jan 11 - 7:30 p.m. - KLRU Basic
Jan 12 - 9:00 a.m. - KLRU Basic

Episode #213 "BEST" of DOWNTOWN
Roll the Presses--from story creation to doorstep deliver. / "Catch a rising star" as Austin Museum of Art's "22 to Watch" Exhibit looks at some of the most creative, innovative and "up and coming" artists in the art world. / Austin's growing Hip-Hop scene - meet MCs with a message and internationally known B-Boy City.